Brasil set to host 2014 World Cup
Brasil is set to host the 2014 World Cup. Even though I just punctuated that sentence with a period, I really meant to write about 5 pages of exclamation points. My insides are screaming and I want to fast forward about 6 years to that blessed time. Looking for a reason to live? Well I just gave you one- go to Brasil in 2014 and I promise your life with be renewed.
Sources: BBC
Northern Ireland Beggs and Budgets
Today’s publication of the Northern Ireland draft budget has Roy Beggs a bit miffed. The Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim believes the 5.9% budget increase for the Sinn Féin Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister does not “put the needs of Northern Ireland first”. Granted his point that the health sectors increase is less, around 3.8%, is valid some may say the MLA may be missing a larger point. Correct me if I’m wrong, but in October of 2005 the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel released figures to which they are keeping. The largest initiatives of the “Creating a World Class Northern Ireland” plan focuses on the early life stages of children, an area for which the OFMDFM is responsible, as well as infrastructure. In terms of infrastructure, The Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, MP, MLA has clearly described the budget allocation will go. Funds will be applied towards improved transportation services including the Rapid Transit scheme, decreasing dependency on motorways, transportation benefits for the elderly, and becoming compliant to EU Water Quality and Environmental standards, and many more initiatives. These initiatives naturally benefit public health in themselves.
The environment, children, care of the elderly, infrastructure building… what does put Northern Ireland first if not these things?
Sources: Ulster Unionist Party Sinn Féin Northern Ireland Executive Draft Budget The Department of Finance and Personnel
Danger Brewing
Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s president, has proposed constitutional reforms that are shaking the nation’s foundations. Chavez proposes to extend the presidential term limits, allow citizens to be detained without charges, and other such measures which he claims are “imperative to the revolution”. The student protest yesterday is just further evidence of dissent among the Venezuelan population. 
Personally I’m scared. The world has heard this song and dance a thousand times before throughout history. “In the name of (insert political ideal here) civil liberties will be stripped away”. Walking in the streets of any South American nation, you can hear an unspoken whisper of danger in the air. The days of bloody revolution have not died, they’ve simply been placated until now.
Sources: BBC
Standing Her Ground
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has stood her ground. Last week she warned the UDA to surrender their arms or risk losing funding to the Unionist cause. Despite pressure from direct rule ministers and the UDA itself, Minister Ritchie has proposed £1.2m of funding be diverted away from the Conflict Transformation Initiative. While some argue this diversion of funds may not reduce para-militarism in Northern Ireland, it will certainly set a milestone in the relationship between the UDA and the NI government.
Sources: BBC
An Outrage to The Art Community
Sadly I have to report on the defacing of a masterpiece. CNN reported this morning on a break-in to the Orsay Museum in Paris where several drunken youths apparently punched a hole through Claude Monet’s masterpiece Le Pont d’Argenteuil.
This is a great loss to the international art community and I hope those responsible are ashamed of themselves.
Sources: CNN, InterMonet
A different kind of Fortune
Imagine sitting in a restaurant, cracking open your fortune cookie only to be told by your baked treat you need professional help. IHT reports on a New York manufacturer who’s given your fortune a new spin–practical, thought-invoking, albeit occasionally insulting advice.
The fortune cookie messages have been received with a mix of comedy or anger– “One blogger who got the “professional help” fortune, wrote: “I shot the audacious baked item a dirty look and proceeded to eat it. And I hope it hurt.”
Having come across one of these myself- I thought to share- something to chew on if you will.
Sources: IHT
UDA Disarmament in the works?
The BBC reports that more than two years after the Irish Republican Army laid down its arms the Ulster Defence Association has finally agreed to follow suit.
On 26 September 2005 The Guardian reported General John De Chastelain’s confirmation of the IRA disarmament which was hailed as a major step towards peace in Northern Ireland. Interestingly, the UDA begun meaningful negotiations with the Decommissioning Agency yesterday, 07 October 2007, under the threat of withdrawal of more than £1.2m funding for the loyalist cause by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.
Seems as though there are some selective definitions on ‘immediate actions’…or am I mistaken?
Sources: BBC, The Guardian
