Monday, December 31, 2007
What would you tell your grandchildren about 2007 if they asked you about it in, let’s say, 20 year’s time? If the answer to a quiz question was 2007, what would the question be? The year that you first signed on to Facebook? The year Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse fell apart? The year author Kurt Vonnegut or mime Marcel Marceau died, both at 84?
Let’s take a look at some of the international stories of 2007. Links to the original Wikinews articles are in bold.
Friday, May 25, 2007
United States President George W. Bush received an unwelcome gift from an overhead-flying sparrow, which deposited a fresh batch of its feces on the left sleeve of Bush’s suit.
Bush was addressing the American press on Thursday in a nationally televised broadcast outside the White House in the Rose Garden. The incident occurred just as Bush said, “I’ve got confidence in Al Gonzales doin’ the job,” referring to a question asked by a reporter about the controversial dismissal of several U.S. attorneys. Bush then tried to remove the offending material several times with his hand.
Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino said the ‘poo-drop’ signified good luck saying, “It was his lucky day…everyone knows that’s a sign of good luck.” On the whole the media coverage of the incident has been lighthearted and humorous.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Paul Schäfer died at 88 from cardiac-respiratory arrest on early Saturday morning in a Chilean prison hospital. Schäfer was the founder and former leader of Colonia Dignidad, an enclave used for torturing and exterminating political prisoners during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. Hr was convicted for sexually abusing 26 children for years, and retained thousands of people under his own tyrannical regime, that worked as an aside territory in the country, where people spoke the German language.
Jorge Zepeda, magistrate who investigated the crimes made in Colonia Dignidad, reported that Schäfer was unconscious when he died. He was to stay in prison for 33 years. Hernán Fernández, one of the lawyers against Colonia Dignidad, said that Schäfer’s death should help to accelerate the judiciary processes. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera said, “Paul Schäfer will be judged by the divine justice.”
Schäfer was born in 1921, in Siegburg, Germany. He was a non-commissioned Nazi officer, who moved to Chile after the Second World War, evading accusations of sexual abuse of minors. He established an organization in a rural area of Chile, in favour of the poor people, located 400 kilometers south of Santiago, to the border of Argentina. He named this place Villa Babiera.
He began his rule of this area in 1961; he established a private tyrannical regime, where almost 300 Germans worked for decades without pay. Men and women were segregated, and people who tried to escape were killed. Adults and children considered it an “honour” for Schäfer to chose to have sex with them.
When Pinochet’s regime ended, Schäfer escaped from Chile in 1996 to avoid being imprisoned, after he came under investigation for human rights violations and abuse to minors. He was detained in Argentina, and then extradited back to Chile in 2005. Since then he was imprisoned. Colonia Dignidad still exists, though without the power they had before, less secluded and with new leaders.
New Or Used Caravan – What’s Ideal For You!
by
Paul Wilsonn
Everybody’s conditions are different, especially when it comes to making big purchases like a caravan. If you’re on a budget, the only option is to buy a used RV. You may think that there will be a compromise, but to buy second-hand has some advantages.
To start with, you have the chance to try out caravan for a pretty small investment. Meaning, if you discover that it is not for you, you will not squander so much money in depreciation as you would if you were buying new. Just make sure you do many checks to make sure the whole thing is in perfect condition and that the car has been serviced on a regular basis. Also check the caravan has all the vital paperwork before they accept buy. Carry out a CRIS sure that the caravan belonging to the seller, has no unpaid finance and is not an insurance write-off. This is imperative if you purchase privately, as most dealers will have their service used caravans before they are sold so you have some reassurance that all is well. Second, your used caravan can come with many options such as appliances and security devices to the original owner has paid for, but not reflected in the use of the purchase cost. This will mean that you get all the benefits of these safety – peace of mind and lesser insurance premiums – without having to pay for installation. However, you must ensure that if your caravan comes with a tracking device, is its registration transferred to you and you keep hold of the agreement with the tracking device the company to make sure it remains active. If you are lucky enough to have the additional budget and looking for a caravan to acquire new, you buy all the benefits of your first caravan. Of course, you will pay more for this privilege, but to buy a new caravan comes with calmness of mind of a manufacturer’s warranty should something go wrong in the first few years of owning your caravan. Some caravans now come with guarantees against the ingress of water (a common problem for a caravan) for up to 10 years! You may also pick from the most current caravans with all mod cons, accessories and safety features. You can also have the choice of choosing your color scheme and upholstery, and help to your own caravan. Shopping for a new bargain, check out broker stock from the last year’s models. Whatever option you go for, do not forget to do your homework first to find the best option for you.
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Sunday, June 5, 2005
The government of Canada is fighting to keep Washington from having access to passenger lists for Canada’s domestic flights. The Canadian transport minister Jean Lapierre said two-thirds of Canada’s domestic flights at some point cross through American air space. The Minister said he may have to re-route them (around U.S. airspace) rather than breach the privacy rights of domestic Canadian passengers.
In plans which are not yet finalized, Washington recently warned Canada (and other countries) the U.S. intends to require that its no-fly list procedures apply to all foreign airlines which pass through U.S. airspace. After 9/11, a watch list of suspected terrorists was created by the U.S. that bars those on the list from air travel within its borders.
On Wednesday, Lapierre said it’s a “very hot issue,” and that he’s working to protect the privacy of Canadians.
“I’m very worried about it. We don’t think it’s a good idea that Canadians travelling from one (Canadian) city to another would have to be checked under the American no-fly list.” Lapierre said. He estimates that nearly two-thirds of the 278,000 yearly flights between Canadian cities cross over the U.S. border. Most major flight zones from urban centers in Canada are in its southern portion, close to the U.S. where even winds might push a plane across the border.
If the matter can not be resolved, Lapierre said, “We would have to take a northern route, which would be much more expensive.” Yahoo! News Canada reports that Lapierre intends to lobby U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta against the changes.
Last year, the Canadian province of British Columbia put controls on firms that handle an individual’s personal data that prevents them from sharing private information on Canadians with U.S. authorities. The issue goes to Canada’s sovereignty of its citizens and the U.S. sovereignty of its airspace.
The historically close relations between Canada and the U.S. was evident during the recent Virgin Atlantic incident, where a flight was intercepted by 2 Canadian CF-18 jet fighters. They were scrambled from Quebec to escort the inter-continental flight originating from London to the Halifax International Airport after a hijacking signal, an apparent accident, was sent from the plane. The plane was detained in Halifax on Friday for approximately four hours. Ultimately it was cleared, and landed safely at its original destination in John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
Both the ACLU and the Electronic Privacy Information Center are involved in lawsuits against the U.S. government relating to no-fly lists. EPIC has received documents under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act which it says “establish that the TSA administers two lists: a “no-fly” list and a “selectee” list, which requires the passenger to go through additional security measures. The names are provided to air carriers through Security Directives or Emergency Amendments and are stored in their computer systems so that an individual with a name that matches the list can be flagged when getting a boarding pass. A “no-fly” match requires the agent to call a law enforcement officer to detain and question the passenger. In the case of a Selectee, an “S” or special mark is printed on their boarding pass and the person receives additional screening at security.”
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Following the introduction of a “Do Not Track” feature in modern browsers at the end of last year, Wikinews interviewed several companies and groups about the feature.
Submitted by: Karen Mae Cordon
If you are serious about taking your love for snowboarding into an even higher level, then you have to consider familiarizing yourself with the different types and sizes of snowboards so you will have an easier time choosing the best one for you. You have to become familiar about the different snowboards that are now introduced to the public to ensure that you pick one that perfectly suits you.
When it comes to selecting the best snowboard for you, you should consider defining yourself as a snowboarder by figuring out the specific kind of riding that you execute the most. It is also advisable for you to perform a comprehensive research about the different types of snowboards and their individual functions so you will know exactly which among them can work favorably for you.
One of the most popular types of snowboard is the all-mountain board. This is ideal for you if you are planning to play the sport anywhere in the mountains, backcountry, park, groomed runs and pipe. You can pick the directional board which you can ride downhill or the twin tip which you can ride in either direction. This board is also versatile so it is no longer surprising why it is chosen by novice riders who are still trying to master their preferred terrain.
Another popular type is the freestyle snowboard which has received extreme popularity because of its lightweight, short, and flexible nature. You can expect this option to excel in your attempt to properly grind rails, jib boxes or hit spins and tricks. You can also find versions of the freestyle board with heavy duty bases and edges and these are extremely useful for you in your attempt to easily absorb the beating from tree trunks and rails. The freestyle option is also ideal for you if you want to push your limits especially in riding terrain parks.
You can also choose the split board. This snowboard is split in half to allow you to easily climb on backcountry slopes that are not yet tracked. If you want to ride downhill, then rest assured that you can easily reattach the halves. Its design is perfect for you if you are an adventurous snowboarder who has enough skills, confidence and knowledge, especially in safely exploring unpatrolled backcountry slopes.
Powder snowboards are also available in the market and these are suitable for you if you want to spend most of your time in fluffy and deep snow which you can find in backcountry bowls. What make this board impressive are its wider noses and waists and wider upturned tails and tips that work in keeping its edges from sinking or catching. Note, however, that you cannot expect it to perform excellently in parks and groomed slopes.
Aside from gathering information about the different types of snowboards, you also need to familiarize yourself about those factors that can help you in choosing the best size of board for you. One of these factors is the level of your snowboarding ability. Be aware that the different sizes of snowboards are capable of addressing the needs and ability level of riders differently.
It is also important for you to note that the shape, construction, design, materials, length, flex and the intended use of the board are extremely useful in crafting a size which is perfect for your ability level. You have to make sure that you realistically assess your own skills and ability in this sport since this can help you in picking the right snowboard size for you.
Other factors that you need to consider when determining the perfect size of snowboard for you are the width, length, your favorite terrain and your specific riding style. By collecting accurate information about the different types of snowboards that are now available in the market and the different factors that can affect your decision when it comes to choosing the right size for you, you will have an easier time narrowing down all your available options.
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Saturday, March 14, 2009
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States have issued an ‘urgent safety recommendation’ in connection to their role alongside the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch in investigating loss of power in Rolls-Royce engines on Boeing 777s, with the AAIB following suit. One of them resulted in British Airways Flight 38 crashing short of the runway at London’s Heathrow Airport last year. The NTSB and the AAIB want Rolls-Royce to redesign the engines.
Both events occurred on Boeing 777-200ER airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 Series engines. On January 17, 2008 British Airways Flight 38 experienced a dual engine rollback (reduction of engine power) on final approach to Heathrow and crashed, leaving one passenger seriously injured, eight passengers and four of the flight crew with minor injuries and the airplane written off.
The second event occurred on November 26, 2008, when a Delta Air Lines Boeing 777 experienced a single engine rollback during cruise flight over Montana, United States while en route from Shanghai to Atlanta. Normal operations resumed after the flight crew followed Boeing’s published procedure to recover engine performance and the airplane landed safely in Atlanta.
Boeing has already developed new procedures after the crash to prevent ice from building up within their 777 fuel systems after it became apparent that icing may have been a factor, and it was some of these that the Delta flight crew had followed. Boeing modified these further after the Delta incident. As part of the recent releases by the NTSB and AAIB it has become apparent that investigators from both bodies, which are collaborating, have found ice buildup in the fuel system caused both rollbacks.
In both cases a build-up of ice (from water normally present in all jet fuel) developed on a component called the fuel/oil heat exchanger. This restricted the flow of fuel to the engine, resulting in the uncommanded engine rollback. Investigators initially struggled to produce enough ice under test conditions but have now found that at high concentration, fuel can form ice at very low temperatures in enough quantity to seriously restrict fuel flow, according to a new interim report by the AAIB. This does not occur when fuel demand is lower, as the hot oil then becomes sufficient to entirely melt the ice. The British jet experienced very low temperatures over Siberia.
The vigorous tests are thought to be the first of their kind. They have also confirmed that while ice may have formed elsewhere in the airliner’s fuel system fuel was probably not restricted at any other location. Instead, it is thought ‘soft’ ice formed in the pipes and then broke off, travelling to the fuel/oil heat exchanger and restricting it.
The NTSB has now revealed that they have advised Rolls-Royce to redesign the fuel/oil heat exchanger, and Rolls-Royce have stated that they are indeed working on a replacement part that will be available within twelve months. The AAIB advised Boeing and Rolls-Royce to jointly review the problem across the fuel system, and both companies responded that they ‘accepted’ this recommendation and repeated that a replacement part was being developed.
Both the NTSB and the AAIB also sent letters to the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency requesting the installment of the modified component be mandatory. The NTSB suggested this should be either the next maintenance check or within six months. There are 220 Boeing 777-200s – the only type using the affected engine – with Trent 800 series engines.
The fuel/oil heat exchanger is a dual purpose part designed to simultaneously melt fuel ice and cool down engine oil.
The AAIB further noted that it is unclear weather other aircraft designs are at risk, and advised the FAA and EASA to look into increased use of de-icing additives and investigate both the accumulation and sudden movement of ice in aircraft fuel systems and the actual formation of ice in the fuel itself.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
With the announcement Monday of €2 million in new funding from the European Union (EU), the Republic of Djibouti’s Ministry of Agriculture hopes to provide some relief to an estimated 25,000 rural inhabitants suffering through severe drought conditions. The money, to be channeled through UNICEF for its water and sanitation program, will be used to develop new wells and improve existing ones.
UNICEF is to contribute a further €60,000, as well as technical expertise to the Ministry of Agriculture, who will carry out the bulk of the work.
“The two-year water supply project targeting rural districts is very significant since people living in 45 villages and their 40,000 heads of cattle will have access to clean drinking water,” said Joaquin Gonzalez, EU Representative in Djibouti.
At the same time, the UN aid agency World Food Program (WFP) indicated that it is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and UNICEF to gradually shift Djibouti’s reliance on emergency aid to a Food for Work program, which it hopes will assist nomadic herders in Djibouti with long-term sustainability. “What we are trying to do together with the Ministry of Agriculture and UNICEF is, for example to dig wells so that despite drought, these herders will be able to irrigate their fields,” said Simon Pluess, WFP spokesman. “And, together with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, we will try and promote vegetable gardens.”
Djibouti has survived harsh drought conditions for the past 5 years. Groundwater is the primary source of water for drinking and irrigation, but has been difficult to exploit and is often contaminated. Almost 50 percent of people in rural Djibouti do not have ready access to properly developed source of drinking water. And, due to the ongoing drought, water availability for livestock is limited. Livestock have shown signs of distress and, subsequently, milk production is down substantially.
Nearly half of all families in Djibouti’s northwest were forced to migrate to find pasture for their livestock. As the droughts continue, the importance of properly maintained wells has become apparent. “Life is harder and harder for us. Years ago there were more rains and also more pastureland for cattle. Now it is good for us to have functioning wells so that we can keep cattle here,” said Anou Amada, farmer in the village of Andoli.
A 2006 survey indicated that only 15 percent of wells in Djibouti were equipped with a protective concrete wall to prevent contamination. Andoli’s well is one of many undergoing repair through WFP’s Food for Work project.
“WFP couldn’t do this alone, so we work with the Ministry of Agriculture and UNICEF to dig wells and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization for vegetable gardens,” said Benoit Thiry, Director, WFP in Djibouti.
When the project is completed in 2008, it will have increased Djibouti’s water pump capacity by adding 25 solar-power pumps, which would compliment the current 61 diesel-powered pumps. “The advantage of solar…is that it is much cheaper and requires less maintenance,” said Omar Habib, UNICEF communication specialist. “We want the people to participate and to appropriate these pumping stations. The government’s role in the long term should be as restricted as possible,” he added.