News briefs: February 12, 2014
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News briefs: February 12, 2014

Thursday, February 13, 2014

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Darling announces UK budget for 2009
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Darling announces UK budget for 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, yesterday announced the 2009 budget. The budget is an annual audit of the nation’s finances, and decides what should be done with taxpayers’ money.

The chancellor fell under scorn for his GDP growth forecasts, which are considered to be too optimistic in predicting that Britain will bounce back from its weakest economic performance since the end of the second world war. Darling forecast GDP growth of 3.5% in 2011, even after he was made to downgrade his predictions. He expects a record expansion of 1.25% next year, but chief UK economist Howard Archer disagrees, calling Darling’s predictions “mildly optimistic in the near term and much more optimistic in the long term.”

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Was the increase in the ISA limit “too little, too late”?
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His plans for savers and pensioners, however, were commended by many, though was also criticised by a large portion of the populace. In the budget, Darling increased the amount that savers can put into an Individual Savings Account (ISA) from £7,200 to £10,200, of which £5,100 can be saved in cash. These increased limits will be available only to people aged over 50 from 6 October this year, and will not be available to everyone until 6 April next year. A number of financial experts described the move as being “too little, too late”, and Rumina Hassam, of price comparison website uSwitch.com, said: “The government’s decision to increase the cash ISA limit by £1,500 to £5,100 for the over 50’s is a just another kick in the teeth for the majority of savers as they will have to wait even longer to benefit. There is no doubt that savers have been sacrificed as a result of the plummeting base rate, bringing savings rates to an all time low.”

Los Angeles City Council to sue police officer accused of filing a false report
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Los Angeles City Council to sue police officer accused of filing a false report

Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to sue a police officer accused of creating a story about being shot by someone at El Camino High School, causing a costly search for the assailant by police.

The officer, Jeffrey Stenroos, who had worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District police for eight years, caused thousands of students to remain on lockdown for hours.

Traffic officers, county sheriffs, California Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were involved in the search. The council voted to ask Stenroos to pay the city for the cost of the search. Council president Eric Garcetti said, “We had thousands of dollars spent on police overtime.”

Thursday, the Los Angeles Police chief announced Stenroos’ claim was false and he was later arrested and released on $20,000 (€14,600) bail, charged with filing a false police report.

Stenroos allegedly mishandled a firearm and shot himself in his bulletproof vest, according to an anonymous police official.

Fa Qs That Termite Inspection Company In Boynton Beach, Florida

byAlma Abell

In Florida, termite infestations create serious issues for homeowners. The infestations lead to complex property damage. Since termites use wood as a food source, the infestations could lead to structural damage and instability of the framing. A local Termite Inspection Company in Boynton Beach Florida provides complete termite extermination services for residential property owners.

Where Do Exterminators Look When Inspecting the Home?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1m3HmnznHM[/youtube]

Common areas in which termites thrive are the foundation, the basement, and crawlspaces. However, if the pest infestation is more severe the insects are discovered in the walls. The first sign of a serious infestation is visible termites around exterior lights around the porches or patios.

Does the Exterminator Perform Remediation Services?

The extermination teams manage the infestation only. The service providers don’t complete remediation and restoration services for the property. The exterminator might provide recommendations for other services that manage the restoration requirements.

Is Termite Damage Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

The Termite Inspection Company in Boynton Beach Florida doesn’t conduct the restoration requirements. However, when the inspection is completed, the service providers produce a damage report. The report is submitted to the homeowner’s insurance provider by the homeowner. Once the report is submitted, the insurer sends a claim’s adjuster to the property. Most termite damage and restoration services are covered by the insurance policy.

Is a Service Contract Available?

Yes, a termite extermination service contract is available for property owners. Typically, the homeowner pays a fee for the contract and save on the total cost of the services. The exterminators perform the services at least once a month to keep the termites from invading the home. If a serious infestation was discovered, the exterminators would conduct more frequent treatments to eliminate the termites more effectively.

In Florida, termite infestations lead to structural damage and weakened support. The most severe infestations could also lead to a shift if terminates aren’t exterminated, and the property isn’t repaired. Luckily, any damage caused by the termites is covered by homeowner’s insurance. The termite extermination services are also affordable for all homeowners. Property owners who need to hire a Termite Inspection Company contact Above & Beyond Pest Control in Boynton Beach Florida now.

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Progressive Conservative candidate Pam Hundal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton
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Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Progressive Conservative candidate Pam Hundal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Pam Hundal is running for the Progressive Conservatives in the Ontario provincial election, in the Bramalea—Gore—Malton riding.

Wikinews’ Nick Moreau requested an interview regarding her values, her experience, and her campaign. In response, Hundal’s campaign office did not send replies to the questions asked, but a general statement. Moreau has excerpted parts of her statement, placing them as answers to related questions. However, a great number of questions have been skipped in the process.

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.

‘Piano Man’ speaks and is identified, returns home to Germany
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‘Piano Man’ speaks and is identified, returns home to Germany

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

The man known as just the ‘Piano Man‘ has left the hospital where he was staying and has returned home to his native Germany. He has finally spoken after four months of silence.

It turns out, according to British tabloid The Daily Mirror, that the man, aged 20, was from Germany but after losing his job in Paris, traveled to the UK through the Channel Tunnel. He was going to commit suicide when he was found by police on a Kent beach.

He refused to talk to authorities due to his distressed state. It appears that he had formerly worked with mental patients and copied what he saw from them to fool the doctors. Also according to the Mirror, the man was only able to tap the same piano key repeatedly, but hospital officials refute this. However, all of this information came from a single, unidentified source.

The man was found soaking wet on a beach in Kent in an expensive-looking suit from which all the labels had been removed.

Some people believed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or that he was an autistic savant. Some also believed he was a Canadian eccentric, a French busker, a student from Norway, or Czech concert pianist Tomáš Strnad.

New Zealand woman survives being run over by train
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New Zealand woman survives being run over by train

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

A New Zealand woman who lay down between railway tracks and had a freight train run over her is “incredibly lucky”, sustaining only minor injuries, according to Sue Foley, spokeswoman for the railway company, Toll Holdings.

The driver saw the woman lying in between the tracks while the train was travelling at about 20 km/h. Despite the slow speed of the train, the driver was unable to stop the train before it ran over the woman. “By the time he stopped the train and walked back down the line, she popped out from under the third wagon,” said Mike Lawton, acting sergeant for Feilding police.

The woman was flown to Palmerston North Hospital after complaining about sore elbows and shoulders and receiving minor injuries.

The driver of the train has been offered counselling while he has been taken off driving duties.

Police and the train operator would not comment on why the woman was lying between the tracks.

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


US Secret Service officer arrested during prostitution sting
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US Secret Service officer arrested during prostitution sting

Monday, November 10, 2008

A United States Secret Service officer has been arrested in Washington, D.C. after allegedly soliciting a prostitute for sex. The prostitute turned out to be an undercover D.C. police officer. The Secret Service officer was using his official Secret Service patrol car, which was marked, and was also in full uniform at the time of the arrest.

The unnamed Secret Service officer, a sergeant, was arrested after allegedly agreeing to pay the undercover police officer US$20 to receive oral sex. After agreeing on a price, the undercover officer told the Secret Service officer to drive around the corner, where the sex act would take place. When he stopped his car, he was arrested by police officers.

Police say they were performing a normal sting when the Secret Service officer pulled up. The unnamed officer thought the Secret Service officer was going to tell her to get off the streets, but instead told the officer that she had “nice thighs”.

In D.C., soliciting a prostitute for sex holds a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. The Secret Service officer was released pending charges and was suspended from his job pending an internal investigation.

Facial Body Piercing Options

Facial body piercing options by Facial body piercing optionsHaving facial jewellery is very fashionable these days and your look can range from the subtle nose stud which is barely visible, to having rows of rings covering every extremity! Once you have considered the mind-boggling varieties on offer, you may feel quite perplexed. With that in mind, we wanted to create a guideline with some of the best facial jewellery types that you can choose from right away.Eyebrow piercingsThese piercings can be prone to rejection and migration, which is why it is certainly advisable to opt for a deeper initial piercing, even if these might not seem comfortable at first. Also, you need to opt for an eyebrow ring that has around 14-16 gauge thickness ideally, although its possible to go higher or lower depending on your preferences. Eyebrow rings can often look quite different from your usual captive bead rings, sometimes sporting a larger bottom ball. There are many other items that you can wear such as the spiral ring, hoops, circular bar bells and captive rings although the bent barbell would be the most sensible option. This type of piercing jewelry provides the most security and least likelihood of rejection whilst still giving you the look that you are aiming for in the end. Letting this heal without changing (or touching too much) alongside great cleaning practice, can give youre piercing the greatest chance to heal it heal before you opt for the larger gauges and jewelry pieces. You need to give this piercing a long time before it is safe to swap and change but once you do, it will be around forever and the possibilities of choosing an eyebrow piercing to match your style really open up! Cheek piercings, dimple piercingsThese can change your appearance quite dramatically giving the impression that you have the natural dimples youve always dreamed about. All cheek piercings have to be inserted through the oral cavity and they do require quite a bit of maintenance in order to look after the piercing and avoid any infections. A good quality cleaning product available from our section online and natural disinfectants such as tea tree oil can be used to keep the outer side of the cheek piercing clean and moisturised. If you repeat this process often it will help you keep the piercing in the best state for rapid and worry-free healing.The cheek area contains some very sensitive spots including the parotid ducts so its imperative that your piercer is well trained and has done this type of cheek piercing before. You can either opt for straight barbells or specific studs made for cheeks. All of these are great items to begin with but you have to ask for some softer models until you get accustomed with them then you can switch for the real deal.Nose piercingsNose hoops, are a classically popular look, having moved also down into the septum area with discreet septum rings becoming more socially acceptable. On top of that, you can also choose studs, which are versatile and more than suitable for the nose (as well as other locations such as the lips). Captive rings, or even a circular bar bell can be perfect for the nostril or septum too. For the septum itself, septum retainers or a septum piercing tusk might be right for you, but these are a bit more advanced as always, its important to talk with a professional and see what type of care you have to focus on for your particular facial piercing. Straight barbells can also be used to pierce all the way through the bridge of the nose.Lip piercingsThe lips have huge scope for piercing customisation! There are over 10 varieties of lip piercings classified on the market and they include rings and stud-type piercings. There is the classic Monroe (you can imagine what that entails!) to varying combinations and pairings of studs that pattern the lips. The most popular are called bites and combine labret piercings in varying patterns. Labret studs are generally found on the upper lip with rings and barbells found on the lower lip. AS always, good piercing care is essential for your lip piercings, and you can browse our Aftercare products section and our blogs for more advice on lip piercing aftercare. Dermal facial piercingsDermal piercings are one of the most versatile kinds of piercing due to the nature of how they are applied it is simply a case of applying a small dermal anchor under the skin, so there are many places on the body that these can work the face being a perfect example! You can add them at the corner of your eyes, on the temples, cheeks and so on. When the anchor heals into the skin, the dermal top can be changed, and you are limited only by your imagination. The skin around a dermal anchor can take up to 10 weeks to properly heal, so patience is essential messing with this piercing early is certainly not advisable.Nose hoops, are a classically popular look, having moved also down into the septum area with discreet septum rings becoming more socially acceptable. On top of that, you can also choose studs, which are versatile and more than suitable for the nose (as well as other locations such as the lips).Article Source: eArticlesOnline.com

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JazW0BcqPH8[/youtube]

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