Used Parts

Stairlifts

Stairlifts by Florian GillinghamAlthough the convenience of getting a stairlift may come out to be a somewhat pricey proposition, but the convenience surpasses it. There are numerous organizations which have been producing stairlift for dwellings and offices taking into account that a few of the staircases are straight while the others are curved. To suit your stairs, it is possible to purchase either a prepared to install stair-lift or go in for an one.Generally the stairlifts are electrical however, many are also available with a battery backup in the event of crisis or power outrages. These freedom aids are a godsend for anyone with a physical handicap, elderly, convalescing or handicapped persons who think it is difficult to climb stairs for multiple reasons. For elderly or handicapped persons, the stairlifts can also be used to take heavy bundles up or down the staircase. Among probably the most advanced designs, stair-lift has were able to help individuals live alone without shifting or moving houses. Climbing stairs won’t ever become a problem keeping in mind your own home.The technological progress have reflected in the growth of goods catering to people who have impairments and limited mobility. Stair-lifts are certainly one of these products which have given considerable availability for both outdoor and indoor stairway. Most of the stair-lifts are affordably priced while for others insurance can cover such costs.Additionally, the safety measures that are incorporated in every stairlifts are unparalleled. Considering the consumer is physically challenged with no or limited mobility, the manufacturers supply safety belt, adjustable armrests, obstacle sensors, swivel seat which can be adjusted for height which can be activated with an individual button of the hand held remote. These characteristics have lent freedom to folks with limited movements.Should you be looking to get a stair-lift for your personal use or for a family member, you can find numerous alternatives. Before you purchase one you are required to consider these points:Stairlifts are fundamentally mechanized chair or carriage that goes on a pre-defined mechanized track set up over the stairs. It’s really a blessing to those who intend living a complete life alone and can get the entire house on their very own without the help from care givers or depend upon family members. When you have been searching on the internet, you must have found many organizations offering an assortment of stairlift models but the wide range may also be confusing.To start with, you have to assess your personal requirements and budget. You must look for appropriate stairlifts based upon it. Should there is a temporary requirement, you must see should you meet the requirements for insurance or need a refurbished stair-lift.And when you check out the models and the manufacturers, you arrive at your question: What sort of a stair-lift should I get? So which would work better for you?We are going to look in to several points here which could make your selection easier for you. How is your condition or injury affecting your sense of balance, and how much maintenance are you prepared to give to your stairlift?Based in the answers, you’re going to be better able to determine whether to select an AC or a DC number of a stairlift.How stable is your residential AC power source?According to your previous experiences, have you ever found that often, out of left field, you experienced a power outage? Did that power outage last an appreciable amount of time? Are you able to think of several instances? Well, in case you live in a location where power outages are frequent and protracted, then you must lean toward a battery powered residential stair-lift. AC-POWERED chair lifts on the other hand, will get stuck wherever the outage catches them and will stay there before the power comes home. How insecure is that for you personally if you would get stuck like that?Is the condition you’ve also affecting your sense of balance? Intertial seat belt, in the flip side, functions such as the seat belt discovered in modern automobiles. The difference is in the comfort of setting the belt on. There is no tightening needed, the intertial seat belt selfadjusts. And if you believe the difference between both types of seatbelts is minimal, reconsider that thought. Any extra help in getting situated in a seat helps you to save them prized electricity and certainly will enable them to be more prepared for the ride.In that case, you absolutely desire a solid seat belt on your chair lift, you’ll need a solid swivel chair to create the entry and exit to the seat easier, and, nearly all of all, you need to go with the DC powered stair-lift. Why? Because these normally have less of a jerky movement in the start and in the very end of the trip. The manufacturers offer no explanation for why that is but it really can be tracked down just to more power within an AC engine than in a typical DC or battery powered engine. As A Result, you will less be shaken off balance, which might raise the chance of fall.Telephone jacks along with a long wired wireThen maybe you should not be using a while on the stairlift, when you have seen interference between your cell phone and also the safe operation of a stair lift. Instead, obtain a telephone jack plus a long wired wire for a hindrance-free communication from the stair lift.Stairlift seat upgradesA lot of seat upgrades are available from distinct stair lift manufacturers. So far as upholstery, you can update from fabric to leather. It is possible to replace the normal size seat with a broad seat if this fits the passenger better. Finally, most stairlifts come with manual swivel chair. Then ahead of the beginning of the next ride, it swivels back to the riding position. Nevertheless, a manual version of a swivel chair does require some stress within your own body to work. You are able to update to an electric swivel chair, to tone down the strain.Folding/Bridging platformThis is hard to clarify. At Times, you’ve got a largely straight stairs that ends in a short twist toward the top. You can save a huge number of dollars by not installing a curved stair lift. Instead, the folding / bridging stage might be supplied with an electric motor, removing the requirement to fold it down and upward manually.Tairlifts are available in two types to satisfy the two types of stairs found in homes, straight and curved. Each one of these varieties will surely cost someone tens of thousands of pounds just to buy, but there are also installment costs which may be considerably a lot more than people anticipate, in addition to any after-care services. The authorities offer grants up to a specific amount for help with purchasing any technology vital for a house or altering the residence itself, but these generally do not supply as much as is needed to afford lavish items such as stairlifts.This really is where reconditioned stairlifts have come into the mixture. All these are standard products and services that have been purchased straight back from clients or their families after they are not any longer needed. To bring them back up to full working order the firm has to check them through thoroughly to locate and fix any faults or general wear and tear that may have happened with the product. Once these checks and tests are completed as well as the company is pleased the merchandise is restored to a high level of quality, they’ll eventually offer it out to new customers to by or even to rent, at a considerably lower cost.To conclude, reconditioned stairlifts are definitely worth buying, as they provide an essential service at a low cost for individuals who can’t afford to purchase new. As then folks will be stuck with no assistive technology, it is a lot easier to possess the option to purchase pre owned stair-lifts than not to have a cheaper alternative at all.The benefits of reconditioned stairlifts are that they are exactly the same product but they’re just cheaper. To many individuals it is a huge draw because they cannot afford to buy a brand-new one, but what about the warranty? Many businesses offer a total twelve-month warranty using their reconditioned products, and will pay for any errors that want fixing in that point in time, precisely like if they bought a brand new stairlift. A very important factor to consider with your reconditioned goods however, is the fact that they are more than their new counterparts and also have been formerly used. Even though faults are fixed and any wear and tear seen to, they could still break much sooner than a new product. Taking out some aftercare to go together with the product is a wise move, as it’s still less expensive than purchasing a fresh one, but the support that everything can be repaired rapidly is there.The organization’s appliances are designed with the clients needs particularly for user who are handicapped or have mobility difficulties. Sterling stairlifts provide superb support with their perch seat for those who cannot lift their knee and can still go in a comfortable posture. The look along with the design of the unit also leaves more free passage for the seat as well as others might be fitted rather close to the wall.You will get all of the standard features like, seat-belt, remote control alternatives, power footrest, security sensors, smooth using toggle and comfortable armrests. The chair lifts run using 24v DC batteries so they can still be operating even during power failures.Acorn Stairlift and Sterling Stairlift – A comparisonBoth firm’s stair-lifts have similar characteristics such as the essential safety characteristics you’d anticipate, sleek and slim design, space-saving seats giving more passage space, and safety sensors that detect any kind of obstruction. In addition to all these features, Sterling stair-lifts offer better quality seats that are ergonomically designed There is also a great range of upholstery colors that you are able to pick for the seats depending on your home decor.An additional feature found in both Sterling and Acorn stairlifts is the digital display feature which reveals the precise status of the lift to the consumer. It offers diagnostic information of your stairlift in case there is any sort of technical failure. By having an Acorn chair-lift, there is a range of an infrared remote get a handle on and also a mechanical paddle switch which could be controlled by the consumer. Sterling offers an option of two remote controls which manages the power hinge option as well.In general, there’s very little to select between them in term of technical specifications. On The Other Hand, there’s one important factor that differentiates these brands. Whereas Sterling produce both curved and straight versions Acorn only produces straight stair-lifts.One hurdle that becomes increasingly hard even as we age to undertake is stairs. For all those in wheelchairs, there must also be considered an option to living independently and never having to go house.Stannah stair-lifts come in a variety of designs such as the Stannah 400. This stair-lift is the worlds best selling for straight staircases. Without any damage to walls, the fitted railing is slim and powerful and the stairlift is simple to make use of. Controls are accessed on either armrest by a light joy stick as well as optional push buttons. Stannah stairlifts are versatile and to locate a business which provides this range of stairlifts means you have a found a quality company.Specialists of Stair-lifts Cardiff may supply a variety of stairlifts, yet to find the right one that you might want to select a company that supply Stannah Stair-lifts. These makers only supply to those businesses who are exclusive Stannah agents. You know that you will be looking at a quality business, to find an organization that supply this brand.Stairlifts are an ideal option. They can help people that believe it is especially challenging to achieve different floors in their house. You will find specialists who supply a variety of stair lifts from makers and just provide stairlifts which can be of the highest quality and user friendly.Stair-lift specialists will have a huge range to cater for several demands. This could comprise stairlifts with fittings for some present staircases, including curved and straight. They too will pick manufacturers that offer cozy, useable and modern stairlifts.To get a consumer to help you to make prudent decisions in buying, there should be several products featured, in order to simply take your pick. Remember that there are different types of stairlifts, including rack, chain, worm, screw, pinion, and so on. The ones that use rack and pinion are the most popular but having plenty to choose from is consistently better.2nd, how informative will be the stairlift reviews? To assist you determine which ones to buy, there should be several elements existing while in the review it self. The foremost is that the assessment should contain the specifications and technical details. Individuals who know their stair-lifts will then know precisely what to look for, while people who are new will learn what these characteristics are.Stair-lift reviews must also possess some sign concerning just how much the product costs, for example, installment. Another significant variable to take into account would function as the detachment of the reviewer. Does it just pile praise on any or each and every one of these products they truly are assessing? For brand spanking new subscribers it may seem like a difficult job, trying to discern the reviews from the ones which can be perhaps not, but it really is not.You only must raise your understanding of the merchandise generally. The more you know, the more easily you’re going to be able to determine if the compliments being lavished is commensurate for the features of the unit.Finally, all good websites about stair-lift reviews really should not be restricted to only letting you know which ones to buy. There should be loads of links and articles that will aid you recognize only exactly what a stairlift is. For example, there must be tips how the device functions and what technologies are used; other significant facts that you’ll require to know would be the advantages and disadvantages of shopping for versus renting these contraptions, guides for buying, what to avoid, potential risks, security issues etc.Actually, a good, quality, brand used Stairlift not often get more problems than an extra Stairlift, particularly if it has been correctly maintained.If you loved this information and you would certainly like to get additional facts regarding stair lifts kindly browse through http://luv4fun.com/blog/view/4513/stairlifts.Article Source: eArticlesOnline.com

Google removes German BMW from search results

Monday, February 6, 2006

The search engine Google announced the removal of the official German BMW web site from its search results today. Google is reported to have removed the website due to the use of a trick to raise its website ratings in the search engine’s results.

The online version of Forbes magazine reported that the German word for used car, Gebrauchtwagen, appeared 42 times in a doorway web page created by the German car manufacturer. Doorway web pages contain many keywords designed to attract search robots. The page presented to Google’s robot for indexing was significantly different from the page presented to the site’s visitors.

According to a recent blog post by Matt Cutts, one of Google’s software engineers, this technique is “a violation of our webmaster quality guidelines.” These guidelines encourage webmasters to “avoid tricks intended to improve search engine rankings.”

BMW reacted to the measure by claiming that it had no intention of manipulating the search results, but instead used the doorway pages with the objective of “offering a better service” to those looking for used cars.

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

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBg0k4oRAlI[/youtube]

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

Oncologists

Hematopathologists

Scientists

Young Researchers

Medical Students

Physicians/Consultants/ General Practitioners

Nurses

Concerned learners

Directors/Managers

Pathologists

Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors & Administrators

Business Entrepreneurs

Hematology Pharma Companies

Medical Devices Companies

Hematology Associations/ Societies

links

https://hematology.conferenceseries.com/asiapacific/

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.