Dear reader,
I would like to thank different groups of people. Firstly, thank you for getting the magazine and thus giving us your confidence since the first issue. Secondly, thanks to the Learning Language Centre staff for giving support and providing us the facilities to make possible this magazine. And last but not least, thanks to the magazine’s team for their dedication, effort and time to create this project.
We have written this magazine to achieve two main goals: inform and entertain. We will try to do that through articles which are both accessible to the general reader and at the same time though provoking. The magazine attempts to cover different topics to attract to a young, educated, cosmopolitan and curious reader.
This first issue presents such diverse topics as cinema in France, sports, tourism in Finland, economy or current European issues. We also want to allow the readers to give their opinions. For this reason we have included interviews with Sussex University students about issues that try to show the student’s daily life.
We hope that you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we did writing it. As we aim to create an interactive magazine, please feel free to send us your advice and suggestions for the following issues.
Laura De Nova
lauradenova@yahoo.es
Thursday 6 March 2008
Lacking mental capacity
Lacking mental capacity
A current issue for the elderly and for all.
Today in England and Wales as many as two million people lack the capacity to make some decisions for themselves.
Parliament ruled recently about this question: in Britain the Mental Capacity Act was passed in 2005 and has been fully introduced since 1st October 2007.
The number of people who lack capacity is increasing very quickly. The ageing of the population and the multiplication of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer are a part of the explanation. But it is not enough. A lot of people who are suffering from mental illnesses are deemed to have no longer their mental capacity. Besides, so many people can be considered as vulnerable and could need to be protected. So, it is really important to understand the role of the legal protection in society and not only for old people but for all people who are suffering from a mental distress.
Human individuals can be defined by their ability to make decisions on their own behalf. The Law and medicine use the notion of capacity to name this ability to make a decision and the legal responsibility for this decision. In Britain, " a person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack capacity”. For psychiatry, capacity is mental capacity and means the capacity to make sound judgements, or not to have mental disability.
You need enough mental capacity to make a decision that may have legal consequences, but also to make a decision that affects daily life, such as when to get up, what to wear or whether to go to the doctor when feeling ill.
Mental capacity is difficult to assess because it is a legal, clinical, ethical, and social construct. The Mental Capacity Act defines that “a person lacks capacity in relation to a matter if at the material time he is unable to make a decision for himself in relation to the matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain.’
Everybody who is directly concerned with the individual at the time a decision needs to be made, can assess the capacity of the concerned person.
You can anticipate the day when you might have a lack of capacity. You can choose in advance who will have the right to make decision on your behalf. The measure is called a lasting power of attorney. So, don’t forget to think about the mental health of your relatives, but also your own mental health!
Relationship between EU and Turkey
Je t`aime ... Moi non Plus !
The relations between the Turkish Republic and European Institutions have such a long background. After the victory of the Turkish Independence War (1920-1923), revolutionaries led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk make series of reforms that modernized Turkey and moved it more towards European culture. After the World War II Turkey allied itself with the United States, taking part in the Marshall Plan in 1947, joining as a member state the Council of Europe , NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), OECD (Organization for economic Corporation and Development) and associated member state of WEU ( Western European Union). In July 1959, shortly after the creation of the European Economic Community in 1958, Turkey made its first application to join. The EEC's response to Turkey's application in 1959 was to suggest the establishment of an association until Turkey's circumstances permitted its accession. The ensuing negotiations resulted in the signature of the Agreement Creating an Association between the Republic of Turkey and the European Economic Community (the "Ankara Agreement") on 12 September 1963. This agreement, aimed at securing Turkey's full membership in the EEC through the establishment in three phases of a customs union which would serve as an instrument to bring about integration between the EEC and Turkey. This process has gone on up to now.
Problem Fields
After starting the negotiations between Turkey and EU, Turkey’s membership became one of the important and controversial issues in both Turkish and European public opinions. It is true that Turkey’s membership is more different than the previous enlargements of the EU due to following reasons. When being considered the ‘sui generis’ features of Turkey, there are plenty of reasons which made this integration process very difficult.
The Size of Turkey
Compared with the EU members with the 779.452 square kilometres area –the largest country in Europe-and having approximately 73 million populations Turkey is the second largest country after Germany in size. And by passing Germany it is approximated that by the year of 2023 Turkey will become the most populous country in Europe. Because of this relatively huge population there are many problematic areas of Turkey’s membership. First of all as it is known that there are many criteria “acquis communataire”, which must be adapted from EU to national level, for being a full member of the union. Therefore it is very hard job to adapt the whole economic system, legal order, and social structure. For instance looking at the last new twelve members joining the EU, besides Poland and Romania, even Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey, is larger than the other ten new members.
Secondly regarding population the representation of Turkey in EU institutions will be another problem, when Turkey becomes a member of EU. Since the population is the main criteria in representation of the EU institutions such as EU Commission and European Council and EU Parliament, Turkey will be the one of the dominant powers in the decision making process. Moreover like adapting ‘acquais communataire’, adapting Turkey to the EU institutions will prove difficult. Even now the there is a controversy between big members and the small ones. For instance Germany, the biggest EU state, claims that the big members deserve more voting power than the small states in order to establish a fair system. Whereas the small members do not want the big states very dominant in the EU system. As a result of this in the Nice Treaty the voting system was made very complicated in order to balance these two different aspects. However this time the EU faced another big issue called the complexity of the decision making process. Therefore when the first constitution and its successor the Reform Treaty were prepared, the simplification of the decision making process was the one of the main purposes.
Political Problems
Another problematic field of Turkey’s accession is the political disputes between some EU states and Turkey about certain issues. Obviously it might be said that Cyprus is the major problem of the integration process. As it is known Republic of Cyprus is now one of the member states of EU. However because Turkey does not accept ‘Southern Cyprus’ as a representative of the whole island, it does not have diplomatic relations with “Cyprus”. Therefore there is not any direct relationship between these two countries. The EU calls for Turkey to recognise Cyprus . Whereas Turkey declares that unless the Cyprus conflict is solved, it will not recognise Cyprus and it will not have any commercial, political relation with Cyprus directly. It seems impossible that Turkey will not be member unless this issue is somehow solved or does recognise Cyprus. However it seems very difficult to solve due to the parties’ different positions. There is also a problem between Greece and Turkey about the sovereignty of the continental shelf in Aegean Sea. Since most of the islands even those very near to the Turkish Coasts are under the sovereignty of Greece, Greece claims continental broad shelf rights in Aegean Sea according to the Geneva Convention (1958). In contrast Turkey claims that if both the Geneva Convention and the decision made by International Justice Court about the issue of The North Sea continental shelf are considered, it will be seen that those islands are the natural extension of the Anatolian Peninsula, the mainland of Turkey. Due to this reason those islands, under sovereignty of Greece, do not have continental shelf itself. Since these two countries have very different arguments about this issue, lack of confidence with each other and some other problems coming from history, this problem starting the early years of 1970’s has not been solved yet. During 1980’s and 90’s the relationship between parties has become strained from time to time. After the crisis of the Kardak Rocks, islets in Aegean Sea, in 1996; Turkey declared that if Greece tries to extend its continental shelf from 6 miles to 12 miles, Turkey will consider this attempt that as proclamation of war against itself, which is called “casus belli” in the international law.
Prejudices of Public Opinions in |Europe and Turkey
Apart from all these problems in the governmental level, there are also fears, misconceptions, prejudices and concerns in the public level both in |European public opinion and Turkish public opinion.
Having looked at the European public opinion generally, there are some concerns based on different reasons. Firstly many people think that with a highly populated young generation there will be a unemployment problem thought the European market. Since Turkish citizens have right to go the EU countries without a visa and have right to work within the context of the ‘free movement of labourers’, it is concerned that there will be a big migration wave from Turkey into EU countries .However as I stated before the negotiation process will last fifteen to twenty years. Therefore since the Turkish economy will be much stronger than now this tendency will probably decrease. Moreover having looked a the accession of the Poland after the membership some temporary provisions which restrict the polish labourers entering the EU market freely was accepted in order to protect previous EU economies. Therefore similar precautions might be applied or will probably be applied in the Turkey’s accession.
Secondly many people in Europe think that Turkey comes from totally different cultural and religious background, so it does not belong to Europe. Since throughout the history Turks have been considered as a enemy and “others” for Europeans. Therefore in particular in the public level there is a prejudice and misconception to Turkey. For instance, when being mentioned about the Turkey’s membership, some people refer the ‘Second Siege of Vienna (1683)’ which Ottoman Empire had been stopped lastly. In addition there are some suspects in the Turkish public opinion. Some people think that after the accession of the EU, Turkey will lost its sovereignty and will be divided into parts. Therefore they resist the membership process.
To conclude Turkey’s membership process is such a long story. And it can be clearly seen that this story will not be a short one. Due to problems which I tried to illustrate above, even though Turkey and EU countries have strong relationships between each other, it is still unclear whether this story will have a happy end or not.
The relations between the Turkish Republic and European Institutions have such a long background. After the victory of the Turkish Independence War (1920-1923), revolutionaries led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk make series of reforms that modernized Turkey and moved it more towards European culture. After the World War II Turkey allied itself with the United States, taking part in the Marshall Plan in 1947, joining as a member state the Council of Europe , NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), OECD (Organization for economic Corporation and Development) and associated member state of WEU ( Western European Union). In July 1959, shortly after the creation of the European Economic Community in 1958, Turkey made its first application to join. The EEC's response to Turkey's application in 1959 was to suggest the establishment of an association until Turkey's circumstances permitted its accession. The ensuing negotiations resulted in the signature of the Agreement Creating an Association between the Republic of Turkey and the European Economic Community (the "Ankara Agreement") on 12 September 1963. This agreement, aimed at securing Turkey's full membership in the EEC through the establishment in three phases of a customs union which would serve as an instrument to bring about integration between the EEC and Turkey. This process has gone on up to now.
Problem Fields
After starting the negotiations between Turkey and EU, Turkey’s membership became one of the important and controversial issues in both Turkish and European public opinions. It is true that Turkey’s membership is more different than the previous enlargements of the EU due to following reasons. When being considered the ‘sui generis’ features of Turkey, there are plenty of reasons which made this integration process very difficult.
The Size of Turkey
Compared with the EU members with the 779.452 square kilometres area –the largest country in Europe-and having approximately 73 million populations Turkey is the second largest country after Germany in size. And by passing Germany it is approximated that by the year of 2023 Turkey will become the most populous country in Europe. Because of this relatively huge population there are many problematic areas of Turkey’s membership. First of all as it is known that there are many criteria “acquis communataire”, which must be adapted from EU to national level, for being a full member of the union. Therefore it is very hard job to adapt the whole economic system, legal order, and social structure. For instance looking at the last new twelve members joining the EU, besides Poland and Romania, even Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey, is larger than the other ten new members.
Secondly regarding population the representation of Turkey in EU institutions will be another problem, when Turkey becomes a member of EU. Since the population is the main criteria in representation of the EU institutions such as EU Commission and European Council and EU Parliament, Turkey will be the one of the dominant powers in the decision making process. Moreover like adapting ‘acquais communataire’, adapting Turkey to the EU institutions will prove difficult. Even now the there is a controversy between big members and the small ones. For instance Germany, the biggest EU state, claims that the big members deserve more voting power than the small states in order to establish a fair system. Whereas the small members do not want the big states very dominant in the EU system. As a result of this in the Nice Treaty the voting system was made very complicated in order to balance these two different aspects. However this time the EU faced another big issue called the complexity of the decision making process. Therefore when the first constitution and its successor the Reform Treaty were prepared, the simplification of the decision making process was the one of the main purposes.
Political Problems
Another problematic field of Turkey’s accession is the political disputes between some EU states and Turkey about certain issues. Obviously it might be said that Cyprus is the major problem of the integration process. As it is known Republic of Cyprus is now one of the member states of EU. However because Turkey does not accept ‘Southern Cyprus’ as a representative of the whole island, it does not have diplomatic relations with “Cyprus”. Therefore there is not any direct relationship between these two countries. The EU calls for Turkey to recognise Cyprus . Whereas Turkey declares that unless the Cyprus conflict is solved, it will not recognise Cyprus and it will not have any commercial, political relation with Cyprus directly. It seems impossible that Turkey will not be member unless this issue is somehow solved or does recognise Cyprus. However it seems very difficult to solve due to the parties’ different positions. There is also a problem between Greece and Turkey about the sovereignty of the continental shelf in Aegean Sea. Since most of the islands even those very near to the Turkish Coasts are under the sovereignty of Greece, Greece claims continental broad shelf rights in Aegean Sea according to the Geneva Convention (1958). In contrast Turkey claims that if both the Geneva Convention and the decision made by International Justice Court about the issue of The North Sea continental shelf are considered, it will be seen that those islands are the natural extension of the Anatolian Peninsula, the mainland of Turkey. Due to this reason those islands, under sovereignty of Greece, do not have continental shelf itself. Since these two countries have very different arguments about this issue, lack of confidence with each other and some other problems coming from history, this problem starting the early years of 1970’s has not been solved yet. During 1980’s and 90’s the relationship between parties has become strained from time to time. After the crisis of the Kardak Rocks, islets in Aegean Sea, in 1996; Turkey declared that if Greece tries to extend its continental shelf from 6 miles to 12 miles, Turkey will consider this attempt that as proclamation of war against itself, which is called “casus belli” in the international law.
Prejudices of Public Opinions in |Europe and Turkey
Apart from all these problems in the governmental level, there are also fears, misconceptions, prejudices and concerns in the public level both in |European public opinion and Turkish public opinion.
Having looked at the European public opinion generally, there are some concerns based on different reasons. Firstly many people think that with a highly populated young generation there will be a unemployment problem thought the European market. Since Turkish citizens have right to go the EU countries without a visa and have right to work within the context of the ‘free movement of labourers’, it is concerned that there will be a big migration wave from Turkey into EU countries .However as I stated before the negotiation process will last fifteen to twenty years. Therefore since the Turkish economy will be much stronger than now this tendency will probably decrease. Moreover having looked a the accession of the Poland after the membership some temporary provisions which restrict the polish labourers entering the EU market freely was accepted in order to protect previous EU economies. Therefore similar precautions might be applied or will probably be applied in the Turkey’s accession.
Secondly many people in Europe think that Turkey comes from totally different cultural and religious background, so it does not belong to Europe. Since throughout the history Turks have been considered as a enemy and “others” for Europeans. Therefore in particular in the public level there is a prejudice and misconception to Turkey. For instance, when being mentioned about the Turkey’s membership, some people refer the ‘Second Siege of Vienna (1683)’ which Ottoman Empire had been stopped lastly. In addition there are some suspects in the Turkish public opinion. Some people think that after the accession of the EU, Turkey will lost its sovereignty and will be divided into parts. Therefore they resist the membership process.
To conclude Turkey’s membership process is such a long story. And it can be clearly seen that this story will not be a short one. Due to problems which I tried to illustrate above, even though Turkey and EU countries have strong relationships between each other, it is still unclear whether this story will have a happy end or not.
Opinion polls
To have an idea of what you are thinking about this season future results, we have collect your opinion to see who do you think will win the Premiership league 2007/2008. The following statistics are the results of the answers collected.(These statistics come from the opinion of 200 people.)
Manchester United : 40,50% 
Arsenal : 26%
Liverpool : 15,5%
Chelsea : 15% 
Aston Villa : 2% 
FIFPRO WORLD XI
This year like the year before, FIFPRO, the international association of professional football have edited the world best football team for the last season. It is composed of the football players elected by managers of all the world teams(clubs and national teams) so lets make some explanations about these player choices :
Buffon : the Italian goal is still the better at this place because of his wonderful season : world champion with Italy last summer he was also one of the more important player for the come back of Juventus in the Calcio after a purgatory season in Italian division two.
Cannavaro : an Italian again so another world champion 2006. Fabio Cannavaro has given the confirmation that he is one of the better player at this position since his award as better player of the year 2007. Moreover he has also made very good perform with his club : Real Madrid.
Terry : the Chelsea captain is the other centre defender of this team to make a solid defence with the Italian. The English is a masterpiece of Chelsea still really efficient and represent a nightmare for the opposite strikers.
Nesta : the Milan AC defender has been congratulated for the world championship won with his national team but also for the champions league won with his club : full season for Alessandro Nesta such as every player dreams. But it is not a fate because he is a wonderful player very regular.
Puyol : the Barcelona captain come to close the defence line. Very talented and efficient in one against one, he is insatiable and strikers who can eliminate are very rare especially if he is in a big day.
Cristiano Ronaldo : the Portuguese has been elected second better player in this team and so in the world, a great perform only at the age of 22 years old. He has really explode with the red devils and with his national team with a big technical talent. He is on fire and enchant Old Trafford every time he play because he has became very regular.
Gerrard : Liverpool captain is indisputably one of the better midfielder of the world : able to do everything in the field he is a very complete player. Regular, with his big winner spirit and his goal came from the space, he has driven Liverpool to the Champions League final.
Kaka : Brazilian magician has been elected player of the year 2006/2007. Winner of the UEFA Champions League with Milan AC, he always illuminate this game with his class. With a simple but really efficient way of play el jewel rossoneri have got a brilliant future in front of him because he is only 25.Messi : The new Maradona is incredible, very fast and equipped of of enormous technical abilities he is a big hope of the international football world. He has succeeded at make his place in Barcelona, one of the greatest team nowadays at only 20.
Ronaldinho : The technical player without any doubt, with him everything is possible, he can do what he want with a ball! More than a football player, he is almost an artist...
Drogba : The blue Ivorian striker is alone in attack line but as he show with Chelsea, it’s not a problem for him because he is really active and imprevisible. He is the better African player of the year.
Thursday 28 February 2008
Interviews
Hi everyone, here there are my interviews at whole because last week I only put one of them. I hope the article will be interesting for you.
INTERVIEWS
Have you ever felt as a stranger? Have you ever thought that this was not your place? A lot of international students come to Sussex every year, how they feel here? And English students? What they do to make them to feel at home?
The following interviews with both an international and an English student try to answer these questions deepening into their opinions and feelings. We do not try to give general answers just to show some personal experiences at Sussex.
AYA
Name: Aya Takatsuki
Age: 29
Nationality: Japanese
Studies: At the moment she is studying English and next year she’ll study a MA in Social Development.
Who do you live with?
I live with an English host family, Michael and Penny. He is 70 years old and she 65 years old.
And, where do you live?
I live in the north of Brighton. It is take one hour from the University.
Is it hard for you living so far from the University?
No really. I can a book during my trip to the University.
How is your life with your host family?
They treated me as a daughter… probably a granddaughter. My host mother likes doing everything, cooking and washing, she enjoys a lot. She is very good at cooking. And when a have a problem they always ask me: everything is OK? They say trust me and I trust them, so we have a very good relationship. Moreover my host mother used to be an English teacher and she worked with international students. It is very good advantage for me because I ask her to correct my English and sometimes I do with her proofreading. I like my host family and it is very comfortable.
Do you have any international classmates?
Yes, every classmate is international because I am at an English pre-master course.
Do you have any relationship with English students?
Yes, sometimes but no frequently. Sometimes I am going to the pub with English students to drink something, but usually I go out with international students. Now, I have a part time job in a restaurant as a waitress, so… I have one colleague, English student, who does not belong to Sussex University but when I go outside…it is difficult to go with British students. I do not have many English students as friends.
Do you feel integrated in the English university life at Sussex?
I think that Sussex University is very kind because…when I was at the University of London…I am Asian and Asian people are discriminated. But here, everybody is so kind and I have close friends so easily, so Sussex University is very good for foreign students. The students are more friendly here than in London.
LAURA
Name: Laura Cook
Age:22
Nationality: English
Studies: English and Spanish.
Who do you live with? And where?
I live with my friend who I met in the first year of the university. Her name is Joanna and we have a flat in Brighton.
Do you have any international classmates?
Yes, there are few in my Spanish class. A couple of girls from France and a girl from Luxemburg .But in my English class there are none.
Do you have any relationships with international students?
Yes, I meet with a Spanish girl called Laura to practise Spanish with and also another Spanish man called Javier.
Do you feel integrated in the university life?
No really. I am not a member of any sports teams. I am not a member of any societies. But I do enjoy university life and I go to the gym when I can on campus and… I enjoy it here.
Why do not you belong to any team or societies?
It is quite competitive, it is quite difficult to become a member of these teams. I am not a sporty person.
Do you have any experiences abroad?
Yes, I went to Spain last year for a few months to learn Spanish and I was working in a school with children in Madrid.
How did you feel there?
Everyone in Spain was very nice to me, very helpful at the school. They used to involve me in their parties, and at Christmas we did a present giving ceremony and we went to dinners and things like that.
But I did fell like a foreigner there. People used to look at me on the train, they used to stare and… they used to listen to our conversation in English quite a lot. But on the whole I felt comfortable.
At the beginning it was said that it is not possible to generalize but, anyway, we can extract some conclusions from these two interviews.
Everyone fell like a stranger and foreigner in another country, in the university or in a job, but in general you can always meet with friendly people who help you to have a better time in that country. Therefore, if you sometimes fell alone here, going out to know people is the first step. Think of that as your personal challenge for this year.
Good luck!
NEW GENERATION OF MAGICIANS WANTS TO BE CHAMPION...
RED DEVIL CRISTIANO RONALDO vs GUNNER CESC FABREGAS
RED DEVIL CRISTIANO RONALDO vs GUNNER CESC FABREGAS
Competition between Manchester United and Arsenal is an old habit in the English premiership, almost as old as the league itself, but now, this competition have evolved to be embody by a new generation of player.
Indeed the league has seen the emergence of these two phenomenon : the red devil’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the gunner’s Cesc Fabregas.
Technical abilities, speed, strong and hurry strike, very good vision on the field and an indefatigable will to win are some of the qualities necessities to be a good football player. Both equipped of this luggage Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas are unmistakably two genius in the football world.
Indeed the league has seen the emergence of these two phenomenon : the red devil’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the gunner’s Cesc Fabregas.
Technical abilities, speed, strong and hurry strike, very good vision on the field and an indefatigable will to win are some of the qualities necessities to be a good football player. Both equipped of this luggage Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas are unmistakably two genius in the football world.
The first one is impossible to avoid because since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, his level has never stopped to increase that’s why he found quickly his place in the team as holder. At present he is the better player of the league at only 23 years old. Eusebio, the Portuguese football legend said about Ronaldo : “Cristiano has got magic in his shoes” that’s why now he is irreplaceable in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. 
The second one arrived in Arsenal from FC Barcelona in 2003, like his competitor Portuguese, but he needed more time to show his huge talent. Indeed, at this time, he didn’t have the responsibility he had hoped because Henry was really much influent. But since the beginning of this season and Henry’s departure to FC Barcelona, he has really exploded to become, at only 20 years old, the agent of his team play.
But they are more than simple players, they are also leaders for their teams because both of them have a real victory thirst and they can win a match by their own. Moreover they are very respected by their team-mates that’s why they are relays on the field for their coach because they have a big impact in the other entire players in spite of their young ages.
So now these two club competition is illustrated by these two young players. Both of them very talented and add with two very good team and two of the most intelligent managers of the world, make of Manchester and Arsenal two serious candidates for the Championship this year and for the future.
BMW is suffering of bad economic health
BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker, will cut more than 8,000 jobs as it attempts to make radical savings.
The German carmaker also held up the threat of more job cuts in the future if the euro continued to strengthen above $1.50.
The majority of the job losses will come in Germany, in what is a shock at the company that has been an enduring success story. About 2,500 permanent jobs and 5,000 temporary positions will go there.
BMW wants to cut a further 600 permanent jobs overseas as it tries to make annual cost savings of €500 million (£381 million) immediately and €6 billion by 2012.
In December BMW said that it would need to restructure to turn around its profitability. BMW has a total workforce of 80,000. The IG Metall union called the announcement unnecessary. Werner Neugebauer, the union's chief in Bavaria and a member of BMW's supervisory board, said that Ernst Baumann, the carmaker's head of personnel, “appears to think he has to play the agitator in order to be able to push up the share price by leaving the work force in a state of permanent insecurity”.
Of BMW's 28,000 overseas employees, the 600 job cuts are likely to fall at its sales subsidiaries.
Mini, BMW's successful operation at Oxford, and its Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham are not thought likely to be affected.BMW has increased its use of temporary workers in order to scale its workforce up and down. The company will increase flexible working across its operations, including partial retirement, so that it can boost employment in busy periods. The group said that it needed to boost its productivity per worker.
BMW has been hit by the weakness of the dollar in its exports, although it has a factory in South Carolina making SUVs and its Z4 Roadster. BMW unveils its annual profits on March 18.
Last year pre-tax profit excluding exceptional items increased 3 per cent to €4.12 billion.
hey fellows: this is my first article
The New Treaty Was Signed, What Is Next?
The new treaty, called Reform Treaty, was signed by the Heads of State or Governments of the 27 member states in Lisbon on 13 December 2007.As it is known before The Reform Treaty, The EU Constitution had been prepared within 2.5 years by the Convention of the Future of Europe established by the European Council. After having prepared the draft Treaty by this Convention, it was signed by the member states on 29 October 2004.
However in the ratification process, the treaty was rejected by France and Netherlands in referenda. Therefore the new treaty could not come into force. After this unsuccessful attempt, in Brussels Summit held on 21-22 June 2007 it was decided that new Intergovernmental would be held on 23 July 2007, even though the EU constitution had been ratified by the 18 member states of the EU. The Conference held as it was planned and a new draft treaty called Reform Treaty prepared by Portuguese EU Presidency had been negotiated until 3 October 2007.Consequently after having reached compromise between members, the Reform Treaty was signed.
Having looked at the main differences between the Reform Treaty and the former one, if the constitution had come into force, it would have replaced the whole treaties signed by member states. Whereas the new treaty amends the Treaty on the European Union (Maastricht) and the Treaty Establishing the European Community (Rome). It also drops all reference to the symbols of the EU - the flag, the anthem and the motto - though these will continue to exist.
There are several amendments will come in to force with the new treaty. For instance the period of presidency will be extended to two-and-a-half years, replacing the current system where countries take turns at being president for six months. Secondly although the positions such as Foreign Affairs Supreme and External Affairs Commissioner existing provisions will remain the Reform Treaty, they will use more clout and represent the EU in the world stage. Thirdly there will smaller European Commission, with fewer commissioners than there are member states, from 2014.Fortly redistribution of voting weights between the member states, will be phased in between 2014 and 2017.The European Parliament, The European Commission and The European Court of Justice which represent the supranational character of the European Union will be empowered. And lastly some national vetoes areas will be removed. Furthermore with regards to enlargement Reform Treaty cites criteria decided by Heads of States or Governments.
To sum up with all these features the Reform Treaty will aim to have modern institutions and to optimise working methods in order to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. However because the ratification process hasn’t finished yet, this treaty might share the same destiny as its successor.
Ahmet Conker
The new treaty, called Reform Treaty, was signed by the Heads of State or Governments of the 27 member states in Lisbon on 13 December 2007.As it is known before The Reform Treaty, The EU Constitution had been prepared within 2.5 years by the Convention of the Future of Europe established by the European Council. After having prepared the draft Treaty by this Convention, it was signed by the member states on 29 October 2004.
However in the ratification process, the treaty was rejected by France and Netherlands in referenda. Therefore the new treaty could not come into force. After this unsuccessful attempt, in Brussels Summit held on 21-22 June 2007 it was decided that new Intergovernmental would be held on 23 July 2007, even though the EU constitution had been ratified by the 18 member states of the EU. The Conference held as it was planned and a new draft treaty called Reform Treaty prepared by Portuguese EU Presidency had been negotiated until 3 October 2007.Consequently after having reached compromise between members, the Reform Treaty was signed.
Having looked at the main differences between the Reform Treaty and the former one, if the constitution had come into force, it would have replaced the whole treaties signed by member states. Whereas the new treaty amends the Treaty on the European Union (Maastricht) and the Treaty Establishing the European Community (Rome). It also drops all reference to the symbols of the EU - the flag, the anthem and the motto - though these will continue to exist.
There are several amendments will come in to force with the new treaty. For instance the period of presidency will be extended to two-and-a-half years, replacing the current system where countries take turns at being president for six months. Secondly although the positions such as Foreign Affairs Supreme and External Affairs Commissioner existing provisions will remain the Reform Treaty, they will use more clout and represent the EU in the world stage. Thirdly there will smaller European Commission, with fewer commissioners than there are member states, from 2014.Fortly redistribution of voting weights between the member states, will be phased in between 2014 and 2017.The European Parliament, The European Commission and The European Court of Justice which represent the supranational character of the European Union will be empowered. And lastly some national vetoes areas will be removed. Furthermore with regards to enlargement Reform Treaty cites criteria decided by Heads of States or Governments.
To sum up with all these features the Reform Treaty will aim to have modern institutions and to optimise working methods in order to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. However because the ratification process hasn’t finished yet, this treaty might share the same destiny as its successor.
Ahmet Conker
Cannes International Film festival
Cannes Film Festival
The most famous international festival of the film occurred since more than 60 years in a city inthe south of France called Cannes
This festival is becoming famous for his notoriety and for the famous “Golden Palm” which is the highest prize given to a competing film at the Cannes film festival. If you are free the last 10 days of May you should have to take a plane and go to Cannes
The famous golden palm
To beginning let me tell us about The history of this festival
In 1939 the French education Minister proposed the creation of a world film event in France. The city of Cannes was chosen for " its charming frame". Then, on September 20th in 1946, the former “Casino de Cannes” welcomed the first international Festival.
It was the first big international cultural event after the war. The only two exceptions to disrupt the festival were both 1948-1950 for lack of budget and 1968 due to political turmoil in France.
At the outset, the festival was principally a tourist and social event and virtually of the screen walked off a price. However nowadays the festival become more and more popular and more and more producers want to present their film so the competition is more difficult. One example of this is that there are more than 4000 journalists whose come here to watch the films and critics it and more than 1600 media companies ...
How does the festival works ?
Every year you can present your new film at the jury of the year even if it’s your first one. If you want that your film is selected, its shooting must have been finished less than twelve months before the Festival and he must have been exploited only in his country of origin. Besides, he must not either have been presented in another international Festival.
If your film has all those qualities, you can present him self.
If you are student in the cinema, you can also come to Cannes as a cinephile student, and have the possibilities to watch some movies. It’s important to say that to have access to the film you never have to pay. It’s just by invitation.
The famous red carpet ....
This carpet is very famous for the presence of lot of famous star in the top. 60 years of festival and more than Grace Kelly and other members of the Principality of Monaco, lot of famous
international actor/actress
Penelope Cruz, Georges Clooney, Brad Pitt ,Angelina Jolie Tom Hanks, Monica Bellucci, Bruce Willis, Robert De Niro, Pedro Almodovar Morgan freeman, Leonardo Di Caprio, sone french actor/actress like Sophie Marceau, Jean Reno,... And lot of more
Producers Quentin Tarentino,(Kill Bill) Michael Moore (sicko), Gus Van Sant(Elephant, Paranoid Park) Brothers Cohen (No country for old men) Tommy lee Johnes
singers or groups like Michael Jackson, U2, Avril Lavigne
The 6 last gold palm winner:
- 2002
The Pianist
Roman Polanski - 2003
Elephant
Gus Van Sant - 2004
Fahrenheit 9/11
Michael Moore - 2005
The Child (L'Enfant)
Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne - 2006
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Ken Loach - 2007
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (4 luni, 3 săptămâni şi 2 zile)
first article
The New Treaty Was Signed, What Is Next?
The new treaty, called Reform Treaty, was signed by the Heads of State or Governments of the 27 member states in Lisbon on 13 December 2007.As it is known before The Reform Treaty, The EU Constitution had been prepared within 2.5 years by the Convention of the Future of Europe established by the European Council. After having prepared the draft Treaty by this Convention, it was signed by the member states on 29 October 2004.
However in the ratification process, the treaty was rejected by France and Netherlands in referenda. Therefore the new treaty could not come into force. After this unsuccessful attempt, in Brussels Summit held on 21-22 June 2007 it was decided that new Intergovernmental would be held on 23 July 2007, even though the EU constitution had been ratified by the 18 member states of the EU. The Conference held as it was planned and a new draft treaty called Reform Treaty prepared by Portuguese EU Presidency had been negotiated until 3 October 2007.Consequently after having reached compromise between members, the Reform Treaty was signed.
Having looked at the main differences between the Reform Treaty and the former one, if the constitution had come into force, it would have replaced the whole treaties signed by member states. Whereas the new treaty amends the Treaty on the European Union (Maastricht) and the Treaty Establishing the European Community (Rome). It also drops all reference to the symbols of the EU - the flag, the anthem and the motto - though these will continue to exist.
There are several amendments will come in to force with the new treaty. For instance the period of presidency will be extended to two-and-a-half years, replacing the current system where countries take turns at being president for six months. Secondly although the positions such as Foreign Affairs Supreme and External Affairs Commissioner existing provisions will remain the Reform Treaty, they will use more clout and represent the EU in the world stage. Thirdly there will smaller European Commission, with fewer commissioners than there are member states, from 2014.Fortly redistribution of voting weights between the member states, will be phased in between 2014 and 2017.The European Parliament, The European Commission and The European Court of Justice which represent the supranational character of the European Union will be empowered. And lastly some national vetoes areas will be removed. Furthermore with regards to enlargement Reform Treaty cites criteria decided by Heads of States or Governments.
To sum up with all these features the Reform Treaty will aim to have modern institutions and to optimise working methods in order to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. However because the ratification process hasn’t finished yet, this treaty might share the same destiny as its successor.
Ahmet Conker
The new treaty, called Reform Treaty, was signed by the Heads of State or Governments of the 27 member states in Lisbon on 13 December 2007.As it is known before The Reform Treaty, The EU Constitution had been prepared within 2.5 years by the Convention of the Future of Europe established by the European Council. After having prepared the draft Treaty by this Convention, it was signed by the member states on 29 October 2004.
However in the ratification process, the treaty was rejected by France and Netherlands in referenda. Therefore the new treaty could not come into force. After this unsuccessful attempt, in Brussels Summit held on 21-22 June 2007 it was decided that new Intergovernmental would be held on 23 July 2007, even though the EU constitution had been ratified by the 18 member states of the EU. The Conference held as it was planned and a new draft treaty called Reform Treaty prepared by Portuguese EU Presidency had been negotiated until 3 October 2007.Consequently after having reached compromise between members, the Reform Treaty was signed.
Having looked at the main differences between the Reform Treaty and the former one, if the constitution had come into force, it would have replaced the whole treaties signed by member states. Whereas the new treaty amends the Treaty on the European Union (Maastricht) and the Treaty Establishing the European Community (Rome). It also drops all reference to the symbols of the EU - the flag, the anthem and the motto - though these will continue to exist.
There are several amendments will come in to force with the new treaty. For instance the period of presidency will be extended to two-and-a-half years, replacing the current system where countries take turns at being president for six months. Secondly although the positions such as Foreign Affairs Supreme and External Affairs Commissioner existing provisions will remain the Reform Treaty, they will use more clout and represent the EU in the world stage. Thirdly there will smaller European Commission, with fewer commissioners than there are member states, from 2014.Fortly redistribution of voting weights between the member states, will be phased in between 2014 and 2017.The European Parliament, The European Commission and The European Court of Justice which represent the supranational character of the European Union will be empowered. And lastly some national vetoes areas will be removed. Furthermore with regards to enlargement Reform Treaty cites criteria decided by Heads of States or Governments.
To sum up with all these features the Reform Treaty will aim to have modern institutions and to optimise working methods in order to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. However because the ratification process hasn’t finished yet, this treaty might share the same destiny as its successor.
Ahmet Conker
Rythmique gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport reserved exclusively for women, however in some countries you can see men who take part in that sport but it’s very uncommon .
This sport can be practiced since young ages which is called baby-gym.
It’s only from the age of 8 that the children can take part in a competition.
This sport is more and more known now, and especially in the year of the Olympic games.
In all the countries in the world you can find Rhythmic gymnastics clubs.
How does this sport work ?
It’s an artistic sport, in this discipline you have 6 sub-disciplines, 5 with engine and one free hand.
what to carry ?
The official holding is to wear an justaucorp.
Since 2001 you are allowed to add a Short skirt. And the best one is to create your own one ...
At your imagination!
This sport can be practiced since young ages which is called baby-gym.
It’s only from the age of 8 that the children can take part in a competition.
This sport is more and more known now, and especially in the year of the Olympic games.
In all the countries in the world you can find Rhythmic gymnastics clubs.
How does this sport work ?
It’s an artistic sport, in this discipline you have 6 sub-disciplines, 5 with engine and one free hand.
what to carry ?
The official holding is to wear an justaucorp.
Since 2001 you are allowed to add a Short skirt. And the best one is to create your own one ...
At your imagination!
The Engines
The ruban
The bludgeon
The Hoods
The cord
The Ball
Each gymnast has to be able to do each engine. She will learn all the technique.
As it concern the competition...
Each gymnast is in one level defined in the first time by their age like the other sports.
Hatchling (8/9 the years)
The Youngest children(Juniors) (10/11 the years) - The Juniors (12/13 the years)
The Younger children (14/15 the years)
The Juniors (16/17 the years)
Seniors (18 years and +)
In complement of that you have other categories of level, but it depends on your experience...
Before to be able to go in competition you have to pass formation cup, in four years if you don’t failed, then there is a lot of different kind of levels (individual or by equip.)
And in each level, you have to present an enchainment between 45 seconds to 3min (depend on what level you are), and between one and four engine ...
How does work a Normal year ?
A year of gymnastic rhythmic is full of competition,
the first one is the departmental one, the second one is the region one, the third one is zone one and the last one is the Championship of the country...
In order to be selected for the following, one you have to arrive in a good place in the competition...
To take part in a competition as an audience is a very nice experience. I really advice you to go.
When you participate in a competition, each club has a real solidarity...
and each club hopes to be in the podium, which makes them famous
Now you know the most important features about this sport!!
Maybe you will give the urge to your little sister or your futures kids to practice this kind of sport!
As it concern the competition...
Each gymnast is in one level defined in the first time by their age like the other sports.
Hatchling (8/9 the years)
The Youngest children(Juniors) (10/11 the years) - The Juniors (12/13 the years)
The Younger children (14/15 the years)
The Juniors (16/17 the years)
Seniors (18 years and +)
In complement of that you have other categories of level, but it depends on your experience...
Before to be able to go in competition you have to pass formation cup, in four years if you don’t failed, then there is a lot of different kind of levels (individual or by equip.)
And in each level, you have to present an enchainment between 45 seconds to 3min (depend on what level you are), and between one and four engine ...
How does work a Normal year ?
A year of gymnastic rhythmic is full of competition,
the first one is the departmental one, the second one is the region one, the third one is zone one and the last one is the Championship of the country...
In order to be selected for the following, one you have to arrive in a good place in the competition...
To take part in a competition as an audience is a very nice experience. I really advice you to go.
When you participate in a competition, each club has a real solidarity...
and each club hopes to be in the podium, which makes them famous
Now you know the most important features about this sport!!
Maybe you will give the urge to your little sister or your futures kids to practice this kind of sport!
TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD !!
The Finland
How to go in Finland since England.
The most practice is to go by plane since London Heathrow. You can Find lot of choice of plane since that website for example:
http://travel.kelkoo.co.uk/c-172201-flights.html
However it exist an other possibility to go in Finland and I really advice you to test this one.
If you come from England, take a plane to Stockholm in Sweden , or Copenhague in Denmark And then take a ferry
For the company Silja line or Viking line.
This solution is a bite more expensive, but it’s a very good experience. That boats are totally equipped for you, Restaurants, bars, pubs, casinos, super market duty free(in specially for the alcohols),… everything to divert your self.
After having choosing your way of transporting, you can spend how much time that you like in the country of the Santa Claus and the winner of Eurovision TV program 2006!
Information of the country
Flag:
Finland Member of The UE since 1995
Population: 5 269 173 habitants in 2006
Language : Finnish (Suomi) but every body can speak English.
Capital: Helsinki
Money: Euros since January 1st 2002
Winter Time
I think It's the best season, If you are not scared about the cold you have to spend time in this country.
“In effect the temperature are almost
between -20 centigrade to -60 if you
go more in the north!"
But that’s not a problem because this country is Equipped to occupy your self with lot of activities :
Wintry driving, Scandinavian Swimming of outdoor, Observation of Auroras borealis, Skating, Fishes of winter for Rackets , snow Safaris in snow bike, Safaris in sled with dogs, kiing, Snowboard …
All this activities are waiting you !! Also is important to know that in each city exist some natural free ice rink, open to every one; it’s very funny!
Wintry driving, Scandinavian Swimming of outdoor, Observation of Auroras borealis, Skating, Fishes of winter for Rackets , snow Safaris in snow bike, Safaris in sled with dogs, kiing, Snowboard …
All this activities are waiting you !! Also is important to know that in each city exist some natural free ice rink, open to every one; it’s very funny!
Now lets me talk about the culture…
Well as a tourist you absolutely have to go and test the Sauna especially in winter. This not difficult to find one because each home or Hotel are equipped. The tradition want you that you spend time inside the sauna and then you go and swim in the ice-cold sea ...
The concept of the sauna is, some stoned warmed in the smoke, in the wood or in the electricity, and the first one has been invented between the 5th and the 8th century, in Finland .
As it concern the food…
Finland is not the country specialise in food. However, like in all country, you have some speciality which are very tasteful.
For example The most known cake shop called Pulla, is an sort of Round brioche which is consummated most of the time during tea time, coffee…
Besides of that, Finland is specialised for the black bread (with the rye bread )and the most famous exported around the world is “fin crisp” with the same floor.
(This country is in advance like all the Scandinavia for an healthy alimentation… )
I Hope I’given you the taste to visit this country
Thursday 21 February 2008
South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA.
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
From colonial times until nowadays, a deeply divided society exists in South Africa. These divisions are beyond skin colour and they are depicted in diverse political, economic, social and ideological conflicts.
In 1910 the formation of The Union of South Africa was an attempt to solve the problems of the inefficient government at the time. At that moment ‘blacks’ were completely being ignored. The ‘whites’, the Afrikaners (Dutch) and the British, had created a country in which ‘blacks’ did not exist politically, although they would have to recognize the reality of their presence, at least as a fundamental economic force. There were two ways of doing this: the first was to recognise their rights as South African citizens, a plan that in the 1910s-20s was not very utilized (during this decades there was oppression to ‘blacks’ in many African countries, as well as, a strong separation between ‘blacks’ and ‘whites’ in the USA); or secondly, to systematically deny them their place in the society. The white minority chose the second option that would later become known as apartheid. Although the apartheid was born officially in 1948, it was undoubtedly cultivated in the South African legislation since the 1910s-20s.
A segregated beach in South Africa, 1982.
Social Sciences helped South Africa’s politicians and leaders at that time to created the segregationist discourse. They wanted to insist on differences and the contemporary ideas of concepts such as culture, ethnicity, society and so on helped them. They held that there were essential and insuperable differences between Africans and Europeans. Therefore, in South Africa, different ‘human groups’ existed with evident physical differences that conformed inevitably to some not so evident objective cultural differences. In this way it would be possible to conclude that physical differences can create inequalities.
Likewise, other important fact in the segregationist discourse was the development of the Afrikaner nationalism. Afrikaners needed to define themselves against ‘the others’, ‘blacks’ and other minorities that existed in the country but they were not ‘white British’ either. Thus, a wave of nationalism began expand throughout the region during the earlier 20th century. As a result of that, in 1948 the nationalist party came to power and it created the apartheid law that completely separated ‘blacks’ and ‘whites’ in South Africa.
In 1994 this legal system was eliminated but the consequences of that period remain yet in the society. Nowadays South Africa is quite a dangerous country and it is involved in a reconciliation process. The future is, without doubt, uncertain but they are now on the right path.
The first time that ‘blacks’ are allowed to vote, 1994.
The present of the country and the future...
Interviews
Hi everyone!
I'm putting one of my interviews here. Please if you have any comnents about it, the blog is the best place to talk about it.
Thank you.
INTERVIEWS
Have you ever felt like a stranger? Have you ever thought that this was not your place? A lot of international students come to Sussex every year, how do they feel here? And English students? What do they do to make them to feel at home?
The following interviews with both an international and an English student try to answer these questions delving into their opinions and feelings. We do not try to give general answers just to show some personal experiences at Sussex.
LAURA
Name: Laura Cook
Age:22
Nationality: English
Studies: English and Spanish.
Who do you live with? And where?
I live with my friend who I met in the first year of the university. Her name is Joanna and we have a flat in Brighton.
Do you have any international classmates?
Yes, there are few in my Spanish class. A couple of girls from France and a girl from Luxemburg .But in my English class there are none.
Do you have any relationships with international students?
Yes, I meet with a Spanish girl called Laura to practise Spanish with and also another Spanish man called Javier.
Do you feel integrated in the university life?
No really. I am not a member of any sports teams. I am not a member of any societies. But I do enjoy university life and I go to the gym when I can on campus and… I enjoy it here.
Why do not you belong to any team or societies?
It is quite competitive, it is quite difficult to become a member of these teams. I am not a sporty person.
Do you have any experiences abroad?
Yes, I went to Spain last year for a few months to learn Spanish and I was working in a school with children in Madrid.
How did you feel there?
Everyone in Spain was very nice to me, very helpful at the school. They used to involve me in their parties, and at Christmas we did a present giving ceremony and we went to dinners and things like that.
But I did fell like a foreigner there. People used to look at me on the train, they used to stare and… they used to listen to our conversation in English quite a lot. But on the whole I felt comfortable.
I'm putting one of my interviews here. Please if you have any comnents about it, the blog is the best place to talk about it.
Thank you.
INTERVIEWS
Have you ever felt like a stranger? Have you ever thought that this was not your place? A lot of international students come to Sussex every year, how do they feel here? And English students? What do they do to make them to feel at home?
The following interviews with both an international and an English student try to answer these questions delving into their opinions and feelings. We do not try to give general answers just to show some personal experiences at Sussex.
LAURA
Name: Laura Cook
Age:22
Nationality: English
Studies: English and Spanish.
Who do you live with? And where?
I live with my friend who I met in the first year of the university. Her name is Joanna and we have a flat in Brighton.
Do you have any international classmates?
Yes, there are few in my Spanish class. A couple of girls from France and a girl from Luxemburg .But in my English class there are none.
Do you have any relationships with international students?
Yes, I meet with a Spanish girl called Laura to practise Spanish with and also another Spanish man called Javier.
Do you feel integrated in the university life?
No really. I am not a member of any sports teams. I am not a member of any societies. But I do enjoy university life and I go to the gym when I can on campus and… I enjoy it here.
Why do not you belong to any team or societies?
It is quite competitive, it is quite difficult to become a member of these teams. I am not a sporty person.
Do you have any experiences abroad?
Yes, I went to Spain last year for a few months to learn Spanish and I was working in a school with children in Madrid.
How did you feel there?
Everyone in Spain was very nice to me, very helpful at the school. They used to involve me in their parties, and at Christmas we did a present giving ceremony and we went to dinners and things like that.
But I did fell like a foreigner there. People used to look at me on the train, they used to stare and… they used to listen to our conversation in English quite a lot. But on the whole I felt comfortable.
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