Europe Intelligence Wire articles from January 2009

Europe Intelligence Wire archives from January 2009

State Pension 100 years Old Today.
January 1, 2009... (From Government News Network) ] DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS PENS-096 1 January 2009 State Pension 100 years Old Today One hundred years ago today the first pensioners went to the Post Office to collect a State Pension of 5...

The best of the January sales.
January 1, 2009... (From Guardian Unlimited) Conventional wisdom dictates that holidays are best value when they are DIY - finding cheap flights online and then pairing them with decent hotel offers. But if you've given packaged options short shrift in the...

CzechRep takes up EU presidency for six months.
January 1, 2009... (From Czech News Agency) Prague, Jan 1 (CTK) - The Czech Republic has taken up the European Union (EU) rotating presidency on the arrival of the new year and it will speak on behalf of the EU and coordinate its activities in the next six...

Slovakia enters eurozone at midnight.
January 1, 2009... (From Czech News Agency) Bratislava, Jan 1 (CTK) - Slovakia exchanged the crown national currency for the euro at midnight and became a member of the eurozone. The euro has become the official currency in the country, but Slovaks will be...

CzechRep takes up EU presidency for six months.
January 1, 2009... (From Czech News Agency) Adds further information in paras 5 and 15. -------------------- Prague, Jan 1 (CTK) - The Czech Republic has taken up the European Union (EU) rotating presidency on the arrival of the new year and it will speak on...

Leading thinkers predict technologies that will turn the world upside-down.
January 1, 2009... (From Guardian Unlimited) Flying cars, personal jetpacks , holidays on the moon, the paperless office -- the predictions of futurologists are, it seems, doomed to fail. The only thing predictable about the future is its unpredictability....

Massive bill to clean up flooding damage.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dave Black REPAIR costs for flood-hit Morpeth have hit pounds 40m as 1,000 people remain out of their homes. Civic leaders last night promised the town would emerge stronger once the recovery from...

2 DAY IN 2 MINUTES: regional news.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Lessons learnt AN investigation into an outbreak of pneumonia at a North Tyneside School in 2006 has resulted in "many lessons being learned", a health expert has said. The North East Health Protection Agency...

2 DAY IN 2 MINUTES: home and abroad.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) 54 revellers killed AT least 54 New Year's revellers died in a fire that swept through a nightclub in the Thai capital Bangkok. Workers counting the bodies at the scene said about 100 others were injured when the...

2 DAY IN 2 MINUTES: sport.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Call to fight back JOE Kinnear has called on his wounded Newcastle United side to stop feeling sorry for themselves following the mauling by Liverpool last weekend. Full story: Back Page Focus on the prize...

Simon's Alpine charity challenge.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Chris Robinson A SNOWBOARDING fanatic is going back to the slopes to thank surgeons who saved his legs after a horrific car accident. Simon Wilson was nearly killed in a road smash with a 40-tonne truck...

Taxi drivers still get licences despite convictions.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) TAXI drivers with serious criminal convictions are being allowed to work across the North East. Licences have been issued to drivers with convictions for firearms offences, indecent assault, dangerous driving,...

Keep-fit enthusiast dies while on a jog.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dave Black TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to the son of former Newcastle United supremo Stan Seymour, who collapsed and died while out jogging on Christmas Day. Keep-fit enthusiast Colin Seymour, believed...

Takeover saves 200 jobs at threatened food firm.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) HOPES that a threatened Northumberland food factory would be saved have been realised - bringing an extra special Christmas present for its near-200 workers. The future of the Cheviot Foods plant in Amble was thrown...

Bus service that costs taxpayer pounds 142 per passenger is axed.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) A BUS service in Northumberland will be axed tomorrow after it emerged that taxpayers were paying the equivalent of pounds 142 per passenger on each journey. The twice-daily 270 service, which runs between Alwinton...

Flood repair costs have risen to pounds 40m.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dave Black THE cost of the Morpeth floods has hit pounds 40m - with 1,000 people still kept from returning to their homes. Hundreds of families, pensioner couples and single people remain in temporary...

NORTH TODAY: Appeal to driver.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) POLICE want to speak to a motorist whose sudden arrival ended a street mug ging. The 43-year-old victim was attacked as he walked along Stephenson Way in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, early on Sunday. He was...

FEARS FOR EYE HEALTH AS PEOPLE DROP TESTS.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) THE credit crunch could mean more people lose their sight as they save cash by avoiding eye tests, a charity said yesterday. Action for Blind People said one sight assessment every two years would cost only the...

Sats results blunders could be repeated.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) EXAM board Edexcel has been awarded the one-year contract to deliver next year's Sats tests by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The contract, worth pounds 25m, covers the national curriculum tests for 11...

Rail passengers hit by huge price rises.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Peter Woodman RAIL passengers will "shudder and shiver" at the fare rises which take effect from today, a customer watchdog body said yesterday. Regulated fares, which include annual season tickets, will...

AXE TO FALL SOON ON 'GET CARTER' CAR PARK.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) A TOWN centre landmark made famous in a film will soon be coming down. Gateshead's 40-year-old multi-storey car park, perched over Trinity Square precinct, is set to be demolished. Shops at the foot of the...

Mystery of dead man still unsolved.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Hilary Clixby MYSTERY still surrounds the identity of a man found dead in a Northumberland village nine days ago and who may be of South American origin. The body was discovered in a derelict building...

Opposition to plan for student village housing up to 2,000.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) ANGRY opposition has met plans for a new student village being proposed for Newcastle. Developers want to provide accommodation for up to 2,000 students on the fringe of the city centre near the new Northumbria...

Lessons learnt after school pneumonia.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Sam Wood A MAJOR study into an outbreak of pneumonia at a North Tyneside school in 2006 has resulted in many lessons being learned, a health expert has said. The North East Health Protection Agency (HPA)...

Hundreds of jobs riding on new marine centre.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) THE creation of a marine super-agency in the North East could pave the way for hundreds of jobs on Tyneside. The Government wants to open a major new centre of marine expertise - and Tyneside has been shortlisted as...

Calls for A1 dualling stepping up a gear.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) THE new super-council in Northumberland will be at the forefront of a renewed campaign to secure full dualling of the A1 through the county. Members of the county council - who will make up the new unitary authority...

New milestone for veteran of United.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Tony Henderson Environment Editor ALREADY the oldest surviving Newcastle United player, Jack Shiel now has another footballing milestone to celebrate. Jack, 91, a member of the well-known Northumberland...

Fresh start for post offices to maintain service.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) TWO Tyneside post offices are set to make a fresh start in 2009. Amid the recent closures that have dogged the ailing service and angered many communities, the branches in Newcastle's Lemington and High Heaton are...

NORTH TODAY: Attack charge.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) A TEENAGER has been charged with robbery following an alleged attack on a taxi driver five days ago. Police say the driver, 54, was threatened with what appeared to be a knife and had his sat nav system stolen after...

The Journal: Better placed than ever to ride out 2009.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) TWELVE months ago, we cast our minds forward to what 2008 would hold with some trepidation. With the North East's biggest company teetering on the brink of collapse and the region having been rocked by association...

The Journal: The joys of reading.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) EVERY cloud, as they say, has a silver lining - even a credit crunch. It appears more people in Newcastle are rediscovering the joy of reading since the financial crisis began. Over 10,000 new borrowers have...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Motor industry in trouble - but cars are clogging up our towns.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: D WILSON THE car industry is now in trouble. About time too, as all the cars are doing is clogging up our cities, towns and streets. The mining, shipbuilding and farming industries have all gone through...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Fireworks worry on guide dogs.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: ALAN BROOKS WITH the New Year increasingly welcomed through fireworks celebrations, guide dog and other assistance dog owners are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their dogs, many of whom...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Where were voices of bishops in 1980s?
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: ROB HIGGINS I REALISE that the Church of England has at times in the past been labelled rightly or wrongly the "Tory Party at prayer." Nevertheless I find the outburst of the five bishops against the...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Back slapping support for Labour.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: PETER CURTIS AS with Moses, Sir Jeremy Beecham keeps coming down from the mountain with his tablets of stone - this time to denounce the Bishop of Durham on his criticism of the Government's moral standards....

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Name and shame the fraudsters.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: ROBIN THOMPSON AFTER 11 years of New Labour promises to cut back on benefits and benefit fraud we are presented with a set of figures that are unbelievable. I am one of the "Daft Sods" - I have worked...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Recycle old mobile phones for charity.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: PAUL FRETWELL WHEN we get a new mobile phone, our old one can often end up gathering dust in a drawer. Statistics show that the average person has three unused mobile phones that they do not need. ...

Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Flag of St George discouraged.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: E JUSTICE T LEE was spot on about the Union Flag in The Journal (December 30). It was referred to as the "Butcher's Apron" until quite recently - about the time of devolution in fact. When Scotland...

Rejected for job - for knowing too much.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: KAREN DENT THEY take years to study for, occasionally result in the shedding of blood, sweat and tears, and in the modern age can leave you saddled with debt for decades. But having a handful of...

ARE YOU ONE OF THE MILL WORKERS IN THIS PICTURE?
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) FOR the band of close-knit mill workers, it is a happy photograph full of smiling friends. But for one man it could represent the vital clue he needs to find justice. Billy Lavender, 63, was diagnosed with...

North schools 'are ahead of game'.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dave Black LESSONS learned in the creation of a pioneering, 3,000-pupil super school in Northumberland have been highlighted at a prestigious international education conference in the USA. Six...

MPs square up for football challenge.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dave Black DEVOTED Blackburn Rovers fan Jack Straw will be absent from the Blyth clash - after a tongue-in-cheek warning from fellow Labour MP Ronnie Campbell. The Premier League side's most celebrated...

Music spurs on giant-killing run.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) A SONG penned to celebrate Blyth Spartans' FA Cup giant killing run is now officially available to download. The non-league outfit will be the centre of attention when they entertain Premiership side Blackburn Rovers...

Glitter and glow get the party started.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Dan Warburton AFOUNTAIN of fireworks lit up the Newcastle skyline last night as thousands of people gathered to bring in the New Year early. Partygoers had thronged through the city centre as a glowing...

Damp squib replaces Dubai fireworks.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) BRITISH expats in Dubai were last night planning alternative New Year's Eve celebrations after all public parties were cancelled. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of the Gulf state, called off festivities...

Sydney's pyrotechnic spectacular is first.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) SYDNEY was the first major city to see the opening minutes of 2009, with organisers kicking off the world's celebrations with a record 5,000kg (5.5 tons) of pyrotechnics over the famous Harbour Bridge in the city's...

Quotes of the year.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) "AS a painter, I am so glad there is so much bad art, because it makes me look good." Barry Humphries, alias Dame Edna Everage. "THE secret is drinking to find a balance between champagne and carrot juice."Actress...

takes a look at the arrivals, departures and weddings of the year.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) BIRTHS JANUARY 4: Actress Samantha Morton and fiance Harry Holm, a girl, Edie. 8: Fashion designer Stella McCartney and husband Alasdhair Willis, a son, Beckett Robert Lee. FEBRUARY 22: Actress...

Residents' delight at bus stop outside homes.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) ELDERLY residents are celebrating after having their own bus stop installed outside their home. People living in Donnini House and the surrounding area in Easington were helped by East Durham Homes customer...

Libraries booming in credit crunch.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Paul Loraine THE credit crunch saw more than 10,000 new borrowers sign up for a library card this year. Newcastle's book lenders saw record numbers flock into the city's facilities - and said the economic...

Landmark pledge given by North police forces.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Sam Wood A NEW regime in policing begins today with the start of a pledge which is designed to put officers closer to the communities they serve. Both Northumbria and Durham police forces have signed up...

CITY POUNDWORLD STORE SLASHES PRICES - TO 50 PENCE.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) THE CLEAREST sign of the high-street credit crunch greeted shoppers in Newcastle yesterday as a pound shop slashed its prices - to 50p. Huge placards and banners dressed the windows of the Poundworld store to...

Test your knowledge in our quiz of 2008.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) NEWS 1 Durham book lover Raymond Scott was arrested in July - in connection with the theft of what? 2 Which town's Christmas tree was the subject of a national joke this month? 3 Which North East park was...

Culture: 12 things to look forward to in 2009.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) STRUCTURES Great North Museum April will see the opening of the Great North Museum in Newcastle - a state-of-the-art showcase for our historic treasures. The pounds 26m renovation of the Hancock Museum will...

Mixed fortunes predicted but let's look for the potential.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) At the dawn of a new year as heavy with challenges as any for decades, nebusiness asked some of the region's business leaders and some of our favourite commentators to share their thoughts on what lies ahead and how to...

BUSINESS TODAY in two minutes: Aberdeen in pounds 250m deal with Credit Suisse.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) ABERDEEN Asset Management has unveiled a deal to buy parts of Credit Suisse's fund management business in a move worth pounds 250m. The takeover will create the UK's largest listed fund management group and see...

BUSINESS TODAY in two minutes: Ransom beats Deadline.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) NATURAL healthcare products firm William Ransom has rounded off a turbulent year by beating a deadline to publish its half-year results. The Hertfordshire-based firm, which was founded in 1846 and sells products...

Positive end to year for Footsie.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Anna McKechnie THE London markets ended the year on a positive note, with the leading index gaining 41 points in the final trading session to close at 4434. GlaxoSmithKline moved ahead adding 25.5p to...

Farming: Agriculture plagued by economic uncertainty.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Kevin Guy, of George F White WHAT started as a year promising so much within the agricultural sector has ended with uncertainty. The incessant reference to oil prices, interest rates, exchange rates,...

Farming: Older cattle scheme closed.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) FARMERS are reminded that with the closure of the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme, all cattle born before August 1, 1996, will have to be disposed of as fallen stock. The OCDS closed yesterday, which means that from...

TIMEOUT: Quiz of the Day.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) 1. Green and black are two types of which snake belonging to the cobra family? 2. The Skoda motor company, now part of Volkswagen, is based in which country? 3. Which former leader of the Social Democratic Party...

TIMEOUT: Name the Year.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Guess the Year pictures are often available for purchase call our photosales team on (0191) 201-6001 or log on to www.journallive.co.uk/buyaphoto who what where when? WHO was the Kent-born statesman who...

Stars.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Debbie Frank ARIES: A New Year dawns and you are given the chance to start afresh free of the confusion and restriction of the past. Once you make the decision that you know is right for you it creates the...

Today's TV: Up the Creek without a paddle.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Alan Davies once confided to Stephen Fry that he wasn't actually as stupid as he appeared. Fry, in his best schoolmaster tones, replied that he believed him, as it would be impossible. Davies is currently best known...

Today's TV: Star file Mick Hucknall.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Image: Wealthy soul man. Best Known For: Being Simply Red. Early Life: Michael James Hucknall was born on June 8, 1960, in Denton, Manchester. He was raised by his father, Reg, a barber, after his mother Maureen...

Today's TV: documentary.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) They said it would never happen (probably), but Griff Rhys Jones, Rory McGrath and Dara O'Briain are back to test out their sea-legs in a new, two-part programme. Their mission this time around is to make their way along...

Today's TV: entertainment.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) If you think that men should look like they're carved out of granite and could tear a Volvo in half with their bare hands, you're going to love this celebration of musclemen. The contest sees the most powerful men from...

Today's TV: drama.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Geraldine McEwan bows out as Miss Marple in this crime thriller. The ageing detective receives a series of instructions from the recently deceased Mr Rafiel, who requests she investigate a possible crime. ...

Today's TV: entertainment.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) On March 1, 2001, Anthea Turner, Chris Eubank, Claire Sweeney, Jack Dee, Keith Duffy and Vanessa Feltz entered the Big Brother house for eight days. What unfolded was a fascinating study of celebs under the...

Athletics: Chambers: I may have to quit athletics.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: David Martin DWAIN Chambers has revealed he may have to retire in 2009 because of financial concerns. Since returning to the track after serving a drugs ban, Chambers has gradually improved his...

Boxing: Harrison 'ready to rebuild life'.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) FORMER world champion Scott Harrison was released from prison yesterday in time to celebrate New Year. The 31-year-old was freed after serving four months behind bars. He emerged from the main gate of Barlinnie...

Johnston can open year with win.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Saraband MARK Johnston en - joyed another fine year, bagging over 100 winners in 2008, and he can get an early success on the board at Lingfield today. The North Yorkshire handler's all-weather runners...

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME FOR TURNER AFTER TON.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) HAYLEY Turner remains as grounded as ever despite receiving a rapturous reception for her achievement in becoming the first female jockey to reach 100 winners in the British calendar year, writes TOM PEACOCK. ...

Ice Hockey: Time right to stop playing.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) CHOOSING when to retire is the toughest decision most sportsmen have to make. Some try to go out with their pride intact, others their bodies, while some seek to delay the moment when they wake up wondering what to...

Holiday sport up to a high standard.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: GEORGE MACINTYRE THOSE anglers visiting the fisheries open over the festive period have enjoyed great sport and even excellent weather. It was another good week at Jubilee Lakes with Black and olive...

Bowlers criticised over form slump.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) SPIN legend Shane Warne has singled out Australia's bowlers as the key concern after their long reign as the world's best was all but ended by defeat to South Africa in Melbourne. The Aussies crashed to a nine-wicket...

Proteas looking to embarrass Australia.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) ASHWELL Prince has warned Australia that South Africa will be going for a clean sweep when the two teams meet in the third Test in Sydney. The Proteas vice-captain has only given himself a 60% chance of playing in...

Sri Lanka given a fright but seal win.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) BANGLADESH gave Sri Lanka a scare but a late collapse denied them a shot at the most unlikely of Test victories in Dhaka. Having been set a daunting target of 521 by the tourists, Bangladesh - led by Mohammad...

Vintage year proved a rewarding one for very best of British.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) YOU can normally judge the feats of British sport with some degree of accuracy by the nature of the end of year shindig that is the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year. Another 12 months of the sort of valiant...

Football: Reds rally around accused Gerrard.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has expressed his full support for Steven Gerrard in the wake of the midfielder being charged with assault and affray following an incident in a bar in Southport earlier this week. ...

Football: Birchall seduced by Stateside offer.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) Byline: Stuart Rayner CARLISLE United have scrapped their plan to keep Coventry City midfielder Chris Birchall after the Trinidad and Tobago international was made an offer he could not refuse. Last month the...

FOOTBALL SHORTS: Redknapp ready to do Defoe deal.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp admits a return to White Hart Lane for Jermain Defoe is a possibility if a fee can be agreed with Portsmouth. Redknapp last week believed Defoe to be the subject of a "massive offer"...

FOOTBALL SHORTS: Appeal bid fails.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) NON-LEAGUE Droylsden have lost an appeal against their expulsion from the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player. The Blue Square North side were kicked out of the competition after it was found that defender Sean...

Football: We will not be held to ransom.
January 1, 2009... (From The Journal) MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes insists the cash-rich club will not pay over the odds for star players in the transfer window, writes MARTYN ZIEGLER. City have been linked with some of the top names in the game,...