<div class=Wikinews Shorts: December 9, 2008
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Wikinews Shorts: December 9, 2008

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

Contents

  • 1 US media group Tribune files for bankruptcy protection
  • 2 Quebec votes in general election
  • 3 Bailout for US automakers nears agreement
 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


 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


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 manufacturersFord, 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


Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=Sai Baba upsets Telangana activists
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Sai Baba upsets Telangana activists

Sunday, February 18, 2007File:Sathyasaibaba.jpg

Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, 81, found himself embroiled in a political row after his recent remarks characterising the partition of the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) as a “great sin”.

On a recent visit to Chennai he publicly spoke out against the proposed partition of India’s fourth largest state, calling such a move a “mahapapam” (great sin) and claimed that there was no demand from the people to bifurcate AP into Telangana and Andhra states.

The comments caused an outcry among pro-Telangana activists who angrily voiced their protests in street marches and attacks on the Sivam building, the Baba’s temple in Hyderabad, which was staffed by a few devotees. Shouting anti-Sai Baba slogans, the protestors pulled down a large picture of the holy man and trampled on it before taking it outside and setting it on fire. An effigy of the Baba was also reported to have been burnt, and twenty protestors were arrested following several police complaints.

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=Wikinews interviews Jim Babka, chair of Libertarian organization Downsize DC
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Wikinews interviews Jim Babka, chair of Libertarian organization Downsize DC

Thursday, April 3, 2008

A reporter from Wikinews recently interviewed Jim Babka, chair of Libertarian organization Downsize DC. The organization claims to have arranged for 22,158 people to send a message regarding the “American Freedom Agenda Act” proposed by Ron Paul, in addition to supporting many other laws. The full text of the interview can be found below.

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=Wikinews attends Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas
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Wikinews attends Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Wikinews attended the sixth annual Mini Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas, United States on Saturday. Similar to a giant science fair, the event featured a variety of science, engineering and technology projects and items.

An array of technologies were on hand including 3D printers, drones, and various other physics devices. The owner of the Make Crate subscription service stated her company’s products place a strong emphasis on teaching young people about technology and coding. A traditional blacksmith was also on hand displaying metal working techniques.

Numerous Maker Clubs from an array of local schools were on hand, displaying a broad swathe of tech projects. A group of amateur hobbyists diplayed a model of the deck of the aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan with a solenoid device hooked up to launch paper airplanes.

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=UEFA Champions League 2015-2016: Lewandowski scores twice in group stage match against Dinamo Zagreb
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UEFA Champions League 2015-2016: Lewandowski scores twice in group stage match against Dinamo Zagreb

Saturday, December 12, 2015

On Wednesday, German football club Bayern Munich defeated Croatian football club Dinamo Zagreb in a UEFA Champions League group stage match played Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb.

Bayern had a greater ball possession. The match saw three yellow cards, all for the home side. A total of 16 fouls were committed in the match. Zagreb defender Gonçalo Santos was the first man to be booked for committing a foul on Lewandowski in the 31st minute and Munich won a free kick. Xabi Alonso took the kick but it was just wide. First half ended in 0–0.

In the second half, Thomas Müller was substituted in for Franck Ribéry in the 47th minute. Later, in the 61th minute, Thomas Müller assisted Robert Lewandowski and he scored a header, making it 1–0 lead for the visitors. Lewandowski doubled the lead in the 64th minute, assisted by Sebastian Rode.

Josip Pivari? was yellow carded in the 73th minute. In the 87th minute, Eduardo Carvalho was yellow carded for bringing down Arturo Vidal in the penalty area. Bayern won a penalty kick, but Müller hit the woodwork. The match ended 0–2 while Bayern had already qualified for the next stage.

Bayern Munich and Arsenal advanced to the Last 16 knockout stage of 2015–16 UEFA Champions League.

Zagreb ended fourth in the table and their European journey for this season ended. Greek Olympiacos, being third in the table after 3–0 defeat at home by Arsenal moved to UEFA Europa League.


December 9, 2015
Dinamo Zagreb 0–2 Bayern Münich Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb Attendance: 19,681 Referee: Martin Strömbergsson, Sweden
31′ Gonçalo Santos 73′ Josip Pivari? 87′ Eduardo Carvalho (0–0) HT 61′, 64′ Robert Lewandowski
Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=Wikinews interviews Joe Schriner, Independent U.S. presidential candidate
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Wikinews interviews Joe Schriner, Independent U.S. presidential candidate

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Journalist, counselor, painter, and US 2012 Presidential candidate Joe Schriner of Cleveland, Ohio took some time to discuss his campaign with Wikinews in an interview.

Schriner previously ran for president in 2000, 2004, and 2008, but failed to gain much traction in the races. He announced his candidacy for the 2012 race immediately following the 2008 election. Schriner refers to himself as the “Average Joe” candidate, and advocates a pro-life and pro-environmentalist platform. He has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles, and has published public policy papers exploring solutions to American issues.

Wikinews reporter William Saturn? talks with Schriner and discusses his campaign.

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=UK animal welfare group prosecutes woman who threw cat into bin
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UK animal welfare group prosecutes woman who threw cat into bin

Monday, September 20, 2010

A woman who was recorded throwing a cat into an outdoor rubbish bin has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty. 45-year-old Mary Bale, from Coventry, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom, was recorded on a security camera allegedly giving the tabby cat — Lola, aged four — a stroking and looking at her surroundings before taking the animal and dumping it into the wheelie bin before walking away from the scene.

The cat was discovered in the bin fifteen hours later by her owners, 24-year-old Stephanie Andrews-Mann and her husband, 26-year-old Darryl. She appeared to be unharmed. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — otherwise known by the abbreviation RSPCA — have now brought charges against Mary Bale under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Judith Haw, a spokesperson for the RSPCA, has stated: “The RSPCA has taken the case to court as two alleged offences have been committed: of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat and of not providing the animal with a suitable environment. As criminal proceedings are now active the RSPCA will not be issuing any further statements or completing interview requests until conclusion of the court case.”

Having received a court summons from the RSPCA on Sunday, Bale is anticipated to make an appearance at Coventry Magistrates Court on October 19, 2010 at 1000 BST (0900 UTC). Bale had previously released a public apology. “I cannot explain why I did this,” it read. “It is completely out of character and I certainly did not intend to cause any distress to Lola or her owners.”

In a video available on Sky News Online Stephanie Andrews-Mann spoke about this incident and explained that “we thought it was probably someone coming from a night in the pub that thought it’d be hilarious to put a cat in the bin. We didn’t expect to find what it was we found.” When asked what she thought about the woman who committed this act, Stephanie commented: “I don’t know. I don’t know what could possibly go through her head to want to put a cat in a bin.” Stephanie’s husband Darryl explained: “It was basically after we’d found Lola in the bin that we played back the video footage and seen, obviously, what had gone on, what had happened.” Describing this act, he expressed: “I think it’s disgusting. I don’t know how anyone could treat, um, a harmless animal that can’t defend itself, just do something like that to it.”

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=More than 100,000 protest against workplace reforms across Australia
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More than 100,000 protest against workplace reforms across Australia

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Across Australia more than 100,000 people have rallied to protest against the federal government’s controversial Workchoices workplace reforms. According to estimates by police, the largest rally was held in Melbourne where more than 80,000 people were thought to be in attendance. The earlier protest in Sydney attracted some 30,000 protesters.

Smaller protests were held in other cities throughout the country.

At most rallies, members of the opposition and union leaders addressed the crowd, criticising the Howard government’s changes. Under the Workchoices system, centralised wage fixing was abolished and meal breaks, holidays and working hours became negotiable. Businesses with less than 100 employees were also given increased powers to dismiss workers. Unions and the opposition claim that the system will reduce worker’s rights and wages.

Australian federal opposition leader, Kim Beazley attended the Melbourne rally where he addressed the crowd. He said those who attended the rallies were patriots who were standing up to defend the Australian lifestyle. “This is a battle for ordinary Australian life,” he said

“This is a battle for Australian families. It’s also a battle for basic dignity in the workplace.

“You are the people that made this nation what it is.

“You are the builders of this nation. You are the true Australian patriots.”

Mr Beazley again promised that a government under his leadership would abolish the reforms.

“When we get into office in 18 months time, we will rip up these laws,” he said.

“Then we are going to put in place laws based on true Australian values.”

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), which represents a large number of employers in Australia said the total number of protesters across Australia was less than 150, 000 and labelled the protests as a day of “inaction”, despite unions calling for a “day of action”.

Peter Hendy, chief executive of the ACCI said the turnout figure is less than 10 per cent of the membership of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, which encouraged workers to participate in a “national day of action” to “protect rights at work”

Mr Hendy said only 2 percent of Australian workers participated in the protests.

South Australia Unions secretary, Janet Giles said the protests showed the dislike ordinary workers have for the laws.

“What today’s demonstrated is that the momentum of this campaign is not waning, that union members, workers, community members are out today again to say we’re still determined to campaign against these laws,” she said.

Posted in Uncategorized
<div class=Blob off Alaskan coast identified
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Blob off Alaskan coast identified

Saturday, July 18, 2009

A ‘giant black mystery blob‘ in the Chukchi Sea off the coast of Alaska has been identified as marine algae. Initially speculated to be an oil spill, the mass was discovered by a group of hunters earlier this month near Wainwright. The blob is reported to be stringy and hairy, and is tangled with jellyfish, among other debris.

The “thick, dark gunk” stretches for as much as 15 miles, and is moving at a slow drift. Upon being first sighted, the U.S. Coast Guard flew out to investigate the mass, and local officials collected samples for testing. Coast Guard Petty Officer Terry Hasenauer reported that “We responded as if it were an oil product. It was described to us as an oil-like substance, thick and lingering below the surface of the water. Those characteristics can indicate heavy, degraded oil, maybe crude oil, or possibly an intermediate fuel oil.”

Test results subsequently revealed that the blob is some sort of unusually extensive algae bloom. “It’s definitely, by the smell and the makeup of it […] some sort of naturally occurring organic or otherwise marine organism”, Hasenauer said. The substance has remained entirely offshore.

However, there is still great uncertainty among local residents and officials alike: “We’ve observed large blooms in the past off Barrow although none of them at all like this”, said Barry Sherr, an oceanography professor. “The fact that the locals say they’ve never seen anything like it suggests that it might represent some exotic species which has drifted into the region, perhaps as a result of global change. For the moment that’s just a guess.”

Posted in Uncategorized
Enhance A Site’s Security With A Camera Installation In Chicago Heights, Il

Enhance A Site’s Security With A Camera Installation In Chicago Heights, Il

byAlma Abell

Security is an issue every facility faces, and how the threats are met can easily define the losses an organization experiences. One of the best ways companies have to reduce the potential for losses is installing security systems using cameras to monitor the areas in and around facilities. There are several reasons to consider installing cameras now or updating older systems already in place.

Evaluating the Threat

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNNFa64gzgg[/youtube]

Before taking any steps, it’s important the actual threats faced by a company are properly evaluated. Industry experts can visit the site and suggest where and how camera installations should be installed. Too many organizations have large areas where no camera coverage is available. That leaves them vulnerable to some threats, suggesting it’s always a good idea to insist on systems that provide the maximum coverage.

Understanding Camera Technology

Since there are several types and brands of security cameras available, it’s a good idea to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of the options before selecting equipment. Law enforcement organizations are often frustrated when video surveillance systems use cameras that don’t produce quality images. It’s difficult to prosecute anyone when the available images are fuzzy at best. The security experts will discuss an organization’s needs and recommend cameras that will provide the type of image that’s needed. When considering a Camera Installation in Chicago Heights IL, it always pays to carefully select the equipment before moving forward with the installation.

Getting the Necessary Help With Installing Security Systems

A Camera Installation in Chicago Heights IL is generally quite complicated. For optimal results, it’s vital to work with a contractor that’s trained and equipped to provide cabling and other installation needs. Of course, cameras are only one part of a complete security system, which suggests it’s a good idea to select components that will function well together. Cameras, monitors, fire alarms, and other systems can be integrated, which usually makes life much simpler for everyone involved. The area’s top installers can provide installation solutions to meet any organization’s needs.

If your security system is dated or non-existent, now is a great time to contact the experts for advice. Visit the Site for more information or to schedule an evaluation of your organization’s security needs.