Tuesday 26 June 2012

Essex's James Foster 'world's best' keeper - Paul Grayson - BBC News

Essex's James Foster 'world's best' keeper - Paul Grayson - BBC News

Essex coach Paul Grayson has hailed captain James Foster as the best wicket-keeper in the world.

The 32-year-old has had to focus exclusively on county cricket since his last appearance for England in a Twenty20 international in 2009.

Grayson told BBC Essex: "[Foster] is in good form at the moment. He's in a very good place.

"We know what his keeping is all about. For me he is still the best keeper in world cricket."

Foster is also a good enough batsman to have scored 18 first-class centuries but showed his versatility by hitting 47 off 20 balls in Essex's T20 defeat by Sussex on Sunday.

Grayson added: "He's scoring runs in the middle area and he plays spin very well.

"He's very calm under pressure and he's playing very well."

Meanwhile, Essex will welcome a sell-out crowd to Chelmsford on Tuesday when they play a one-day fixture against Australia and Grayson revealed that England pair Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara will be back to play in the prestigious game.

"Alastair Cook's available and so is Ravi [Bopara] so we've got those to come back to play in [the Australia] game.

"It's not often you get to play Australia in a 50-over match, especially a floodlit game at Chelmsford," he said.

"All the guys are desperate to play, very keen to put in a performance and we'll put out a strong side on Tuesday."


Source: www.bbc.co.uk

London 2012 Summer Olympics Tennis Terms - YAHOO!

The 2012 Games of the XXX Olympiad will be held from July 27-August 12 in London, England. Tennis is among the Olympic sports in which professional athletes are allowed to compete; consequently, the best players in the world will enjoy the spotlight in London.

The full list of entries will be announced on June 28th, but expect Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and many other well-known stars to battle for gold at Wimbledon in five events (men's and women's singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles for the first time since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988).

As the competition unfolds this summer, here are 10 terms to know, geared to help the casual fan understand Olympic tennis:

1. Point - The basic method of scoring in tennis. The format of scoring in each game: the first point equals 15, the second 30, third 40, and the point after that wins the game. If the score is tied at 40, see below for an explanation of deuce.

2. Deuce - This situation occurs when the score is tied at 40 all. In order to win the game, a player or team must win a point to reach advantage and then win another point immediately after gaining the advantage in order to win by two total points.

3. Advantage - This happens when a player or team wins one point after the match is tied at deuce. To win the game, the side with the advantage must win one more point. If the player or team that does not have the advantage wins the next point, then the score returns to deuce and the game continues until two consecutive points are won.

4. Match - A match is won by a player or team winning either the best of three or the best of five sets (the vast majority of matches at the Olympics will be two out of three sets, but the men's final will be three out of five).

5. Love - Simply means that the side with love has zero points in that game. For example, if a player leads 40-0, then the score may be said as "40-love."

6. Service Break - A game that is won by the player or team that is not serving at that time.

7. Ace - A serve that is delivered legally, and is not touched in any way by the receiving player. An ace results in a point for the server.

8. Lob/Smash - A lob is a high-arcing shot that is designed to go over the head of a player, usually one at the net. If a lob is not hit precisely enough, a smash (violent, overhand shot) may be the type of return that comes back at the player using the lob.

9. Approach Shot - A shot that is intended to be placed deep in the opponent's side of the court, generally with the purpose of allowing the player hitting this shot an opportunity to come to the net.

10. Passing Shot - This term describes a shot that goes past a player that has moved in close to the net or is on his or her way to the net.

The author always looks forward to the Olympics, and is especially interested to watch Olympic tennis as it makes a return to Wimbledon for the first time in over a hundred years just a few weeks after the Grand Slam tournament concludes.

Other content by this contributor:

2012 Roland Garros Women's Wheelchair Champ Esther Vergeer a One-Woman Dynasty: A Fan's View

London Summer Olympics Tennis Rules


Source: sports.yahoo.com

London 2012: this week's best events in London, from Wimbledon to art and architecture festivals - Daily Telegraph

London Festival of Architecture

London’s standout buildings and design talents are the focus of the London Festival of Architecture, which this year pays tribute to the forthcoming Olympic Games with the theme The Playful City. During the festival’s two-week run a series of roving hubs will be set up at boroughs throughout the city to engage with local residents, while a varied programme of one-off special events and ongoing exhibitions cater to architecture aficionados of all levels. Although the focus is on London the complementary International Architecture and Design Showcase goes a long way in expanding the festival’s international scope. For three months from June 21, 50 international embassies and national cultural institutes across the capital will open their doors and display works by their most celebrated designers and architects.

When: until July 8. (The International Architecture and Design Showcase continues until September 23.)
Where: citywide
How much: prices vary

Masterpiece London

Three years old this year, Masterpiece London has already grown to be one of the capital’s leading art fairs. The focus here is on luxury goods so although all manner of objects are on display the prices are high – buyers here are often wealthy investors rather than casual visitors who’ve happened upon something beautiful. Vintage jewellery, historic automobiles and vast collections of art are all on show, with the social highlight likely to be the midsummer party in aid of CLIC Sargent on July 3.

When: June 27 – July 4
Where: South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR
Tube: Sloane Square
How much: from £20

London 2012 Festival, London and nationally

The Olympics begin on July 27, but in advance of this massive sporting spectacle London and the country as a whole will be joining together to celebrate the London 2012 Festival. The culmination of the four-year Cultural Olympiad – the Olympic Games’ cultural complement – the festival sees cultural organisations, landmarks and artists join together to host a series of ambitious events that showcase British creativity at its best. In London next month’s BT River of Music festival sees a series of stages along the Thames host free concerts by artists such as the Scissor Sisters and the Noisettes – each different stage will represent a different continent so expect exceptionally diverse experiences and settings dependent on where you station yourself.There’ll also be an expanded Proms programme that will see Wallace and Gromit make an appearance; a celebration of Shakespeare with Shakespeare: Staging the World at the British Museum and countless special events for communities in every part of the city. Keep up to date on what’s happening when and where through our London 2012 Festival section.

When: until September 9
Where: throughout London, and nationally
How much: costs vary

City of London Festival, the City


The Goldner Quartet at last year's City of London Festival. Image: Robert Piwko/City of London Festival

Fifty years old in 2012, the City of London Festival returns again this year with an extensive programme of concerts, exhibitions and recitals all held in spectacular landmark locations throughout the City. This year’s theme is City of London – Trading Places with the World, and with a nod towards the Olympics, it explores the history of the City and its relationship with other regions throughout the world. With events taking place over 34 days there’s plenty of entertainment on offer but highlights include the English National Ballet’s performances of two new commissions for the festival by Anthony Downson and Van Le Ngoc, the temporary installation of live music sculptures at Tower Bridge and Monument and a series of free lunchtime concerts by musicians from the Guildhall School.

When: until July 27
Where: throughout the City
How much: prices vary

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Greenwich

Reliably engaging and innovative, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival fuses theatre, dance, art and music to create a ten-day-long cultural spectacular. This year highlights include the world premiere of Crow by the Handspring Puppet Company, best known for their work with the National Theatre production of War Horse; the return of the Greenwich Fair and the Word on the Street series of outdoor theatre performances. As ever, festival organisers have done a good job of making many of the major events and performances free and open to all.

When: until June 30
Where: throughout Greenwich
How much: prices vary

Free Range Art and Design 2012; The Old Truman Brewery

Brick Lane becomes even more vibrant in mid-summer, with the return of the annual Free Range Art and Design show. Lasting two months, the continually changing exhibition showcases works by some of the country’s most talented young creatives, with displays featuring art, photography, textiles, illustration, interiors and product design. This is the biggest show for graduates of art and design in Europe so you can expect to discover some exceptionally promising emerging talents if you visit. For those inspired to learn more, a series of workshops and talks run alongside the main exhibitions.

When: until July 16
Where: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Tube: Liverpool Street
How much: free

London Wonderground, Southbank Centre


The Boom Boom Club at this year's London Wonderground Photo: Boom Boom Club

Cabaret, circus and music are all fused at the all-summer-long London Wonderground, now on at the Southbank Centre. In its inaugural year, the free-spirited festival is being held in a 1920s Spiegeltent and brings a Coney Island-style celebration of the curious and eccentric to the South Bank. The headline production is Cantina, a sultry combination of acrobatics, vaudeville, magic and music intended for adults, while there will also be performances from Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan and playful cabaret shows hosted by the Boom Boom Club.

When: until September 30
Where: Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary

Udderbelly Festival, the Southbank Centre


Image: Belinda Lawley

Now in its fourth year, the Udderbelly Festival has already made a significant impact on Londoners thanks to its excellent comedy programme and distinctive venue – performances are held in a huge, partially inflated, upside-down purple cow. Performing this year are Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes, Andi Osho, Patrick Monahan and many more. As well as comedy, there are family shows, theatre performances and musical experimentations.

When: until July 8
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd London SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary


Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

More refineries will follow Coryton into administration, says Essar Oil UK chief - The Guardian

The owner of Britain's second largest oil refinery has warned that more sites will follow the Coryton plant into administration, as the head of the Unite trade union added to criticism of the government's refusal to bail out the Essex facility.

Volker Schultz, the chief executive of Indian-owned Essar Oil UK, which owns the Stanlow refinery in Merseyside, warned of more closures because too many sites are focused on producing petrol instead of higher margin diesel and jet fuel. Coryton is cutting 180 staff – out of a total of 850 on the site – as its administrators start to wind down the refinery, which converts crude oil into sophisticated fuel products such as gasoline.

"I think there will be some more closures. We will have strong refineries that will still be able to make ends meet but the weakest will slowly exit and the difficult financial market will accelerate that, as we have seen with [Coryton owner] Petroplus," said Schultz.

Milford Haven in Wales is also the subject of speculation that it will close, as Schultz predicted a wave of shutdowns in western Europe and the eastern seaboard of the US. Stanlow, which has lost money over the past eight months, is undergoing a multimillion-pound investment drive to ensure that it makes money at all times of the financial year, no matter the state of the jet fuel or diesel market.

Referring to Stanlow's recent loss-making performance, Schultz said: "We want to get to the position over the next three years where that will not be the case, no matter what." Stanlow produces 220,000 barrels of refined product per day.

Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Unite trade union, which represents hundreds of Coryton staff, said the government had left Coryton in dire straits by declining to pump state aid into the south Essex site – which needs a multimillion pound overhaul as well as a buyer. Speaking at Unite's policy conference in Brighton, Len McCluskey said: "Despite all the rhetoric about supporting British industry we have hit a brick wall."

He added: "We have a refinery under threat of closure in Coryton and that's a symptom of a wider problem in the [oil] sector, the fact that the free market has been allowed to operate without any restriction."

At the weekend the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, criticised the government for refusing to offer state aid to Coryton in order to tide over the plant while administrators seek a buyer. Describing the decision as "completely wrong", he said: "I think they are showing an absolute abdication of their responsibility to the workers at Coryton." The Department of Energy and Climate Change indicated this month that Coryton has no long-term prospects, saying that state aid "would not be a long-term solution either for the taxpayer or the industry".

Schultz spoke as Essar Energy, controlled by the Indian-owned Essar conglomerate, announced a pre-tax loss of $1.1bn for the 15 months to 31 March following the loss of a tax case in India's supreme court relating to the payment of sales tax on a power plant in Gujarat. Essar Energy, which is listed in London, was the biggest faller on the FTSE 250, slipping 8%.


Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Scouts Canada didn't report abuse in at least 65 cases - CBC

A review of how Scouts Canada handled allegations of sexual abuse by its group leaders has found that dozens of cases reported to the organization were not passed on to the police.

Despite past assurances by Scouts Canada that it had informed police about "every record of abuse" within its ranks, the audit has found at least 65 instances where that did not happen.

Thirteen of those cases occurred after 1992, when the organization's policies changed to make it mandatory to report abuse. In a further 64 files, it was unclear whether information was shared with police, according to an independent review that the Scouts released Monday.

All those cases have now been reported to authorities, Scouts Canada assured.

Overall, Scouts Canada had auditing firm KPMG examine 486 records from 1947 to 2011 where adult scouting leaders were suspended or terminated on allegations of sexual misconduct against children and youth. The final tally found that in 328 cases, "authorities appear to have been aware of the situation before it came to the attention of Scouts."

Of the remaining 158 files, there is only evidence in 29 that the Scouts contacted authorities at the time.

CBC investigation prompted audit

Scouts Canada ordered the forensic review of its suspension and termination records following CBC's Fifth Estate investigation into how the organization dealt with past cases of sexual abuse.

Scouts Canada's chief commissioner, Steve Kent, said the review "found no systemic intent to cover up or hide incidents of abuse," though it did uncover cases where the youth organization did not handle incidents "with the rigour we would expect."

"Bad things happened in the past in many organizations. Scouts Canada, unfortunately, is no exception," Kent said. "We invested considerable time and money to ensure that no stone was left unturned."

Steve Kent, chief commissioner of Scouts Canada, says the organization did not handle incidents of abuse with 'the rigour we would expect.'Steve Kent, chief commissioner of Scouts Canada, says the organization did not handle incidents of abuse with 'the rigour we would expect.' (CBC )

In response, lawyer Rob Talach of London, Ont., who has represented victims of childhood abuse, said the KPMG report was "simply a documentary review" and it would be "bold" to draw conclusions about whether there was a coverup.

"Motives, intent, the reasons behind doing things are often not extracted until you get to interview the players involved. Reviewing the documents and the information they contained isn’t a solid enough foundation to exonerate yourself as an institution," Talach said.

"I think the more shocking number is, if you look at the cases when the police didn’t come to the Scouts first, their rate of reporting when they were the first to learn is only about 18 per cent. That tells that there was a systemic or cultural or institutional-wide resistance to report."

Kent acknowledged that the rate of cases that went unreported to authorities is "not a number that I'm particularly happy with."

"Any instances where things were not reported to authorities in a timely fashion — any instances are unacceptable," he said Monday.

But he added that the lapses didn't stem from malice.

"We found examples of individuals being unsure of how to report abuse, or whether it was necessary to report. In some cases, an offence was thought to be inappropriate for a Scouts leader, but not necessarily criminal in nature, and therefore did not require reporting to authorities," Kent said.

"In other cases, particularly in earlier decades, a victim’s parents would not agree to report to the authorities."

The KPMG review also found that in 14 instances, someone who was kicked out of the Scouts for sexual misconduct was allowed to continue to partake in the organization's activities. Three of those cases occurred after the rules changed in 1992. KPMG blamed some of those errors on a failure to inscribe the expelled volunteers' names on a central list that Scouts maintained.

New policies

In conjunction with the forensic review, Scouts Canada unveiled an updated framework for child and youth protection on Monday. Elements include new policies on bullying, abuse reporting and screening of volunteers. The organization said one of the steps it will take is to flag anyone who doesn't complete its volunteer screening in its central database so that they can't partake in any scouting activities.

In 2011, The Fifth Estate, in a co-investigation with the Los Angeles Times, looked at Scouts Canada's controversial system for recording the names of pedophiles who had infiltrated its ranks and had been removed from the organization. It was known as the "confidential list." The investigation followed a public legal battle involving the Boy Scouts of America, which paid out millions in legal settlements.

CBC first reported in October 2011 that Scouts Canada signed out-of-court confidentiality agreements with more than a dozen child sex-abuse victims in recent years.

Two months later, Scouts Canada issued a blanket apology to former scouts who were sexually abused by leaders. It also said at the time that it had 350 confidential files that it turned over, not to police, but to KPMG for its forensic review. The organization subsequently found 136 more dossiers that it handed to KPMG.

However, the apology maintained "that every record of abuse has been handled properly and shared with police."

In February, Scouts Canada's Kent acknowledged that his organization did not report all allegations of sexual abuse to police in past decades, contrary to its previous denials.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, an Oregon court approved the release of so-called perversion files compiled by the Boy Scouts of America on suspected child molesters within the organization over two decades, giving the public its first chance to review the files on 1,200 people.

The files, gathered from 1965 to 1985, came to light when they were used as evidence in a landmark Oregon ruling in 2010 that the Boy Scouts of America had failed to protect a plaintiff who had been molested by an assistant scoutmaster in the early 1980s. The U.S. scouting organization was ordered to pay the man $18.5 million US.

If you have information on the KPMG report or any other part of this story, please contact investigations@cbc.ca


Source: www.cbc.ca

TOWIE sisters must have splashed a Faier amount of cash on swimwear - The Sun

After their trip to Marbella to film a special episode of TOWIE, the sisters have now flown to Las Vegas to soak up some more sun.

The siblings were spotted arriving at a club with special guest DJ Wyclef Jean.

Splashing around in a pool at the midday party, the ladies made sure they didn't overheat in the rays.

Billie showed off her ample chest in a beige bikini with a frill, and Sam donned a printed monokini for the bash.

Sam has been telling fans that she is missing her boyfriend Joey Essex while away in the US.

She wrote: "Loving Vegas having best time with all my girls ... @JoeyEssex_ have a food night miss u loads x x."(sic)

And Billie posted online: "Having the best time in vegas with all the girls!!! ;-) xxx."

The Only Way Is Essex returns later this year.

angharad.llewellyn@the-sun.co.uk


Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Kent Spitfires spring a leak as Royals cash in - Kent News

Blow to Kent’s t20 hopes - but big match tomorrow can put them back on track

Kent Spitfires got fans used to defeat ahead of England crashing out of Euro 2012 last night, when they slumped to a six-wicket defeat at home to the Hampshire Royals.

The Friends Life t20 win was the first of the campaign for the Royals, and sees the Spitfires slump to third after five games.

It came just two days after the Spitfires recorded a three-run win at the Ageas Bowl on Friday.

Kent had started by posting 130 in their 20 overs, with Darren Stevens whacking 60 off just 44 balls, but no-one weighed in alongside him, always leaving Kent with a mountain to climb.

And when Glenn Maxwell hit 66 from just 32 balls, the writing was on the wall.

Hampshire got home with nearly two overs to spare.

The Spitfires will be looking to bounce back with a win in what it expected to be a sell-out crowd at the St Lawrence tomorrow night for a floodlit t20 match against Middlesex.

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    Source: www.kentnews.co.uk

    London 2012 Olympics: Dwain Chambers set for Team GB - Daily Telegraph

    Although Chambers has yet to run the A standard this summer, he still meets UK Athletics’ criteria for a discretionary place.

    To be selected for London, the governing body stipulates that athletes must have achieved the A standard at least twice from the beginning of 2011. Chambers managed it 11 times last summer.

    Chambers will still travel to Finland but only to compete in the 4x100m relay, which Van Commenee is using as a key dress rehearsal for the Olympics.

    Realistically, Chambers’ only chance of an Olympic medal is in the relay, so avoiding the 100m will also free up more time for baton practice with fellow squad members Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tyrone Edgar, James Ellington, Christian Malcolm and Danny Talbot.

    After his trials victory, Chambers had indicated that he wanted to compete in the individual 100m in Helsinki to make absolutely certain of his Olympic place but admitted he would happy to be picked on the strength of his past record.

    “If there’s a way the selectors can look on my history I will gladly take that opportunity,” he said.

    Significantly, former world silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey has also been excused 1500m duty in Finland after finishing a strong second behind Laura Weightman at the trials on Sunday.

    Given Dobriskey’s fragile medical history, Van Commenee has clearly taken the view that she, too, has probably done enough to merit an Olympic place and that nothing would be gained from making her run rounds against tough opposition from Russia and Spain.

    Chambers, who only became eligible for selection in April when the BOA was forced to drop its lifetime ban for drug cheats, will not be the only athlete on the 100m start-line in London with a history of doping.

    Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion who returned from a four-year ban in 2010 following a second doping offence, made certain of his place by clocking 9.80sec to win the 100m final at the United States trials in Eugene, Oregon.

    Tyson Gay, the second fastest man in history behind Usain Bolt who has struggled with injury in the past year, also made sure of his berth by finishing runner-up in 9.86sec.

    Another American who has served a drug ban, Olympic 400m champion LaShawn Merritt, will have the opportunity to defend his crown after his victory at the trials, while Christine Ohuruogu’s arch rival, Sanya Richards-Ross, booked her place by winning the women’s race.

    Aviva GB & NI Team squad:

    • Men
      100m: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Mark Lewis-Francis
      200m: Chris Clarke, Danny Talbot
      400m: Richard Buck, Luke Lennon Ford
      800m: Mukhtar Mohammed, Gareth Warburton
      1500m: James Brewer, Tom Lancashire
      5000m: Mo Farah, Rory Fraser, Mitch Goose
      10,000m: Keith Gerrard, James Walsh
      3000m SC: Luke Gunn, Rob Mullett, James Wilkinson
      110m H: Richard Alleyne, Gianni Frankis, William Sharman
      400m H: Rhys Williams, Nathan Woodward, Rick Yates
      High Jump: Robbie Grabarz, Samson Oni, Tom Parsons
      Pole Vault: Luke Cutts, Max Eaves, Andrew Sutcliffe
      Long Jump: JJ Jegede, Julian Reid, Chris Tomlinson
      Triple Jump: Larry Achike
      Shot Put: Carl Myerscough
      Discus Throw: Abdul Buhari, Brett Morse, Lawrence Okoye
      Hammer Throw: Mark Dry
      Decathlon: Ashley Bryant
      4x100m: Aikines-Aryeetey, Dwain Chambers, Tyrone Edgar*, James Ellington, Christian Malcolm, Danny Talbot
      4x400m: Buck, Michael Bingham, Lennon Ford, Nigel Levine, Rob Tobin, Conrad Williams
    • Women
      100m: Jeanette Kwakye*, Ashleigh Nelson,
      200m: Abi Oyepitan,
      400m: Lee McConnell, Kelly Massey, Nicola Sanders
      800m: Jenny Meadows, Lynsey Sharp, Jemma Simpson
      1500m: Charlene Thomas
      5000m: Julia Bleasdale, Helen Clitheroe, Stephanie Twell*
      10,000m: Jo Pavey, Charlotte Purdue, Gemma Steel
      3000m SC: Hatti Archer
      400m H: Meghan Beesley
      High Jump: Isobel Pooley
      Pole Vault: Sally Peake
      Long Jump: Abigail Irozuru, Shara Proctor*
      Shot Put: Eden Francis
      Discus Throw: Francis, Jade Nicholls
      Hammer Throw: Sophie Hitchon, Sarah Holt
      Javelin Throw: Goldie Sayers, Laura Whittingham
      4x100m: Montell Douglas, Hayley Jones, Kwakye, Nelson, Anyika Onuora
      4x400m: Eilidh Child, Shana Cox, Massey, McConnell, Christine Ohuruogu, Sanders
    • *Participation to be confirmed Tuesday morning

    Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

    London noise 'mutes Bow Bells to endanger Cockneys' - BBC News

    New-born Cockneys are becoming an endangered species because the area in which the Bow Bells can be heard has shrunk, acoustics researchers claim.

    According to London tradition, Cockneys are born within earshot of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside.

    In 1851, the bells could be heard across north and east London, even audible south of the Thames.

    However, according to firm 24 Acoustics, chimes can now only be heard in the City of London and Shoreditch.

    The bells reputedly inspired Dick Whittington to "turn again" at a spot in what is now Archway, north Islington, and return to London where he eventually became Lord Mayor.

    And in the year of Prince Albert's Great Exhibition in 1851, the bells could be heard across Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest and even into parts of Camden and Southwark.

    No maternity ward

    However now, the researchers suggest no true Cockneys may ever be born again - as the only hospital in the area of audibility has no maternity ward on site.

    There is also little housing in the area now, making home births unlikely.

    The reach of the Bow Bells is affected by the ambient noise level, which was significantly lower 150 years ago before the widespread use of motor vehicles.

    On top of that, an increase in buildings in the area has further curtailed the ability of the noise to carry.

    The study, undertaken to mark the launch of a new Times Atlas of London, found the London of 1851 would have been similar in noise levels to a rural location today, at about 20 to 25 dBA in the evening.

    In 2012, the ambient noise levels are typically not less than 55 dBA.


    Source: www.bbc.co.uk

    London Olympics criminals face 'swift justice' - BBC News

    People who commit offences linked to the Olympic Games are set to appear in court within 24 hours, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

    The CPS told the Times courts in London would sit for longer and "live-link" hearings would be used to stop traffic disruption slowing the court system.

    It said it was "learning" from the 2011 summer riots when offenders were dealt with in days rather than weeks.

    Muggings and street disorder are among crimes likely to be dealt with quickly.

    Offenders are set to be categorised administratively under a specially defined "Olympics offence", which might also cover ticket-touting and pick-pocketing.

    The decision over whether a crime fits into this category will be based on whether the offence is committed during the Games, where it is committed and whether the accused or victim is a competitor, spectator or official.

    However, it will not be a new legal offence.

    The timescale for the Olympics offences began on 1 May and will run until 30 September.

    The CPS, which drew up the plans alongside the police, court service and other criminal justice agencies, said it aimed to have suspects charged within hours of an offence.

    Courts across London will sit earlier in the morning and into the early evening if needed.

    However, there are no plans for overnight sittings.

    Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London, told the Times it was important for authorities to act quickly because many people who come to the Olympics will not live in the city.

    "People who commit offences on Tuesday will be in court on Wednesday... we are learning the lessons of the summer riots," she said.


    Source: www.bbc.co.uk

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