09 May 2009
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma takes oath during inauguration in Pretoria, 09 May 2009
Jacob Zuma, the controversial leader of the African National Congress, has been sworn in as the fourth post-apartheid president of South Africa.
Jacob Zuma was sworn in twenty minutes later than scheduled at 11:20 AM local time, by Chief Justice Pius Langa, promising to faithfully execute the duties of high office and uphold the law.
"I Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe and uphold and maintain the constitution and all other law of the republic," he said.
Mr. Zuma was then proclaimed president by Justice Langa to the approval of his official praise singer and the applause of the five thousand invited guests.
Thousands of South Africans watched the inauguration from the lawns of Union Buildings in Pretoria. Among the invited guests were former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, two kings, twenty seven other heads of state and government.
Mr. Zuma comes from a humble background, the son of a domestic worker who did not have the benefit of a formal education.
His road to the high office has been marked by controversy, notably a string of corruption, fraud and racketeering charges dropped on technical grounds two weeks before his election.
Mr. Zuma was fired in 2005 by then President Mbeki following the conviction of his financial advisor on corruption charges in which Mr. Zuma was implicated by the court. He subsequently fought a dogged battle to win control of the ANC and ultimately the country.
As expected, Mr. Zuma linked his presidency to that of Mr. Mandela. He reached back to Mr. Mandela's inaugural address to renew Mr Mandela's promise to build a society free of discrimination, exploitation, want and disease.
"We gather here determined that the struggles and sacrifices of our people over many decades shall not be in vain. Instead, they shall inspire us to complete the task for which so much blood was shed, and so much hardship endured. This is a moment of renewal," he said.
Further casting his leadership in the mold of Mr Mandela, Mr. Zuma stressed the importance of reconciling South Africans and reached out to the man he knows as Zizi - his one-time close friend who is now widely seen as his adversary - former President Thabo Mbeki.
"He made a remarkable contribution towards strengthening our democracy, and laid a firm foundation for economic growth and development. He made our country an integral part of the continent and worked tirelessly for an African rebirth. Through his leadership, South Africa's stature grew in the continent and globally," he said.
Mr. Zuma promised he and his government will work unremittingly to address all the issues of greatest concerns to South Africans.
"For as long as there are South Africans who die from preventable disease; workers who struggle to feed their families; communities without clean water, decent shelter or proper sanitation; rural dwellers unable to make a decent living from the land on which they live; women who are subjected to discrimination, exploitation or abuse; children who do not have the means nor the opportunity to receive a decent education; people who are unable to find work, we shall not rest, and we dare not falter," he said.
Like his campaign speeches these promises are likely to contribute to already very high expectations among South Africans, particularly the 40 percent of the population who survive on less than $2 a day.
Mr. Zuma, and the members of his Cabinet whom he will name on Sunday, will very quickly have to tell South Africans how they plan to meet those promises; and how they, in the current global economic climate, intend to pay for them.
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comment:
Jacob Zuma,he is the fourth president of South Africa after post-apartheid.
He is the controversial leader of the African National Congress and was a financial advisor.
The Republic of South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefsis and a famouse policy-Apartheid. Apartheid was established by law in 1948, and additional legislation, such as the Immorality Act outlawing relations among people of different racial groups, hardened the legal boundaries. In 1994 South Africa held its first democratic election. Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) came to power, and the country rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations.
This time,Mr. Zuma linked his presidency to that of Mr. Mandela. He reached back to Mr. Mandela's inaugural address to renew Mr Mandela's promise to build a society free of discrimination, exploitation, want and disease. I think,because he comes from a humble background, the son of a domestic worker who did not have the benefit of a formal education,he could won the election. And through his speech he got very high expectations among South Africans. It's also a key point in this election.
2009年5月11日 星期一
2009年4月27日 星期一
Asia, Pacific Take Measures to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu
Countries throughout Asia and the Pacific are taking steps to prevent a strain of swine flu infecting humans from spreading to the region after more than 100 deaths were reported in Mexico and at least 20 cases in the United States and six in Canada. Recent outbreaks of disease have made Asia better prepared for potential pandemics.
Quarantine officer monitors travelers with thermographic device at arrival gate in Narita International Airport, Japan, 27 Apr 2009
Asian and Pacific countries are taking temperature scans of passengers arriving from North America and quarantining those with flu-like symptoms.
The World Health Organization is warning the outbreak of swine flu has pandemic potential and is urging nations to take precautions.
Peter Cordingley is the spokesman for the WHO's Western Pacific office, based in Manila. He says although the virus has not appeared in Asia it has great potential to spread internationally.
"Our advice to governments is to do their best to make sure they're aware of incoming travelers that might have come from infected regions," Cordingley said. "To advise all their physicians to report any unusual symptoms of influenza."
No restrictions
The WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.
Nonetheless, many Asian nations are warning against travel to Mexico, where the swine flu has hit hardest and is believed to have originated.
At least one Asian nation, China, has banned pork from Mexico and parts of the United States, despite the lack of evidence the virus is being spread directly to humans by pork or pigs.
Asia prepared for disease outbreaks
Cordingley says, since the SARS virus spread from Asia in 2003, killing hundreds worldwide, Asian countries have become better prepared for outbreaks of disease.
"Public health systems learnt a lesson form SARS. They're much stronger," he noted. "Governments have stockpiles of Tamiflu. Infection-control measures have been stepped up. Many, many hospitals now have isolation wards. So, Asia is better prepared. But, we don't know what this virus is going to do and we don't know whether it will overwhelm health systems."
Strains of swine flu that affect pigs are common in Asia, but cases that spread to humans are rare.
Cordingley says the strain of swine flu affecting people in North America has spread quickly.
There are suspected cases being tested as far away as New Zealand with many health officials concerned the virus could mutate, making it more difficult to control.
------------------------------------------------
comment:
There was a new swine flu outbroke in Mexico and United State. And The World Health Organization has declared swine flu is "a public health emergency of international concern". Therefore,Asian and Pacific countries are taking some steps such as temperature scans of passengers arriving from infected regions to prevent a strain of swine flu infecting humans.
But we can understand that the public health systems of Asia countries are much stronger because they learn a lesson form SARS. Many hospitals now have isolation wards. So, Asia is better prepared.
By the way,the good thing is that the international community is far better equipped today than in previous years to combat infectious disease in a coordinated way.
Quarantine officer monitors travelers with thermographic device at arrival gate in Narita International Airport, Japan, 27 Apr 2009
Asian and Pacific countries are taking temperature scans of passengers arriving from North America and quarantining those with flu-like symptoms.
The World Health Organization is warning the outbreak of swine flu has pandemic potential and is urging nations to take precautions.
Peter Cordingley is the spokesman for the WHO's Western Pacific office, based in Manila. He says although the virus has not appeared in Asia it has great potential to spread internationally.
"Our advice to governments is to do their best to make sure they're aware of incoming travelers that might have come from infected regions," Cordingley said. "To advise all their physicians to report any unusual symptoms of influenza."
No restrictions
The WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.
Nonetheless, many Asian nations are warning against travel to Mexico, where the swine flu has hit hardest and is believed to have originated.
At least one Asian nation, China, has banned pork from Mexico and parts of the United States, despite the lack of evidence the virus is being spread directly to humans by pork or pigs.
Asia prepared for disease outbreaks
Cordingley says, since the SARS virus spread from Asia in 2003, killing hundreds worldwide, Asian countries have become better prepared for outbreaks of disease.
"Public health systems learnt a lesson form SARS. They're much stronger," he noted. "Governments have stockpiles of Tamiflu. Infection-control measures have been stepped up. Many, many hospitals now have isolation wards. So, Asia is better prepared. But, we don't know what this virus is going to do and we don't know whether it will overwhelm health systems."
Strains of swine flu that affect pigs are common in Asia, but cases that spread to humans are rare.
Cordingley says the strain of swine flu affecting people in North America has spread quickly.
There are suspected cases being tested as far away as New Zealand with many health officials concerned the virus could mutate, making it more difficult to control.
------------------------------------------------
comment:
There was a new swine flu outbroke in Mexico and United State. And The World Health Organization has declared swine flu is "a public health emergency of international concern". Therefore,Asian and Pacific countries are taking some steps such as temperature scans of passengers arriving from infected regions to prevent a strain of swine flu infecting humans.
But we can understand that the public health systems of Asia countries are much stronger because they learn a lesson form SARS. Many hospitals now have isolation wards. So, Asia is better prepared.
By the way,the good thing is that the international community is far better equipped today than in previous years to combat infectious disease in a coordinated way.
Quate of the week
"The imperium will bring the person many luxurious ， but can hardly bring a pair of clean hands" by Robert Harris -A novel of ancient Rome.
2009年4月6日 星期一
2009年4月5日 星期日
Obama Hails Result of NATO Summit
US Pres. Obama gestures during a media conference at the NATO summit in Strasbourg, 04 Apr 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the results of the just ended NATO summit on the French-German border. Both the president and his proposals for Afghanistan received a warm welcome from the alliance.
President Obama says he is pleased his new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan received solid support from the NATO allies.
"You had NATO putting its stamp of approval on what I believe is a well thought out and hard-headed strategy and approach to Afghanistan, but also the need to deal with the interaction between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.
NATO agreed to commit more manpower and money. It will get heavily involved in training the Afghan military and police. More troops will be sent in to help with security in the run up to Afghanistan's national elections in August. And there will be increased funding and personnel for development.
"We will need more resources and a sustained effort to achieve our ultimate goals. But these commitments of troops, trainers and civilians represent a strong downpayment on the future of our mission in Afghanistan and on the future of NATO," he said.
Participants attend North Atlantic Council Summit meeting during second day of the NATO summit in Strasbourg, 04 Apr 2009
The president was asked if participants in the summit sought some kind of linkage between their help and the repeal of a new Afghan law that human rights groups say restricts the rights of women in the Shi'ite community.
Mr. Obama said concerns were raised during the summit. And he stressed that he personally finds the law abhorrent.
"Certainly the views of the administration have been and will be communicated to the Karzai government. And we think that it is very important for us to be sensitive to local culture but we also think there are certain basic principles that all nations should uphold," he said.
But the president also emphasized the importance of the mission to destroy al-Qaida, and prevent terrorists from establishing safe havens in the region.
"We want to do everything we can to encourage and promote rule of law, human rights, the education of women and girls in Afghanistan, economic development, infrastructure development. But I also want people to understand the first reason we are there is to root out al-Qaida so that they cannot attack members of the alliance," he said.
This was Mr. Obama's first NATO summit, and he made clear he was heartened by the reception he received from the other leaders at the table. Mr. Obama said he was constantly reminded that what the allies have in common vastly exceeds any differences they might have.
From:VOA news,04 April 2009
-------------------------------------------
(comment)
NATO Leaders gathered along the French-German border Saturday for the summit to mark the alliance's 60th anniversary and discussed Afghanistan's problem and NATO's future.They supported Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As we know,NATO constitutes a system of collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.
From the beginning,it's an military operation to against a prospective Soviet invasion. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, NATO has attempted to refocus itself to new challenges and has deployed troops to Afghanistan as well as trainers to Iraq.
So,NATO agreed to commit more manpower and money to root out al-Qaida to protect members of the alliance. By the way,this was Mr. Obama's first trip to Europe. I think,this summit is a good beginning for America-Europe relationship.
U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the results of the just ended NATO summit on the French-German border. Both the president and his proposals for Afghanistan received a warm welcome from the alliance.
President Obama says he is pleased his new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan received solid support from the NATO allies.
"You had NATO putting its stamp of approval on what I believe is a well thought out and hard-headed strategy and approach to Afghanistan, but also the need to deal with the interaction between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.
NATO agreed to commit more manpower and money. It will get heavily involved in training the Afghan military and police. More troops will be sent in to help with security in the run up to Afghanistan's national elections in August. And there will be increased funding and personnel for development.
"We will need more resources and a sustained effort to achieve our ultimate goals. But these commitments of troops, trainers and civilians represent a strong downpayment on the future of our mission in Afghanistan and on the future of NATO," he said.
Participants attend North Atlantic Council Summit meeting during second day of the NATO summit in Strasbourg, 04 Apr 2009
The president was asked if participants in the summit sought some kind of linkage between their help and the repeal of a new Afghan law that human rights groups say restricts the rights of women in the Shi'ite community.
Mr. Obama said concerns were raised during the summit. And he stressed that he personally finds the law abhorrent.
"Certainly the views of the administration have been and will be communicated to the Karzai government. And we think that it is very important for us to be sensitive to local culture but we also think there are certain basic principles that all nations should uphold," he said.
But the president also emphasized the importance of the mission to destroy al-Qaida, and prevent terrorists from establishing safe havens in the region.
"We want to do everything we can to encourage and promote rule of law, human rights, the education of women and girls in Afghanistan, economic development, infrastructure development. But I also want people to understand the first reason we are there is to root out al-Qaida so that they cannot attack members of the alliance," he said.
This was Mr. Obama's first NATO summit, and he made clear he was heartened by the reception he received from the other leaders at the table. Mr. Obama said he was constantly reminded that what the allies have in common vastly exceeds any differences they might have.
From:VOA news,04 April 2009
-------------------------------------------
(comment)
NATO Leaders gathered along the French-German border Saturday for the summit to mark the alliance's 60th anniversary and discussed Afghanistan's problem and NATO's future.They supported Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As we know,NATO constitutes a system of collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.
From the beginning,it's an military operation to against a prospective Soviet invasion. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, NATO has attempted to refocus itself to new challenges and has deployed troops to Afghanistan as well as trainers to Iraq.
So,NATO agreed to commit more manpower and money to root out al-Qaida to protect members of the alliance. By the way,this was Mr. Obama's first trip to Europe. I think,this summit is a good beginning for America-Europe relationship.
2009年3月9日 星期一
Quate of the week
Q:What money is hardest to earn?
Ans:The money that looks easiest to earn, as usually there is no way you will get it.
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New scam technique,bets on ring toss.
There's an infinite variety of scams. Recently a new scam technique has appeared in Nantou. By using a ring toss booth, the suspects first pretended that they had no technique and made monetary bets with onlookers for 2 to 3 thousand NTD. The suspect actually got more than NT$200,000 in Nantou's night markets and traditional markets before being busted recently by the police.
The criminal first sets up a ring toss booth by the roadside near a night market or traditional market to attract people into playing the ring toss game. Then the booth owner will start to pretend that he has little technique and cannot make the tosses. His counterparts on the side will encourage onlookers to bet against the owner on whether or not he will be able to make the toss. In actuality, the owner is very familiar with the techniques required for the ring toss, so it is no wonder that any member of the public that bets loses repeatedly.
The scammers took advantage of people's unwillingness to admit defeat to continually scam them. Sources say that a woman lost a grand total of NT$120,000 this way. This even resulted in a victim's family member being so angry and resentful of being scammed that they got sick and had to be hospitalized. After learning of this, the police saw through the scam, latched onto the criminals' trails, and caught them. Hopefully no one will be scammed in this way in the future
Ans:The money that looks easiest to earn, as usually there is no way you will get it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New scam technique,bets on ring toss.
There's an infinite variety of scams. Recently a new scam technique has appeared in Nantou. By using a ring toss booth, the suspects first pretended that they had no technique and made monetary bets with onlookers for 2 to 3 thousand NTD. The suspect actually got more than NT$200,000 in Nantou's night markets and traditional markets before being busted recently by the police.
The criminal first sets up a ring toss booth by the roadside near a night market or traditional market to attract people into playing the ring toss game. Then the booth owner will start to pretend that he has little technique and cannot make the tosses. His counterparts on the side will encourage onlookers to bet against the owner on whether or not he will be able to make the toss. In actuality, the owner is very familiar with the techniques required for the ring toss, so it is no wonder that any member of the public that bets loses repeatedly.
The scammers took advantage of people's unwillingness to admit defeat to continually scam them. Sources say that a woman lost a grand total of NT$120,000 this way. This even resulted in a victim's family member being so angry and resentful of being scammed that they got sick and had to be hospitalized. After learning of this, the police saw through the scam, latched onto the criminals' trails, and caught them. Hopefully no one will be scammed in this way in the future
2009年3月8日 星期日
Russian Foreign Minister Says Nuclear Arms Deal With US a Top Priority
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov says a new legally binding Russian-American treaty on strategic offensive arms is his government's top priority. In a speech to the U.N. Conference on Disarmament, Lavrov outlined other area of concern including the spread of nuclear weapons and the prevention of an arms race in outer space.
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, says he believes Russia can work with the new Obama administration in a way it was not able to with the previous administration. He says Washington seems open to dealing with questions of multi-lateral disarmament and this bodes well for future negotiations between the two countries on a variety of difficult issues.
Lavrov says Russia is prepared to take up the U.S. request that it reset its relations with Washington. He says he and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton agree that everything is on the table - this includes issues of common interest, as well as areas of difference.
"Number one priority, if only chronologically, but also in substance is Strategic Arms Treaty, which expires in December this year. We both believe that we need a new one and our experts would concentrate on preparing some new ideas for our presidents to consider and to give new instructions," he said.
U.S. and Russian experts are working on an arms control plan for U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, to discuss when they meet for the first time at the G20 summit in London on April 2.
Lavrov says he reiterated Russia's concerns to Hillary Clinton about basing a missile defense shield in Poland and in the Czech Republic. He says placing these missiles in Eastern Europe would involve risks for Russia's strategic interests and Russia would have to take counter measures to alleviate these risks.
"At the same time, we would prefer not to move in this direction and if as our American colleagues say this is about countering a threat from the South, then the proposal which Russia made two years ago on joint work to monitor those threats using assets which Russia possesses on its own territory and in neighboring countries. This proposal is certainly going in the direction of doing something about potential threats from the south," he said.
Lavrov says he believes there are solutions, which can be found to diffuse this contentious issue. He adds he is heartened to learned that the U.S. Congress is looking at other possible options.
from:VOA Geneva 07 March 2009
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comment:
As we know, US secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov met each other in the NATO talks. I think it opens a new door for the two countries' relationship. They all agree that the two countries shared a number of common interests. They'll work constructively in areas of mutual interest such as arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea.
Russian FM, Sergei Lavrov thinks that the top priority is set a new legally binding Russian-American treaty on strategic offensive arms. Another concern Russia has is America's interest in placing missles in Europe for countering threats from the South. Lavrov suggests that the two countries should join forces to monitor those potential threats by using assets which Russia possess.
They also acknowledged areas of differences, such as ways of dealing with Iran's nuclear program. Overall, it makes a good new beginning for two countries relationship becuase previous adminstration did not have great success.
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, says he believes Russia can work with the new Obama administration in a way it was not able to with the previous administration. He says Washington seems open to dealing with questions of multi-lateral disarmament and this bodes well for future negotiations between the two countries on a variety of difficult issues.
Lavrov says Russia is prepared to take up the U.S. request that it reset its relations with Washington. He says he and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton agree that everything is on the table - this includes issues of common interest, as well as areas of difference.
"Number one priority, if only chronologically, but also in substance is Strategic Arms Treaty, which expires in December this year. We both believe that we need a new one and our experts would concentrate on preparing some new ideas for our presidents to consider and to give new instructions," he said.
U.S. and Russian experts are working on an arms control plan for U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, to discuss when they meet for the first time at the G20 summit in London on April 2.
Lavrov says he reiterated Russia's concerns to Hillary Clinton about basing a missile defense shield in Poland and in the Czech Republic. He says placing these missiles in Eastern Europe would involve risks for Russia's strategic interests and Russia would have to take counter measures to alleviate these risks.
"At the same time, we would prefer not to move in this direction and if as our American colleagues say this is about countering a threat from the South, then the proposal which Russia made two years ago on joint work to monitor those threats using assets which Russia possesses on its own territory and in neighboring countries. This proposal is certainly going in the direction of doing something about potential threats from the south," he said.
Lavrov says he believes there are solutions, which can be found to diffuse this contentious issue. He adds he is heartened to learned that the U.S. Congress is looking at other possible options.
from:VOA Geneva 07 March 2009
------------------------------------------
comment:
As we know, US secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov met each other in the NATO talks. I think it opens a new door for the two countries' relationship. They all agree that the two countries shared a number of common interests. They'll work constructively in areas of mutual interest such as arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea.
Russian FM, Sergei Lavrov thinks that the top priority is set a new legally binding Russian-American treaty on strategic offensive arms. Another concern Russia has is America's interest in placing missles in Europe for countering threats from the South. Lavrov suggests that the two countries should join forces to monitor those potential threats by using assets which Russia possess.
They also acknowledged areas of differences, such as ways of dealing with Iran's nuclear program. Overall, it makes a good new beginning for two countries relationship becuase previous adminstration did not have great success.
2009年3月2日 星期一
11 Year Old American Boy Shoots and Kills Father's Pregnant Girlfriend
Recent news reported an 11 year old boy in fifth grade in Pennsylvania, Jordan Brown, shooting his father's live-in girlfriend, Kenzie Houk, with his father's shotgun as she slept. This resulted in Houk's immediate death, and Houk's 8 month old fetus also died from oxygen deprivation. At worst, the boy could face dual murder charges with a penalty of life imprisonment.
Sources say that Houk lived together with Brown's father, and that Brown had waited until Houk was left sleeping in the bedroom alone in the morning before he murdered her. After the act, Brown stayed calm and went to school normally by bus. Houk's body was not discovered until her youngest daughter, 4 years old, saw that her mother was lying in bed covered in blood. The incident only came to light when the young daughter went crying and told a worker trimming the shrubs next door.
Afterwards, Houk's family and friends said that Brown may have committed his serious crime due to jealousy he felt towards Houk and the baby she carried, and that he was afraid he might lose his father's favor. As Pennsylvania law allows the prosecution to charge children age 10 and above with criminal murder charges, Brown will be indicted as an adult. However, Brown's lawyer has stated that he will do his best to ask the judge to transfer this case to juvenile court.
from:funday English news
-----------------------------------------
(comment)
The reason why Brown may have committed his serious crime due to jealousy. He was afraid he might lose his father's favor. At worst,he could face dual murder charges with a penalty of life imprisonment.
In my opinion,children are maturing at an earlier age nowadays. In order to prevent similar tragedies occurring again,we should focus on the education and emphasize it more and more.
On the other hand,we can rethink the issues such as the legalization of owing guns and gun control. Because if owning arms is legalized, in the country to get the arms is very easy. I think,that's the reason why many tragedies occured.
Sources say that Houk lived together with Brown's father, and that Brown had waited until Houk was left sleeping in the bedroom alone in the morning before he murdered her. After the act, Brown stayed calm and went to school normally by bus. Houk's body was not discovered until her youngest daughter, 4 years old, saw that her mother was lying in bed covered in blood. The incident only came to light when the young daughter went crying and told a worker trimming the shrubs next door.
Afterwards, Houk's family and friends said that Brown may have committed his serious crime due to jealousy he felt towards Houk and the baby she carried, and that he was afraid he might lose his father's favor. As Pennsylvania law allows the prosecution to charge children age 10 and above with criminal murder charges, Brown will be indicted as an adult. However, Brown's lawyer has stated that he will do his best to ask the judge to transfer this case to juvenile court.
from:funday English news
-----------------------------------------
(comment)
The reason why Brown may have committed his serious crime due to jealousy. He was afraid he might lose his father's favor. At worst,he could face dual murder charges with a penalty of life imprisonment.
In my opinion,children are maturing at an earlier age nowadays. In order to prevent similar tragedies occurring again,we should focus on the education and emphasize it more and more.
On the other hand,we can rethink the issues such as the legalization of owing guns and gun control. Because if owning arms is legalized, in the country to get the arms is very easy. I think,that's the reason why many tragedies occured.
2009年2月23日 星期一
European Leaders Discuss Common Ground in Economic Crisis
By Lisa Bryant Paris22 February 2009
Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy and Silvio Berlusconi, meeting in Berlin, 22 Feb 2009European leaders agreed to a common platform to combat the global financial crisis that includes oversight of all financial markets and products around the world. The proposed measures were drafted in Berlin in preparation for a key meeting of the world's economic powers in April.
The measures for financial markets proposed by EU leaders are a sweeping and tough reaction to what many perceive to be excesses and lack of regulation that helped trigger the global economic crisis. At a meeting in Berlin, leaders from eight European countries called for regulating financial markets and hedge funds, investment funds that typically lead to aggressive financial strategies.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who hosted the summit, said all financial markets, products and participants that pose a major risk must be regulated.
Ms. Merkel also called for world economies to coordinate in establishing sanctions for tax shelters and regions where financial deals are opaque.
The European meeting comes ahead of a London summit on the international crisis in early April of the so-called G-20 nations, the world's top economic powers. But it is unclear whether the Europeans' call for widespread regulation will be well received by other G-20 members, which include the United States, China, Japan and several developing nations.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the European leaders had also agreed on the need to shore up international institutions like the World Bank, including in their role in helping the poorest nations."We decided that the international institutions should have at least $500 billion to enable them not just to deal with crises, but to enable them to be able to prevent crises," said Gordon Brown.
"We have also decided we want to see a greater role for the World Bank in helping the poorest countries of the world."
Mr. Brown also said the European nations support championing an environmentally sound economy as part of global stimulus deals, notably reducing heat-trapping carbon dioxide emmissions. Sunday's proposals will be examined by the entire 27-member European Union in March.
-------------------------------------------------------
This meeting is in preparation for a key meeting of the world's economic powers in April. The EU leaders want to reach an agreement before the key meeting that they can make key meeting successfully. They try to manage finantial crisis and they think the main reason that helped trigger the global economic crisis is over greedy and lack of regulation on financial markets.
But it is unclear whether the regulation will be well received by other G-20 members, such as China, America and so on. In my opinion, it's a good biginging many governments want to deal with the finantial crisis and they cooperate together.
As we know, this economic storm not one country's problem. Asia countries should cooperate, too. Maybe we can take the EU experience or their agreements and hold a meeting to discuss this global issue. Not only EU but also every countries in the world should cooperate together to fight for this situation.
Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy and Silvio Berlusconi, meeting in Berlin, 22 Feb 2009European leaders agreed to a common platform to combat the global financial crisis that includes oversight of all financial markets and products around the world. The proposed measures were drafted in Berlin in preparation for a key meeting of the world's economic powers in April.
The measures for financial markets proposed by EU leaders are a sweeping and tough reaction to what many perceive to be excesses and lack of regulation that helped trigger the global economic crisis. At a meeting in Berlin, leaders from eight European countries called for regulating financial markets and hedge funds, investment funds that typically lead to aggressive financial strategies.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who hosted the summit, said all financial markets, products and participants that pose a major risk must be regulated.
Ms. Merkel also called for world economies to coordinate in establishing sanctions for tax shelters and regions where financial deals are opaque.
The European meeting comes ahead of a London summit on the international crisis in early April of the so-called G-20 nations, the world's top economic powers. But it is unclear whether the Europeans' call for widespread regulation will be well received by other G-20 members, which include the United States, China, Japan and several developing nations.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the European leaders had also agreed on the need to shore up international institutions like the World Bank, including in their role in helping the poorest nations."We decided that the international institutions should have at least $500 billion to enable them not just to deal with crises, but to enable them to be able to prevent crises," said Gordon Brown.
"We have also decided we want to see a greater role for the World Bank in helping the poorest countries of the world."
Mr. Brown also said the European nations support championing an environmentally sound economy as part of global stimulus deals, notably reducing heat-trapping carbon dioxide emmissions. Sunday's proposals will be examined by the entire 27-member European Union in March.
-------------------------------------------------------
This meeting is in preparation for a key meeting of the world's economic powers in April. The EU leaders want to reach an agreement before the key meeting that they can make key meeting successfully. They try to manage finantial crisis and they think the main reason that helped trigger the global economic crisis is over greedy and lack of regulation on financial markets.
But it is unclear whether the regulation will be well received by other G-20 members, such as China, America and so on. In my opinion, it's a good biginging many governments want to deal with the finantial crisis and they cooperate together.
As we know, this economic storm not one country's problem. Asia countries should cooperate, too. Maybe we can take the EU experience or their agreements and hold a meeting to discuss this global issue. Not only EU but also every countries in the world should cooperate together to fight for this situation.
Wheelchair Tennis Player Touches Children's Lives
By Zulima Palacio Prince George's County, Maryland10 February 2009
Surviving was not enough for Brenda Gilmore who was paralyzed in an automobile accident as a young woman. The professional photographer not only survived, she transformed her life -- becoming one of the best wheelchair tennis players in the country and a recognized children's instructor in tennis. In this Making a Difference profile, we learn about a Washington, DC-area woman who provides life lessons for young people.
Brenda Gilmore is an unusual tennis instructor. She is also one of the top ten wheelchair tennis players in the United States. She says exercise is difficult for people in wheelchairs. Muscles can deteriorate.
Gilmore coaches young people like Steve, who was born with paralysis. He is now 18 and going to college. He has trained with Gilmore for three 3 years, saying, "she is making me better."
But Gilmore offers these kids much more than just exercise. She says the fundamentals of tennis teach a lot about life lessons -- how to react to life's adversities, how to handle strong contenders and most of all, how to always give the best that you can.
"What I explain to our young people is that you need to learn how to be a team player, but you also need to take responsibility for yourself as a person in making decisions," says Gilmore.
She learned to thrive under adversity. At 27, she was a competitive athlete and a successful professional in film and photography. One night, driving home, Gilmore was involved in a nearly fatal car accident. Injuries to her spinal cord left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her recovery was long and painful.
Brenda GilmoreBrenda resumed professional photography and, determined to continue playing sports, she took up wheelchair tennis. She became one of the best players in the country, collecting numerous trophies, awards and recognitions.
Brenda was the first African American woman to play on the wheelchair tennis circuit and maintain a national ranking in the top 10 for five years.
Within a few years, she was working full-time in tennis and volunteering as a children's instructor. Fifteen years ago Brenda co-founded the Prince George's Tennis and Education Foundation in the Washington, DC suburbs. Here she has been able to reach thousands of children and is now the director.
Brenda Gilmore loves working with childrenBrenda loves working with kids and showing them how to overcome adversity.
"If I am not giving up, you don't give up. Give all that you can even if you do lose, it is not the end of the world. And everybody loses some time -- how do you handle it? That transitions right over into everyday life," says Gilmore.
And so Brenda Gilmore continues teaching tennis, spreading her message of hard work, perseverance and positive attitude with as many children as possible.
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Quato of the week:Give the best that you can!
Surviving was not enough for Brenda Gilmore who was paralyzed in an automobile accident as a young woman. The professional photographer not only survived, she transformed her life -- becoming one of the best wheelchair tennis players in the country and a recognized children's instructor in tennis. In this Making a Difference profile, we learn about a Washington, DC-area woman who provides life lessons for young people.
Brenda Gilmore is an unusual tennis instructor. She is also one of the top ten wheelchair tennis players in the United States. She says exercise is difficult for people in wheelchairs. Muscles can deteriorate.
Gilmore coaches young people like Steve, who was born with paralysis. He is now 18 and going to college. He has trained with Gilmore for three 3 years, saying, "she is making me better."
But Gilmore offers these kids much more than just exercise. She says the fundamentals of tennis teach a lot about life lessons -- how to react to life's adversities, how to handle strong contenders and most of all, how to always give the best that you can.
"What I explain to our young people is that you need to learn how to be a team player, but you also need to take responsibility for yourself as a person in making decisions," says Gilmore.
She learned to thrive under adversity. At 27, she was a competitive athlete and a successful professional in film and photography. One night, driving home, Gilmore was involved in a nearly fatal car accident. Injuries to her spinal cord left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her recovery was long and painful.
Brenda GilmoreBrenda resumed professional photography and, determined to continue playing sports, she took up wheelchair tennis. She became one of the best players in the country, collecting numerous trophies, awards and recognitions.
Brenda was the first African American woman to play on the wheelchair tennis circuit and maintain a national ranking in the top 10 for five years.
Within a few years, she was working full-time in tennis and volunteering as a children's instructor. Fifteen years ago Brenda co-founded the Prince George's Tennis and Education Foundation in the Washington, DC suburbs. Here she has been able to reach thousands of children and is now the director.
Brenda Gilmore loves working with childrenBrenda loves working with kids and showing them how to overcome adversity.
"If I am not giving up, you don't give up. Give all that you can even if you do lose, it is not the end of the world. And everybody loses some time -- how do you handle it? That transitions right over into everyday life," says Gilmore.
And so Brenda Gilmore continues teaching tennis, spreading her message of hard work, perseverance and positive attitude with as many children as possible.
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Quato of the week:Give the best that you can!
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