To speak or not to speak another language

Some Countries are lowering the age at which children start learning a second language. They have even introduced some subject to 3-year-old pupils. Those countries find a second language very important. Unlike other countries where language learning is still voluntary in primary schools are England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, Ireland and the United States.  Countries such as these devote the least amount of time to the subjects and therefore expect the lowest of their pupils. For example in the UK learning another language is not necessary because English is the universal language of business and spoken in most of the countries.

On one hand, I get the point where learning a second language in an English speaking countries is optional because the English language is universal so why should they learn another language if everyone is learning their Language? And for those who want to learn another language such as Spanish they still have the chance to do so. On the other hand, I do think that learning a language is important and can be very useful in the future. Maybe one day the person decides to go to Spain, speaking Spanish would be handy in that case.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/britains-children-left-behind-in-languages-by-the-time-theyre-three-7844893.html

Strange building

The Shard is a monument built by Renzo Piano. It finally reached its full height. This building stabbed London in the heart. It is too tall, it disrupts historic views and it is built in the wrong place because it is too modern compared to other buildings next to it. The building is a mix of office space, a hotel, some apartments, a 3 floor gallery and a restaurant. Standing in the building will allow you to see 60 miles from the top. However, this is incorrect because if you are on the eighth floor you can't even see the riverbank opposite of the building.   

I agree with the opinion of the writer. If you look at the building and its surroundings it just doesn’t suit each other. When you have a look at the environment you see all kinds of historical buildings which are so peaceful and then all of a sudden one specific building that is complete opposite of its surroundings. I think they should have considered other places before building this monument where it is now. However, they finished the monument and there is not much we can do about it. Therefore, we should leave it the way it is and just move on.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/jun/13/shard-renzo-piano

Shakespeare is risen from the dead

Pre historic find is an exceptional discovery. This particular article refers to a discovery of a playhouse in London used by William Shakespeare’s. This was the main arena for Shakespeare's plays between 1597 and 1599. A well-known script which is known to many ages of this day and age is Romeo and Juliet. This is a brilliant discovery into which will excite people with different interests and will give a unique insight into early Shakespearean theatres. It is an opportunity for play script writers, actors, archaeologists and the general public to visit the site and adore it natural environments.

In my opinion I agree that this find adds to the culture and is interesting to compare to current buildings and architecture. In line with the article, the playhouse will interest many people but I do feel it will also interest people that do not have a particular or keen interest in this area. It is part of the environment and as it is such a big find people may be interested only because of it being part of the community. I think Shakespeare had a unique view of the world that was advanced for his time. He saw the minor details and noticed things a lot of other people would have missed that may seem confusing to us in present day but the underlying stories are brilliant pieces of literature.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/preglobe-shakespeare-theatre-unearthed-in-london-7820618.html  

Robin Hood where are you?

Because of the rising living costs and falling incomes Britain is becoming a country with inequality. The 13.5 million poor people are suffering from the government's deficit reduction. This disaster is caused by the tax rises and is getting worse and worse for those who have low incomes. As a result of all this many poor people need state subsidies to get by. The poor people are facing inflationary pressures.  Buying food has become a problem as well. The prices increased by almost a third in the past 5 years. The government is not protecting those who work and those who don't have a stable living. By 2035 the inequality will reach levels that are shocking.

I find this unfair for people who don’t have enough money to take care of themselves. Not only is the government not helping those who are poor but they are also making it worse for them. I think this needs a ‘Robin Hood’ rescue. If the government wants to raise the taxes they should only raise the taxes for the rich people. It wouldn’t harm a rich person if he or she paid a little bit more than those who are poor. I think they should change their plan before it is too late.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jun/14/britons-stuck-in-perfect-storm-inequality

Never celebrating your birthday again.

The birthdays have been very popular all over the world. They have been celebrated by many people with different ways. Unfortunately, it is 14% more likely to die on your birthday. They call these deaths anniversary reaction hypothesis, or birthday blues. Stress plays a big part in this. 34% per cent men rise in suicide and 28% in accidental death. According to the scientist this article doesn’t just show that people are celebrating birthday but it also shows that people are suffering such as heart attacks and strokes, cancer, falls and suicide. Sometimes you have to take part of someone happiness not for the intentions of celebrating their birthdays but being there for them. Birthdays are to be close to your family and friends and the ones are not among us anymore.

Birthdays make you one year older and one year less. It’s a time to get closer to your family and your love ones. On that specific day you get remembered with a bundle of happiness. Why should we ruin our birthday happiness with thinking we are 14% more likely to die on our birthday? Let’s just not waste time by thinking bad thoughts on our birthday. And just enjoy the fact that you became one year older. However it is not always the same when you are older because you’ll be one year closer to your death.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/celebrate-your-big-day-as-if-its-your-last-it-may-well-be-7834229.html

Students escape the fees nightmare

Almost 22,000 students are to study in another country. But the amount is getting bigger and bigger because of the introduction of the higher tuition fee this year. Unlike Holland who is very generous and pays a student 1,500 pounds a year for their course. In Denmark and Sweden tuition costs nothing at all. There are a couple of Student World Fair where students can check out the overseas universities.  Some of the university exhibitors offer free flights and accommodation to prospective students who want to visit before applying. They offer them this because British students are in demand. Their works is valued and admired.  

I get the point why British students are willing to go abroad and study. Studying in the UK is just simply too expensive. However the article talks about how generous Holland and that it pays you 1500 pound a year. This is not the case for everyone. Yes some of them do get 1500 pounds a year but most of them don’t and if you don’t manage to get your degree in 10 years you will have to pay everything back. I think the government should do something about it because education is the most important thing there is and they are not helping the students by making it that expensive. If they would lower the costs more people would go to school and get a higher degree.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/13/students-head-for-european-universities

Goodbye Fat

Weight loss surgery is according to Mr Ashish Desai from King's College Hospital in London only considered when everything else has failed. He thinks that surgery is not a short cut for a solution. Before doing an actual surgery the candidate must be committed enough. This commitment will be needed when he has to do follow-up sessions or a strict diet and do the prescribed exercises. People think that obesity is preventable and that it is the person's fault but most of the times it is not their own fault and it is just the way bodies react on food.  

I really like the fact that they do not do this surgery to everyone who asks for it. When you want this surgery you really have to be committed and willing to lose weight! A surgery like this will have an impact on you for the rest of your life. What I also like is that when candidates are young and thinking about doing such a surgery their parents are informed from the beginning. This way parents can keep an eye on their child and its eating habits.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17857375