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Tag: Britain

  • Senators Urge UK to Reconsider Using Huawei

    Senators Urge UK to Reconsider Using Huawei

    Following the UK’s decision to include Huawei in their 5G networks, U.S. senators are urging the House of Commons to reconsider.

    A bipartisan group of 20 senators have penned a letter to the House of Commons to express “significant concern with the Government of the United Kingdom’s recent decision to allow Huawei Technologies in its 5G network infrastructure. Given the significant security, privacy, and economic threats posed by Huawei, we strongly urge the United Kingdom to revisit its recent decision, take steps to mitigate the risks of Huawei, and work in close partnership with the U.S. on such efforts going forward.”

    The senators go on to point out that the UK has already “warned that Huawei’s telecommunications equipment raises ‘significant’ security issues,” and highlights the Chinese government’s track record of compelling Chinese companies to cooperate with its intelligence-gathering efforts.

    The letter concludes by thanking the House of Commons for its “consideration of this critical issue, as well as for the trusted partnership between our governments which we remain committed to uphold.”

    The senators’ letter is the latest in efforts by U.S. officials to isolate Huawei and restrict its growth worldwide. Whether such efforts will succeed remains to be seen.

  • Britain On the Verge Of Including Huawei

    Britain On the Verge Of Including Huawei

    Despite U.S. pressure to ban Huawei, the British government is preparing to include the company in its 5G plans, according to Reuters.

    The U.S. has already banned Huawei and has engaged in a campaign for its allies to do the same, citing allegations the telecommunications giant serves as a way for Beijing to spy on governments and companies around the world. There have even been threats of limiting intel sharing with countries that use Huawei, something that would have profound impacts on the U.S. and UK’s “special relationship.”

    According to Reuters, Britain is trying to thread the needle by considering an option that would include Huawei, but limit it “from the sensitive, data-heavy ‘core’ part of the network and restricted government systems, closely mirroring a provisional decision made last year under former Prime Minister Theresa May.”

    Any concession toward Huawei is likely to strain relations with the U.S. but, as Reuters points out, Britain is also trying to balance its trade with China and the warnings of telecom operators that banning Huawei would significantly raise the cost of 5G deployment.

    A final decision is expected next week.

  • Austria Will Work With EU Partners On Huawei Decision

    Austria Will Work With EU Partners On Huawei Decision

    As Britain and Germany consider whether to ban Huawei, Austria has said it will collaborate with EU partners on a decision, according to Reuters.

    The U.S. and Huawei have been engaged in a war over the company’s role in helping build out 5G networks around the world. The U.S. has already banned the Chinese telecommunications company as a result of allegations it provides a way for Beijing to spy on governments and corporations.

    The U.S. has also engaged in a campaign to convince its allies of the danger of relying on Huawei, even threatening to ban intel sharing with countries that use the company. For its part, Huawei has denied the allegations, while network operators have lamented that any attempt to avoid Huawei equipment will add time and expense to 5G deployments.

    Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz would not rule out using Huawei, but said the country would work with EU partners on a decision.

    “We want to be technology-neutral and at the same time guarantee maximum safety,” Kurz said at a news conference in Vienna. “We are in close coordination with our European partners and also with the European Commission.”

  • China Confident Brazil Will Choose Huawei For Its 5G Mobile Network

    China Confident Brazil Will Choose Huawei For Its 5G Mobile Network

    Huawei has come under fire from countries throughout the West, with allegations the telecommunications equipment company engages in spying for the Chinese government. The United States, Britain, Australia and Germany have expressed concern in some cases, and gone as far as to ban the company in others.

    In spite of Huawei’s reputation, at least one major country is undeterred: Brazil. Bloomberg is reporting that the Chinese government is confident Huawei will be chosen to build out Brazil’s 5G mobile network.

    “I am confident in terms of the cooperation between China and Brazil over 5G technology”, China’s Ambassador to Brasilia Yang Wanming told Bloomberg in response to emailed questions. He added that Brazil “will take into account its own development interest” when analyzing Huawei’s bid.

    Yang also indicated that Brazil has remained objective and had not been moved by what he described as the United States’ campaign of “bad faith and defamation.”

    Nonetheless, if China’s assessment is correct, and Huawei is chosen, it could ratchet up tension between the U.S. and Brazil. The U.S. has been warning allies of the dangers of relying on Huawei and has already informed Brazil it may downgrade security cooperation if Huawei is chosen.

    Telecom companies in other countries have already been sounding the warning regarding the added cost and time that will be incurred building 5G networks without Huawei’s equipment. Countries, especially ones with limited options, will no doubt be watching closely to see who blinks in this game of 5G brinksmanship.

  • Not So Fast: Huawei May Not Qualify to Participate In German 5G Market

    Not So Fast: Huawei May Not Qualify to Participate In German 5G Market

    Germany made headlines a few weeks ago when it released its ‘security catalog,’ a set of rules for 5G deployment. Despite the German government stating no telecommunications company was excluded, it now appears Huawei may not qualify after all, according to Reuters.

    Reuters is reporting that German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed concern over Huawei’s dependence on the Chinese government, obligating it to pass on any sensitive information it may be privy to.

    According to the report, “Germany therefore wants to add a test of trustworthiness to the 5G security catalogue that so far had mainly envisaged an evaluation of technical criteria, Maas said.

    “In this test of trustworthiness, German authorities will examine if a company is forced by law in its home country to pass on information and data that actually should be protected, Maas said, adding: ‘That’s the case with Huawei.’”

    Despite Maas’ stance, nothing is certain. German operators have already warned the government that banning Huawei would add billions in cost and years of effort to a successful 5G rollout. It’s possible Germany may allow Huawei to participate, but limit the company’s access from more sensitive aspects of the technology’s deployment.

    Whatever happens, with the U.S. continuing to pressure allies and Britain voicing similar concern, Huawei still faces a long road to convincing world governments that it can be trusted.

  • Geri Halliwell Hangs Out With Prince Harry During F1 Qualifying Race

    On November 22, Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was seen in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix qualifying session ahead of Sunday’s championship-deciding race. Halliwell and Prince Harry were seen at the Infiniti Red Bull enclosure as they watched Britain’s Lewis Hamilton qualify for the race. The two shared a few jokes on the sidelines. Just days earlier, Halliwell and her fiancé Christian Horner was seen supporting the prince during the Sentebale Polo Cup. The three even had dinner together after the polo match. Halliwell has been a friend of the royal family for a long time now and has known Harry since he was a child.

    Talking about her friendship with Prince Harry, Halliwell said, “I have met Prince Harry a few times. I’ve seen him since he was about 10. I have seen him grow up. It is brilliant what he is doing with his life. It’s all for a good cause. I think he is a great ambassador for showing people that we care and he’s got a great spirit and heart. I think he’s brilliant.”

    Halliwell was at the Formula One qualifying race supporting her fiancé, who is the owner of the Red Bull F1 racing team. Earlier this month, the couple announced their engagement via an ad in the “Births, Marriages and Deaths” pages of The Times. The announcement read, “The engagement is announced between Christian, son of Mr and Mrs G.M. Horner and Geraldine, daughter of the Mr L.F. Halliwell and Mrs A. Parkinson.” According to a representative of Halliwell, “Everyone is really pleased for them and wishes them happiness and good health together for many, many years to come.”

    The couple have been dating since the start of the year, and Halliwell reportedly told friends that she’s the happiest she’s ever been in her life. Rumors about an engagement between the two have been circulating since July. 

  • Prince Charles Urges Constituents To Reconnect With Farming

    To celebrate his 66th birthday, Prince Charles wrote a foreword for Country Life magazine, in which he described his worries on the future of the countryside and urged people to value it or risk losing it.

    “People in the UK are now four or more generations removed from anyone who actually worked on the land – and it frequently shows in their attitudes,” wrote Prince Charles. “The rich, natural tapestry that is the countryside we value so highly does not just happen by itself. But that delicately woven tapestry is facing unprecedented challenges.”

    Last year, Prince Charles reportedly guest-edited for the magazine as a way of celebrating his 65th birthday. The monarch turns 66 on Friday, November 14. “We are delighted that the prince agreed to mark his 66th birthday by writing a powerful leader on the importance of preserving the countryside and its way of life,” said Mark Hedges, editor of Country Life.

    Post by Charles,Prince of Wales.
    “The prince has a deep understanding and connection with every aspect of people working and living in rural Britain, from highlighting the hardship facing hill farmers who, last year, earned on average £8,000 to the 60,000 new entrants needed in the UK farming sector to secure its future, to the importance of preserving village schools, pubs and shops at the heart of country communities,” added Hedges. Unlike his more conservative mother, Prince Charles has been outspoken on topics such as the environment, being the owner of the successful organic farm Duchy Home Farm. He runs several organic groups besides the Countryside Fund, which gives support to farmers and tackles issues such as rural isolation and the decline of communities. Prince Charles in his piece emphasized the importance of the farmer “as food producer, at the front and centre of the picture.” “It would not only be a folly to lose agricultural land, it would be equally foolish to use it in ways that are not environmentally sustainable in the long term,” wrote Prince Charles.

  • Rita Ora Replacing Kylie Minogue On BBC’s The Voice

    It looks like Rita Ora will be joining the judges panel on Britain’s The Voice.

    According to BBC, the 23-year-old British singer will be replacing current judge Kylie Minogue for the upcoming fourth season, and will be joining judges Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Ricky Wilson.

    “Sir Tom Jones is our rock, Ricky is awesome and it’s our pleasure to welcome the very talented Rita Ora. Rita is sweet, spicy and sassy – she’s going to be a great addition to the Coaches team,” fellow coach Will.i.am said.

    Ora has expressed her excitement for her new role, and took to Twitter to share a photo of the exciting announcement.

    “So excited to be part of; and for my team to win The Voice this series!!, Rita captioned the photo.

    “Let’s have some fun @iamwill,@RealSirTomJones and @Rickontour!! Looking forward to the blind rounds and spinning in my big red chair.EXCITED!” Ora later tweeted.

    BBC also shared the same photo of Ora and captioned it by saying, “We’re stupendously excited to introduce our Ora-some (hmm) new coach for series 4 of #thevoiceuk… @RitaOra!”

    So far, Britain’s version of the singing competition has yet to provide a successful winner. However, Moira Ross, The Voice UK’s executive producer, said that this year will prove to be different.

    “The Voice has gone from strength to strength with each passing year and series four promises to be bigger than ever,” Ross said.

    Season four is set to air in January 2015.

  • ‘Kate Middleton Effect’ Boosts U.K. Clothing Sales

    The “Kate Middleton Effect” (or “Kate Effect” for short) is an oft used term by the media to describe the effect that Kate Middleton has on the world around her, most specifically the fashion industry. While the term may have seemed a bit hyperbolic at first, recently revealed data shows that the “Kate Effect” is more powerful than anyone could have imagined.

    The “Kate Effect” truly began on a quaint day in April 2011 when she married current Prince of England and Duke of Cambridge, William. Since that day, women across the world have been clamoring to get their hands on the latest fashion worn by the newly minted Princess of England and Duchess of Cambridge.

    Early speculation pegged the “Kate Effect” as a multi-billion dollar boon to the economy of the United Kingdom, with many news outlets reporting that the “Kate Effect” had boosted the U.K. economy by $1 billion, with other estimates going as high as $2 billion.

    After a recent financial report released by British maternity clothing line Seraphine, however, that contribution of the “Kate Effect” is no longer speculation.

    Profits for Seraphine quadrupled this past year after the Princess decided to release the first photographs of her newborn child while wearing one of the company’s fuchsia dresses.

    For 2013, Seraphine posted a £1.1m profit before taxes, up from a £0.25m profit in 2012. Seraphine also saw a 60 percent increase in turnover.

    Chelsey Oliver, the creative director of Seraphine, contributed the majority of the gain to the Princess, stating, “We were the only specialist maternity retailers that were seen to be dressing her during her pregnancy, which put us on the map. The fuchsia Jolene dress was the really big cherry on the cake but we benefited from the overall message about who we were to the Duchess of Cambridge.”

    Oliver went on to explain that the main reason Kate had such influence on Seraphine sales was due to her down-to-earth appeal: “She was wearing a maternity brand post pregnancy and she was saying to the world, ‘I’m a real woman, I’m not jumping back into tiny fitted clothes’. On top of her looking great, her message was such a good one.”

    While the “Kate Effect” has certainly spurred business in the United Kingdom, it has also had an adverse effect toward certain high-end businesses. In 2012, Kate Middleton knock-off products cost jewelers nearly $10 million.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tony Benn Dead at 88, Britain Mourns

    Tony Benn, renowned British leftist politician, died Friday at the age of 88, surrounded by loving family.

    Benn is commonly known for renouncing his family title, or hereditary peerage, in order to retain his seat in the House of Commons. He won his election despite the fact he was, technically, disqualified from his position due to his title, which he had recently inherited from his deceased father and, unfortunately, brother.

    His determination to remain in Parliament was the instrumental move in creating the Peerage Act 1963, which allowed the renunciation of peerage for those peers seeking to remain or enter Parliament positions. His passionate commitment to public service and labor rights shone throughout his political career, start to finish.

    Tony Benn’s political leanings were leftist, on the radical side, matching his family history of radicalism. He was renowned as a strong proponent of labor rights and a member of the British Labour party.

    Benn is also lesser known for proposing removing the Queen’s image from British postage stamps, opposing the off-shore, “pirate” radio stations which cropped up in Britain in the 1960’s, and as an early supporter of Margaret Thatcher. He was also a supporter of the 1984-1985 British miner’s strike, which may be particularly interesting to the Kentuckians among us, like myself.

    In the past decade or so, Benn had committed himself to promoting peace in Iraq. He petitioned Saddam Hussein for the release of prisoners in 1990. He interviewed Saddam Hussein himself in 2003, before Saddam’s death in 2006.

    He even extended his peaceful leanings to vegetarianism, a diet he retained until his death for ethical reasons.

    Benn is survived by his daughter, Melissa, and his sons, Hilary, Stephen, and Joshua. His wife, Caroline Middleton DeCamp (an American), passed away in 2000, who he described as his “socialist soul-mate”. Benn’s death is truly a loss, not only for Britain, but for us all.

    Image via Twitter

  • Prince William & Prince Charles Make Wildlife Plea

    Prince William and Prince Charles have teamed up to publicize the devastating effects of the illegal wildlife trade in a video they released today, in an effort to stop the trade and killing of the world’s wildlife species.

    The duo’s plea included urging people to show their support for organizations working to stop the exchange of illegal wildlife around the world.

    “We have come together, as father and son, to lend our voices to the growing global effort to combat the illegal wildlife trade,” the 65-year-old royal says in the approximately 9-minute clip. “A trade that has reached such unprecedented levels of killing and related violence that it now poses a grave threat not only to the survival of some of the world’s most treasured species, but also to economic and political stability in many areas around the world.”

    They explain, in some detail, how endangered species are killed in astonishingly high numbers, and reveal the political and economic effects of the illegal wildlife trade.

    “Despite the terrible crisis that we now face, we both continue to be optimistic that the tide can be reversed,” Prince William continued, “We have to be the generation that stopped the illegal wildlife trade, and secured the future of these magnificent animals, and their habitats, for if we fail, it will be too late.”

    The father-son duo are following through with their message in action as well, as William will be attending the United for Wildlife Symposium at the Zoological Society London, and a reception at the Natural History Museum, on Wednesday, which is hosted by the U.K. government on the Illegal Wildlife Trade.

    Then on Thursday, they both are showing their support and participation in attending the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, where leaders from across the globe will meet to discuss a more permanent solution to protecting the world’s endangered species.

    William, 31, says in the video, “Despite the terrible crisis that we now face, we both continue to be optimistic that the tide can be reversed.”

    The video ends with the two royals saying the phrase “Let’s unite for wildlife!” in several different languages.

    Image via World Wildlife Fund

  • One Direction Named Top Band Of 2013

    One Direction Named Top Band Of 2013

    One Direction, the British boy band that took the world by storm after appearing together during the 2010 season of X Factor, was named the Global Recording Artists of 2013 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, on Wednesday.

    The IFPI represents the music business all around the world, and, for the first year, included streaming numbers, along with downloads and physical purchases, when determining the winner of the award.

    “Streaming has become so much more mainstream within the music industry worldwide over the last couple of years we thought it was time we integrated the streams-on services such as Deezer and Spotify and YouTube as well,” Alex Jacob, the IFPI communications manager said.

    “Many congratulations to One Direction who topped a talented field to become the IFPI Global Recording Artists of 2013,” said chief executive of IFPI Frances Moore. “This is a global IFPI award for a new era of music consumption, based on a new metric of global success. Our chart for the first time measures the popularity of artists across the many different ways in which fans choose their music.”

    One Direction released their third studio album Midnight Memories last year, and it instantly rose to the top of the Billboard Top 200 chart. The band has also had success on YouTube. Their single Best Song Ever received more than 200 million views, while Story of My Life recorded nearly 100 million.

    “Incredible news,” band member Niall Horan said. “It’s great to have a chart that includes everything from iTunes and record stores, to YouTube and Spotify. Again a huge thank you to all of our fans for such an amazing 2013.”

    Eninem came in second, behind One Direction, with Justin Timberlake in third. Bruno Mars and Katy Perry rounded off the top five.

    Image via Twitter

  • Parents Face Prison For Taking Kids Out Of School

    Stewart and Natasha Sutherland simply wanted to enjoy a long awaited family vacation, and took their children out of school for the event. They now risk jail time because they refused to pay a fine under Britain’s new law.

    The couple was fined an initial £360 after they went away for seven days at the end of September, but they did not pay the fine. The fine then doubled to £720 because they did not pay it within 21 days.

    Now they are to appear before Telford Magistrates’ Court to be reprimanded and they face possible jail time.

    Part of their logic makes sense; the vacation they took to the Greek Island of Rhodes for seven days was booked prior to the new guidelines that were put in force on September 1 last year. In addition, they are their parents and should be trusted to know what is best for them.

    However, they were warned before they went away, they each risked a £60 fine for taking their six-year-old son, Keane, and their daughters Sian, 13, and Rhiannan, 15, out of school for the break.

    Stewart commented, “I work in a sensitive job where staffing levels have to be maintained – there’s been a recruitment and overtime ban and it’s been impossible to arrange summer leave that fits in with the rest of the family.”

    Further, “I know how important education is – but there’s a bigger picture. Family time is important, too, and the children’s behavior and schooling has improved massively since our holiday together.”

    And now, due to Section 444 of the Education Act, 1996, that states that parents are legally required to send their children to school on a regular basis, and failure to do so can land them a fine or prison sentence, has literally landed them in some hot water.

    The Sutherland’s stated that they informed the school of the planned vacation, and were apparently unaware of the new laws in the Education Act.

    Mr. Sutherland stated: “I informed the school after the summer holidays that we were taking the children out for six days. At that point, I wasn’t even aware of the new legislation.”

    “We had a letter back warning that as the time off was not authorized we could be fined, but the holiday was already booked and paid for – what could I do?”

    “We are their parents; it should be up to us. I have no concerns over any of my children or their level of education. They are all in the top sets, and we believe quality family time is just as important as schooling.”

    The team leader for Telford & Wrekin Council, Kay Burford, argued that the law was put into place because time off is disruptive to a child’s education.

    She said: “Our policy supports new legislation which makes it clear that head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.”

    Further, “Parents should never simply discount a possible penalty notice from the cost of a cheaper holiday, because this is a criminal offense and when doing so they are always risking prosecution.”

    So, the jury is out on this case, however, and if these parents go to jail it will undoubtedly create a major storm.

    Image via YouTube

  • Prince William to Study at Cambridge University in 2014

    Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is returning to school. Kensington Palace made the announcement on Monday.

    According to the official press release, William will begin a 10-week program in agricultural management in early January. The course is described as an “executive education [program] of seminars, lectures and meetings” and is organized by the Cambridge Program for Sustainability Leadership.

    According to the press release, the course was “designed to help provide The Duke with an understanding of contemporary issues affecting agricultural business and rural communities in the United Kingdom.”

    The course could very well be Prince William’s first step in learning to manage the vast wealth and resources of the Duchy of Cornwall, which he will inherit from his father, Prince Charles when he becomes king.

    The Duchy of Cornwall consists of 53,154 hectacres of land in 24 counties. That’s over 130,000 acres. Nearly half the land is in Devon, with other holdings in counties such as Cornwall, Dorset, Herefordshire, Norfolk, Somerset, and Wales.

    The land held by the Duchy ranges from agricultural to residential to commercial properties. In addition, the Duchy has a portfolio of financial investments.

    According to the Duchy’s annual report, it had income of 19.1 million pounds – roughly $31.5 million – for the year ending March 31, 2013.

    Income from the Duchy currently funds the public, private, and charitable activities of Prince Charles and his family.

    Prince William has a bit of spare time to dedicate to learning to manage the sizable estate he’ll one day inherit after having stepped down from his career in the Armed Forces in September.

    The press release assures the British public that the Duke and his bride, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, will continue to support the Queen and the royal family through official engagements both at home and abroad.

    It also promises that William is carefully considering just how he’ll serve the public, and that an announcement will be made “in due course.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Plastic Currency Coming To Britain In 2016

    When most people think of “plastic currency”, a credit card comes to mind. However, the Bank of England has a very different idea in mind for 2016, when they will unveil plastic money.

    The polymer banknotes are intended to save money in the long run, as it will keep the printing costs down for bills that have too much wear.

    “Ensuring trust and confidence in money is at the heart of what central banks do,” Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, said in a statement. “Polymer notes are the next step in the evolution of banknote design to meet that objective. The quality of polymer notes is higher, they are more secure from counterfeiting and they can be produced at lower cost to the taxpayer and the environment.”

    Five-pound notes will be issued in 2016, followed by ten-pound notes in 2017. Of course, the move to plastic has more benefits than a lack of wear and tear; polymer money also has added security features and is much harder to counterfeit. Britain will now join Australia and Canada–as well as dozens of other countries–in the change from paper, and it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

    “Pending some kind of catastrophe, it’s going to be more of a continued trend toward using polymer,” Christopher Jeffery, editor of Central Banking Publications, said.

    The U.S. is not currently in talks to make the switch, which could be because polymer money costs about twice as much to make as paper. It lasts 3-5 times longer, however.

    Image: Wikimedia Commons

  • British Archaeologists Uncover Mesolithic Tools, Roman Skulls

    National Geographic reported on Friday that tunnelers who were contracted with expanding the London Underground have discovered over 20 Roman-era skulls, probably dated to the first century C.E. The beheaded Romans have been suggested to be possible victims of the famed Warrior Queen Boudicca, who led her Iceni tribe in a rebellion against Roman rule.

    Speaking with National Geographic about possibility of the Romans being victims of Queen Boudica, archaeologist and discovery team member Don Walker said “It has been suggested that previous finds of skulls dating to this period may belong to victims of the rebellion… Even if this was part of a massacre, and there is no evidence that it was, it would be difficult to link it directly to the Boudicca rebellion. Of course, we will keep an open mind for now.”

    The skulls were discovered roughly 20 feet underneath Liverpool Street as part of a $23 billion engineering project conducted by Crossrail. The workers uncovered the find as they dug through dirt containing ancient sediments from the Walbrook River, a dried up tributary of the Thames River. Archaeologists believe the artifacts collected in a riverbend they washed downstream from a burial ground.

    The Roman skulls are not the only artifacts uncovered by the Crossrail project. Finds include a 9000-year-old Mesolithic “tool factory,” medieval plague pits, and a 16th century graveyard related to the infamous mental asylum, Bedlam Hospital. The artifacts will be donated to the Museum of London and the Natural History Museum for Londoners to study and enjoy.

    When asked about the Roman skulls’ origins, Walker had several comments. “It is never a surprise to find the remains of burials in London! The size of the city and its long history mean that you are never very far away from a burial ground, whether it be Roman or later,” he said.

    “However, whilst we knew that we would encounter burials from the 16th-century Bedlam burial ground, it was not at all certain whether Roman graves would turn up. he added. “The sheer number of skulls we have found, currently more than two dozen, has indeed surprised us.”

    [Image via the official archaeology story of Crossrail on YouTube]

  • Clown Terrorizes Town in Britain

    A clown is terrorizing a town in Britain. Yes, you read that correctly. Called the “Northampton Clown,” someone is dressing up in a clown costume and is creeping out the residents of Northampton. Not to fear, though–another Northampton resident has decided to become the superhero “Boris the Clown Catcher” and catch the Northampton Clown.

    There is a Facebook page for the clown where users can discuss Northampton Clown sightings and post pictures. Some people have reported that the creepy clown says, “Beep, beep” when it approaches people, which is a line from Stephen King “IT” miniseries that features a child-killing clown.

    While the idea of a clown walking around that isn’t on its way to a kid’s birthday party is strange, some people are genuinely afraid of the Northampton Clown and say they would shoot him or “run him down” if they see him. It’s a good thing the clown has decided to remain anonymous.

    The Facebook page mentioned above was started on Friday the 13th, and the creator of the page claims to be the clown in question. There have been three police reports of a clown knocking on people’s doors at night, which the clown on Facebook denies.

    To make a bizarre story stranger, there may actually be two clowns hanging around Northampton. According to the clown behind the Facebook page, “Its not me in the papers! I don’t terrorise people I just want to be spotted.” The clown from the Facebook page also said, “Too much hate, not enough love. No, I don’t have a knife on me. That’s just stupid rumours spread by stupid people.”

    So there may be one run-of-the-mill clown who just enjoys creeping people out and another clown who has a knife and perhaps more devious intentions. Plus, there is Boris the Clown Catcher. Hopefully for the residents (and Boris) there is just the one clown, with no knife, and people’s imaginations are getting the best of them. Either way, between a clown prowling the streets and a superhero whose purpose is to catch clowns, it must be interesting being a resident of Northampton.

    What do you think about the Northampton clown–do you find it humorous or creepy? Add your comments below.

    Image via Facebook

  • Sarin Found in Syria Clothing Samples, Says Cameron

    As the U.S. Congress debates the merits of bombing Syria, the British Prime Minister is also pushing the case for intervention in the Syrian Civil War. Speaking at the G20 summit today in Saint Petersburg, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron asserted that new tests have turned up positive for sarin gas in Syria.

    According to The Gurardian, Cameron stated that the new tests confirm sarin was part of an attack in eastern Damascus back in late August. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to deride the House of Commons, insinuating that Labor Party members chose to play politics instead of choosing what he called the “right” path. Cameron’s motion to involve the British military in a response to chemical weapon use in Syria was rejected by the House of Commons one week ago.

    Sarin has been classified by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction. The chemical is a nerve agent that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, acting as a sort of pesticide for humans. It causes complete loss of muscle control, including those used to breathe.

    One of the issues at hand is whether the Syrian government, rebel forces, or both have used Sarin as a chemical weapon. According to the Guardian report, Cameron stated that he is “confident” that the Assad regime is behind the chemical attacks. This sentiment is rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who maintains that Syrian rebel forces could have also been behind Sarin attacks. Russia, a member of the U.N. Security Council, is a close ally to the Assad regime.

    This is not the first time positive tests for Sarin gas have come out of Syria. As far back as early June, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced that sarin gas had been detected in urine and blood samples smuggled out of Syria by French journalists.

    (Image courtesy Harry Metcalfe via Wikimedia Commons)

    (via The Guardian)

  • Intel Report: Syrian Regime Confirmed Chem Agressor

    Recognizing the number of casualties is a moving target, at least 426 children are among the 1,429 people killed in last week’s chemical weapons attacks in Syria. The UN estimates 70,000+ have been killed during the two year conflict as featured in a Syria-focused Flipbook magazine by the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.

    These casualty numbers attributed to the attacks were disclosed in today’s Unclassified US Intelligence Assessment, which included the above map. The report asserts, “with high confidence that the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburbs on August 21, 2013. We further assess that the regime used a nerve agent in the attack.”

    While policy makers have been saying this since early in the week, the assessment provides a platform for US responses moving forward.

    The assessment which was issued by the White House Press Office is a result of all-source analysis across the Intelligence Community and in addition to traditional intel reporting, utilizes testimonials from medical personnel, witnesses and social media. Social media reporting started at 2:30 am local time on the day of the attacks and after four hours, thousands had communicated from no less than 12 Damascus-area locations. Policy makers also received a Classified briefing on the report which will not be released to the public so as to protect sources and methods.

    “There is a substantial body of information that implicates the Syrian government’s responsibility in the chemical weapons attack,” the assessment concludes. Intercepts of Syrian officials give evidence that the regime initiated the attacks. Similar reports even revealed concerns about UN inspectors obtaining evidence in the aftermath. Intelligence suggests the regime continued shelling in nearby neighborhoods through the early hours of 26 August.

    President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry both issued statements today in response to the assessment. The President is still considering options but he stressed that any action taken would be, “a limited, narrow act,” that would not require, “boots on the ground.”

    NBC News conducted a survey shortly before the release of the assessment in which 35 out of 100 respondents approved of Obama’s handling of the Syrian case. Half would support a US military response if it was restricted to air strikes launched from US ships.

    Secretary Kerry urged the American public to read the intelligence assessment in its entirety, stressing the Administration’s desire to share available information, “with the citizens who have entrusted all of us… with the responsibility for their security.”

    “And we know it was ordinary Syrian citizens who reported all the horrors.” Kerry commended those who turned to social media, “we know, as does the world, that just 90 minutes later all hell broke loose in the social media.”

    Reasoning for the regime’s appalling actions is believed to be frustration with an inability to secure Damascus and its suburbs with conventional weapons against oppositionists. In fact, the Syrian regime may have conducted earlier, small scale chemical weapons attacks in the last year, the assessment goes on to report. The US is joined in confirming Damascus’ culpability in the attacks by Australia, Britain, France and Turkey; Britain alone has come out firmly against a military response.

    [Images via the White House Press Office.]

  • Military Strike Syria: Britain Says No

    Since the last WebProNews update on the crisis in Syria, there has been a lot of breaking news.

    The British parliament voted “no” on the decision to use military force against Syria. The British government had gathered intelligence and published a landmark assessment to provide evidence that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons on its people, thus killing hundreds of Syrian civilians.

    However, this assessment was not enough to sway British parliament in the favor of British Prime Minister Cameron.

    “…it is clear to me that the British parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action – I get that and the government will act accordingly.”  ~ British Prime Minister David Cameron

    If the U.S. does decide to take military action against Syria, it may now be unilateral:

    With strong resistance to military action and the latest news that Britain would not be joining the U.S. in the strikes, the U.S. government is scrambling to make a strong case for military force:

     

    Since breaking news regarding possible military strikes on Syria are coming out by the minute, Mashable just released an outstanding interactive map to make sense of it all:

    http://youtu.be/eEV6ySlsAmk

    [British Prime Minister Cameron, Main Image and Video Source: BBC and YouHotNews]

  • Gay Marriage to Be Recognized in Official OED Definition

    In light of Britain’s recent legalization of same-sex marriage, the publishers of the largest dictionary of the English language say that they will amend the definition of marriage to include that of the same-sex variety.

    “We continually monitor the words in our dictionaries, paying particular to those words whose usage is shifting, so yes, this will happen with marriage,” said a spokesperson for the Oxford University Press. “We are constantly monitoring usage in this area in order to consider what revisions and updates we may need to make. It’s worth pointing out that, as the OED is distinct from other dictionaries in being a historical record of the language, meanings of the past will remain, even while language changes and new ones are added.”

    As it stands, the Oxford Dictionary defines marriage as…

    the formal union of a man and a woman, typically as recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife

    A secondary definition adds that “(in some jurisdictions) a union between partners of the same sex.”

    According to Gay Star News, gay rights activists have been lobbying to change the wording to include same-sex unions in the primary definition – as they claim that relegating it to a secondary description is discriminatory.

    Other dictionaries like the Larousse in France and the Canada Space Dictionary already primarily define marriage to include same sex unions.

    It remains to be seen whether the OED will amend the definitions to specifically include same-sex unions, or simply take gender out of the definition altogether – something like “a legal union between two people.”

    [Gay Star News via Gawker]