KIEV |
KIEV (Reuters) - Opposition politicians walked out of Ukraine's parliament in protest on Monday after warning that a law making Russian the official language in parts of the former Soviet republic would set citizens at each other's throats.
President Viktor Yanukovich's Party of the Regions rushed the bill through parliament earlier this month in what opponents saw as an attempt to rally public support in Russian-speaking regions ahead of an October parliamentary election.
The move led to street protests in the capital Kiev and brawls in parliament. The chamber went into recess until September, leaving the bill in limbo, but last week parliament said it would reconvene for an extra session on Monday.
Arseny Yatseniuk, leader of the opposition Front of Change party, described the bill as a "crime against Ukraine and the Ukrainian state" during the special session on Monday.
"We regard this as an anti-constitutional manoeuvre - it does not exist for us as a law," he said.
Ivan Zayats, a deputy of Our Ukraine, another opposition party, said: "This law will set Ukrainians of the left bank against the right, north against south."
Opposition lawmakers then left the special sitting in protest, before parliament - dominated by the Party of the Regions - voted against any changes to the bill, which has passed its second and final reading.
POWER BASE
The way is now clear for parliament speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn to send the bill to Yanukovich for his final signature. Lytvyn won a vote of confidence from parliament on Monday despite having formally resigned over the language row.
Yanukovich has not yet expressed his view on the bill, but his popularity would take a hard knock in his eastern Ukraine power base if he failed to sign it into law.
About 1,000 opposition protesters attempted to rally near parliament on Monday but were barred from getting close to the main building.
While Ukrainian is the only state language, the bill would make Russian an official regional language in predominantly Russian-speaking areas in the industrialised east and southern regions such as Crimea where Russia's Black Sea fleet is based.
Opponents of the bill, who regard the Ukrainian language as a touchstone of sovereignty and independence from Russia, say it will mean that knowledge and usage of Ukrainian will die out in those areas.
Passions remain high, however, and the law is likely to be a high-profile issue in the October 28 election when Yanukovich's Party of the Regions will have to work hard to maintain its majority after unpopular government policies on pensions, taxation and the cost of home utilities.
With former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko still in jail on a charge of abuse of office, Yatseniuk, whose party has united with her Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party, has effectively become head of the opposition.
(Additional reporting by Natalya Zinets; Writing By Richard Balmforth; Editing by Pravin Char)
Source: uk.reuters.com
PEGI video game ratings become law - The Guardian
Retailers that sell video games to children are now liable for imprisonment or a fine, under a tough new age-classification system designed to crack down on violent and unsuitable content.
Under the new rules that came into force on Monday, all games sold in the UK will now be regulated under a system called PEGI, the Pan European Game Information scheme, which makes it illegal to sell 12-rated video games to children under that age for the first time.
Until now the British Board of Film Classification has provided 15 and 18 certificates that are legally enforceable. But there had never been the equivalent for 12-rated games, making it technically legal for children to buy them.
The PEGI system, which is viewed in the industry as adopting stricter ratings, will see small diagrams introduced to give shoppers guidance on references to sex, drugs, fear, gambling or online gaming elements in each title. There will also be indicators for bad language, discrimination and violence.
"Today's simplification of the ratings system benefits both industry and consumers and will help ensure that the millions of games sold in the UK each year are being played by the audiences they were intended for," said culture minister Ed Vaizey.
Backers of the new regime said that the shift to a single system would help consumers, and especially parents, make informed decisions.
The government moved to tighten video game content rules following recommendations made by Tanya Byron's Safer Children in a Digital World and Reg Bailey's Letting Children be Children review.
Under the regulations, retailers could face a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to £5,000 for selling a game to someone under the age-rating classification.
The new system will end the BBFC's role in rating video games. All video games will be rated under the PEGI system by the Video Standards Council, unless the title contains explicit sexual content.
In the event that a title may require an R18 rating, the BBFC would classify the game.
"We very much believe that the sole adoption of PEGI will provide a clear and consistent direction on age ratings for parents and will be a vital tool in helping them to understand they types of games that their children should be playing," said Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of the Association of UK Interactive Entertainment.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Homeless charities warn of increase in Kent thanks to welfare cuts - thisiskent.co.uk
MORE people will be forced on to the streets in West Kent because of welfare cuts and a lack of affordable housing, according to those who work with the homeless.
Their predictions come as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's housing strategy for the next five years said homelessness in the borough would rise.
-
ENORMOUS PRESSURE: John Handley, chief executive of The Bridge Trust
Two West Kent charities are concerned homeless levels will surge due to welfare handout changes and increased pressure on households leading to relationship breakdowns.
John Handley, chief executive of homeless charity The Bridge Trust, said the issue was already becoming a bigger problem across the country and blamed "devastating cuts and changes" to welfare.
His organisation has seen an increase in the number of people it has dealt with. In 2011-2012 the charity helped 49 people into accommodation, up from 39 people the previous year.
Mr Handley said: "There is an enormous amount of pressure on households due to ever-reducing jobs and increasing costs."
The borough council's housing strategy to 2017 predicted homelessness would rise due to changes in legislation and "as a result of the regeneration work".
Referring to the latter point, one man who lives at the YMCA, identified only as Ian, said: "There's not a lot of accommodation around here and then there's a lot being lost in Sherwood and Rusthall. People are struggling because of that.
"There are more people on the street here than people realise and I think it's going to increase. There's just no accommodation."
The borough council has seen an increase in the number of homelessness applications, where people declare themselves unable to remain in their home, and a rise in the number of people requiring emergency accommodation.
Its housing options manager Jane Rogers said: "There are a number of factors that are causing the increase, the main one being the current economic climate which has led to unemployment and families being under additional strain. This leads to more relationship breakdowns.
"Another factor is welfare reform – when the effects of the Welfare Reform Act start to be felt in the next year or so we believe we will see more homelessness among people who cannot afford their rent, in both the private and social rented sector."
In a bid to tackle homelessness the council plans to improve links with private landlords, increase specialist advice, develop closer links to social services, improve housing advice available to young people, make presentations in schools, continue working with local churches to support the winter shelter scheme, and monitor the effect of welfare changes and affordable homes allocation.
A lack of affordable housing in the affluent West Kent area is also a factor which could impact on homelessness. The West Kent Homelessness Strategy for 2011 to 2016, drawn up by councils in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, predicted a shortfall of 1,368 affordable homes in the area for the next 14 years.
The Bridge Trust has seen an increase in the number of people it has helped find accommodation, and between April and June, usually a quiet time of the year, had a constant waiting list for beds.
Homeless charity Porchlight, which provides supported housing in Tonbridge, echoed concerns over more homelessness and rough sleeping.
In 2011 a rough sleeping count found nine people sleeping on the streets in Tunbridge Wells. Tonbridge currently has seven.
Chris Coffey, strategic manager for the rough sleeper team, said: "The decline from a stable home environment can take a long time but combining current financial pressures with other issues such as mental ill health or alcohol dependency will see many relationships break down and individuals left with no option but to sleep rough."
Source: www.thisiskent.co.uk
Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division cricket round-up - Kent Online
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James Hockley spurred Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division leaders Hartley Country Club to a six-wicket victory at Bexley on Saturday.
The former Kent player (pictured) hit 101 off 124 balls as Hartley, after bowling out the home side for 219, reached their target with 11.3 overs to spare. Charlie Hemphrey chipped in with a breezy 40 for Hartley, for whom Sam Weller took the bowling honours with 5-52.
Sevenoaks Vine kept the pressure on Hartley with a 17-run victory over Tunbridge Wells at the Nevill, where Fabian Cowdrey was prominent with bat and ball. He made 68 as the Sevenoaks side set a target of 248-8 and then picked up three wickets to help remove the home side for 231. Skipper Evert Bekker top-scored for Wells with 62.
Third-placed Blackheath's title hopes took a jolt as they lost by two wickets at home to lowly Canterbury. Australian opener Tim Bishop, with an impressive 113 from 129 balls, led Canterbury's successful run chase after Blackheath had made 250-9. Following Bishop's departure Stuart Sinclair (48) took up the reins to see Canterbury home in the last over.
Fellow strugglers Beckenham recorded an impressive 120-run home win over Lordswood. After choosing to bat Beckenham piled up 257-4, thanks mainly to a maiden Premier Division century from Will MacVicar and 70 from Alex Blake. Lordswood were never in the hunt in reply as they dismissed for 139, with Johan Malcolm claiming 5-36 and Raza Ali Dar 4-17.
Bickley Park scored a six-wicket success over local rivals Bromley. The latter made 235-4 batting first, with Wayne Morgan (78) and Richard Clinton (65 not out) the chief contributors. James Lincoln then masterminded the run chase with a well-crafted 84.
Monday, July 30 2012
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Source: www.kentonline.co.uk
Kent’s Olympic stars: Ellen Gandy vows to impress in 200m - Kent News
Ellen Gandy
Credit: Andy Hooper / NOPP
Monday, July 30, 2012
9:15 AM
Swimmer refuses to get down after eighth place in 100m
Bromley swimming star Ellen Gandy was philosophical after finishing eighth in the final of the Olympic 100m butterfly at the Aquatics Centre on Sunday evening.
Racing from lane one, the 20-year-old finished in a time of 57.76sec, while the race was won by American Dana Vollmer who smashed the world record with an incredible time of 55.98 - the first woman to break 56 seconds.
Gandy admitted: “I would have liked to have gone a bit faster but you know that was an amazing swim by Dana Vollmer and it’s great to be a part of that.
“I really wanted to get in amongst that race and it felt a lot faster but I guess being on the outside on butterfly you can’t really tell where people are.”
She added: “I’ve just got to move on from the disappointment and pick myself up for the 200.”
The Beckenham Swimming Club star is ranked fourth in the world at 200m butterfly and said: “I definitely feel that my strength is in the 200 and I just want to get stuck into that now.”
The preliminary round of the 200m butterfly is on Tuesday morning with the semi-finals that night and the final on Wednesday evening.
Source: www.kentnews.co.uk
Mom’s in the middle of chaos, again - Independent Online
Patricia Heaton fans will be pleased to know the funny and talented actress is back on the box, in The Middle.
Most of us first saw her on Everybody Loves Raymond as Debra. She plays a housewife who feels let down by the matrimonial system. She constantly feels as if the work she puts in at home, which includes cleaning and looking after the kids without her husband’s help, is not appreciated.
Her hubby, Ray, plays the clown at every opportunity, so much so she sometimes feels he is one of the kids, too. Then come the never-ending visits from his relatives who make the couple’s business theirs, too. When Debra can’t take it anymore she takes it out on her Ray.
Interestingly, Heaton moved to the other show and plays an identical role to the one in Everybody Loves Raymond.
In The Middle, which airs every Wednesday on Comedy Central, Heaton takes on the role of Frankie Heck, who is, you guessed it, the wife and mother of, again not one or two, but three, impossible kids.
The element of semi-dysfunctional family and relatives is also brought into The Middle. However, unlike in Everybody Loves Raymond, Heaton is the lead character and the entire storyline revolves around her.
While this is all good and well, and perhaps she stays employed and relevant, you have to wonder if she made the right decision in accepting the part. Indeed it is a big show, but then we can’t deny that she runs the risk of being typecast. You may be wondering what the fuss is about, but any actor worth their salt knows they are better off not working than being type-cast. You become that character and nothing else. Look at Jean-Claude Van Damme and his career. After a few years as the guy who lost a brother and is out for revenge, people kind off got tired of it and went looking for more meaningful stories. Don’t even get me started on Sylvester Stallone.
In comedy many actors have been stuck in one role in different shows for years. This has corroded their careers and made them undesirable for mould-breaking roles. Tasha Smith comes to mind. If you’ve watched a few Tyler Perry films then you know Smith. She’s the loudmouth with a drinking and temper problem in all the roles he’s cast her in. You will find her as a ’hood rat in Daddy’s Little Girls and a psycho in Why Did I Get Married? But beyond that, you’ll not see her in anything serious.
Is Heaton headed that way? Time will tell.
• The Middle,Wednesdays at 7.40pm on Comedy Central (channel 122).
Source: www.iol.co.za
Kent County Council plea for more South East grammar schools - Worldnews.com
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The 18th century was dominated by wars with France, during which the Medway became the primary base for a fleet that could act along the Dutch and French coasts. When the theatre of operation moved to the Atlantic, this role was assumed by ...Source: article.wn.com
United Kingdom: Guarantors Not Always Guaranteed - Mondaq
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Hubby brought his girlfriend to the matrimonial home - Jamaica Observer
Dear Mrs Macaulay,
I am currently residing in the United Kingdom. I have been married for 14 years. In January 2010 my husband told me he would be going to Jamaica for a family birthday party, but I subsequently discovered that he had booked a family holiday for himself, his ex girlfriend, and her teenage daughter. They spent a full two weeks in our matrimonial home that we had built together in Jamaica
We had remortgaged our home here in the United Kingdom and also borrowed loans to build that house. The affair caused unrest in the relationship and he moved out. Now he is filing for divorce here.
I am looking for some support with reference to gaining information on jointly owned properties in Jamaica, where the owners reside overseas. This is because my husband is trying to tell me that the house in Jamaica is his and I am not entitled to half. While he was vacationing in Jamaica he told family members that he and I were already divorced, and that he has sole ownership of the house. How do I ensure that I am fairly treated and get what is rightly mine.
It is always sad when a marriage or settled relationship breaks up and it is even sadder when it is of such a long duration. It also is particularly painful when the break-up is the result of lies and unfaithfulness, and in your case, your spouse was particularly disrespectful.
However, you should not despair. You will recover from the pain of your husband's disrespectful and abhorrent conduct, because any man who would take his paramour and illicitly cohabit with her in the matrimonial home is not worth a moment of your time.
It doesn't matter that you both ordinarily reside in the UK. What is relevant is who are the persons registered on the certificate of title as the proprietors of the property and with what kind of tenancy. If you are both registered as joint tenants, then you both own the premises — the whole of it in undivided shares — and you will each, on a breakdown, generally be entitled to a 50/50 on the severance of the joint tenancy. So in these circumstances, if he wants to solely own the house and you agree, then he will have to buy your 50 per cent share at the real market value, following a valuation of the premises by a licensed valuator.
If you do not agree, you can try to buy him out, or if neither of you can buy the other out, the property will have to be sold on the open market and the net proceeds shared between you 50/50.
If you are registered as tenants-in-common, then you each own 50 per cent share individually and independently of each other. The possibility of either of you buying the other out would also apply in these circumstances and failing this, a sale in the open market.
If you both cannot agree on what steps to take towards the partitioning and division of your interests in the property, then you must, of course, apply to the court here in Jamaica for a declaration of your respective interests, and for orders for the interests to be partitioned and by what means you will each obtain your respective interest as declared by the court.
If only his name appears on the title, you must quickly apply to the court here for a declaration of your respective interests in the premises and for the consequential orders you require to obtain your full interest as declared by the court. These would generally be that either of you can buy the other's interest and failing this, that the property be sold on the open market after a valuation by a licensed valuator agreed by you both, or chosen by the registrar of the Supreme Court if you fail to agree. Then, your attorney-at-law should have carriage of any such sale and he or she shall then pay out the net proceeds to the parties as ordered by the court.
I'm telling you to apply quickly because you did not say that you were both registered on the title and I thought it best to mention this latter circumstance, just in case. You must act quickly in order to lessen the chances of him effecting a transfer of the property to himself and some other persons in order to deprive you of your share. Though this will not deprive you of your interest, it adds complications. So I advise that you must quickly file your application as I have mentioned because if he then makes any attempt to sell it, or obtain a loan using it as surety for the loan, or transfer it wholly or a partial interest of it after your application has been filed, then he will be committing an offence under the Property (Rights of Spouses) Act.
If he is charged and convicted he will be liable to be fined $1,000,000 maximum or sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment for 12 months, or both. The level of sentence will, of course, depend on how egregious the judge considers his actions to be.
The court can also order that the sale, transfer or other dealing which has not yet been completed be restrained or if he had received monies, that he pays the monies into court to be dealt with as the court will determine. If the property is disposed of after the court order is made, it is, the Act says, void, and the court will have to decide what is to be done about any person who purports to have an interest in the premises and who makes such a claim.
Another matter which I must touch on is the fact that you both ordinarily reside in the UK and you have another home there. Yet you refer to this property in Jamaica as your matrimonial home. The Property (Rights of Spouses) Act refers to a family home, which is what I suppose you mean. The fact of living in the UK is not a problem that will bar you having any interest in it. I am sure it was for your use whenever you came home to Jamaica.
"Family home" is defined by the Act as the dwelling house that is completely owned by either of you or both of you and which is generally used, or used "from time to time" by you as spouses as the only or principal family residence. You must also show that while you were here in Jamaica it was your only or the principal place of your residence, in order to bring it within the meaning in the Act.
It really does not matter what your husband believes and what he has told his mistress and any other persons, what matters is what you do now about ensuring that the court here determines your interest in this property and makes an order giving you and upholding that interest. Remember, you clearly contributed to the acquisition of this home in Jamaica because you re-mortgaged your home in the UK and also borrowed monies in order to build the Jamaican home.
If there are outstanding sums due on these loans in the UK they must, of course, be paid off from the gross proceeds of sale either of the UK property or the Jamaican one before the net proceeds are divided in the proportions are ordered by the court.
So please get a lawyer in Jamaica and move on with your claim, especially as your husband has applied for divorce. Do not waste any time.
Margarette May Macaulay is an attorney-at-law, Supreme Court mediator, notary public and women's and children's rights advocate. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; or write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5. Mrs Macaulay cannot give personal advice outside of this column.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to legal advice from your own attorney.
Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
Hundreds protest toughening Spain's abortion law - The Guardian
HAROLD HECKLE
Associated Press= MADRID (AP) — Hundreds of Spaniards protested Sunday against the conservative government's proposal to roll back women's abortion rights, including in cases where the fetus is deformed.
The protesters in Madrid included one young woman who wrote the slogan "Judges and priests away from my body" on her belly.
Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz Gallardon has said he will ask Parliament to change the existing law, including implementing a requirement for parental permission in cases where 16- and 17-year-olds want to end pregnancies.
Gallardon said the changes also make it harder for women to abort fetuses with physical deformities.
"The malformation of a fetus can no longer be a case for abortion," Gallardon said in a recent interview published by the La Razon newspaper.
In 2010, Spain's Socialist government changed the law to allow abortions without restrictions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and for 16- and 17-year-olds without parental permission.
Gallardon's right-leaning Popular Party won a landslide victory in November and has promised to carry out its campaign pledge to tighten abortion laws.
A poll by Metroscopia commissioned and published by El Pais newspaper on Sunday said that Gallardon's proposal was unpopular, even among conservative voters.
It said 65 percent of Popular Party voters and 64 percent of practicing Roman Catholics disagreed with the proposal to make aborting fetuses with malformations illegal.
A total of 81 percent of those polled disagreed with Gallardon's proposal, the poll said.
The poll surveyed 1,000 adults above 18 years of age and had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
