St Pauls Cathedral London
After the mesmerizing traditional ceremony of switching on the Christmas lights in London’s Oxford Street, Regents Street and St Paul’s Cathedral, the preparations for the auspicious Christmas Eve are now on at its peak. St Paul’s Cathedral has also announced the Midnight Mass London which will be held at St Paul’s Churchyard on 24th December 2009. This in fact will be one of the most remarkable Christmas events in London. The event will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral as it is the official spiritual centre of Great Britain. This church has also hosted several other historical occasions which include Lady Diana and Prince Charles wedding and Winston Churchill’s funeral.
The Midnight Mass is also one of the major summit of the pre Christmas festivities and when such an event takes place in the intricate architecture of St Paul’s then the feel of the festival is even more. In this event you can experience the angelic choir whose voice will rise up and fill the world’s largest dome. More than 2000 worshippers gather in this church for this ritual. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will also play at the St Paul’s Cathedral on 12th Nvember 2009.
The entire churchyard and dome will be beautifully lit with candles and colourful lights which will add to the mesmerizing atmosphere of St Paul’s. No extra cost is charged to attend this event so you can visit the church along with your friends and family. The venue is sited close to the Blackfriars and St Paul’s tube stations thus, it is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Besides St Paul’s the Midnight Mass and Living Crib will also take place at the Saint Jacques and Saint Philippe Church, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral and the London Oratory.
World Aids Day
World AIDS day will be celebrated all across the world on 1st December 2009. The awareness for this cause will be spread in all the events which will be held on this day. Several charity events will also be organized in London on and around the world AIDS day. The need of awareness is otherwise also much needed in London as around 42% of the total number affected by HIV in UK are in London. Thus the events to be held on the World IDS day will help in raising awareness about this ailment.
Various renowned charities in London are organizing events and parties in the city to raise fund that can be used in the awareness programs and research work of AIDS. Some of such associations are Terence Jiggins Trust, London Ecumenical Aids Trust, Zimbabwean Women’s Association, Positiveline and many more. Victoria and Albert museum, Southwark Cathedral, Bootcamp Club and Cyclists from Southwark will also contribute to the cause by organizing some events, discussions, debates, parties and rides. World AIDS day Mega Raid will also be organized in London on 28th November 2009 at 10am. You can also join in this social cause and contribute a little to this cause. In this event funds will be raised for the charity of Terrence Higgins Trust, which is the largest charity of HIV and sexual health in UK.
Students from all over the country will come together to fight against HIV and AIDS and the indifference of public towards this ailment. A mass for world AIDS day will also take place on 29th November at Church of Our Lady Of The Assumption sited at the Warwick Street. The event will start at 5pm and the celebrant for the event will be Fr Michael Kirwan SJ, Head of Theology in University of London.
Katie Price Quits I’m A Celebrity Jungle
31 year old Katie Price (Jordan), quit the popular series of I’m A Celebrity Jungle. Katie claimed that she had enough of being tortured by the viewers of this renowned show and having to face the exhausting Bushtucker Trials every day. This well known model was nominated for the seventh trial but, she refused even to take part in it. She was selected along with Joe Bugner for the ghastly Bad Pit trial but she commented “Someone else has to do it. I am just not doing it anymore.” Katie was given around 3, 50,000£ just to return back to the show but, she could last in the jungle for just eight days. Till now it is not known what actually will happen to the amount she got to be back on the show. But, she says that she doesn’t care anymore for the money or the show and she also said “Others in there do. I don’t. I’ve got money. I have just done a big book tour. This isn’t about the money anyway.”
Phil and Gray say “Katie is not a quitter but, after all this it is clear enough. After quitting the jungle, Jordan was shifted to a luxury Versace hotel on the Gold Coast of Australia but, she refused to speak to the press or to tell the reason why she left the show. As per her spokes person she might do a live chat on I’m A Celebrity Jungle tonight with the hosts of the show – Ant and Dec and she will also explain her sudden walk out from the show.
Now Jordan is out and anyway Alex Reid is also planning to propose her for marriage so we need to see what will Katie prefer – back to I’m A Celebrity Jungle with daunting trials or a ring by Alex.
London Underground
As a result of inflation, the fares of travelling in London have seen a tremendous hike, this year. Fares of London Tube are also raised by around 7.4% recently. The reason behind this raise is not just inflation but, decrease in the number of passengers is also a major cause. The statistics revealed by the transport commissioner – Peter Hendy says that a drop of 6.4% in the number of passengers was seen in the month of August. Against such as huge drop in revenue a fare rise is to be expected. Thus, the decline in the use of network resulted in a busting price rise.
Another reason for decline of network can be the loss of several city jobs due to the effect of recession. This led to 190000 less journeys in a day, in the month of August alone as compared to last year’s same time period. The decline was mostly in the financial districts of Canary Wharf and Square Mile. The enormous decrease in the use of network also resulted in less income for the managers of tube. The London tube is thus, facing a shortfall of a multi billion pound in revenue.
Tfl budget needs a 3.5% jump in the number of passengers by next year and a 7.4% rise in fare to deal with the situation. The Mayor of London – Boris Johnson will soon take a decision regarding the fare prices of London tube by the end of this year. Mr. Johnson also said that there is a “massive black hole” in the transport for the finances of London. But, he will have to keep this in mind that rising the fares up too high will only worsen the situation as people will start avoiding travelling by tube in order to shun the higher prices.
Red Bull Street Style Final in UK
The finals of free style football with Red Bull will be held on 21st November 2009, Saturday. The finals will be judged by the famous Dutch football legend – Edgar David’s, Rocket and the world champion Arnaud Garnier. The Red Bull Street Style UK Final 2009 will be held at the extremely popular Michaels Church, Camden. This event promises a first class freestyle football with the famous Red Bull twist. In this grand finale the players will compete in on-on-one battles and will also display some of their best tricks to the famous pop rhythm of music. They will also show unique and innovative stunts to impress the judges and to beat the rivals.
The last regional qualifier held in Bristol saw the largest turnout yet, for both spectators and competitors. “The top 3 ballers will join the 9 others who have already qualified in the national final. After the event the judges, meeting in a sound proof room and with no one allowed in or out until a decision had been made then chose the 4 wildcard entries who will also be going to the final. Congratulations to Michael Hindle, Omar Hassoun, Patrick Edwards and Ash Randall!”
The winner of this freestyle show will get a title of UK Red Bull Street Style Final 2009 and a place in the Finals of Red Bull Street Style World 2009 which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa in the year 2010. If you are also a fan of free style football then this is the best place to be at.
Venue – St Michael’s Church, 191 St Pancras Way, Camden, London, NW1 9NH.
Date – 21-November 2009
Time – 6pm – 8pm
Entry tickets – Entry to this event is free of cost.
Nearest tube station – Camden Town London Underground
Racial Attacks on Indian Students in London
A group of 10 students got injured in the racial attacks on 10th November 2009 in London. 6 of these students were of Indian origin and were attacked during the racial gangs. During these riots some of the white and black youth students attacked a group of 10 Asian Muslim in the University Campus. Two separate incidents of racial riots were reported, on took place on 2nd November and the other on 5th November at the City University. Reports registered said that the racists group abused at a student going into the prayer room and then attacked him at the underground station. He was accompanied by the other students of the same group.
Six of these students were seriously injured and had stab wounds. The spokesperson of Federation of Student Islamic Societies said “One Pakistani origin student suffered bruise to his brain and suffered memory loss and has been sent to his home in Luton,” He also said that the condition of students of Indian origin is now under control but they are still under observation.
Three students from the group of black and whites gang were arrested for investigation but, now they have been bailed. John Sutherland who is the superintendent from Islington Police said “We’re treating both incidents very seriously. We have made a number of arrests in connection with Thursday’s incident and the investigation is ongoing. The Muslim and local community can be reassured by the fact there are dedicated police patrols in this area and crime prevention measures have been put in place with the university”. The detective inspector Trevor Borley of Islington force says “police patrolling in the area has been increased, and “we are taking this matter very seriously”.
Gordon Brown
UK Prime Minister – Gordon Brown strictly commented that we must not walk away from Afghanistan. He strongly defended the military of Britain and its mission in Afghanistan. Following the dreadful deaths of British in Afghanistan in this week, a high profile speech was organized in the city. Brown commented in the meeting that “the military actions in the country were our first line of defence against terror attacks at home.”
While paying tribute to all the 93 British troops who died in Afghanistan this year he said “These men are our heroes today.” Brown said that the strategy of Britain were not “without danger or risk”. He also warned the Al Qaida terrorists and said if they continue to plot attacks on Britain then this mission of Britain’s military will not stop. Gordon Brown’s speech was an effect of polling that was done recently to know what the general public feels about the policy of Britain’s military. Majority voters said that they did not believe in victory against the Taliban insurgents was possible. The speech also followed the call from the former Foreign Office Minister – Kim Howells regarding the mission in Afghanistan to be halted and about the money that was spent on the anti-terror measures taken in UK.
Prime Minister also said “Britain has consistently shouldered its fair share of the burden and more – especially in the last three years, since we deployed into Southern Afghanistan, the heartland of the Taliban. “But when the main terrorist threat facing Britain emanates from Afghanistan and Pakistan; and when, although the sustained pressure in Pakistan, combined with military action in Afghanistan, is having a suppressive effect on al Qaida, we know that they continue to train and plot attacks on Britain from the region … this mission must not fail. “It is not easy; the choices are not simple. There is no strategy that is without danger and risk.
“But that is the responsibility of leadership – of government, and of our armed forces. To do what is necessary, however difficult, to keep the British people safe. We cannot, must not and will not walk away.”
Manchester United Lagging Behind In EPL
Manchester United is now lagging five points behind Chelsea in the race of the EPL title. Ferguson was extremely vital about Atkinson’s positioning and thus, the decision to grant Chelsea a 76th minute free kick, scored for them. The manager of United said the following after the score of Nicolas Anelka: “Clearly Fletcher has won the ball. He never touched Ashley Cole, who just jumped up in the air, and then Drogba pulled [Wes] Brown to the ground at the goal. The referee’s position to make a decision there was absolutely ridiculous. He can’t see it. There was a Chelsea player standing in front of him and he doesn’t even move. It was a bad decision, but what can you do? You lose faith in the refereeing sometimes. That’s the way the players are talking in there. It was a bad one. That goal should not have been allowed.”
This exciting victory of Chelsea gave them an 11th successive win in their home town which now equals their own club record which was set in the year 2006. The manager of Chelsea – Carlo Ancelotti was also not happy and said “The United players protested a lot. I don’t know why. I don’t like this. This win is important, but not so important. The season is very long and we have to stay focused and maintain this form.”
After all the hard of Captain John Terry, Chelsea is now leading with 5 points from Manchester United and is at the top of Barclays Premier League. United though had their chance but, Chelsea grabbed the most important breakthrough in the 76th minute and it held on for its victory. The EPL trophy of this year could end up in London and the match on 29th November could go a long way.
London Halloween
The Halloween killers of the well known Businessmen and his girlfriend might have planned the time of murder during fireworks last night so that the fireworks can easily cover the noise of gunfire. The neighbours of the businessmen told the police that they heard 2 loud bangs at the time when the owner of mobile phone firm – Ken Snell and his girlfriend were killed. But, these neighbours dismissed the noise as a part of a Saturday treat antics or treat. The murder squad detectives were called after one hour of the incidence at this 62 year old businessmen’s place. The victim was a rich man and his bungalow alone cost 250,000£.
One of the neighbours also said “We heard two distinct loud bangs. My son said it must be fireworks but, looking back I think it may well have been gunshots.” “There are all kinds of bangs going off in the run up to bonfire night, so what better time to shoot someone?” The corps although refused to confirm that the couple was shot but, the remains of the property which were shattered looked as if it had been blown out as the glass of the window also repelled badly.
The detectives quizzed a 44 year old man last night in connection with this murder case. The detectives also cleared that the suspect of this case knew both the victims and thus, they are not searching for any other possible suspect. According to the detectives they were possibly killed by a love rival. One of the victims – Mr. Snell was a wealthy divorcee retired from the post of company executive with Motorola. One of his neighbours also said “He was a lovely man and would do anything to help anyone in the street. I had seen a lady friend there a few times recently but, I didn’t speak to her. We are wondering if she had some other partner who got jealous.”
Oxford Circus London
The new crossing of Oxford Circus is finally unveiled. Makeover for this spectacular crossing included a cost of around 5£ million. It took almost 6 months in remodeling the entire work. This unique engineered crossroads was reopened by Boris Johnson who is the mayor of London. New crossing at Oxford Circus is based on the design of Sibuya crossing in Tokyo. The new diagonal crossing at Oxford will increase the number of pedestrians to 69% who will be able to walk from one side to the other. Now the pedestrians can easily cross from both the sides of the city’s busiest shopping destination.
The leader of Westminster’s City Council – Colin Barrow also said “Taking our inspiration from the Far East makes perfect sense as the Japanese have perfected the art of managing large numbers of people through good design and engineering. “The West End, like Tokyo’s Shibuya district, is a fashion and entertainment hub which attracts visitors in huge numbers.”
As per the data available around 200 million workers and shoppers frequently visit the Bond Street, Regents Street and Oxford Street every year which is much more than the figures combined for Birmingham and Manchester together. The new traffic lights at Oxford will stop traffic in all the directions so that the pedestrians can cross the road diagonally or on the straight road. Pavements are also widened and the barriers are removed. The travel editor of the popular London newspaper – Mirror also added “I’ve used the Shibuya crossing several times. Like most Japanese inventions it’s simple – and works. Oxford Street shoppers will love it.” This could have been the perfect time of the opening the new crossroads as the Streets will flood with pedestrians who would come here for Christmas shopping.
