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Jobs unveils new products after cloud of secrecy and lawsuitsTuesday, January 11, 2005
After months of secrecy and lawsuits intended to suppress reporting on unannounced products by independent news outlets, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer, began his keynote address at 17:11 UTC this morning, before an enthusiastic audience.
The keynote, held at Moscone Center in San Francisco as part of the annual Macworld Expo, began with a recap of Apple’s retail progress over the past year, media coverage, and a demo of the new Spotlight search technology in the upcoming Mac OS X Tiger, which was announced at the previous 2004 event.
Jobs then made a number of product announcements as he continued his demonstrations:
Jobs then made his final announcement, in his trademark “One More Thing” style:
Jobs then exited as music artist John Mayer began his live entertainment act.
Asbestos controversy aboard Scientology ship FreewindsFriday, May 16, 2008
Controversy has arisen over the reported presence of blue asbestos on the MV Freewinds, a cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology. According to the Saint Martin newspaper The Daily Herald and the shipping news journal Lloyd’s List, the Freewinds was sealed in April and local public health officials on the Caribbean island of Curaçao where the ship is docked began an investigation into the presence of asbestos dust on the ship. Former Scientologist Lawrence Woodcraft supervised work on the ship in 1987, and attested to the presence of blue asbestos on the Freewinds in an affidavit posted to the Internet in 2001. Woodcraft, a licensed architect by profession, gave a statement to Wikinews and commented on the recent events.
According to The Daily Herald, the Freewinds was in the process of being renovated by the Curaçao Drydock Company. The article states that samples taken from paneling in the ship were sent to the Netherlands, where an analysis revealed that they “contained significant levels of blue asbestos”. An employee of the Curaçao Drydock Company told Radar Online in an April 30 article that the Freewinds has been docked and sealed, and confirmed that an article about asbestos ran in the local paper.
Lloyd’s List reported that work on the interior of the Freewinds was suspended on April 27 after health inspectors found traces of blue asbestos on the ship. According to Lloyd’s List, Frank Esser, Curaçao Drydock Company’s interim director, joined Curaçao’s head of the department of labor affairs Christiene van der Biezen along with the head of the local health department Tico Ras and two inspectors in an April 25 inspection of the ship. “We are sending someone so that they can tell us what happened, where it came from, since when it has been there,” said Panama Maritime Authority’s director of merchant marine Alfonso Castillero in a statement to Lloyd’s List.
The Church of Scientology purchased the ship, then known as the Bohème, in 1987, through an organization called Flag Ship Trust. After being renovated and refitted, it was put into service in June 1988. The ship is used by the Church of Scientology for advanced Scientology training in “Operating Thetan” levels, as well as for spiritual retreats for its members. Curaçao has been the ship’s homeport since it was purchased by the Church of Scientology.
According to his 2001 statement, Lawrence Woodcraft had been an architect in London, England since 1975, and joined Scientology’s elite “Sea Organization” (Sea Org) in 1986. He wrote that he was asked by the Sea Org to work on the Freewinds in 1987, and during his work on the ship “noticed a powdery blue fibrous substance approximately 1 ½” thick between the paint and the steel wall,” which he believed to be asbestos. He also discovered what he thought was blue asbestos in other parts of the ship, and reported his findings to Church of Scientology executives. Woodcraft discussed his experiences in a 2001 interview published online by the Lisa McPherson Trust, a now-defunct organization which was critical of the Church of Scientology.
| The Freewinds regularly inspects the air quality on board and always meets or exceeds US standards. | ||
Church of Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw responded to Radar Online about the asbestos reports, in an email published in an article in Radar on May 1. “The Freewinds regularly inspects the air quality on board and always meets or exceeds US standards,” said Pouw. She stated that two inspections performed in April “confirmed that the air quality is safe,” and asserted that the inspections revealed the Freewinds satisfies standards set by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Clean Air Act.
Pouw told Radar that “The Freewinds will be completing its refit on schedule.” The Church of Scientology-affiliated organization Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) had been planning a cruise aboard the Freewinds scheduled for May 8, but according to Radar an individual who called the booking number for the cruise received a message that the cruise had been delayed due to ongoing work on the ship. Citing an article in the Netherlands Antilles newspaper Amigoe, Radar reported on May 6 that a team from the United States and supervised by an independent bureau from the Netherlands traveled to Curaçao in order to remove asbestos from the Freewinds.
| …if the Church of Scientology claims to have removed the blue asbestos, I just don’t see how, it’s everywhere. You would first have to remove all the pipes, plumbing, a/c ducts, electrical wiring etc. etc. just a maze of stuff. | ||
“I stand by everything I wrote in my 2001 affidavit,” said Lawrence Woodcraft in an exclusive statement given to Wikinews. Woodcraft went on to state: “I would also comment that if the Church of Scientology claims to have removed the blue asbestos, I just don’t see how, it’s everywhere. You would first have to remove all the pipes, plumbing, a/c ducts, electrical wiring etc. etc. just a maze of stuff. Also panelling as well, basically strip the ship back to a steel hull. Also blue asbestos is sprayed onto the outer walls and then covered in paint. It’s in every nook and cranny.”
Many Scientologist celebrities have spent time aboard the Freewinds, including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Chick Corea, Lisa Marie Presley, Catherine Bell, Kate Ceberano, and Juliette Lewis. Now magazine reported that Tom Cruise has been urged to seek medical attention regarding potential asbestos exposure, however a representative for Cruise stated he has “absolutely no knowledge” of the recent asbestos controversy. Cruise, Holmes, Travolta and Preston have celebrated birthdays and other events on the Freewinds.
| There is not now and never has been a situation of asbestos exposure on the Freewinds. | ||
In a May 15 statement to the United Kingdom daily newspaper Metro, a representative for the Church of Scientology said that “There is not now and never has been a situation of asbestos exposure on the Freewinds.” The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center notes that agencies have recommended anyone who has spent time on the Freewinds consult with their physician to determine if possible asbestos exposure may have affected their health.
Raw blue asbestos is the most hazardous form of asbestos, and has been banned in the United Kingdom since 1970. Blue asbestos fibers are very narrow and thus easily inhaled, and are a major cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which can develop in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the pericardium sac surrounding the heart. The cancer is incurable, and can manifest over 40 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.
“This is the most dangerous type of asbestos because the fibres are smaller than the white asbestos and can penetrate the lung more easily,” said toxicologist Dr. Chris Coggins in a statement published in OK! Magazine. Dr. Coggins went on to note that “Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, the victim has six months to a year to live. It gradually reduces lung function until the victim is no longer able to breathe and dies.”
By Weight Loss Pills Seller, Dr. Wright
Suppose there were a safe, natural pill you could pop, and before long, you started losing pounds? Wouldn’t you want such a pill in your medicine chest?
Good news: There is such a pill, and you can get it at the health food store. It’s pyruvate, a normal constituent of human metabolism. It is also found in many foods in minute amounts, and is truly one of the most fascinating anti-fat supplements around. What’s more, pyruvate is one of the most clinically researched and documented weight-loss products on the market.
Since the 1970s, pyruvate has been tested and researched at some of the leading medical centers throughout the world, and has been shown in initial clinical studies to accelerate fat-loss, boost endurance, and work in the body as a disease-fighting antioxidant. It has been available commercially as a supplement only since 1997, and comes in capsule, powder, and drink forms. At www.ShopPharmacyCounter.com you will find many worlds’ best weight loss supplements. While some pyruvate supplements are the pure stuff, others contain added ingredients, including herbs, fibers, and certain nutrients probably because manufacturers are trying to set their particular product apart from the competition. You must read the labels and understand what each formulation contains.
Pyruvate is actually a carbohydrate because it is chemically composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Made naturally in the body, pyruvate is involved in the energy-producing reactions that go on in your body at the cellular level. During normal metabolism, carbohydrate fuel (glucose) is split into pyruvate, also known as pyruvic acid, inside individual cells. Pyruvate enters the mitochondria, the energy factory of cells, and undergoes s further series of chemical reactions, ultimately releasing carbon dioxide and water, and producing energy in the form of ATP, a molecular thionine, glutamine, MCT oil, creatine, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), guggul, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), ciwujia, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), and meal replacers.
I have also included three appendices. Appendix A outlines a 21-day eating plan that works well with most natural weight-loss supplements while providing excellent nutrition for dieters. The plan tells you exactly what to eat each day of the week; there’s no guesswork involved.
In appendix B, you’ll find some tips for exercise, specifically how to fit it into your lifestyle and how to maximize its fat-burning power.
Finally, appendix C provides a lengthy though partial list of the major natural weight-loss products on the market. I’ve listed the ingredients of each one, so you can see what you’re buying and taking. Prices are included, too. Appendix C is a handy reference to consult before you go to your health food store or pharmacy.
If you have concerns about your weight, or suffer from a preexisting illness or medical condition, consult with your doctor before following any of the suggestions in this article or taking any of the supplements.
The supplement is effective for weight loss, has been extensively studied (in both animals and humans), has many other potential health benefits, and causes very few side effects.
The supplement has been shown in numerous studies to be effective for weight loss, offers several health benefits, and causes minimal side effects.
The supplement has a specific role in weight control (i.e., appetite suppression or enhancement of energy-producing processes) that is backed up by preliminary research. It offers some additional health benefits, and side effects are minimal.
The supplement may support the body’s metabolism and have some fat-loss benefit, but research is less extensive. While not directly involved in weight loss, this supplement may play a supporting role in weight management. There may be some side effects.
The early findings on pyruvate led to many more studies on the effects of pyruvate and/or DHA on fat loss. More than a decade of animal studies revealed that these substances did the following:
Decreased body fat levels by as much as 22 percent
Reduced the conversion of food calories into body fat (pyruvate was more effective at this than DHA)
Doubled the use of fat for energy
Increased metabolism by as much as 30 percent
Increased metabolically active body protein (muscle) by 20 percent.
Can pyruvate really make fat vanish? Two studies say yes. In a study published in 1992 in the American journal of Clinical Nutrition, thirteen obese women were placed on a 500-calorie-a-day liquid diet for 3 weeks. Half the women supplemented with 19 grams of pyruvate and 12 grams of DHA; the other half (the control group) received a carbohydrate placebo (a look-alike pill). This was a “double-blind” study, meaning that neither the subjects nor the researchers knew who was receiving the supplement or the placebo.
After three weeks, the pyruvate/DHA-supplemented women lost more weight (14.3 pounds) and body fat (9.5 pounds), compared with their nonsupplemented counterparts, who lost 12.3 pounds of weight and 7.7 pounds of fat. Specifically, that’s a 16 percent greater weight loss and a 23 percent better fat loss than those taking the placebo experienced. Another way to put it: The pyruvate combo resulted in a loss of 0.6 extra pound of fait a week.
A second double-blind study, conducted with pyruvate alone, produced an even more impressive fat loss. Fourteen obese women dieted for 3 weeks, consuming a 1,000-calorie-a-day liquid diet. Some of the women supplemented with 36 grams of pyruvate, while the rest took a carbohydrate placebo. The pyruvate supplemented women lost 37 percent more weight than the controls (13 pounds versus 9.5 pounds). Even better: Pynivate stimnlatpH a fat loss of 48 percent the equivalent of almost an extra full pound of pure pudge a week.
ATP makes muscles contract, allows our organs to do their jobs, and promotes other cellular energy processes vital to life. Thus pyruvate is a major natural compound that helps produce energy inside cells.
Pyruvate is also found in many of the foods we eat. Among the richest sources are red Delicious apples, golden Delicious apples, bananas, spinach, red wine, and dark beer. On average, we consume about 500 mg of pyruvate daily from food. The FDA has approved pyruvic acid and its derivatives as additives to enhance the flavor of food.
The dietary supplements sold as pyruvate are derived from tartaric acid, a natural by-product of winemaking. Widely distributed in nature and found in fruits such as grapes, tartaric acid is classified as a fruit acid. It is chemically converted into pyruvic acid during the supplement-manufacturing process. Pyruvic acid, however, is chemically unstable, and produces nausea and intestinal problems when taken in large amounts. To stabilize pyruvic acid and avoid these problems, manufacturers bond it to a mineral salt, usually of calcium or sodium. Because of the chemical processing involved in making pyruvate dietary products, the supplements aren’t really “all-natural.” More correctly, they are synthetic products made from natural sources.
Taken at suggested doses, pyruvate supplements produce no adverse side effects and yield very desirable metabolic effects outcomes that have been substantiated by animal and human research.
Much animal research into pyruvate preceded the more recent human clinical trials. Pyruvate’s potential was first discovered in the 1970s at the University of Pittsburgh, where a research team led by Dr. Ronald T. Stanko, a physician and professor of medicine, observed some very intriguing effects. In the livers of test animals, pyruvate and dihydroxyac-etone, or DHA, a pyruvate-like substance, reduced fatty buildup induced experimentally by excessive alcohol intake. What’s more, the rats supplemented with pyruvate and DHA lost abdominal fat.
A point of clarification: In many of the pyruvate studies, researchers used a combination of pyruvate and DHA. There are a couple of reasons for this. The form of pyruvate used in experiments was typically sodium pyruvate, one of the first formulations available. To prevent subjects from consuming too much sodium, DHA was used as part of the test dosages. Also, some studies allowed researchers to compare the effectiveness of pyruvate versus DHA in promoting weight loss. They found that pyruvate was a better agent, hands down.
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Obama renominates Bernanke as US central bankerWednesday, August 26, 2009
United States President Barack Obama announced on Tuesday that he is nominating Ben Bernanke for a second term as Chairman of the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States.
Obama made the announcement during a brief break from his vacation at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
“The man next to me, Ben Bernanke, has led the Fed through one of the worst financial crises that this nation and the world has ever faced. As an expert on the causes of the Great Depression, I’m sure Ben never imagined that he would be part of a team responsible for preventing another. But because of his background, his temperament, his courage, and his creativity, that’s exactly what he has helped to achieve. And that is why I am re-appointing him to another term as Chairman of the Federal Reserve,” the President said.
| Ben approached a financial system on the verge of collapse with calm and wisdom | ||
“Ben approached a financial system on the verge of collapse with calm and wisdom; with bold action and outside-the-box thinking that has helped put the brakes on our economic freefall,” Obama added.
“We have been bold or deliberate as circumstances demanded, but our objective remains constant: to restore a more stable economic and financial environment in which opportunity can again flourish, and in which Americans’ hard work and creativity can receive their proper rewards,” Ben Bernanke said while accepting the nomination.
Ben Bernanke, who succeeded Alan Greenspan on February 1, 2006, will now face a Senate confirmation hearing.
“There will be a thorough and comprehensive confirmation hearing,” said Senator Christopher Dodd, who is the chair of the Senate Banking Committee. “I expect many serious questions will be raised about the role of the Federal Reserve moving forward and what authorities it should and should not have.”
“I am extremely pleased to learn that Ben Bernanke has been nominated for a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve,” read a statement by Jean-Claude Trichet, the President of the European Central Bank. “We have had an excellent and very close working relationship during the current episode of exceptional challenges for the world economy. The Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have, together with other central banks, initiated an unprecedented level of close cooperation, which has been key in coping with the present situation.”
US Nazi leader talks about Barack Obama, the economy and moreSaturday, November 22, 2008
The National Socialist Movement is, according to its website, the largest and most active Nazi party in the United States. Accordingly, it refers to itself as ‘America’s Nazi Party’ and aims to instigate major change in the US.
Wikinews was able to conduct an interview with the head of the party, Commander Jeff Schoep. Fresh back from a march in Missouri, Commander Schoep told Wikinews his views on Barack Obama, the economy and much more.
Read the full exclusive interview below:
Wikinews interviews Kent Mesplay, Green Party presidential candidateSunday, June 29, 2008
While nearly all coverage of the 2008 Presidential election has focused on the Democratic and Republican candidates, the race for the White House also includes independents and third-party candidates. These prospects represent a variety of views that may not be acknowledged by the major party platforms.
Wikinews has reached out to these candidates throughout the campaign. We now interview Green Party Presidential candidate Dr. Kent Mesplay.
Why do you want to be President?
Have you ever run for political office before? (President, senate, congress, city councillor, school trustee… etc.) Have you ever been a member of a political party, other than the one you’re currently in?
Have you ever campaigned for another political candidate?
What skills or ideas do you bring from this position, or previous positions, that will benefit the Oval Office?
Campaigning for the American presidency is one of the most expensive exercises in the world. How do you deal with the cost and fundraising?
What are you/were you looking for in a running mate?
Can you win the 2008 Presidential election?
If you can’t make it into the Oval Office, who would you prefer seeing taking the presidency?
What should the American people keep in mind, when heading to the polls this November?
Submitted by: Rock Ren
The uniqueness and rarity of the color of turquoise make it quite an attraction, especially for women. There are tons of creative pieces that jewelers can do with these precious stones. Turquoise jewelries are popular gift ideas especially for people born on the month of December, as it is their birthstone. Nevertheless, a lot of people no matter which month there are born, are really helplessly in love with the beauty of turquoise.
Turquoise jewelries can really be expensive, specially the high-grade and authentic ones. Because of the popularity of turquoise, you may find a lot of counterfeits. This is why you need to be a little cautious when buying one. If you bought your jewelry at a high cost, it is but right to treat them like your babies and take care of them the best way you can. Here are some tips that can help you preserve their true beauty.
When cleaning a turquoise, you can use your usual silver cloth to wipe away grimes or dirt. This could beautify your stone in two ways. First, it removes any tarnish without actually damaging it. Second, cleaning them with silver cloth can add luster to turquoise stones.
With the absence of a silver cloth, you can use a soft cloth. You can add a little water to dampen the cloth and polish the stone. Make sure that you follow this up by wiping the stone with a soft, and this time- dry cloth. This would remove any trace of moisture after you cleaned the stone. After doing so, allow your turquoise to dry naturally.
Make sure to keep turquoise away from other hard gems, especially diamonds, as they can leave scratches on your precious jewelries.
When remove your turquoise accessories, be sure that you do so by tugging on the metal or silver part of the jewelry. Do not pull on the turquoise itself.
Keep your turquoise jewelry in its proper storage after every use. You can wrap them carefully with a tissue paper or a 100% cotton cloth and place them in your jewelry box or in a zip-lock plastic bag. By doing so, you can prevent tarnishing and the possibility of hard materials scratching your turquoise accessories.
Do not use soap, harsh chemicals or perfume on your turquoise jewelries.
Make sure that you remove your turquoise rings before putting on hand creams or lotion. If you are to use body oils, remove your turquoise jewelries as well. Even your skin’s natural oil can affect the color of turquoise stones over time. They may even change their color a little bit.
Turquoise jewelries are really stunning once worn. It can instantly jazz up your total appearnce, especially if you are about to attend a special occasion that you need to dress up for. Turquoise is really not that hard to take care of. With the tips above, make a mental note of the things that you need to do to preserve the beauty of turquoise. With proper maintenance, turquoise can really last a long time and would continue to adorn you for as long as you need them.
About the Author: Rock Ren is the owner of
xaxe group
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NRA meets in Houston–Beleaguered Tom DeLay will speakSaturday, April 16, 2005
When the curtains were drawn and the anthem began, confusion flickered over the faces in the large hall which welcomed the NRA (National Rifle Association) to Houston. It was the sounds of rocker Ted Nugent’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. People didn’t know whether to put their hands over their heart, as was customary, or start clapping. According to reports, it was hard to determine what the “Motor City Madman” was doing.
That was the rowdy kick off Friday night of the convention expected to draw up to 60,000 people to the George R. Brown convention center for a weekend of guns, gun-politics, gun peripherals like scopes and carry bags, and stuffed trophy heads.
NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre told about 2000 listeners to “Let the enemies of freedom take notice, we in this room have beaten you…” He repeated it three times for effect.
Another opening act was country singer Charlie Daniels whose rant against those on the left of the political spectrum included a characterization of them as “save the whales and kill the babies pantywaists.” He then pursed his lips and did his interpretation of a pantywaist, according to the Houston Chronicle: “’If we just leave the terrorists alone, they’d leave us alone.’”
Elsewhere, visitors were charmed by stuffed heads of dead deer. NRA staffer Monty Embrey, working the booth with the heads, said that although they looked like small moose, they were full-blooded deer with unusual antlers.
The exhibit is owned by the NRA and travels around the country. “People don’t get to see a collection of heads very often. It’s a big deal,” said Embrey.
Saturday’s keynote address will come from right wing congressional representative Tom DeLay of Sugarland, Texas, whose district includes much of Houston.
Just Friday, another of DeLay’s most conservative associates became the second House Republican to ask DeLay to consider yielding his leadership post because of the many ethics problems that have dogged him.
Rep. Tom Tancredo, (R-Colo) said, “If the majority leader were to temporarily step aside so that these trumped up charges can be dealt with in a less hostile environment, as they have proven to be an unnecessary distraction, it may be a productive move.”
These comments follow on the heels of similar statements by Rep. Chris Shays, a Republican moderate from Connecticut and Rick Santorum, Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. All are concerned that the man in a political leadership position is a liability to their reelection bids, expected next year. He has not assuaged three charges against him by the Congressional Ethics Committee, comprised of half Republican and half Democratic members, except to blame his political opposition.
DeLay’s record keeping on millions of dollars was minimal and he has allegedly accepted money from Texas corporations in violation of the Texas law.
“A Travis County grand jury indicted DeLay political aide Jim Ellis, fundraiser Warren RoBold and John Colyandro, the executive director of DeLay’s political action committee, Texans for a Republican Majority, known as TRMPAC.The Washington Post reported in September that eight corporations also were indicted for illegal political contributions.”
The subject of DeLay’s speech was not known at press time.
The NRA now claims a membership of about 4 million.
Recalled pet food found to contain rat poisonFriday, March 23, 2007
In a press release earlier today, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker, along with Dean of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Donald F. Smith, confirmed that scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory identified Aminopterin as a toxin present in cat food samples from Menu Foods.
Menu Foods is the manufacturer of several brands of cat and dog food subject to a March 16, 2007 recall.
Aminopterin is a drug used in chemotherapy for its immunosuppressive properties and, in some areas outside the US, as a rat poison. Earlier reports stated that wheat gluten was a factor being investigated, and officials now state that the toxin would have come from Chinese wheat used in the pet food, where it is used for pest control. Investigators will not say that this is the only contaminant found in the recalled food, but knowing the identity of the toxin should assist veterinarians treating affected animals.
The Food Laboratory tested samples of cat food received from a toxicologist at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University. The samples were found to contain the rodenticide at levels of at least 40 parts per million.
Commissioner Hooker stated, “We are pleased that the expertise of our New York State Food Laboratory was able to contribute to identifying the agent that caused numerous illnesses and deaths in dogs and cats across the nation.”
The press release suggests Aminopterin, a derivative of folic acid, can cause cancer and birth defects in humans and can cause kidney damage in dogs and cats. Aminopterin is not permitted for use in the United States.
The New York State Food Laboratory is part of the Federal Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) and as such, is capable of running a number of unique poison/toxin tests on food, including the test that identified Aminopterin.