text:
New poll indicates Barack Obama's approval rating under 50%

November 18, 2009 🇺🇸A new survey released today suggests that US President Barack Obama's approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time in his presidency.

The poll, released by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, shows Obama's approval rating at 48% among registered voters, down two percent from last month.

The survey shows that support for the president's handling of the war in Afghanistan has also dropped, from 52% last month to 48% now, and also indicated that 43% approved of the president's handling of the economy, down from 47% in October.

The survey found Obama more popular among women, with 52% of those surveyed approving of the president's performance, compared to 47% among men.

It also suggests the president has wide support among blacks and Hispanics – with 89% of African Americans and 62% of Hispanics backing him; however, according to the poll 49% of whites disapprove of his job performance. According to the poll, the president's approval dropped as age and income increased.

"Although President Obama's job approval rating is below 50% for the first time nationally, it is not statistically different from his 50% approval rating in October. Nevertheless, in politics symbols matter and this is not a good symbol for the White House," said the assistant director for the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, Peter Brown.

"Increasingly, the President finds himself with two different coalitions, one that backs him on domestic matters and a completely different one that backs him on Afghanistan. That could create a challenge to his considerable political skills," he continued. "One reason the President's approval for his handling of the Afghanistan situation may be falling is the criticism he is not deciding on troop levels quickly enough."

The Quinnipiac poll was conducted among 2,518 registered voters nationwide between November 9 and November 16. It had a margin of error of plus or minus two percent.


text:
Talk:Mobile operator Orange bills French doctor €160,000 for one month of Internet use

Please note that for the purpose of making the sources verifiable, I have translated them here into English. They are sufficiently accurate as to indicate the content of the original sources. I have also not bothered with formatting for time constraint reasons.

TF1
One month of internet = €160,000

By TF1 News (via newswires), November 18, 2009

An emergency room doctor using an unlimited 3G dongle with Orange didn't believe his eyes when he received his bill. This is the third case that has come to light in a week - and it is a record.

In the space of barely a few days, it is the third grotesque situation to come to light - but this time, the bill reached a record: it was no longer a few thousand, nor even a few tens of thousands of euros, but a bill reaching almost €160,000. The price of an appartment... The holder of the record - which he would quite happily go without - is an emergency doctor living in Fontainebleau, south-west of Paris, subscribed to the internet with an unlimited 3G dongle. Six months later he is in litigation with Orange, he says.

"To begin with I thought it was a joke", says Jean Spadaro, confirming a story from l'Observateur du Valenciennois. This paper had already revealed last week a similar misadventure experienced by Eric Gernez, a resident of Petite-Forêt near to Valenciennes. "I subscribed in November 2008 to a basic internet access by 3G dongle at €30 per month" but "seeing my bills reach sums going up to €860 in April, I decided in May to subscribe to an unlimited acess by 3G dongle with Orange business at €50 per month. When I saw my bill for May, I couldn't believe my eyes: €159,212, for one month's connection, it's impossible, especially as we don't use it all of the time" adds this father of two children, aged 16 and 19. Contacted, France Télécom had not replied by the end of Tuesday evening.

Dozens of similar stories told on forums

According to the doctor, France Télécom never explained to him that the "unlimited" package only related to the time spent but not the volume used, limited to 1 Gigaoctet per month. Thus, the doctor's bills, not listed in detail, are €53 for February, €346 for March, €860 for April before leaping to more than €159,000 in May. The doctor also says, letters in hand, that he had increased the number of protest actions and had received in response "warnings with threats of seizure".

"When I started to tell them that I was going to go to the media about this affair, they sent me emails to tell me two different credits to my bill for €22,622 and €136,529. Me, I want to be reimbursed and compensated because I had to pay fees" to block the direct debit, he insisted.

Before the doctor, a head of an insurance brokerage firm in Saint-Herblain subscribed to the unlimited 3G dongle, Christophe Aupy-Fargues, had confirmed on Monday having blocked the payment of a bill for €39,500 demanded by Orange. He confirmed that the operator had promised to alert clients in case of significant overruns to their packages. Last week, Eric Gernez recounted having received a bill for €45,000 for one month's internet connection with his "unlimited" 3G card. "It was watching a story on TV that I saw that I was not alone and I decided to alert the press", said Jean Spadaro today. "I have been a client with Orange for 17 years. I don't want to attack their image, but here, enough is enough. It's a question of principles", says the doctor, who highlights that "on forums, dozens of subscribers tell similar stories".

--Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 19:46, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Le Parisien
And now a bill for nearly €160,000 for a 3G dongle

Always higher. Always heavier.

An emergency room doctor, subscribed to the internet with an unlimited 3G dongle, told AFP on Tuesday that he has been in litigation with the operator Orange for the last six months after having received a bill for €159,212, marking the third case of this type made public in a week.

The 3G dongle with its mobile, pratical and light character is taking over the "boxes" with internet users, until now used to access the network.

"To begin with I thought it was a joke", said Jean Spadaro to Agence France-Presse, confirming a story from l'Observateur du Valenciennois. This paper had already revealed last week a similar misadventure experienced by Eric Gernez, a resident of Petite-Forêt near to Valenciennes, who received a bill for €45,000 for August.

Basically, a subscription of €50 per month

"I subscribed in November 2008 to a basic internet access by 3G dongle at €30 per month" but "seeing my bills reach sums going up to €860 in April, I decided in May to subscribe to an unlimited acess by 3G dongle with Orange business at €50 per month," explained Jean Spadaro, emergency room doctor living in Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne).

"When I saw my bill for May, I couldn't believe my eyes: €159,212, for one month's connection, it's impossible, especially as we don't use it all of the time" explains this father of two children, aged 16 and 19.

An unlimited package but not for downloads

Spadaro's bills which are not listed in detail, of which AFP has a copy, are for €53 for February, €346 for March, €860 for April before brutally increasing to €159,212 for May.

According to him, France Télécom never explained to him that the "unlimited" package only applied to the time spent but not the volume used, limited to 1 Gigaoctet per month. He also says that in response to all of his attempts he received "warnings with threats of seizure. When I started to tell them that I was going to go to the media about this affair, they sent me emails to tell me two different credits to my bill for €22,622 and €136,529". The hurt client does not appear to want to leave it there. "Me, I want to be reimbursed and compensated because I had to pay fees" to block the direct debit, he insisted.

Contacted, France Télécom had not replied by the end of Tuesday evening. This is the third case of "overbilling" made public in a week. Outraged, Eric Gernez, a head of an insurance brokerage firm in Saint-Herblain (west of Nantes) also said on Monday that he had been billed €39,500 in August for his unlimited 3G dongle.

Leparisien.fr with Agence France-Presse

--Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 20:14, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

L'Observateur du Valenciennois
3G mobile phones: new astronomical bill for €159,212

The staggering bill corresponds to usage for May 2009.

The misadventure of the café owner in Petite-Forêt, which we revealed November 13, seems to be far off being isolated. It partially unblocked the situation for a doctor in Fontainebleau who owes more than €159,000 to Orange.

Updated November 18, 2009

If Eric Gernez's incredible story, revealed November 13 by l'Observateur du Valenciennois, has reached an amiable agreement, it is not the case for other people in his position. At Saint-Herblin, west of Nantes, the head of an insurance brokerage firm in subscribed to the unlimited 3G dongle, Christophe Aupy-Fargues, confirmed on Monday in Ouest France having blocked the payment of a unlimited 3G pro (1) bill for €39,500 demanded by Orange. But the most suprising case appeared on Tuesday directly to the news team at l'Observateur du Valenciennois. Jean Spadaro, a doctor in Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne), has been in litigation with the operator Orange since June 2009 for a bill of €159,212!

"Unlimited connection"

In January 2009, this 47-year-old emergency doctor who practices in Montargis (Loiret) during the week and lives in Fontainebleau at the weekend, father of two sons aged 16 and 19, subscribed to a 3G+ Orange business package for his professional and personal requirements.

To begin with he was happy with a package at €30. But very quickly, the monthly bills soared because of connections not included in the package. €346 in March, €860 in April... To remedy this problem, Jean Spadaro decided to subscribe to the unlimited offer at €62. The doctor believed himself finally safe. From May, with the term "unlimited connection" in mind, Spadaro and his two sons blithely used the 3G+ dongle to connect to the internet from their appartment in Fontainebleau, which did not have a DSL connection.

"Unlimited connection" certainly, but only for the time used. Not for the volume of downloads. The package included a quota of 1 Gigaoctet per month, which corresponded to a moderate usage (reception of emails for example). Whereas, as good internet users, the members of the Spadaro family surfed Facebook, YouTube, sent emails with attachments, received them, etc. So much expensive data. €0.17 per Megabyte. €170 per Gigabyte (2). But that, the Spadaro familly didn't know yet.

The beginning of June, a thus perfectly confident Jean Spadaro learns of his bill for May. Upon opening the envelope, he expected to read an amount neighbouring the cost of his subscription. Error. The sum is astronomical: €159,212! Enough to make an emergency doctor's head spin who nevertheless comfortably earns his living.

"I thought it was a joke"

"I thought it was a joke. Even if I had had an extremely intense internet usage, I still ask myself how it is possible to reach such a figure!" comments the concerned party who considers having been "poorly informed by Orange's customer services". He also accuses the operator of never having alerted him of the difference in his consommation.

Following this staggering bill, Jean Spadaro put aside his 3G+ dongle. "I never touched it again", he says. The following bills return to normal.

However, the Bellifontain nightmare did not end. "Since June, I've spent hours writing emails, letters or calling Orange to ask for an explanation. I've been passed from call centre to call centre, from customer services to debt collection. No one at Orange was able to give me the slightest clarification. A real wall", says the man in his forties who has never contacted a consumer association, "due to lack of time and also because I trusted the people with whom I was speaking". In addition to the time lost there are also the fees: "The following months, Orange tried to debit the sum from my account, causing rejection fees from my bank and unpaid fees from the operator. Around €35 each time".

Today Jean Spadaro has lost patience and no longer puts up with the way his operator considers his problem. "All I want is honesty and transparency", he explains, tired by six months of "battling".

Orange offered him "a credit"

When at the end of last week he stumbled upon the article on the Observateur du Valenciennois internet site concerning the case of Eric Gernez, he also threatened Orange with the press. "The result did not tardy", he continues. "A customer services representative and a debt collector immediately contacted me by email November 16. And immediately afterwards I received a credit of €136,529". A first credit having already been sent to him in June, Orange now considers the dossier as "definitively resolved". A situation which does not satisfy Jean Spadaro at all, apart from the fact that the sums do not tally, simply wishes that the bill be cancelled.

"The anniversary of my contract is set at February 21, 2010. I will cancel all of my subscriptions to Orange: 3G+ dongle, but also mobile telephone and internet", he promises. He has been a client with the operator since 1997.

Pierre Chemel

(1) A 3G+ dongle allows connection to the internet via the mobile phone network.

(2) For example, a standard digital picture is between three and around twenty Megaoctets depending on whether it is compressed or not (Jpeg, Raw...). The transfer can therefore cost up to €3.50.

--Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 21:23, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

New information published after article was written
Orange: we will work with each client Interviewed on France 2 on Wednesday, Jean-Paul Cottet, director of the business market for France, said that the problems were marginal. 4,000 professionals have opted for a package with a 3G key. It is "a 24/24 but not unlimited offer. Out of these 4,000 cases, there are 1% which are a problem" he explained, listing about thirty "absurd bills". "We will correct that", he promised. "We will work with each client".

Jean-Paul Cottet said that the general public offers better protect the client than the professional offers. Once the authorised limit of downloads reached, the service quality diminishes but there is no overbilling. Asked about the information given to clients about the conditions of billing outside of the package, Elizabeth Alvez, communications representative for the regional department for the North of France, said that "all the tarification information is available at points-of-sale and on orange.fr. This information is given as part of the dialogue between the client and the vendor. We are obliged to communicate the prices." However one must take the time to read the entire contract with the salesperson before signing.

Review of revision 913858 [Passed]
"a demand large enough to make an emergency-room doctor's head spin." Is that sourced? Otherwise, come on...that doesn't belong in a news article. Calebrw (talk) 21:04, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * From the third source "Erreur. La somme est astronomique : 159 212 euros ! De quoi donner le vertige à un médecin urgentiste qui gagne pourtant confortablement sa vie." The full translation of the article is above. --Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 21:11, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Wikinews:Water cooler/proposals/archives/2009/November

Simple English Wikinews.
It has come to my attention that i know this wikinews is good for experienced authors but what about esl people and younger kids seniors disabbled people what can they do? Proposing a simple english wikinews for those people i mentioned but it really can be for anyone who likes to write simple news. Does anyone Support this idea or Oppose of it?

 * Support I support this very much so... Seabanks (talk) 23:19, 23 October 2009 (UTC)

 * It's my understanding that no more Simple projects are being created by the WMF project approval board. Apparently, in order for a wiki to be created, it has to be in a language that has its own ISO code. Simple English is not a "real" language and doesn't have its own ISO code, so no projects in that language will be created, even if there's overwhelming support to create them. As such, a proposal to create a Simple English Wikinews will probably not go far. Also, this isn't the right place to request to make a new wiki, that should be done at Meta, not locally. Tempodivalse  [talk]  00:12, 24 October 2009 (UTC)
 * even in light of Tempo's comment, I wouldn't support the incubation of a simple WN, nor would I attempt to contribute to such. My opinion is that writing a news report within a "simple" (i.e. restricted) vocabulary would make NPOV compliance impossible. --Brian McNeil / talk 00:43, 24 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't say that it's impossible to be NPOV with a "simple" vocabulary, it's just harder - projects like Simple English Wikipedia seem to have managed to remain pretty neutral even though they have to use a limited word bank. Even if simple projects were allowed, I would still not be very enthusiastic to support, as I feel we have enough trouble gaining extra contributors and expanding our coverage without having to be distracted by another English version. Tempodivalse [talk]  01:40, 24 October 2009 (UTC)
 * They have an advantage - time. --Brian McNeil / talk 13:18, 28 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm of the opinion that simple projects are a "bad" idea in general. plus we have voted on this before (twice before i think), and the overwhelming opinion has been no. Bawolff ☺☻ 15:22, 24 October 2009 (UTC)
 * —I have never seen the point of Simple English projects, and en.wn is small enough as it is, without diverting potential editors to a different project. Den dodge  T\C 21:55, 25 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I am not totally opposed to simple projects, simple Wikipedia is useful; in the last project-wide election I was following the private discussion about the presentation of the election, the biggest problem was the voting method. As the enwp article was difficult to understand, and headaches were emerging getting it translated, I suggested a simple article on the voting method. --Brian McNeil / talk 23:11, 25 October 2009 (UTC)
 * For the love of god, this is the second time in RECENT HISTORY that this suggestion has come up. For the love of god,  -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 19:39, 26 October 2009 (UTC)
 * It's not going to be created by Meta, and secondly, there are hardly any editors who'll be interested in editing yet another Simple project. Can anyone mark this as resolved? Pmlineditor  Talk 15:52, 3 November 2009 (UTC)

-- Per above request, I hearby mark this as resolved! OTOH, life is not a vote (as if it was, life would be evil, and thats a weird weird moral system... and we can't have that ;), so feel free to continue discussing this if you really feel like it. Sufficed to say, it is rather unlikely such a project will be created. Bawolff ☺☻ 20:52, 3 November 2009 (UTC)

Liquidthreads on Comments namespace
I've encountered liquidthreads on the strategy wiki. For those of us more used to working in 'normal' MW talk pages it may take a little getting used to. However, for people from a non-wiki editing background might be happier with liquidthreads.

What do people think of getting that set on the Comments: namespace?

Are there any serious technical issues with this?

General ideas? --Brian McNeil / talk 13:06, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

 * Hm, interesting idea. While I generally don't like LiquidThreads very much, there may be an advantage to using it on comments pages (but not talk or user talk pages), as it auto-signs comments and makes automatic indents; that would be easier to use for people who aren't familiar with the mediawiki editing interface. I don't see any serious issues that might result from implementing it, so i generally . Tempodivalse [talk]  13:40, 28 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, it doesn't seem to be anywhere near ready to be turned on at a live content wiki, at least from a technical standpoint. See mw:Extension:LiquidThreads/Notes. – Juliancolton  | Talk 13:50, 28 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I strongly think using it on comments is a good idea. I also tend to agree that on a talk page, it might not be as useful. Bawolff ☺☻ 16:27, 28 October 2009 (UTC)
 * That's sort of unfortunate. I mean, liquidthreads is meant for normal talk pages. Is there something that could be improved so that it would be possible to use for talk pages here too? (at the moment there are too many bugs for it to be deployed here I think) Skalman (talk) 23:54, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm not to up on the bugs that might exist, but Wikinews' comments namespace itself is rather 'experimental'. It's an add-on to the core goals of the project and perhaps an ideal place to try this out. --Brian McNeil / talk 00:07, 31 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm game for it, it LQT at least works and doesn't crash pages, I don't see too much harm in using it. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 00:10, 31 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm not sure how many bugs there are, but I would support the eventual use of LQT on all (user) talk/comment pages, but we should test on comments pages, which are the least used of these (as well as the ones casual readers are most likely to use), first. Den dodge  T\C 08:58, 31 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't want liquidthreads on regular talk pages - I guess i just don't like the "feel" of it, it's complicates things too much. I'm much more comfortable with the regular indenting system. The reason i support it for comments pages is that it's probably easier to use for people not familiar with the mediawiki editing interface (auto-indenting, auto-signing and all that) - plus it looks more like the commentary systems other news sites have, which makes us look more professional. :-) Tempodivalse [talk]  13:40, 31 October 2009 (UTC)
 * [unindent] to respond to Skalman, my opinion is roughly the same as Tempo's for use of LQT on talk page. I don't oppose it do to any bugs, I just think that the current system is supperior (in terms of concept). Talk pages should not be a fourm, while they are a forum, but they are an unstructured forum meant to develop the article. Adding threading comment structure to them is just not a good idea imho (thats not to say that LQT is bad, on the contrary, i think its quite an amazing piece of work, just not the right tool for the job.) However comment pages are meant for discussion/arguments as oposed to constructive collaberation and thus LQT is the right tool for the right job in that context (At least imho). Bawolff ☺☻ 01:23, 1 November 2009 (UTC)

WN redirecting to Wikinews
Result

In wikipedia, if you type WP:Article, it will automatically redirect to Wikipedia:Article. That means WP is an alternative name Wikipedia namespace. It is not so in Wikinews. E.g. [ WN:WC] which redirects to Wikinews:Water cooler. The shortcut exists in article namespace and not Wikinews namespace. Suppose if we have the facility that Wikipedia has, we can create Wikinews:WC which will redirect to Wikinews:Water cooler and assume that WN:WC doesn't exist. Then also WN:WC will redirect to Wikinews:Water cooler. This will happen because WN is an alternative of Wikinews namespace and automatically all WNs will redirect to Wikinews. Please vote for the proposal below. Srin ivas  15:29, 22 October 2009 (UTC)

 * —I have wondered for a long time why this doesn't already exist here, but never bothered to bring it up. Den dodge  T\C 15:32, 22 October 2009 (UTC)
 * seems like a good idea. Tempodivalse [talk]  16:06, 22 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I didn't realize wikipedia did this. I'm all for making WN: an alias of the wikinews namespace. Bawolff ☺☻ 16:33, 22 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Yes, as being the poll starter! Srin  ivas
 * What Dendodge said Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 11:09, 23 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Useful. Adambro (talk) 17:00, 23 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Cirt (talk) 17:21, 23 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs; I don't think people need instructions on how to vote in hidden comments, and people should be encouraged to discuss proposals to ascertain if they believe they are useful and beneficial. In this case, the proposal description did not make sense to me until I saw Bawolff's remark - that it is an alias. Having installed and configured MediaWiki, that made sense to me, so this is something I . The more correct description of what people are rushing to vote for is, an assigned name (technically 'alias') for any given wiki's project namespace. "Project:" should always work, we've got "Wikinews:" set as an 'alias', or synonym, this would make "WN:" a second alternative. However, getting this done in the database will not change shortcuts like WN:WC to being in the project namespace. --Brian McNeil / talk 18:32, 23 October 2009 (UTC)
 * -- the wub "?!"  10:09, 24 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Yep. Pmlineditor  Talk 14:42, 31 October 2009 (UTC)
 * I think this is ready to be closed as successful. Could someone with experience handling file a request? Tempodivalse  [talk]  14:09, 6 November 2009 (UTC)
 * ✅ as 21428. Den dodge  T\C 14:26, 7 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Do we have details of which pages are in the main namespace and start WN: ? --Brian McNeil / talk 18:08, 21 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Special:PrefixIndex/WN: Den dodge  T\C 22:08, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

Wikinews major contributors
I had cause to fiddle with my user page some today, and I have some degree of pride in the number of articles I've done, and length of time working on the project. There are others have done far more articles that I, and most of the core contributors who do Original Reporting and similar have a fair list of contributions.

I would like to propose a user-related category structure. Yes, it serves very little towards the project's goals, but it is - to me - a better recognition than your username in the page history. All proposed categories would be hidden, but users would be able to construct DPLs on their user pages to highlight articles where they were major contributors.

 * 1) A top-level category Category:Major contributors
 * 2) User-specific categories, eg Category:Contributor Brian McNeil, Category:Contributor Jason Safoutin, Category:Contributor Jon Davis, &c.

To stress, these would be hidden and for use by contributors. It would be great for people involved in things like the London bombing article to get their name on it in a discreet way, and where they've worked elsewhere build lists of such - for example, to me it would be really good to have a list of all the South Thailand insurgency articles I worked on; I spent a lot of time on that topic. --Brian McNeil / talk 00:17, 1 November 2009 (UTC)

 * I think this a good idea. It would be easier than manually adding articles to my user subpage --RockerballAustralia (talk) 00:47, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Interesting idea. One question though, wouldn't this involve having to edit lots of archived pages just to add a category for an article one has written? For instance, i've written 300 articles. It'd take a lot of effort and time to add Category:Contributor Tempodivalse to all of them. Or are you suggesting we should only implement this for articles created in the future (i.e. don't bother adding them to archived articles)? Tempodivalse [talk]  01:17, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I might suggest a bot of some sort to add such categories to archived pages--RockerballAustralia (talk) 01:37, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Great idea! Commons has a similar system including user-specific hidden cats and it has worked quite well there. – Juliancolton  | Talk 01:19, 1 November 2009 (UTC)

Will this be opt in or opt out? Cirt (talk) 07:27, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Glad to see this wasn't shot down in flames. I've not thought about archived articles other than in a selfish manner. Most people who care enough to want the attribution have admin privs and can do this. If there's some way we can factor in use of a bot, that'd be great; it's not urgent, we can probably cope with this via editprotected until we firm up criteria a bot would work from. --Brian McNeil / talk 05:25, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Bot would be difficult, I'd think... but I'm not opposed to the idea. I was actually just thinking about this very same thing the other night.  It is kinda "unwiki" but let's be honest, everyone has a list of articles they've worked on a significant amount, on their user pages.  For me, filling my cat wont take by a few minutes, but Dragon's will be... painful. The real question though, do we do it by real name or wikiname?  Simply because some might not be AR and not want to be "outed", but still want to have a cat. -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 05:28, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I'd say opt in --RockerballAustralia (talk) 07:52, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I like the idea, but what would be the criteria for adding the category? Does a user just have to consider themselves a major contributor, or would consensus be needed? Den dodge  T\C 22:31, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Obtaining and determining consensus on hundreds of articles would be too time-consuming, I think. I'd say we should have a "3 medium-sized paragraph" limit to consider oneself a "major contributor" (the same amount as the minimum size for an article). Tempodivalse [talk]  22:49, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Makes sense to me. Den dodge  T\C 22:53, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I'd like it to be far less formal. I say we trust people to do it; after all, you can add a list to your userpage by yourself. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 22:55, 1 November 2009 (UTC)

 * BRS seems to be nuancing this in the right way. If someone comes along, writes 2-3 minimal articles, then starts slapping themselves as a 'major contributor' on everything they fix grammar/typos in, is not going to get a pleasant reception. We can't afford spending the time heavily policing this, so it's not something I'd particularly publicise. To answer other points - you choose between real name or pseudonym; the main function is internal, I know a hell of a lot of contributors real names and how they match pseudonyms, they decide how this categorisation might impact them. So, I suggest for the most part, we maintain ourselves and discuss as it progresses. Maybe later this week I'll start setting up a few test categories. I think DragonFire1024 has to be one of the up-front people to get part of the treatment (as well as doing myself) - if he agrees I'll see what I can do. --Brian McNeil / talk 23:17, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I do have to be totally up-front about one item I'm interested in seeing from this. It might upset some people, I would hope it would encourage them to work harder and to higher standards. I list a little over 100 articles on my user page where I consider myself not just a 'major contributor', but enough of one to claim a nebulous ownership over the article. I think there's at least three or four FAs in that; something I'm very, very proud of. Given that, and me planning to add a "FA's I'm a major contributor to" DPL to my userpage, does anyone change their mind or stance on this? --Brian McNeil / talk 23:25, 1 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I add the pages I feel that I have significantly created to my userpage, and being able to add a hidden category would simplify this. By significantly created, this for me means that I either wrote the article myself from scratch or that (in one instance) I worked on a duplicate article which I later merged into another. --Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 11:09, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

Proposal: Abolish the Portal: namespace
I was randomly browsing through some Wikinews pages today, and I came across Portal:New Zealand. I was quite surprised to discover that all the lead articles on the portal were way out of date - the most recent story listed was half a year old. A look through several other portal pages indicated that this was the case for many other portals. I got to thinking: the portal namespace is, for all practical purposes, an exact duplicate of the corresponding category namespace, except with a (usually out-of date) lead article and without the category lists at the bottom. IMHO, the portal does not have any additional benefits to the category: to the contrary, it's just another page that requires maintenance, and it takes a lot of effort to keep all the leads on them up to date (given that there are what, over 100 of them?). Take a look at Portal:Africa and Category:Africa. They're practically the same except for the topic boxes (which could easily be copied).

In short it seems like unnecessary effort to keep the portals around. As such, I propose to completely get rid of the namespace. Some ideas for how we could go about this:

 * 1) All portal redirects (i.e. UK, Russia, etc.) will be pointed at the corresponding category instead, possibly with the help of a bot.
 * 2) The different topic sections/boxes on portals (i.e. "Crime and law", "Politics and conflicts") can be copied to the corresponding category pages. We could have a bot do this as well, I don't think it should be terribly difficult to program.
 * 3) The "lead article" part will be completely removed, and will instead be replaced by a DPL, which would automatically keep everything up-to-date with the latest articles, instead of having to do it manually.

I understand that this might require a bit of effort, but my overall feeling is that removing the portal pages will be better for us in the long run. Thoughts? Tempodivalse [talk]  17:51, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Absolutely. I once promised (was it Shakataganai? Bawolff?) that I would bring this up myself, but never did. I didn't know the future I predicted this morning was going to be set in motion by this afternoon! Seriously, these are far too much work to maintain and are a distraction from the main newswriting process. Sprucing up the category system is a much better aproach. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 18:08, 9 November 2009 (UTC)
 * On the English Wikipedia, the portal namespace works. It uses encylopedic content, which rarely goes out of date, and is more regularly updated. On a news site, however, especially one with such a small user base (in comparison), it fails due to the excessive speed at which news stories become no longer relevant. I think we should abolish the namespace, as it can never serve any purpose here. Den dodge  T\C 18:40, 9 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Portal namespace is, and always was, a solution in need of problem imho. Historically we seemed to have some people with a rampant hatred of the alphabetical category listing (edits like this come to mind). Personally i don't see anything wrong with having both a DPL as well as the alphabetical list. Well we're at it, I strongly suggest we shoot geo-portal repeatedly. This template is used on all sorts of portals of extremely small places, that have roughly 10 articles, and then tries to split them up into different categories + a lead template, and just generally doesn't do a good job. Bawolff ☺☻ 18:54, 9 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Has any thought been given on how to handle portal:Australia. To date, it is effectivly the only portal that has actually been used as a portal, and such has all sorts of interesting subpages - ex: Portal:Australia/in depth header among others, that do not fit into the category namespace. Bawolff ☺☻ 18:54, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Bumping thread to bring it to the top of people's watchlists and ensure that it doesn't get auto-archived, this discussion seems to have stalled. We need some more input to reach a decision. Tempodivalse [talk]  00:38, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * In regards to the issue i mentioned above, here is how I think we should proceede. Declare the portal namespace deprected, redirect all the portals to their respective category pages (we can do this slowly as we see links, or we can get a bot). Leave all the portal subpages (mostly stuff for wikinews importer bot and a couple of other odd pages, such as the various Australia subpages) intact. Slowly move any link to the portal namespace thats not to a subpage, to the equivelent category page, and just not create any new pages in the portal namespace. We will also have to move some subpages of mediawiki:Common.css and mediawiki:Common.js. We will also have to figure out how to deal with portal pages that don't have a specific category associated with them (Portal:North Korea nuclear proliferation and some of the weather pages) We could probably leave them where they are. (In case of the weather portals, some of them should probably be deleted) Bawolff ☺☻ 02:58, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Agreed. In the two years I spent on Wikinews as an active contributor, they never really got much use. And for the things that are there, a good majority of them are no longer maintained. --Thunderhead 21:10, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Had Wikinews been first - instead of Wikipedia - it might have been the case that a sufficiently large contributor base could, and would, maintain Portals. Twenty or so of us can't. I will state I am to the complete deletion of the namespace, but agree fully that there is no point in the foreseeable future where it will be reliably maintained. The majority are country portals - the most embarrassing of which are those with dedicated lead articles that are years out of date. Why not replace such with a "generic" country portal template if not updated in the last week? Yes, there are the topical portals - somewhat less simple - but for, say, Crime and law a continent/region generic template could be used.
 * Kiwi and Auzzie contributors kept their respective portals going for quite a long time. Right now, that's a distraction; but, not a chance we should here and now deny to people. --Brian McNeil / talk 18:04, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * If people are willing to keep portals up to date then we should not deprive them of that. Some though are horribly out of date though (two of the top articles on the United States portals are the death of Patrick Swayze and Barack Obama being elected as President). Yes, SOFIXIT is an appropriate reply to that comment, but personally I have other priorities. --Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 10:54, 22 November 2009 (UTC)
 * In response to Alexandr and Brianmc: If the portals are merged with the category namespace, then this would not necessarily deprive users the ability to use lead articles. We could easily make an optional lead template to add to the category instead; the only difference is that one would have to edit the category namespace to do so (since the portal stuff will be merged into the category). This seems like a more effective solution than keeping it on portals and using it there instead, because, as mentioned above, they are practically identical to the corresponding category pages and so are redundant. Tempodivalse [talk]  14:31, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Wikinews private fund
We have several times floated the idea of having our own little private fund for OR, advertising etc. My understanding of what the Foundation will require from us is very limited, but assuming someone is willing to negotiate with them I'm willing to draw up the actual proposal in my userspace.

My basic idea is that the Foundation agrees to give us up to $500-1,000 per anum, on the understanding we likely won't use anything like that much but it is there for a big project. Whatever amount we agree upon is the cap for our fund. At year's end, anything we haven't spent is rolled over into next year's fund, and the Foundation tops it off back to the agreed total.

The community would have to individually approve each request for funding before it was doled out. You can either spend first and run the risk we won't pay out later, or get advanced approval. Records should be obtained of all costs (i.e. get a receipt). I'd imagine the Foundation would want them.

There is a lot to be worked out, such as axactly when and how much we should pay as a guidance, and how to deal with foreign currencies, but how does this asic proposal strike people? Bearing in mind there is plenty of oppertunity to play around with the idea if I do start it up. Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 17:08, 21 November 2009 (UTC)
 * That sounds like a good idea and would be useful. I wasn't aware that the wmf allowed projects to set up their own funds? If it's possible, though, I say do it. US$500 thereabouts seems like a reasonable sum annually. Tempodivalse [talk]  17:18, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * There is, indeed, a lot to be worked out.
 * Any "general" fund will be a potential source of contention
 * Is use, for advertising, ever going to be appropriate - and effective?
 * If for reporter expenses, what is acceptable?

 * Any proposal to the Foundation is going to get seriously looked at such that it might seem under attack. There are some important issues to consider. The third point above could be a real can of worms for the WMF; imagine Wikipedians looking for expenses to do research, imagin how a community as small as ours could be overwhelmed. This last point might not be worth any general vested interest scheming for a mere $1000/year, but arguments over use of such could be "great copy" for more mainstream media - or those such as the wiki-watchers who log IRC channels and publish logs on the web. Yes, I have found #wikinews transcripts online. --Brian McNeil / talk 17:54, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Us having money isn't a bad idea, but more importantly, how would we (the community) approve the spending? We cannot have a group vote for every item, every time.  -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 18:41, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * I actually don't see why not. It's not like we do vast amounts of stuff that might warrant it. That said, we might do much more if the money was there. Perhaps we should agree that accredited reporters are allowed to spend up to $15 travel/parking/entrance expenses per article without individual approval? Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 18:45, 21 November 2009 (UTC)
 * This is the sort of thing that concerns me; set a point like this and you have to backtrack the process of getting to WN:AR so we know everyone is working to certain standards, performing due diligence, and working within a code of ethics.
 * We've had our 'visitors' in the past who've pushed that point because it supported their goals; so I would say there is more of a priority to have that framework before we have an expenses budget. There is — for Wikinews — a probable need to seek outside guidance on drawing up - say - Journalists' code of conduct, Legitimate claims for expenses, and others. The $15 guestimate does seem reasonable, but it has to be overseen in some way; this is less-contentious if there is a clear route to being a qualifying recipient, and specific standards that must be worked to, and apparent, to continue holding that privilege. --Brian McNeil / talk 19:25, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * That sounds reasonable and, more importantly, do-able if challenging. I'm happy to mock those up if we move ahead with this. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 20:15, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * <- IMHO, I still think the vote thing needs to be considered. If I were to apply for money from Wikinews, it'd be small amounts, for say paying admissions to some event I'm covering.  Lets say we've got $1000usd a year and a pricey admission is $50.  That's 20 votes a year.  Personally, I think the votes should be left to 'crats only, allowing for comments from admins.  I'm not suggesting this because I'm a 'crat, because frankly I don't want 20 more votes a year... but that is neither here nor there. -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 21:15, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * How active are we crat-wise? If it's not too bad - and they actually do it - then I wouldn't have an issue with that. We can afford to take time about this, but something sitting around for weeks because there ain't many crats could kill the system. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 21:17, 21 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Well I know there are 3 or 4 of us that are regularly active list -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 21:24, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

A lot of talk has been on how to make this whole process accountable. How about, if there is serious concern about misuse in breach of the future proposed stuff up there, we let Arbcom decide? Arbcom would have the power to ban someone from using the fund again. We could also perhaps order people to pay stuff back if they don't want barred altogether, and lose their autoprivilage. Instead, from then on they would just be expected to absorb most travel etc. expenses. Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 21:27, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

 * I think putting any disputes/concerns through ArbCom is the best idea, as we have more arbs than active bureaucrats (six versus about four). We'd be able to reach consensus much more effectively and quickly, as BRS points out above. Tempodivalse [talk]  22:49, 21 November 2009 (UTC)
 * My raising of a code of conduct, and an "expenses policy" was what I consider a precondition to asking for money. And, that we should have advice on that. As in, some of that 'discretionary sister-project spending' drawing up these policies based on professional journalistic experience and our input. --Brian McNeil / talk 00:02, 22 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Yeah, that's what I said at the start. If we wanna go ahead I'd get to drafting stuff up. Pro help would be good though. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 00:07, 22 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Then, what would be required is a summary of the points to be covered in each, plus considerations that have to be taken in light of the all-volunteer nature of contributions. --Brian McNeil / talk 00:24, 22 November 2009 (UTC)


text:
Russia may delay launch of "Angara" rocket due to funding cuts

November 18, 2009 Russian space officials have said that the launch of the new Angara carrier rocket might be delayed for about a year due to lack of funds. Anatoly Perminov, head of the Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, made the announcement today.

"There is a serious delay in the construction of launch facilities [for Angara] due to the shortage of financing from the Defense Ministry. The problem is that this is not in our control, we are doing everything that we can on our part," Perminov said. He noted that the ministry didn't completely cut the budget, but lowered it substantially.

Launch facilities for the rocket were initially to be made ready by 2010, with the launch scheduled for the year after that. Perminov commented that the rocket itself was being constructed on schedule.

The Angara rocket, which is being constructed by the Khrunichev center, is intended to transport heavy loads of up to 24.5 metric tons into orbit, but with a low level of impact on the environment. They will be used for both military and civilian purposes, and are to be used in joint space station projects and for launching satellites into orbit.


text:
Talk:Russia may delay launch of "Angara" rocket due to funding cuts

To the reviewer
A note to whoever's going to be reviewing this, to make verifying easier: all the facts in the article can be backed by the English source, except for a small bit of Perminov's quote which RIA Novosti redacted for some reason. Tempodivalse [talk]  19:42, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


text:
British army bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan

November 18, 2009

A British soldier has been killed in a bomb explosion in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday. The soldier, who came from Braintree, in the English county of Essex, has been named as 28-year-old Corporal Loran Owen Christopher Marlton-Thomas. He was an army bomb disposal expert who was from 33 Engineer Regiment. He had joined the British Army in 1998.

Loren was clearing explosive devices in the Gerishk District of the Helmand Province in the country on Sunday when a bomb explosion seriously injured him. He died on Monday. With the death of this soldier, the total number of military personnel that have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001 has increased to 234. Nicola, the wife of the bomb disposal expert, said: "Loren was Army-barmy right back to being a Cadet. He did the job he loved and paid the ultimate price for his friends, comrades and country.  We are proud to say we knew and loved him.  A true hero in our eyes — you may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten." She married the soldier, who was nicknamed "Loz", in June 2008.

Loren's mother also spoke of her grief. "I'm devastated. I just can't take in what has happened. All his photos are around the house and I don't want to think that I won't see him again," she commented. "Loren was due home at the end of this month for two weeks and we were planning an early Christmas before he went back. He was coming out of Afghanistan for good in March."

Not long before his death, the soldier himself spoke to BBC News about his occupation. "Each time we go out, we see a broad spectrum of devices, so it can be from the rudimentary devices all the way to quite well put together component parts," said Loren. "For the lads who are doing the searching, the colour has drained from their faces quite a few times. For myself, I'm a little further back but still I'm worrying about the guys on the ground so for me it is nerve-wracking as well."

Lieutenant Colonel David Southall is the Commanding Office of 33 Engineer Regiment. He spoke of Loren: "[He] was a man of great courage and commitment, a gifted Junior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) who was truly passionate about his profession. He revelled in his Search Team Commander role, with skills honed on operations in both Northern Ireland and Iraq. 'Loz' was one of life's optimists who always led from the front; whatever the challenge, you would always find him right in the thick of it. His role, in leading teams to find Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), was undeniably amongst the toughest in Helmand province. Despite this, Loz was one of the most irrepressible and positive Junior Commanders I have met. With a smile on his face, his natural charm, confidence and soldiering skill meant men followed him instinctively. Loz made the ultimate sacrifice whilst striving to rid Afghanistan of IEDs and make the country a safer place for both our troops and the Afghan people. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nicola, and family; we share their grief. Loz will not be forgotten."


text:
Talk:Illinois tollway worker jailed for stealing fines

New category
editprotected Category:DuPage County, Illinois Benny the mascot (talk) 03:36, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
 * ✅. --Brian McNeil / talk 17:53, 12 February 2010 (UTC)


text:
Talk:Czechs and Slovaks celebrate twenty years since Velvet Revolution

Edit
editprotected Former dissident and playright: this should be "playwright". Heavy Water (talk) 03:13, 27 January 2023 (UTC)
 * ✅ --SVTCobra 13:49, 27 January 2023 (UTC)
 * editprotected
 * Also, please turn related news into a full-fledged section instead of a subsection. Heavy Water (talk) 18:37, 1 October 2023 (UTC)
 * ✅ --SVTCobra 13:04, 12 January 2024 (UTC)


text:
User:AlexandrDmitri/Articles 21-30

 * Thousands to celebrate twenty years since fall of Berlin Wall
 * Korean navies exchange fire
 * Ousted Thai PM arrives in Cambodia to take up government post
 * Two Azerbaijani bloggers jailed
 * Kosovo: voters go to the polls for the first time since independence declared from Serbia
 * Peace talks: Syria's President calls upon France to intervene whilst rejecting direct talks with Israel
 * Egypt registers first domain name in Arabic
 * Zambian "porn" journalist found not guilty
 * Amnesty International calls for police justice in Mozambique
 * Czechs and Slovaks celebrate twenty years since Velvet Revolution

title: User:AlexandrDmitri/Articles 21-30


text: Talk:European Union to train Somali security forces


text:
User talk:Skiyuh

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  22:46, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Skiyuh


text: Talk:New poll indicates Barack Obama's approval rating under 50%


text:
User:Sinus meridiani

I am currently working on a desalination plant concept in order to promote peace in the middle east and an inflatable shelter to end homelessness and provide refuge for those who have recently endured a natural or other sort of disaster.

title: User:Sinus meridiani


text: Talk:British army bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan


text:
User talk:ContentSpooling

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  02:09, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Hello,

Your recent contributions are considered to be spam and have been reverted or deleted. Should you believe that your contributions are not spam, please argue your case on your talk page, or in WN:ALERT.

Further spamming may result in your editing privileges being removed. Please contribute to Wikinews in a constructive fashion instead. Tempodivalse [talk]  02:18, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:ContentSpooling


text: Talk:Daimler acquires stake in winning team Brawn GP, changes its name to Mercedes Grand Prix


text:
User talk:Happenstance

 * If you wish to leave me a message, it would probably reach me sooner if you left it at my enwiki talk.

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  04:00, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the welcome! — what a crazy random happenstance 06:28, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Happenstance


text:
User talk:Rlray

Hello,

Your recent contributions are considered to be spam and have been reverted or deleted. Should you believe that your contributions are not spam, please argue your case on your talk page, or in WN:ALERT.

Further spamming may result in your editing privileges being removed. Please contribute to Wikinews in a constructive fashion instead. Tempodivalse [talk]  04:09, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Rlray


text:
Senator Xenophon of Australia calls for criminal investigation into Scientology

November 19, 2009

In a speech Tuesday in the Australian Senate, Senator Nick Xenophon called for a criminal investigation of Scientology. Senator Xenophon, an independent politician from South Australia, also requested that police and the Australian parliament investigate whether or not Scientology should retain its tax-exempt status within the country.

Senator Xenophon tabled letters written to him from former members of the Church of Scientology, which asserted the organization had participated in coerced abortion, abuse, embezzlement, false imprisonment, and hiding information about the deaths of its members.

"Scientology is not a religious organisation. It is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs," said Senator Xenophon in his speech to the Australian Senate. He detailed statements made in the letters he received from former Scientologists that included a father who said he was pressured by Scientology executives to cover up the deaths of his two daughters, and a man who said he had participated in mandating that pregnant female members of the organization have abortions.

"These victims of Scientology claim it is an abusive manipulative and violent organization," said the Senator. In his speech, he noted that the St. Petersburg Times newspaper of Florida reported on former executives within Scientology who had spoken out critically about the organization. These former Scientology executives said they had been subjected to physical abuse by the organization's leader, David Miscavige. They detailed attempts by the organization to manipulate staff members and perform intelligence operations intended to safeguard the organization's secrets.

In a statement, the Church of Scientology called Senator Xenophon's speech an "outrageous abuse" of parliamentary privilege. Scientology representative Virginia Stewart questioned why the former Scientologists had not contacted the organization itself, "If these people had key issues, then how come they haven’t contacted the church officially? ... I think it's a bit disingenuous that someone stands up in parliament, where they can say whatever they want."

Kevin Rudd, the prime minister of Australia, commented that Senator Xenophon brought up "grave allegations" against Scientology. The prime minister stated, "I share some of those concerns but let us proceed carefully and look carefully at the material which he has provided before we make a decision on further parliamentary action." Prime minister Rudd acknowledged, "many people in Australia have real concerns about Scientology".

Science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in 1953, and its activities have been the source of controversy in Australia for years. Until 1973, the organization was banned in Western Australia and Victoria. In 1983, a High Court ruling acknowledged its religious status.

On October 27, the Church of Scientology was convicted of organized fraud by a court in France. On October 24, it was revealed that Academy Award-winning film director Paul Haggis had left the organization after a letter he wrote to Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis was made public. Scientology is currently under investigation in Belgium.


text:
Talk:Senator Xenophon of Australia calls for criminal investigation into Scientology

Today Tonight info
Cirt (talk) 08:05, 19 November 2009 (UTC)


text: Talk:Somali pirates attack US-flagged ship, vessel evades capture


text:
User talk:Orderinchaos

Welcome
Cirt (talk) 07:47, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Occupy Perth evicted by city authorities
Unfortunately, I hit a snag during review. See review comments. --Pi zero (talk)

title: User talk:Orderinchaos


text:
User:Orderinchaos

Hi, I am 31 and based in Perth, Western Australia. My major contributions are likely to be on Australian and Western Australian politics and current events.

 * Link to Wikipedia user page

title: User:Orderinchaos


text:
Talk:UN criticises Israel's latest settlement plan, angry reaction from US and UK

The article stub says US Secretary General, not UN Secretary General.

Slightly misleading
At first glance, I thought the title meant that the US and UK were angry at the UN for the criticism, rather than adding to criticism of Israel. A minor change of wording could work, possibly "UN, US, UK ...", though that would be a bit strange --Gimmethegepgun (talk) 07:43, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I clicked on this talk page to make the exact same comment. 66.152.245.18 (talk) 14:56, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Why are the US and UK angry at the UN?
Why are the US and UK angry at the UN? This is not true.


text:
Herman Van Rompuy named as first permanent EU President

November 19, 2009Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy has been chosen as the first permanent President of the European Council, at a meeting of European Union leaders today in Brussels.

Baroness Catherine Ashton of the United Kingdom has been selected as the first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The positions are both newly created by the Lisbon Treaty.

Following a week of negotiations, Sweden's Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt was attempting to find a compromise among the leaders of the EU's 27 member states, after division over candidates had previously failed to result in a unanimous decision. Van Rompuy's selection finally took place today, and fairly quickly, over a dinner meeting among European leaders.

"I did not seek this high position, I didn't make any steps to achieve it, but from tonight I take on this task with conviction and enthusiasm," Van Rompuy said at a news conference after being chosen.

"Europe must be in every member state's advantage," he continued. "This cardinal principle leds me to a two-track approach. First of all, I will consider everyone's interests and sensitivities. Even if our unity is our strength, our diversity remains our wealth. Every country has its own history, its own culture, its own way of doing things. Our journey may be toward a common destination, but we will all bring along different luggage."

He also promised to ensure that every country in the EU will emerge victorious from any decision taken. He is to officially become the EU president on January 1 of next year.

Initially, former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair was a popular candidate for President. However, the relatively unknown Van Rompuy, apparently backed by France and Germany emerged as a compromise. Germany had denied backing Van Rompuy, despite its ambassador to Belgium saying to the De Morgen newspaper that "The German government is in favour of Prime Minister Van Rompuy, and if his candidacy fails it will not be because of Berlin."


text:
Uruguay qualify to take last spot in 2010 FIFA World Cup

November 19, 2009

Uruguay have qualified for the 2010 World Cup following a 1:1 draw with Costa Rica; Uruguay won on a 2:1 aggregate when they won 1:0 on Saturday. With the win all 32 teams have qualified for the 2010 games. On the same day Algeria, Greece, Slovenia, Portugal and France also qualified for the tournament.

Sebastian Abreu scored for Uruguay first when he headed in a goal. Walter Centeno scored for Costa Rica but a draw failed to seal a win for Costa Rica and lost the game and the chance to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. The game continued despite it being stopped after five minutes media started scuffling with the Costa Rica substitutes.

With Uruguay’s qualification they join other South American teams Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile. Two-time former winners Uruguay missed the 2006 World Cup after losing in a qualifier to Australia, who have also qualified for next year’s tournament. Next year’s World Cup will see the return of several teams to the tournament. The host South Africa are making their first appearance since 2002 along with Denmark, Nigeria, Cameroon and Slovenia. Chile last appeared in 1998, Greece in 1994 and Algeria in 1986. New Zealand and Honduras have also qualified, their last appearance was in 1982 and North Korea have not competed in the World Cup since 1966.

Other teams that have qualified include The Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Ghana, England, Spain, Côte d'Ivoire, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the United States and Switzerland. Serbia and Slovakia will be making their first appearance as a single team. Serbia has previously qualified as Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro, while Slovakia previously played as Czechoslovakia.

The tournament is due to start in South Africa on the June 11, 2010 and last for one month.


text:
Talk:Herman Van Rompuy named as first permanent EU President

 * Title: new President, or first President? --Brian McNeil / talk 12:35, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Moved to first permanent per lead para. --Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 13:55, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Not EU President
He is going to be the president of the European Council, not the EU. 194.138.39.61 (talk) 18:48, 23 November 2009 (UTC)


text:
User talk:Khera89~enwikinews

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  14:23, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Your account will be renamed
Hello,

The developer team at Wikimedia is making some changes to how accounts work, as part of our on-going efforts to provide new and better tools for our users like cross-wiki notifications. These changes will mean you have the same account name everywhere. This will let us give you new features that will help you edit and discuss better, and allow more flexible user permissions for tools. One of the side-effects of this is that user accounts will now have to be unique across all 900 Wikimedia wikis. See the announcement for more information.

Unfortunately, your account clashes with another account also called Khera89. To make sure that both of you can use all Wikimedia projects in future, we have reserved the name Khera89~enwikinews that only you will have. If you like it, you don't have to do anything. If you do not like it, you can pick out a different name.

Your account will still work as before, and you will be credited for all your edits made so far, but you will have to use the new account name when you log in.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Yours, Keegan Peterzell Community Liaison, Wikimedia Foundation 23:17, 17 March 2015 (UTC)

Renamed
 This account has been renamed as part of single-user login finalisation. If you own this account you can |log in using your previous username and password for more information. If you do not like this account's new name, you can choose your own using this form after logging in: . -- Keegan (WMF) (talk) 06:33, 21 April 2015 (UTC)

title: User talk:Khera89~enwikinews


text:
User talk:Dr simbu

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  14:24, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Dr simbu


text:
Comments:Mobile operator Orange bills French doctor €160,000 for one month of Internet use

Wow
Running 24/24 7/7 this would be 350 kilobytes per second....Some performance

—57.67.17.1 (talk) 11:39, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Deceptive? Yes
With all the fine print and misleading information, I would say that cell phone providers all over the world are deceptive in their offers. $49.99 for UNLIMITED* Internet is anything but. DWolf2k2 (talk) 03:27, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Facebook, YouTube and emails only
Of course all they did was surfing Facebook, YouTube, sending emails with attachments... We all know 16 and 19 yo people do not use Internet traffic in any other way than that... I'm not talking about illegal download (which everyone does), but do not think these people only do some "usual" everyday Internet use... --70.35.160.100 (talk) 19:43, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Bandwidth should not be charged
I think its humane not to charge people by their usage especially when you are paying more than normal package.

The network should be free and accessible for every one. Of course heavy bandwidth consuming applications should be discouraged but not blocked.--Pavi (talk) 19:47, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Trivia
Viewing this article would cost €0.03 under that plan --Gimmethegepgun (talk) 07:41, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Deceptive, unfair.
Charging people based on what they do on the Internet is just... Well.. Idiotic. I honestly cant see why you would agree to such a plan, unless they were being decpetive

Clarification
Let me see if I understand this correctly: the customer paid for unlitied TIME on an internet connection that was high-speed, but had a data cap? Looks to me like he was out-right lied to. He did not, in fact, purchace 'unlimited internet' as he thought he did; he purchased only however long it takes to download to that cap. Can you sue companies for false advertising in France? --CyberStormAlpha (talk) 08:22, 21 November 2009 (UTC)


text:
User talk:Enriquesf~enwikinews

Welcome
the wub "?!"  17:01, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Your account will be renamed
Hello,

The developer team at Wikimedia is making some changes to how accounts work, as part of our on-going efforts to provide new and better tools for our users like cross-wiki notifications. These changes will mean you have the same account name everywhere. This will let us give you new features that will help you edit and discuss better, and allow more flexible user permissions for tools. One of the side-effects of this is that user accounts will now have to be unique across all 900 Wikimedia wikis. See the announcement for more information.

Unfortunately, your account clashes with another account also called Enriquesf. To make sure that both of you can use all Wikimedia projects in future, we have reserved the name Enriquesf~enwikinews that only you will have. If you like it, you don't have to do anything. If you do not like it, you can pick out a different name.

Your account will still work as before, and you will be credited for all your edits made so far, but you will have to use the new account name when you log in.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Yours, Keegan Peterzell Community Liaison, Wikimedia Foundation 23:15, 17 March 2015 (UTC)

Renamed
 This account has been renamed as part of single-user login finalisation. If you own this account you can |log in using your previous username and password for more information. If you do not like this account's new name, you can choose your own using this form after logging in: . -- Keegan (WMF) (talk) 06:31, 21 April 2015 (UTC)

title: User talk:Enriquesf~enwikinews


text:
User talk:Pavi

Welcome
Welcome to my talk page. This is pavi.

Feel free to message me. --Pavi (talk) 18:55, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Messages
the wub "?!"  17:01, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Pavi


text:
Comments:UN criticises Israel's latest settlement plan, angry reaction from US and UK

I find it difficult to understand why these conflicts continuially require outside intervention from other countries. Our country, the United States of America, has enough turmoil going on with in to warrant our leaders full attention. Thus, I wonder what effect are we looking to gain from the intervention. Is there some reason Israel and Palestine are not able to resolve their issues to the benefit of their population, or is this another power struggle that has absolutely no benefit to the people. This continual struggle causes the hate to grow and it is not founded on anything other than _____, what? Enlighten me...
 * The occupation would end overnight should the U.S end military aid to Israel. We fund their military, use Israel as a military base for Middle East operations, and in return support the occupation militarily and diplomatically.  Does the U.S really care about settlements?  If they did they would cut short a few of the billions of dollars of aid that we give them annually making them the largest recipient of U.S aid worldwide.Soapy (talk) 20:06, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Its comforting to believe dropping US aid would end the occupation, but keep in mind Israel once attacked a US warship because they were not certain the US would support them in their war with Egypt. Israel has plans to continue on without US support, a solution is not as simple as just dropping aid concessions cant be forced they have to be negotiated. --74.46.222.97 (talk) 21:00, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * You don't negotiate with people who spit in your face and dismiss your position as irrelevant. That's why Hamas ended up elected; the Palestinians wanted someone who would fight for what they believe is right. --Brian McNeil / talk 21:32, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Honestly, the U.S dosent really care.
if they were -actually- going to so something, they would have Stoped giving them aid/weapons. It mihgt not work, but it would have at least have made the U.S Look less....Corrupt maybe? Instead, thye act like the the person who has to employ the person who pays their salaries child.


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User talk:Dendodge/Nov 09

--Brian McNeil / talk 21:56, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

My RfA
Just wanted to say thanks for participating in my RfA. I'll be sure to put the tools to good use. :) – Juliancolton  | Talk 18:59, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

You've been granted Editor status
I have promoted you to the Editor class, as I feel you can be trusted to mark revisions of articles as sighted (review). Please take a moment to read: If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask for help on my talk page, and thank you for contributing to Wikinews! Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 16:21, 30 August 2009 (UTC)
 * Flagged revisions
 * Reviewing articles
 * Peer review
 * Review
 * Reviewed article version
 * Flagged Revisions extension information, on MediaWiki

Girl found dead in truck in Northamptonshire, England
I draw your attention, as reviewer of the article, to this thread. --Pi zero (talk) 23:21, 30 August 2009 (UTC)

Reviewing
Please remember to copy/edit an article before it is published. In the case of Study shows that aspirin might do more harm than good, I was copy/editing the article and it was reviewed while I did so. Because we are monitored by Google news, it is important to make sure we make as little edits as possible after we publish the article. I say this because there were some very minor grammar and punctuation isues with the article, as well as slight, very slight, copyvio issues. So in the long run, its best to closely look at articles before reviewing. Aside from that, good job and keep up the good work :) Happy editing :) DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 20:22, 31 August 2009 (UTC)
 * Also, I just found this myself, there is a handy template to add to articles as you are reviewing them: . Please note you must remove this template PRIOR to using 'easy peer review' as I am not sure this template is set to work with the gadget. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 20:34, 31 August 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm not too happy with the state of this article either. It is very confusing whether or not there were two surveys or one. There's no mention of asprin's properties that cause it to be prescribed for heart issues, and it doesn't really provide the study's conclusions in an understandable manner. I don't see any clear point on the review that it could have been failed - except possibly style. It does a terrible job of answering the 5 W and H. --Brian McNeil / talk 22:41, 31 August 2009 (UTC)
 * I didn't think it was anywhere near perfect, but I couldn't see anything worth failing it over. I thought, "It's a wiki, someone will fix the (minor) issues". I'm sorry if I did the wrong thing—I'm still learning the exact science of reviewing. Den dodge T\C(en.wp) 23:06, 31 August 2009 (UTC)
 * An article should be in near "perfect" condition before publishing. It can be expanded after publishing, but that doesn't mean it should be faulty in any way when published. In my opinion, it is expected of the reviewer to make style changes (including spelling and links) and ensure things are categorized properly. They certainly should not "pass" without these fixes being made. If you don't have time for them, then let someone else review. Sorry for butting in. --SVTCobra 00:14, 1 September 2009 (UTC)
 * OK, I'll remember that for next time. Den dodge T\C(en.wp) 08:12, 1 September 2009 (UTC)

review needed
Can you review This article please --RockerballAustralia (talk) 09:10, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

thanks--RockerballAustralia (talk) 10:39, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Thanks
Thank you for [ this edit]. I didn't know that we had to do it. I am a new user so I don't know much about WikiNews. Srin ivas  14:42, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Dalai Lama plans to visit Arunachal Pradesh
Hello sir, thank you for reviewing the article. I have also seen your comment on the talk page, but I am sorry as I am unfamiliar with WikiNews' guidelines. I have searched throughout the Wikinews namespace and I couldn't find a help index to help new users :-(. See this: WP:HELP. I would suggest or request such a page for Wikinews too. What more, I don't know what is the style of grammar to be used on Wikinews and how to copy-edit. Could you please answer my doubts, thank you (in advance), Srin  ivas  04:18, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

Talkback
Srin ivas  11:58, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

Checking unsighted additions
I noticed you sighted this edit while I was checking it. The only problem was there were four sources for one added fact. Once I'd checked, I could take three of those sources out. --Brian McNeil / talk 22:08, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan finds water on moon
You reviewed and passed this when there was no date template on the article. That should never happen. --Brian McNeil / talk 09:06, 28 September 2009 (UTC)

Homeopathy proponents jailed for allowing daughter to die
Nice work at Homeopathy proponents jailed for allowing daughter to die. I reviewed this, and made it Lead 1. Cheers, Cirt (talk) 21:46, 30 September 2009 (UTC)

New Main Page Progress
I just posted a status update of the main page redesign progress. Since you've been heavily involved with the process so far (and things have been quiet for a few days), I wanted to give you a heads up. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 17:54, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

H3 in articles
Noticed you being 'that picky' ;-) It's in WN:ARCHIVE because that's what I formulated to standardise and get best/consistent appearance when I initially started mass-archiving; you're right, probably should be in the SG. --Brian McNeil / talk 10:29, 10 October 2009 (UTC)

Adminship
Hi Dendodge! Would you be interested if I nominated you for an administrator status? We could always do with a few more admins, and you know our policies well and are fairly active, so i think you'd do well with the extra bits. Let me know if you're interested. :-) Cheers, Tempodivalse [talk]  14:12, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
 * Nominated, see WN:RFA. Don't forget to accept! Smile.png Tempodivalse [talk]  20:31, 30 October 2009 (UTC)

You're an admin
Make your first act as admin to close your own RFA. It's a ritual passed down from long long ago. (Plus us crat's are lazy). Anyways, have fun, break a leg, ban a user... etc. -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 18:58, 7 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Congrats. By the way, I think you are the first person that Shak has tricked into closing their own RfA with the "its a tradition" line.Bawolff ☺☻ 20:24, 7 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Congrats, but I'm going to have to impound that car. It was stolen a little while back and for some time new admins haven't been getting at it. I'll leave you with this courtesy unicycle, from the Admin Damage Limitation and Dry Cleaning Squad. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 20:35, 7 November 2009 (UTC)

 * Congratulations, welcome to the admin team. :-) I found the stolen adminmobile at the car pound, but it had a little accident after the thief tried to get away in it. You're better off with the unicycle, methinks... Smile.png Tempodivalse [talk]  20:44, 7 November 2009 (UTC)

Accreditation
Hi Den,

I've closed your request for accreditation as successful. If you want an @wikinewsie.org email and access to the wiki, give Brian a shout. Good luck with reporting!   Tris   15:07, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Can you help me with the article "British Climatic Research Unit's emails hacked"?
I've not created it, but I hope you can suggest something and/or review it. (I've known you as I was involved in the Windows 7 article, and you were its publisher.) Q0k (talk) 12:59, 24 November 2009 (UTC) (See also another writing of mine. Q0k (talk) 13:06, 24 November 2009 (UTC))

 * Sorry for asking, the article has been published, now everyone will know this news, no more help needed. Q0k (page, talk, contributions) 05:45, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Dendodge/Nov 09


text:
User:Pavi

About
I am pavi. I am from India.

Interests
I like the collaborative editing features provided by wikipedia and wikinews.

title: User:Pavi


text:
Seven die from H1N1 swine flu virus; total virus victims in Wales rises to 21

November 19, 2009 Seven people in Wales have died as a result of the H1N1 swine flu virus. This increases the total number of people who have died from the virus in that country to 21. Dr. Tony Jewell, chief medical officer for Wales, had said that this was expected to happen.

He said: "The four UK Health Ministers have agreed that the second phase of the swine flu vaccination programme should focus on all children aged six months and over and under five years. Evidence shows that young children are suffering the greatest overall impact from the disease. They are particularly vulnerable to complications and more likely to become seriously ill and need hospital treatment than other groups. Sadly, this week, we have seen a further increase in swine flu-related deaths. However, we are aware that a number of these people had been seriously ill for some time. This is a tragedy for the families and friends of the individuals but unfortunately, we have been expecting to see an increase in the number of deaths. This is the same for seasonal flu in the winter."

The Welsh Assembly Government have said that they knew of somebody who was in Wales from another country dying from an illness related to swine flu. Dr. Jewell also said: "Whilst reported cases of swine flu have recently started declining, it is too early to draw any conclusions about the number of future cases."


text:
User talk:76.169.231.110

Copyright violation
Your article - ""Faded" gets green-light" - was a copy and paste from another website. Unfortunately, Wikinews can't accept that - everything you submit to our site has to be your own work, and therefore that article has been deleted. You may wish to consider working on the story and resubmitting it when it is your original work. Please don't let this put you off the site, and continue contributing! Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 19:49, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:76.169.231.110


text:
User talk:Totem

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  20:24, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Totem


text:
At least nineteen dead after suicide bomb blast in Pakistan

November 19, 2009 A suicide bomber has killed at least 19 people around a courthouse in the city of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Witnesses said that the powerful explosion occurred during rush hour. Several security personnel and lawyers are among the victims, and doctors reported that some of those injured are in a critical condition.

"One policemen [sic] has been martyred and four injured in the attack," said a senior police official, Mohammad Karim Khan.

Senior police officer Sahibzada Anis, speaking to reporters, said that the suicide bomber was on foot and detonated the device when security guards stopped him for a search at the main entrance. The blast damaged several cars parked nearby. "The attacker was on foot and blew himself when guards tried to search him at the gates of the court," he said.

Thursday's suicide attack in Peshawar took place hours after missiles fired by a suspected American drone killed at least four suspected militants and wounded five others in the North Waziristan region, on the Afghan border. The area is a known stronghold of Afghan and al-Qaeda militants.

Taliban insurgents have intensified attacks in the country — particularly in and around Peshawar — after the Pakistani army launched an offensive against militant bases in South Waziristan. Officials said that since early last month more than 300 people have died in bombings and militant raids on government, civilian, and Western targets in the country.


text:
Comments:Herman Van Rompuy named as first permanent EU President

Apparently I lost track of Belgian affairs after Leterme, and as soon as I saw this article, I bet myself this guy was in a christian democratic party. CHA-CHING! After all, there wouldn't have been anyone supporting him if he wasn't neoconservative and lacking in any opinions of his own. Anders Rasmussen also comes to mind. —70.31.39.13 (talk) 21:13, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

permanent
As for life? I don't like the sound of that.--KDP3 (talk) 19:44, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Permanent not because Rompuy will remain president for life but permanent because the presidency is no more rotated every six months between the member states
 * So there will be elections then?--KDP3 (talk) 22:55, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
 * From what i've understood Rompuy will remain president for 2 and half years. Then another president will be elected. About the method of election i don't think there is an established procedure so it will be decided during Ronpuy's term. Personally i'd prefer if the president of europe would be elected directly by the population of europe and not nominated by the commission. Problem is that the same people who say that both the commission and the the presidency are not democratic enough are also against direct elections.

I will become, the 2nd permanent president of the european union; in the year 2040.
So I can bring peace, prosperity, unity, joy and love to the world. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.177.221.228 (talk) 04:03, 7 March 2010 (UTC)


text: Talk:Uruguay qualify to take last spot in 2010 FIFA World Cup


text:
Severe flooding hits Cumbria, England

November 20, 2009

Parts of the English Lake District in the county of Cumbria have suffered severe flooding on Thursday, with forecasters predicting further rain. As of 21:09 GMT there were six severe flood warnings (the highest alert in the UK Flood Warnings system) in force in the county, with a large number of flood warnings and watches also in force across the region.

According to BBC News, the main street in the town of Cockermouth is under several feet of water, and around 200 people were being evacuated by helicopters. At least 350 homes in the Elliot Park district of Keswick are also reported to be without power.

A number of local roads are flooded (including the A6 in Kendal). The West Coast Main Line railway is also reported as subject to disruption due to flooding between Oxenholme and Carlisle. Some mainline services are terminating at either Carlisle or Preston. Local services between Carlisle and Barrow are also reported to have delays.

Some properties in Keswick, Cockermouth and Kendal had already been evacuated under pre-existing emergency plans.

Robert Runcie, the Environment Agency's director of flood and coastal risk was quoted as saying: "After persistent heavy rain combined with saturated ground and full rivers across Cumbria, the decision was taken to evacuate residents in towns and villages across the Lake District, before the onset of serious flooding."

"Since early on Thursday we have been helping emergency services coordinate community groups that are going house-to-house ensuring people were taking precautions and evacuated where necessary. These emergency plans were established following the Cumbria floods of 2005 and have worked successfully. The last thing we want is floodwater putting lives at risk."

"We urge people to take care and check the latest flooding situation and sign up to our free flood warnings service or by calling 08459 881188."

Earlier Cumbrian police had advised against non essential travel, and against fell-walking entirely. Chief Superintendent Kevin McGilloway of Cumbria Constabulary stating  "All the agencies are working together with local people to ensure they are kept as safe as possible during the severe weather which is hitting some parts of the county. We are asking people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary." He also gave some advice, "Pedestrians in areas where there are floods, such as Cockermouth, Keswick, Penrith and Kendal, are being urged not to attempt to walk through flood waters. Anyone who notices blocked drains are also being urged not to put themselves at risk by attempting to unblock them. The key message is for people who are affected by the floods to be prepared, to try and protect any properties that are liable to flooding. Look out for one another including vulnerable friends and neighbours. Anyone in affected areas should ensure they carry mobile phones, torches, waterproofs and other equipment they may need and ensure they have all essential medication with them."

In Kendal, demand for sandbags has been high. A spokesperson for South Lakeland council stated: "More than 1,000 sandbags have already been collected from our depot and we have ordered 4,000 more to meet the demand." The Mayor of Keswick praised efforts by those involved in the flood response. "It is all hands to the pump, really" he said. "The emergency services are well co-ordinated and have been fantastic."

title: Severe flooding hits Cumbria, England


text:
Central Michigan quarterback sets passing record, becomes finalist for award

November 21, 2009

Central Michigan University senior quarterback Dan LeFevour has become the all-time leader in passing yardage in Mid-American Conference history.

LeFevour broke the MAC career record by reaching a total of 12,000 yards as his team won a 35–3 victory over Ball State University Wednesday night. He surpassed the record of Byron Leftwich, who had achieved a total of 11,993 passing yards during his career at Marshall University from 1999 to 2002. LeFevour has also achieved MAC career records for passing yards, total offense (14,861 yards), completions (1,083), and attempts (1,628), and ranks third in touchdown passes (96).

LeFevour has also been named a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is awarded to the top quarterback in college football. Thaddeus Lewis from Duke University, Colt McCoy from University of Texas, Zac Robinson from Oklahoma State University, and Tim Tebow from University of Florida were also selected to be finalists from a previous list of ten candidates. The award will be given on December 11 at the Tremont Grand Meeting & Banquet Facility in Baltimore.


text: User talk:210.11.188.13

title: User talk:210.11.188.13


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Victims of London jetliner crash sue Boeing

November 20, 2009

Ten passengers on board a British Airways jet that crashed in London's Heathrow Airport are suing the manufacturer of the aircraft. Documents filed before a court in Chicago, Illinois claim that Boeing were responsible for design flaws with the fuel system.

The Boeing 777 crash-landed early in 2008 after engine power was lost on final approach, coming down short of the runway. The aircraft was severely damaged. The United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch is still investigating, but interim reports have indicated that engine components became clogged with ice developing in the fuel.

The crew of the aircraft were praised for their handling of the emergency, avoiding the perimeter fence and nearby houses. None of the 136 passengers and 16 crew were killed but some of those suffered serious injuries, including broken bones and facial injuries. Some were left unable to fly and there were cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The case, run by London firm Stewarts Law, is that Boeing are liable for the design of the engine component upon which the ice settled during the accident. "Our clients are not critical of BA and feel that the pilots performed heroically in guiding the aircraft down in exceptionally difficult circumstances," said the partner in charge of the case, Stuart Dench. "However the two interim reports from the Air Accident Investigation Branch suggest design defects in the aircraft's fuel system and in particular its limitations in the prevention of dangerous ice build-up. The passengers we represent are therefore prepared to take on Boeing in its home court in Chicago, which is undoubtedly the most appropriate jurisdiction for this case."

Boeing may seek to have the case heard in London before the High Court. If successful, the claimants are estimated by the media to be able to claim US$1 million (£600,000).


text: Talk:At least nineteen dead after suicide bomb blast in Pakistan


text: Talk:Seven die from H1N1 swine flu virus; total virus victims in Wales rises to 21


text:
User talk:212.225.97.230

Thanks!
Thank you for your productive and helpful edits on Wikinews. We really appreciate what you've done. Wikinews needs more good editors like yourself; please consider getting an account! We'd be very happy to have you. the wub "?!"  23:58, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:212.225.97.230


text:
Talk:Severe flooding hits Cumbria, England

More on the rescue in Cockermouth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8366360.stm


text:
User:Wireless Keyboard

Hi, I'm a bit new to Wikinews, but I have had approximately 8 months experience with the English Wikipedia. Hope to see you around! --Wireless Keyboard (talk) 01:25, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User:Wireless Keyboard


text:
User talk:Wireless Keyboard

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  01:29, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Wireless Keyboard


text:
User talk:120.28.84.164

Welcome
Thanks for experimenting with Wikinews. Your test worked, and has now been reverted or removed. Please use Sandbox for any other tests you want to do, since testing in articles may disrupt the site's working and will be reverted quickly. , welcome to Wikinews! Please refrain from using content pages for testing. Here are a few good links for newcomers on how to edit Wikinews:

Our key policies - if you read anything, read these! Here a few pointers to help you get to know Wikinews: There are always things to do on Wikinews: By the way, you can sign your name on Talk pages using four tildes ( ~~~~ ), which produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, you can ask them at the water cooler or to anyone on the Welcommittee, or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 02:55, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Neutral point of view - tell every side to a story in a fair and balanced way
 * Cite sources - everything in a Wikinews article must be sourced
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 * Existing articles need expanding and checking for spelling and mistakes
 * The front page lead articles often need updating
 * Developing stories need finishing and publishing
 * Discussions need your input
 * And of course, stories need writing!

title: User talk:120.28.84.164


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

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”.


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

 * Could someone change the title to Irish request replay with France

Review Changes
Could someone please review new changes. thanks Mrchris (talk) 08:25, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Could someone please review new changes. thanks Mrchris (talk) 18:07, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

What?
I'm surprised this passed review since some of the sentences aren't clear or are simply unfinished. For example:

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.

When the goal by Maradona what? Can this thought be finished? Mike Halterman (talk) 08:22, 22 November 2009 (UTC)


text: File:FIFA.svg

title: File:FIFA.svg


text:
User:FlightTime

Welcome To My User Page COMMON SENSE IS NO LONGER COMMON My Personal Opinion Since 1995
 * My Home Page

title: User:FlightTime


text: Talk:Victims of London jetliner crash sue Boeing


text:
User talk:Chasity green

Welcome
the wub "?!"  12:21, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Chasity green


text:
User talk:Vrsubramanian

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  14:41, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Vrsubramanian


text:
User talk:Mohamedahmadzaied

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  14:43, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Mohamedahmadzaied


text:
User talk:Paul-wang1

Welcome
Tempodivalse [talk]  14:43, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Paul-wang1


text:
User talk:FlightTime

Welcome To My User Page COMMON SENSE IS NO LONGER COMMON My Personal Opinion Since 1995
 * My Talk Page

Tempodivalse [talk]  14:45, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:FlightTime