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Heat wave: Triple-digit temperatures push East Coast to pools, malls

The forecasts call for hot weather not just during daytime, but also at night, when many people don't have air conditioning to keep their bedrooms cool. The heat wave could persist through the week.

Children from Hebron, N.Y., splash in the water at the fountain in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington Tuesday, as a heat wave hit the East Coast. The National Archives is seen at rear.
Alex Brandon/AP

By Mark Trumbull, Staff writer / July 6, 2010
Residents of the East Coast are baking in 100-degree temperatures Tuesday, possibly the peak day in a heat wave that forecasters say could persist through the week.
Skip to next paragraph
Tuesday's high temperature forecasts
Rich Clabaugh/Staff

Related Stories

Call it a warm welcome for Queen Elizabeth II, who arrived in New York City to address the United Nations – her first UN appearance since 1957. But it's especially affecting those without air-conditioned limousines – which means just about everyone in America's most heavily populated region, the corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C.
The heat and humidity pushed hordes of people to seek comfort in fountains, pools, and temperature-controlled malls or movie theaters. Mayors and health officials warned residents to take precautions against the heat. A particular concern: The forecasts call for hot weather not just during daytime, but also at night, when many people don't have air conditioning to keep their bedrooms cool.
IN PICTURES: Beating the summer heat
Tuesday started hot and then got hotter. By midday Tuesday, temperatures across the region had skyrocketed toward 100 degrees F. in key cities:
Washington. The nation's capital is expected to hit a peak temperature of 102 Tuesday and 100 on Wednesday, according to forecasts by the National Weather Service. Daily highs are poised to remain above 90 for most of the next 10 days.
New York. Manhattan is also sweltering under a blend of Arizona heat – a sizzling 100 at midday, according to weather.com – and East Coast humidity.
Boston. The heat is also on in New England, even in places where temps may not officially enter the triple digits. The Boston forecast calls for high 90s in the day and an evening low around 75 Tuesday, but it may take awhile for bedrooms to actually get down to that zone of relative comfort.
The heat wave spans much of the Eastern United States. The National Weather Service posted a heat advisory for southern Michigan, eastern Kentucky, and a large area from Virginia to upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Many Western mountain and Plains states are experiencing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures.
"Extreme summer heat can be more than uncomfortable, it can be deadly," warned a July 5 bulletin by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The note cautioned about risks of doing strenuous activity in hot weather.
Simple steps that can help prevent overheating, according to Larry Mellick of the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta (cited in the department's note), include:
• Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or early evening.
• Take regular breaks in shady areas or indoors.
• Use sunscreen, hats, and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids like good old water, even when you're swimming.
• If you don't have air conditioning, go to a public place that does have it or take a cool shower or bath.
• Minimize use of the stove or oven.

No comments:

Heat wave: Triple-digit temperatures push East Coast to pools, malls

The forecasts call for hot weather not just during daytime, but also at night, when many people don't have air conditioning to keep their bedrooms cool. The heat wave could persist through the week.

Children from Hebron, N.Y., splash in the water at the fountain in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington Tuesday, as a heat wave hit the East Coast. The National Archives is seen at rear.
Alex Brandon/AP

By Mark Trumbull, Staff writer / July 6, 2010
Residents of the East Coast are baking in 100-degree temperatures Tuesday, possibly the peak day in a heat wave that forecasters say could persist through the week.
Skip to next paragraph
Tuesday's high temperature forecasts
Rich Clabaugh/Staff

Related Stories

Call it a warm welcome for Queen Elizabeth II, who arrived in New York City to address the United Nations – her first UN appearance since 1957. But it's especially affecting those without air-conditioned limousines – which means just about everyone in America's most heavily populated region, the corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C.
The heat and humidity pushed hordes of people to seek comfort in fountains, pools, and temperature-controlled malls or movie theaters. Mayors and health officials warned residents to take precautions against the heat. A particular concern: The forecasts call for hot weather not just during daytime, but also at night, when many people don't have air conditioning to keep their bedrooms cool.
IN PICTURES: Beating the summer heat
Tuesday started hot and then got hotter. By midday Tuesday, temperatures across the region had skyrocketed toward 100 degrees F. in key cities:
Washington. The nation's capital is expected to hit a peak temperature of 102 Tuesday and 100 on Wednesday, according to forecasts by the National Weather Service. Daily highs are poised to remain above 90 for most of the next 10 days.
New York. Manhattan is also sweltering under a blend of Arizona heat – a sizzling 100 at midday, according to weather.com – and East Coast humidity.
Boston. The heat is also on in New England, even in places where temps may not officially enter the triple digits. The Boston forecast calls for high 90s in the day and an evening low around 75 Tuesday, but it may take awhile for bedrooms to actually get down to that zone of relative comfort.
The heat wave spans much of the Eastern United States. The National Weather Service posted a heat advisory for southern Michigan, eastern Kentucky, and a large area from Virginia to upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Many Western mountain and Plains states are experiencing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures.
"Extreme summer heat can be more than uncomfortable, it can be deadly," warned a July 5 bulletin by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The note cautioned about risks of doing strenuous activity in hot weather.
Simple steps that can help prevent overheating, according to Larry Mellick of the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta (cited in the department's note), include:
• Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or early evening.
• Take regular breaks in shady areas or indoors.
• Use sunscreen, hats, and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids like good old water, even when you're swimming.
• If you don't have air conditioning, go to a public place that does have it or take a cool shower or bath.
• Minimize use of the stove or oven.

No comments:

Queen Elizabeth II to address UN General Assembly, visit ground zero

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be in New York on Tuesday. The British monarch is set to address the UN for the second time in her 57-year reign.

Queen Elizabeth II watches the 151st Queen's Plate horse race during her visit to Canada today. Tomorrow, she will be in New York.
AP

By Cheryl Sullivan, Staff writer / July 5, 2010
Queen Elizabeth II will visit the United States Tuesday for the seventh time in her 57-year reign as Britain’s monarch, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York and touring the partially reconstructed site at ground zero.
Skip to next paragraph

Related Stories

The first time the queen visited New York – in 1957, just four years into her reign – “Leave It to Beaver” was making its American television debut, President Eisenhower had recently ordered federal troops to Little Rock, Ark., to enforce desegregation of Central High School, and the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik.
Her address to the United Nations then “highlighted the U.N.'s importance and expressed her wish that it would carry out the ideals set out in its founding charter,” according to a CBS News report. The UN at the time was barely a decade old.
IN PICTURES: Europe's last monarchies
Her Majesty’s speech on Tuesday is expected to appeal for world unity and peace. A former aide says it will include some of her personal thoughts from her long observation of world affairs, though it will have been penned with government officials, Associated Press reports.
"It will be a strong message coming from the British head of state. She will be delivering it on behalf of the British government," Dickie Arbiter, a former press secretary to the queen, told AP.
The queen’s half-day visit Tuesday will be a whirlwind affair, coming at the end of a nine-day tour in Canada in connection with Canada Day. She is accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Her first stop will be at the UN General Assembly. From there, she will make her first visit to ground zero, laying a wreath at the site of the World Trade Center towers where nearly 2,900 people perished in the 9/11 attacks. Govs. David Paterson of New York and Christopher Christie of New Jersey will accompany her.
Her last stop will be in Lower Manhattan at the British Garden in Hanover Square. The garden is a memorial to British subjects who died on 9/11, and some 50 families of victims will greet the queen during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the site.
One of the most-traveled government representatives ever, the octogenarian queen is known in the four corners of the globe – from China and Russia to South Africa, Thailand, and dozens of places in between. She has been to the United States six times previously – in 1957, 1959, 1976 (for America’s bicentennial celebration), 1983, 1991, and 2007.
Though Americans just celebrated their Declaration of Independence 234 years ago from the British monarchy, they seem to hold a soft spot in their hearts for this particular royal. Since 1948, Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on Gallup’s annual Top 10 list of most admired women more often than any other – 42 times.
In the most recent poll, in December 2009, the queen was the American public’s sixth most-admired woman, behind Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, talk-show diva Oprah Winfrey, first lady Michelle Obama, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“At a time when monarchies are not in fashion she has preserved Britain's own particular brand for future generations by adroitly adapting and modernising the institution to the times,” observes Britannia.com.
Americans, it would seem, agree.

No comments:

Queen Elizabeth II to address UN General Assembly, visit ground zero

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be in New York on Tuesday. The British monarch is set to address the UN for the second time in her 57-year reign.

Queen Elizabeth II watches the 151st Queen's Plate horse race during her visit to Canada today. Tomorrow, she will be in New York.
AP

By Cheryl Sullivan, Staff writer / July 5, 2010
Queen Elizabeth II will visit the United States Tuesday for the seventh time in her 57-year reign as Britain’s monarch, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York and touring the partially reconstructed site at ground zero.
Skip to next paragraph

Related Stories

The first time the queen visited New York – in 1957, just four years into her reign – “Leave It to Beaver” was making its American television debut, President Eisenhower had recently ordered federal troops to Little Rock, Ark., to enforce desegregation of Central High School, and the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik.
Her address to the United Nations then “highlighted the U.N.'s importance and expressed her wish that it would carry out the ideals set out in its founding charter,” according to a CBS News report. The UN at the time was barely a decade old.
IN PICTURES: Europe's last monarchies
Her Majesty’s speech on Tuesday is expected to appeal for world unity and peace. A former aide says it will include some of her personal thoughts from her long observation of world affairs, though it will have been penned with government officials, Associated Press reports.
"It will be a strong message coming from the British head of state. She will be delivering it on behalf of the British government," Dickie Arbiter, a former press secretary to the queen, told AP.
The queen’s half-day visit Tuesday will be a whirlwind affair, coming at the end of a nine-day tour in Canada in connection with Canada Day. She is accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Her first stop will be at the UN General Assembly. From there, she will make her first visit to ground zero, laying a wreath at the site of the World Trade Center towers where nearly 2,900 people perished in the 9/11 attacks. Govs. David Paterson of New York and Christopher Christie of New Jersey will accompany her.
Her last stop will be in Lower Manhattan at the British Garden in Hanover Square. The garden is a memorial to British subjects who died on 9/11, and some 50 families of victims will greet the queen during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the site.
One of the most-traveled government representatives ever, the octogenarian queen is known in the four corners of the globe – from China and Russia to South Africa, Thailand, and dozens of places in between. She has been to the United States six times previously – in 1957, 1959, 1976 (for America’s bicentennial celebration), 1983, 1991, and 2007.
Though Americans just celebrated their Declaration of Independence 234 years ago from the British monarchy, they seem to hold a soft spot in their hearts for this particular royal. Since 1948, Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on Gallup’s annual Top 10 list of most admired women more often than any other – 42 times.
In the most recent poll, in December 2009, the queen was the American public’s sixth most-admired woman, behind Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, talk-show diva Oprah Winfrey, first lady Michelle Obama, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“At a time when monarchies are not in fashion she has preserved Britain's own particular brand for future generations by adroitly adapting and modernising the institution to the times,” observes Britannia.com.
Americans, it would seem, agree.

No comments:

Queen Elizabeth: 50 Years of Public Opinion

No woman has appeared in the top 10 of Gallup's "most admired woman" list more often

by Darren K. Carlson
GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
PRINCETON, NJ -- Feb. 6, 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne in Great Britain (her coronation occurred over a year after her accession, in June 1953). A review of the American public's opinion of Queen Elizabeth reveals a figure that the American public views favorably, and who has long been the object of its admiration.
In a Gallup poll conducted after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, 47% of Americans said they had a favorable opinion of Queen Elizabeth. In December 1998, that percentage had increased significantly, to 68%. By way of comparison, Americans do not rate Prince Charles -- the queen's son and heir to the throne -- as favorably. In 1997, just 29% of Americans had a favorable view of the prince, although this percentage increased to 54% in 1998.
Nowhere does Queen Elizabeth's legacy with the American public stand out more than in Gallup's annual survey of the public's most admired man and woman for each year. Since 1948, no woman has placed in the top 10 more often than Queen Elizabeth has. As the table below shows, her 38 top 10 appearances significantly outnumber those of any other woman.



Number of Lists, 1948-2001, on Which Person Appeared Among Top 10
Queen Elizabeth II
38
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
27
Margaret Thatcher
23
Mamie Eisenhower
21
Margaret Chase Smith
19
Mother Teresa
18
Clare Boothe Luce
18
Helen Keller
17
Mm. Chiang Kai-shek
17
Nancy Reagan
17
Betty Ford
16
Eleanor Roosevelt
14
Patricia Nixon
14
Barbara Bush
14
Oprah Winfrey
14
Hillary Clinton
10
Lady Bird Johnson
10
Indira Gandhi
10


In fact, only one man has been on the list of most admired men more often than Queen Elizabeth has been on the women's list: the Rev. Billy Graham, whose 44 appearances in the top 10 of the "most admired man" list is the highest for either gender.
Historical Perspective on the Queen's Coronation

In 1953, Gallup asked the American public questions about Queen Elizabeth and her coronation. While the public generally described her positively, the coronation was not an event that drew a large amount of attention in the United States.
In response to the open-ended question, "What is your opinion of Queen Elizabeth?" 66% of Americans gave positive responses at that time. Specifically, 22% of Americans ascribed generally positive qualities to her (nice, earnest, honest). Another 15% said they had a good opinion of her but did not cite specific qualities. Additionally, 14% described her as capable (in reference to duties of being queen), 9% thought she was beautiful or lovely, 4% thought she had a queenly bearing (well-bred, genteel), and 2% described her as smart or intelligent.
While Americans thought of Elizabeth II in a generally positive manner, her actual coronation did not elicit much of their attention. When asked if they were interested in the coronation ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth, just 38% of Americans in 1953 said they were, while 61% said they were not.
Royal Family: Okay in England, but Not in the United States
Although Americans may consistently mention Queen Elizabeth among the women they admire most, there appear to be no signs that they would ever want a royal family in America. But, Americans appear to heartily endorse the idea of having a royal family in England. In a January 1950 poll, 49% of Americans thought the royal family was a good thing for the people of England, and 25% thought it was a bad thing. When that question was re-asked in 1999, an even larger percentage of Americans (64%) said the royal family was a good thing for the people of England, while 23% thought it was bad.
In 1950, just 3% of Americans said they thought it would be a good idea for the United States to have a royal family and 93% thought it was a bad idea. A re-asking of this question in 1999 found 11% of Americans saying a royal family would be a good thing for the United States and 87% saying it would be a bad thing.
British Continue to Support Monarchy, Although Many Would Prefer Some Modifications
A recent survey in the United Kingdom affirms that British public sentiment remains in favor of the monarchy, although with some modifications. About a third of United Kingdom residents interviewed by Gallup U.K. last fall said they prefer the monarchy just as it is, while a little more than half said the monarchy should continue to exist but that it should become "more democratic and approachable." Just 10% of the British public said the monarchy should be abolished.
PREFERENCES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE MONARCHY
Which of these statements comes closest to your view -- [ROTATED]: the Monarchy and the Royal Family should stay pretty much as they are now, (or) the Monarchy and the Royal Family should continue to exist but should become more "democratic and approachable" rather like the Monarchy and the Royal Family in the Netherlands, (or) the Monarchy should be abolished and replaced by a non-executive figurehead president like the ones they have in some continental countries?
Stay the same
Become more "democratic and approachable"
Should be abolished
No
opinion

%
%
%
%
2001 Sep
32
56
10
3
2000 Jun
27
60
11
3
1998 Nov
25
62
12
0
1997 Sep
15
72
11
2
1996 Nov
31
50
16
3
1996 Mar
28
51
17
4
1995 Nov
16
54
15
5
1995 Oct
32
50
13
6
1994 Sep
36
49
12
3
1993 Nov
30
56
10
4
1993 Jun
35
50
11
4
1993 Feb
24
65
9
2
1992 Dec
26
59
13
2

Survey Methods
The results from United States polling are based on telephone interviews with randomly selected national samples of at least 1,000 adults, 18 years and older. For results based on these samples, one can say with 95 percent confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
United Kingdom Survey Methods
These results are based on telephone interviews conducted by the Gallup U.K. poll with 1,004 respondents, aged 18+, from across Great Britain, conducted Sept. 12-18, 2001. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95 percent confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
No comments:

Queen Elizabeth: 50 Years of Public Opinion

No woman has appeared in the top 10 of Gallup's "most admired woman" list more often

by Darren K. Carlson
GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
PRINCETON, NJ -- Feb. 6, 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne in Great Britain (her coronation occurred over a year after her accession, in June 1953). A review of the American public's opinion of Queen Elizabeth reveals a figure that the American public views favorably, and who has long been the object of its admiration.
In a Gallup poll conducted after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, 47% of Americans said they had a favorable opinion of Queen Elizabeth. In December 1998, that percentage had increased significantly, to 68%. By way of comparison, Americans do not rate Prince Charles -- the queen's son and heir to the throne -- as favorably. In 1997, just 29% of Americans had a favorable view of the prince, although this percentage increased to 54% in 1998.
Nowhere does Queen Elizabeth's legacy with the American public stand out more than in Gallup's annual survey of the public's most admired man and woman for each year. Since 1948, no woman has placed in the top 10 more often than Queen Elizabeth has. As the table below shows, her 38 top 10 appearances significantly outnumber those of any other woman.



Number of Lists, 1948-2001, on Which Person Appeared Among Top 10
Queen Elizabeth II
38
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
27
Margaret Thatcher
23
Mamie Eisenhower
21
Margaret Chase Smith
19
Mother Teresa
18
Clare Boothe Luce
18
Helen Keller
17
Mm. Chiang Kai-shek
17
Nancy Reagan
17
Betty Ford
16
Eleanor Roosevelt
14
Patricia Nixon
14
Barbara Bush
14
Oprah Winfrey
14
Hillary Clinton
10
Lady Bird Johnson
10
Indira Gandhi
10


In fact, only one man has been on the list of most admired men more often than Queen Elizabeth has been on the women's list: the Rev. Billy Graham, whose 44 appearances in the top 10 of the "most admired man" list is the highest for either gender.
Historical Perspective on the Queen's Coronation

In 1953, Gallup asked the American public questions about Queen Elizabeth and her coronation. While the public generally described her positively, the coronation was not an event that drew a large amount of attention in the United States.
In response to the open-ended question, "What is your opinion of Queen Elizabeth?" 66% of Americans gave positive responses at that time. Specifically, 22% of Americans ascribed generally positive qualities to her (nice, earnest, honest). Another 15% said they had a good opinion of her but did not cite specific qualities. Additionally, 14% described her as capable (in reference to duties of being queen), 9% thought she was beautiful or lovely, 4% thought she had a queenly bearing (well-bred, genteel), and 2% described her as smart or intelligent.
While Americans thought of Elizabeth II in a generally positive manner, her actual coronation did not elicit much of their attention. When asked if they were interested in the coronation ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth, just 38% of Americans in 1953 said they were, while 61% said they were not.
Royal Family: Okay in England, but Not in the United States
Although Americans may consistently mention Queen Elizabeth among the women they admire most, there appear to be no signs that they would ever want a royal family in America. But, Americans appear to heartily endorse the idea of having a royal family in England. In a January 1950 poll, 49% of Americans thought the royal family was a good thing for the people of England, and 25% thought it was a bad thing. When that question was re-asked in 1999, an even larger percentage of Americans (64%) said the royal family was a good thing for the people of England, while 23% thought it was bad.
In 1950, just 3% of Americans said they thought it would be a good idea for the United States to have a royal family and 93% thought it was a bad idea. A re-asking of this question in 1999 found 11% of Americans saying a royal family would be a good thing for the United States and 87% saying it would be a bad thing.
British Continue to Support Monarchy, Although Many Would Prefer Some Modifications
A recent survey in the United Kingdom affirms that British public sentiment remains in favor of the monarchy, although with some modifications. About a third of United Kingdom residents interviewed by Gallup U.K. last fall said they prefer the monarchy just as it is, while a little more than half said the monarchy should continue to exist but that it should become "more democratic and approachable." Just 10% of the British public said the monarchy should be abolished.
PREFERENCES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE MONARCHY
Which of these statements comes closest to your view -- [ROTATED]: the Monarchy and the Royal Family should stay pretty much as they are now, (or) the Monarchy and the Royal Family should continue to exist but should become more "democratic and approachable" rather like the Monarchy and the Royal Family in the Netherlands, (or) the Monarchy should be abolished and replaced by a non-executive figurehead president like the ones they have in some continental countries?
Stay the same
Become more "democratic and approachable"
Should be abolished
No
opinion

%
%
%
%
2001 Sep
32
56
10
3
2000 Jun
27
60
11
3
1998 Nov
25
62
12
0
1997 Sep
15
72
11
2
1996 Nov
31
50
16
3
1996 Mar
28
51
17
4
1995 Nov
16
54
15
5
1995 Oct
32
50
13
6
1994 Sep
36
49
12
3
1993 Nov
30
56
10
4
1993 Jun
35
50
11
4
1993 Feb
24
65
9
2
1992 Dec
26
59
13
2

Survey Methods
The results from United States polling are based on telephone interviews with randomly selected national samples of at least 1,000 adults, 18 years and older. For results based on these samples, one can say with 95 percent confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
United Kingdom Survey Methods
These results are based on telephone interviews conducted by the Gallup U.K. poll with 1,004 respondents, aged 18+, from across Great Britain, conducted Sept. 12-18, 2001. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95 percent confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.
No comments:

UK government sets out agenda in Queen Elizabeth II's speech

The new British coalition government set out its legislative agenda on Tuesday in a speech delivered by Queen Elizabeth II at the state opening of parliament.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II travels in a carriage to the Houses of Parliament in London for the official State Opening, on Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II has opened Parliament nearly 60 times, but she will have an unfamiliar task Tuesday as she sets out the legislative program of a coalition government, the country's first since World War II.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
ON DEFICIT/ECONOMY:
"The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth." "Action will be taken to accelerate the reduction of the structural budget deficit. A new Office for Budget Responsibility will provide confidence in the management of the public finances."
POLITICAL REFORMS:
"Measures will be brought forward to introduce fixed term Parliaments of five years." "A Bill will be introduced for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system for the House of Commons (lower house) and to create fewer and more equal sized constituencies."
IN PICTURES: Britain's royal family
EU RELATIONS
"My Government will introduce legislation to ensure that in future this Parliament and the British people have their say on any proposed transfer of powers to the European Union."
ON IMMIGRATION:
"My Government will limit the number of non-European Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom, and end the detention of children for immigration purposes."

No comments:

Queen Elizabeth II makes visit to Canada

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a yellow hat and a raincoat over her yellow suit, was officially welcomed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Queen Elizabeth II watches guardsmen ride past on their horses outside Buckingham Palace during The Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' in London. The queen begins a nine-day visit to Canada on June 28.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Newscom/File
By Rob Gillies, Associated Press / June 28, 2010
TORONTO Queen Elizabeth II returned to Canada on Monday and pronounced it "good to be home" as she embarked on her 22nd official visit to the country. Hundreds of Canadians stood in a steady rain to get a glimpse of the monarch.
Skip to next paragraph

Related Stories

The queen, wearing a yellow hat and a raincoat over her yellow suit, was officially welcomed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The queen is the symbolic head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. She last visited Canada in 2005.
IN PICTURES: Britain's royal family
On Canada Day, she will be on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for celebrations of the country's 143rd birthday. She's visiting in part to mark the Canadian navy's centennial.
The 84-year-old monarch is visiting with her husband Prince Philip. Though Canadians are somewhat indifferent to the monarchy, most have great affection for the queen, whose silhouette marks their coins.
"My mother once said that this country felt like a home away from home for the Queen of Canada. Prime Minister, I'm delighted to report that it still does and I'm delighted to back amongst you all," she said.
The queen said Canada is widely admired across the world and said she's fortunate to have witnessed many of the developments and accomplishments of modern Canada.
"As Queen of Canada for nearly six decades my pride in this country remains undimmed. Thank you again for your welcome. It is very good to be home," she said.
Harper said the queen has visited Canada more than any other commonwealth country.
"We are honored that you have given so generously of your time," Harper said.
The trip ends on July 6 in Toronto and when it's over the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will also have made stops in Winnipeg and Waterloo, Ontario, where they planned to visit the headquarters of BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion.

No comments:

UK government sets out agenda in Queen Elizabeth II's speech

The new British coalition government set out its legislative agenda on Tuesday in a speech delivered by Queen Elizabeth II at the state opening of parliament.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II travels in a carriage to the Houses of Parliament in London for the official State Opening, on Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II has opened Parliament nearly 60 times, but she will have an unfamiliar task Tuesday as she sets out the legislative program of a coalition government, the country's first since World War II.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
ON DEFICIT/ECONOMY:
"The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth." "Action will be taken to accelerate the reduction of the structural budget deficit. A new Office for Budget Responsibility will provide confidence in the management of the public finances."
POLITICAL REFORMS:
"Measures will be brought forward to introduce fixed term Parliaments of five years." "A Bill will be introduced for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system for the House of Commons (lower house) and to create fewer and more equal sized constituencies."
IN PICTURES: Britain's royal family
EU RELATIONS
"My Government will introduce legislation to ensure that in future this Parliament and the British people have their say on any proposed transfer of powers to the European Union."
ON IMMIGRATION:
"My Government will limit the number of non-European Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom, and end the detention of children for immigration purposes."

No comments:

Queen Elizabeth II makes visit to Canada

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a yellow hat and a raincoat over her yellow suit, was officially welcomed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Queen Elizabeth II watches guardsmen ride past on their horses outside Buckingham Palace during The Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' in London. The queen begins a nine-day visit to Canada on June 28.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Newscom/File
By Rob Gillies, Associated Press / June 28, 2010
TORONTO Queen Elizabeth II returned to Canada on Monday and pronounced it "good to be home" as she embarked on her 22nd official visit to the country. Hundreds of Canadians stood in a steady rain to get a glimpse of the monarch.
Skip to next paragraph

Related Stories

The queen, wearing a yellow hat and a raincoat over her yellow suit, was officially welcomed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The queen is the symbolic head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. She last visited Canada in 2005.
IN PICTURES: Britain's royal family
On Canada Day, she will be on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for celebrations of the country's 143rd birthday. She's visiting in part to mark the Canadian navy's centennial.
The 84-year-old monarch is visiting with her husband Prince Philip. Though Canadians are somewhat indifferent to the monarchy, most have great affection for the queen, whose silhouette marks their coins.
"My mother once said that this country felt like a home away from home for the Queen of Canada. Prime Minister, I'm delighted to report that it still does and I'm delighted to back amongst you all," she said.
The queen said Canada is widely admired across the world and said she's fortunate to have witnessed many of the developments and accomplishments of modern Canada.
"As Queen of Canada for nearly six decades my pride in this country remains undimmed. Thank you again for your welcome. It is very good to be home," she said.
Harper said the queen has visited Canada more than any other commonwealth country.
"We are honored that you have given so generously of your time," Harper said.
The trip ends on July 6 in Toronto and when it's over the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will also have made stops in Winnipeg and Waterloo, Ontario, where they planned to visit the headquarters of BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion.

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UK election 101: What will the Queen do the morning after?

After a typical UK election, the leader of the winning party visits the queen to be anointed Britain's new prime minister. But early indications are this general election returned no outright winner, meaning Queen Elizabeth II could have an expanded role.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II seen on April 4. The winner of any UK general election typically goes to the queen the following morning, but after polling centers closed, Thursday, there was no clear winner.
Ben Stansall/AP

By Ben Quinn, Correspondent / May 6, 2010
London Your typical UK election usually yields a clear winning party with an outright majority in parliament.
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After a heated election campaign, the leader of the winning party congratulates the losers on putting up a good effort, then heads to Buckingham Palace for tea with the queen, who confirms him or her as the new prime minister of Britain.
But this was no typical election. The British polls closed at 10 p.m. local time (5 pm EST), and early exit polls indicate no outright winner.
Instead, it appears, that Britain now has a "hung parliament." The BBC projected 307 seats for the opposition Conservative Party, 19 seats short of a majority, with the Labour Party of incumbent Prime Minister Gordon Brown dropping to 255 seats. These numbers should be taken with a grain of salt since the final results, not due out for hours, are almost certain to be somewhat different.

But the absence of a clear majority is complicating the usual day after visit with the queen, and may see her role expanded beyond the broadly ceremonial one she generally occupies. She generally just "invites" the clear winner to form a government.

Now, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to drive to the palace with neither a clear mandate govern, nor a clear successor to bow before. On Friday, he could either resign, stating that he does not have the ability to form a majority government, or else advise her that he intends to form a coalition with another party, or parties.

What the Queen does next is now a delicate matter. She theoretically has the power to exercise her own judgment as to who is most likely to be able to cobble together a coalition, and could invited either Mr. Brown or Tory leader David Cameron to do so. But that would be an unusual political intervention in a country whose traditions have left the reigning monarch as the head of state, but whose actions almost always are rubber stamps of the wills of voters and their elected representatives.
The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II may delay a meeting with either leader until signs are clear over which man can attract the support from other parties to form a government.
"If Labour has won the most seats, Gordon Brown would be asked to try to form a government and could seek a deal with the Liberal Democrats. Mr Brown would be in a position to do a similar deal if he has only narrowly lost to the Tories," the paper wrote, citing a paper from a senior civil servant advising the queen on how she should handle the matter. "However, if Mr. Cameron has clearly 'won,' Mr. Brown would be under extreme pressure to concede and allow the Tory leader to try to form a government coalition or, more probably, lead a minority administration."
If the BBC's exit poll holds up, it's hard to see the queen asking Brown to give forming the next government a shot. The LibDem's were projected to have won 59 seats, enough votes to deliver 10 Downing Street to Cameron, but not enough for Brown to hold on. For Brown to form a government he'd need the LibDems plus 12 more seats from the various smaller parties that won a spot in parliament (29 total).
The only thing that's certain now is frantic horse trading between the parties tonight.
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UK election 101: What will the Queen do the morning after?

After a typical UK election, the leader of the winning party visits the queen to be anointed Britain's new prime minister. But early indications are this general election returned no outright winner, meaning Queen Elizabeth II could have an expanded role.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II seen on April 4. The winner of any UK general election typically goes to the queen the following morning, but after polling centers closed, Thursday, there was no clear winner.
Ben Stansall/AP

By Ben Quinn, Correspondent / May 6, 2010
London Your typical UK election usually yields a clear winning party with an outright majority in parliament.
Skip to next paragraph

Related Stories

After a heated election campaign, the leader of the winning party congratulates the losers on putting up a good effort, then heads to Buckingham Palace for tea with the queen, who confirms him or her as the new prime minister of Britain.
But this was no typical election. The British polls closed at 10 p.m. local time (5 pm EST), and early exit polls indicate no outright winner.
Instead, it appears, that Britain now has a "hung parliament." The BBC projected 307 seats for the opposition Conservative Party, 19 seats short of a majority, with the Labour Party of incumbent Prime Minister Gordon Brown dropping to 255 seats. These numbers should be taken with a grain of salt since the final results, not due out for hours, are almost certain to be somewhat different.

But the absence of a clear majority is complicating the usual day after visit with the queen, and may see her role expanded beyond the broadly ceremonial one she generally occupies. She generally just "invites" the clear winner to form a government.

Now, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to drive to the palace with neither a clear mandate govern, nor a clear successor to bow before. On Friday, he could either resign, stating that he does not have the ability to form a majority government, or else advise her that he intends to form a coalition with another party, or parties.

What the Queen does next is now a delicate matter. She theoretically has the power to exercise her own judgment as to who is most likely to be able to cobble together a coalition, and could invited either Mr. Brown or Tory leader David Cameron to do so. But that would be an unusual political intervention in a country whose traditions have left the reigning monarch as the head of state, but whose actions almost always are rubber stamps of the wills of voters and their elected representatives.
The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II may delay a meeting with either leader until signs are clear over which man can attract the support from other parties to form a government.
"If Labour has won the most seats, Gordon Brown would be asked to try to form a government and could seek a deal with the Liberal Democrats. Mr Brown would be in a position to do a similar deal if he has only narrowly lost to the Tories," the paper wrote, citing a paper from a senior civil servant advising the queen on how she should handle the matter. "However, if Mr. Cameron has clearly 'won,' Mr. Brown would be under extreme pressure to concede and allow the Tory leader to try to form a government coalition or, more probably, lead a minority administration."
If the BBC's exit poll holds up, it's hard to see the queen asking Brown to give forming the next government a shot. The LibDem's were projected to have won 59 seats, enough votes to deliver 10 Downing Street to Cameron, but not enough for Brown to hold on. For Brown to form a government he'd need the LibDems plus 12 more seats from the various smaller parties that won a spot in parliament (29 total).
The only thing that's certain now is frantic horse trading between the parties tonight.
Related:

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Queen Elizabeth II makes first visit to Wimbledon in 33 years

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a white dress with a blue coat and hat, greeted onlookers and met former champions such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova before meeting the tennis tournament's top seeds.

Queen Elizabeth II greets players as she attends the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on June 24. It is the first visit by Queen Elizabeth to the Championships in 33 years.
Oli Scarf/Reuters

By Sylvia Hui, Associated Press / June 24, 2010
WIMBLEDON, England Queen Elizabeth II made her first appearance at Wimbledon in 33 years Thursday — much to the joy of a giddy Serena Williams, who showed off her curtsy.
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Wearing a white dress with a blue coat and hat, the 84-year-old queen braved scorching temperatures as she greeted onlookers and met former champions such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova before meeting the tennis tournament's top seeds.
Williams, who wore a form-fitting white top and skirt, talked at length about her efforts to perfect her curtsy and sport more conservative clothing — the defending champion is known for outrageous outfits such as a skin-tight black catsuit and fluorescent orange micro-shorts.
IN PICTURES: Britain's royal family
Smiling widely, Williams took a deep curtsy but was not scheduled to play on Center Court where the queen will watch matches from the Royal Box. Venus Williams, who was wearing a glamorous mauve dress, also appeared to curtsy as she was introduced to the monarch.
"She looked stunning, she's just amazing," said Debbie Moody, a 45-year-old nurse, after watching the queen's arrival. "It's a shame she hasn't been for so long, but I'm so glad she has decided to come back."
Although in decades past, the tennis club maintained a tradition of a bow or curtsy to royal attendants, that practice was dropped in 2003. Still, many indulged the monarch Thursday.
"We are here for the tennis, but I'm delighted the queen turned up as well. I love her smile when she's greeting people," said Romey Allison, a retired 53-year-old attending with her husband.
Andy Murray, the only British singles player left in the tournament in a year of exceptionally poor showings by the host country, said he was already feeling the pressure.
The No. 4 seed Murray and opponent Jarkko Nieminen of Finland bowed together in the queen's direction. She was seen with the Duke of Kent. Buckingham Palace said her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, canceled because of previous engagments.
Rafael Nadal follows with a match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands, though it's not clear if the queen will stay long enough to watch him.
The last time the queen visited in 1977, she presented Virginia Wade with the ladies' singles championship. No Briton has won a singles title since.
Although the monarch isn't known to have a particularly strong personal interest in tennis, the royal association with Wimbledon spans more than 100 years.
The queen's, grandfather, King George V, became patron of the All England Club in 1910, and the tradition has been maintained since.
The queen's only other visits before 1977 were in 1957 and 1962.

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Michelle Obama hugs Queen - breaks royal protocol!

First lady Michelle Obama hugged Queen Elizabeth yesterday at Buckingham Palace in London. While that may sound like it's no big deal, actually is a breach of royal protocol. No one is supposed to touch the queen. The queen reportedly didn't mind, however.
ZUMAWIRE/NEWSCOM

By Jimmy Orr / April 2, 2009
When first lady Michelle Obama hugged Queen Elizabeth yesterday, it was reminiscent of the classic American masterpiece "Tommy Boy" when Chris Farley, embracing his new stepbrother said, "Brothers don't shake hands, brothers gotta hug!"
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Now while it was perfectly acceptable and quite frankly -- touching -- when this act of love occurred in the movie, it's not supposed to happen with the queen.
Queens don't hug!
In fact, it is considered a breach of royal protocol.
Throne
Apparently the first lady and the queen were hanging out in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. (It would be immature to make a crack wondering if it was the "Royal Throne Room" so we won't mention it.)
An official photo of the world leaders had just been taken, and while they were meandering out, the queen and the first lady struck up a conversation.
Eyewitness
What happened next rocked the world. Or at least Britain. Get a load of how the Daily Mail reported it:
"The Queen started chatting to Michelle Obama. She appeared to look up at her and make a comment about how tall she was," said an eyewitness. "As she did, she put her arm around Mrs Obama and rested her gloved hand on the small of her back."
"Almost simultaneously, Mrs Obama put her arm around the Queen's shoulders rather more firmly. The pair then looked at their feet and appeared to be discussing their shoes."
"The Queen then dropped her arm and, a few seconds later, Michelle did the same. The entire exchange lasted around eight to ten seconds but was absolutely extraordinary," gasped the observer.
Historymaking
Overly dramatic? Apparently not. The reporter goes on to say, "No-one - including the ladies-in-waiting standing nearby - could believe their eyes. In 57 years, the Queen has never been seen to make that kind of gesture and it is certainly against all protocol to touch her."
It makes you wonder if in times past you would have heard an immediate "Off with her head!"
They take this so seriously, apparently, that when Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating dared touch the queen back in 1992, he was besieged with criticism, later earning the nickname "Lizard of Oz."
Thankfully Michelle didn't go all Blarney Stone on Her Majesty.
Best friends
The good news is no one seems to care. In fact, the BBC reports that the queen really liked Michelle.
"Now we've met, will you please keep in touch?" the queen said.
Then Michelle brought the house down when she replied, "No pun intended?"
(OK. We made up that last line. But it would have been a good response.)

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