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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.
About the Author: Know the proper
snowboardsizing.org
and Learn more about it at
snowboardsizing.org/category/snowboard-sizing-chart/
.
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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.
Monday, September 4, 2006
Adriaan Vlok, the former South African apartheid regime’s police minister, went to Reverend and director-general Frank Chikane’s church in Soweto on Sunday, the 3rd of September to repent. This follows his recent apology on the 3rd of August, 2006, which was described by some as “a miracle” that has had global impact.
Submitted by: Alexis Breeze
Calientes is a place in Peru, which is one of the South American countries. The women of Peru are extremely beautiful, and most of them come to America to look for pastures anew. Up on entering the land of opportunities, these women don’t realize what a big opportunity they are for other men to dip their wicks in, and often get seduced in to having hot sex. Latinas from Calientes are extremely beautiful, so the pleasures they provide are even hotter. The sex scenes that these women do are extremely sensational and tantalizing, and you are bound to be pleased with what you would be seeing. The best part about Latinas from Calientes is that they really know how to get you an orgasm, and they would deftly work your cock in such a way that you would soon be ejaculating sperm in massive amounts.
The best part? Your sperm doesn’t go to waste. When these women give you a blow job, they actually take it quite seriously so when you ejaculate, these women take it directly in to their mouths. If there are two Latinas in the fray, the scenes get even hotter as they both transfer the sperm to and fro each other’s mouths, or spit it in to their pussies. Latinas are wild in bed, and there are no bounds to what they can do. You can see a Latina screaming and shouting as she is penetrated on a double from both holes, and you can see them wildly ejaculating pussy juice and squirting in all direction. The best part is that you would also see another Latina having the squirt get directly at her face and drinking it all up.
Women from Peru are beautifully tanned and their skin is just the right texture to provide maximum beauty. Hence, the Latinas from Calientes provide a great sexual appeal to their men, because they can enjoy a hot, steamy session in bed with them. You can wet a Latina in head to toe with your cum and she won’t mind, this is the greatest thing about them. In fact, she would actually enjoy it and ask you for more. Sadly, you won’t have any more to give. Latinas are extremely hot, and have beautiful bodies ready to be penetrated. Their tight assholes provide the perfect sex for a man who loves penetrating women, and they also give good blow jobs. More over, they enjoy being made love to as well, so they easily allow the man to lick their pussies or press their boobs. Further more, Latinas from Calientes like big cocks, being thrust in them, so you would often see them writhing with pain and pleasure as a huge cock works its way up their pussy. They also love taking that huge cock in their mouth and provide the man with tantalizing deep throat sensations. With their beautiful bodies and huge boobs, Latinas are the perfect lay because they have a slim body, big boobs and a petite ass that is inviting you to come over and fuck her.
About the Author: Head to Miami to see the incredible Latina Porn from 8th Street Latinas. These hot latinas aim to please with their tanned bodies and sexy round asses. For more details visit
8thstreetlatinas.net
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
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Saturday, November 4, 2006
On November 13, Toronto residents will be heading to the polls to vote for their ward’s councillor and for mayor. Among Toronto’s ridings is Toronto Centre (Ward 28). One candidate responded to Wikinews’ requests for an interview. This ward’s candidates include Edward Chin, Paula Fletcher (incumbent), Patrick Kraemer, Suzanne McCormick, Daniel Nicastro, and Michael Zubiak.
For more information on the election, read Toronto municipal election, 2006.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
In a unanimous 95-0 vote Thursday, the United States Senate passed a bill that would forbid employers and health insurance companies from discriminating against someone based on information learned through genetic testing.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, described by Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy as “the first major new civil rights bill of the new century,” will now be sent back to the House of Representatives, where it could be approved as early as next week. President George W. Bush, who would have to sign the bill for it to become law, has voiced his support for the legislation.
The bill forbids employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise discriminating against employees based on genetic information, such as a family history of a hereditary disease. It also makes it illegal for employers to request genetic information of an employee or the employee’s family.
Health insurance companies are also addressed in the bill, which forbids them from requesting genetic information or using such information to set premium rates or determine enrollment eligibility. However, insurance companies would still have the right to base one’s health coverage on the actual presence of a genetic disease.
| Americans can now be confident that their genetic information cannot be used by health insurers or employers in harmful or hurtful ways. | ||
“For the first time we act to prevent discrimination before it has taken firm hold and that’s why this legislation is unique and groundbreaking,” said Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, who sponsored the bill along with Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Mike Enzi. Snowe fears the threat of discrimination may discourage people from undergoing genetic testing, which can help to diagnose a wide range of diseases and lead to lifesaving therapy.
Kathy Hudson, director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center, reports that 92 percent are worried that information gained in genetic testing may be used against them. “After a very long wait,” she says, “Americans can now be confident that their genetic information cannot be used by health insurers or employers in harmful or hurtful ways.”
One part of the bill addresses this concern. “Federal legislation establishing a national and uniform basic standard is necessary to fully protect the public from discrimination and allay their concerns about the potential for discrimination,” the bill reads, “thereby allowing individuals to take advantage of genetic testing, technologies, research, and new therapies.”
Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn initially blocked Senate action on the bill, warning that it could potentially lead to excessive lawsuits against employers and insurers. But after changes were made to the bill to ease his concerns earlier this week, he supported the legislation and allowed the Senate to vote on it. “We certainly improved the bill from a liability standpoint,” said Coburn, an obstetrician.
Similar bills were unanimously passed by the Senate in 2003 and 2005, but in both years the bill stalled in the House. The current bill was passed in the House of Representatives a year ago by a 420-3 vote. A genetic nondiscrimination bill was first introduced 13 years ago by New York Representatives Louise Slaughter, who says the House will “get it out to the White House as quickly as we can.”
By Bridget Mora
There is nothing like planning a wedding to bring a family together…or to tear it apart! What should be a joyous time in a couple’s life can take an ugly turn when they are attacked by their parents, siblings, and friends over the way they are planning their wedding. From money to bridal parties and more, here are some practical tips on resolving family fights over wedding plans.
Money is probably the number one thing that families fight about when it comes to a wedding. It usually comes down to one of two scenarios: either the bride’s parents are paying for most of the event and want total control, or the couple is paying…and their parents still want total control! When it comes to scenario number one, remember the old adage that money talks. If you want Mom and Dad to foot the bill for your wedding, be prepared to give them a lot of say in the proceedings. That is not to say, however, that the bride and groom should have no input into their own wedding, just that you need to be prepared to cede a lot of the choices to your parents if they are picking up the tab.
On the other hand, when the bride and groom are paying their own way, creative control will rest largely in their hands. The most frustrating scenario is when the couple is on a tight budget, yet constantly receives ‘suggestions’ from their parents for things that they cannot afford. If you are on a beer budget and your mother is insisting that you serve French Champagne, all you can do is make it clear to her that you are planning the most elegant wedding possible with the funds you have. You might also mention that if she wanted to pay for the Champagne (limos for the entire family, engraved invitations, etc.) that you would be happy to include her idea in the wedding. That is usually enough to get the offending party to back off!
The bridal party can also be a cause of family squabbles. Do you have to have your sister as your maid of honor even though you are not close? Actually, yes. Your best friend will likely understand that your parents are forcing you to have your sister as your maid of honor, but the chances are that your sister will not be as forgiving if you choose a friend over her. Another option is to have two honor attendants. Make them both feel important by giving them special bridesmaid jewelry as gifts. Choose bridesmaid jewelry for each honor attendant that is either the same or clearly of equal value to avoid any accusations of playing favorites.
A lot of family issues can be caused by differing tastes or interpretations of what is ‘proper’ for a wedding. It may be that your mom thinks a strapless gown is totally inappropriate for church or that she thinks a cash bar is fine and you think it is tacky. A good way to negotiate with your family can be to bring in a third party who supports you. If the minister of your church tells your mom that strapless gowns are completely commonplace and acceptable, his words will carry a lot more weight than your own. As for the cash bar, pull out a page from your favorite wedding etiquette book and let the official guide be the one to point out why it is a poor idea.
Of course, compromise is another key to happy family relations. The bride and groom should let their families win a few battles to keep the peace, if at all feasible. Pick out two bridesmaid dresses and give your jealous sister the final choice or let your bossy mother-in-law design the floral arrangements for the altar. As much as you want your wedding to reflect your own taste and style, you also have to live with both of your families long after the wedding day has come and gone. That is why it is worth it to iron out your differences, even if it means giving up some of the control over the event.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, relationships, and etiquette. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/ we handcraft beautiful and affordable bridesmaid jewelry that your attendants will love. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Source: isnare.com
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
Seeking to stave off the forest fires that have blanketed five Southeast Asian countries with choking haze for the past two years, Indonesian environmental and forestry officials said yesterday they would be able to reduce the number of hot spots this year by more than half.
Meeting in Jambi, Sumatra, cabinet ministers from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand heard what Indonesia plans to do this year to combat the illegal forest fires, which start each year during the August-November dry season.
“We are targeting a drop of about 50 percent in forest fires but we are entering the dry season between July and August so we have to increase our alertness,” Indonesian deputy environment minister Masnellyarti Hilman was quoted as saying by Agence France-Presse. “We explained the efforts that we’ve taken to prevent a repeat of the choking haze…and they praised our efforts,” he said.
A statement issued by the ministers after the meeting said Indonesia’s efforts would reduce the number of hot spots by 58 percent from the previous year.
Caused by slash-and-burn cultivation on palm oil and timber plantations on Borneo and Sumatra, the haze has covered parts of the affected countries for the past two years. It was first problematic in 1997, due to the El Niño weather pattern.