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Wikinews Shorts: August 8, 2009

A compilation of brief news reports for Saturday, August 8, 2009.

Contents

  • 1 Leader of Pakistan Taliban may have been killed in drone attack
  • 2 Hillary Clinton arrives in South Africa
  • 3 Anniversary of Georgian War marked by mutual accusations
  • 4 Police in the United Kingdom ordered to review policing of demonstrations
  • 5 Son of missing Japanese actress Noriko Sakai found safe
  • 6 Seven coalition troops killed within 24 hour period in Afghanistan
  • 7 Hong Kong government to begin school drug testing trials in December
  • 8 Nine killed in Belgium care home fire
  • 9 India and China resume border talks
  • 10 President Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy in critical condition at hospital

U2 tour manager, Dennis Sheehan dies in Los Angeles hotel room at 68

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Dennis Sheehan, U2’s tour manager, died in his Los Angeles hotel room on Wednesday at 68 years of age.

In their second show at the Los Angeles Forum, U2 paid tribute to their tour manager. According to The Guardian, in-between songs U2’s lead singer Bono reflected on Sheehan’s life to the audience, saying how he was family to the band. Bono said, “U2’s family — it’s a brotherhood, although there’s a lot of sisters in it too… but the extended family is very important to us and we look after each other. It takes a lot to put on a show like tonight, and last night we lost a member of our family. Dennis Sheehan was his name. He was U2’s tour manager for 33 years.”

During the show, Bono also added, “A lot of U2 songs over the years were written to fill a void, an absence, a hole in a heart left by a loved one. With the loss of Sheehan, U2 now has such a wound.”

According to Rolling Stone, Sheehan was with the Irish band U2 on their five-day Los Angeles tour. He was discovered dead in his West Hollywood hotel room and pronounced dead from a heart attack on Wednesday morning after paramedics were called at 5:30am local time. According to Billboard, the paramedics found Sheehan unresponsive before pronouncing him as dead soon after.

The band earlier on announced the death of their tour manager via their website, and in a statement, Bono said, “We’ve lost a family member, we’re still taking it in. He wasn’t just a legend in the music business, he was a legend in our band. He is irreplaceable.” Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Global Touring for Live Nation Entertainment also stated his thoughts on the loss of Sheehan: “With profound sadness we confirm that Dennis Sheehan, U2’s longstanding tour manager and dear friend to us all, has passed away overnight. Our heartfelt sympathy is with his wonderful family.”

Having been a tour manager for U2 for over 30 years, Sheehan began his career at the age of 19, and started working with the band in 1982. Sheehan also toured with Led Zeppelin in the 70s and worked with other artists such as Patti Smith, Lou Reed, and Iggy Pop. Rolling Stone quote Sheehan talking to U2 Magazine in 1984 about how special the band was: “There is something extremely special about U2… Whether it be in their social lives, which they are very particular about, or in their business life… they go for the best, and in turn the people that work for them give of their best.”

U2 are currently on their international “Innocence and Experience” tour which concludes in November.

Search-and-rescue dog that found 9/11 survivor to be cloned

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A German shepherd who recovered the last survivor of the September 11, 2001 attacks is to be cloned. His owner, James Symington, a former police officer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada entered an essay writing contest about why his dog should be cloned.

Trakr, the 15 year old German shepherd suffering from degenerative neurological disorder, was the subject of a contest-winning essay about why Trakr should be cloned that was written by Symington. Trakr and Symington received Humanitarian Service Awards from Jane Goodall for their heroics at Ground Zero. Symington is now an actor of film and television, sometimes credited as Peter James.

BioArts International sponsored the essay-writing contest. Five more dogs are to be cloned by its Best Friends Again program. While Trakr will receive free replication, the other dogs will have to participate in an auction with a starting bid of US$100,000.

BioArts is going to send the DNA of the 6 dogs to Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in Seoul, South Korea. A Sooam researcher said that the dog should be born in November.

Amusement Park

Why Hire Moving Companies Naples Has To Offer

byAlma Abell

Moving is an expensive process, and many people look to cut costs wherever they can. For some, this budget trick involves doing all of the moving by themselves. However, even when the budget for the project is low, considering the benefits of Moving Companies Naples has to offer can help to alleviate some stress, and hiring movers from asmoothmoveusa.com may even help individuals to save some money in the end.

Many are probably wondering how hiring a moving company could actually save money. Well, when people move by themselves, they have to make a number of trips back and forth. Even the largest of cars cannot contain the full contents of a house within them. Therefore, the individuals will have to drive between the houses many times. In the end, this decision can waste a lot of gas, especially if the two homes are far away from each other. Comparing the cost of gas to the cost of movers might show that the former is more expensive.

Hiring Moving Companies Naples can provide also reduces some of the tension that people often feel on moving day. Working on a project this tremendous alone is difficult, and individuals are often overwhelmed with other tasks during the day. For example, they may need to focus on caring for their children or pets, or they may wish to ensure that all of the boxes are actually getting out of the house. Pile these responsibilities onto completing the moving job alone, and a great deal of stress awaits. When people hire a moving company, they at least have professionals to take care of that portion of the day.

Furthermore, not everyone knows how to pack in a professional manner. Failure to box away items the right way could lead to damage for valuables or fragile pieces. When individuals hire a moving company, they can ask for recommendations on how to properly pack their belongings and the type of materials they should use. From the early packing stages to the time when the last box moves into the new house, moving companies have a lot to offer to clients. View website for more details.

UN summit results in pledge to mitigate food crisis

Friday, June 6, 2008

A three-day United Nations (UN) summit, bringing together leaders from 181 countries, has wrapped up with a pledge by all attending countries to address the global food shortage crisis. Key actions cited include doubling the world’s food production by 2030, providing resources for farmers in poor countries and increasing humanitarian aid in times of crisis.

Protests and violent riots have resulted in parts of the world in recent months due to increasing unaffordability, and sometimes unavailability, of food. It is estimated that 862 million people, or just over one eighth of the world’s population, are malnourished.

According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, up to US$20 billion will be required annually to avert crises in the most hard-hit areas. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has put the figure closer to US$30 billion. Pledges made just at the summit amounted to more than US$5 billion, according to the UN.

Despite the largely positively-received outcome of the summit, held in Rome, Italy, there were some who felt that the proceedings could have gone better. Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) pointed to the fact that they were not invited to partake in the discussions. Food and hunger policy adviser Magda Kropiwnicka of ActionAid commented on the strength of the final pledge: “There were no quantifiable financial commitments. Apart from the existing UN Food and Agriculture Organisation funds, no money has been given to address the key problem of boosting capacity.”

While most delegates agreed that biofuels have been one of the causes of the food crisis, no actions were agreed upon to address this hot topic. Biofuels have been increasingly in demand in recent years, meaning that many crops that would have previously been used for food are now being used as fuel.

The impact that biofuels has goes further than simply increasing the demand of food crops. As fuel prices increase, so do the costs of fertilisers, farm vehicle use and the transport of foods. All of this adds up to a large increase in the cost of food.

Some UN officials say that biofuel use has caused up to 30% of the global food price inflation of late. The United States estimates that figure to be closer to just 3%. The Globe and Mail newspaper indicates that some estimates go as high as 60%. The only consensus that could be reached on biofuels is that they provide both “challenges and opportunities”, and need to be looked into further for a conclusive analysis on their impact on food production.

Other factors increasing food prices are increased consumption of meat and dairy products in developing nations like China and India. Argentina noted that subsidies granted to farmers from the US, the European Union and other Western countries have also been a major player in the increase.

India’s moon craft reaches final lunar orbit

Friday, November 14, 2008

India’s first lunar mission, the Chandrayaan-1 (meaning ‘moon craft’ in Sanskrit), reached its destined lunar orbit on Wednesday. The satellite’s on-board engine was fired for 58 seconds.

It is now in a circular orbit 102 kilometres from the Moon.It will stay in this orbit for two years and conduct various experiments to gain a better understanding of the Moon.

According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials, the Moon Impact Probe (MIP), with an Indian flag painted on it, will be dropped late tonight.The MIP has a mass of 29 kg and it will take 20 minutes to reach the moon’s surface. On-board cameras will film the surface during descent.

Marketing

What You Need To Know About Online Continuing Education For Veterinary Professionals

byAlma Abell

One of the greatest uses of technology is in time saving and organization. If you are a vet you know that both of these factors are often in short supply in your hectic workday. However, with continuing education for veterinary professionals offered online you can still get the training that you need, stay up to date with the latest in research, and find a way to have some time to yourself and for your family.

By taking online continuing education for veterinary professionals you can choose several different options. It is important to ensure that the training is RACE-approved, which should be stated up front on the website. In most cases the top training will be AAVSB RACE approved, which covers all of states and jurisdictions that the American Association of Veterinary State Boards recognize.

Limitations for Online Continuing Education for Veterinary Professionals

Most states have very specific limitation or requirements for completing continuing education for veterinary professionals. This typically includes a combination of what is considered passive or interactive, which may also be classified as active learning.

As a general guideline passive learning will include watching videos or podcasts that have been prerecorded and where you do not have the ability to interact with the presenter. Passive learning is often limited in the number of hours that can be used towards annual CE requirements for the state.

Training Requirements

Before you take any online continuing education for veterinary professionals it is highly recommended that you confirm that the course will be accepted by your board. This is often a simple phone call or an email and you will just need to provide the training service, the name of the presentation, and the format in which it will be provided.

Some state licensing boards may pre-approve an online continuing education for veterinary staff, which then makes choosing courses a breeze. This information should be listed on the provider’s website and also on the licensing board website as well.

Many of the top providers for continuing education for veterinary professionals also have very active Facebook pages and Twitter accounts, which makes keeping up to date with live webinars, which can be counted as interactive training, simple and easy. You just log into your account and click on the presentation and in a hour or two you have practical, usable information that is going to help your patients and your practice.

Alkaline Water

Repairs To Your Sump Pump In Naperville Il

bytimothyharvard

Many people suddenly wake up to the smell of waste water in the basement and discover that they need to call a plumber for sump pump repair in Naperville IL. The stench and waste water mean that you may have to find an emergency plumber to have an entire sump pump installation done. Not many people know about the importance of the sump pump in Naperville IL, where it can be found in the home and what to do when it stops working.

Sump Pump Naperville IL Facts From An Emergency Plumber

When you’re buying a new home, the plumbing is one of the aspects that you need to take into consideration. This is quite hard because most of it is hidden behind the walls and underground, but if you do get the chance to have a real search round the house, then head to the basement to have a look at the sump pump: One of the most important plumbing parts you ever need.

* A sump pump in Naperville IL plays a vital role and is used in most homes to pump away water that has built up in the water accumulation sump pit.

* Mostly located in the basement of the home which is the lowest part of the home. The reason for this is that water, and plumping follows the basic laws of gravity.

* Water flows down, so having a sump collection pit and a sump pump in your basement is vital to the smooth running of your entire plumbing system.

* Water enters the collection pit via the natural ground water in the area, when it rains or from the basement drains funneling into the sump collection pit.

* Sump pumps are designed to get the waste water out of your home and into the city and municipal drainage system where it belongs.

What Happens When It All Goes Wrong With Your Sump Pump in Naperville IL?

Plumbing systems can be fickle, and you just never know when they’ll decide to stop working. With much of the plumbing hidden from view, the first sign that there might be a problem is when you step out of bed and into a foot of water. Having a plumber for the repair of your sump pump in Naperville IL is essential and could save you time and money.

Your plumber for repair and installation of a sump pump in Naperville IL is there to make sure that you don’t have to worry about things like your sump pump installation or any aspect of your home plumbing. As your home ages, natural wear and tear become a part of your home maintenance budget and having your sump pump checked regularly and replaced when need be, can save you the huge expense of having your basement flooded and repairs done to the foundations of your home.

Plumbers to handle the repair and installation of your sump pump Naperville are there for instant repair work and long term replacement and installation of all plumbing components. Call thegreatestplumber.com to have your sump pump checked.

Nothing honourable in honour killings, says Indian court

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

India’s Supreme Court has labelled honour killings a “slur on the nation,” and warned the death penalty will await those found guilty of the crime. The court finds “nothing honourable about honour killings.”

It is time to stamp out these barbaric, feudal practices which are a slur on the nation. This is necessary as a deterrent for such outrageous, uncivilised behaviour. All persons who are planning to perpetrate honour killings should know that gallows await them.

An independent study says each year an estimated 900 people are murdered in India for bringing dishonour to their families, usually by falling in love and marrying outside their caste or within their sub-caste. Honour killings, accepted as a cultural tradition in some parts of India, are normally punished with life imprisonment. But Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra have now called for a tougher stance, directing courts throughout India to use capital punishment in their sentencing.

“It is time to stamp out these barbaric, feudal practices which are a slur on the nation. This is necessary as a deterrent for such outrageous, uncivilised behaviour. All persons who are planning to perpetrate honour killings should know that gallows await them,” Justice Katju said.

The crack-down came yesterday, as the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal to lessen the life imprisonment of Bhagwan Dass. The man strangled his married daughter to death with wire after discovering she was in an incestuous affair.

The Supreme Court also condemned the traditional village councils who endorse these honour killings and order them to be carried out.

Oil from Gulf spill reaches major current

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

US scientists say that oil from the spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached the Loop Current, which could propel the oil towards the coast of Florida.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), limited amounts of oil have entered the current, and could reach Florida’s coast in as few as six days, although it would be highly diluted by the time it did so. Other estimates place the time before oil reaches Florida as closer to ten days.

Satellite images show oil moving south from the main slick into the current, which is a rapidly-moving body of water that flows from the Caribbean Sea towards the Atlantic Ocean. The speed of the current is predicted to disperse the oil that is picked up, which would lead to difficulties in tracking it.

NOAA qualified their warning by saying that the amount of oil in question is a small percentage of the total spilled, most of which is to the north of the current. The agency’s Scientific Support Coordinator, Charlie Henry, said that “[t]here is some light oil filling the loop current,” though he said the agency “expect[s] it to degrade before it comes close to threatening South Florida.”