Riots in Île-de-France : 70 arrested after 200 cars burned

Friday, July 15, 2005

About 200 cars were burned by young people on the night of July 13 in Île-de-France, the metropolitan area of Paris. As the police cars arrived, youths began to pelt the vehicles with rocks, firecrackers and bottles. Rioters broke store windows at Argenteuil. Police used flash-balls and smoke grenades. The riots ended with 70 men being arrested. A police officer was wounded by a rocket and was taken to hospital. Shop windows were broken at Argenteuil. It is not the first time vehicles have been attacked on 13-14 July in France.

Find me all the red balloons; MIT wins DARPA challenge

Monday, December 7, 2009

A team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) won the challenge to find ten 8-foot (2.4 metre) weather balloons spread across the continental United States, just nine hours after the event’s start. In a test of the nation’s social networking skills, the US Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) offered US$40,000 (26,900) to the first team to identify the location of all ten balloons. The event marks the 40th anniversary of ARPAnet, the precursor to today’s Internet, a project developed by DARPA.

In a statement announcing the winner, DARPA said “the Challenge explores basic research issues such as mobilization, collaboration, and trust in diverse social networking constructs and could serve to fuel innovation across a wide spectrum of applications.” They also stated that they intend to “meet with teams to review the approaches and strategies used to build networks, collect information, and participate in the Challenge.”

The MIT team offered a reward scheme of its own as an incentive to public cooperation, offering US$2,000 to anyone who gave them the coordinates of a balloon. They also gave US$500 to whomever invited the person who gave the correct coordinates to join the challenge. They then gave the person who invited that person US$250, and so on, giving any left over or unclaimed money to charity. The MIT team hoped to ” […] find out how information spreads on the internet, and how online social networks help this spread”.

Ireland requests replay of FIFA World Cup play-off with France

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Irish Minister for Sport, Taoiseach and Facebook social network groups are requesting a replay of the controversial FIFA World Cup play-off between Ireland and France in the interests of Fair Play. The FAI lodged an appeal with FIFA and also contacted the French Football Federation (FFF), it appears FAI hopes FFF may agree that a replay is fair play. Both captians, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, have called for a replay.

The Irish supporters, who in the past have won the FIFA Fair Play Award, are angry after a blatant double handball by Thierry Henry enabled France to score the extra-time goal that cost Ireland entry to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Most Irish anger has been directed at FIFA, although French captain Thierry Henry has admitted handling the ball.

FAI has argued that there is a strong precedent; in 2005 where FIFA invalidated the result of a FIFA World Cup qualification match between Uzbekistan and Bahrain on the basis of a technical error by the match referee. However, Law 5 of the Laws of the Game state that: “The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.” and a source at Fifa headquarters in Switzerland said that “there is no way the game can be replayed”. The generic concept of fair play is a fundamental part of the game of football and the Fair Play Campaign was conceived largely as an indirect result of the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, when the handball goal by Diego Maradona.

The referee Martin Hansson and (referee’s assistants) Stefan Wittberg and Fredrik Nilsson were unable to see the incident but didn’t ask Thierry Henry if he handled the ball. Its hoped the mistake won’t cost the Swedish referee’s a place in South Africa. FIFA’s Fair play policy is playing by the rules, using common sense and respecting fellow players, referees, opponents and fans. The French union representing the nation’s gym teachers declared outrage at what it called “indisputable cheating.”

Minister for Sport Martin Cullen wrote to FIFA president Sepp Blatter urging him to call a rematch in the interests of fair play. Taoiseach Brian Cowen raised the issue with French president Nicolas Sarkozy on the fringes of last night’s EU summit. French Prime minister François Fillon said “neither the French government nor the Irish Government should interfere in the functioning of the international federation”.

Conditions Commonly Treated By Foot Surgeons In Racine, Wi

byadmin

There are many conditions that impact patients’ feet and ankles, leaving them with pain, discomfort, and potentially severe mobility issues. Many of these conditions can be treated medically, but some really require the help of foot surgeons in Racine WI for resolution. Read on to find out about a few conditions commonly treated with foot surgery below.

Hallux Rigidus

Also known simply as a stiff big toe, Hallux Rigidus causes pain and stiffness that can make it difficult to walk. This condition originates from trauma due to degenerative forms of arthritis and is often exacerbated by damp, cold weather. While wearing the right shoes and applying natural lubricants or steroid injections may temporarily ease the discomfort associated with this condition, surgery is often required to restore mobility in serious cases.

Hallux Valgus

More often referred to as a bunion, this condition is one of the most common foot deformities. It manifests as a bony bump between the big toe and the foot and often causes the big toe to bend inward. Bunions can be extremely painful, so those suffering from serious deformities often choose to have surgery to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Hammertoe Disorders

Hammertoe refers to a disorder in which a patient’s toes bend at abnormal angles, causing pain and other problems. This condition is caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance, which is often the result of leaving bunions untreated for prolonged periods of time. Surgical treatment involves the fusing of the patient’s deformed joints using small implants or surgical pins, which can later be removed to restore normal function.

Plantar Fasciitis

Also known as jogger’s heel, this condition is caused by torn or inflamed heel ligaments, which may require the help of Foot Surgeons in Racine WI for permanent correction. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include stabbing pain in the heel that usually manifests itself in the early morning and vanishes later in the day. Runners, people who are severely overweight, and those who wear shoes with hard heels are all at greater risk of developing this disorder.

Learn More Today

Want to find out if foot surgery may be a good long-term option for treating these or other foot disorders? Visit Greatlakesfootankle.com online for more information or call to schedule an appointment today to get started.

Stolen minibus recovered 35 years after theft

Friday, November 6, 2009

A 1965 Volkswagen minibus that was stolen in 1974 has been recovered by customs agents in Los Angeles. The vintage minibus was in pristine condition, valued at $25,000, and was found during a routine inspection of a shipping container scheduled for departure to The Netherlands. A routine computer database search on its vehicle identification number flagged it as having been stolen from a vehicle upholstery shop in Spokane, Washington on July 12, 1974. A custom restoration business in Arizona was attempting to deliver it to overseas clients last month when authorities intercepted the vehicle.

“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

The theft appeared on the National Insurance Crime Bureau database, which is used by border authorities and contains all stolen vehicle records. Most police databases remove unsolved vehicle thefts after five years.

The California Highway Patrol does not suspect the restorer of wrongdoing, according to investigating officer Mike Maleta. Possession of the vehicle apparently changed several times. Police in Spokane have not yet located the rightful owner, whose identity has not been released to the press. Maleta hopes that a trail of registration documents and interviews will uncover the thief.

“[The restoration firm owner is] a victim himself. He was an innocent purchaser…”

The Allstate insurance company paid $2500 shortly after the theft occurred and wants to take possession of the vintage minibus. Allstate spokeswoman Megan Brunet expects that after the necessary paperwork is processed the firm will sell it at auction.

Uses Of Vehicle Body Wraps

Submitted by: Kelley Wilson

Vehicle body wraps can be used for a couple of different reasons. Some people like to use this as an alternative to getting a new paint job for their car. Instead of spending a lot of money on a custom paint job, people can get vinyl covering put on for far less money.

Vehicle body wraps are most commonly used for advertising. Large and small businesses can benefit from using this form of promoting either their company or a product. They are increasingly becoming more popular for a few reasons: cost, looks, effectiveness, and eye appeal.

The younger generation loves to customize their cars and trucks by installing different parts on them, getting bigger speakers, and changing the look of their car all together. Until recently, people would have to hire a professional to do a custom paint job on the car or truck.

A brand new custom paint job is very expensive, and not a lot of people can afford to get that done. Vehicle body wraps offer a less costly option that will get everyone s attention.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv7QLrefMdw[/youtube]

In the business world, advertising is still king. Companies need to promote the products they have and attract new customers at the same time. There are several mediums that can accomplish this goal, but they can be costly.

Buying or leasing a billboard is a great way to inform customers about sales and products. Large companies can afford to do this, but small business owners cannot. While vehicle body wraps help the big corporations, they give the smaller businesses an edge that is needed to compete with big business.

This is a small investment that can work wonders for a company. For the fraction of the cost of a billboard or other forms of advertisement, a company can potentially get just as much exposure. Newspapers, magazines, internet, radio, TV, and billboards run advertisements for a monthly cost most of the time.

This is obviously an ongoing expense that will cost a fortune in the long run. Vinyl wraps are a one-time investment and can last for several years.

It has been said that great things come in small packages, and this is true with vinyl coverings. Compared to gigantic billboards and huge banners, a car is relatively small, but studies have shown that over 90 percent of people on the road notice any images or words that are on vehicles.

With that being said, the potential exposure can equal the exposure those large signs get. Everywhere the car goes people will stop and notice the vehicle body wraps. A large company usually applies them to a fleet of company vans so that they are seen all over the city.

Whether it is to give a car a unique and totally custom look to impress friends or to advertise for a business, vinyl wraps are a great choice. They are inexpensive compared to the other options, get the attention that people desire, last several years, and are easy to install and replace.

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Old deeds threaten Buffalo, NY hotel development

Buffalo, N.Y. Hotel Proposal Controversy
Recent Developments
  • “120 year-old documents threaten development on site of Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal” — Wikinews, November 21, 2006
  • “Proposal for Buffalo, N.Y. hotel reportedly dead: parcels for sale “by owner”” — Wikinews, November 16, 2006
  • “Contract to buy properties on site of Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal extended” — Wikinews, October 2, 2006
  • “Court date “as needed” for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal” — Wikinews, August 14, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal rescheduled” — Wikinews, July 26, 2006
  • “Elmwood Village Hotel proposal in Buffalo, N.Y. withdrawn” — Wikinews, July 13, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal delayed” — Wikinews, June 2, 2006
Original Story
  • “Hotel development proposal could displace Buffalo, NY business owners” — Wikinews, February 17, 2006

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Buffalo, New York —Buffalo, New York developers have been stymied by old real estate deeds.

The prospective Elmwood Village Hotel may be scuttled and businesses now located there may be forced to move.

Frustrations over property located in an area once known as “Granger Estates” circulate around a clause in the original deeds over land divided by then-owner Erastus Granger in the early 1800’s.

According to the documents, “no business establishment of any kind whatsoever” shall ever be constructed on the property, and they shall forever be exclusively for residential use only. Also prohibited are barns, farms and stables.

Sam Savarino, CEO of Savarino Companies, the prospective hotel developer, announced that his legal research team found the restrictions on properties located between 1109 and 1121 Elmwood Avenue which also stated in part that “no businesses, hospitality establishment of anykind whatsoever” shall ever be permitted to be built on the property.

Savarino, whom is expected to contest the restrictions, said that his company could have ignored the findings, but that, “we can’t risk the future of a multimillion-dollar project on the hope they wouldn’t be discovered. Our opponents would have had a field day if they’d surfaced after the fact.”

Savarino said his attorneys and researchers are anticipated to determine “exactly what weight the restrictions carry and if there’s a way for the courts to negate them.”

Existing businesses are also jeopardized.

Hans Mobius, owner of some of the restricted properties upon which a carriage house is built, said, he wasn’t aware of any restrictions, and “never had a reason to research the deed and title documents.” He confidently added that, “the lawyers can get this taken care of.”

Other threatened businesses include Don Apparel, H.O.D. Tattoo, Forest Plaza Art Gallery and Allentown Music.

==Sources==

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.
This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.
  • Sharon Linstedt. “Restrictions in old deeds threaten hotel” — Buffalo News, November 18, 2006

“Massive” oil spill in Alaska

Monday, March 13, 2006

BBC News is reporting “up to 267,000 gallons (one million litres)” of crude oil has leaked from a pipeline in the Prudhoe Bay oilfield. Although not as large as the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, this is thought to be the largest spill on record affecting the Alaska North Slope.

The Alaska Wilderness League reports that there is “no confirmation” of the quantity of oil lost; but it points out that it is not only the oil that causes problems. The cleanup efforts will also have environmental impacts.

The Associated Press first reported this spill on 2 March.

Tips For Plumbing In Jacksonville, Fl

byadmin

You probably don’t think about your pipes very often; you flush the toilet or unplug the drain and the water just disappears. It’s the definition of “out of sight and out of mind.” However, when something goes wrong, your plumbing is just about the only thing you can think about. Luckily, pipe problems tend not to happen suddenly. They have a few warning signs. Before you call a plumber, you should troubleshoot any potential problems to make sure that they aren’t something you can solve yourself. A plumber can be very expensive, and it would be a shame to hire one when you really just needed a little elbow grease.

Clogged Tub Drain

A clogged tub drain is probably the most common problem with your pipes, especially if you live in a household with long-haired individuals. Hair and soap are two of the most common culprits. The first thing you can do is attempt to clear it with a liquid rooter such as Drano. Follow very precisely the instructions on the package. Alternately, you can invest in a snake from the local hardware store. A drain snake can be used over and over, so it’s probably the better choice. If none of that works, you should call someone who specializes in plumbing in Jacksonville, FL.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure could be the result of many different things. If it is cold outside, you might have pipes that are partially frozen. Run the water in a steady stream for a few minutes; if ice is the culprit, the moving water will melt it. If it’s not cold outside, you might have a clog somewhere from the main to your fixture. Test other fixtures. If multiple fixtures have low water pressure, you have a serious plumbing problem brewing. If it’s only the one, you might still need to call a plumber but it’s not quite as urgent of a problem.

French fashion brand Lacoste announces limited-edition logo change from crocodile to endangered animals

Saturday, March 3, 2018

On Wednesday, French sports clothing brand Lacoste announced producing a limited edition of polo shirts featuring top-ten endangered animal species as the logo, instead of the company’s usual crocodile logo, in a measure to protect those animals, partnering with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Lacoste announced partnering with IUCN at the Paris Fashion Week. Proceeds from the sale would be donated to the IUCN, online magazine Dezeen reported. The collaboration was a part of IUCN’s “Save our Species” (SOS) programme.

The endangered animals to feature on the polo shirts were: vaquita, Burmese roofed turtle, northern sportive lemur, Javan rhino, Cao-vit gibbon, kakapo, California condor, saola, Sumatran tiger, and Anegada ground iguana.

The limited edition polos were to be produced in the count of the endangered animals, meaning 30 shirts featuring the vaquita, a mammal found near the Californian Gulf, would be produced as only 30 vaquitas are believed remaining. In total, 1775 polos featuring an endangered animal as the logo would be produced.

Lacoste was founded by tennis player René Lacoste and André Gillier in 1933 and their crocodile logo was never changed until now, in the 85-year-history of the clothing brand.

The limited edition shirts were to be available in only some European countries and the United States.

Endangered animal Count Location
Vaquita 30 Gulf of California (Mexico)
Burmese roofed turtle 40 Myanmar
Northern sportive lemur 50 Northern Madagascar
Javan rhino 67 Java (Indonesia)
Cao-vit gibbon 150 China, Vietnam
Kakapo 157 New Zealand
California condor 231 United States
Saola 250 Vietnam, Laos
Sumatran tiger 350 Sumatra (Indonesia)
Anegada ground iguana 450 Anegada (British Virgin Islands)
Note: Statistics from Lacoste’s website