Done!

Well, that was my last official post for this blog! I hope you enjoyed reading it, even if none of you actually commented on my blog..

For those who still have to do the speaker's corner, good luck and see you there ;)

Week 7, article #2 (SPEAKER'S CORNER)

Title: Thousands of elderly people are in substandard care homes

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8570260/Thousands-of-elderly-people-are-in-substandard-care-homes.html

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Summary of article

There are a lot of care homes for old and disabled people in Britain and you’d think that’s good. Only in more than 1800 of these homes, the care they provide isn’t decent. “Campaigners said elderly people were being left in conditions which would not befit a dog” (article) Things like ensuring medicines are administered safely or giving the right food to people are often absent from the care homes. One out of ten care homes are not meeting the standards set for them. They are supposed to give evidence they do, but most neglect to do so. There was a check earlier this year at hundreds of care homes. See below for the result.

“The figures, which cover the nine months ending last month, show that 1668 homes did not meet standards for respecting and involving people who use services, while 1625 did not meet their nutritional needs, 1819 did not safeguard service users from abuse, and 1,800 did not manage medicines safely.”

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My opinion

It's horrible to know that supposed care homes for the elderly aren't caring for old people at all. All they seem to be doing is making the elderly die sooner than they would, had they had good care. And this isn't about a few hundred care homes either, it's about roughly 2000 homes! This is very shocking and I believe that regulators and inspectors should do something about this. Maybe fine the care homes or install a star rating system for care homes, same as we currently have with restaurants and hotels.

Week 7, article #1

Title: Tom Daley: Father dies at 40 following battle with brain cancer

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/28/tom-daley-father-dies-at-40-following-battle-with-brain-cancer-115875-23162468/

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Summary of article

Robert Daley died last night while with his family, as confirmed by a statement from British Swimming. "Tom Daley's father, Rob Daley lost his battle with cancer yesterday 27th May at 21.35hours," the statement read. "Rob Daley, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 passed away peacefully with his family at his side.” Robert Daley is Tom Daley’s father, who’s a famous swimmer. Robert’s cancer didn’t stop him from following his son around the world, to follow his son’s career.

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My opinion

It's very saddening to read an article like this... and I feel like these situations should be private, if this happened to me, I wouldn't want the whole world to know. Though I am very touched by the dedication Robert had for his son. I believe they had a very good bond and it is unfortunate that Robert died.

Very annoyed.

I had drafts for 4 blogs, all containing an outline, titles etc... and blogger.com just deleted them. So much for saving drafts..they don't stay saved. Thank you so much, blogger.com!

Week 6, article #2

Title: Two Royal Marines killed in bomb blast in Afghanistan as death toll for the week reaches 13

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391813/Two-Royal-Marines-killed-bomb-blast-Afghanistan-death-toll-week-reaches-13.html

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Summary of article

In the last 24 hours, four coalition soldiers have been killed during separate attacks in Afghanistan. Two of them were Royal Marines and were killed in an explosion. This week’s death toll is now thirteen. Details have not been released. On Thursday there was also a bomb that went off and the Taliban claimed responsibility. (For more information on deaths, read the article). A spring offensive against NATO forces and Afghan authorities was promised after the death of Bin Laden so more attacks are expected.

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My opinion

I HATE WAR AND DEATH. I don't like reading about this, it makes me wonder why people want to go in the army, if all they do is end up dead. And why can't people just talk things out? Why can't some people accept freedom of speech and why are there extremist? Sometimes I wish the world and life would be simple.

I do appreciate it that the Western countries try to help, but all they do now is destroy lives...

Week 6, article #1

Title: the other Malaria

http://www.economist.com/node/18741412

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Summary of article

There are two kinds of malaria: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. They are both transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The ways to kill these mosquitoes are the same and the two malaria are treated with the same drugs.. But vivax ad falciparum are very different. Falciparum is the one that is fought against worldwide, while vivax is less known, as vivax doesn’t kill the same way falciparum does. Because there wasn’t enough money, only the fight against the falciparum malaria was funded. Even though vivax doesn’t kill a lot of people, still a lot of people suffer from illnesses. It is time people are informed about vivax and that research offers better treatment for this type of malaria.

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My opinion

I think it's good that people in Britain are told of this less known type of malaria and I think it's high time that someone funds the research for vivax. I hope the people in Britain will realize the same thing and will help fund the research. Because the countries where there is malaria, there often isn't enough money to fund research and I think the western countries should aid in the research. And thus Britain as well.