Soical Class

Last week , teacher give us to look one video.  This video talk about dramatic team arranged 4 weeks to change  one upper class girl join to posh class. The girl who calle Lise and she come from Yorkshire. Before that, Lisa need to spent 4weeks to learn how to speak, how to choice  appropriate clothing, how to use elegant body language,and so on. When she go to final test, we can find , She can be a good use of learned to depict an elegant woman,although she has few mistakes in some sides. However,  in Britain there are working class, middle class and upper class. some important reason lead to these class can't real integration in one class.

POSH short by Port out, starboard home. It means Elegant, swanky, rich. The true origin of 'posh' is uncertain. The term was used from the 1890s onward to mean a dandy. George and Weedon Grossmith's The Diary of a Nobody, which began publication in serial form in the English satirical magazine Punch in 1888, has a character called Murray Posh, who is described as 'a swell'. The book is a satire of the times and most of the character's names are intended to match aspects of their personality, so it is quite probable that the Grossmiths used the name Posh with the meaning we currently know. The said Murray certainly looks posh enough.
Martin, G(2010) 'POSH - Port out, starboard home' .
Available at: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/port%20out%20starboard%20home.html
(Accessed at: 20 June 2011).

Answer for shik questions.

Hello, my friend Shik. Thanks for you Questions. I looked the video and find the answer.



Homeoffice want striking a balance to allow genuine students at genuine institutions, including some of the world class universities, to continue to come here, but at the same time cracking down on what’s been one of the biggest abuses in the immigration system. Far too many people have been allowed to use the student visa as a way to come to Britain to work.
So they estimate is that the changes announced will reduce the actual numbers of student visas by something around a hundred thousand visas over the next few years, but all of that will be concentrated on abuse.

Homeoffice aim to reduce net migration from the hundreds of thousands, back down to the tens of thousands.

Student who want study in UK should be able to speak English, to support themselves financially without taking paid employment, and to show they are coming for study, not for work .UK student visa system toughen up the entry requirements:

First,  students need to demonstrate that they have the financial means to fend for themselves.

Second, students from low risk countries and prioritise resources on high-risk students.

Third, they toughen up the rules on English language competence. Those coming to study at degree level will have to speak English at an upper intermediate level. And UKBA officers will be given the discretion to refuse entry to students who can't speak English without an interpreter and who do not meet the required minimum standards.

Referene: Homeoffice (2011) UK student visa system.

Available at :http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/media-centre/video-transcripts/student-visa-system/.

(Access at: 11th April ).

Homeoffice (2011) Statement on foreign student visas.

Available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/parliamentary-business/oral-statements/foreign-student-visas/ (Access at: 21th March 2011). 

Media (Newspaper)

Tuesday May 10th, 2011, teacher told us the homework is read British newspaper. After class, I bought a newspaper. The name of newspaper is The Guardian. The Headlines in this paper is “Barack Obama in Ireland”. The news is talk about :

Barack Obama kicked off a six-day European trip today in Ireland, drinking a Guinness in his Irish ancestor's home village and gave a memorable speech in Dublin. The village has been decked out with US flags ahead of Obama's arrival – make him feel at home, etc – and he will reportedly meet some of his distant relatives during his stay. First Lady Michelle Obama has made the trip too, and tonight the pair will return to Dublin, where Obama will deliver his set-piece speech in front of a crowd of 25,000 people in College Green. Tomorrow, Obama's six-day European jaunt continues with visits to England, France and Poland, but today all the talk is of his presence in the Emerald Isle.


In China, it also has many difference kinds of newspaper. Especially, any nation has own newspaper. However, the news in some newspaper are same.
Referene:
Adam ,G. Simon,J.and Richard,A. (2011) “Barack Obama in Ireland”, The Guardian, 10 May, p.3.

Crime & Punishment.

China is in the grip of one of its periodic "Strike Hard" campaigns, the official slogan for an attempt to curb rapidly rising crime through the extra- enthusiastic use of capital punishment.

In the past month, over 500 executions have been announced by the official media, two or three times as many as usual. The authorities, however, do not make public every case, probably because to do so would mean excessively gloomy reading.


China is the existence of the death penalty. This is a very controversial system. The death penalty is the world's oldest penalty. Today, most countries have abolished the death penalty, but including China, Singapore, Japan and the United States remains in some countries, including the death penalty system. .


In British,if people have very important crime, the most severe punishment would be life imprisonment (life imprisonment). However, in China the court will be given the death penalty people.Earlier, the Chinese government announced that from January this year, will be sentenced to death by a significantly reduced 55 68 and 13 non-violent economic crimes will not be sentenced to death. This change once again the outside world attention to China's death penalty system.


Reference: BBC(2011)  Criminal Law in China from 13 kinds of abolition of death penalty crimes.
Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/china/2011/02/110225_china_death_penalties.shtml.
(Access at :25th Feb 2011)

Week 5. Questions for shik.

Look at this video, and find the answer five questions.


'Improved approach to problem of  missing children'


Video Link : http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/ceop-children-protected.


Questions:


1. What is CEOP ?


2. Which time is International Missing Children's Day in British?


3. what time is CEOP to begin operating.


4. Who is Crime and security minister ?


5. What methods CEOP to use, give examples ?




Reference: UK Homeoffice (2011) More than 400 children protected .
Available at :  http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/ceop-children-protected.
(Access :Tuesday, 31 May 2011).

Welfare in China and the UK

                                                                       
Welfare is different in diffrent countries. In Britain, social welfare are almost perfect, because its developed economy and it is a developed country.  In china, people’s welfare are not as well as Britain. However these two larger countries in world has some similarities and  some differences.
Firstly, some benefits which are existed in two counties are similar. For example, Chinese have housing benefit, sickness benefit, maternity benefit and death grants. However, British have also have these in Britain.
Secondly, old people have pension. In china, if a person who is too old to work has pension, they will receive some money for living. How much money they will get, it depends on city and the class of occupation. For example, in some big cities, although some people have low class, they have still more money( pension)than some small cities. In some small cities, some people have higher class of occupation, but they get as much as some people who live in big city and have ordinary job. Therefore, a person who lives in different city and has different class of occupation will get different pension, in Britain, old people have also pension, when a person has retired from their company, they will get pension every month.
Thirdly, unemployed people have benefits in china and Britain, in china, if people have unemployment from their company, they will get the lowest benefit for living, in Britain, unemployed people can benefit from the social security system.
In spite of these similarities, in a contrast, it has still some diffences between them. For example, every child have benefit from a child tax credit, it is 15pounds per week for the eldest child and 10 pounds for other children .however, children have no benefit in china unless children have commerce insurances.
Another example, every Britain have free medical treatment, but in china, a person who has medical insurances will have some free medical treatment, therefore, these are some differences between Britain and china.
In conclusion, welfare is differences and similarties, it maybe have more similarities in future, as it is estimated that 4.5 million children need financical help, government will decrease welfae on the poverty line in Britian, may be some benefits will reduce in future, therefore it will have more similarities between two countries.

Reference: Pierre,C. (2011)  Child welfare in China on fast track .
Available at: http://www.china.org.cn/china/2011-05/31/content_22683840.htm.
(Access at: 21th March).

Media in the UK and China

                                                                      

 In UK, it has so many kinds of greart TV programmes. Such as, BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 , Channel 5 and so on. On 3rd May 2011 7 p.m. BBC1 programmes play 'The One Show', BBC2 has 2 TV show
in same time, there are'Coast' and 'Emmerdale' .ITV1 is playing 'News' respectively.


'The One Show' is talkshow programmes. There are two comperes Matt Baker and Alex Jones in programme.Other 'Coast' show journeys along the south and west coast of Wales. It was a suggest a story idea. 'Emmerdale'  has a high support rate programmes in ITV1 2011. Channel 4 and Channel 5 play news on 3rd May 2011, 7 p.m. In addition, British also has soap opera .The most famous soaps in the UK is "coronation street".

In China, every city has a different proprietary TV stations. 7 p.m. in every day, all TV stations will broadcast a unified “News Network” .This program showes important news in China and other countries every day. The program has 30-40 minutes. After that the different TV stations would broadcast a different programmes. Such as cartoons , drama , entertainment.

 Due to the rapid development of Internet, many young people use the Internet to watch  programmes. They can choose their favorite shows to watch. Adults still like to watch programs on TV. In China , the cost of watching TV is very low , most television stations are free, people have more choices.

Reference:

There have some fammous TV programmes websites in British and China, you can go to these websites find interesting information.

UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01166nx
http://www.itv.com/
http://www.channel5.com/
http://www.channel4.com/

China

http://www.cntv.cn/

http://cctv.cntv.cn

Education in China

    In China, the education system can be divided into two parts, the compulsory and non-compulsory education. Compulsory education, including primary and junior high school. Basically, each as close to 7 years old to start primary school education. When 6 years after graduating from elementary school into junior high school. Basically, students and parents should choose the right school environment. Of course, there will be junior high school students graduated last examination. Direct impact on student test results to enter a good high school. This means that a good score can choose a good school. 9-year compulsory education in junior high school graduation to complete. High school, Chinese students will face their most important test in life. This is called the college entrance exams. High score to enter university and other students who are not cut rates must go to college or giving up of combat.

National Assembly for Wales - The Senedd

1

    The Senedd is the main public building of the National Assembly for Wales and is located in Cardiff Bay. It was designed by Lord Richard Rogers and was opened by The Queen on St David's Day in 2006.

2

     The Senedd houses the debating chamber and committee rooms for the National Assembly for Wales. It has been designed to be a very open building, with large public areas, including a 120-seat viewing gallery that looks down into the main debating chamber.

3

     The unique and rather unusual design of the building is centred around a large funnel that rises up from the circular debating chamber (at its base) and into the main roof. The funnel allows natural light to be directed into the debating chamber and also allows hot air to be drawn out of the building

ST David's Day



Saint David



                                                                                      

    Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd G?yl Dewi Sant) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year.St. David was born in 520 in Ceredigion's Henfynwy, is a kind and gentle people, often to help the working masses. In the era of his life, Saxons invaded Wales. Saxon, when the resistance, in order to distinguish the enemy, so that the Welsh St David's follow each other in a hat or helmet as a marker inserted leeks, and finally defeated the Saxon solidarity .(1)The date of March 1st was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David on that day in 589, and has been celebrated by followers since then. The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century.

     Public celebrations of St. David's Day are becoming more commonplace. In many towns an annual parade through the centre of town is now held . Concerts are held in pubs, clubs, and other venues.Children take part in school concerts or eisteddfodau, with recitation and singing being the main activities.
   

                                                                                      

        Many Welsh people wear one or both of the national emblems of Wales on their lapel to celebrate St. David: the daffodil (a generic Welsh symbol which is in season during March) or the leek (Saint David's personal symbol) on this day. The association between leeks and daffodils is strengthened by the fact that they have similar names in Welsh, Cennin (leek) and Cenhinen Pedr (daffodil, literally "St Peter's leek").
     In South Wales, males usually wear leeks while young girls wear daffodils; in North Wales the daffodil predominates. The younger girls sometimes wear traditional Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and aWelsh hat.(2)

  Reference: (1)   http://www.eryi.org/SearchEngines/Saint-David-Day-logo.html

                   (2)   http://stevenlichen.blog.sohu.com/145089286.html 

   

The British Government——Research Women MPs

                                                                                                                                             

      A few years ago , women didn't have much power and high status . In 1979,May 3th, Margaret-Thatcher became the first woman prime ministerin in Europe.In British general election,she and her Conservative Partywona decisive victory. Margaret Thatcher was atrained chemistat Oxford University, the Law, 1959to enter Parliament. Prime Minister vowe din her camp aignto establisha "stop interfering, and stopfor you tomake a decision, according tothe wishes ofyour personalchoice, "the government. She was aloyalTory.She oftensaid:"Lifehas always beenfree to choose. "Shelooked to reducepersonal income taxes,restrict trade unionactivities.(1)

   However, there are many woman has the power in UK government.,4 females MPs of the 144 female MPs they are cabinet ministers in MP- David Cameron : The Rt Hon Theresa May MP is the Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Women and Equalities,The Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP is the Secretary of State for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs,Cheryl Gillan MP is the Secretary of State for Wales,the Baroness Warsi is the Minister without Portfolio.

Reference: http://www.bbc/.co.uk

The European Union

   After 1945, in economy and political institutions., because the people want to establish a lasting peace in front of the enemy and, duration of war was determined to end the war and Europe's international competition, the people hoped the unified Europe's ideal. in 1945 and in 1950, entered new times. The western benefit's country and the people share together, this according to treaty establishment maintenance government by law peace between and so on countries. In rule 1950s Britain did not hope joins EEC.If one “core Europe” the idea is not possibly a solution.

 

   But a year later, because will lack the progress to cause this organization's Prime Minister Maikemilan to request to join the Europe Economical Community .France did not hope that Britain to join the European Union, because it believed that they are pair of US interest weapons. In the certain extent said that it may also think De Gaulle saw not eagerly France is challenging Europe's leadership. The referendum is in the popular vote voter, entire is requested either total acceptance or rejection specific proposal. It is one pure democracy form. .

 

   Agencies involved in a race where the EU is the European Parliament, the Committee of Ministers, the European Community, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice in Justice.But only directly elected body of this authority in the EU is the European Parliament.Eurosceptic critics argue that the UK economy soverrignty and is independent of the development on the other hand by the EU and want the right to repatriate the country's return to Britain from the EU, the European Union economic and political integration to create a globalized world allows supporters hope. Then consider joining the European Union good for the majority of Britains, they want to stay in the EU and believe that British people are not providing too information.

The House Of Parliament

Parliament House

The House of Parliament is one of world biggest gothic style buildings, occupies a land area of 30,000 square meters. Stands erect Thames River, imposing, the appearance is elegant. In the House of Parliament has 1000 between rooms, here has then been the England parliament holds a meeting the place .Since the 13th century, also at the same time concurrently for king palace. But had the fire after 1512, British emperor Edward six th in 1547 it give out the lower house of legislature, henceforth became the parliamentary building. Westminster hall constructed in 1097, is old construction part which remained only down.West the sensitive hall side well-known has one "big ben" each hour to report time one time, the ding resounds when far and near may hear, is precisely very punctual, the British BBc Television station is also rests on this clock to report time. (1)

   

                                                         

The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the center stage of British politics.Arising from the parliamentary government and responsible to it.Congress is bicameral, the  House of Lords and House of Commons.Has its own parliament, usually in London, an old building - the Palace of Westminster (Parliament Building) at the meeting.Meet twice a year, the first session from 3 end of the beginning to the end of early August, the second session from 10 since late December to the end before Christmas.There are 659 constituencies in the United Kingdom,529 constituencies in Englands and 72 constituencies in Scotland.Some cover a larger area ,in places where not many people live. Some area a too small but the populantion is dense than other.When government after the general election, the MPS and leader will make the political party "Prime Minister. "First past the post" system often call FPP or FPTP, it is means Members of the House of Representatives election. In this system, the state is divided into a number of election area, each constituency has roughly equal number of voters. Political parties in each constituency candidate for expansion. The Constituency candidates won the most votes to become House of Representatives (2)

Reference : (2) http://iask.sina.com.cn/b/2580563.html

                  (1) http://zhidao.baidu.com/question/99058464.html

Trip to London

Firstly we will arrive at Victoria Station in 10:20 am.

Secondly we will buy the one-day travelcard for London, it cost about ￡15。

So we  will walk a short way to visit Buckingham Palce and we  will arrive the Buckingham Palce about 10:50 am.

Then we will visit the Buckingham Palce for 35 minutes.

The Queen Elizabeth Ⅱof Britain lives in Buckingham Palace.

When we will finish visiting Buckingham,we will go across the St James's Park to visit the 10 Downing Street. It cost for half an hour.

Thirdly we will visit the 10 Downing Street at 11:45 am.This place is for the every British prime minister.We spend a quarter to visit the 10 Downing Street.

Fourthly, we will walk a short way to visit the Big Ben and see the River Thames at 12:20 am.In addition we will see the opposite of Thames to look the London Eye.If we will interest in London Eye ,you can cost ￡17.5 to take a turn.

Because the London's Big Ben, probably the most famous clock in the world, is turning 151 years old.

 

When we will finish visiting the Big Ben, we will need take underground from Westminster Station to London

Bridge Station for 20 minutes.So we will arrive at Tower of London about 12:50 am.

Then we will go across the Tower of London and we will go to take underground from Tower Hill Station to Leciester Square at 1:15 pm. Tower of London,the most striking of all London bridges.

We will arrive at Leciester Square to eat a lunch in China-town in 2:10 pm. We will spend 1 hour to eat the lunch and it will cost about ￡10 to ￡15.

Finally we will take underground from Leicester Square to Tottenham Court Road for 20 minutes.

So we will arrive at British Museum at 3:30 pm.We will spend 45 minutes to visit the British Museum not include explain.In addition to enjoying the exhibits, we can also appreciate the magnificent design of the British Museum.

So we will finish visiting the British Museum , we will go to take the underground to Victoria Station. We will leave for 17:35 pm.

One day travelling London I think we cost about ￡25 to ￡30 person.

The people of Britain

    The "four nations" of Britain are :England , Wales,Scotland, Ireland.  Different nations has different culture .
For example : These nations has different delegate flag, plants, colour.  In fact, in UK the main language is
English. Outside of England there are also other official language, such as, Welsh (26% of the population of
Wales), Scottish Gaelic (6 million people) IrishGaelic (260,000 used ). The different area has the different
national day , but some national day will unify the celebration , eg. New year、Easter day.

    In my coumtry, we often call British people " 英国人". Most time, they didn't feel offended. In my
opinion, the people who live in England are fashion, and  industrial development, agricultural very
little. Bagpipes, plaid skirts, golf and whiskey is a sign of Scots. The irish person mainly develops the animal
husbandry and the tourism .

Introduction on British Studies

    The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland base on England,Wales , Scotland , Northern Ireland,and Republic of Ireland.
   
   The UK is situated north-west of the European continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It has a total land area of 244,100 square kilometres, of which nearly 99% is land and the remainder inland water. From north to south it is about 1,000 kilometres long.

 The world's first industrialized country is Britain . Britain also has a multi-cultural and open-minded society. London is the capital of Europe's largest and most international city.