Wishing A Happy New Year to Bloggers Everywhere

May 2013 bring you peace, good health & much Happiness

A Happy & Safe Christmas to Police Officers Everywhere



Seasonal Greetings to all my former colleagues & friends and bloggers everywhere

Drawing courtesy of www.policeoracle.com



The Day Pure Evil Visited Newtown, Connecticut

The love, thoughts and prayers of many families in Great Britian are with all those families in the United States of America who have suffered the most catastrophic act of pure evil inflicted upon the country in recent history.

To those citizens of Newtown, Connecticut, and especially to the families of those directly involved at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we unreservedly offer you our deepest sympathy. We trust our Heavenly Father will give each and every one of you the courage and strength to bear your incomprehensible grief with stoicism.  Also, with determination to ensure that no such similar act of barbarism should ever be inflicted upon another family in USA, or any other country in the world.

We, in the United Kingdom, suffered an almost identical act of mass murder of primary school children and their teachers in the Dunblane, Scotland, massacre of March 13th. 1996, so we can fully empathize with your grief and sorrow.

May God bless you and comfort you today and always.

WOMEN JUST DON'T LISTEN!

Harry's flat was untidy & dirty, so he called in a domestic cleaner. Since he had to go to work the next day, he told the cleaner;

'I'll leave the key under the mat. Give my flat a good tidy up & a clean, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a cheque.

Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you."

But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!

I MUST STRESS TO YOU: DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!"

When the cleaner arrived at Harry's apartment, she discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog she has ever seen. But, just as he had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the cleaner go about her work.The parrot, however, drove her nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling.

Finally the cleaner couldn't contain herself any longer and yelled, 'Shut up, you stupid, frickin ugly bird!'

To which the parrot replied, 'Get her Spike!'

See - WOMEN just don't listen!

(Apologies to my feminist friends who may deem this little piece of humour sexist. It is simply a joke. It's Christmas, be happy & enjoy it.)

The Cardiologist & The Motor Mechanic

A motorcycle mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a BMW M3 when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop.

The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his car when the mechanic shouted across the garage,

"Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?"

The cardiologist, a bit surprised walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine.

I opened its heart, took the valves out, repaired or replaced anything damaged, and then put everything back in,

and when I finished, it worked just like new.

So how is it that I make £24,000 a year and you make £1.7million when you and I are basically doing the same work?"

The cardiologist paused, leaned over and then whispered to the mechanic;

"Try doing it with the engine running”.

On Vacation in America's Golden West



Start of a Great Holiday

Apologies to my regular readers for my absence from blogging for a few weeks. I have just returned from a fabulous tour of Nevada and California.

Upon arrival in Las Vegas the weather was not particularly kind to us. We experienced flash-flooding the likes of which had not been seen in Vegas for 45 years !  Dodging the heavy showers we managed to see all the sights and particularly enjoyed Caesars Palace and the Fremont Street lazer show. Also enjoyable was the visit to Hotel Rio where we had a super buffet followed by a tribute act show entitled "The Rat Pack is Back".  The next day we caught a flight from Boulder City to the Grand Canyon National Park.  Whilst our first stop at a viewing area was fine, the weather once again closed in and we encountered the first snow of winter at our next viewing area !  A great experience just the same with lots of lovely memories of our time at the Grand Canyon.

On Day 4 we departed Las Vegas and drove through the Mojave Desert to the playground of the stars, Palm Springs, California, where the weather was, thankfully, very warm and sunny. Whilst in this Desert Oasis we toured the homes of the stars and enjoyed a wildlife adventure in the Living Desert. We also opted to take an aerial cable car tram ride to the summit of San Jacinto Mountain to view a refreshingly different alpine view of the Coachella Valley.

On Day 6 we departed from Palm Springs for the drive to the sprawling mega-city of Los Angeles staying in the rather quiet suburb of Sherman Oaks, which is conveniently away from the congested downtown area. 

En route to L.A. we visited the Pacific Beach Resort of Long Beach and enjoyed a visit  aboard the original Queen Mary cruise liner which is now permanently moored in the port in her semi retirement. The ship is now a floating hotel with restaurants, shops, bars, conference facilities, etc. At the time of our visit  the Queen Mary was hosting an exhibition of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, memorabilia including many of her fabulous and famous dresses.

In L.A. we visited the Hollywood Bowl, trod the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard and saw the Dolby Theatre where the annual Oscars ceremony takes place. We travelled through Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Hills before pausing for lunch at The Farmers Market.  In the afternoon we spent several hours at Universal Studios looking at some of the movie sets and stunts that have made this city legendary.

On Day 8 we left L.A. for the drive along the Pacific coastline on famous Highway 1, through Malibu to the affluent Mediterranean-style community of Santa Barbara, famous for its chic shady streets lined with bistros and shops. We then continued on to San Luis Obispo for an overnight stay. The following day we moved north to the small artistic and fishing communities of Carmel and Monterey where we experienced a drive along the famous '17 Mile Drive' with its scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rocky pine-clad cliffs and oceanic wildlife. 

Next stop was California's city of hills, San Francisco. We enjoyed a first night banquet at Fishermans Wharf and travelled across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island to take a look back at the vibrant multi-cultural city with all the lights on. Spectacular ! The following day we enjoyed a guided tour of the city including going over the Golden Gate Bridge. In the afternoon we took a cruise around San Francisco Bay and viewed Alcatraz Penitentiary on Rock Island which formerly housed some of America's most notorious gangsters including Al "Scarface" Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert "Birdman" Stroud.

The highlight of my visit to San Fran was taking the cable car up and down the hills of this amazing city through China Town to Ocean Square. I travelled on the footplate throughout holding onto the safety rail with one hand and video camera in the other. I was in my tourist element ! I had vivid pictures in my mind of Steve McQueen driving his sports car at breakneck speed  over the San Fran hills in the film Bullet.

                                                

After some further relaxation in San Fran including a visit to The Crookedest Street in the World, it was time to fly back to London with a treasure trove of happy memories which will stay with us for ever.

Thank you very much America for your customary warm and friendly welcome.  We'll sure be back again some day soon!

 



                         

                  The Crookedest Street in the World




Special thanks to Nalani O'Brien our dedicated and very professional tour guide who ensured the success of this wonderful Travelsphere holiday.

The Joy of Parenthood !



Kids, don't you just love 'em !!!!!!!!



Great Britain in shock over murder of two unarmed policewomen

Officers serving with Greater Manchester Police have said they have been overwhelmed with the support shown to them after the killings of two much-loved colleagues.

They said the force had received some 25,000 entries in its online book of condolence plus 19,000 messages on Facebook and 1,000 received via Twitter after the deaths of PC Nicola Hughes (23 and pictured right) and 32-year-old PC Fiona Bone.

As reported on PoliceOracle.com both officers, who were unarmed, were shot dead as they responded to a report of a burglary in Hattersley on September 18.

A number of shots were fired and a grenade was also used during the attack. PC Bone was killed at the scene while her colleague died later in hospital. Post mortem examinations have since concluded that both died from gunshot wounds.

A short time later, 29-year-old Dale Cregan surrendered himself at a police station in Tameside. He was arrested on suspicion of murdering the officers as well as two other men, David and Mark Short, in earlier separate incidents.

A minute silence was observed across GMP on September 19 exactly 24 hours after the killings. Football players also wore black armbands during their evening matches.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said he had drawn comfort from the huge support that the force had received from police professionals and the wider public.

Sir Peter told reporters: “Our main priority at the moment is to do everything we can to support the families of Nicola and Fiona, who have an incredible amount to come to terms with. Our thoughts remain with them.

“The whole force is devastated by the deaths of Nicola and Fiona, but to know at this difficult time that the public supports what the police do and feel so strongly about the sacrifice of these two officers, is hugely important to us.

“Our investigation into these two deaths is ongoing. We will continue to ensure that anyone that was involved is brought to justice for what they have done.”

In the latest updates on the murder probe, the force confirmed it had been granted additional time to speak to Cregan, who will stay in custody until September 22.

The force has also said that a 28-year-old man arrested on September 19 in the Hattersley area on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder is still being questioned.

In addition, police are investigating the circumstances around the original call to GMP to report the crime the officers attended.

Article courtesy of www.policeoracle.com

Postscript: Dale Cregan appeared in Court today, Friday 21st. Sept charged with murdering the two officers and with two additional murders. He was remanded in custody to appear again at a later date.

Police Morale Plummets to New Depths

Many police officers will face the prospect of paying more in contributions and working longer.

Officers have reacted with fury to the news that most bobbies will have to work longer and pay more in monthly contributions to receive a full police pension.

The government announced on September 4 that, from 2015, a new “career average” scheme will replace the current final salary scheme and a new “normal” pension age of 60 will be introduced.

As expected, average member contributions will increase to 13.7 per cent.

Steve Trigg, Chairman of South Wales Police Federation, accused the government of being “unjust and immoral” in its changes.

He said: “This is quite disgraceful. We are a workforce with no employment rights and we have been forced into a situation where we can only voice our protest but take no other action. This government has failed our officers.”

A PC from Cheshire Police, who asked not to be named, added: “With the changes to pay and now pensions, I feel like I would earn more if I was on benefits.

“By 2015, with childcare costs, increased pension costs and a rise in cost of living I will be paying out more than I have coming in. The way this government are treating us disgusts me.”

Unlike pay, officers have no power of negotiation with the government where pensions are concerned. The Home Office can simply impose its wishes after consultation.

Andy Tempest-Mitchell, Chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Officers expect a reasonable pension as a payback for the huge restrictions that are placed on them in their private lives and the strict discipline code they are expected to adhere to.

“Policing is an arduous occupation and can take its toll over the years – the pension which is fully paid for is a reward for the intensity of a police career. You cannot expect officers to be working in the front-line into their 60s and beyond.”

The government also announced that there will be no change in pension age or amount received at current pension age for those who, at April 1 this year, were aged 45 or over.

There is also no change for those who are members of the 1987 Police Pension Scheme, aged 38 or over and 10 years or less away from being able to retire with a maximum 30-year pension.

Ian Hanson, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “This whole episode was about damage limitation from day one and although what has been released by the government is far from good news, it is better than the original plan.

“We have managed to secure concessions that improve the position for many more police officers than was originally planned. We have had to be realistic and acknowledge that our pensions were going to be reformed regardless of what we did.”

Paul McKeever, national Police Federation Chairman, said: “Despite being disappointed with aspects of this announcement, Staff Side [of the Police Negotiating Board] accepts it within the context of the government’s wider public service pension’s reform agenda.”

Above article courtesy of - Royston Martis - www.policeoracle.com

Addendum -  I wholeheartedly agree with the following comments added by a retired officer:-

I like the bit about "it could have been much worse"

Boys and Girls, you have been shafted right up the "wrong un". I'm lucky to have retired a few years ago and I genuinely feel very sorry for those officers affected by this. The job is still the same job and always will be. The big difference (and it will only get worse) is that you are now led by spineless donkeys whose main aim is to climb the greasy pole and politicians who have no real understanding of what you do.I joined as a Cadet in 1978 and I'm old enough to remember when cops were leaving in there droves due to poor pay and conditions. The Tory government were forced to bring in the recommendations of the Edmund Davies report and the bobbies were then paid a decent salary. It now appears to have gone full circle. No one ever joins the cops to get rich. It really is a vocational occupation and after 30 years of being one of society's street sweepers, you would expect a decent pension (that you have paid for!) and the knowledge that you will have time to enjoy it. (with a bit of luck) I wouldn't like to put a PC requires assistance shout up knowing that a couple of 60+ officers (who may have been quite handy in there younger days) were my only get out of jail card.

Just remember though folks, the vast majority of the public are silently behind you. You need to let them know how angry you are and ask them to stand behind you. Then watch as the politicians squirm and backtrack.

Good luck and stay safe.....

My personal view is that, whilst accepting that in these days of severe fiscal austerity changes may be necessary, major structural changes such as those being implemented to the police pension scheme should be restricted to new recruits only who will have the choice to join or not to as the case may be. It strikes me as being grossly unfair that officers who joined under an agreed contract several years ago should now have their terms and conditions of service drastically altered midway through their service. I would have been mortified if that had occurred way into my 33 years of service.

Can you imagine if that was proposed for the gold plated pensions of members of parliament and government ministers what their reaction would be ? I also feel strongly that the retirement age for police officers should be no more than 55 with the added option of electing to continue to 60 for those who are fit enough to serve on the frontline and wish to do so.  The reckless spending of previous governments coupled with the debacle of the bankers acting without integrity have brought this financial mess upon us. Now the police service who cannot take strike action against such an injustice have become a soft target for the government in trying to redress the fiscal budget. It it high time the Police Federation used the subscriptions of its members to fight these draconian measures in the highest courts in the land and not just sit back and accept it as fait accompli.

HerBunk Productions Pays a Diamond Jubilee Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

This is an astounding 3 minute video clip encapsulating the entire life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in pictures created in morph sequence. A moving tribute by someone who is clearly a computer software genious.

Congratulations HerBunk Productions on a superb piece of craftsmanship. I do not know how you did this but clearly your grasp of modern technology is obvious for all to see. Well Done and Thank you !

I hope I am not infringing your rights by embedding this onto my blog. If you object I will remove it  immediately.



With grateful appreciation to and my recommendation to visit   http://www.youtube.com/user/HerBunk?feature=watch

Pride of Plymouth & The Nation - Tom Daley

PLYMOUTH has always been rightly proud of its sporting sons and daughters.

Their accomplishments have helped put our city on the map and raised its profile, not just across the UK, but globally. But whatever fantastic achievements went before – laudable though they undoubtedly were – they have been eclipsed by the excitement and outpouring of delight at Tom Daley's bronze medal performance at the London Olympics on Saturday.

Because the Herculean efforts of this 18-year-old were not just a brilliant example of a young sportsman competing with the world's best in a captivating, scintillating and nail-biting contest of skill and nerve. They were a pulsating and impressive demonstration of a young man at the top of his game holding his nerve in the most pressurised circumstances imaginable, and coming away with a prize he had set his heart on – an Olympic medal in his home Games.

But what elevated this from just another story of sporting excellence was the fact that Tom Daley, a Plymouth youngster from a modest background who has captivated the world with his charm and prowess on the diving platform, achieved his dream against the backdrop of the loss of his beloved father, Rob, who did so much to help shape his career.

At the moment of his obvious rapture at winning an Olympic medal in front of a home crowd, he dedicated his prize to his dad, his family his supporters and his friends.

It was a demonstration of why this incredible young man has been able to keep his feet on the ground, despite growing up with the media spotlight trained unrelentingly on him. Why this global Plymouth success story has struck a chord with so many people in our city, the country and around the world. And why Tom is such an inspirational figure to so many people of all ages. The bullies who singled him out in his early teenage years must be beside themselves with jealousy now at his towering achievements. Hopefully they regret their small-minded acts.

But even if they do not, Tom has shown that it is possible to rise above such actions through hard work, dedication and a resolve not to be beaten.

He is a fantastic role model, which is why the City of Plymouth wants to ensure that his home city gives him a hero's welcome on his return – along with his college mate, gold medallist Ruta Meilutyte. She might not be part of Team GB, but she lives in Plymouth goes to school in Plymouth and is trained by a Plymouth coach with a Plymouth club at a Plymouth pool.

Let's show them what they mean to us, and mark their Games successes.

Article courtesy of Plymouth Herald: www.thisisplymouth.co.uk

City of Plymouth wishes Good Luck to Tom Daley

As the London 2012 Olympics commence today I would like to send very special good wishes to 18 year old Olympian Diver Tom Daley who is from my home City of Plymouth, Devon, England.  Many of you will probably remember him as a 14 year old diver at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. More recently Tom had hearts in mouths when he dived at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he won two gold medals.

In 2007, 2009 and 2010, he was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

He is one of Britain's gleaming hopes for gold at the London 2012 Olympics.  I recently bought his first official memoir and it is a heartbreaking and inspiring story of a young athlete coping with the death of his father in May 2011 whilst under the glare of the world's media spotlight.  His father Rob Daley was his dedicated and inspirational motivator.  I know that Tom will perform to his absolute maximum in the diving competition in order to honour his late father.

I am certain that I speak for all the citizens of the City of Plymouth, and indeed the whole of the country, when I wish Tom every success in these Olympic Games. I feel certain that all his hard work and dedicated training schedules will be richly rewarded despite the fierce competition from all over the world. Good luck Tom and be assured that all the citizens of Plymouth are fully behind you in this epic challenge.

I am an Altar Server at the Parish Church of Plympton St. Mary and had the honour and privilege of carrying the Cross at the Funeral Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Tom's father, Rob Daley, on the 8th June last year. I was inspired by Tom's composure and eloquent eulogy. He was only 17 at the time.

                                      Robert James David Daley

                                      16th June 1970 -27th May 2011

Tom's first memoir is titled TOM DALEY My Story. It is a brilliant read and will inspire any young person who reads it that, with confidence and determination, the world can be their oyster. It is priced £16.99 and is available from all good book shops and online via http://www.penguin.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/, etc. 

The ISBN number is 978-0-718-15807-1

A Referendum on Britain's Relationship with the European Union

Conservative Member of the European Parliament representing the South West of England, the Isles of Scilly & Gibraltar

I have received the following Newsletter from my European Member of Parliament, Mr. Ashley Fox.

As I was one of those who voted in 1973 for Great Britain to join what was then called the European Economic Community, in order for us to advance our trade and friendship with them;  never for one moment dreaming that it would eventually lead to a perceived Federal States of Europe or even a Eurozone Single Currency, I now therefore wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments expressed in the article below.

The Prime Minister is right to talk about holding a referendum on Britain's relationship with the European Union. He is also right that this shouldn't take place until after the next General Election.

As I travel around the South West I hear how few people are happy with Britain's current relationship with the EU. Europe costs too much and interferes too much in our daily lives. Whilst we value the single market that enables us to trade freely with our European partners, we worry that Europe is developing into a Political Union that we haven't voted to join.

I appreciate that many people want to leave the EU and want an in/out referendum now. The problem is that this precludes the possibility of improving our current position. A Yes vote means we affirm our current terms of membership (something I don't wish to do) and would prevent any form of repatriation of powers back to Britain. That is why I believe we need to take our time to get this right.

I want to see a Conservative majority Government elected in 2015 on a mandate to repatriate powers from Brussels to Britain. This would be to repeat the manifesto promise we made at the last General Election, which would give the new Government the opportunity to renegotiate our relationship with the EU and then to put the end result to a vote. The question should be whether the British people want to remain within the EU on the new terms, which I hope would resemble the Common Market we joined in 1973, or would they prefer to leave?

We need to be absolutely sure that we are asking the right question at the right time.

“Only a resolute defence of Britain's interests will persuade the British people that it is worth staying in Europe”

Article courtesy of Ashley Fox, MEP.

Israel [Jerusalem] Filmed in Imax 3D

THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING AERIAL FILM VIEW OF JERUSALEM….RECOMMEND YOU WATCH THIS ONE…….

About 7 minutes. Speakers on....TURN UP THE VOLUME………….

IMAX fly over of Jerusalem

After a year of research and preparation, this giant Imax 3D screen film, JERUSALEM , is scheduled for worldwide release in 2013. The film takes you on a spectacular and unprecedented aerial tour throughout Israel, the Holy Land and the city once believed to lie at the centre of the world.

To see it in full screen  click on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=iPQI6Yupt48



Having been to The Holy Land on pilgrimage in 1996 and again last September I really appreciate this promotional video clip and cannot wait to see the film when it is released next year. My previous tours included visits to many of the Holy & historic sites featured in the video.

How About This For A Big One !

WHO WANTS TO GO FISHING IN THE NIGER RIVER??? ANYONE????

Anyone interested in planning a trip to Niger anytime soon? It looks safe, now that they've caught this prehistoric predator...

22-FOOT, 2500 POUNDS!!!!

The village called in the Army, because they were losing people!!!!

True or False ?   According to www.snopes.com it is probably true !!!!!!!!!

Visit:  http://www.snopes.com/photos/hunting/zimbabwecroc.asp

Thank You Your Majesty For 60 Years of Dedicated Service To Our Country

The above logo was chosen as the winner of a competition between schoolchildren of our country.

Many sincere congratulations and much love to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on achieving her Diamond Jubilee on The Throne of this great and wonderful country.

I was only 8 years of age when she acceded to the Throne and I still treasure to this very day the silver Coronation spoon presented to me in commemoration of that great event.

The Queen has seen numerous presidents and prime ministers come and go but throughout her long and glorious reign she has never put a foot wrong;  She has represented this country and its cherished principles and values to the highest possible level.

 I am so proud to have a constitutional monarch of such outstanding stature as head of our country and our Royal Family. All of us Loyalists owe you a great debt of gratitude Ma'am.

May God bless you Ma'am and long may you reign over us.  Enjoy your Diamond Jubilee weekend and I pray that the weather will be as gracious to us all, as you are to us. Three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen !!!!

I will certainly be toasting the Second Elizabethan Age and I hope that the sun shines on the righteous.

Shaun's Very Brave Final Goodbye

Dying teen's goodbye video message touches the world after it goes viral

A terminally ill teenager's moving goodbye video to his family and friends has touched the world after it accidentally went viral.

Shaun Wilson-Miller, 17, recorded his message in his bedroom and intended to share it with his Facebook friends.

But now more than 1.65 million people have seen his heartbreaking home movie after a technical problem meant he had to upload it to YouTube.

Shaun, from Melbourne, Australia, suffers from a chronic heart condition that means his body has rejected two transplants.

Doctors said he cannot undergo a third operation - and it is believed Shaun has just months to live.

Shaun recorded the message in his bedroom late at night soon after hearing the devastating diagnosis.

He urged his loved ones to live their lives to the fullest and look after his dad when he is gone.

In the clip, a visibly emotional Shaun says: "I won't be here as long as I thought, but I wanted to say that this has been an awesome ride and I have no regrets.

"Live life to the fullest because you never know what's going to happen."

Since the emotional footage emerged, Shaun has appeared on a number of TV shows, including a guest role on Neighbours. He has met his favourite Aussie rules footballer Jobe Watson, is writing his memoirs and has inspired a rap song.

He has even found love with a fellow heart patient.

Shaun told a newspaper: "Yes, it's love. We've been going out for two and a half weeks, but we've been friends for seven years.

"The hardest thing for me is leaving her, knowing that I won't get to marry her. To have kids together. To grow old together. That is what makes me sad."

His dad Cameron Miller said they have had to discuss his son's funeral arrangements because his new-found fame means the death will affect more than just their nearest and dearest.

"I just pray that it's quick. I don't want him to suffer," he said.

"No parent should have to bury their child. But he's loving life and he wants us to do the same. He doesn't want us to cry for him."

Article courtesy of  Keith Kendrick, May 16, 2012 and http://www.youtube.com/ and http://www.aol.com/

Driving ban to be a punishment in new legislation to tackle drug-driving

Drug-driving will be become a specific offence, punishable by up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine under tough new measures being proposed by the Government.

Motorists under the influence of drugs can only currently be prosecuted for being behind the wheel if police can prove their driving has been impaired.

Under the measures, proposed as part of a wider Crime, Communications and Court Bill in the Coalition's new legislative programme, offenders would also face an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months

Prime Minister David Cameron said it "simply can't be right" that the laws are not aleady there to punish drug drivers properly.

"We want to do for drug driving what drink-driving laws have done for driving under the influence of alcohol. That's why we're doing what we can to get drugalysers rolled out more quickly.

"And this week we'll publish a new drug-driving offence so that driving under the influence of drugs itself is a crime, just like it is for drink driving."

Police are set to be issued with handheld drug detection devices, which will take a saliva sample, as well as a breathalyser to test erratic drivers.

The machines are expected to receive approval from the Home Office by the end of the year.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the family of Lillian Groves, who have campaigned for a change to the law since the 14-year-old was killed after being knocked down by a cannabis user. He served just four months in jail.

"Lillian Groves's family should be congratulated for their brave campaign," he said.

"I hope now that something good can come out of their tragic loss."

The proposals follow an independent review of drink and drug driving laws in 2010. An expert panel will help to decide which drugs are covered by the offence.

Article courtesy of Ananova and www.policeoracle.com

Naked Biker Booked For No Helmet

Missing bike helmet was the only offence for naked biker in eastern Europe!

A Romanian policeman pulled over a woman who was riding pillion naked on a motorcycle - and booked her for failing to wear a helmet.

The woman was not wearing a stitch but the traffic officer said it was the only offence that he had authorisation to book her for.

Motorists got out their smartphones to take photographs of the eye-catching biker who was pulled over in Constanta.

And, after accepting her punishment, she donned a helmet before continuing her journey - still naked.

"The officer was a traffic cop and the only traffic offence she'd committed was in not wearing a helmet," one witness told Romanian media.

"So he gave her a warning and a ticket and told her and her companion to ride on," they added.

Article Courtesy of - Ananova and www. policeoracle.com



David Is Going Home !

                                                        
                                   David Is To Be Returned To Italy


                          A bit of cultural news, for a welcome change.

                               Michelangelo's David is being returned to Italy

                               After a two year loan to the United States 

                                           

                                           His proud sponsors were;

                                 



Dual G4S and Lincolnshire Police logos on uniforms

 The thin end of the wedge ! We have gone beyond the beginning of the end now, surely...What do you think ?

A uniform combining the name of a police force with a private company logo is being worn for what is thought to be the first time. The uniforms are being worn by about 200 staff who transferred from Lincolnshire Police to G4S (Group4Securicor), including front counter staff at police stations. The Police Federation said the uniforms - also worn by control room and custody staff - would confuse the public. However, Lincolnshire Police said the uniforms would not make a difference.

Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said: "I firmly believe that the community is more interested in cops out on the beat rather than a small additional logo on the epaulettes of inquiry office staff. "Staff in our inquiry offices and control room wear uniform. We've added the G4S logo to that uniform to identify them as partnership staff. "They are still very much part of the Lincolnshire Police family and it's important that the public are able to see them as such when they call in our inquiry offices." Uniform reflects partnership. About 550 civilian staff employed by Lincolnshire Police Authority - two-thirds of the total - transferred to G4S on 1 April. The security company said this was the first time it had formed a "strategic partnership" with a police force, and the new uniform reflected this. The uniforms are also worn by control room staff at the police headquarters. A G4S spokesperson said: "It is worn by employees working in departments such as the force control room and custody as well as by town inquiry officers. "There are no plans to introduce the dual logo elsewhere."

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation, said the uniforms would "cause confusion in the public mind" and be less of a deterrent to criminals. "The people who we are trying to target will know the difference immediately," he said. "The deterrent effect of having warranted officers is lost." Government cuts. Other police forces and authorities are considering similar contracts with G4S and representatives from 38 attended a seminar at the Lincolnshire Police headquarters this week. Mr McKeever said he was concerned about an "explosion" in the number of police personnel who aren't directly accountable to the public. "I think all police forces are having to look at very radical ideas because of the low priority the government has given to police spending. "These are some of the consequences," he said. "G4S aren't doing anything wrong. They are doing what any private company would want to do, which is make profit and expand their organisation"

Low Morale in UK Police Service

Police Federation regional officers talk about the low morale amongst officers across England and Wales



What do you think ? You are invited to post your comments below. I would particularly welcome comments from serving warranted officers. Is morale as bad as portrayed by the Police Federation representatives ? If the current situation is as bad as asserted in the video then it is essential that all fair minded citizens, who value an efficient and effective police service which is widely admired throughout the world, urgently write to our Members of Parliament and demand that the Government listens to the opinions of grass root officers before implementing the full recommendations of the Winsor Report into the reform of police pay, pensions, terms and conditions of service.

A demoralised police service is extremely dangerous in a parliamentary democracy which depends on the rule of law and order as the cornerstone tenet of maintaining freedom for all irrespective of race, religion or political persuasion, etc. etc.

Divine Intervention ?

A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, 'Father, I have a problem.

I have two female parrots, but they only know to say one thing.'

'What do they say?' the priest asked.

They say, 'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?'

'That's obscene!' the priest exclaimed, then he thought for a moment.....

'You know,' he said, 'I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible...

Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter.

My parrots can teach your parrots to pray and worship, and your parrots are sure to stop saying... that phrase... in no time.'

'Thank you,' the woman responded, 'this may very well be the solution.'

The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest's house.... as he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying...

Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots in with them...

After a few minutes, the female parrots cried out in unison:

Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?'

There was stunned silence... Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and says,



'Put the beads away, Frank, our prayers have been answered!

Memorial Service For Tragic Officer

The life of Police Constable David Rathband will be celebrated at Newcastle Cathedral with friends, family and the public to pay tribute.

A Memorial service dedicated to the life of PC David Rathband is to be open to the public, it has been confirmed.

PC Rathband (44) was found hanged at his home in Blyth, Northumberland on February 29, his inquest heard.

A memorial service organised by his family is to be held in St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle on Saturday March 10 - open to “all who want to say farewell”, his brother Darren has said.

The Cathedral has prepared for as many as 800 people to attend the service at 12pm and outside seating will also be provided if necessary.

PC Rathband, who was shot and blinded by Raoul Moat in 2010, will then be buried in his home town of Stafford on March 17.

The Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, who is presiding, said friends of the family are to deliver eulogies, and the story of PC Rathband’s life was also set to be read out.

He said: “It is very public and a well known story – people have a large amount of respect and sympathy for David Rathband and I think we will have a lot of people turn up.”

He added that the service was being organised by PC Rathband’s brother, Darren and father, Keith.

Northumbria Police has also announced its own memorial service for PC Rathband at a date yet to be confirmed. It said: “On behalf of his widow Kath and their children, all his colleagues will be invited to attend.”

This is set to take place in the week beginning March 18.

Article Courtesy of - Nic Brunetti - www.PoliceOracle.Com

Addendum following today's Memorial Service:



Pc Rathband's children Mia, 13, and Ashley, 19, were at the cathedral, along with actor Tim Healy, Northumbria Police chief constable Sue Sim, police minister Nick Herbert, members of the emergency services, and hundreds of members of the North East public who took the Midlander to their hearts.

He was shot and blinded while unarmed in his patrol car in July 2010 by gunman Raoul Moat.

He was found hanging at his home in Blyth, Northumberland, on February 29.

Six pallbearers from the police, fire and ambulance service carried his coffin through the cathedral.

In a heart-breaking speech, his twin said: "I have lost half of me.

"You don't get over it, you just get through it.

"Every day grief puts on a new face.

"My brother said to me 'you're a good brother', I say to my brother 'you're a great brother'.

"It is time to take my brother home."

PC David Rathband's Blue Lamp Foundation was established by him to raise funds for those members of all the Emergency Services injured in the line of duty as a result of a criminal act.

David ran, together with his guide Steve White, in last year's London Marathon on the 17th April, 2011, in aid of his Foundation. He completed this arduous task in a magnificent 6 hours and 49minutes. A giant of a man!

Registered charity number 1138319. He set a target of £10,000 and money raised so far amounts to £18,541.97 (185%) . On JustGiving since Oct 2010.

You can still donate at www.justgiving.com/pc-david-rathband

See The Funniest Hospital Sign in the UK !

Well Done, Northampton!!! Where else but the National Health in the UK?

Thank you Dr. Jane Richards & my friend & former colleague Derek Fisher for sending me this little gem which made me smile and LOL !

The Best Golfing Story I Have Heard !

Toward the end of the Sunday service, the Minister asked,"How many of you have forgiven your enemies?" 80% held up their hands.

The Minister then repeated his question.All responded this time, except one man,an avid golfer named Walter Barnes, who attended church only when the weather was bad.

"Mr. Barnes, it's obviously not a good morning for golf. It's good to see you here today. Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?"

"I don't have any," he replied gruffly. "Mr Barnes, that is very unusual. How old are you?"

"Ninety-eight," he replied. The congregation stood up and clapped their hands.

"Oh, Mr. Barnes, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?"

The old golfer tottered down the aisle, stopped in front of the pulpit, turned around, faced the congregation, and said simply,

"I outlived the bastards."

When Hunger and War will pass away

If you have never heard this little girl sing, you won’t believe your eyes and ears! Speakers on !!! Jackie Evancho sings "To Believe" NB. The video may not play on some interface sites. Simply click on the YouTube link to watch but please do come back to my blog after viewing. Nearly one million people worldwide have watched the clip so far.

Artist's Biography

Like Hayley Westenra, Charlotte Church, and Sarah Brightman, soprano Jackie Evancho operates in the classical crossover realm. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native (who also plays violin and piano) wowed both the judges and the audience during the fifth season of America's Got Talent. Evancho began taking vocal lessons in 2008 at the age of eight. By 2010, she had already breezed through a local singing contest, started her own YouTube channel, released an album, and held the record as the world's youngest opera singer. Her independent debut, Prelude to a Dream, was released in 2009, followed by the holiday EP/DVD O Holy Night, the latter of which arrived via Columbia Records. In spring 2011, Evancho released Dream with Me, her full-length (non-seasonal) debut, which was produced by David Foster and featured a mix of arias, show tunes, and pop classics. Jackie Evancho: Dream with Me in Concert, a live performance of the songs that first captured the hearts of her audiences, along with new classical crossover selections, followed that fall. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi

Olympic Outing For Met Police And Royal Marines

A joint exercise involving the London Metropolitan Police and the British Royal Marines ahead of the Olympics has been hailed as a success by those responsible for Games security.

Officers from the Force's Marine Unit and military personnel rehearsed the skills and drills they will need to operate together in a week long package of manoeuvres.

The exercise focused on the River Thames, which will form an outer ring of security during the Games, and made use of assets including rigid boats and air support.

Assistant Commisioner Chris Allison, the National Olympic Security Co-ordinator, was satisfied at the results. He added: "There is no specific threat from the River but we would be failing in our duty if we did not consider this for Games time."

"All of the exercising is to get people to understand their roles and responsibilities – we need to know how we would work with those who would come and assist us if we have to deal with something beyond our capability and capacity.

AC Allison pointed out that the exercises not only focused on the practical capabilities of assets at his disposal during the Olympics, but also rules of engagement.

He said: "This is the wet-way into London and we need to make sure that we have tactics we can use on the River, many of which have been developed by the police."

The exercise saw a number of scenarios, ranging from a compliant stop to the use of armed officers boarding a moving vessel at speed, played out. Assets including police river launches plus rigid boats and landing craft from the Royal Marines were used along with a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter.

AC Allison said that the security of the Olympics remains the responsibility of the police, but that there will be niche military assets in support of that operation.

He concluded: "I know police officers will do their level best to ensure the Games pass off safely and securely. They will be the professionals they are, day in-day out."

Article Courtesy of: James Deller - www.PoliceOracle.com

The Beauty of Pollination

Beautiful video to watch
TRULY AMAZING !
I'm sure you will enjoy.

Check out the hummingbird doing the barrel roll, and the bat carrying the baby
(is the shot of one on white catcus flower blossom).

This is an incredible little video, and the beauty of it will take your breath away.

I have never seen anything quite like this before. Slow motion captures each of these wondrous creatures at their best. Awesome! Make sure your speakers are turned on. Best viewed full screen.