An introduction to Humanism

Humanism is sometimes mistaken for another form of religion, or something which is very complex. Here, some well known humanists explain that all humanism really is, is people wanting to live ethical and happy lives, thinking for themselves, without religion imposing its own morals on them which are not necessarily compatible with living ethically today.

Men with prostate cancer more likely to die from other causes

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer are less likely to die from the disease than from largely preventable conditions such as heart disease, according to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). It is the largest study to date that looks at causes of death among men with prostate cancer, and suggests that encouraging healthy lifestyle changes should play an important role in prostate cancer management.

Read more: Men with prostate cancer more likely to die from other causes

New test may help predict prostate cancer

A new genetic test has been developed by a team of researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and  Karim Kader, MD, PhD, associate clinical professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine to predict a man's risk for prostate cancer. Use of the test could reduce the need for repeat biopsies in men who have had a negative biopsy. Avoiding the need for repeat proceedures could help reduce the potential for infection and possible subsequent hospitalisation.

According to Karim Kader "The genetic test outperformed the PSA test in assessing cancer risk,"going on to say "If results of this blood test were factored into prostate cancer predictors such as total free PSA, free PSA, number of core samples taken at biopsy, and family history, we would have a more accurate picture of a whether or not a man is likely to develop the sometimes fatal disease."

Read more detail in ScienceDaily:New test may help predict prostate cancer

New rule from July 1 requires drivers abroad to carry a breathalyser

From July 1 2012 anyone driving in France is required to have an unused breathalyser, conforming to French standards, with them in the car. Breathalyser kits cost around £2 each, but the fine for not having one will set people back €11. As the new law requires there to be one unused unit in the car it makes sense to carry two, so that if one is used there is still the obligatory one legal unit, as they are not too expensive.

Whilst the law is effective from the beginning of July it would seem that the fixed penalty fine for failing to have a breathalyser will not start to be levied until November. Having just driven through France, on my trip from Spain to the UK, I have to admit I didn't have the required unit, apparently along with 90% of those visitors intending to drive in France. But I will have two in the car on my return journey, even though this will be before November.

 Read more: New rule from July 1 requires drivers abroad to carry a breathalyser

'Presidente' to Treasurer.

Following on from my article 'I think 6 years as 'El 'Presidente'' is enough' we held our Community AGM on the 3^rd July. When it came to the agenda item of the election of officers of the community I confirmed, that having been the voluntary incumbent of the position of 'Presidente' (Chairman) for the last 6 years, that now is the time for someone else to assume the responsibility and it was not my intention to allow my name to be put forward for consideration of a further term.

There being no immediate nominations put forward a discussion of the two alternative methods of selection under paragraph 13.2 of the 'Law of Horizontal Property' took place. “The Law of Horizontal Property states that a Community of Owners has to have a President. Should there fail to be any nominations for the election, then in accordance with paragraph 13.2 of the said law, the selection of the President shall be appointed from among the owners by rotation of property numbers or random draw”.

Those present did not wish to adopt either of those options for several reasons with two being more important; the first being that the 'Presidente' should be resident in Spain, although not a legal requirement; the second being that a random selection could result in an owner being selected that could not cope with the responsibilities; that could affect the community detrimentally.

During the discussion I felt that, although the owners appreciated my point of view that 6 years, the last without the support of a 'Vicepresidente', in the position was enough, there was pressure for me to retract my decision and continue in the role of chairman. I was not prepared to do this.

In order to reach an amicable solution I agreed not to cut my ties completely from the management team. The result being that two owners volunteered to allowed their names to go forward as 'Presidente' and 'Vicepresidente' providing I would accept nomination as a new position of 'Tesorero'. With some reluctance I agreed.

Our community now has a committee of three including myself, quite an increase from when it was just me on my own. Not the complete result I wanted but I take it as a complement to my past performance. My next task is to train a treasurer to take over from me for future years.

Euro area unemployment rate at 11.1% for May 2012

The Euro area (EA17) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 11.1% in May 2012, compared with 11.0% in April4. It was 10.0% in May 2011. The EU27 (European Union) unemployment rate was 10.3% in May 2012, compared with 10.2% in April. It was 9.5% in May 2011.

Spain with a figure of 24.6% continues to be the country with the highest rate of unemployment. In the case of the youth (under 25s) of the country it is over double that rate at 52.1%.

Read more detail from Eurostat: 3-02072012-AP-EN.PDF (application/pdf Object)

Mobile phone costs fall

It is now cheaper to use your mobile phone when travelling abroad in the European Union after new maximum roaming charges came into force on Sunday (1 July).

Both call and text charges have been cut and for the first time the amount consumers can be charged for surfing the mobile web on their smartphones and tablet computers is also being capped.

Read more detail: Ofcom | Holiday mobile costs fall