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Up to 18 arrested, police injured in APEC rally

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Up to 18 arrested, police injured in APEC rally

Saturday, September 8, 2007

An anti-APEC rally through the streets of Sydney has attracted around 5000 demonstrators, with up to 18 arrests and two police injured. In the days leading up to the rally, police had warned that the demonstration could attract up to 20,000 people and turn into a full scale riot, however these fears were not realised.

The mostly peaceful demonstration marched from Sydney’s Town Hall to Hyde Park where they were greeted with a carnival atmosphere. The demonstrators protested against the 2003 Iraq invasion, climate change, workers’ rights and globalisation with many blowing whistles, yelling chants and beating drums.

While reports in the media vary, up to 18 people were arrested when they turned violent. Two police officers were injured, one when hit by an iron bar and another when he was hit with a dart. Those arrested have been charged with offences ranging from assaulting police, hindering police, resisting arrest, offensive conduct and breaching a secure area.

Despite the arrests, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione praised the conduct of the majority of protesters. Mr Scipione credited the huge numbers of police and poor weather for the successful outcome of the rally.

“It certainly caused numbers to dwindle, in fact it surely caused numbers not to turn up,” he said.

“But more importantly, I think it was the combination of the show of force, the police were out there in big numbers, and we don’t apologise for that.

“We always indicated that we would be there, in sufficient numbers to be able to act swiftly against those that broke the law.

“So was that overkill? I don’t think so.”

Security surrounding the APEC summit is the tightest ever seen in Australia with a 5 km fence restricting access to Northern parts of Sydney’s CBD, overflights by airforce jets, police on jet skis, snipers, riot squad members and special laws to crack down on security during the summit.

There have been complaints about the conduct of police which are alleged to of misused special search powers which only apply to the fenced zone surrounding APEC facilities and of heavy-handedness by police. Several protesters claimed that Sydney had been turned into a “police state” as a result of the security measures. Commissioner Scipione said “all allegations of police misconduct would be investigated”.

A second protest, held in Belmore Park attracted around 1,000 people from Vietnamese and Tibetian backgrounds protested against Chinese President Hu Jinato’s human rights record. Organiser of the protest, Tenpa Dugdak said Australian Prime Minister John Howard should make human rights in China an APEC issue.

“It’s so important – this meeting that happened, 21 leaders – great, but [don’t] just discuss about trade, discuss about human rights, environmental problems that can really impact on a global scale,” he said.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Up_to_18_arrested,_police_injured_in_APEC_rally&oldid=4280659”

Stuttering And Speech Therapy Ideas

Stuttering (or stammering) is a voice disfluency, a speech disorder. When a person stutters, the normal flow of speech is disrupted by repetitions and/or prolongations of voice sounds. Frequently, an individual is also unable to start a word.

Child stuttering, toddler stuttering and adult stuttering are themes being studied by many scientists and speech specialists all around the world. The Stuttering Foundation of America, the National Stuttering Association, the National Center for Stuttering and individual speech therapists in general are all investigating why people stutter and finding effective and fast speech therapies.

Nevertheless, even though scientists have several theories and suspect a variety of causes for stuttering, the precise mechanisms causing this disability (also called stammering) are not understood. Some believe that many forms have genetic origins.

A common form of stuttering is neurogenic. Neurogenic stuttering arise from signal problems between the brain and nerves or muscles. In neurogenic stuttering, the brain is unable to adequately coordinate the different components of speech mechanism.

The disruptions of speech may be accompanied by tremors of the lips and/or jaw, rapid eye blinks and other movements. This disorder commonly becomes more severe when speaking in front of a group of people or on the phone. On the other hand, speaking alone and singing might generally improve it or disappear completely.

Over three million Americans stutter. Stuttering affects all ages, but most frequently, children between the ages of 2 and 6 are the most affected. Preschool and toddler stuttering are especially affected while they are developing their language. When they grow up, most of them improve or cure. One percent or less of adults stutters.

Many famous people stutter. Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Willis, Winston Churchill and Mel Tillis are only a few whose success was not impeded by stuttering. Their speech language issue did not stop them to excel and express themselves magnificently.

With these encoraging news about famous people succeeding in spite of their common issue, I end part 1 of these series of articles. Much more information can be found at a site dedicated to stuttering problems and resources, as well as a library of speech language pathology.

This is the end of Part 1 of Stuttering and speech therapy ideas. On next chapters I will be writing about different and effective therapies developed lately by researchers on the field of stammering or speech language pathology.

French teacher in hiding after criticizing Islam

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French teacher in hiding after criticizing Islam

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Robert Redeker, a French writer and college tutor in Toulouse, is now in hiding after receiving a series of death threats from Islamic fundamentalists by phone, email, and on a radical Islamist internet forum.

One online posting called upon French Muslims to “follow the lead of Muhammad Bouyeri“, who murdered the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh after he made a film denouncing the plight of abused Muslim women.

The forum also published photos of him, his home address with directions, the places where he works, and his telephone numbers. Mr. Redeker told i-TV that:

“There is a very clear map of how to get to my home, with the words: ‘This pig must have his head cut off’.”

The French police say they are taking the threats seriously, but did not elaborate on the protection offered to Mr. Redeker.

Mr. Redeker had published an editorial in Le Figaro criticizing Islam. His article stated that the Prophet Mohammed was “a merciless warlord, a looter” and “a mass-murderer of Jews”. He also asserted that Islam “exalts violence and hatred” in its sacred text and religious rites.

Le Figaro has defended Mr. Redeker, publishing a front-page open letter, signed by the editor and the publisher, saying “We condemn with the greatest conviction the grave attacks on freedom of thought and freedom of expression which this affair has provoked.” But later issues apologies.

Education Minister Gilles de Robien expressed “solidarity” with Mr. Redeker but also criticized him for not showing “prudence and moderation”. Two French teachers unions have issued statements defending Mr. Redeker’s right to speak freely while also criticizing his statements.

Le Figaro has been banned in several Muslim countries, including Egypt.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=French_teacher_in_hiding_after_criticizing_Islam&oldid=3159907”

Viktor Schreckengost dies at 101

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Viktor Schreckengost dies at 101

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Viktor Schreckengost, the father of industrial design and creator of the Jazz Bowl, an iconic piece of Jazz Age art designed for Eleanor Roosevelt during his association with Cowan Pottery died yesterday. He was 101.

Schreckengost was born on June 26, 1906 in Sebring, Ohio, United States.

Schreckengost’s peers included the far more famous designers Raymond Loewy and Norman Bel Geddes.

In 2000, the Cleveland Museum of Art curated the first ever retrospective of Schreckengost’s work. Stunning in scope, the exhibition included sculpture, pottery, dinnerware, drawings, and paintings.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Viktor_Schreckengost_dies_at_101&oldid=2584756”

All About Water Utility Management Services

byadmin

Water providing companies have evolved from simple water treatment facilities to over-all water utility management services. Water utility services cover a broad scope, ranging from water treatment to water meter installation and utility sub metering to automated meter reading to data management and even to utility billing services.

Water treatment services focuses on providing sustainable water for multiple uses such as drinking, industrial purposes and more. This is done by reducing or eliminating water impurities, from physical processes such as settling and filtration, to disinfecting with the use of non-toxic chemicals such as chlorine which is treating excessive minerals off water and managing corrosive water. On the other hand, water treatment comes with waste water treatment where used water is reprocessed to reduce environmental damage caused by polluted water. Water reclamation, as it may otherwise be known, is a process of regaining polluted water.

Meter Installation as part of the provided services keeps track of the water consumption incurred by different establishments. Most water service companies have established contracts with the housing industry thus providing meter installation to individual houses and developments. Considering the broad scope of services offered, meter installations to multiple homes include water submetering services, which is a system developed to reduce billing costs by eradicating water waste; keeping private individuals’ fees from rising together with increasing city rates.

Utility management services oversee the water consumption of every home. The radio tagged water meters accurately and automatically send daily readings not only on water use but also on maintenance issues like leaks, extreme water consumption and more. This system keeps track of which establishment has incurred maintenance issues due to old leaking pipes to damages caused by corrosive water, and reports it for data management to billing services. The utility services regulate water pressure, as well, in order to lessen the impact of water consumption on individual billings. This service also includes sending billing statements and collection of payments.

Water utility management services focuses on the refined manner of responsibly managing, metering and treating of water. It aids in reasonable billing systems by reducing water consumption cost through the mix of multiple management systems, starting from water treatment to wastewater treatment. Such services provide overall water catering services from installation down to the payment of bills, reducing effort and time-consumption and adding efficiency for the clients. It also provides refined solutions to a number of issues regarding water consumption and conservation, water treatment and metering, and management services.

ABT Water Management, known for quality water utility management services, concerns itself with water consumption for the sake of its clients.

Sydney experiences hottest March day in 35 years

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Sydney experiences hottest March day in 35 years

Thursday, March 22, 2018

On this Sunday, Sydney, Australia experienced its hottest March day in 35 years. Temperatures reached 40.5°C at Sydney Airport. This followed the two hottest March months in 1983 and 1965 whose maximum temperatures were 41.2°C and 41.1°C respectively, according to post-1940 climate data provided by Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The hot temperatures were caused by north-westerly winds which brought heat from the inside of the continent.

At the beaches any sea breeze was countered by north-westerly winds, and beach-side areas experienced 39°C. BOM reported NQ and NNW winds 20km/h to 40km/h with 40-60km/h gusts.

BOM recorded maximum temperature of 40.5°C at Sydney Airport (AP) weather station, Weatherzone reported. Wikinews obtained data from BOM that contained maximums for every 10 minutes that confirmed the maximum between 15:30 and 15:40 on the day. Wikinews also observed the temperature of 40.7C via a weather station at a residential property at 17:50 Sunday afternoon.

The present record occurred on March 18, more than a week later than the 1965 and 1983 records that had happened on the March 6 and March 9 respectively, according to the climate data published online at the BOM website.

On the hot Sunday, an out-of-control bushfire took place in Tarraganda and Tathra near Bega, southeast New South Wales. The bushfire damaged “dozens” of homes and crossed the Bega river on Sunday afternoon, The Guardian reported. New South Wales Rescue Fire Service issued an emergency warning to residents in Tathra, advising people to seek shelter.

NSW Fire Rescue Service declared total fire bans and fire weather warnings in 11 areas of the state: Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South Coast, Monaro Alpine, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, North Western, Lower Central W Plains, Sthn Slopes and the Eastern Riverina.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Sydney_experiences_hottest_March_day_in_35_years&oldid=4398495”

US unemployment rate reaches 9.8%

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US unemployment rate reaches 9.8%

Friday, October 2, 2009

Companies in the United States are shedding more jobs, pushing the country’s unemployment rate to a 26-year high of 9.8%.

The US Labor Department said on Friday that employers cut 263,000 jobs in September, with companies in the service industries — including banks, restaurants and retailers — hit especially hard. This is the 21st consecutive month of job losses in the country.

The United States has now lost 7.2 million jobs since the recession officially began in December 2007. The new data has sparked fears that unemployment could threaten an economic recovery. Top US officials have warned that any recovery would be slow and uneven, and some have predicted the unemployment rate will top 10% before the situation improves.

“Continued household deleveraging and rising unemployment may weigh more on consumption than forecast, and accelerating corporate and commercial property defaults could slow the improvement in financial conditions,” read a report by the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook, predicting that unemployment will average 10.1% by next year and not go back down to five percent until 2014.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, said that “it’s a very fragile and tentative recovery. Policy makers need to do more.”

“The number came in weaker than expected. We saw a lot of artificial involvement by the government to prop up the markets, and now that that is starting to end, the private sector isn’t yet showing signs of life,” said Kevin Caron, a market strategist for Stifel, Nicolaus & Co.

Also on Thursday, the US Commerce Department said factory orders fell for the first time in five months, dropping eight-tenths of a percent in August. Orders for durable goods — items intended to last several years (including everything from appliances to airliners) — fell 2.6%, the largest drop since January of this year.

The US government has been spending billions of dollars — part of a $787 billion stimulus package — to help spark economic growth. There have been some signs the economy is improving.

The Commerce Department said on Thursday that spending on home construction jumped in August for its biggest increase in 16 years. A real estate trade group, the National Association of Realtors, said pending sales of previously owned homes rose more than 12 percent in August, compared to August 2008.

A separate Commerce Department report said that consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity, rose at its fastest pace in nearly eight years, jumping 1.3 percent in August.

Other reports have provided cause for concern. A banking industry trade group said Thursday the number of US consumers making late payments, or failing to make payments, on loans and credit cards is on the rise. A survey by a business group, the Institute for Supply Management, Thursday showed US manufacturing grew in September, but at a slower pace than in August when manufacturing increased for the first time in a year and a half.

Stock markets reacted negatively to the reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 41 points in early trading, reaching a level of 9467. This follows a drop of 203 points on Thursday, its largest loss in a single day since July. The London FTSE index fell 55 points, or 1.1%, to reach 4993 points by 15.00 local time.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=US_unemployment_rate_reaches_9.8%25&oldid=973722”

Extreme Sports In New Zealand

Extreme Sports in New Zealand

by

TraceyLC

New Zealanders are well known for their love of rugby, but in the off season they find themselves at a bit of a loss for excitement. Well, over the years a group of innovative kiwis have come up with a solution to the missing rugby action and invented a range of adventure sports sure to get the blood pumping. New Zealand could arguably be called the adventure capital of the world with a huge range of adventure sports, some of which are exclusive to the country. The snow covered mountains, giant glaciers, torrid rivers and boiling mud fields lend themselves to action and adventure. The list of extreme sports in New Zealand is endless and includes the usual suspects such as heli-skiing, bungy jumping and sky diving but there are also a number of activities that most of us have never seen or heard of before.

Queenstown, in the south west of New Zealand s south island, is the gateway to most of New Zealand s most popular snow fields and has, over time, turned into a playground for thrill seekers. Visitors to the town are usually there to carve up the slopes but will be surprised at the range of other activities on offer and courage needed to enjoy them. Skiers and snowboarders will love the variety of ski fields and the selection of challenging black diamond runs and for those with no fear at all, a session of heli-skiing will thrill even the most serious of thrill seekers.

Located on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the perfect location for some extreme water sports. Jet boating around the lake, narrowly missing the rocky outcrops and soaring cliffs is a popular activity but if you re thinking lame! then white water rafting in the nearby Kawarau River may be more your style, and if you re still thinking too tame! , then river surfing could be right up your alley. River surfing is not for the faint hearted, essentially you ll be tossed in the Kawarau River with nothing more than a wetsuit and a body board and picked up a few hours later several turbulent kilometres downstream.

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

The warmer months are perfect for mountain bike riding and if money is no object a heli biking trip will have you rolling through the spectacular surroundings of the world of the Hobbit. Paragliding is hugely popular in the area with stunning scenery to enjoy on your way down. There are a number of companies offering tandem jumps for novices or lessons if you want to get serious about it. Other activities in Queenstown include two 800m long luge tracks winding down the mountain suitable for all ages, and the Skyline Queenstown Gondola which provides an easy way up the mountain with amazing views along the way. Skydiving, bungy jumping and a giant swing are just a few of the other activities available for those who are game. With so much to do, and such incredible scenery, Queenstown is an exciting holiday destination whether you re a skier or not. Accommodation in Queenstown is plentiful and caters for all styles of travellers and budgets ranging from luxury hotels to backpackers and hostels.

Rotorua is another hub for adventure sports which compliment perfectly the intensity and ferocity of the geothermal fields surrounding the tourist town. Rotorua is the birthplace of Zorbing, and still one of the best places in the world to try this thrilling sport. Picture yourself in a giant plastic bubble bouncing and rolling unguided down a hill or sliding around in a transparent globe full of water zig zagging down the hill in one of the four designated tracks. There are seven different styles of Zorb rides altogether, each one a little wilder than the last. The latest Rotorua invention is the Shweeb, an overhead monorail with pedal powered pods that swing freely from the track reaching speeds of up to 45km an hour as they soar high and low over the undulating local terrain. The Swoop is a giant swing where participants are strapped into a harness, lifted 40m into the air and then released to swing pendulum like at speeds of around 130km an hour in 1 second flat. If flying like a super hero has always been a dream of yours, then the Freefall Xtreme is a must do. Zipped into a special flying suit , you ll be buffeted from below by winds of up to 220km an hour that will have you flying like a bird. Barrel rolls, twists and spins are all part of the experience before you re lowered gently back down to earth. If that isn t enough for you, bungy jumping, flying fox, white water rafting, sky diving and parasailing are all available for the adventurous. Rotorua accommodation is easy to find with some hotels in Rotorua offering special adventure packages including transfers and tickets.

Thrill seekers looking for somewhere to go to satisfy their adventurous streak will love New Zealand. The range of accommodation in Queenstown and Rotorua caters for those looking for luxury and the budget conscious alike and the high density adventure sports will excite even the most hard core daredevils.

For more information on

accommodation in Queenstown

and

Rotorua accommodation

including

hotels in Rotorua

visit Choice Hotels New Zealand online.

Article Source:

Extreme Sports in New Zealand

Viktor Schreckengost dies at 101

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Viktor Schreckengost dies at 101

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Viktor Schreckengost, the father of industrial design and creator of the Jazz Bowl, an iconic piece of Jazz Age art designed for Eleanor Roosevelt during his association with Cowan Pottery died yesterday. He was 101.

Schreckengost was born on June 26, 1906 in Sebring, Ohio, United States.

Schreckengost’s peers included the far more famous designers Raymond Loewy and Norman Bel Geddes.

In 2000, the Cleveland Museum of Art curated the first ever retrospective of Schreckengost’s work. Stunning in scope, the exhibition included sculpture, pottery, dinnerware, drawings, and paintings.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Viktor_Schreckengost_dies_at_101&oldid=2584756”

Milk Thistle Soothing Mediterranean Herb That Cures

By Carol Gomes

What is Milk ThistleMilk thistle (Silybum marianum)

is used particularly for liver problems and other ailments. It is a popular herb and has been used since the Greek-Roman times.

Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean, but is now widespread throughout the world usually in dry, sunny areas. Milk Thistle is commonly known as St. Marys thistle, Holy thistle. It is sometimes also called as silymarin, which is actually the herb’s active component.

Benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been widely known for curing the liver related problems. However, there are a lot other benefits of Milk thistle. The benefits of Milk thistle with respect to different organs and ailments are as follows-

LIVER

The main component in Milk Thistle called as Silymarin protects the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, acetaminophen (also called as paracetamol that is commonly used for headaches). These substances can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.

Milk Thistle

protects and regenerates the liver in case of liver cirrhosis, jaundice, and chronic hepatitis. It cleans the liver of harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs, metals, anesthesia, etc. Milk thistle is particularly known for curing damage due to intake of poisonous mushrooms popularly known as the Death-cap mushrooms.

SKIN

Skin problems arise mainly due to the non-cleansing of blood. This results in acne, eczema and other skin related problems. Cleansing of the blood depends on the liver. Milk thistle strengthens the functioning of a damaged liver and detoxifies it. Thus, by purifying the liver, milk thistle results in depletion of skin related problems. The reduction of skin impurities leads to healing of redness or inflammation, added glow in the skin, etc. As milk thistle is a demulcent, it softens and moistens the skin.

KIDNEY, SPLEEN AND PELVIC REGION

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-uBxxK4c3U[/youtube]

Milk Thistle is a mild laxative and helps in reducing the congestion in kidney, spleen and pelvic region. It has the ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. Due to its laxative effect, it helps in maintaining the consistency of stools for people who alternate between diarrhea and constipation.

Milk Thistle is also a demulcent i.e. it soothes and moistens the mucus membranes, kidney and bladder irritations and inflammations in general.

GALL BLADDER

Milk Thistle can calm down an inflamed Gall Bladder and also clears out any stagnation that might be present. It is important to verify whether an individual has no Gall Stones when he is using Milk Thistle to combat Gall Bladder symptoms. One must visit a local physician to find out regarding the same.

DIABETES

Diabetes control depends upon the smooth functioning of the liver. The liver is the primary tissue involved with the utilization of insulin. Milk thistle reduces insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. The reduction in lipid per oxidation produced by silymarin can lead to improved metabolic control and a reduced requirement for endogenous insulin in such patients.

LOWERING CHOLESTEROL LEVELS:

Silymarin (an active compound in milk thistle) works as an effective cholesterol-lowering drug with the additional benefit of substantially increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

CANCER:

Silymarin has strong antioxidant properties and is believed to inhibit the growth of human prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells in test tubes.

Silymarin

Silymarin is the most active component or ingredient of Milk Thistle Seed. Silymarin is composed mainly of silybinin, silychristin and silydianin. Silymarin is difficult to absorb. It is soluble only in Alcohol and not water. Therefore, alcohol is the preferred medium for its extraction. As of today, the only known source of Silymarin is the Milk Thistle Seed.

Silymarin is also known as the liver-protecting compound in milk thistle. It helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin protects the liver cells from being destroyed by these substances. It has antioxidant properties that help to cure various problems.

Milk Thistle Consumption

The seeds of Milk thistle contain Silymarin and are the active part of the herb. This component is difficult of absorb. It is easily soluble in alcohol rather than water. Hence, alcohol is the preferred medium in which silymarin is extracted. The absorption level of milk thistle in the blood stream increases if the solution of silymarin is concentrated.

The Milk thistle seeds are used to prepare: –

– Milk thistle capsules containing dry powdered herb or seed.

– Milk thistle teas.

– Liquid extract of Milk thistle.

– Milk Thistle Tincture.

The capsules are the most concentrated form of Milk Thistle.

Areas of Concern

The in-take levels or dosages in which adults and children must consume milk thistle should be strictly taken care of as an overdose can lead to hazardous conditions.

Milk thistle has a few side effects such as stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, skin reactions, diarrhea or bloating after consumption of the same.

In extreme cases, a person may suffer from impotence or anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that can be fatal) as the side effects of Milk thistle. These reactions are very rare.

For safety purpose, it is essential that one must inform ones doctor, medical practitioner or physician about the consumption of milk thistle so that it does not contradict with any other form of treatment taken for other ailments.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must not consume Milk Thistle.

About the Author: Kevin Pederson, Webmaster for

Home Remedies, provides valuable online home solutions using natural herbs and foods you can put together in the kitchen to treat common health problems.

He also writes content for many other health sites.

Source:

isnare.com

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