Friday, November 13, 2009
Wikinews interviewed author Marc Headley about his new book Blown for Good, and asked him about life inside the international headquarters of Scientology known as “Gold Base“, located in Gilman Hot Springs near Hemet, California. Headley joined the organization at age seven when his mother became a member, and worked at Scientology’s international management headquarters for several years before leaving in 2005.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Member states of the eurozone have offered to give Greece thirty billion euro in emergency loans for the debt-stricken country, should the latter want it.
The loans’ price will be determined using formulas by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and will be set at around five percent.
The Luxembourgish prime minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking on behalf of eurozone finance ministers, commented that “[t]he total amount put up by the eurozone member states for the first year will reach 30bn euros.” He added that “[t]his is certainly no subsidy” to Greece.
The prime minister also noted that financing would be “completed and co-financed” by the IMF. European Union monetary affairs chief Olli Rehn remarked that the IMF would make a “substantial contribution” to the loan package as well, perhaps around ten billion euros.
The Greek economy has spent more than it has earned for several years now, and currently faces a budget deficit equal to 12.9% of its economic output, or a total debt of 300 billion euros. The country intends to try and reduce the deficit to 8.7% this year.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Militants in Pakistan launched a truck bomb attack on the Peshawar Pearl Continental hotel, killing 18 and wounding at least 55. Among the dead were two foreign United Nations officials working for the World Food Programme.
According to the BBC, Fidayeen-e-Islam, a relatively obscure Pakistani militant group, claimed responsibility for the blast. The attack follows a threat from the Taliban made on May 27, warning of “major attacks” in Pakistan.
The bombing occurred despite the property being heavily guarded and secure. The militants gained entrance by overcoming the guards with gunfire, and forcing a bomb-laden truck, containing at least 500 kilograms of explosives, through the gates. Police official Liaqat Ali told the Associated Press that the militants “drove the vehicle inside the hotel gates and blew it up on reaching close to the hotel building.”
The bomb caused a 15-foot wide crater, and brought down the west wing of the hotel. An injured guest, Jawad Chaudhry, said, “The floor under my feet shook. I thought the roof was falling on me. I ran out. I saw everybody running in panic. There was blood and pieces of glass everywhere.”
The hotel is regularly used by businessmen and diplomats, and is located in a secure area of the city. Neighbours include the Peshawar High Court, Provincial Assembly and the official home of the Commander of the Frontier Corps. The perceived security of the neighbourhood makes it a candidate for the location of a planned United States consulate.
byAlma Abell
An HVAC system is designed to provide a home with maximum comfort, no matter what the weather outside may be doing. A residential AC contractor in Allendale MI has the knowledge to provide a wide array of services that are designed to keep a system working properly and reliably. While they offer support in a variety of ways, the following are the most commonly requested services they provide to homeowners. Anyone looking for help with the following should find a qualified HVAC technician who can assist when issues arise.
New System Installation
All AC systems will age and require replacement after many years of use. A licensed HVAC professional can make easy work of the installation process, as they will have the tools and knowledge to remove any existing equipment and replace it with a new system. Anyone experiencing reoccurring problems or with a system that cannot be repaired should consider having their system replaced as soon as possible.
Repair Services
Some issues can be remedied by repairing or replacing any parts that are malfunctioning. It is much more economical than replacing a unit, and most repairs can be completed in as little as a few days, depending on the availability of the parts. Don’t let a person without the proper training perform any work on an HVAC system, as it could void a factory warranty and lead to further issues if the repair is not correctly completed.
New Construction System Design
A Residential AC Contractor in Allendale MI can design a system for a new construction project. Trying to determine the size of the system needed and the best location for air vents and air handling units should not be left to a novice, as a wrong decision can cause a system not to operate efficiently and not be able to cool a home correctly. A professional can determine the best way to setup a new HVAC system, so it functions as efficiently as possible.
One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is ignoring problems with an air conditioner unit. At the first sign of trouble be sure to contact Kroll Furnace Co Inc. They service all makes and models and can help keep a home comfortable all summer long without breaking the bank.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Buffalo, New York —A massive warehouse complex of at least 5 buildings caught on fire in Buffalo, New York on 111 Tonawanda Street, sending a plume of thick, jet black colored smoke into the air that could be seen as far away as 40 miles.
As of 6:40 a.m., the fire was under control, and firefighters were attempting to stop it from spreading, but could not get to the center of the fire because of severe amounts of debris. Later in the morning, the fire was extinguished.
“The fire is mostly under debris at this point. It’s under control, but it’s under some debris. We really can’t get to it. We’re just going to have to keep on pouring water on it so it doesn’t spread,” said Thomas Ashe, the fire chief for the North Buffalo based fire division who also added that at one point, at least 125 firefighters were on the scene battling the blaze. One suffered minor injures and was able to take himself to the hospital to seek medical attention.
Shortly after 8:00 p.m. as many as 3 explosions rocked the warehouse sending large mushroom clouds of thick black smoke into the air. After the third explosion, heat could be felt more than 100 feet away. The fire started in the front, one story building then quickly spread to three others, but fire fighters managed to stop the flames from spreading onto the 3 story building all the way at the back.
According to a Buffalo Police officer, who wished not to be named, the fire began at about 7:00 p.m. [Eastern time], starting as a one alarm fire. By 8:00 p.m., three fire companies were on the scene battling the blaze. Police also say that a smaller fire was reported in the same building on Saturday night, which caused little damage.
At the start of the fire, traffic was backed up nearly 4 miles on the 198 expressway going west toward the 190 Interstate and police had to shut down the Tonawanda street exit because the road is too close to the fire.
At one point, traffic on the 198 was moving so slow, at least a dozen people were seen getting out of their cars and walking down the expressway to watch the fire. That prompted as many as 10 police cars to be dispatched to the scene to force individuals back into their cars and close off one of the 2 lanes on the westbound side.
One woman, who wished not to be named as she is close to the owner of the warehouse, said the building is filled with “classic cars, forklifts, and money” and that owner “does not have insurance” coverage on the property. The building is not considered abandoned, but firefighters said that it is vacant.
Officials in Fort Erie, Ontario were also swamped with calls to fire departments when the wind blew the smoke over the Niagra River and into Canada.
It is not known what caused the fire, but a car is suspected to have caught on fire and there are reports from police and hazmat crews, that there were also large barrels of diesel fuel being stored in one building. Firefighters say the cause of the blaze is being treated as “suspicious.” The ATF is investigating the fire and will bring dogs in to search the debris.
Submitted by: Hallidae Thomason
Adding a garden can be the perfect way to spice up any home or office lawn. We have all seen enough boring lawns that have nothing other than a tree or a bush here and there. If you have some extra time on your hands this year, why not try getting creative by coming up with a garden design for your lawn and then getting to work making it happen.
If the idea of coming up with a garden design for your property sounds overwhelming, then get some help. There are countless numbers of landscape architects and professional gardening aides that will be more than happy to assist you in coming up with the best garden design for your needs and that fit your tastes. Do a quick search through the yellow pages or do an internet search to discover different options for getting help with your garden design.
There are things to be aware of when planning your garden design. First, consider honestly what kind of budget you can afford to put toward creating a garden design. Do not let the huge gardens of your neighbors or friends intimidate you. There is no shame in starting small. The important thing is to know your own budget and then to stick to it. Creating a garden design can get out of hand as quickly as any other home project can.
Another thing to be aware of when planning your garden design is what kind of time – realistically – you have to put in to tending your garden. Again, don’t get caught in the trap of comparison here. Your garden design must simply be fit to your own needs and schedule. Don’t get in over your head with a garden design that will take far too many hours to tend. If, however, money is not an issue, than you can always considering hiring someone to attend to the fruit of your garden design each week. Just be realistic and plan a garden design that truly fits your schedule.
Adding a garden can be one of the best things for your home or office lawn. Just do it with care. Read up on gardens and learn about the most strategic ways to create a garden design for your particular climate and soil type. There are many details to consider when making a garden design, so do it carefully and you’ll be enjoying the benefits of a beautiful garden for years to come.
About the Author: Hallidae Thomason is a landscape architect that specializes in helping people create a
garden design
for their home or office space. See www.gardendesignnews.info for more on planning the perfect garden design for you.
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=57368&ca=Gardening
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Kristen Monster is running for the Family Coalition Party in the Ontario provincial election, in the Willowdale riding. Wikinews’ Nick Moreau interviewed her regarding her values, her experience, and her campaign.
Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.
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byalex
Although winters have been known to be mild in the Puget Sound area in the past you may still want to keep your heating system in Tacoma working at its best. Many times you can clean your furnace during spring cleaning to make sure it’s ready for the next winter. By cleaning in regularly you may also see anything out of the ordinary that may need the attention of a trained technician.
To start off you % you may consider having it converted. You may be able to get a rebate from your utility company for having the procedure done on your heating system in Tacoma.It may be a more affordable option than having an entirely new furnace installed, depending on the age of your current one. Having the upgrade done may also save you more money on your monthly energy bill.
After checking the energy efficiently you may want to get started cleaning. Dirt and dust can interfere with the operation of the equipment and the flow of air. One area that needs attention on a regular basis is the furnace filter. You should take it out and hold it up so you can see light behind it. If it looks dirty you need to throw it away and install a new one. If you use your heat a lot you may want to check it once every month. It filters the colder air that comes in from your home and if you have family pets it can easily get clogged with their fur.
Right next to the air filter are the blower and the blower motor. You will need to clean all of the dirt and dust off of these two parts as well. You should see pulleys that run from the housing on the motor to the blower. If you want to do a more extensive cleaning you can use a screwdriver to remove the metal cover. Remember that any time you do work on your furnace or any other appliances that use electricity that you should unplug them from a power source as a safety precaution. If you are not skilled enough at doing basic home repairs or maintenance on any type of Tacoma heating system you may want to call a professional to do it for you.
Due to the damage by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding, a number of colleges and universities in the New Orleans metropolitan area will not be able to hold classes for the fall 2005 semester. It is estimated that 75,000 to 100,000 students have been displaced. [1]. In response, institutions across the United States and Canada are offering late registration for displaced students so that their academic progress is not unduly delayed. Some are offering free or reduced admission to displaced students. At some universities, especially state universities, this offer is limited to residents of the area.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
In Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, part of an underground water piping system has exploded, forcing local residents to be evacuated. The pipe broke around 03:30 BST (0230 UTC) today, within Allan Park Road, causing flooding in the Slateford area of the city.
A spokesperson for Scottish sewerage and water corporation Scottish Water explained: “Early this morning reports were received of flooding in Allan Park Road and Scottish Water operatives attended the scene. A large diameter water main had burst. The water was shut off and re-routed via other pipes to keep supplies flowing to households in the area. Repairs are under way and the customers affected by the flooding are being offered assistance.”
Stating that repairs to resolve this problem had commenced and would take a few hours to conclude, Lothian and Borders Police have advised that the floods may disrupt the supplies of water and other utilities, as well as transportation on roads and railways in the west of Edinburgh. Hospitals and rest homes in the region have been notified of the incident and bottled water is now anticipated to be supplied at these buildings.
According to local residents, Slateford Road (A70), a major throughway, was closed for several hours this morning. Telephony and broadband in the area is disrupted, with local residents and businesses having to rely on cellphones. Further work, such as digging up the road and using temporary traffic lights, will be required to restore these services in the area.
As of 13:15 BST (1215 UTC), Scottish Water has excavated around the burst main, but has not yet begun work on replacing the damaged section of pipe.