70,000 General Motors employees go on strike

Monday, September 24, 2007

73,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) union members launched a nationwide strike today against General Motors (GM), the largest auto manufacturer in the United States.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said GM would need to meet pay, health care, and job security issues. Gettelfinge said, “This is nothing we wanted…No one benefits in a strike. But there comes a point where someone can push you off a cliff. That’s what happened here.”

The strike was officially launched at 11 a.m. EDT (UTC-4) today.

Negotiations were reportedly going to occur again this afternoon, but there have been no reports of any negotiating going on from either side.

80 facilities in 30 different states closed today because of the strike.

CNN reports that GM facilities in Mexico and Canada may close soon, too.

The vice president of global vehicle forecasts for CSM Worldwide, Michael Robinet, said today that dealerships in the US likely won’t feel the effects of the strike for several weeks.

A statement from GM today said, “We are disappointed in the UAW’s decision to call a national strike. The bargaining involved complex, difficult issues that affect the job security of our U.S. work force, and the long-term viability of the company. We are fully committed to working with the UAW to develop solutions together to address the competitive challenges facing General Motors. We will continue focusing our efforts on reaching an agreement as soon as possible.”

If the strike continues, UAW strike funds will supply each striker with US$200 a month and medical coverage.

Elderly man in Scotland dies after contracting H1N1 swine flu virus

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

An elderly man in Scotland has died after contacting the H1N1 virus, or swine flu. The Scottish Government made the confirmation of the information on Monday.

The victim is said to have been suffering from underlying health problems. He came from the NHS Fife area. With the death of this victim, the number of deaths that have occurred in Scotland from the virus has now reached 30.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish Health Secretary, made a statement about the incident, and encouraged eligible persons to receive antiviral vaccines. “My deepest sympathy goes to the patient’s loved ones at this sad time,” she said.

“H1N1 can be devastating in a small number of cases but fortunately the vast majority of people only suffer fairly mild symptoms and make a full recovery. However, we must all remain vigilant and I would underline the importance of maintaining hygiene standards and urgently seeking medical advice if you believe you are at greater risk of influenza complications.”

Canada to legalise marijuana to ‘make it more difficult for kids to access’

Sunday, April 16, 2017

In order to put the cannabis drug (marijuana) out of reach of minors, the Canadian federal government announced a bill to legalise cannabis for the age group of eighteen and above, on Thursday. The bill would allow adults to possess cannabis publicly, previously a criminal offence.

Canada’s health minister Jane Philpott tweeted, “Today we tabled new legislation to legalise, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis. Our goal: keep it out of the hands of youth, and profits out of the hands of criminals.” ((fr)) French language: Ajd nous avons déposé un nouveau projet de loi pour légaliser le cannabis, le réglementer de manière stricte et en restreindre l’accès. Notre objectif: garder le cannabis hors de la portée des jeunes, & les profits hors des mains des criminels. The Canadian government, via their official website, explained cannabis is available illegally, and their measures to stop it did not work. Criminal organisations are making money selling cannabis. Under-aged people can obtain the drug easily; they said, “it is easier for our kids to buy cannabis than cigarettes.”

The bill allows provinces and territories to set the age limit above eighteen. In order to prevent criminal gangs from making a profit, selling the drug needs a license permitting its sale. Adults can purchase the drug online from a licensed producer if a retail shop is not available in the province.

Adults can carry up to 30 g (slightly over an ounce) of cannabis and grow at most four cannabis plants at home, for personal use. The plants should be no taller than a metre, the bill proposed. Selling cannabis to minors would be a specific criminal offence.

The legislation requires parliamentary approval and royal assent. If passed, the bill would be under effect by July 2018, the government said. Health and safety experts and law enforcement were consulted before proposing the legislation. Except for medical purposes, possession of the drug remains illegal until the bill is passed. Regardless of the status of the bill, import and export of the drug would be illegal.

Previously when the government increased the taxes on cigarettes to discourage citizens from smoking, a black market for cigarettes developed.

Along with legalising cannabis, the bill would also permit the police officials to use tools like oral fluid drug screeners to detect if drivers are under the influence of the drug. Zero tolerance against drivers under influence of drugs is proposed. The government would also implement a public awareness campaign on the perils of driving under the influence of drugs.

The government still working on the restrictions. Lawmaker and former police chief Bill Blair said, “We do accept that more important work remains to be done.” If the bill is passed, Canada would be the second country to legalise cannabis completely. Uruguay is the first. Some countries, such as Germany, allow medical use of cannabis, but recreational use is prohibited.

Wikinews interviews John Wolfe, Democratic Party presidential challenger to Barack Obama

Sunday, May 20, 2012

U.S. Democratic Party presidential candidate John Wolfe, Jr. of Tennessee took some time to answer a few questions from Wikinews reporter William S. Saturn.

Wolfe, an attorney based out of Chattanooga, announced his intentions last year to challenge President Barack Obama in the Democratic Party presidential primaries. So far, he has appeared on the primary ballots in New Hampshire, Missouri, and Louisiana. In Louisiana, he had his strongest showing, winning 12 percent overall with over 15 percent in some congressional districts, qualifying him for Democratic National Convention delegates. However, because certain paperwork had not been filed, the party stripped Wolfe of the delegates. Wolfe says he will sue the party to receive them.

Wolfe will compete for additional delegates at the May 22 Arkansas primary and the May 29 Texas primary. He is the only challenger to Obama in Arkansas, where a May 10 Hendrix College poll of Democrats shows him with 38 percent support, just short of the 45 percent for Obama. Such an outing would top the margin of Texas prison inmate Keith Russell Judd, who finished 18 percent behind Obama with 41 percent in the West Virginia Democratic primary; the strongest showing yet against the incumbent president. Despite these prospects, the Democratic Party of Arkansas has already announced that if Wolfe wins any delegates in their primary, again, due to paperwork, the delegates will not be awarded. Wolfe will appear on the Texas ballot alongside Obama, activist Bob Ely, and historian Darcy Richardson, who ended his campaign last month.

Wolfe has previously run for U.S. Congress as the Democratic Party’s nominee. On his campaign website, he cites the influence “of the Pentagon, Wall Street, and corporations” on the Obama administration as a reason for his challenge, believing these negatively affect “loyal Americans, taxpayers and small businesses.” Wolfe calls for the usage of anti-trust laws to break up large banks, higher taxes on Wall Street, the creation of an “alternative federal reserve” to assist community banks, and the implementation of a single-payer health care system.

With Wikinews, Wolfe discusses his campaign, the presidency of Barack Obama, corporations, energy, the federal budget, immigration, and the nuclear situation in Iran among other issues.

Contents

  • 1 Campaign
  • 2 Challenging the incumbent
  • 3 Policy
  • 4 Related news
  • 5 Sources

Radio host sacked threatened freedom of speech in Hong Kong

Saturday, July 16, 2005

A Hong Kong radio host Wong Yuk Man has been sacked last week. Wong hosted a radio program which had helped him become famous by criticizing the government and the pro-Beijing political party. Commercial Radio, a private radio station and Wong’s former employee said Wong was fired because he demanded a 5-days-per-week program which the station could not deliver. However, Wong said he was fired because commercial radio station feared that the government would refuse to renew their license because of his outspoken criticism against the government. The 5 days per week program which Wong hosted had been cancelled and Wong was reallocated to host a weekly program a couple of months ago after Chen King-Hon, another outspoken radio host of commercial radio who was the most popular host at the time, was sacked and his program cancelled.

Wong and Chen, and their former co-hosts had organized 5,000 fans to join their candle night rally in Central, protesting against the alleged collusion between the commercial radio station and the government and urged for freedom of speech in Hong Kong. Donald Tsang, Hong Kong new Chief Executive, who has just replaced the unpopular Tung Chee-Hwa a month ago who had failed to finish his second term due to the alleged health problem, was criticized for restricting the freedom of speech in Hong Kong. Tsang has not yet responded to their criticism.

Performing Arts

Hematologists Global Summit 2018}

Hematologists Global Summit 2018

by

Hematologists Global Summit 2018

Greetings from the Hematologists Summit 2018

After the effective wander of Hematology Gatherings in various parts of the world, Conference Series Ltd is overpowered to report the Hematologists Global Summit 2018 will be held during July 13-14, 2018, Sydney, Australia. . And this conference is going to be arranged around the theme “An advanced approach to blue pencil the risks in hematological disorders. This includes prompt keynote presentations, Oral talks, Poster presentations, and Exhibitions. it also Invites immunologists, pathologists, hematologists, oncologists, inquires about researchers, modern experts and understudy delegates from biomedical and human services areas to be a piece of it.

Why to attend???

To look at moves in clinical and translational hematologic research, to review the bit of new precise techniques and accommodating strategies as related to the care of association of cases identified with blood conditions. Talk about new patient administration and care systems with leading personnel in the field. Conferences share loads of information to Universities, companies. It is beneficial to medical students and researchers Furthermore for professors and science laboratory technicians. Conferences additionally benefit and share information between scientists, doctors, and delegates. One company networks with a different company and that they share information with each other regarding their product at the conference. The companies return to attend conferences and show their exhibit before of eminent members and delegates present at the Conference.

Conference Highlights

Hematology and hematologists

Blood and blood disorders

Diagnosis, treatment and management of hematology

Bone marrow transplantation

Blood transfusion

Storage, processing and distribution of blood

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Advanced treatment and research in hematology

Hematology oncology

Pediatric hematology

Hematology nursing

Hematology Pharma industry

Hematology veterinary

Stem cells and disorders

Bizarre blood diseases

Entrepreneurs investment meet

Importance and Scope

Hematologists Global Summit 2018 relied upon to offer the best stage for the ability, specialists, understudies and business delegates with its efficient logical program covering each moment insight about hematology and blood sicknesses, from the fundamental causes behind blood ailments to the most recent patterns in indicative and treatment of blood illnesses. This global occasion is a push to discover a weapon against incessant clutters like blood growth, Sickle cell paleness, hemophilia, lymphoma and myeloma and to examine the part of Immunoglobulin in blood, counter acting agent and antigen responses, the red platelet and the immunological properties of blood which gives a superior knowledge about the related causes and infection portfolio.

Target crowd

Hematologists

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Hematology, Hematologists, blood, blood disorders, hematology oncology, pathology, bone marrow transplantation, blood transfusion, hematology oncology, pediatric hematology, hematology veterinary, stem cells, bizarre blood diseases, Hemolacria, anemia, sickle cell anemia, hematologic malignancies, leukemia,

Article Source:

eArticlesOnline.com}

Chilean earthquakes: in pictures

Thursday, March 18, 2010

On the Feb. 27, Chile was hit by an magnitude 8.8 earthquake; almost 500 were killed, with resulting tsunami destroying most coastal towns between Llolleo and Araucanía Region. A second earthquake last week, with its epicentre in Pichilemu, caused destruction in the Coquimbo and Bío Bío regions.

A Wikinews contributor is in the area, and we look at the extent of this natural disaster’s damage through his photographs.


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People camping in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu. They even constructed little houses, to make their stay more comfortable.Image: Diego Grez.

Church of Santa Cruz, after the February earthquake.Image: Diego Grez.

The Arturo Prat square before and after the earthquake and tsunami in Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

Boat after tsunami in Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

Military representatives in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu, after the March earthquake.Image: Diego Grez.

On-scene soldiers on a truck, in Lolol, after the March earthquake.Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed balaustrades and the ceiling of a kiosk over another balaustrades, near the beach of Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

Lolol church after the March earthquake.Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses in Lolol were declared Historic Monuments of Chile. This is one of many that are going to be demolished.Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed building Mirador by the tsunami in Pichilemu, and also by a kiosk/container.Image: Diego Grez.

Cars driving to La Cruz Hill in Pichilemu, a few hours after the disaster.Image: Diego Grez.

Chilean singer Joe Vasconcellos did a free solo tour in Chile after the Pichilemu and Maule earthquakes. Pictured during his performance in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

House in front of the Main Beach of Pichilemu after the tsunami and earthquake combo.Image: Diego Grez.

Bucalemu was severely impacted by the February tsunami and earthquake; this picture taken after the March temblor.Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses were destroyed after the earthquake in Lolol, because they were old and made with rustic materials.Image: Diego Grez.

Another destroyed house, a few meters behind the Lolol church.Image: Diego Grez.

Pichilemu highway, the day of the earthquake and tsunami.Image: Diego Grez.

Most of the balustrades aroundRoss Park, in Pichilemu, were destroyed after the 2010 Pichilemu earthquake.Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed kiosks after the tsunami in Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

Just one kiosk and some bathrooms in front of the Arturo Prat Square survived the tsunami in Pichilemu.Image: Diego Grez.

The Cahuil Bridge was severely damaged after both quakes. It is broken in half and is a serious danger to motorists.Image: Diego Grez.

Several houses were destroyed in the town of Bucalemu, almost 40 kilometers from Pichilemu. In this picture, a house located in front of the beach was later thrown in the half of the roadway.Image: Diego Grez.

Cobquecura, the epicentre of the February quake.

The building Alto Río, in Concepción, collapsed after the February earthquake.Image: Claudio Núñez.

A severely damaged building in Maipú.Image: Jorge Barrios.

Collapsed Vespucio Norte Express Highway in Santiago, after the February earthquake.

The damaged Museum of Contemporary Art, after the February earthquake.

Aftermath of the February earthquake and tsunami in San Antonio.Image: Atilio Leandro.

Damaged Autopista del Maipo, near the city of Chada.Image: Lufke.

People trying to buy gasoline, in Chillán.Image: JOjo Jose Tomas.

Fire in the University of Concepción, after the February earthquake.

Destroyed houses in the Maule Region.Image: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Fire in a plastics factory, in Ruta 5 Norte.

Chillán‘s Medialuna after the February earthquake.

House in Pelluhue after the February temblor.Image: Caritas Linares.

US President Barack Obama holds a conference call from the White House Situation Room.

President Sebastián Piñera visits ONEMI after the February quake.Image: Sebastián Piñera E..

Zones affected by the February earthquake.Image: B1mbo.

Map of Chile showing the epicenter of the February quake.

USGS shake map of the February earthquake.

USGS intensity map of the March earthquake.

USGS intensity map for the most strong aftershock of the temblor.Image: USGS.

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

Nelson Mandela charity official resigns over ‘blood diamonds’

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) trustee Jeremy Ractliffe has resigned from the charity’s board, twelve days after admitting to the possession of “blood diamonds”.

Earlier this month, supermodel Naomi Campbell testified against former Liberian president Charles Taylor when she claimed she received “very small, dirty looking stones” from two men, allegedly associated with Taylor. Campbell said she gave these diamonds to Ractliffe to “do something good with” in 1997. He gave the diamonds to police the day after Campbell’s testimony. The police confirmed the stones were diamonds.

The board of the Mandela charity said in a statement, “Mr. Ractliffe regrets his omission to inform the chairperson, chief executive officer and the rest of the board of trustees of the NMCF of his receipt of the uncut diamonds until now… [Ractliffe] acknowledges that had he done so, he and the board would have found a better and lawful way to manage the situation.”

Ractliffe took the diamonds from Campbell, fearing she might be prosecuted for removing uncut diamonds from South Africa, illegal without a license.

Ractcliffe said, “Naomi suggested they could be of some benefit to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund — but I told her I would not involve the NMCF in anything that could possibly be illegal… In the end I decided I should just keep them.”

Taylor is on trial in The Hague, The Netherlands for allegedly trading diamonds for weapons to supply the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone. Taylor faces eleven counts for international crimes including rape, sexual slavery, enlistment of children under the age of fifteen, and pillaging.

Sweden’s Crown Princess marries long-time boyfriend

Monday, June 21, 2010

Sweden’s first royal wedding since 1976 took place Saturday when Crown Princess Victoria, 32, married her long-time boyfriend and former personal trainer, Daniel Westling, 36. The ceremony took place at Stockholm Cathedral.

Over 1,200 guests, including many rulers, politicians, royals and other dignitaries from across the world, attended the wedding, which cost an estimated 20 million Swedish kronor. Victoria wore a wedding dress with five-metre long train designed by Pär Engsheden. She wore the same crown that her mother, Queen Silvia, wore on her wedding day 34 years previously, also on June 19. Victoria’s father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, walked Victoria down the aisle, which was deemed untraditional by many. In Sweden, the bride and groom usually walk down the aisle together, emphasising the country’s views on equality. Victoria met with Daniel half-way to the altar, where they exchanged brief kisses, and, to the sounds of the wedding march, made their way to the the silver altar. She was followed by ten bridesmaids. The couple both had tears in their eyes as they said their vows, and apart from fumbling when they exchanged rings, the ceremony went smoothly.

Following the ceremony, the couple headed a fast-paced procession through central Stockholm on a horse-drawn carriage, flanked by police and security. Up to 500,000 people are thought to have lined the streets. They then boarded the Vasaorden, the same royal barge Victoria’s parents used in their wedding, and traveled through Stockholm’s waters, accompanied by flyover of 18 fighter jets near the end of the procession. A wedding banquet followed in the in the Hall of State of the Royal Palace.

Controversy has surrounded the engagement and wedding between the Crown Princess and Westling, a “commoner”. Victoria met Westling as she was recovering from bulemia in 2002. He owned a chain of gymnasiums and was brought in to help bring Victoria back to full health. Westling was raised in a middle-class family in Ockelbo, in central Sweden. His father managed a social services centre, and his mother worked in a post office. When the relationship was made public, Westling was mocked as an outsider and the king was reportedly horrified at the thought of his daughter marrying a “commoner”, even though he did so when he married Silvia. Last year, Westling underwent transplant surgery for a congenital kidney disorder. The Swedish public have been assured that he will be able to have children and that his illness will not be passed on to his offspring.

Westling underwent years of training to prepare for his new role in the royal family, including lessons in etiquette, elocution, and multi-lingual small talk; and a makeover that saw his hair being cropped short, and his plain-looking glasses and clothes being replaced by designer-wear.

Upon marrying the Crown Princess, Westling took his wife’s ducal title and is granted the style “His Royal Highness”. He is now known as HRH Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland. He also has his own coat-of-arms and monogram. When Victoria assumes the throne and becomes Queen, Daniel will not become King, but assume a supportive role, similar to that of Prince Phillip, the husband of the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II.