Search the Community

Scotland could become the first nation to ensure free universal access to pads and tampons source: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/27/europe/scotland-free-period-products-bill-trnd/index.html?utm_term=link&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2020-03-01T09%3A01%3A02 (CNN)Scotland has moved to become the first nation to make tampons and pads free. The Scottish parliament advanced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure free universal access to tampons, pads and other menstrual products, in a huge stride for the global movement against period poverty. The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill passed through the first stage with 112 votes in favor and one abstention. No one opposed the bill. "Women and girls are too often left behind in the political process," Monica Lennon, who introduced the bill last year, said during the debate. "This is a chance to put them first and do something that is truly groundbreaking on gender equality." Lennon also acknowledged transgender and non-binary people, adding that the bill was designed to be inclusive of everyone who menstruates. The bill now moves to the second stage, where members of the Scottish parliament can propose amendments before it is given final consideration in stage three. The bill aims to tackle period poverty, stigma around menstruation and the impact that periods have on education. "Menstruation is normal," Lennon said. "Free universal access to tampons, pads and reusable options should be normal too." One in 10 girls in the United Kingdom have been unable to afford period products, according to a 2017 survey from Plan International UK. The survey also found that nearly half of all girls aged 14 to 21 are embarrassed by their periods, while about half had missed an entire day of school because of them. "For some reason, period products are regarded by some as a luxury, a luxury for which women should be charged," Alison Johnstone, a member of parliament, said during debate. "Why is it in 2020 that toilet paper is seen as a necessity but period products aren't?" The Scottish government has made other efforts to tackle period poverty in the last few years. In 2018, the government announced that students in schools, colleges and universities across the countries would be able to access sanitary products for free, through a £5.2 million investment. In 2019, it allocated another £4 million to make period products available for free in libraries and recreational centers.

I recently headed to Scotland for a seven-day road trip with my sister, and it would be an understatement to say that we didn't do much planning ahead of time. Hell, I only packed my luggage about six hours before my outbound flight from Singapore. We figured that we could make it up along the way (and we pretty much did). If you're thinking of making plans for a road trip holiday to Scotland, here are seven tips that I have gleaned from my time there. 1. Pick the right car Choosing the 'right' car can really make or break a roadtrip. In many ways, it's a balancing act - you could go for something affordable, compact and fuel efficient, but compromise on boot space, engine power and driving fun. Alternatively, you could opt for something more premium and high-performance, but that obviously comes at a greater financial cost, petrol and otherwise. I'd really recommend something that's comfortable and easy to drive (you'll be doing many hours of driving) and has good amounts of space. Having heated seats is also a big bonus during the winter time. The Skoda Superb that I elected on manages to strike a great balance. It's easy to drive, comfortable over long distances and has an enormous boot. At the same time, the 2.0-litre engine provides plenty of punch for the occasional frisky driving, while still being reasonably fuel efficient. 2. Pack warm, very warm It gets cold in Scotland in November. In places like Fort William and Inverness, temperatures can easily drop to sub-zero. So, you want to make sure that you wrap up and keep warm. Bring gloves, a beanie, and a comfortable and thick down jacket. The weather can be quite erratic too. A bright sunny day can be punctuated by the occasional 20-minute torrential rain, or you might get a persistent bout of light drizzle. Be sure to pack an umbrella and a waterproof outer layer, too. 3. Make sure you have data Especially if you're heading out into the countryside (where Scotland is most beautiful), you want to be sure that you have mobile data. Beyond just navigation, it also lets you search for nearby attractions, places to eat, and perhaps the nearest petrol station as well. This is especially important if you don't have a clearly planned out itinerary (like us). You don't want to be reliant on finding a wi-fi hotspot - there'll be long stretches of road/driving where wi-fi is simply not an option. Having data also ensures that you have ready access to Spotify, important during some of the longer stretches of driving as you move from one location to another. 4. Indulge in local delights Yes, most people probably know about haggis, a Scottish dish of sheep puck that's famously divisive (I personally really enjoy it). But, there's plenty of other local fare to be enjoyed, most notably the seafood. Additionally, be sure to also chat with the locals. The Scottish people are an extremely friendly, charming and humorous bunch. It might take a moment or two to acquaint to the heavy Scottish accent, but once you do you'll realise that the locals are a deeply sardonic and yet warm and welcoming bunch of people. 5. Start each day early In the wintertime, the sun sets around 4:30pm every day. And, when it gets dark, it gets really dark. To maximise your daylight hours, you should start each day early (the sky is bright by about 7:30am each morning). Take full advantage of the available daylight hours by going on morning hikes up to some picturesque locations, visit as many whisky distilleries as you can cram into one afternoon, or just soak in the crisp air and blissful serenity. 6. Drive safe The roads are largely quiet this time of the year, and Scottish drivers are generally very courteous, but you still want to be careful. You'll encounter many narrow single track roads, and potholes are fairly abundant. It would also be wise to stock up on snacks and water whenever you can. Snacks are useful for keeping yourself alert and awake, especially on long journey or when driving at night. Also, if you do decide to drive at night (or basically anytime after 5:00pm in November), you want to be extra careful. Between towns, the roads are long, narrow, windy and 100% unlit. 7. Pray for good weather There's not much you can do in terms of 'plannin'’ the weather, but pray nonetheless (do a rain dance if you have to). Having good weather (ie. no rain) can make all the difference between a cheerful and a dreary, depressing day. It also means that the hundreds of photos you take will turn out much more vibrant and beautiful.

If the great USSR could breaks down, I don't see how United Kindom can hold any longer .... Yahoo news: Scramble to 'save' UK after Scotland referendum shock Supporters of the United Kingdom fought back to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after polls showed a surge in support for the split on Tuesday. The pound slumped to a 10-month low on fears of a break-up of the 300-year-old union following a shock weekend poll that put the "Yes" campaign two points ahead. The collapse of the pro-union side's long-held lead was confirmed on Tuesday when a second poll but the two camps neck and neck. Senior politicians from the opposition Labour party hit the campaign trail amid signs that growing support among their voters for independence is driving the narrowing of the polls. In a speech urging Scots to vote to stay in the union, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown set out a timetable for granting the Scottish parliament more powers if independence is rejected. "A 'No' vote on September 18 will not be an end point, but the starting gun for action on September 19, when straight away we will kick off a plan to deliver the enhanced devolution that we want," Brown said. Brown said draft laws to grant further powers over taxation and spending, which are broadly backed by the three main parties in Westminster, would be ready by January. But the pro-independence campaign said the promises could not be guaranteed by the opposition party and contained nothing new. First Minister Alex Salmond, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), warned of "panic" in the unionist camp. His deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, said on Monday that the pro-independence campaign was still "the underdog in the referendum, but there's no doubt the momentum is towards 'Yes'." The Tuesday poll by TNS Scotland showed the "Yes" side on 38 percent and the "No" side on 39 percent -- a stark change from the research agency's August poll that gave the pro-union side a 13-point lead. "This poll reveals a remarkable shift in voting intentions," said TNS Scotland head Tom Costley. "It is too close to call and both sides will now be energised to make the most of the last few days of the campaign and try and persuade the undecided voters of the merits of their respective campaigns." - 'Days to save UK' - The polls have shaken up a campaign that until just a few weeks ago looked almost certain to end in defeat for the independence campaign. The weekend poll by YouGov in The Sunday Times newspaper gave the "Yes" camp 51 percent support compared to the "No" camp's 49 percent, excluding undecided voters. The two-point gap is still within the margin of error but Peter Kellner, the president of the YouGov pollsters which carried out the survey, said it was a major development. "The 'Yes' campaign has not just invaded 'No' territory; it has launched a blitzkrieg," he wrote in a blog posting. The latest figures sent the pound tumbling over continued uncertainty about the effect that independence would have on the British economy. for more of the stories, link : https://sg.news.yahoo.com/scramble-save-uk-scotland-referendum-shock-102757048.html The voting is next week.... Was wondering why the English Pound keep droping against US dollar...

Anyone watch live? How can the ref give a freekick when italy ppl push the player to the ground as he trying to clear the ball and the result?? ITALY WIN. Did u guys see the ref nationality?? ITS SPANISH AGAIN.!!!! BLoody hell world cup they do it once liao now again kill the hopes of the tartan army. If anyone can recall Australia last 3mins into injury time the ref give italy a penalty result italy knock out australia>> the ref was ? SPANISH!! Now again SPANISH !!! Super kelong factor inside. But i really enjoy scotland that match they really cheong like siao its such a sad side to see they lose and lost the chance to go to the european cup. They deserve to draw this game but the ref decide to give italy the win. Sibey dulan its like ppl pia mia liao then all down to 1 coconut head say sorry i need u lose. Knns