Blog 4:South Africa see off England by a point after freak Willem Alberts try

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/24/england-south-africa-autumn-international

Summary

On 24 November at Twickenham, South Africa extended their unbeaten run of 11 games after captivating a hard edged victory of 16-15 against England. The Springboks scored the only try and kicked more effectively. Playing in filthy wet conditions kicking was necessary but Toby Flood missed two of his four kicks while Patrick Lambie kicked three out of three. England lost territorial advantages when Willem Alberts scored the try and Lambie rubbed more salt in England’s wound by nailing a wide edged conversion. The game was rough and the defences were tight but the Springboks held strong. In the last minute England reduced the score to one point with a penalty.

Opinion

South Africa ,aka the Springboks,  is the second best rugby team in the world. Thus beating the Springboks would be a victory for the other team. As the conditions were in England’s favour you would expect them to win but yet they could not beat the mighty team of South Africa. The Springboks are knows as a team consisting of a wall up front, flexible and fast mid-fielders and remarkable kickers at the back. As the Springboks were not defeated by England since 2006 the expectations are low for England to beat the Springboks. Sports are unpredictable thus you never know, England might beat South Africa in the next world cup but in this game South Africa proofed again why they are the second best team in the world.

Blog 3.Woman killed by tree in Exeter during floods

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/25/woman-killed-tree-exeter-floods

Summary

On 25 November in Exeter, a 21 year old woman has died and two men were injured when an oak tree fell on them. The highest severe weather and flood warnings were reported for Cornwall by the Environment Agency (EA). Inspector Andrea Webber of Devon and Cornwall Police reported that the woman was sheltering in a small tent against a wall which the tree took with it when it fell on her. Webber said that officers were almost immediately on site but the woman’s injuries were fatal. She was taken to the hospital where she later died. Special centres were opened but people returned home as the weather calmed down but people should still be cautious.

My opinion

I think weather warnings are there to warn people to take notice and be careful, but many people can be stubborn. If a warning for severe flooding is predicted people should move to higher grounds or go to a centre. There is nothing this woman could do to prevent the tree from falling but she could rather have gone to a centre where she could have a proper roof above her head and have a warm bed but instead she lived in a tent. If people are stubbornly to refuse the warning then the problem lies in their own hands.

Blog 2: Rat population will rocket if pest poisons are restricted, experts fear

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/18/rat-population-pest-poisons-restricted

Summary

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consulted that rat poison is being overused in the UK. The Executive has suggested that rodenticides are not allowed to be used within five meters of a building unless it has a significant impact on the building or the occupants. The HSE fear that rodenticides are killing other wildlife especially birds. They also fear that applying an extensive amount of rodenticides will turn rats immune to the poison. Yet, the National Pest Advisory Panel (NPAP) do not agree with this suggestion. A survey was done by NPAP that a restricted five meter area from a building will leave more then 100 000 rat infestations untreated yearly.

Words: 111

Own opinion

I see a rat as a filthy animal and they carry loads of diseases with them. Therefore applying rodenticides are necessary. I agree with the National Pest Advisory Panel that they must treat every infestation for health reasons. Applying rat poison will have its negatives effects like creating an unhealthy  environment for other animals but rats intend to over populate if you do not treat them. My opinion is that restaurants and franchises really need to put their focus on cleanliness. I think that this will help to decrease the infestations especially around a city. Making rats extinct will never happen therefore we need to keep them under control.

Words: 109

Blog 1: World’s youngest granny is just 23

Website:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3449681/.html

Summary:

The world’s youngest grandmother Rifca Stanescu and only 23 years old. Rifca married a 13 year old jewellery seller when she was only 11 and afterwards decided to run away because her father wanted her to marry another lad from another village. Rifca was 12 years old when she had her first child, Maria. The second child was born a year later. Rifca did not want her daughter to follow in her footsteps but Maria got married at the age of ten and six months later her baby was born. Rifca loves her grandchild and said: “I am happy to be a grandmother but wished more for Maria”.

Words: 111

Own opinion:

I find a child aged ten is still a child. Thus having a child while he/she is still a child is unacceptable. I believe children should enjoy their time of being a child and not have the responsibilities of looking after a child. I think it is insane for a parent to let his/her child get married at such a young age. But unfortunately this ‘forced marriage and get babies as soon as possible’ action is seen in many countries and some people will not change their ways of thinking. I think that some of these youngster do not exceed in their abilities and miss a lot of wonderful experiences in their lives.

Words: 113