The planned increase of university fees has caused uproar. Not just in the media or in the hallowed halls of learning but with a string of oft violent student and children demonstrations. The main riots occurred in London and many felt that the learners have only damaged their case. As usual, the police were accused of brutality and ‘kettling’ but this drew little support from the disappointed and enraged British public. Many arrests were made and charges including one of attempted murder are pending. If this is the conduct of children in higher learning, I can see why thousands of citizens across the nation have recorded their shame at being British!
Australia’s national carrier Quantas grounded its fleet of Airbus A380s following a mid air incident on flight QF32 on route to Singapore’s Changi airport.
Detained Aung San Suu Kyi is finally released from house arrest in Burma. The iconic politician appeared head-held-high to thousands of cheering supporters after 22 years of isolation. Oxford educated, she had returned to her homeland and stood up to the brutal military regime. Her pacifist Buddhist beliefs carried her through her ordeal and, with the support of most of the rest of the world, her determination has won through. I for one wish her well.
The British couple kidnapped from their yacht by Somali pirates were freed. Paul and Rachel Chandler’s release was secured when an undefined ransom was paid. Both are relatively healthy and, needless to say, overjoyed to be free and returning to the United Kingdom. When will lone sailors stop venturing into these dangerous waters at this time?
The saga of the kidnapped and murdered British bride near Cape Town began. Anni Dewani was abducted by bandits when her husband Shrien was ejected from their taxi just after entering the notorious Gugulethu township. Many suspicions are arising and the case continues to hit the headlines both in South Africa and Britain.
Another terrible mine disaster! A series of explosions rocked the Pike River Coal Mine on New Zealand’s south island and claimed the lives of 29 miners. After authorities ruled out any possibility of survivors, Prime Minister John Key declared that New Zealand was a nation in mourning.
And of course, the announcement that Prince William is to marry Kate Middleton in April was generally well received by the British public. Congratulations on the engagement and forthcoming nuptials flooded into London’s Kensington Palace from around the world and the royal wedding is expected to be a major tourist attraction next spring.
Snippets
· An 18 moth old baby survived a seven story fall from a building in Paris. The infant landed in an open café front awning and rolled into the waiting arms of a passing doctor. What a miracle!
· Brazil appointed its first lady president in history. Sixty-two year old Dilma Rousseff represents the Brazilian W0rkers Party and was elected after securing 56% of the vote.
· Three bottles of Château Lafitte-Rothschild produced during the reign of Napoleon 111 fetched £145 each at auction in Hong Kong. A Chinese investor snapped up the 1869 wine (which probably is now undrinkable) presumably for its historic value.
· At another auction in London, a Chinese vase found in an attic was knocked down for an amazing £43 million to an unknown Chinese buyer. The 18th century vase was dated from the Qianlong period was found when the house of their deceased parents was cleared by a brother and sister.
· Money appears to be no object around the world of auction houses. London jeweller Howard Graff secured a 24.8 carat pink diamond at a Geneva auction for £29 million and promptly named it after himself… and why not?
My favourite report came from Sunday Times. Apparently 25% of married couples ultimately move into separate beds due to one or both of the spouses snoring, talking in their sleep or restless bedcovers tugging habits.
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