US military base in Czech Republic
Referendum – a fundamental instrument of any democracy. Yet, not every time.
The NMD project of the United States – their national missile defense system, is a very complex project which involves the production of new weapons, and the installation of US military bases in different parts of the planet. In particular, in Europe, the first step is the installation of a radar system in the Czech Republic, as well as a base for interceptor missiles in Poland.
This plan has divided Europe, which at the moment is not able to give a united, coherent and nonviolent response to the United States’ aggressive policies. The reaction of Russia and China has created a “cold war” atmosphere. International tensions are increasing, and the crazy arms race (both conventional and nuclear) has restarted. Above all, the bases are being installed to militarize and control space. More than two thirds of the Czech population are against the presence of United States military on Czech territory. Despite this, the Czech and US governments are continuing the negotiations which are, by now, reaching their concluding phase.
The Czech people will declare that any contract that the Czech government may sign with the US Government concerning the project to install US military bases on Czech territory will have no legal value. And so the Czech people will not feel in any way bound to any type of commitment. The formal respect for laws passed in Parliament by a relative majority is not enough to be considered as real democracy. When a Government takes a decision which clearly goes against the will of a majority of its citizens, it is not respecting either the spirit or deepest essence of democracy.
The US government must clearly understand that it is not carrying out a dialogue with the Czech people, but with a minority that does not represent the will of the majority of Czech citizens. For this reason, any agreement will have no legal value. Our American friends must clearly understand that their government’s policies are generating a widespread feeling of “anti Americanism” which was not present before in Czech culture, and in this way, their aggressive policies will only turn against them. We know that a nonviolent action to boycott American products has already begun, and that this phenomenon could quickly spread beyond the boundaries of the Czech Republic.
The majority of Czechs do not want foreign military bases on their territory and want to decide these problems themselves by means of a referendum: a fundamental instrument of any democracy.
Please, sign this petition here against the US military base in Czech Republic.
Every signature counts, and will help.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede means the rock in the road. The road is the sea route for Atlantic salmon on their westward journey past Carrick Island. For over 350 years, fishermen have strung a rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them to access the best places to catch the migrating salmon. The bridge is still used during the salmon season these days. However, there are now very few salmon left. Almost 300 fish were caught per day back in the 1960s, only 300 were caught over the entire season 2002.
Today, the bridge is mainly used as a tourist attraction, presenting a challenge to thousands visitors every year, coming to enjoy amazing view and high thrills.
Walking in Glendalough – part 1
There are nine walks to choose from, each starting at the Information Office near the Upper Lake.
Miner’s Road Walk
Grade: Easy, Distance: 5 km, Meters climbed: 20 m
This walk skirts one side of the Upper Lake. The trail passes through Scots Pine woodland before reaching the ruined miners’ village. Halfway along the trail, the cave known as St Kevin’s Bed can be seen across the lake. Feral goats are common on this walk. Peregrine Falcons may on occasion be seen high in the sky soaring and calling to each other (a high-pitched cry).
Polanass & St Kevin’s Cell
Grade: Moderate, Distance 2 km, Meters climbed: 120 m
This trail rises steeply alongside the Poulanass Waterfall, leading you through the Glendalough oak woodlands. It then winds gently down to the site of St Kevin’s Cell. At this poin there is a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Upper Lake, which is a good place to birdwatch. A visit to Reefert Church is worthwhile before ending the walk.
Spinc & Glenealo Valley
Grade: Hillwalk, Distance: 9 km, Meters climbed: 380 m
This popular walk leads you through some of the most spectacular scenery in County Wicklow. The trail ascends steeply up by the Poulanass Waterfall before joining a boardwalk. More than 600 wooden steps lead you to a viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake. The boardwalk skirts the top of the cliffs before descending through blanket bog and heath into the picturesque Glenealo Valley, home to a large herd of deer. A rough track then leads you back down into Glendalough Valley.
Blood Pressure
Everyone has blood pressure. It shows the amount of work that your heart has to do to pump blood around the body.
Two numbers measure the level of blood pressure. One number record blood pressure when the pressure is at its highest as the heart muscle squeezes out the blood from the heart – systolic pressure. Then the heart relaxes, which allows the blood to flow back into the heart – diastolic pressure.
The normal level of blood pressure is usually about 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic), but this can vary with age, how you feel and activity. If you have been told that your blood pressure is higher than 140 over 90 you shouls discuss this with your doctor.
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured. Blood pressure varies with age and depends on how active you are before it is measured. If you are nervous or anxious, the measurement can be higher then usual.
One high reading does not necessarily mean that you have seriously high blood pressure. Your doctor will usually want to check your blood pressure several times, before deciding whether or not the pressure is really above the level which would be best for your age.
Sometimes your blood pressure may be falsely high when measured by a doctor or nurse because you are worried about being in the surgery or clinic. If that is the case, your doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure at home using a simple device. There is also a machine that can measure your blood pressure every half hour throughout the day and night. This can be done while you are carrying out your normal daily work and activities over a 34-hour period.
People over 30 yearsof age should have their blood pressure checked every two or three years.
Starbucks, Ballsbridge
Starbucks…. Who doesn’t know this American coffeehouse chain and the largest coffeehouse company in the world? They have stores across the whole world, and of course, here in Dublin too. One of the stores is based in Ballsbridge and it is the one where I go to during my lunch break.
I don’t think that they do the best coffee. But honestly, it is not bad either. I usually got my cappuccino or hot chocolate there after my lunch, and some time their pastry or cake. The Berry Swirl is my favourite. What I really like about Starbucks is that they seem to care about our environment and support the third world countries. And they also care about our healthy diet, as all of their stores here in Dublin have selection of sandwiches, salads and fruit smoothies to choose from.
As this particular store is located in Ballsbridge, one of the Dublin’s finest districts, you may be lucky and see some famous people around. I have seen Louise Walsh around, and the other day Dublin born Hollywood star Colin Farrell came for a cup of coffee while I was enjoying my coffee there too.
