Cameron, the referendum, and London 2012

The British Prime Minister David Cameron has reacted to plans of an independence referendum in Scotland planned by the First Minister Alex Salmond and his government.

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr, Cameron said that clarity was needed on the referendum. "I think it's very unfair on the Scottish people themselves who don't really know when this question is going to be asked, what the question is going to be, who's responsible for asking it," Cameron said. "And I think we owe the Scottish people something that is fair, legal and decisive."

However, a report from the British newspaper The Guardian suggests that Cameron placed an 18 month timetable for the referendum to be held. A spokesman for Cameron declined to comment on the referendum, but said that proceedings would be worked out this week for a fair solution so the situation can be resolved in the near future.

Meanwhile, Cameron and the coalition cabinet held its meeting at the site of the London 2012 Olympics today, as it marks 200 days towards the beginning of the Olympics. The spokesman added that the UK-wide connection to London 2012 was important, as today was a handover to the organizing authority, as the engagement of citizens and businesses were essential.

Cameron said in his New Year speech that the UK will "go for it in 2012."

Perspectives on the year just gone

NOTE: Views expressed are my own.

In a few hours from now, the world will begin to celebrate the departure of 2011 and welcome 2012. Yet as 2012 comes in and 2011 bows out, there is an overwhelming consensus that this year has been significant. Shortly before he died this year after a battle with cancer, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, Jack Layton, wrote an open letter to Canadians that ended with what arguably will be a famous quote of the year.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." Many events this year had been connected by this quote.

Events in the Middle East now known as the Arab Spring changed leaderships and saw millions of voices stand up for rights to democracy and a change to current circumstances. Those in the countries impacted were optimistic and hopeful for a better future as the old leadership came to an end. As 2012 comes in, how the transition to new leadership will have many fascinating aspects to follow. Additionally, present events in Syria will also be interesting to follow, as those in the country are too optimistic for a better future.

The crisis in Europe surrounding the euro tested the financial and political capabilities of not only the continent but indeed the world, as fears of continual recession loomed. The people in Europe were optimistic of a future after the crisis yet expressed concern about what life would be like if the euro had to be removed. Austerity protests waved across the continent as people demanded answers to many questions.

Rupert and James Murdoch testified before the British Parliament in London as phone hacking allegations came to light against News Corporation and the now-defunct News of the World publication. An inquiry into the British press known as the Leveson Inquiry has launched, in addition to work looking into the phone hacking. Additionally, riots took hold of London and several other cities across England in August, while David Cameron and Nick Clegg face pressure within the coalition, which will lead to a fascinating year at Westminster.

In the United States, Occupy protests (beginning in New York and going global) saw more asking what next. Those who protested looked forward to answers to their objectives. Meanwhile, preparations were underway for the campaign for elections due to take place in the year to come.

In Japan, the tsunami and earthquake that struck the country's North East coast last March saw how people could come together. Aid came in from many organizations, including the Red Cross in the country and around the world through individual donations and aid, along with a commitment to prosperity by the Japanese people that stayed with them which has aided their recovery. In Australia and New Zealand, earthquakes and cyclones made way through essential parts of the country, and they too worked to make their countries better as they recovered.

In Canada, Stephen Harper's Conservative party achieved its first majority government with the NDP for the first time becoming official opposition in the country's Parliament, while the Canadian province of Nova Scotia's bid for shipbuilding saw 30 years worth of jobs created, the Canadian Wheat Board dismantled and riots take place after the Vancouver Canucks' loss to the Boston Bruins in last year's Stanley Cup.

Next year will bring elections in France and the U.S., the London Olympics, and more developments around the world. It'll be exciting, and I'll be here to help you understand it.

I return to Layton's quote as I end this piece: "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." We all know what a significant year this has been, but when we love, are hopeful and are optimistic, the world can change.

May I wish you, those you care about, and everyone around the world a Happy New Year. So long 2011 and bring on an exciting, joyous, happy and prosperous 2012 for all!

In New York, New Year's Eve is a tradition

UPDATED: December 30 2011 06:14 GMT

Every New Year's Eve those who flock to Times Square in the American city of New York take in a great opportunity to bid farewell to the year that was and welcome the year it will be. It becomes, according to George Fertitta, the "Crossroads of the World".

"[It] becomes the focal point for millions of viewers across the globe," said Fertitta, the CEO of NYC and Company, which oversees New York's marketing, tourism and partnership work, in a press release. "On New Year’s Eve, the five boroughs come alive with celebrations, and we encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to bid farewell to 2011 and welcome 2012 in New York City."

The ball drop, which for many has represented the transition of years for over a century, sees according to NYC and Company more than 100 million viewers in the U.S. and over a billion internationally.

For New Yorkers like journalist Callie Schweitzer, there is a preserved tradition in the hometown festivities of December 31st. "To me, it's symbolic of the place I grew up and the amazing number of people it brings together," Schweitzer said. "I think everyone wants to be a part of something that is this well known."

The tradition therefore proudly continues, as it has been since 1904 and with the first ball drop in 1907, having many ways to celebrate, whether on television or in person.

UNSW research examines Australian hospitality

Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia have published a study indicating that the country's citizens may not be as hospitable as the international community perceives.

The study, led by the university's Social Policy Research Centre, indicates that if Americans had lived like Australians, they would be less happy. Americans, the study said according to an article from the Sydney Morning Herald, entertain at home more. Australians, the study's lead author Dr. Roger Patulny told the Herald, liked the company of others in public spaces. "But we don't invite people into our homes the same way Americans do," Patulny added. "At home we like to be with our nuclear family."

Sarah Ayoub Christie, a freelance writer and an editor at the Aphrodite Chase blog based in Sydney, says that some Australians aren't fans of formal get togethers, but more informal events. "The 'pub culture' is very strong here in Australia, so we show our hospitality in other ways," Christie said. "We may not have friends over for dinner every week, but we're always happy to shout rounds of drinks on the pub, and to us, that's a very similar thing that is more specific and authentic with our way of life."

Yet, in Christie's case, she grew up in a household with at least one dinner party every week. "That dinner (usually a BBQ) was not just restricted to family and friends but to new friends and associates and colleagues of my parents, people from the local council and more," Christie added. "For some ethnic cultures, hosting people for dinner is very important, and some people/families/groups are more social than others."

Christie adds that this study won't change the perception given of Australians, especially by Americans, and added that this study raises some questions. "This was by no means a scientific study so the likelihood of it reflecting an accurate proportion and type of the Australian population is questionable," Christie said. "This is because Australia is obviously made up of ethnically diverse people."

Gary Speed: more than a footballer

Gary Speed, the manager of the Welsh football team and one of the Premier League's best players, died today at the age of 42 at his home in Chester, England.

Speed reached 500 performances in the Premier League and 85 caps for the UK, according to a report from the BBC. Yet, Speed was more than just a footballer. He was cherished, admired and adored for the talent and qualities he had as a human being. "He had so much to offer as a person and as a sportsman," said Howard Wilkinson, Speed's manager during his time at Leeds from 1988 to 1996 in an interview with BBC Radio 5 live. "Gary had a lot of talent and that talent became his job. Footballers are subject to all the stress and strains of things that happen in life. He had a life of success to look forward to."

He started at Leeds, then onto Everton, Bolton and Sheffield United. He retired from playing last year and became Sheffield United's manager thereafter, eventually becoming the manager of the Wales football team.

"He leaves a huge hole in football. He seemed to have everything in front of him, two boys he loved, physical fitness and, at just 42, a promising future as manager of Wales," wrote Dan Walker on his blog. "But, Gary Speed is gone and I miss him."

It's coming...

Apologies for the lack of posting of late but I have good news!

Posts to this blog will be resuming soon. Looking into a heap of stories for your reading pleasure. In addition, my Facebook page now has a simplified URL! Click here to "like" me and you can follow me on Twitter too. Feel free to say hello!

So stand by...the posts are coming!

Why the BBC World Service is important to me

And now, a personal story that continues through what I do outside this blog--being a university student.

At just before 6 a.m. on a cold day in early 2010 my phone rang. I answered. “Hi, is this Alex?” a woman asked. The call was from London, specifically the BBC World Service. A producer named Alicia called as I was invited to participate in an editorial meeting for their “World Have Your Say” program, a global discussion show which focuses on a variety of issues important to the BBC’s global audience. Guided by editor Mark Sandell, presenter Ros Atkins and a number of brilliant producers, it has become an example of how important the World Service is as an organization.

My history with the World Service however goes beyond that hour-long call. A year earlier, I began to recover from a significant illness which had me finishing high school from home. Insomnia was a side effect and to keep myself sane I one night found the World Service out of the blue on WBEZ 91.5 FM, Chicago’s NPR station. After that night, I was hooked. Their dedication to journalism and making that truly global connection stood out amongst the competitors. I understood the world around me better than I would through most American news outlets.

I listened night after night with the volume down in my room, eagerly wondering what they would be covering. Public broadcasting, especially the World Service, became one of the many comforts I had while I was sick. Many hours after the World Have Your Say meeting, I told my mom about it and how great an experience it was. I then told her I wanted to study journalism. What they do is part of the reason why I do what I do today.

Now, because of the economic downturn, the World Service that I’ve come to champion is changing. On January 26^th, because of a cut in its funding from the British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the World Service announced closures of five language services encompassing a significant loss of staff. I was shocked and appalled. The Foreign Secretary William Hague (who oversaw the World Service’s funding from the government) neglected one of the UK’s most loved and profound institutions. Additionally, in 2014, the World Service will be funded wholly by the BBC license fee, used to fund its domestic UK operations. I sincerely hope more cuts aren’t made.

After I recovered from my illness and began at university, I continued to listen to the World Service. In fact, I still do proudly to this very day. I’m also proud to say I know some World Service staff and call them my friends. The work that Ros, Mark, Alicia and all who work there goes beyond journalism. They’ve made a difference in many a person, as they have with me. I hope, for them, for me and for their many listeners, that they’re able to continue their fine work because it provides a great comfort to know the global sounds from London’s Bush House are never far away.