People wanting to buy wedding presents asked to give instead to a charitable fund Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton, have asked people wishing to give them wedding presents to donate instead to a fund for 26 charities, many supporting disadvantaged inner-city children. A statement issued by Clarence House said: “Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund. “Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities. They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date.” The announcement may stop some of the lavish gifts bestowed on Prince Charles and Princess Diana at their wedding in 1981, such as a jewel-encrusted dhow from the Emir of Bahrain which ended up being sold by a royal servant to a West End jeweller, and the charities concerned expressed delight at the couple’s gesture. Michael de Giorgio, chief executive of Greenhouse Schools, which provides holiday sporting activities for London children, said the decision to include the charity on the list represented a royal endorsement: “The royal couple have shown the level of social entrepreneurism that will be required to tackle the most pressing social problems.” Among the charities are Peace Players, which promotes cross-community cohesion by teaching children basketball in Northern Ireland; Oily Cart, a children’s theatre group working specially with disabled groups; Into University, which encourages teenagers to apply for higher education; Beat Bullying; Combat Stress and Cruse Bereavement Care for the children of military casualties. Charities working in Australia, New Zealand and Canada will also benefit. The prince is on his way to New Zealand to meet those involved in the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River mine disaster last November, before heading to Queensland to visit the site of the January floods there. The charities are grouped depending on their work and donations can be earmarked for particular groups: Changing lives through arts and sport; Children fulfilling their potential; Help and care at home; Support for service personnel and their families; and Conservation for future generations. Donations can be made through the www.royalweddingcharityfund.org website. They will be held in a dedicated account by the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and grants will be distributed in partnership with the charities to ensure maximum impact. The list of charities Peace Players Ocean Youth Trust Greenhouse Schools Oily Cart Dance United Into University Venture Trust Beat Bullying Keyfund A National Voice Association for Children’s Palliative Care (ACT) Youth Access Community Foundation in Wales Community Foundation in Scotland Community Foundation in Berkshire Combat Stress Cruse Bereavement Care for Children of Forces’ Families Household Cavalry Benevolent Fund Irish Guards Appeal Army Widows Association Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund ZSL EarthWatch The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary New Zealand government’s Christchurch earthquake appeal Royal Flying Doctor Service – Australia Royal wedding Monarchy Stephen Bates guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …People wanting to buy wedding presents asked to give instead to a charitable fund Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton, have asked people wishing to give them wedding presents to donate instead to a fund for 26 charities, many supporting disadvantaged inner-city children. A statement issued by Clarence House said: “Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund. “Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities. They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date.” The announcement may stop some of the lavish gifts bestowed on Prince Charles and Princess Diana at their wedding in 1981, such as a jewel-encrusted dhow from the Emir of Bahrain which ended up being sold by a royal servant to a West End jeweller, and the charities concerned expressed delight at the couple’s gesture. Michael de Giorgio, chief executive of Greenhouse Schools, which provides holiday sporting activities for London children, said the decision to include the charity on the list represented a royal endorsement: “The royal couple have shown the level of social entrepreneurism that will be required to tackle the most pressing social problems.” Among the charities are Peace Players, which promotes cross-community cohesion by teaching children basketball in Northern Ireland; Oily Cart, a children’s theatre group working specially with disabled groups; Into University, which encourages teenagers to apply for higher education; Beat Bullying; Combat Stress and Cruse Bereavement Care for the children of military casualties. Charities working in Australia, New Zealand and Canada will also benefit. The prince is on his way to New Zealand to meet those involved in the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River mine disaster last November, before heading to Queensland to visit the site of the January floods there. The charities are grouped depending on their work and donations can be earmarked for particular groups: Changing lives through arts and sport; Children fulfilling their potential; Help and care at home; Support for service personnel and their families; and Conservation for future generations. Donations can be made through the www.royalweddingcharityfund.org website. They will be held in a dedicated account by the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and grants will be distributed in partnership with the charities to ensure maximum impact. The list of charities Peace Players Ocean Youth Trust Greenhouse Schools Oily Cart Dance United Into University Venture Trust Beat Bullying Keyfund A National Voice Association for Children’s Palliative Care (ACT) Youth Access Community Foundation in Wales Community Foundation in Scotland Community Foundation in Berkshire Combat Stress Cruse Bereavement Care for Children of Forces’ Families Household Cavalry Benevolent Fund Irish Guards Appeal Army Widows Association Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund ZSL EarthWatch The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary New Zealand government’s Christchurch earthquake appeal Royal Flying Doctor Service – Australia Royal wedding Monarchy Stephen Bates guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Delroy Grant claims Janet Watson planted his bodily fluids at crime scenes so police would find his DNA The ex-wife of the accused in the “night stalker” case, Delroy Grant, has said she was left speechless by his “ridiculous” claims she framed him. Janet Watson, 53, said Grant’s allegation that she stored his semen for more than a decade after their split was “unbelievable”, while giving evidence in court. Responding to his defence that she used a white male accomplice to plant Grant’s body fluids on burglary victims across south London, Watson told Woolwich crown court: “I was speechless, I was amazed that he could do that. I was speechless.” Midway through her testimony, Grant shouted from the dock: “You are a liar.” Jonathan Laidlaw QC, prosecuting, went on to ask her about her understanding of DNA evidence. “I have no idea about it to this day,” she added. Watson, wearing a black and white dress and glasses, said Grant had initially been a “prince charming” to her but their relationship turned “well sour” soon after they were married in the late 1970s. Watson described how Grant had initially been “really nice, fantastic – a real charmer” on their first encounter outside a pub when they were both 18. They met after Grant had started talking to her baby daughter. “He was very softly spoken and really nice,” she said. The relationship moved on very quickly, with Grant moving in with her and proposing. “I was very happy, I was okay. To me I had found my prince charming so that made it even better.” They were married the same year and she fell pregnant with the first of two sons she had with Grant. But within weeks of the wedding the relationship turned “well sour”, she said. “He made it very clear that it was not going to be a nice time staying with him,” she added. The trial continues. Crime guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Delroy Grant claims Janet Watson planted his bodily fluids at crime scenes so police would find his DNA The ex-wife of the accused in the “night stalker” case, Delroy Grant, has said she was left speechless by his “ridiculous” claims she framed him. Janet Watson, 53, said Grant’s allegation that she stored his semen for more than a decade after their split was “unbelievable”, while giving evidence in court. Responding to his defence that she used a white male accomplice to plant Grant’s body fluids on burglary victims across south London, Watson told Woolwich crown court: “I was speechless, I was amazed that he could do that. I was speechless.” Midway through her testimony, Grant shouted from the dock: “You are a liar.” Jonathan Laidlaw QC, prosecuting, went on to ask her about her understanding of DNA evidence. “I have no idea about it to this day,” she added. Watson, wearing a black and white dress and glasses, said Grant had initially been a “prince charming” to her but their relationship turned “well sour” soon after they were married in the late 1970s. Watson described how Grant had initially been “really nice, fantastic – a real charmer” on their first encounter outside a pub when they were both 18. They met after Grant had started talking to her baby daughter. “He was very softly spoken and really nice,” she said. The relationship moved on very quickly, with Grant moving in with her and proposing. “I was very happy, I was okay. To me I had found my prince charming so that made it even better.” They were married the same year and she fell pregnant with the first of two sons she had with Grant. But within weeks of the wedding the relationship turned “well sour”, she said. “He made it very clear that it was not going to be a nice time staying with him,” she added. The trial continues. Crime guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Delroy Grant claims Janet Watson planted his bodily fluids at crime scenes so police would find his DNA The ex-wife of the accused in the “night stalker” case, Delroy Grant, has said she was left speechless by his “ridiculous” claims she framed him. Janet Watson, 53, said Grant’s allegation that she stored his semen for more than a decade after their split was “unbelievable”, while giving evidence in court. Responding to his defence that she used a white male accomplice to plant Grant’s body fluids on burglary victims across south London, Watson told Woolwich crown court: “I was speechless, I was amazed that he could do that. I was speechless.” Midway through her testimony, Grant shouted from the dock: “You are a liar.” Jonathan Laidlaw QC, prosecuting, went on to ask her about her understanding of DNA evidence. “I have no idea about it to this day,” she added. Watson, wearing a black and white dress and glasses, said Grant had initially been a “prince charming” to her but their relationship turned “well sour” soon after they were married in the late 1970s. Watson described how Grant had initially been “really nice, fantastic – a real charmer” on their first encounter outside a pub when they were both 18. They met after Grant had started talking to her baby daughter. “He was very softly spoken and really nice,” she said. The relationship moved on very quickly, with Grant moving in with her and proposing. “I was very happy, I was okay. To me I had found my prince charming so that made it even better.” They were married the same year and she fell pregnant with the first of two sons she had with Grant. But within weeks of the wedding the relationship turned “well sour”, she said. “He made it very clear that it was not going to be a nice time staying with him,” she added. The trial continues. Crime guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Delroy Grant claims Janet Watson planted his bodily fluids at crime scenes so police would find his DNA The ex-wife of the accused in the “night stalker” case, Delroy Grant, has said she was left speechless by his “ridiculous” claims she framed him. Janet Watson, 53, said Grant’s allegation that she stored his semen for more than a decade after their split was “unbelievable”, while giving evidence in court. Responding to his defence that she used a white male accomplice to plant Grant’s body fluids on burglary victims across south London, Watson told Woolwich crown court: “I was speechless, I was amazed that he could do that. I was speechless.” Midway through her testimony, Grant shouted from the dock: “You are a liar.” Jonathan Laidlaw QC, prosecuting, went on to ask her about her understanding of DNA evidence. “I have no idea about it to this day,” she added. Watson, wearing a black and white dress and glasses, said Grant had initially been a “prince charming” to her but their relationship turned “well sour” soon after they were married in the late 1970s. Watson described how Grant had initially been “really nice, fantastic – a real charmer” on their first encounter outside a pub when they were both 18. They met after Grant had started talking to her baby daughter. “He was very softly spoken and really nice,” she said. The relationship moved on very quickly, with Grant moving in with her and proposing. “I was very happy, I was okay. To me I had found my prince charming so that made it even better.” They were married the same year and she fell pregnant with the first of two sons she had with Grant. But within weeks of the wedding the relationship turned “well sour”, she said. “He made it very clear that it was not going to be a nice time staying with him,” she added. The trial continues. Crime guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Delroy Grant claims Janet Watson planted his bodily fluids at crime scenes so police would find his DNA The ex-wife of the accused in the “night stalker” case, Delroy Grant, has said she was left speechless by his “ridiculous” claims she framed him. Janet Watson, 53, said Grant’s allegation that she stored his semen for more than a decade after their split was “unbelievable”, while giving evidence in court. Responding to his defence that she used a white male accomplice to plant Grant’s body fluids on burglary victims across south London, Watson told Woolwich crown court: “I was speechless, I was amazed that he could do that. I was speechless.” Midway through her testimony, Grant shouted from the dock: “You are a liar.” Jonathan Laidlaw QC, prosecuting, went on to ask her about her understanding of DNA evidence. “I have no idea about it to this day,” she added. Watson, wearing a black and white dress and glasses, said Grant had initially been a “prince charming” to her but their relationship turned “well sour” soon after they were married in the late 1970s. Watson described how Grant had initially been “really nice, fantastic – a real charmer” on their first encounter outside a pub when they were both 18. They met after Grant had started talking to her baby daughter. “He was very softly spoken and really nice,” she said. The relationship moved on very quickly, with Grant moving in with her and proposing. “I was very happy, I was okay. To me I had found my prince charming so that made it even better.” They were married the same year and she fell pregnant with the first of two sons she had with Grant. But within weeks of the wedding the relationship turned “well sour”, she said. “He made it very clear that it was not going to be a nice time staying with him,” she added. The trial continues. Crime guardian.co.uk
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Click here to view this media [H/t Heather. ] The skeleton crew of workers has now been evacuated from the Fukushima nuclear plant because radiation levels are so dangerously high: New assessments of the explosion at Unit 2 of Japan’s stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant Tuesday heightened fears that it will begin spewing large amounts of radiation The explosion probably damaged the main protective shield around the uranium-filled core inside one of the plant’s six reactors. Such a breach would be the first at a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl catastrophe in the Soviet Union 25 years ago. The latest explosion — compounded by a fire in a different unit Wednesday morning — marked yet another setback in the five-day battle to stabilize the Daiichi facility, which suffered heavy damage to its cooling systems after Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. Other explosions occurred earlier at two of the plant’s reactors. The blast Tuesday at Unit 2 was not outwardly visible, but potentially more dangerous because it may have created an escape route for radioactive material bottled up inside the thick steel-and-concrete reactor tube. Radiation-laced steam is probably building up between that tube and the building that houses it, experts said, triggering fears that the pressure would blow apart the structure, emitting radiation from the core. “They’re putting water into the core and generating steam, and that steam has to go somewhere,” said Arnie Gunderson, a nuclear engineer with 40 years of experience overseeing the Vermont Yankee nuclear facility, whose reactors are of the same vintage and design as those at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. “It has to be carrying radiation.” Nuclear experts have repeatedly stressed that radiation releases on the scale of Chernobyl are unlikely or even impossible, given the Japanese plant’s heavier engineering and additional layers of containment..
Continue reading …Click here to view this media [H/t Heather. ] The skeleton crew of workers has now been evacuated from the Fukushima nuclear plant because radiation levels are so dangerously high: New assessments of the explosion at Unit 2 of Japan’s stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant Tuesday heightened fears that it will begin spewing large amounts of radiation The explosion probably damaged the main protective shield around the uranium-filled core inside one of the plant’s six reactors. Such a breach would be the first at a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl catastrophe in the Soviet Union 25 years ago. The latest explosion — compounded by a fire in a different unit Wednesday morning — marked yet another setback in the five-day battle to stabilize the Daiichi facility, which suffered heavy damage to its cooling systems after Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. Other explosions occurred earlier at two of the plant’s reactors. The blast Tuesday at Unit 2 was not outwardly visible, but potentially more dangerous because it may have created an escape route for radioactive material bottled up inside the thick steel-and-concrete reactor tube. Radiation-laced steam is probably building up between that tube and the building that houses it, experts said, triggering fears that the pressure would blow apart the structure, emitting radiation from the core. “They’re putting water into the core and generating steam, and that steam has to go somewhere,” said Arnie Gunderson, a nuclear engineer with 40 years of experience overseeing the Vermont Yankee nuclear facility, whose reactors are of the same vintage and design as those at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. “It has to be carrying radiation.” Nuclear experts have repeatedly stressed that radiation releases on the scale of Chernobyl are unlikely or even impossible, given the Japanese plant’s heavier engineering and additional layers of containment..
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Click here to view this media [H/t Heather. ] The skeleton crew of workers has now been evacuated from the Fukushima nuclear plant because radiation levels are so dangerously high: New assessments of the explosion at Unit 2 of Japan’s stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant Tuesday heightened fears that it will begin spewing large amounts of radiation The explosion probably damaged the main protective shield around the uranium-filled core inside one of the plant’s six reactors. Such a breach would be the first at a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl catastrophe in the Soviet Union 25 years ago. The latest explosion — compounded by a fire in a different unit Wednesday morning — marked yet another setback in the five-day battle to stabilize the Daiichi facility, which suffered heavy damage to its cooling systems after Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. Other explosions occurred earlier at two of the plant’s reactors. The blast Tuesday at Unit 2 was not outwardly visible, but potentially more dangerous because it may have created an escape route for radioactive material bottled up inside the thick steel-and-concrete reactor tube. Radiation-laced steam is probably building up between that tube and the building that houses it, experts said, triggering fears that the pressure would blow apart the structure, emitting radiation from the core. “They’re putting water into the core and generating steam, and that steam has to go somewhere,” said Arnie Gunderson, a nuclear engineer with 40 years of experience overseeing the Vermont Yankee nuclear facility, whose reactors are of the same vintage and design as those at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. “It has to be carrying radiation.” Nuclear experts have repeatedly stressed that radiation releases on the scale of Chernobyl are unlikely or even impossible, given the Japanese plant’s heavier engineering and additional layers of containment..
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