July

30

Wikinews Shorts: December 9, 2008

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Wikinews Shorts: December 9, 2008
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A compilation of brief news reports for Tuesday, December 9, 2008.

 Contribute to Wikinews by expanding these briefs or add a new one.

The United States media group Tribune Company has filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday as it struggled to sort out its US$13 billion debt. It is the second-largest newspaper publisher in the United States, responsible for the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times, among others.

The firm has been hit hard by the industry-wide slump in newspaper advert revenues this year. Sam Zell, the billionaire who owns Tribune, took out large loans in order to buy the firm back in June of 2007.

The United States Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection law states that a company can continue trading whilst it sorts out its finances.

Sources

  • “US publisher in bankruptcy move” — BBC News Online, December 8, 2008
  • “Tribune files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy” — MarketWatch.com, December 8, 2008

 This story has updates See Quebec’s Liberal premier Jean Charest wins third term 

The Quebec general election is underway in the Canadian province of Quebec. Premier Jean Charest called the elections, saying he needed a majority to guide Quebec through a period of economic difficulties caused by the worldwide financial crisis.

Polls indicate that the Charest may obtain a majority, with support for his Quebec Liberal Party increasing to 45%, while support for the Parti Québécois remains at around 30%.

The polls will close at 01:00 GMT (20:00 local time), and the results will probably come in soon after that.

Sources

  • “Quebec voters head to the polls” — BBC News Online, December 8, 2008
  • “Quebec votes in provincial elections” — Agence France-Presse, December 8, 2008

The United States government is reportedly close to an agreement for a US$15 billion bailout plan for the country’s three largest auto firms.

According to a draft obtained by the Associated Press, the deal would give loans to Detroit‘s struggling Big Three automobile manufacturers — Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler — but under the condition that the auto industry restructures itself to survive. Another condition is that the incumbent US President, George W. Bush, would appoint an overseer to supervise the effort.

Analysts suggest that the agreement could be signed into law by the end of this week.

Sources

  • “White House cool to plan for auto bailout” — MSNBC, December 8, 2008
  • “US car bail-out nears agreement” — BBC News Online, December 8, 2008

This page is archived, and is no longer publicly editable.

Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.

Got a correction? Add the template {{editprotected}} to the talk page along with your corrections, and it will be brought to the attention of the administrators.

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Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.
This page is archived, and is no longer publicly editable.

Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.

Got a correction? Add the template {{editprotected}} to the talk page along with your corrections, and it will be brought to the attention of the administrators.

Please note that due to our archival policy, we will not alter or update the content of articles that are archived, but will only accept requests to make grammatical and formatting corrections.

Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.

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July

29

Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review released

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Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review released
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Friday, February 3, 2006

The Pentagon released its findings from its Quadrennial Defense Review today. This review focuses mainly on defining and identifying weak points in United States defenses, and prescriptions for improvements in those areas.

This review, known as the Quadrennial Defense Review because Congress requires it every four years, does not alter the Pentagon’s approach in Iraq. It also leaves intact the Defense Department’s broader strategy for keeping the U.S. military big enough to fight other major conflicts.

The plan proposes a 4.8% boost to the Department of Defense budget, eliminates no major weapons programs and includes an 8 percent overall increase for weapons (to US$84 billion) for the budget year starting Sept. 30. This review excludes the Energy Department’s nuclear weapons programs.

Overall, there was an emphasis on finding ways to adopt a more indirect approach to the war on terror; a shifted emphasis from performing tasks to enabling other countries to perform. Some of the specific proposals include:

  • Expansion of special operations forces by 15%; the Army’s Green Berets and the Navy SEAL commandos, for example, who are trained in specialized warfare skills that are often utilized covertly in cooperation with the armed forces of small countries.
Relevant to this expansion, the Marines are establishing a special operations force for the first time, with an initial goal of preparing 2,600 Marines.
  • An increase by 3,700 (or about one-third) of psychological warfare and civil affairs units. These are in heavy demand in Iraq and Afghanistan because of their role working with local civilian authorities to build trust and influence perceptions of U.S. forces.
  • Building new partnerships in the “War on Terror” by increasing time spent training other armies, navies and air forces, particularly in places, where U.S. troops have not traditionally operated. This in turn, will call for an increased mastery of other languages and better knowledge of foreign cultures.
  • More officers serving stints in foreign militaries to better develop long-term relationships and regional expertise.
  • The creation by the Navy, of a force of small boats that can be utilized in inland waterways abroad to help countries build their own maritime forces to combat terrorists.

Other highlights include:

  • A proposed 10 percent reduction in the fleet of Minuteman III land-based nuclear missiles, from 500 to 450 missiles. Also, the conversion of some nuclear missiles on Trident submarines to non-nuclear missiles within two years. The Pentagon did not specifically state how many are to be converted.
  • A five-year, $1.5 billion program to develop medical countermeasures for bioterrorism threats.
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July

29

Conditions Commonly Treated By Foot Surgeons In Racine, Wi

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There are many conditions that impact patients’ feet and ankles, leaving them with pain, discomfort, and potentially severe mobility issues. Many of these conditions can be treated medically, but some really require the help of foot surgeons in Racine WI for resolution. Read on to find out about a few conditions commonly treated with foot surgery below.

Hallux Rigidus

Also known simply as a stiff big toe, Hallux Rigidus causes pain and stiffness that can make it difficult to walk. This condition originates from trauma due to degenerative forms of arthritis and is often exacerbated by damp, cold weather. While wearing the right shoes and applying natural lubricants or steroid injections may temporarily ease the discomfort associated with this condition, surgery is often required to restore mobility in serious cases.

Hallux Valgus

More often referred to as a bunion, this condition is one of the most common foot deformities. It manifests as a bony bump between the big toe and the foot and often causes the big toe to bend inward. Bunions can be extremely painful, so those suffering from serious deformities often choose to have surgery to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Hammertoe Disorders

Hammertoe refers to a disorder in which a patient’s toes bend at abnormal angles, causing pain and other problems. This condition is caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance, which is often the result of leaving bunions untreated for prolonged periods of time. Surgical treatment involves the fusing of the patient’s deformed joints using small implants or surgical pins, which can later be removed to restore normal function.

Plantar Fasciitis

Also known as jogger’s heel, this condition is caused by torn or inflamed heel ligaments, which may require the help of Foot Surgeons in Racine WI for permanent correction. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include stabbing pain in the heel that usually manifests itself in the early morning and vanishes later in the day. Runners, people who are severely overweight, and those who wear shoes with hard heels are all at greater risk of developing this disorder.

Learn More Today

Want to find out if foot surgery may be a good long-term option for treating these or other foot disorders? Visit Greatlakesfootankle.com online for more information or call to schedule an appointment today to get started.

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July

29

Israel undergoes major emergency drill

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Israel undergoes major emergency drill
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Thursday, April 10, 2008

Israel has tested its readiness for a state of war and emergency by testing its emergency services and shelters on a national scale.

The drill is to be analyzed in order to determine the elements which need to be corrected and fixed, and Israel’s emergency readiness is to be assessed.

Israeli school children were told to hide under their school tables as part of the drill, which officials claimed to be the biggest drill ever in Israeli history.

Syria has claimed, in return, that the drill is intended as a battle readiness exercise and claims that Israel is preparing for war.

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July

28

Investigation into Polish air crash reveals passengers in cockpit

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Investigation into Polish air crash reveals passengers in cockpit
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The investigation into the plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczy?ski has revealed that passengers were in the cockpit of the crashed plane.According to the head of the technical commission involved with investigating the crash, Alexei Morozov, the crew of the aircraft had been warned of limited visibility, although it has not been determined whether or not the crew’s decision to land had been influenced by the passengers on board. The cause of the crash has not been identified, although the possibility of an explosion or terrorist attack on board the aircraft has been ruled out.

Morozov also said that the crew on board the plane had not been properly trained for the flight, and had been assembled only a few days before the flight. He said that the crew “did not undergo regular simulated training, including the practice of co-ordination and emergency situations during flights.”

The overall leader of the investigation, Tatyana Anodina, confirmed that unauthorized people had been in the cockpit near the end of the flight, saying that “in the cockpit there were individuals who were not members of the crew.” One person had been identified, although their name has not been released. Anodina said that “[t]he voice of one of them has been identified exactly, the voice of the other, or the others, will require additional information from the Polish side.”

The investigation also found that the aircraft involved had been in normal operating condition; Anodina said that “[t]he engines were working up till the moment the plane collided with the ground.”

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July

28

GM and Chrysler receive Canadian loans amid US restructuring ultimata

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GM and Chrysler receive Canadian loans amid US restructuring ultimata
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Friday, April 3, 2009

General Motors (GM) and Chrysler will receive bridge loans from the government of Canada and the provincial government of Ontario, however no more will be forthcoming from either Canadian or US governments unless the companies can reinvent themselves.

“This is a regrettable but necessary step to protect the Canadian economy. We are doing this on the assumption that we obviously cannot afford either in the United States or Canada a catastrophic short-term collapse.” said Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

“We cannot, we must not, and we will not let our auto industry simply vanish. This industry is, like no other, an emblem of the American spirit; a once and future symbol of America’s success,” said Barack Obama, President of the United States. “These companies – and this industry – must ultimately stand on their own, not as wards of the state.”File:Sinsheim quer.jpg

Chrysler will receive CA$1 billion and may in fact be eligible for as much as CA$4 billion. If Chrysler succeeds in the next 30 days with a restructuring plan it would be eligible for a US$6 billion loan. A part of Chrysler’s restructuring plan must include a partnership with Fiat within 30 days to appease the US administration. Fiat is a supplier of smaller fuel-efficient vehicles, and the merger will help Chrysler to be viable in the North American market. A Chrysler court bankruptcy would inevitably lead to it being sold off.

As a part of Chrysler’s restructuring plans, Tom LaSorda, the president of Chrysler announced that Canadian operations would fold if it does not receive both the US commitment of $2.3 billion of aid and a new Canadian Auto Workers CAW contract to reduce all-in costs by CA$19 per hour. As a result of this announcement Chrysler’s auto sales volume in Canada dropped 23% compared to March of 2008.

GM has until the end of May to restructure its company to receive up to CA$7.5 billion. As part of the companies restructuring, General Motor’s chief executive Rick Wagoner was replaced Sunday with Fritz Henderson, the current chief operating officer. Henderson spoke out on Tuesday that GM has submitted a restructuring plan which would close five plants, and this may be increased to meet the requirements for financial aid. He is in full compliance with Obama’s auto task force to seek bankruptcy if GM cannot negotiate with their unions, bondholders and others.

GM recently brought forward the “GM Total Confidence” program providing consumer purchase protection for customers who lose their job for economic reasons within the first two years from purchase. As a result of Chrysler’s restructuring announcement in Canada, GM’s Canadian vehicle sales volume fell only 17.3% compared to 2008, an increase from the previous month.

GM must reduce some of its legacy costs which include its pensions and union health care costs. A part of GM’s ailments arose from investing in supplying truck and SUVs during an economy of high gas prices when consumers were demanding fuel efficient vehicles.

Tony Clement, Canada’s Minister of Industry, is hoping that the CAW will support the restructuring process and re-negotiate their agreement. Whereas a United Auto Workers negotiator has said, “I don’t see how the UAW will do anything until they see what the bondholders will give up.”

The Obama administration is looking toward bankruptcy proceedings for the automakers, “as a mechanism to help them restructure quickly and emerge stronger. [It will] quickly clear away old debts that are weighing them down. What we are asking is difficult. It will require hard choices by companies. It will require unions and workers who have already made painful concessions to make even more. It will require creditors to recognise that they cannot hold out for the prospect of endless government bailouts.” said Obama.

The auto parts suppliers and IT software exporters in India have already been affected by the declining auto sales. GM and Chrysler software contracts provide US$300 to 350 million a year to vendors in India. As well these two major automakers usually award US$1 billion contracts to auto parts suppliers. “We are worried and closely watching the developments in the US to gauge the impact. The decline in auto sales in the US has already hit the order books of Indian suppliers,” said a Delhi auto parts supplier.

“Going forward, the industry will undoubtedly be smaller, but if our efforts are successful it will be viable and it will support good jobs for Canadians,” said Clements.

Betty Sutton, Ohio’s Congresswoman put forward the CARS act which provides a US$3,000 to 5,000 incentive for those who trade in their vehicle for a fuel-efficient car. “It clearly stimulates the economy, and it gets the consumer into the showroom and gets them buying again. But importantly — and this is what I particularly like about it — it really helps the environment quite a bit in two respects.” said William Clay Ford Jr., executive chairman of Ford Motor Co.

Ford Motor Company has not come forward with requests for assistance.

Since December GM and Chrysler have received US$17.4 billion government loans.

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July

27

Common Mistakes Made When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

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By Rich Casey

If you are in the market for a new roof, our experience can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make, especially those who are not experienced in purchasing roofs.

The first problem possible is practically a universal one when it comes to purchasing anything. Don’t look for the cheapest price. The general rule of thumb applies that ‘you get what you pay for’. The workmanship of a particular roofing contractor can vary widely and often the variance is applied toward the price you pay. One possible variance is the existence of workman’s compensation and liability insurance for the contractor. These are necessary and expensive items. A contractor without them will be able to propose a price well below those who do but could obviously end up costing you a whole lot more in the long run. Don’t let a contractors shortcut they take to become cheaper cost you money.

Don’t insist on hiring a company that can start right away. Any business that is so quick to respond and can start the next day almost clearly does not have enough business. A roof is a long term investment so you need to hire someone who will be around to stand behind it. Check everything you can to determine how long the companies you deal with have been in business and the strength of their financial position. Check their safety record as that is a good determinate of financial stability.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxLjRQgz7yU[/youtube]

Do not use contractors without an office staff. Make sure there are back end employees carrying out the day to day business of the company. Single man contractors working out of their home are just fine when you are doing odd or small jobs, but, again, the long term nature of a roof necessitates a larger, more stable company.

Do not purchase a roof before you are ready simply because the salesman is giving you a time sensitive price to ‘keep the crews working’ or ‘get started before winter’. Even with fluctuations in material, any reputable company will be able to hold pricing for at least thirty days to give you a fair amount of time to make an informed decision.

The warranty is an important part of every roofing project and the longer it is, the better. However, many people make the mistake of making it the only consideration when making the decision. For instance, regular maintenance is a normal part of all warranties. If a longer warranty requires twice as much annual maintenance as a shorter one, it may not be cost effective in the long run. Also, some companies require the owner of a new roof to use that specific company for regular maintenance at a higher price than normal.

The worst mistake anyone can make is having a friend do the work. Roofing is a very complicated endeavor and the consequences of failure are drastic. At best, the roof leaks and you have to pay for repairs or replacement. At worst, one the myriad of possible safety problems comes up and you have to pay liability damages.

About the Author: Rich Casey has been the owner and operator of a Florida Roofing Contractor for over 20 years. Visit the website to learn more about Florida Roof Contractor.

Source: isnare.com

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July

26

Author Amy Scobee recounts abuse as Scientology executive

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Author Amy Scobee recounts abuse as Scientology executive
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Monday, October 11, 2010

Wikinews interviewed author Amy Scobee about her book Scientology – Abuse at the Top, and asked her about her experiences working as an executive within the organization. Scobee joined the organization at age 14, and worked at Scientology’s international management headquarters for several years before leaving in 2005. She served as a Scientology executive in multiple high-ranking positions, working out of the international headquarters of Scientology known as “Gold Base”, located in Gilman Hot Springs near Hemet, California.

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July

26

Canada confirms fifth case of Mad Cow Disease

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Canada confirms fifth case of Mad Cow Disease
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Monday, April 17, 2006

Canada‘s Food Inspection Agency has confirmed that a cow in British Columbia, Canada, tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow disease”. Officials announced on Friday that initial tests done on the purebred six-year-old dairy Holstein had come back inconclusive. The cow was found in Fraser Valley, a farming community near Vancouver, British Columbia.

Officials also say that the beef supply is safe because none of the infected cows had made it to the human food chain. “This finding does not affect the safety of Canadian beef. Tissues in which BSE is known to concentrate in infected animals are removed from all cattle slaughtered in Canada for domestic and international human consumption. No part of this animal entered the human food or animal feed systems,” said agency officials in a statement on Sunday.

“This animal, a six-year-old dairy cow, developed BSE after the implementation of Canada’s feed ban. Investigators will pay particular attention to the feed to which the animal may have been exposed early in its life, when cattle are most susceptible to BSE. The CFIA is collecting records of feed purchased by and used on the animal’s birth farm,” the statement continued.

However, the United States does not believe a ban on Canadian beef will come immediately. “Information gathered through this investigation will help us to determine what, if any, impact this should have on our beef and live cattle trade with Canada. Based on the information currently available, I do not anticipate a change in the status of our trade,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

This is Canada’s fifth confirmed case of the disease since May 2003, and officials have tested more than 100,000 cows since the first case of the disease turned up in Alberta. This is the second cow to test positive for the disease this year.

At least 150 people worldwide have died from eating beef contaminated with the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a nerve disease that is usually fatal. Most of the deaths occurred in the United Kingdom.

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July

25

Allen, Texas House Neighborhoods City Ranked Substantial In Finest Spots To Shift Sum:

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Submitted by: Davidov Price

Forbes.com in recent times ranked the town of Allen, Texas as quantity 19 in America’s 25 Best Spots To Shift. Allen is local the cities of McKinney.

Forbes.com not too long ago ranked the town of Allen, Texas as range 19 in America’s 25 Greatest Destinations To Switch. Allen is close by the cities of McKinney, Plano and Frisco, with uncomplicated access to N. Central Expressway (Hwy 75). Allen boasts a total size ice rink with not simply ice skating and hockey instruction, but hockey leagues, as properly. It truly is located at the Village at Allen Buying Middle, which can be located at US 75 and Stacy Road. It’s going to be the household for the newest CHL hockey team, the Allen Americans. The Allen Event Center is a great area for your residents of Allen to attend concerts and specific events.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfM-1HrX5GU[/youtube]

If you’re looking for a spot to reside in the Allen area, there are lots of condo residential areas to decided to go with from. With rental rates at an all time low, now will be the time to come across that great house at a selling price that you may afford. You’ll find condo communities that present each of the particular amenities you need. Condominium Locating Pros have listings that incorporate garages with garage door openers, and qualities which have gated remote entry. You might really like the resort-style pools, the 24 hour fitness centers, the sports courts,coffee cafe, and video game rooms. You may be in a position to find apartment areas that deliver housekeeping and also a complimentary laundry assistance. If that you are worried that your pet won’t fit in, then you really should know that you can find attributes that present a pet walking assistance, plus a new item termed the “bark park” where by your pet can get lots of exercise.

Inside your flat, you will discover such luxuries as granite countertops, woodburning fireplaces, stainless steel GE Appliances, french doors, built in computer desks, designer maple cabinets, full dimension washer and dryer connections or washer and dryer units, and garden tubs. One,two, and three bedrooms are offered, with anywhere from six to fourteen month leases offered. Following hunting at all the move in specials and discounted prices which have been now available, you may perhaps come across that this is an excellent time that you can make that progress. Allen is agreat position to selected to live. You have great dining, entertainment and looking inside of minutes of your respective condo when deciding on to reside in the Allen place.

House Locating Specialists can aid you with what ever particular circumstances you may well have. We present support locating condominium areas with senior special discounts, student savings, and a couple of spots that deliver preferred employer savings. If that you are in require of a property that will give you a second chance, we are equipped to direct you to individuals places that could perform ideal with you within your venture to begin over again. We are a totally free provider, and deliver you the extremely very best buyer support. Get in touch with us at www.yourals.com and let us tell you about most of the good house communities there are for you to opted for from in Allen and also the surrounding locations.

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