Dr. Kent Holtorf - Fox News "Tracking H1N1" (Swine Flu)

Dr. Kent Holtorf talks with Fox News about the symptoms and treatment of H1N1 (Swine Flu). He is an expert on infectious diseases and his views on the new vaccine coming to the market in October are very alarming to say the least.

I am aware that other medical experts disagree with him but who are we to believe? I am in an "at risk" group being a heart patient, so I am confused as to what to do if or when I am offered this vaccination by my medical surgery. Annually, I receive the normal winter flu jab and have never suffered any ill effects but this is an additional vaccination with questionable trial research.

Your considered views and informed opinions would be most welcome.

Police Apprenticeship Scheme

Seven young people have been awarded qualifications through an apprenticeship scheme run by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, many of whom have joined the force as full time employees.

The apprentices completed the business administration level 2 apprenticeship scheme, which has been giving young people the opportunity to earn while they learn for over 10 years. The apprentices have now attained a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).

Jake Lambert, 17, who completed a 12 month placement in the Criminal Justice Unit, in addition to his NVQ was also recognised for his outstanding contribution and dedication with an award for 'Apprentice of the Year.' He has accepted a full time position with the force as a clerical officer.

Two others received certificates for successfully completing their second year apprenticeship for light vehicle technicians. They will go on to complete the remainder of their course in Cabot Park in Avonmouth, where they will continue to service, maintain and repair police vehicles.

Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen, who presented the awards, said: "Apprenticeships are hugely important for young people, as they offer them the chance to benefit from salaried employment with sector-specific training. These bright young individuals are our workforce of the future and we are very pleased to celebrate their achievements.

"The apprenticeship scheme is a way for us to support the local community and economy, as well as giving us the opportunity to interact with the young people of today – something which is vitally important for an organisation such as ours."

The business administration apprentices completed placements in various departments across Avon and Somerset Constabulary including; Bath and Yeovil Police Stations, the Criminal Justice Unit, Legal Services Department and in the Administration Department at the Force's Headquarters in Portishead.

Many have subsequently been offered permanent positions including Sophie, 20, who has joined the Force as a National Criminal Records Bureau Research Officer and also volunteers her time as a Special Constable.

Sophie said: "I'm very excited and proud to join Avon and Somerset Police as a full time employee. It's been a fantastic year and not only have I gained a qualification but also now secured a really excellent job. My career aspiration is to stay within the force and maybe one day apply to be a full time police officer."

Another apprentice has gained employment as PA to Head of Communications and a further one has joined the HR communications team as an administration assistant.

Vicky Evans, Human Resources Planning Manager for Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The apprenticeship schemes have been such a success that we are looking to expand our apprenticeship programme. In such a tough economic climate we are really pleased to be able to help young people gain the skills they need to enter employment, and also earn at the same time.

For further information about Avon and Somerset Constabulary's apprenticeship scheme contact Rose Tucker, Senior HR Planning Officer, on 01275 816542

Supplied courtesy of www.policeoracle.com

Why we are in Afghanistan

Below is a copy of an e-mail circulating to members of the Conservative Party from the Leader of the Party, the Rt.Hon. David Cameron, M.P. I believe his sentiments are entirely correct.

This week was the seventieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. It's a time to remember all those who fought, died and sacrificed for Britain. But it's a time, too, to remember the lessons.

Some of those lessons apply in Afghanistan today. We're fighting a ferocious war and after eight years there still seems to be no end in sight. Our troops lack vital equipment, especially helicopters. Many people want Ministers to explain more clearly what our troops are fighting for. And that anxiety is now really affecting the Government, with the resignation of an aide to the Defence Secretary. It's clear we cannot go on as we are.

We need to make it clear to the British people why we're in Afghanistan. It's simple - to stop terrorism here in Britain. We must help the Afghans to stop their country from once again hosting the world's most dangerous terrorists. So we need to train and equip the Afghan army to root out terrorists, and to support them until they can do this for themselves.

We must make sure our soldiers have the tools they need - more counter-IED capability, more helicopters, more surveillance drones, more heavily armoured vehicles, and more transport aircraft. We must support their families here in Britain, and give every assistance to the injured.

And to do all these things we need one thing more than anything else - leadership. That's something that's been desperately lacking. We've had four defence secretaries in as many years; the last one was part-time and the current one ranks 21st out of 23 in the Cabinet. That's not a great starting point when we're fighting a conflict thousands of miles away. This is a new kind of war, it's a necessary war, and we need strong leadership and relentless focus to explain that to people in Britain.

The lessons of 1939 show that Britain can turn things around in war. Six years of effort later, we won the war. I'm confident we can see success in Afghanistan. I've been out there and seen what a tremendous job our servicemen and women do. It's time they got the right kind of support from the Government at home.

Signed: David Cameron

The Bear - Film by Jean-Jacques Annaud

"The Bear" is an unusually involving film about animals that will give you a fresh perspective on their world. I found this film totally captivating and recommend you take a few moments to view it. It will be well worth the time. The cougar versus the bear!"

Special thanks to my friend Dean Eddy for drawing this amazing video clip to my attention. It has been viewed by over 10.5 million internet users worldwide.