Day: June 16, 2024

England’s Euro 2024 Doomed?

The missing Star Sign that could spell disaster

As we dive into the celestial influences on football’s greatest, it’s intriguing to note that Aquarius dominates the ranks of the world’s top goal scorers, with legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario under this sign. 

This sign, known for its innovation and independence, seems to bestow exceptional footballing prowess. However, a stark contrast emerges when we look at England’s Euro 2024 squad, which notably lacks any Aquarians. Could this absence impact England’s performance in the tournament?

Top 20 Goal Scorers and Their Star Signs Ranked by National Team Goals

Name Goals Birthday Star Sign National Team
Cristiano Ronaldo118Feb 5th 1985AquariusPortugal
Lionel Mess103June 24, 1987Cancer Argentina 
Ferenc Puskas84April 2, 1927Aries Hungary 
Robert Lewandowski79August 21, 1988Leo Poland
Pele77October 23, 1940ScorpioBrazil
Romario55January 29, 1966AquariusBrazil
Gabriel Batistuta54February 1, 1969AquariusArgentina 
Thierry Henry51August 17, 1977Leo France 
Luis Suarez68January 24, 1987AquariusUruguay
Gerd Muller68November 3, 1945ScorpioGermany
Didier Drogba65March 11, 1978PiscesIvory Coast
Zlatan Ibrahimovic62October 3, 1981LibraSweden
Karim Benzema37December 19, 1987SagittariusFrance 
Raul44June 27, 1977CancerSpain
Gunnar Nordahl43October 19, 1921Libra Sweden
Eusebio41January 25, 1942AquariusPortugal
Josef Bican29September 25, 1913  
Hugo Sanchez29July 11, 1958CancerMexico
Alfredo Di Stefano23July 4, 1926Cancer Argentina and Spain
George Weah 18October 1, 1966Libra Liberia 

Kerry Ward, renowned astrologer from Tarotoo, offers her insights into the astrological patterns of these top goal scorers:

Aquarius Dominance

“Aquarians, known for their innovation and independent spirit, seem to thrive in the spotlight of football. Their ability to think outside the box and approach challenges creatively makes them natural leaders and visionaries on the field. With five Aquarians in the top 20, including legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario, it’s clear that this sign’s traits align well with the demands of top-level football.”

Cancer’s Emotional Strength

“Cancers bring a deep emotional connection and intuitive understanding to their game. Players like Lionel Messi and Alfredo Di Stefano are perfect examples of how Cancers can channel their emotions into extraordinary performances. Their sensitivity and protective nature often make them key playmakers and reliable team members.”

Libra’s Balanced Approach

“Libras are known for their balance and diplomacy, which translates well into their football careers. With four Libras on the list, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Josef Bican, their ability to maintain harmony and strategic play has been a significant factor in their success.”

Scorpio’s Intensity

“Scorpios like Pele and Gerd Muller bring a level of intensity and determination that is unmatched. Their resourcefulness and passionate nature drive them to excel and become pivotal figures in their teams.”

Kerry Ward, astrologer from Tarotoo says: This exploration of the top 20 goal scorers in football history through the lens of astrology provides a unique perspective on their success.

“The traits associated with their star signs—such as innovation, emotional strength, balance, and intensity—seem to align perfectly with the skills required for greatness on the pitch.”

No Aquarians, no party for England? Probably p*sh, but we can dream! – Ed

SAYFC launches RESPECT campaign at Royal Highland Show

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) is this week announcing a new RESPECT campaign which will be launched at the Royal Highland Show.

The campaign, which is being supported by Scottish agricultural charity RSABI, aims to encourage every young farmer to play their part in positively contributing to SAYFC as a safe, inclusive and fun environment for young people.

The initiative will promote healthy relationships, kindness and inclusivity through positive role modelling supported by education, training and awareness-raising.

As well as promotions at the Royal Highland Show and other events, along with social media activity, the campaign will see the appointment of Respect Ambassadors in every club throughout Scotland.

The initiative will focus on different priority areas through the year, with a focus on training and education. As well as Mental Health First Aid, First Aid and Suicide Prevention training, young farmers from each club will be offered Alcohol Awareness Training supported by RSABI, working with other organisations which specialise in these areas.

RSABI will have a Health Hut located next to the SAYFC building at the Royal Highland Show and this year’s activity by the team of health hut nurses will include a focus on alcohol and responsible drinking.

Working with DrinkAware and Alcohol Focus Scotland, one of the highlights will be an interactive display demonstrating how much is in a unit of alcohol, given the current societal trend for young people to save money by drinking alcohol at home before going out.

The campaign will also aim to raise awareness of the organisations which can offer specialist help and support to people who have been affected by any of the issues raised or negative behaviour. It is hoped that, as well as raising awareness among young farmers the campaign may also have a wider beneficial impact among people of all ages in the Scottish farming community.

Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of SAYFC, said: “This campaign builds on work which has been done by SAYFC over recent years to promote an inclusive and safe environment for our members and the wider community, driven by the Development & Wellbeing Committee and the introduction of a new Youth Development Manager staff role.

“We’re grateful to RSABI for their ongoing support, particularly around promoting positive mental health for young people in the industry. We look forward to working closely with them on the RESPECT campaign to provide 150 young farmers across Scotland with alcohol awareness training.”

SAYFC Chair, Ally Brunton, said: “SAYFC is a vibrant network that nurtures growth, celebrates achievement, and champions the future of rural Scotland, and is incredibly important for so many young people in the industry.

“It offers them a support system and enables them to be part of a like-minded community. By fostering a culture of respect and awareness throughout all levels of the organisation, we ensure that our members feel valued and supported, enhancing their well-being and creating a positive impact on the wider community.”

Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC Vice-Chair added: “The RESPECT campaign is a welcome addition to other ongoing SAYFC initiatives including our “AreEweOkay?” campaign, which encourages members to look after themselves and check in on others.

“We look forward to seeing lots of our members at the SAYFC centre at the Royal Highland Show, where RSABI will also be based, to find out more about the campaign and pick up a free branded t-shirt to help spread the important message of respecting yourself and each other!”

Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, welcomed the initiative. “We know that young people across Scotland benefit greatly from the experience of being a member of young farmers as a source of friendship, fun and learning and we are pleased to support the positive steps SAYFC is taking to remind everyone about the importance of inclusivity and respect,” she said.

RSABI provides free emotional, practical, and financial support to people involved in Scottish agriculture. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

The charity also offers free licenses to its Thrive Wellbeing app, worth around £100 each, which can be requested by calling the Helpline or emailing: 

helpline@rsabi.org.uk.

Counselling can be arranged simply and quickly and this is also free of charge.

Bill “must be used” to empower judicial factors to help the families of missing people

The Scottish Parliament’s Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee has welcomed the proposals in the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, which aims to consolidate and update laws related to judicial factors.

However, the opportunity for the Bill to clarify how judicial factors can work with the families of missing people cannot be missed, according to the Committee’s report.

A judicial factor is a person appointed by the court to gather in, hold, safeguard, and administer property, which is not being, or would not otherwise be, properly managed. At present, most judicial factors are solicitors or accountants.

The position has existed for hundreds of years, with the substantive law in the area currently dating back to 1849 and 1889. The Bill also repeals even older court rules, including an Act of Sederunt from 1690.

Through its consideration of the Bill, the Committee has come to appreciate the vital role that judicial factors are able to play in many circumstances including working with solicitors’ firms in certain circumstances, businesses, when partnerships which break down and the estates of deceased people, when needed.

In particular, the Committee has made recommendations which it believes would clarify how a judicial factor can help in cases of missing people. The ability of a judicial factor to step in and manage the affairs of a loved one is a key point raised in the Committee’s report.

To make it clear that judicial factors can be appointed in such cases, the Committee has recommended the inclusion of an explicit statement in the Bill that it is competent to appoint a judicial factor to the estate of a missing person.

The Committee’s report also supports work to improve advertising, guidance and advice to make the Bill more accessible for families and legal professionals who are looking after the estates of missing people.

Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee said: “Most people in Scotland may not be familiar with judicial factors or their work, but during our evidence sessions we were able to learn more about their vital role.

“We are broadly content with the proposals in the Bill, which will update the laws around judicial factors that date back hundreds of years and bring welcome clarity.

“However, we do believe that these updates present the Parliament with an opportunity to go further to really ensure that judicial factors work for the loved ones of people who go missing.”

The Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill was introduced in response to recommendations made by the Scottish Law Commission.

It is anticipated that the Parliament will consider the Bill in a Stage 1 debate this autumn.

David Jacobsen is the Socialist Labour Party candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith

David Jacobsen is the Socialist Labour Party Genera Election candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith Constituency.

David has 20 years experience as a healthcare worker in the NHS and is committed to a National Health service available to all at the time of need, on demand and free of all charges – including prescriptions, dental care, and eye care.

The Socialist Labour Party wants all NHS workers to receive wages and terms and conditions that reflect the social importance of their jobs.

Our objectives include the provision of NHS nursing homes free of charge for people who need them and care homes owned and operated by local authorities and not by private companies chosen by a centralised power controlled by the Scottish government.

On 29th February 2024 the Scottish Parliament passed the National Care Service Bill. This allows Scottish ministers to transfer social care responsibility from local authorities. This could include adult and children’s services as well as areas such as justice and social work.

Mr Jacobsen urges consituents to stop the transfer of healthcare functions from the NHS to the new centralised National Care Service.

Vote Socialist Labour on July 4th!

EDINBURGH NORTH & LEITH CANDIDATES:

Scottish Liberal Democrats – ANDERSEN, Mike

Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROCK, Deidre

Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values – DEEPNARAIN, Niel

Scottish Labour Party – GILBERT, Tracy

Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don

Reform UK – MELVILLE, Alan Gordon

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Joanna

Scottish Greens – O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson

Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles

Independent – WATERLOO, Caroline

Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprentices shine at national competition

Three outstanding apprentices have been named winners at the 49th Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition, each taking top honours in the categories of copper, lead, and renewable technologies.

The competition, organised by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), showcases the diverse skills and emerging talent within Scotland’s plumbing and heating profession.

Shaun Wilcox, representing Moray College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), clinched his second consecutive win in the copper category, building on his success in the lead category in 2023. Jude MacAskill of Inverness College UHI triumphed in the renewable category, and Hubert Parysek from Forth Valley College took top honours in the lead category.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, commended all the apprentices who participated: “These achievements not only highlight the remarkable skills of our category winners but also showcase the exceptional talent of all the apprentices.

“Their success is supported by their respective colleges and employers, which helps to lay a solid foundation for their future careers in the plumbing and heating profession.

“The addition of a renewable technology category to the competition reflects the updates to our Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, providing apprentices with the essential skills to lead the nation’s transition to sustainable, low-carbon heating systems.”

Now in its 49th year, the SPAY competition was held at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride. It features three categories: copper, lead, and renewables.

Apprentices are tasked with demonstrating their knowledge and practical skills, from creating intricate copper pipework essential for modern plumbing systems to managing and shaping lead components for use in older buildings and deploying advanced renewable technologies.

Notably, the copper category serves as the Scottish qualifier for the SkillPLUMB UK finals, highlighting its importance on a national level.

Neil Collishaw, Chief Executive of BPEC and competition headline sponsor, highlighted the competition’s importance: “The copper category serves as the Scottish qualifying heat for the SkillPLUMB UK finals.

Integrating these regional heats into our national competition framework ensures broad attainment of standards across the UK, fosters professional growth, and equips participants for success on both national and international stages.

“I look forward to seeing the best of all the SkillPLUMB UK-wide competitors at this year’s UK finals in Manchester between 21 and 23 November.”

University of the Highlands and Islands scoop six out of nine top prizes.

The University of the Highlands and Islands achieved remarkable success by securing six of the top nine awards, reinforcing its reputation as a centre of excellence in vocational education and a major contributor to the development of Scotland’s future plumbing and heating professionals.

Shaun Wilcox, Shay Ewing, and Ben MacDonald swept the copper category, taking all three prizes. In the renewables category, Jude MacAskill claimed first place, with Sean Davidson taking third, and Liam Marshall earned a second-place prize in the lead category.

Dale Thomson, SNIPEF Training Services Manager and organiser of the competition, praised UHI’s strong performance at this year’s competition, saying, “The University of the Highlands and Islands has consistently demonstrated its commitment to training the next generation of plumbing and heating professionals at its colleges in Moray, Perth, and Inverness.

“We celebrate their success and also recognise the vital support from employers who invest in these apprentices, nurturing remarkable talent.”

The 2024 competition was supported by BPEC as the headline sponsor, with category sponsors NIBE for renewables, Airdrie Mechanical Services for copper, and City Plumbing for the lead category.

Global MND Awareness Day

10 YEARS ON FROM ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

MND Scotland is marking Global MND Awareness Day on Friday, 21 June by highlighting that, 10 years on from the viral phenomenon that was the ice bucket challenge, the motor neuron disease (MND) community still needs help to fund ground-breaking research into effective treatments and a cure. 

In 2014, the ice bucket challenge grew organically to raise a phenomenal $220m globally with 28 million videos uploaded in 159 countries. 

£500,000 was raised for MND Scotland, which has been used to fund research and support people in Scotland living with MND.   

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe. 

Rachel Maitland, CEO of MND Scotland said: “Awareness of motor neuron disease has never been higher. The ice bucket challenge no doubt played a part in bringing MND to the forefront 10 years ago but we need to keep up the momentum, so everyone knows what MND is, and how brutal the disease is for those who are diagnosed.  

“As a charity dedicated to supporting people with MND, and giving them hope by funding vital research, we endeavour to raise awareness every day. But Global MND Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight that people with MND still need support. And we need to fund research to find effective treatments and a cure.” 

Jim Maxwell was diagnosed with MND in February 2020 following the onset of symptoms, including twitching. He lives in Edinburgh and has two daughters. Jim said: “Ten years ago I took on the ice bucket challenge because I was nominated on Facebook.

“I didn’t know what it was raising money for, or what MND was. Ironically, six years later I was diagnosed with the disease. While living with MND is challenging, I want to do everything I can to raise awareness of the disease and improve understanding of how it impacts people.” 

This year, MND Scotland is supporting a range of activities to remember the ice bucket challenge and raise vital funds.

One supporter, Greg Proctor (top), is taking on a daily ice bucket throughout 2024 in memory of his dad who passed away from MND. Last month, MND Scotland ran a Dip a Day in May fundraiser with supporters taking on a daily cold-water challenge.  

Over the summer, we will be asking everyone to share their videos and text ICED to 70085 to donate £10. 

Support MND Scotland’s ice bucket fundraising by visiting our website, or on Just Giving.  

Mango opens at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird confirms popular fashion brand, Mango, has opened at the centre

Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, continues its expansion and brand consolidation plan in the UK with a new store at Fort Kinnaird. The new 5,600 sq ft store will offer Mango’s women’s line exclusively, including accessories and footwear.   

 The fit out is based on a Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med, which showcases the brand’s spirit and freshness. Sustainability and architectural integration are key in the new design, which conceives the Mango store as a Mediterranean home with different rooms with a predominance of warm tones and neutral colours, combined with traditional, handcrafted, sustainable, and natural materials.

Mango is a global company with design and creativity at the centre of its offering. The brand offers a unique design proposal that incorporates Mediterranean style and culture.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really excited to bring Mango to Fort Kinnaird. As a leading fashion brand for style-conscious shoppers, we know just how popular it will be with visitors looking to update their wardrobe for the summer season.”

To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

LIFT Awards Night

LIFT held our Award night at the Millennium Centre recently where presented 23 people with their award (writes PAULINE BOWIE (now MBE!)

LIFT had chosen people from the community who all had a story to tell of their journey through LIFT and overcoming their own demons and battles with mental health, addiction, domestic abuse and suicide.

One is a nurse at the Western General who gave up her free time to volunteer through the pandemic.

Its was a great night!

SOME OF THE LADIES WHO RECEIVED AN AWARD:

See below for link to the video we presented. Its also on the LIFT FB page:

https://liftedinburgh-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/tyler_lift-edinburgh_com/EXQXO7Mc3RtMt9JeGkOf7ZIBC3TsVGHVQprMNUCQKNboMw

Human Rights Don’t Expire: Hourglass Calls for urgent action on Abuse of Older People and Age Discrimination

On the eighteenth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity supporting older victim-survivors is calling for older people’s human rights to be given parity. 

WEAAD, a day recognised by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older people, is this year themed on human rights, emphasising that these rights should be upheld for all individuals, regardless of age. Hourglass, with its unique 24/7 helpline and community response service, is leading the call for parity. 

Deputy CEO and Policy Director, Veronica Gray, explains: “The United Nations’ 1948 Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1, states that All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

“They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Nowhere in this declaration, nor in its 29 other articles, does it say that human rights expire after a person reaches a certain age.

“However, the UK’s Equality Act 2010 explicitly makes age discrimination illegal in England, Wales, and Scotland, unless there is a justified reason. However, in Northern Ireland, older people still lack legal protection against age discrimination when accessing goods, facilities, and services. Despite these legal frameworks, the rights of older people are often not upheld.”

The charity feels the COVID-19 pandemic starkly further highlighted these issues. They point to evidence that older people were discharged from hospitals into care homes without being tested for coronavirus, leading to rapid virus spread in environments lacking PPE. There is also evidence that “Do Not Resuscitate” notices were issued without the consent of the individuals or their families. 

Hourglass points to the October 2020, Amnesty International report “As if expendable: The UK government’s failure to protect older people in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This accused the UK government of directly violating the human rights of older care home residents, including their rights to life, health, and non-discrimination.

Veronica Gray continues: “Unfortunately, the violation of older people’s human rights extends beyond the pandemic. During the legislative process for the Domestic Abuse Act, the abuse of older people was notably absent from discussions.

“The government’s stance that generic abuse services suffice for older victims ignored significant barriers older people face when accessing these services.”

The charity has initiated its own manifesto and campaign to highlight the issue further. For WEAAD 2024, Hourglass has launched OATH – Older Age, Tomorrow’s Hope – urging people to commit to creating a Safer Ageing Society by 2050.

The pledge calls for support from both the public and political leaders in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

You can take the OATH here: https://www.wearehourglass.org/take-oath.

In an attempt to address these issues, Hourglass has launched its own manifesto, calling on Westminster, the Welsh Senedd, Holyrood, and Stormont to adopt key policies that lay the foundation for a safer ageing society.

The manifesto can be viewed here: https://www.wearehourglass.org/hourglass-manifesto-2024.

The manifesto – entitled ‘A Safer Ageing Society by 2050’ illustrates some of the key issues facing older victim-survivors and the urgent need for parity.

The narrative explains: Research by Hourglass in 2020 found that over 2.6 million older people were affected by abuse and neglect, yet specialised services for older victims are scarce and often have long waiting lists.

Ageist attitudes remain a significant barrier. For example, economic abuse by family members taking an older person’s inheritance early is not widely recognised as abuse.

Veronica Gray, concludes: “As our population ages, it is imperative that we ensure human rights do not erode with age. The right to life, health, and non-discrimination must be upheld for older individuals.

“We must strive for a society where people can grow old free from abuse and neglect, with their human rights intact. The journey to a Safer Ageing Society by 2050 starts today, and it requires immediate action and commitment from all of us.”

Hourglass, which has been working to support older-victims of abuse and neglect since 1994, has a unique 24/7 helpline, instant messenger and Knowledge Bank service. These services are already under threat due to delayed decision-making on future funding mechanisms. 

The charity was recently in the headlines for working to develop and script the story of Yolande Trueman, in BBCs EastEnders. This, along with many other factors has seen the charity’s calls hit over 700 a week and with a likely 50,000 contacts per year.  

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

Prime Minister attends major peace summit on Ukraine

The Prime Minister travelled to Switzerland yesterday to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, as the first leader level peace summit focused on the future of the country got underway.

More than 50 heads of state and governments attended the summit near Lucerne, making it the largest world leader gathering solely focused on Ukraine since the invasion began.

Speaking at the summit last night, the Prime Minister said: “Those who aid Russia by providing the weapons of war, or components for those weapons should look at this summit today. They should look at Bucha, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and they should reflect on the choice they have made.

“They are placing themselves on the side of the aggressor – and on the wrong side of history. Putin has no interest in a genuine peace. He has launched a sustained diplomatic campaign against this summit ordering countries to stay away, spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate.

“We should ask Russia why they feel so threatened by a summit discussing the basic principles of territorial integrity, food security and nuclear safety.”

The Prime Minister went on: “From a position of strength, we must work with President Zelenskyy to set out the principles for a just and lasting peace, based on international law and the UN Charter.

“That is the path to a permanent cessation of hostilities. It will show Ukraine that we’ll stand by them when they are ready for negotiations.

“And it will show Putin’s allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere that we will protect the right of all nations to determine their own future.”

While at the summit, the Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, including ensuring any future peace deal is sustainable, and crucially, on Ukraine’s terms.

The summit follows the meeting of the G7 in Italy this week, where the UK, alongside G7 partners, announced 50 new sanctions designations and specifications to degrade Putin’s war machine, and committed to providing £242m in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, to support immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

The UK also agreed with the G7 to provide a new loan for Ukraine worth $50bn, which will be repaid by the extraordinary revenues that come from the frozen assets of Russia’s central bank, both in Europe and around the world.

National Security Advisor Sir Tim Barrow is also attending the two-day Swiss summit.