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The junk food generation: British children getting fatter at twice the rate of Americans
A shocking picture of the way children are gorging themselves on sweets, chocolates and snacks was revealed yesterday. They are getting fat almost twice as quickly as American youngsters as they eat double the amount of sugary and savoury treats. The disturbing figures suggest that Government efforts to turn back the tide of obesity overwhelming the country's children are failing.
Obese: British children eat double the amount of sugary and savoury treats as their American peers (file picture). Independent research company Datamonitor said average annual spending on sweets and chocolates for children in this country is £372 - equivalent to around 850 Mars bars. That is more than double the £150 for American youngsters. The amount spent on savoury snacks such as crisps is put at £73.24 in the UK, compared with £39.51 in the U.S. British children also eat more sugary breakfast cereals, ice cream and ready meals. More than one in three British children aged five to 13 are already overweight or obese. But that figure is predicted to soar at a rate of 2.1 per cent a year through to 2014, far higher than the 1.3 per cent annual rise expected for the U.S. And by 2014, some 38.6 per cent of UK youngsters - a total of 2.5million - will be too heavy. The study comes despite a series of promises by food companies to improve their ingredients and reduce portion sizes of chocolate bars, fast food and crisps. It will reawaken fears after MPs warned in 2004 that children were 'choking on their own fat' and said they would be 'the first generation to die before their parents as a consequence of obesity'.
The MPs on the Health Select Committee painted a woeful picture of large numbers of people being disfigured and blinded by weight-related diseases such as diabetes. 'The sight of amputees will become much more familiar in the streets,' it said. 'There will be many more blind people. There will be huge demand for kidney dialysis.' Kidney failure, blindness and amputations can all result from diabetes.
Green Tea Leaves
Green Tea Leaves are the latest weight loss fad. These so called Super Herbs that you take as a supplement to lose weight have been getting a lot of international attention. And like you have probably already seen; they are all over the internet in blogs and success stories of people who have apparently used the pills and lost a ton of weight. But we here at Consumer Review Daily are a little skeptical and aren‘t sure that we‘ve seen any real proof that these herbs work for weight loss. So we decided to put these products to the test. What better way to find out the truth than to conduct our own study? Read on.......
Five killed in Kenyan rally crush
At least five people have died and dozens been injured in a stampede at a rally in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The stampede followed two explosions, the cause of which is unknown. The rally was organised by Christian groups opposed to a draft constitution because it retains recognition of existing Islamic courts and includes a clause on abortion. Kenyans are due to vote on the new constitution in a referendum in August. The Kenyan police say the explosions were small and left no debris. Police are investigating the possibility that a home-made device was detonated. As part of a power-sharing deal to end deadly riots following elections in December 2007, it was agreed that a new constitution would be written. The document provides for greater checks on presidential powers and more regional devolution.
At least 20 people were injured in the Nairobi blast.
However, Christian church leaders are campaigning for a "No" vote after an amendment to abolish abortion on medical grounds failed. They also oppose the continued recognition of Islamic family courts. The Islamic Kadhi courts - set up under British colonial rule - mainly deal with matters of marriage and inheritance for Kenya's Muslim minority. Supporters of the new constitution deny that it opens the door to legalised abortion
Race - McLaren one-two in Montreal thriller
McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (R) of Britain and teammate Jenson Button of Britain celebrate with champagne after winning the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix on June 13, 2010 in Montreal. Right, crowd in Montreal during the race.
MONTREAL - Lewis Hamilton drove a superb tactical race to hold off his McLaren team mate Jenson Button and win Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix from pole position and jump to the top of the Formula One drivers’ championship.
In a repeat of the last race in Turkey, Hamilton crossed the line just 2.2 seconds ahead of his fellow-Briton to leapfrog Australian Mark Webber and world champion Button at the top of the standings.
Spain’s Fernando Alonso finished third for Ferrari to join the two McLaren men on the Montreal podium while Germany’s Sebastian Vettel was fourth and his Red Bull team mate Webber fifth after a thrilling race.
"Woohooh! Yes! Great job guys!" Hamilton told his team bosses after taking the chequered flag.
"Thank you so much for this weekend. There was a lot of pressure on our shoulders, but we stood up to it."
Hamilton’s second win in a row took him from third to first place in the championship with a total of 109 points. Button remained second on 106 while Webber dropped to third on 103 ahead of Alonso (94) and Vettel (90).
"It is one of the toughest races so far. It’s another one-two and Jenson did an incredible job. I am very happy and proud of the team," said Hamilton, the 2008 world champion.
"This is a special day for me because I obviously won my first Grand Prix here so to come back and do that three years later is a real pleasure."
STRATEGIC BATTLE
While there were no major crashes during the 70-lap event, which was back on the calendar after being left off last year, there was no shortage of drama as Canada lived up to its reputation as one of the most enthralling races.
Five different drivers held the lead as teams were forced into a strategic battle to keep their tyres from falling apart on the demanding street circuit which features long straights and tight corners.
The different tyre strategies produced a riveting tactical race with the leading five all in contention at different stages but swapping places during extra pit stops, high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing and some breathtaking overtaking, which has been absent from Formula One in recent years.
"It was a very difficult race," said Button, who won last year’s title with Brawn (now Mercedes) before switching to McLaren.
"The tyres are so important and you are never sure if you are looking after them enough. It was a great race, really enjoyable - you had to think about every situation."
While Hamilton became the fifth different leader of the championship this season, Alonso was also buoyed by the improved performance of his Ferrari.
The double world champion has struggled to keep pace with Red Bull and McLaren since winning the season-opening race in Bahrain but believed he was back on the pace.
"I think it was good day for us, the car was very competitive," Alonso said. "We are moving in the right direction and I think we are back in the fight."
It was poor result for Red Bull, who had dominated the early part of the season, claiming pole position in each of the first seven races before Hamilton broke the sequence in Montreal.
Webber’s chances of winning were diminished even before the race started when he had to change a faulty gearbox and was forced to drop back five places on the grid from second to seventh.
He still managed to weave his way through traffic to lead for a large part of the race but his advantage was eaten away as his tyres started to deteriorate and he began sliding all over the course before returning to the pits for fresh rubber.
"I wanted to get some champagne today but in the end it didn’t happen," said the Australian.
Vettel also had his turn in front but, struggling with a gearbox problem, could not catch the cars in front of him once he had pitted for a second time — despite persistent urgings from his crew to go faster.
"Seriously, how do you expect me to pass, we are going slower and slower!" he told them.
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Global day of Prayer
Come and join thousands of Christians for a national day of prayer at West Ham United Football Club, Green Street in London (nearest tube: Upton Park on the District Line) to day Sunday, 13 June from 3pm to 6pm.
Confirmed lead worshippers include Noel Robinson, Godfrey Birtill, Graham Kendrick, Dave Bilborough, Mark Beswick, Muyiwa and Lara Martin. There will be a special guest performance by X-Factor Finalist Beverley Trotman.
There will also be music by the All Souls Orchestra, the GDOP Choir and the Kingdom Worship Movement Singers and Band.
Event Details
Date:
- To day, Sun 13 Jun 2010
Time:
- Doors open/Worship from 2pm
Location:
- West Ham United Football Club
Cost:
Children 10 years and older and Adults: £5 ... Children under 10: Free (but still require a ticket) Address:
- Green Street
London
E13 9AZ Phone
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BOOKED
Your ticket will tell you which gate (turnstile) you are to enter the stadium by, once inside the stadium please follow the signs and directions of the stewards to reach your allocated seating block, which is also listed on your ticket. Lost Tickets If your tickets have gone astray in the post then please report to the Ticket Enquiries Window at the on-site Box Office with details of your order and you will be issued replacement tickets. The Box Office opens at 11am. Tickets on the day There are still tickets available for the event which can be purchased on the day using a credit/debit card at the on-site Box Office, or by cash at the turnstiles. Please continue to invite friends and relatives. Children's Tickets Everyone attending the event needs a ticket to enter the stadium, additional children's tickets will be available on the day at no-charge. Venue and Travel The Venue is West Ham Stadium, Green Street, London E13 9AZ, click here for map. Public Transport Please note, there will be no District line services to or from East Ham on Sunday. If you are travelling from Central or South London, please use Jubilee line services to Canning Town and then use bus routes 5, 147 or 330. From North London, please use Central line services to Stratford, then bus route 104. From East London, please use c2c services into Barking, then bus route 5. Click here for the TFL journey planner for your own route. Car Parking around the stadium is limited either to the NCP carpark opposite or in the various side streets. We do want to ensure that we are gracious to the local residents, so would ask that you travel either by coach or public transport where ever possible. If you need to come by car then take North Circular (A406) to A124 (East Ham), then on Barking Road for approximately 1.5 miles until you approach traffic lights on crossroads. Turn right into Green Street, the ground is on your right hand side. Click here for the AA Car Journey Planner.TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By purchasing through Premier Tickets you are agreeing to our terms and conditions, please click here to read them. Please do not continue with your purchase without reading these first.
South Africa carries the standard for a continent
Colourful: thousands of fans take to the streets for trhe procession by the South African team through Sandton, Johannesburg
Friday, 11th June, 2010. In the 20 years since Nelson Mandela walked from prison South Africa has defied the predictions of racial violence and chaos many predicted would follow. Starting on Friday, when the hosts take on Mexico in the opening game of Africa’s first World Cup, this remarkable nation hopes to use a month of football to bury such fears forever.
The ambition tethered to this tournament is staggering. For its architects, it is nothing less than an opportunity to redefine perceptions of a nation and a continent, around the world and among its own people. It is a chance to drag prejudices out of the 19th century, haul the national infrastructure into the 21st and to unite a population still reconciling decades of racial division.
The World Cup has helped redefine national self-image before, but never on the scale South Africa is asking of it. In 1998, France’s victory, inspired by players of African descent, led by Zinedine Zidane, helped change notions of what it meant to be French. Four years ago, Germany staged a celebratory tournament that was the first legitimate expression of national pride since the Second World War, and helped cement unification.
The burden of expectation carried by South Africa 2010 exceeds both, and perhaps only in a country that has repeatedly chosen optimism over conflict would it be possible.
Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the organising committee, has been lobbying to bring the tournament to South Africa for 16 years, and is in no doubt that all these ambitions can be realised.
Having watched hundreds of thousands of South Africans, black and white, throng the upmarket streets of the Johannesburg suburb Sandton to greet the national team on Wednesday, he compares today’s kick-off to Mandela’s release and the granting of universal suffrage four years later.
“Yesterday, those who saw Bafana Bafana just driving by brought the whole of Sandton to a standstill, it shows that this moves people. That was the effect Nelson Mandela had when he walked out of prison,” Jordaan said. “We have always said the World Cup must be a celebration; it must help an image makeover of the country; it must show the world who we really are, that we are people driven by what drives human beings, to socialise, celebrate and show the goodness in our people and our people’s ability to embrace other people, because that is not always the story that is told about us.”
Delivering the infrastructure Fifa demanded, but which many doubted South Africa was capable of, has been crucial to changing perceptions.
“You come to South Africa now and you see the infrastructure, the stadiums, the roads, the airport, you see the hotel accommodation, you see our street trains, the buses, then you begin to understand that what we promised was not just talk, but a determination to present the best World Cup ever, and we worked hard to do that.”
Step inside Soccer City, the towering 90,000-seat stadium on the industrial edge of Johannesburg that hosts today’s opening game, and the achievement is obvious.
Even empty, save for technicians and ground-staff making final preparations, it looks the equal of any in the developed world. The pitch is perfect, the sightlines faultless, the executive boxes comfortable and the big screens enormous. It could, in short, be anywhere in the world, but happens to be on the southern tip of the most impoverished continent on the planet.
“This can have a profound effect on the whole African continent,” Jordaan says. “This tournament has shown that Africa can make promises and deliver on them. This is a psychological barrier that has been crossed, it is a historic moment, it is an extension of who we are as Africans, our abilities and what we can do.’’
Jordaan’s optimism will not prevent problems in the next month. The spotlight that he hopes will transform perceptions could also highlight the manifest problems of a country that remains deeply troubled.
Transport remains a major headache and there is genuine nervousness that provision and planning for some of the major stadiums, including Soccer City, is inadequate.
Security is also an ever-present concern. Journalists and supporters have already been robbed a gunpoint in Johannesburg this week and the threat of fatalities is undeniable. More than 50 people are murdered every day in South Africa. Last night’s crush injuries to six people in the Cape Town fan zone was also a blow to confidence.
Ticketing also remains an issue, with fears that the collapse of the global hospitality market may leave empty seats in some stadiums. With the majority population excluded by price, that would be an unforgivable outcome for tournament built on the promise of inclusion.
It also remains to be seen whether the white population will fully embrace the national side in a sport that has traditionally been the preserve of black South Africa.
The early signs are encouraging, at least in the cloistered streets of Sandton, where every 4x4 and Mercedes on the school run appears to have sprouted South African flags, bumper stickers and wing-mirror covers.
Wednesday’s parade was also genuinely mixed, with bankers and office workers slipping the national shirt over their suits and ties to follow the bus on their lunch-break.
They, of course, are also most likely to get into games for which tickets are beyond the reach of half the population, who live on wages of around £30 a month. For the black supporters who thronged every bridge on the bus route, that swift glimpse of the players may be their last, but their enthusiasm was no less authentic for that.
South Africa has come a long way extremely fast. When Mandela was released his country remained a sporting pariah, banned by Fifa and with separate leagues for black and white teams. This afternoon he will watch Bafana Bafana play in a home World Cup.
The next month will not be entirely smooth, but there is no doubt it will help South Africa continue the journey he began.
Everything positive apart from result - England manager Fabio Capello
Saturday, 12th June, 2010. Three Lions boss bemoans bad luck...
Wayne Rooney vs Jay Demerit (England vs USA)
England will have to be content with a point from their opening World Cup group C encounter with the USA after their match finished 1-1.
The Three Lions took the lead early through Steven Gerrard, but a bad goalkeeping error in the second half from Robert Green ensured the United States took something from the game.
After the match, England manager Fabio Capello said that he was pleased with the performance of his side, but bemoaned the back luck which cost his side from taking three points in the group.
"We played a good game. But one mistake cost us [from goalkeeper Robert Green]. They shoot once at the goal, and they score one goal," Capello told ITV.
"This is football. I am really happy for the performance of the team. We are in a good moment and I think the next time we will be better. But only the result is not good."
When questioned about the goalkeeping error from Green, who allowed a tame Clint Dempsey shot to squeeze under him, the Italian was reluctant to criticise the England No.1 shot-stopper, although he did not guarantee the player will start the next match against Algeria on Friday.
"Sometimes a keeper makes mistakes. This is football. I spoke with some players and sometimes the flight of the ball changes at the last moment."
"The second half he played very well. I am really happy for him." he said.
The Three Lions put the USA under a lot of pressure in an impressive second half but could not find the winner and Capello was happy from the display given by his midfield.
"Everything is positive, only the result not positive. [Steven] Gerrard and Frank [Lampard] played really well. We had some chances to score goals and I hope enxt time we will be more lucky [in front of goal]." he said.
Lastly, Capello gave an update on Ledley King, who had to be withdrawn at half-time injured.
He said: "Probably he can play [next week]. He has only one little problem."
Baby attacked by fox 'a lot better' in hospital
Fox was photographed by a Met officer at the house on Saturday
One of the twin nine-month-old girls attacked by a fox in London is "a lot better", relatives have said. Lola Koupparis is in a stable condition in the Royal London Hospital, where she is being treated for facial injuries and puncture marks to her arm. Her sister Isabella is under sedation after surgery at Great Ormond Street on arm injuries she received when the fox entered the bedroom in Hackney. Police later saw a fox at the family's home and took a picture of it. An officer spotted it through the glass of a sliding patio door as he
walked around the house.
He used his mobile phone to record the encounter before the fox ran away into the garden.
The image has been released by Scotland Yard but it is not clear whether it is the animal which attacked the babies.
'Funny cry'On Monday the twins' mother Pauline, told BBC London 94.9 that she and her husband Nick had been watching television when she heard her "a funny cry" and went to check on the girls.
She described the "living nightmare" of switching on the lights to see them covered in blood and the fox in the room.
The twins' four-year-old brother, who was also sleeping upstairs, was not hurt.
The fox is thought to have crept in through the patio door, which had been left open because of the hot weather.
After the attack, pest controllers set fox traps in the back garden.