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Obama expands Bush's faith-based initiatives

February 6, 2009

United States President Barack Obama announced on Thursday that he was renaming and expanding an office created by former President George W. Bush, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "No matter how much money we invest or how sensibly we design our policies, the change that Americans are looking for will not come from government alone," Obama said, while announcing the new office at the National Prayer Breakfast. "There is a force for good greater than government."

"The goal of this office will not be to favor one religious group over another — or even religious groups over secular groups," Obama elaborated. "It will simply be to work on behalf of those organizations that want to work on behalf of our communities, and to do so without blurring the line that our founders wisely drew between church and state."

Joshua DuBois, the 26-year-old Pentecostal minister who led the Obama campaign's religious outreach program, will direct the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

In an interview, DuBois said, "The President is still very much committed to clear constitutionality and legality in this program. He’s committed to nondiscrimination."

When asked if the office would work with religious groups like the Church of Scientology, DuBois said, "There’s no picking or choosing or cherry-picking of groups. That was allowed before, but it will not be the practice moving forward."

"President Obama has put the cart before the horse," said the American Civil Liberties Union's senior legislative counsel, Christopher Anders. "He is expanding the Bush administration's faith-based initiative without putting the most important safeguards in place. The President has created a more powerful office with a greater ability to shovel federal taxpayer dollars to religious groups, but civil-rights protections are being deferred for later study and decisions."


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Plane makes emergency water landing in Darwin Harbour

February 6, 2009

An Australian twin-engined carrying five passengers safely landed in the waters of 's harbour today. The pilot of the aeroplane, Steve Bolle, experienced some engine trouble shortly after departing from. Darwin is the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, situated on the Timor Sea.

It is not yet known what caused the incident.

The aircraft's flight plan took it over water, giving the pilot few opportunities to land the plane on ground. Bolle decided to land in the water, as opposed to the beach, as the firmness of the ground on the latter was not known.

The plane ditched in shallow water in the harbour, and Bolle and his five passengers were able to safely wade to shore.

The Piper Chieftain was en route to, located half a thousand kilometres east of Darwin, according to the aeroplane's owner, the Australian information technology company CSG.

"We would like to congratulate the pilot following all emergency landing and evacuation procedures and his very professional handling of the situation," CSG said in a statement.

A few weeks ago, the pilot of an Airbus passenger jet departing from in New York City also successfully ditched in water after  disabled both of the aeroplane's engines.

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


title: File:6February2009.pdf


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Comments:US Supreme Court judge Ginsburg undergoes surgery for pancreatic cancer

Hope she gets better.--KDP3 (talk) 04:23, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Pancreatic cancer, unfourtnanatly, has a dismal prognosis
Even when detected early, pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis. The current treatment is the Whipple surgery, followed by chemotherapy, and along with radiotherapy. Immunize (talk) 14:20, 15 March 2010 (UTC)

Trump wants to kill you
Do not eat anything outside grower it  tomatoes lettuce cucumbers strawberries mint  oregano thyme salt from ocean pepper make garlic do not eat chicken or their eggs. I do not drink bottle water or cook with it. Fertilize it And Britia and Fertilize again. Buy and cook at home. Only steak and vegetables that you made in your yard with dogs protecting your food. He probably had Epstein killed. I don’t trust him. I was raised in N.Y I Know how he thinks. I love ❤ you and wish you the best.


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User talk:Smurf66m

Save Hundereds on Car Insurance!!
Hello. Please do not advertise on Wikinews as you did here, such articles will be very quickly deleted. If you continue to spam Wikinews, your account may be blocked without further notice. Thank you. -- ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 05:05, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Smurf66m


text: User talk:NiteGem0102

title: User talk:NiteGem0102


text:
User talk:Captain101

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:

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User talk:Ghaly

Welcome
Welcome to Wikinews! Redvers (talk) 10:36, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Ghaly


text:
British court 'threatened' by United States

February 6, 2009 Judges in England's High Court of Justice have said that the United States threatened to withdraw anti-terrorism intelligence cooperation if they revealed part of a Guantanamo Bay detainee's case.

However, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband denied the threat had occurred, telling the House of Commons that it was usual practice for intelligence material to remain controlled by the country that collected it. He reaffirmed that the British government did not want the material released because doing so would "cause real and significant damage to the national security and international relations of this country".

Binyam Mohamed, a British resident but not a citizen, was arrested by U.S. forces in Pakistan in 2002. From there, he claims, he was moved to other locations where he was tortured on behalf of U.S. operatives (a process known as "extraordinary rendition") with the knowledge of UK intelligence agencies before being sent to the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. said he had planned a "dirty bomb" terrorist attack, but, after holding him for 4 years under the threat of the death penalty, dropped the charges.

Mohamed says that any evidence against him was based on what he said under torture and asked the High Court to force the government to reveal any documentation they held that would prove this. The judges have agreed, but have not published the material. Following the Foreign Secretary's statement to parliament, Mohamed's lawyers have written to the court to ask the judges to now publish. They say that, since Milliband has denied that the United States made the threat, the judges' decision to withhold it no longer applied. Mohamed claims to have spent 550 days being tortured for information in Morocco. He says his genitals were repeatedly cut with a razor blade to make him confess. The court case in London is part of his bid to force the UK government to release evidence it holds that he claims shows the U.S. was directly involved in the torture. A British official was also present when he was tortured, he claims.

The court case and the British government's reaction to it comes at a time when British politicians are adjusting to a new relationship with their American counterparts. The UK was a solid supporter of former President George W. Bush's "war on terror", but the British government now faces building a relationship with the new U.S. administration which was elected with plans for a different approach to the subject. The British government has repeatedly denied that it was involved in "extraordinary rendition" and evidence otherwise would be politically damaging.


text: Talk:Obama expands Bush's faith-based initiatives


text: Talk:British court 'threatened' by United States


text: Talk:Zimbabwean parliament passes unity government bill


text:
User talk:86.145.42.177

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:

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title: User talk:86.145.42.177


text:
User talk:Tell someone

Welcome
DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 14:11, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Tell someone


text:
Comments:Obama expands Bush's faith-based initiatives

That's one campaign promise. Just kinda ironic since he sign a bill that allow government funding.--KDP3 (talk) 14:51, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Can I get an Amen? "Amen!" Can I get a Hallelujah? "Hallelujah!" Can I get fifty million dollars? Er... Come back next week. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:54, 6 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Boooo! Since all religious based charities are simply used as a method of spreading the religion in question (often by passive aggressive methods, such as those used by Christians in India (going to a poor area, setting up a hospital, and saying that only Christians will be treated of deadly diseases, so the Hindus either have to convert or die), or Muslims... everywhere), I think that NO government funding should be given to such organizations. Gopher65talk 16:29, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * You know it's not true. Why would you say such a hateful thing? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.232.49.24 (talk) 04:02, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Actually, I know it is true. A simple google search will bring up hundreds of stories about this topic for you. There is a reason why small Hindu communities occasionally go crazy and massacre all the Christian missionaries in their area. It's cause the Christians are forcibly converting them. Just like Muslims do! Gotta love those two religions, huh? Gopher65talk 01:12, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Come on guys! Whatever you may think, there's a long tradition of Prayer Breakfasts in the White House and I think Obama is doing the right thing in continuing them (and going back to the original, less divisive, name). What you think about American religion and its faults re attitudes to other religions, appeals for money, etc, has little to do with this initiative. The President is showing again that he's a shrewd operator! – 87.115.130.64 19:23, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

Faith-based programs work
Now, there are some of those people who claim that such programs crack the wall that separates the church and the sate, but it is not so. These faith-based programs aren't in any way establishing a religion, or favoring one specific religion over an other. Their idea is to work, and they do work. To simply argue that somehow the separation of church is cracked from this, without reasonable--96.232.49.24 04:00, 17 February 2009 (UTC) content, isn't mature enough.


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Wikinews Shorts: February 6, 2009

Clarkson calls British Prime Minister Gordon a 'one-eyed Scottish idiot'
British television presenter and newspaper columnist Jeremy Clarkson has told journalists in Sydney, Australia, that UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is a "one-eyed Scottish idiot".

The remark caused outrage amongst Scottish Labour politicians with some calling for the BBC to sack him. Clarkson has since apologised.

Sources

U.S. gay spouses entitled to benefits, says judge
U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Reinhardt has ruled that same-sex marriages must be treated the same as straight marriages by authorities when it comes to healthcare and benefits rights. He also said that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional.

The judge was ruling in a specific administrative dispute process, so the judgment does not set a wider precedent.

Sources

Royal Bank of Scotland fires non-execs
The troubled Royal Bank of Scotland, now 68% controlled by the UK government, has fired seven non-executive directors from the pre-credit crunch era.

The bank is about to report losses of £28 billion and has been under fire for plans to pay bonuses to the trading staff who generated them.

Sources

Icelandic retailer Baugur in trouble
Baugur, the Icelandic retail giant, has failed to get bankruptcy protection from its creditors at home and has placed its British arm in administration.

The group, which owns or has stakes in a large number of British High Street famous names, is being pursued for the equivalent of £1 billion in Iceland by the recently nationalized Landsbanki.

Sources

title: Wikinews Shorts: February 6, 2009


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US swimmer Phelps suspended over 'pot pipe'

February 6, 2009

🇺🇸United States swimmer Michael Phelps has been banned from competition and his training stipend revoked for three months by USA Swimming after Phelps was photographed smoking from a glass pipe, often used for smoking cannabis. The picture was published last Sunday by British tabloid News of the World.

USA Swimming, which is the governing body of swimming in the United States, however said that no "anti-doping" rules had been violated.

"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," it stated. "Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."

The suspension will end in time for Phelps to train for the US Championships, which are to be held on the 7th of July.

Phelps has also lost sponsor Kellogg, who said that it would not renew its deal with the swimmer next month.

Phelps won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing last year, and has since become one of the world's most famous athletes.


text: Talk:Wikinews Shorts: February 6, 2009

title: Talk:Wikinews Shorts: February 6, 2009


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User talk:Jmk

Welcome
Cirt (talk) 17:56, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:Jmk


text: Talk:US swimmer Phelps suspended over 'pot pipe'


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US job cuts last month highest since 1974, unemployment rate rises

February 6, 2009

As a result of the ongoing global financial crisis of 2008–2009, American employers have cut 598,000 jobs over the past month, the most in one month since December 1974. The unemployment rate also rose approximately 0.4 percent, bringing the rate up to 7.6 percent (11.6 million people), the highest since January 1992. This is according to the United States Labor Department's monthly unemployment report released last week.

US President Barack Obama asked Congress today to support and quickly pass a $900 billion economic stimulus package that would, according to some, help create more jobs and decrease the unemployment rate. "All of us in Washington must remember that we’re here to work for the American people. And if we drag our feet and fail to act, this crisis will turn into a catastrophe," said Obama in a statement this morning.

Obama warned that the rate could grow to double digits if Congress did not act fast and pass the bill allowing the package, and stated that the report was "very troubling."

"These numbers demand action. It is time for Congress to act," he also said, "That's 3.6 million Americans who need our help," he stated, referring to the number of American workers that had been laid off since the United States officially entered economic recession in December 2007.

Factories have been hit the hardest in the past month, laying off 207,000 workers, approximately 20 percent of the month's layoffs and the most by the industry since 1982. The next highest was the construction industry, which cut an estimated 110,000 workers last month. Other hard-hit industries include the financial industries, cutting 42,000 jobs, the retail industry, which cut 46,000, and leisure and hospitality, losing 28,000 workers.

"This is a horror show we’re watching. By every measure available - loss of employment and hours, rise of unemployment, shrinkage of the employment to population rate - this recession is steeper than any recession of the last 40 years, including the harsh recession of the early 1980s," stated Lawrence Mishel, an economist and president of the Economic Policy Institute, a US-based research organization focused on the economy. Economic forecasters reported that their predictions had actually been less severe than the report stated.

The United States Congress is currently debating a $900 billion economic stimulus bill that will attempt to halt the recession, and will continue to do so until a measure has been reached.


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Category:2008-09 financial crisis

ca:Categoria:Crisi financera cs:Kategorie:Finanční krize 2008 de:Kategorie:Finanzkrise es:Categoría:Crisis financiera fr:Catégorie:Crise économique it:Categoria:Crisi dei mutui subprime pl:Kategoria:Kryzys finansowy 2008 ru:Категория:Мировой финансовый кризис (2007—2008) zh:Category:金融海嘯

title: Category:2008-09 financial crisis


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Talk:US job cuts last month highest since 1974, unemployment rate rises

Addition
editprotected Could someone please add the category Category:Bureau of Labor Statistics? Thanks. Evrik (talk) 22:54, 7 January 2010 (UTC)
 * Done. the wub "?!"  10:33, 27 January 2010 (UTC)


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Comments:US swimmer Phelps suspended over 'pot pipe'

There's so much wrong with the world - why does everyone care so much about his personal choices? I'm not a fan of recreational drugs, but there's much better things the world could be doing with its time than enforcing personal moral (is this even a moral issue?) standards on others. Bawolff ☺☻ 21:49, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

 * When your in the spotlight like he is, your a role model for a lot of kids. He should be punished because he let people down that thought they could trust at LEAST 1 celebrity to be a good influence.

 * Looks like he is just another Lance Armstrong... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.23.227.252 (talk) 23:23, 6 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Kids should be taught not to be influenced by arbitrary people. Somewhere along the line someone is going to influence them badly— There's nothing we can do to stop that no matter how hard we try. Bawolff ☺☻ 23:34, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Kellogs Boycot
It seams that a number of people are starting to boycott Kelloggs. A lot of there products are bought by cannabis enthusiasts, and if the boycott picks up any steam they might have some troubles...Zath42 (talk) 23:26, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Phelps ... way overdone.
What a shame he has to lose so much because of pot. This is yet another reason to legalize pot and stop this sham of a war on drugs.

Right...
Phelps could have denied there was anything other than tobacco in the Roor branded glass pipe. But he didn't. He could have said he sees nothing wrong with Cannabis though it's not for children. But he didn't. He took responsibility for doing something he likes, branding it a mistake and irresponsible (maybe not even his words say some commentators). He took a bullet for being too inebriated around people he couldn't trust. What if the photo consisted of him holding a shot of vodka or a glass of ale, arguably more addicting and harmful. Would a similar story even exist? Would he be punished like this? I like the above comment about children being so impressionable. Obama's admitted to smoking Cannabis (I think I've even seen photos). He's an effing world leader! I don't remember an uproar regarding that fact. Pot's normal, kids and adults will find out sooner or later. Make sure you send a strong message to Phelps though... right... 24.30.16.34 00:53, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, four years ago there was a bit of uproar when Phelps was given a DUI when he was 19. Of course, after the China Olympics he is even a bigger star. About Obama, he has gone even further than admitting to cannabis and said that he used cocaine ... then again he's not selling Kellogg's Corn Flakes. --SVTCobra 01:23, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

too much
Phelps is a 23 year old kid at SC, one of the biggest party schools in the country. He told the truth and did not deny responsibility for his actions. I believe that his punishment was much too harsh for smoking marijuana, its not a big deal. -03:10, 7 February 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.163.219.143 (talk)

 * I would certainly not classify pot as "performance enhancing" or "doping". When I smoke I have trouble "performing" salivation let alone competing in any sort of contest. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.209.106.97 (talk) 03:48, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * yeah, its not like he tried to do that while being in the olympics...i dont see marijuana as a bad thing since it just makes you feel funny but it doesnt affect your sight or balance, not like alcohol which does affect your sight and balance...not to mention that it can also kill you affecting your liver. alcohol is way more harmful than weed, and weed is natural!!! media should know what to talk about...create human awareness for real issues like poverty, intolerance, violence, enviroment...not to gossip about other peoples lives!!!--Meggogarbage (talk) 16:06, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

Ridiculous
Maybe if there was a video of Phelps smoking a J, announcing himself for the camera, and then proceeding to throw molotov cocktails at parked cars for fun, yeah, bad example. This is absurd, don't people have anything better to do with their lives than worry about what other people do in their time off? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ogriff (talk • contribs) 04:43, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

damn u america
u suck —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.107.39.168 (talk) 10:03, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

Splitting hairs as true villains roam free
The fact that this nonissue gets shoved down the public's throat rather than bayer's HIVlaced vaccines or 50% of tested high fructose corn syrup containing mercury is the true "Outrage". —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.226.25.145 (talk) 10:24, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

hell no!
Phelps should NOT have been suspended, and this picture should not have made others feel any different towards him. Phelps is a human being who, like other human beings, happened to smoke out of a bong. Whether the bong was packed with marijuana or tobacco [yes, there are people who do smoke tobacco out of bongs] is of course, non of our business! People, seriously, get a fucking life. Making this huge commotion over a picture. Phelps is 23, still very young and is at the age where some of his decisions might not be the best. Whether or not you agree, it is still his decision: because YOU disagree with smoking, doesn't mean Phelps does. And like i already said, what Phelps does is his and only his business. He was not representing the United States in any race at the time, he was just being Michael Phelps. I understand his need to apologize for the matter though, as Kellogg already dropped his sponsorship. It kind of reminds me of Kobe and his trial, where Sprite and McDonald's didn't hesitate to revoke their $$. I know not all of us have the same opinions of smoking, but it is something we all have to live with. Some people smoke, some people don't. What we should be doing is praising Phelps for winning those medals. You try winning 8 Olympic Gold Medals and not want to relax with some smoke. It is no big deal whatsoever. And if you don't want your kids looking up to a smoking swimmer, then find a "better" role model. Live and let live. Lets focus more on this economy and our politics rather than what an athlete happens to do on his SPARE time. Get over it and move on.

Some home-grown politology
As some have written before me, this paints a somber picture of our civilization. My following comment is brief and might offend you. In any case I invite you to think about it:

When a government forces a way of life or thinking on you, it is called totalitarian. When corporations (with the help of governments) force a way of life on you it is called fascist. To what degree these statements describe 'your' society is of course a matter of perception and opinion. They do apply to some degree however.

A lot, if not most people, will have knee-jerk reaction of denial and anger to above statements. But they are accurate, if simplistic definitions as may be used in scientific discourse (where things need to be accurately defined and categorized). The same reaction however appears to be absent when scores of people are penalized, criminalized and dragged through the media because of the recreational use of a substance whose harmfulness has never been convincingly proven (in contrast to alcohol or tobacco for example). I could go on and on about this. But I think I made my point. ;) --boo (talk) 02:38, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

Phelps
I believe it's a bit harsh of a sentence. What if he had been drinking? Just because alcohol is allowed in our society, it makes it ok. I believe most people smoke pot once in a while, and it's not the end of the world. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.31.44.43 (talk) 19:19, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

LET HIM PUFF
LET HIM PUFF.


text:
Microsoft Flight Simulator series grounded after layoffs

February 7, 2009

The future of Microsoft's Flight Simulator series is uncertain after the company fired all of Flight Simulator's developers this January. Microsoft still insists that it is "committed" to the series, although the ACES studio, which develops the simulator, was closed when the company shed 5000 jobs.

Nels Anderson, the founder of FlightSim.com, a MSFS enthusiast website, called it a "dark day" for the simulation market. "Microsoft have apparently cancelled a 27 year franchise. Flight sims were one of the few things about Microsoft people actually liked. It made them money and had an enormous following. To cancel something like that is an amazing thing to do," he said in an interview with the BBC.

Derek Davis, who is the editor of the PC Pilot Magazine, however, said that there could be a bright side to the news: "I don't know what the eventual fate of Microsoft's Flight Simulator series will be, but I think we're going to see a rise in sales and an increase in third-party development. There is now some stability to be had — we're all going to be using FSX for some time — and that is going to make it far easier for developers to produce new aircraft," he said. Flight Simulator X (FSX) is the current edition in the series.

The Flight Simulator series is possibly the longest-running computer game series ever, with the first version of the game released back in 1982. It is known, not only for its official releases, but also for its dedicated fan base, which has produced large amounts of third-party addons for the game.

Prior to the dissolution of the ACES studio, an eleventh version of Flight Simulator was planned for release in about a year and a half. Also in development at the studio at the time of its closure was Microsoft Train Simulator 2, which was expected to be released this year.


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Somali pirates agree to release Egyptian ship with fertiliser cargo and 28 crew

February 6, 2009 Pirates in Somalia have agreed to release the MV Blue Star, her crew of 28 and cargo of fertiliser after a ransom figure was agreed upon between the vessel's owner and the pirates.

The Blue Star was captured on January 1 near Bab al-Mandabm whilst transporting 6,000 tonnes of urea for use as fertiliser. The ship is Egyptian-owned with an Egyptian crew, and sails under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Details of the release deal are unclear. The International Herald Tribune quotes owner Abdel Rahman Awwa as saying that he expected a release "within hours", while the Melbourne Herald Sun named him as Abderrahman el-Awwa and quoted him as saying he did not expect the vessel to be freed "before four days." The Herald Tribune attributes their story to Reuters, while the Herald Sun cites the Agence France-Presse as the author of their article.

IHT also says that the ransom figure is unknown, but reports that sources within the company that owns the Blue Star as giving a figure over US$3 million. The Herald Sun again disagrees, saying Awwa told reporters that "We have reached an agreement [with the pirates] for a million dollar ransom." The Sun cites Awwa as giving the reason for delays as waiting for the pirates to select a secure location to receive their money.

The Egyptian crew also expect to be released soon, according to contact with their families. Engineer Ibrahim Otman reported improved treatment received from his captors, including increased food and permission to walk on the ship's deck.


text:
Comments:US job cuts last month highest since 1974, unemployment rate rises

Don't Listen to Obama! It will be better if we do nothing because the national debt will not be raised. ZV1998 (talk) 22:54, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

 * National debt does not work the same as personal debt. National debt is what is borrowed against future economic growth. Shutting down the economy and not spending money on what improves the state of the economy and its future growth would just make it worse. 72.154.53.169 00:46, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Because the government can spend money better than 280 million individual actors, huh? Fephisto (talk) 00:31, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Actually, yes. Yes government oversight and control is a more powerful force than 280 million people buying bread. That is because government spending is often directed toward fundamental research and development projects that do not show short term profits but bring massive long term benefits. Things like the Hoover dam, the TVA electrification, the interstate highway system, and eventually internet connectivity as e-commerce activities continue to replace less efficient traditional ways of working. Individual spending would not have accomplished any of the historical benefits and can not accomplish the future requirements in the time needed. 72.154.53.169 21:25, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
 * You're assuming that people want all the things you've listed more than the money taken from them to purchase for the things you've listed. Which if that were the case, they would've gotten together to make such things anyways.  Put in other words, value is subjective, not objective, which precludes the argument that governments can make the necessary argument to determine whether those things you've listed are indeed more valuable than their individual preferences.  Fephisto (talk) 14:35, 2 May 2009 (UTC)


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Wikinews:Dynamic quiz/quiz/2009/06

Welcome to the Wikinews World News Quiz, giving you a chance to test your knowledge on this week's news.

Last Updated: February 6, 2009

title: Wikinews:Dynamic quiz/quiz/2009/06


text: Talk:Somali pirates agree to release Egyptian ship with fertiliser cargo and 28 crew


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Comments:Ukrainian ship MV Faina with cargo of tanks freed by pirates

ARRRRRRRRRRR

 * Talk Like A Pirate Day is September 19. --SVTCobra 23:15, 6 February 2009 (UTC)


text: Talk:Plane makes emergency water landing in Darwin Harbour


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Comments:Plane makes emergency water landing in Darwin Harbour

Water landings are all the rage these days. --SVTCobra 23:17, 6 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Someone should tell these guys you're only supposed to do that with seaplanes. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:49, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Sully II
I believe there is still more Sully in the world. Congrats Sully II —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kazmierczak (talk • contribs) 07:59, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

the miracle on the Darwin!--KDP3 (talk) 02:55, 8 February 2009 (UTC)


text: Talk:Queensland state Green party to run environmental lawyer in treasurer's electorate


text:
Talk:Microsoft Flight Simulator series grounded after layoffs

"The Flight Simulator series is possibly the longest-running computer game series ever, with the first version of the game released back in 1982." Nethack (still being actively developed) is a descendant (according to 'pedia) of Rouge which was published in 1980. Would that not be a longer running series (Although perhaps that doesn't really constitute a series). Just a thought. Bawolff ☺☻ 23:26, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Sources and copyrights
The article seems to have been written entirely from the BBC article. The other two, much older, sources seem to have been thrown in there for "good measure". The only other current source I could find was posted on something called redorbit, but it was a copy-paste job of the BBC source. I am a bit concerned that it infringes on BBC's rights as even the opening paragraph is only, ever-so-slightly reworded from BBC's. Also, there are no attempts to attribute what appear to be excerpts from BBC exclusive interviews. Cheers, --SVTCobra 00:28, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Oops. Okay, I rephrased the first paragraph somewhat, attributed the BBC interview, and moved around some text; is it OK now? ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 00:34, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * I have to call it a night ... I cannot review this now. However, I wish there was more than one current source. The others are both over two weeks old. Cheers, --SVTCobra 02:54, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * All right, I added a more recent February 3 source, that's the most current I could find. Hope that helps. ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 04:11, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

[sic]
I don't think there's any need to have the [sic] in the quote after "Microsoft have..." - it's a quote from the BBC article, and British English routinely treats corporate bodies, sports teams, etc, as plural entities. -- Arwel (talk) 14:08, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * I agree, and have removed it. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:34, 7 February 2009 (UTC)


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UN halts aid to Gaza after tons of food aid is seized

February 7, 2009 The United Nations has halted aid shipments to the Gaza Strip after Hamas' Ministry of Social Affairs confiscated ten truck loads of flour and rice on Thursday. This is the second seizure of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) aid by the ministry, which polices the Gaza Strip for Hamas. On Tuesday, UNRWA said that blankets and food were seized at gun-point from a distribution center. Hamas has acknowledged the seizure and called it a "mistake."

According to Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum, Social Affairs Minister Ahmed al Kurd has ordered "the aid to be returned to the agency if it turns out it is indeed its property."

Barhoum further asserted that neither Hamas nor UNRWA was present when the trucks were loaded and crossed the border at Kerem Shalom. He blamed the drivers for assuming that the supplies must have belonged to Hamas.

Barhoum also said that Hamas appreciates UNRWA's work and does not like to see its relief work to stop.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, through a spokesperson, demanded that Hamas immediately return the food to UNRWA. Ban also called on Hamas "to refrain from interference with the provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance in Gaza." Michèle Montas, the UN spokesperson, said that Ban "demands that Hamas immediately release the consignment of humanitarian goods it seized last night, in the second such incident this week, and to refrain from interference with the provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance."

UNRWA said in a statement that aid will be halted until "the Agency is given credible assurances from the Hamas government in Gaza that there will be no repeat of these thefts."

"They had been imported from Egypt for collection by UNRWA today," the statement added. "The food was taken away by trucks contracted by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Two hundred metric tons of rice and 100 metric tons of flour were taken."

Ban's spokesperson, Montas, was asked whether UNRWA was favoring Fatah supporters over the rival Hamas. She ruled out that there was a political dimension to UN aid activities in Gaza.

"What we do is (to) give assistance to people who need it, regardless of their political affiliation," said Montas.

According to the UN, the recent Israeli offensive killed 1,300 Palestinians, injured more than 5,300, and destroyed or damaged 21,000 homes amidst widespread damage to infrastructure. It says there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid, and cited Security Council calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution of such aid.


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Southern Gaza hit by new Israeli air strikes

February 7, 2009

Israel launched several air strikes on Friday on an area near Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The strikes were aimed at a so-called "open area" near the border with Egypt. The strikes were in response to two rockets being fired into southern Israel.

A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces told Agence France-Presse that the "planes attacked four tunnels that were dug under the border with Egypt and used for weapons smuggling."

"An arms depot was also targeted and the explosives that were stocked there exploded," the spokesperson said. The raids were "a response to the firing of two Palestinian rockets in the morning."

Reuters cited sources from Hamas, as well from among local residents, as saying that the strikes caused no injuries.


text: Talk:Southern Gaza hit by new Israeli air strikes


text: Talk:UN halts aid to Gaza after tons of food aid is seized


title: File:7February2009.pdf


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Comments:Southern Gaza hit by new Israeli air strikes

Title
why is the headline sourthern gaza hit by new israeli airstrikes? i look up to wikipedia for its objectivity... israel launched airstrikes for retaliation of two rockets being fired from gaza, why isnt that mentioned in the headline??Eframgoldberg (talk) 06:34, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

wikipedia is supposed to be unbiased
i clicked on the link of al jazeera at the bottom of the article and found this... john dixon United States 06/02/2009 Title of Story How come every time an article is printed concerning rockets being fired between Israel and Hamas the headline always reads "Israel fires into Gaza", and only later, at the end of the story do we find out that Israel fired on Gaza only after Hamas fired on Israel? Why doesn't the story read "Hamas fires on Israel - Israel fires back". That would be true and unbiased reporting. i completely agree. i hold wikipedia to higher standards than al jazeera. wikipedia needs to change their standards in order to keep making a claim of being unbiased. Eframgoldberg (talk) 06:43, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Because airstrikes are far more destructive military maneuvers than hand-fired rockets. To imply the military actions of Hamas and the actions of the IDF are evenly distributed - now that would be biased. --128.243.253.113 08:18, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Israeli air strike vs. Palestinian rocket attack
 * http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/QassamRocket.jpg
 * http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/02_04/AirStrikeAP_800x506.jpg
 * That's why the headline reads the way it does.
 * /troll
 * You make it seem as though what's taken place is symmetric warfare. During the January incursion into Gaza, Israel made it a point to completely obliterate the Hamas run police force. Therefore, there is absolutely no rule of law in Gaza as per Israel's objectives. Now, it's silly to say that every rocket fired as of the unilateral ceasfire is a hamas attack. Even if Hamas wanted to prevent civilians or random militant groups from launching bottlerockets into israel, they no longer have that facility. If someone throws a stone across the border into Israel, and Israel responds with an Airstrike, do you think the headline should read: "Breaking news: Gaza civilian throws stone into Israel"? Also consider the significance in terms of cost between each respective action. How much does it cost for Israel to perform a well planned airstrike vs the cost of whatever toy rocket happens to be available for a blind launch somewhere into Israel? -99.224.209.50 17:24, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

last time i checked laucnhing qassam rockets, not bottle rockets, into civilain territory, or launching any unguided missiles into civilian territory violets article 3 of the geneva convention and is considered a warcrime. it is also a violation of the ceasefire. if titles of the articles are going to solely mention israel's responses to hamas's aggresions then that is biased. and if hamas has no control over its citizen's firing explosive rockets into israel then they shouldnt be considered a representative of its people. israel just didnt decide hey lets bomb some ammunition depots and smuggling tunnels out of the blue, they were forced to by the incoming rocket fire. what should any government do when its citizens are in fear of rockets falling out of the sky? not protect its borders??? and please remember cause and effect, the rockets went into israel, then israel responded with airstrikes. as a matter of fact, an army spokesperson came out afterwards and said the strikes were in retaliation for the rocket attacks. the whole reason operation cast lead was started was because of incoming rocket attacks. even if israel's resposnse is using too much force? they have consitently done that and what did hamas expect firing hundreds of rockets into israel. as far as im concerned if any country fired hundreds of rockets into a neighboring country, i would expect some sort of retaliation. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.203.124.239 (talk) 05:56, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Yeaaaahhh. Israel, innocently, JUST react every time.. not one remembers the over 400 childrens killed until 20 days ago? What justifies that crimes? Toy-rockets? IF criminals in the Israeli government wants REALLY the peace, then they should handle Hamas and talk with them. Instehad, they starved, oppressed, killed palestinians while USA continues to send to them ships with loads of weapons and explosives. This is a crime, no matter how Hamas does. Israel set ups cleary the conditions to make war and lift tension with arabs. Now Liebermann, the 'Hiroshima solution' is a popular politician. Now israeli public opinion is even against arab-israel citizens. This is the result to leave free Israel to every bs they want to do.--Erik455 (talk) 23:19, 8 February 2009 (UTC) Toyrockets my dear sir? They are atleast as big as fullgrown humans and has half the range of an cross channel V-1(V-1:s carried a tonne of high explosives). So your suggestion is to let Hamas bombard Israeli sovereign territory(an act of war) while doing nothing and hope the Hamas leaders will come to their nonexistent senses? So according to this, the United States should have left Japan alone during Pearl Harbor attack? Oh comeon! You know perfectly well that a country cannot be unresponsive to hostile attacks. Gsmgm (talk) 23:36, 17 February 2009 (UTC)


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Pakistani nuclear scientist released from house arrest

February 12, 2009 Last Friday, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a Pakistani nuclear scientist, was freed from detention. Khan was detained under house arrest since 2004, he made a televised confession of selling nuclear secrets to Libya, Iran and North Korea. He is widely regarded as the founder of Pakistan's nuclear program, and most famous as a national hero.

Dr. Qadeer filed a petition at the Islamabad High Court against the government, to address his detention and house arrest. He was freed and now lives as a "free citizen," but the terms upon which he and the government agreed remain secret.

He sent his regards to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, and the Interior Adviser, and thanked them for their stance opposing his detention.

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "very much concerned" about Khan's release. One of the spokesmen, Gordon Duguid, said Khan "remains a serious proliferation risk" and releasing him would be "extremely regrettable". Gillani has rejected such remarks, saying that Dr. Qadeer's network has been dismantled and said that he has been released under Court orders.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tried to calm international worries. He reiterated that Khan's network had been broken up and said that the government reserves the right to appeal the court's ruling.

Khan, who is now 72 years old and has received treatment for prostate cancer, told reporters that he was finished with nuclear work and plans to devote himself to education.


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US Court of Appeals reduces sentence for former Philippines officer in spy case

February 9, 2009 Michael Ray Aquino, a former Philippines National Police officer serving six years imprisonment in McRae, Georgia for espionage could now be eligible for immediate release after a United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit judge panel Friday modified a United States District Court for the District of New Jersey's judgment, ordering a resentence of the accused under more lenient guidelines.

"I feel relieved for Michael Aquino and his family. We won the appeal. Michael will be resentenced. His new sentencing range will be 36-46 months (that is, essentially time served). Aquino has now served exactly 41 months in prison to the day on Feb. 9, 2009," Aquino's lawyer, Mark A. Berman, Esq. said. "The accused pleaded guilty to merely to possessing military secrets, and a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that Walls erred in using harsher sentencing guideline reserved gathering or transmitting classified documents," Berman added.

But Federal prosecutors had argued for Walls' sentence, alleging "his guilty plea included acknowledging the stolen documents could have been used to harm the United States, making him eligible for the stiffer sentence," Christopher J. Christie, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey submitted. "Crimes like these strike at the heart of our national security because they involve our keeping our secrets secret. These defendants will face the full weight of federal prosecution," said US Attorney Christie.

"The arrests of Leandro Aragoncillo and Michael Ray Aquino affirm the FBI's commitment to apprehending those who would seek to reveal classified information to foreign nationals," explained FBI Special Agent in Charge Leslie Wiser Jr. Both accused were ordered in judicial custody without bail by United States Magistrate Judge Patty Shwartz in September 2005.

"While Aragoncillo was an active participant in the offense, Aquino's role was purely passive," wrote Circuit Judge Maryanne Trump Barry in a written opinion promulgated Friday, in "US v Aquino" (No. 07-3202), an appealed case originating from D.C. Crim. No. 05-cr-00719. In the judgment, federal judges Barry, Michael Chagares and Jane A Restani, Chief Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by designation, have acknowledged that Judge William H. Walls' interpretation of the harsher sentencing guideline was understandable, but the statute is imprecise. "Accordingly, we will vacate the judgment of sentence and remand for resentencing," the panel ruled.

"The Honorable Maryanne Barry" is a United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit judge, daughter of Mary MacLeod Trump, who hails from Tong, Western Isles. Barry is the older sister of real estate mogul Donald Trump and the mother of David Desmond, who is a neuropsychologist and the author of the satirical novel Oliver Booth.

The espionage case was the first of its kind, obliging the Court to turn to the dictionary instead as a legal tool to resolve the landmark case. Circuit Judge Barry then used the 1993 version of the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary to define the word "obtain." The pertinent part, pages 9 to 10 of the 13-page decision provides as follows:

Judge Walls sentenced Aquino to 76 months imprisonment for violation of 18 United States Code 793(e), punishable under the harsher United States Sentencing Guidelines, 2M3.2, (Gathering National Defense Information, which imposes 35 years sentence if top secret and 30 years, if not) instead of the more lenient 2M3.3 (Transmitting National Defense Information, etc.)

Because of the Barry decision which modified the original Hall's sentence, Aquino now faces 37 to 46 months imprisonment when he is resentenced by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Since he has already served 40 months, he could be immediately released.

But since he was initially arrested in September 2005 for tourist visa rules violations, he will be delivered by the judicial authorities to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services when he leaves McRae Correctional Institution in Georgia. Aquino will be processed for deportation. McRae is a city in Telfair County, Georgia, United States.

Michael Ray Aquino was a former Deputy Directory of the Philippines National Police Intelligence Group and former senior superintendent of the now-disbanded Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force under former Philippines president Joseph Estrada.

On November 24, 2000, PR man Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito were kidnapped along the corner Zobel Roxas Street in Manila and the South Super Highway by gunmen believed to be members of the PNP. Four days after, the victims' charred remains, consisting of burnt bones, metal dental plates and a ring, were later found in Barangay Buna Lejos, Indang, Cavite. Both victims were killed by strangulation.

P/Col. Glenn Galapon Dumlao, one of the accused, named former Po/Supt. Cezar O. Mancao II and former S/Supt. Michael Ray Aquino as the brains behind the crime. Mancao and Aquino were members of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force or PAOCTF, headed by then Gen. Panfilo Lacson. Suspects Mancao and Aquino left the country after being implicated in the heinous crime. Dumlao disappeared afterwards but later resurfaced in the US.

In 2005, murder cases were filed in Philippine courts and arrests warrants were issued against accused Dumlao, Aquino and Mancao. Dumlao, a resident of Patchogue, New York was arrested and held without bail on November 20, 2008 by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge William D. Wall. On December 10, Dumlao was ordered extradited to the Philippines by Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Long Island, New York.

The initial hearing of the extradition case of Dumlao’s co-accused, Mancao II, now detained in Florida, was held on December 3, in the US District Court in Southern Florida in Fort Lauderdale. Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez had requested the US Justice Department to extradite Mancao and Dumlao to face murder charges in the Philippines. An extradition hearing has yet to be initiated for Aquino, although, as trusted officer of then PNP chief, now senator, Panfilo Lacson, was also requested for extradition by the Philippine government to face trial for the Dacer-Corbito double murder.

"Sir, the other day Leandro 'Lean' Aragoncillo called me. ... He wants to talk to you and give you some updates on the political situation in the country," wrote Aquino in an e-mail of January 2005 to his former boss Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. "I find all the information that you are sending me very useful. I hope you will continue sending more," replied Sen. Lacson in an e-mail he allegedly sent in January 2005 to Aragoncillo. "By no means would you show this information. ... I will be affected severely. Again, please protect the source - Me," said Aragoncillo in an E-mail he allegedly sent in August 2005 to former Philippines President Joseph Estrada.

In March 2005, Aquino was arrested by immigration authorities for overstaying his visa. He contacted his friend, Leandro Aragoncillo, a Philippine-born civilian FBI Intelligence Analyst, who  worked in the White House (between 1999 and 2002) as "administration chief" of the security detail assigned to the Vice President (Gore and then Cheney). However, Aragoncillo's efforts on Aquino's behalf eventually led to Aragoncillo being investigated by the FBI. In the course of that investigation, evidence of espionage against the United States Government was uncovered.

According to reports complied by Filipino intelligence professionals, there were indications of a link between Aragoncillo and the French intelligence service, Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure. Frequent visits by Aragoncillo to Manila allegedly were interspersed with clandestine meetings between identified, French operatives and several "illegals" (i.e. unregistered agents) around 2002 to 2004.

"What it means is that there is a hole in White House security. There are two kinds of people at the White House: Those that have been very well-vetted and those that have been extremely well-vetted and have access to the top secret computer network. This man had access to the top secret computer network." said Richard A. Clarke, a former White House adviser.

"The FBI said Aragoncillo was concerned about e-mailing from his personal account so many classified documents from FBI computers, and he asked one recipient, Filipino opposition Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, whether he was a nuisance. "The reply, court records say, came back two days later in a cell phone message intercepted by the FBI: "What you are sending are never a nuisance to me. They are in fact informative and very useful," Clark added.

In September 2005, Aragoncillo, a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant with 21 years service was suspended by the FBI, and arrested for violation of Title 18 of the US Code, Sections 371 and 951, admitting espionage activities from August 2000 to August 2005, and taking files while working under VP Cheney from 2001-2002, including giving information to another country.

In July 2007, Aragoncillo, age 50, a naturalized US citizen residing in Woodbury, New Jersey was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for "transferring classified information to assist in overthrow of Philippines government." Aragoncillo, admitted passing information by cellphone text messages and e-mail messages through Hotmail and Yahoo accounts, to Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, and opposition politicians, who wanted to oust Mrs. Arroyo, including former House Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, according to court documents. He will be released from Federal Correction Institute in Big Spring, Texas on May 28, 2014.

The court fined Aragoncillo $40,000. "I never intended to cause harm or injury to the United States," Aragoncillo told the judge. In July 2007, Sen. Panfilo Lacson as well as deposed president Joseph Estrada have admitted to receiving information from Aquino, but they denied any conspiracy. "Aquino is determined not to return to the country," said Sen. Lacson, who admitted extending financial support to Aquino and his family.

In July, 2008, Sabina and Carina Dacer, the daughters of missing public relations man Salvador "Bubby" Dacer testified at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), after almost eight years of self-exile in the United States. "In his exact words he said, 'mga anak, kung may mangyari sa akin, walang ibang may kakagawan noon kundi si Ping Lacson, (my daughters, if anything happens to me, no one but Ping Lacson is responsible)" Sabina Dacer told ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. "Hindi naman kilala ng daddy ko si Michael Ray Aquino as far as we know eh. So kung hindi siya kilala ng daddy ko, sino yung kilala niya na kilala ng daddy ko? (My dad does not know Michael Ray Aquino as far as we know. So, if my dad does not know him, whom does he know that my dad knows?)" Carina Dacer said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson has vehemently denied any involvement in the Dacer-Corbito murder case. "For the Nth time, I will assert the truth that I had nothing to do with it," said Lacson in a text message. "They can lie and make people lie even under oath and before a court of law to make me look bad and guilty in the Dacer case. In fact, right after Dacer disappeared, the family sought my help... And I responded the way I should as a law enforcement officer at that time," Lacson explained.

On Saturday, September 10, 2005, Aquino was also arrested at Queens, New Jersey and was charged with conspiracy and acting as an agent of a foreign official in the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, presided by U.S. District Judge William H. Walls. Aquino was accused of helping Aragoncillo transmit classified United States documents regarding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her opponents in the Philippines, including both former President Joseph Estrada and current opposition leader, Panfilo Lacson, who had been Aquino's superior in the police force.

In an indictment of 6 Oct 2005 signed and filed by United States Attorney Christopher J. Christie, the Grand Jury sitting at Newark, New Jersey, accused Aquino with charges of - "knowingly communicating classified information by a government employee to an agent or representative of a foreign country (i.e. receiving classified information), acting as an agent of a foreign official without notification of the Attorney General, in violation of Title 18 of the US Code, Section 951, conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses in violation of Title 18 of the US Code, Section 371, and not cooperating with authorities, under Title 18 of the US Code, Section 2.

Under an eventual plea-bargain agreement, Aquino entered a plea of guilty to illegal possession of classified documents, but avoided the more serious charge of espionage which Aragoncillo received. On July 17, 2007, Aquino was sentenced to six years and four months in prison by U.S. District Judge William H. Walls. Federal prosecutors had sought the maximum 10-year term.

Aquino "did subject our nation to some peril," ruled Judge Walls. "I am sorry for what I did. I never had the intention to harm the United States. I love this country," said Aquino who addressed the court for three minutes before sentencing, and apologized. On November 21, 2008 his reduced sentence request was submitted to the appellate court.

Meantime, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is monitoring developments in the Aquino espionage case. “Of course we are interested in his case, but all we can do is to wait for the outcome of the case of Michael Ray in the US,” said a police official.

The Alliance for A Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines has criticized the judgment: "For the AJLPP the news of the release proves that the charade of injustice is ever present when it comes to the cabal of AFP men who served as worst human rights violator and proven puppets of the United States military like the Lacson boys," the AJLPP said. "On the other cases of oppressed immigrants like the Baoanan case languishes in courts and not acted upon. So much for double standard of American justice system." The AJLPP statement concluded.


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Talk:US Court of Appeals reduces sentence for former Philippines officer in spy case

I CREATED this interesting news article on Philippine spy case. I am Philippines Judge Florentino Floro, having registered with Wikinews on December 3, 2008, and is a Editor as of January 12, 2009.
 * In having written more than "64 articles" (here - User:Florentino Floro/MyList and in Wikipedia Encyclopedia User:Florentino Floro/MyList2), I live with my Philosophy and hope to elevate Wikinwews to the phenomenal success of Wikipedia encyclopedia, by writing very comprehensive, detailed and fully synthesized news, amid collaboration of editors and the final touch of the reviewer. Please do not be annoyed if sometimes, (due to stress and human factor - plus the fact that as lawyer and judge, I never ever had enrolled in any journalism subject), I would tend to relax the copyright rules and style guide, but, without however, violating the SPIRIT AND INTENT of both international law of copyright, and Wikinews rules on style guide. REST ASSURED, that in writing every news article, I VALUE fairness, justice, integrity and honesty. This is what NEWS WRITING is all about. Please help in publishing this news. Cheers.--Florentino Floro (talk) 11:35, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Still have to develop this. Its now 11pm here Philippines. Cheers.--Florentino Floro (talk) 14:52, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

To contradict Criticism
While it is true that amateurs, vandal and idiots, including professionals had written-edited both Wikipedia Encyclopedia and Wikinews, the same Criticism remains, because of the ENVY called mercantile jealousy by stupid encyclopedia Giants who are loosing to ONLINE and who were amazed by the phenomenal success of Jimbo Wales. Here "Like Wikipedia (see Criticism of Wikipedia), Wikinews is criticized for its perceived inability to be neutral or include only verified and true information. Robert McHenry, former editor-in-chief of the Encyclopædia Britannica criticized the credibility of the project - [Wikinews] has sunk into a kind of torpor; lately it generates just 8 to 10 articles a day... On bigger stories there's just no point in competing with the ruthless purview of the encyclopedia."

 * So, I began to ponder, why should I just read 2 sources like a BBC and NYT, and then write the story in my own words? Who will read this? There are already about 20 to even 1,000 articles on Australia Bush Fires, and the like. So, when I read Wikinews style guide, it says: synthesis - which you can never find in any other written news reports worldwide.
 * I admit that in news articles outside crime, law and jurisprudence, I could not be called pundit or authority on this. But, but, but, when I write in depth legal news (not legal or encyclopedic legal articles as I did write on Wikipedia Encyclopedia) synthesized not only from news sources but from the very original court decisions and original web site links, then, I can say with certainty, that my developed, reviewed and published news articles, can be cited as LEARNED TREATISES under the Rules on Evidence (USA and Philippines rules on this are almost the same).
 * If you read this article on Michael Rey Aquino, you will find that this is not about espionage really. Aquino was accused of killing Dacer-Corbito - as brain of charring or burning the remains and wiping out evidence. So he and the other 2 (Mancao, Dumlao) fled to the USA (but Philippines has extradition treaty with US). In the course of the flight from justice, Aquino was involved in the espionage thing of Aragoncillo - there is nothing in life that is free, taking a cue from Deny's Diner. Aquino was used by the Philippine opposition at that time. Many of them predicted that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would be deposed, but false prophets failed. So, Aquino, Aragoncillo Dumlao and Mancao now had it. Well, if our President is deposed, or if Hilary Clinton won, all these 4 could have been freed by legal niceties. IN FINE, this news article is BIG, and will have a sequel, like an legal novel. Cheers.--Florentino Floro (talk) 08:22, 10 February 2009 (UTC)


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Comments:Somali pirates agree to release Egyptian ship with fertiliser cargo and 28 crew

What do you think is the best way to combat piracy in Somalia?
Reinstate their fishing rights and stop dumping toxic waste in Somali waters.

Pay the ransom and then chase 'em down. -Tinos (talk) 16:56, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

Alright guys, let's put in our money. We'll go down to some good ol' Southern state, buy ourselves a good vessel and a couple of cannons and go out across the seas hunting for pirates. YARRR! Fephisto (talk) 00:30, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

Help them be a better country
help them have a better economy, get real peace makers from neutral countries (Away from USA, Israel or Europe) to act as peace makers. save them from slavery, empower them.


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14 killed by bushfires in Australia

February 7, 2009

Bushfires across the Australian state of Victoria have killed at least 108 people and have destroyed dozens of homes. These fires were caused by a severe heat wave affecting the country, combined with winds reported to have reached gale force. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the fires have burned approximately 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares) of land since they began on Friday. State police officials stated that there are still several more fires being fought, and feared that the death toll could reach as much as double the currently confirmed number when all fires are extinguished and investigations begin.

Temperatures in Victoria today reached 46° Celsius (115° Fahrenheit), with the combination of temperatures and high winds helped to fuel the fires. The fire was reported to be moving at an estimated 60 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour). "This has been an absolute tragedy for the state and we believe this figure may only get worse. We're concerned this figure could even reach up into the 40s," stated Kieran Walshe, the Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner, referring to the death toll.

"The whole of Kinglake is ablaze, I live a couple of kilometers out of town, I heard explosions, by the time I got to the road there were fires everywhere. [There is] flame everywhere, trees exploding, gas tanks exploding, buildings on fire, it's very, very, very serious," said a resident of Kinglake, a small township north of Melbourne that was greatly affected by the flames. "I can't quite see down into the main stretch of town, but there's a lot of flame coming up from there, so I presume most of the town is going up," he also stated. Kinglake has had the most deaths in the fire outbreak so far, where it was reported that six people traveling in a car were all killed when it was set ablaze by the raging flames.

Over 30,000 volunteers are currently fighting the blazes across the country, along with the help of helicopters and aircraft dropping chemicals and water onto the site hoping to help extinguish the fire. Greg Esnouf, the Victoria Country Fire Authority deputy chief, stated that conditions for firefighters were "off the scale" dangerously, and also stated that the forecast for Sunday would not be different than the previous few days.

Victoria Police have reported that they are suspecting that some of the fires were lit through arson, and are currently in the process of questioning a resident about a fire that started outside of the city. Another man was arrested in connection with deliberately lighting the fire, but was released by police and had arson charges dropped.

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the heat wave is expected to continue throughout the weekend and peaking in the southeastern part of the country, with temperatures not expected to get cooler until early next week.

title: 14 killed by bushfires in Australia


text:
Comments:Microsoft Flight Simulator series grounded after layoffs

OH-NO I want a flight sim

FSX fanatic
Dang it! I've played for three years and I've got 300 dollars worth of addons. Anhydrobiosis (talk) 16:51, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Don't worry, FSX isn't going away. In fact, this will probably make it a better game, because the fans will go into overdrive making mods and such. And Microsoft isn't dropping support for FSX, it's just put the next FS game on indefinite hold, until it thinks it can make more money on the franchise. My personal guess is 4 or 5 years. Gopher65talk 17:12, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Open the Sourcecode
Is there a petition circulating to encourage Microsoft to Open Source the Flight Simulator? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.93.195.162 (talk) 19:39, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Not AFAIK. Want to start one? I'd sign. -- 97.124.7.61 15:08, 11 March 2009 (UTC)

NOOOOO!
THE BAD ECONOMY TAKES PEOPLES JOBS _AND_ VIDEOGAMES?! WHY?! Fephisto (talk) 00:28, 9 February 2009 (UTC)

such a shame. I loved the series. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.177.129.212 (talk) 03:37, 10 March 2009 (UTC)


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Kyrgyzstan announces decision to close US base

February 7, 2009

A spokesman for the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan stated on Friday that its decision to close down a United States military base is "final". The base is an important supply route for NATO and U.S. operations in nearby Afghanistan.

"The decision has been made," said Kyrgyz spokesman Aibek Sultangaziyev. "The U.S. embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base."

The announcement contradicts statements from both Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. saying that talks about the base are still in progress.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, disclosed plans about shutting down the base on Tuesday while in Moscow, soon after receiving US$2 billion worth of aid from Russia. However, the Kyrgyz government says that the two moves are not related.

U.S. State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said that there was no official word from the Kyrgyz government upon the status of the base.

The U.S. has meanwhile requested to transport supplies through Russia instead. The neighboring country of Tajikistan has offered to allow the transport of non-military goods to Afghanistan.

Currently, most shipments by NATO and the US come into Afghanistan through neighboring Pakistan, but NATO has become concerned about the safety of that route, as transport convoys have become increasingly under attack from Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

The closing of the base comes at a critical time for the U.S., as the nation is planning a large increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.


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User:Angel 007

∴ ∽ ∵

Calm and serene he drives the furious blast; And, pleas'd th' Almighty's orders to perform, Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm. ~ Joseph Addison ~

I am also Angel 007 at Wikiquote, and other Wikimedia sites, and 007ThunderAngel at YouTube (with no videos posted there, as yet).

title: User:Angel 007


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User talk:Angel 007

∴ ∽ ∵

∴ ∽ ∵

I am also Angel 007 at Wikiquote, and other Wikimedia sites, and 007ThunderAngel at YouTube (with no videos posted there, as yet).

title: User talk:Angel 007


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Talk:14 killed by bushfires in Australia

Out of date already - 25 confirmed dead, many missing.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/08/2485317.htm

We can't have the number in the title - what about February 7 Victorian bushfires, same as Wikipedia, at least for now? BenAveling (talk) 22:22, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * The WP title doesn't conform to our style guide; headlines need a verb since for news to be news something needs to have happened, and it is an event that the article focuses on, rather than a noun or group of nouns like a Wikipedia article. I do agree we should perhaps look at updating and retitling this. When it becomes out of date tomorrow (as it likely will) it will be time for a new article titled something like Death toll rises in Australian bushfires. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 22:48, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

The death toll continues to rise - see here. There are expected to be more deaths as emergency workers are able to get into affected areas. The enwiki article is now called w:2009 Victorian bushfires. -- Mattinbgn (talk) 00:40, 8 February 2009 (UTC) Now 49 confirmed dead  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mattinbgn (talk • contribs) 06:02, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

114 dead more accurateDeliawrite (talk) 09:36, 28 August 2021 (UTC)

previous stories
There are three previous stories that might be worth mentioning: John Vandenberg (talk) 14:23, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
 * January 2007 - Victoria power grid collapses due to spot fires
 * January 2006 - Australia records hottest year on record
 * November 2005 - Climate change a factor in Australia's warmest year on record


text: Talk:Kyrgyzstan announces decision to close US base


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Automobile manufacturer Toyota triples annual loss prediction

February 8, 2009 The Japanese car making company Toyota has announced that their predicted profit loss for 2008 has tripled from their previous estimate. The company reports the loss after demand for its vehicles dropped. In December 2008, Toyota estimated its full year operating loss to be 150 billion yen (US$1.65 billion). Now the company has tripled that number, forecasting a 450 billion yen (US$4.95 billion) loss. This would be the first yearly loss at Toyota in 70 years.

The firm also said that it predicts its global sales to fall by 17.87% to 7.32 million vehicles sold, compared to last year's 8.91 million vehicles sold. Overall for 2008, Toyota's car sales in the United States were down 15.4%, but that number was down from 2007 in which sales dropped 18%. For the month of January alone, Toyota's sales fell 31.7% compared to the overall U.S. sales loss of 37.1%.

As a result of the loss, 17 of the company's 75 production lines worldwide, will be reduced to only a single shift of workers. The company also announced a full closure of all their Japanese plants for a total of 14 days between January and March 2009.

Toyota's boss Katsuaki Watanabe described the loss as happening only "once in a hundred years".

In January, the Japanese Nikkei newspaper said that Toyota was thinking of firing 1,000 Northern American and British workers, all of whom hold full-time positions in the company. The paper quoted Toyota's Executive Vice President Mitsuo Kinoshita as saying that "outside of Japan, we intend to make every possible effort to protect the jobs of our employees."


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Talk:Automobile manufacturer Toyota triples annual loss prediction

milliard
I have seen this word used in a few articles, prior to publishing: 'milliard'. I never heard of this word prior to a few articles in the past 24 hours or so. When reviewing, and looking at listed sources, I often found that this word is used in place of billion, or million. I am not sure exactly what milliard means elsewhere, but I think if we are going to stick to international standards, we should use the proper terms, such as hundred, thousand, million, billion, etc and so on. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 18:59, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Actually, a "milliard" is the same thing as a "billion" on the short scale. (See Milliard and Long and short scales.) I generally use the long scale, but since the short scale is more commonly used nowadays, I probably should have used it instead. Sorry for the confusion. ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 19:11, 7 February 2009 (UTC)


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User:Vhorvat

hr:User:Vhorvat

ru:User:Vhorvat

de:User:Vhorvat

en:User:Vhorvat - on the English Wikipedia

hr:User:Vhorvat - on the Croatian Wikipedia

title: User:Vhorvat


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Comments:Kyrgyzstan announces decision to close US base

Hmm i bet that 2 billion has noting to do with closing of the base.--KDP3 (talk) 20:56, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Maybe they really decided to close the base alone, and upon learning that the Russians come show off its influence by giving the money. -Unicode (talk) 21:01, 7 February 2009 (UTC)
 * They made the decision after the Russians gave them the money. This type of thing is common. Major countries often put some kind of minor conditions upon the aid money that they give. Normally it isn't quite such a blatant "In Your Face" condition though;). I annoys me that Kyrgyzstan is doing this, but I can't fault them for wanting access to (what is for them) a huge amount of money. Gopher65talk 16:29, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.16.249.170 (talk) 18:04, 9 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Yes, how dare they resist American Imperialist demands that an air base be put on their soil under immense opposition from the population of the kyrgystan...how terrible!96.32.181.60 23:02, 9 February 2009 (UTC)


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Comments:14 killed by bushfires in Australia

25 dead acctualy..

76 now and and anticipated to rise to over 100. Wikinews is a joke since the introduction of the approval system as there is no way the articles can be up-to-date. 220.233.191.2 10:09, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
 * This was factually accurate at the time of publication. Like other news sources, such as the BBC, a new article should be written with the updated details. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:52, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

This could be improved since there is not enough articles. Having said this, that Wikinews is not BBC (LOL), this is really umbelieveble: i cannot understand, over 100 killed. It's horrible. How can be so bad?--Erik455 (talk) 23:12, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

bushfires in australia
i realise its hard to keep with international events that are happening all over at once. however the fires in australias have confirmed 181 dead and an estimate of up to 300 with 1,100 homes gopne. the only other event of such proportions was in the US in the 1800's where 1500 to 2500 died. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.216.223.80 (talk) 08:53, 12 February 2009 (UTC)


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User talk:202.6.154.240

14 killed by bushfires in Australia
Hi, I'm sorry but I was forced to undo your edits to the above article. The date should not be bumped; Wikinews is on a different time zone to Australia and it is not yet the 8th, and in any event articles should carry the date they were published on, with new events after 24 hours gaining an article of their own. As for the new information you added, it was not fully backed up by the source - I couldn't find the figures for the area burnt anywhere. Again, sorry for the inconvinience and please don't be put off! Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 22:55, 7 February 2009 (UTC)

title: User talk:202.6.154.240


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Comments:Denny's Super Bowl free 'Grand Slam Breakfast' brings 2 million diners

Is this news/pandering allowed? What is "news worthy about this article?
It was only a matter of time before corporations began paying PR agencies to infiltrate and then corrupt an honest attempt at reporting objective news.

I suggest readers quickly point out this abuse of trust and remove this article from wikinews.

Who wrote this?
Sounds like it's an advertisement written by an employee. It's definitely long enough to be its own friggin article on Wikipedia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.166.175.146 (talk) 21:22, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Comments from feedback form - "you guys are the bomb"
you guys are the bomb —75.147.255.165 (talk) 21:11, 1 February 2011 (UTC)


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One person dead, hundreds rescued from ice drift in Lake Erie in US

February 8, 2009 🇺🇸At least one fisherman has died and 134 others were rescued on Lake Erie off the shores of Ohio after an eight mile wide piece of ice broke off the frozen lake's ice shelf and began to drift. The United States Coast Guard says the unidentified man who died fell into the water while trying to find a way off the ice. Rescuers were able to get him out of the water, but he died while being flown to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Coast Guard also said that the fishermen were warned that the ice could break, but many didn't believe there was any danger.

"We were in no danger. We knew there was enough ice out there," said Swanton, Ohio resident Norb Pilaczynski, one of those rescued from the ice. Before heading onto the already broken ice, they made a makeshift bridge from wooden pallets to get to and from the shore, but the ice shifted and the bridge was destroyed. It left all 135 people stranded more than 1,000 yards from the shoreline.

The ice in most parts of the lake can be up to two feet thick, but on Saturday temperatures rose above freezing, with winds of over 35 miles per hour. The combination of both high winds and temperatures, broke the thick ice into dozens of large pieces.

Ottawa County sheriff Bob Bratton called those who avoided the warnings "idiotic".

"What happened here today was just idiotic. I don't know how else to put it," stated Bratton. The rescue operation took nearly five hours to complete. Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in the U.S., but the smallest by volume, and the tenth largest fresh water lake in the world.

Several helicopters were called in from Detroit, Michigan and Traverse City. A C-130 was also used to survey the lake which was flown in from Elizabeth City, North Carolina.


text: Talk:One person dead, hundreds rescued from ice drift in Lake Erie in US


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Australian football: Melbourne through to A-League Grand Final, Adelaide to play Queensland in preliminary final

Melbourne Victory FC has advanced through to the 2008-9 A-League Grand Final after defeating Adelaide United in their 2-leg Semi Final. Melbourne will now host the winner of the Adelaide verses Queensland Roar Preliminary Final. In a top four finals series, which the A-League uses, the Preliminary Final is a final played between the qualifying Semi Final (1st vs. 2nd) and the winner of the elimination Semi Final (3rd vs. 4th) for the remaining spot in the Grand Final.

Melbourne handed Adelaide a four goal to none thumping in the second leg of the semi final. Adealaide did not look like they were in the match after Archie Thompson slotted home a goal in the tenth minute.

Carlos Hernandez produced three assists and scored a goal in the 48th minute. Hernandez had flown in from representing Coasta Rica in a World Cup qualifier.

Michael Lynch of The Age described Adelaide's performance as "inept and embarrassing, lacking wit, verve, invention or ideas."

"It will be interesting to see what happens when Carlos [Hernandez] is really fit as well, when he's had a bit of a rest. He was supurb for us tonight," said Melbourne captain Kevin Muscat.

"After everything we spoke about last week, coming in and getting a positive result and working hard, it just didn't happen and at this level that's not acceptable...we'll have a long hard look at ourselves this week and see if we want to be here, and on that performance you would say no," said Adelaide captain Travis Dodd, ruing his sides defeat.

"The motivation has to be there, we're playing for a grand final spot, to host a grand final, and if that's the best we can do then...you have to wonder where we're at. I guess it is going to be a week of soul searching we have to get our act together for Queensland's game," added Dodd.

Melbourne won the game four goals to one and the semi final six goals to none.


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Australia's Queensland Roar through to A-League football preliminary final

Queensland Roar in Australia has advanced through to the 2008-9 A-League Preliminary Final, after defeating the Central Coast Mariners in their 2-leg Semi Final. Queensland will now travel to Adelaide for the Preliminary Final. In a top four finals series, which the A-League uses, the Preliminary Final is a final played between the qualifying Semi Final (1st vs. 2nd) and the winner of the elimination Semi Final (3rd vs. 4th) for the remaining spot in the Grand Final.

Queensland lead one goal to zero after a back and forth first half. The Mariners pressed early keeping Queensland to their own half in the first three minutes. Queensland created a number of opportunities down the other end to no avail. The Queenslanders missed from a corner and were unlucky to have an offside decision go against them. Michael Zullo fired off a shot from close range only for it to be saved.

The Mariners fired right back. They secured a free kick 20 metres out from goal. The kick went was saved and resulted in a corner. Queensland cleared the ball from their penalty area. The Mariners jumped on a number of Queensland mistakes, taking three shots on goal in the space of two minutes. Queensland then applied pressure down the Mariners end resulting in a goal to Mitchell Nichols. This goal was Nichols third in three games and fifth for the season.

The two teams then trade shots at goal with neither team scoring. Mariners midfielder Nigel Boogard was booked by referee Peter Green on 38 minutes. Paul O'Grady was booked on fort five minutes.

At half time, the Mariners substituted Andrew Clark with Sasho Patrovski.

Not dissimilar to the start of the first half, the second began with Queensland pushing forward. The pressure, however did not last as long as the Mariners did in the first half. Queensland reneged the Mariners pressure, resulting in a goal in the forty ninth minute to Matthew McKay.

The Mariners hit back with a late consolation goal to Nik Mrdja in the sixty fifth minute. Two Mariners players were booked in the space of about five minutes nearing the end of the game. Dean Heffernan on eighty minutes and John Hutchinson on eighty five.

Queensland won the game two goals to one and the semi final four goals to one.


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Talk:Pakistani nuclear scientist released from house arrest

I think it is already Done! and covers all the issues, should be published, Comments are always welcome Azamishaque (talk) 08:14, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

I think the title needs changed, he is more internationally known as Dr A.Q. Khan. --Brian McNeil / talk 08:46, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

I have changed its Title! Now i think it sounds good Azamishaque (talk) 12:17, 8 February 2009 (UTC)

Latest advancement have been marked, comment always welcome Azamishaque (talk) 06:54, 10 February 2009 (UTC)

Edit
editprotected Category:Asif Ali Zardari, Category:Yousaf Raza Gillani, Category:Abdul Qadeer Khan. Ali Rana (talk) 14:31, 30 September 2009 (UTC)
 * ✅ – Juliancolton  | Talk 00:51, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

New category
editprotectedNew category: Category:Shah Mehmood Qureshi 123.211.119.185 (talk) 18:37, 11 February 2010 (UTC)
 * ✅. --Brian McNeil / talk 17:50, 12 February 2010 (UTC)


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Talk:Australian football: Melbourne through to A-League Grand Final, Adelaide to play Queensland in preliminary final

What is a "preliminary final"? --Brian McNeil / talk 08:25, 8 February 2009 (UTC)
 * The loser of 1v2 plays the winner of 3v4 in the prelim final, to decide the second place in the grand final (the winner of 1v2 having already made it to the grand final). This probably needs to be explained in the text. Daniel (talk) 09:03, 8 February 2009 (UTC)


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Saudi most-wanted list includes former Guantanamo captives

February 9, 2009 On February 3, 2009, the Government of Saudi Arabia released a list of 85 most wanted suspected terrorists. In the days that followed, close to a dozen former Guantanamo captives were identified, among those were 85 men and boys.

Guantanamo has held 129 Saudi captives. 113 of the Saudi captives have been set free or transferred to Saudi custody. Most former captives were held, for a time, at the Care rehabilitation center. The center is described as a humane facility. The intent of the center was to re-educate and re-integrate into mainstream Saudi society. It employed counseling, lectures, and generous financial assistance upon graduation.

The program was described as successful. It was held up as a model, and the United States encouraged neighboring countries, like Yemen, to set up similar rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Then in January 2009, two former Guantanamo captives, and alumni of the rehabilitation program, Sa'id Ali Jabir Al Khathim Al Shihri (ISN 372) and Abu Hareth Muhammad al-Oufi (ISN 333) appeared in a threatening Al Qaeda video. Said Jabir identified himself as the second in command of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Up until this video became public the Saudi government had claimed the program was a complete success.

The two men were among the men listed on the most wanted list. It has been reported that eleven former captives are on the list. The Saudi government hasn't officially identified the former Guantanamo captives in any English language press release; however, reporters and researchers have identified eight former Guantanamo captive on the list, in the English media.

In addition to Abu Hareth Muhammad al-Oufi and Sa'id Ali Jabir Al Khathim Al Shihri the other six former captives identified in English language media are: Adnan Al-Sayegh (ISN 105), Yusuf Al Jebairi Al Shahri (ISN 114), Othman Al-Ghamdi (ISN 184), Turki Mashawi Al Aseery (ISN 185), Murtadi Muqrim (ISN 187), Jaber Jabran (ISN 188). The transfer of Abu Hareth Muhammad al-Oufi and Sa'id Ali Jabir Al Khathim Al Shihri is widely used as an example of the difficulties in distinguishing which captives no longer posed a threat, and could safely be sent home. All the review boards of these men had recommended that they continued to pose a sufficiently serious threat to the U.S. and that they should remain in U.S. custody.

Six of the eight former Guantanamo captives who ended up on the Saudi's most wanted list following their release from Saudi custody were transferred in spite of all their annual review boards recommending their continued detention.

Of the 300 former captives transferred from Guantanamo since authorities started conducting formal reviews in 2004 three quarters were transferred after officers sitting on a board or tribunal had recommended their transfer. Of these eight men only Adnan Al-Sayegh and Jabir Jabran were sent home because their annual review had recommended their release. Adnan Al-Sayegh's repatriation to Saudi custody was authorized on August 16, 2005, and he was repatriated on May 19, 2006. Jabir Jabran's repatriation was authorized on June 26, 2006, and he was repatriated on February 21, 2007.

The other six men, those not recommended for transfer, were all transferred on November 9, 2007. These six were among thirteen Saudis repatriated that day. Eleven of which were repatriated in spite of the recommendations of their review boards.


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American baseball star Rodriguez admits to using performance enhancing drugs

February 11, 2009

American Major League Baseball third baseman Alex Rodriguez, a star player for the New York Yankees, admitted in an interview on sports network ESPN that he used performance-enhancing drugs during 2001 through 2003.

"I did take a banned substance, and for that, I'm very sorry," Rodriguez told ESPN's Peter Gammons. "When I arrived at Texas in 2001 I felt an enormous amount of pressure to perform."

Last week, Sports Illustrated reported that the baseball player, nicknamed 'A-Rod', tested positive in 2003 for Primobolan and testosterone, two substances that have been banned by the league.

During the 2003 season, Rodriguez was playing with the Texas Rangers, and was the winner of the American League MVP Award and was American League leader in home runs. According to sources, Rodriguez was one of 104 players named on a list for testing positive before the 2003 season. The list was compiled in an attempt to determine whether the MLB needed to begin conducting random drug testing.

After the initial report Rodriguez was approached by Sports Illustrated while he was training for the upcoming season in a Miami area gym. At that time, Rodriguez told the reporter "You'll have to talk to the union." He was also asked for an explanation of his positive test result, to which he commented "I'm not saying anything." According to a report by ESPN, sources claim that Rodriguez was aware that he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

However, in December 2007 after United States Senator George J. Mitchell's Mitchell Report was released accusing such teammates of Rodriguez as Roger Clemens, Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte of steroid use, Rodriguez appeared on ABC's 60 Minutes and declined the use of any steroid or performance-enhancing drug. He also commented that he would not need the help of steroids, stating, "I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I felt that if I did my, my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level."

Senator Mitchell stated in a prepared comment yesterday that his report had only named that players that "had received credible evidence of their illegal purchase, possession, or use of performance enhancing substances." He pointed out that he "did not have access to the results of the 2003 drug testing, and to this day I do not know which players tested positive then." The MLB declined to comment directly on the situation due to court orders on the list of names and documents, but did release a statement: "Information and documents relating to the results of the 2003 MLB testing program are both confidential and under seal by court orders. We are prohibited from confirming or denying any allegation about the test results of any particular player by the court orders. Anyone with knowledge of such documents who discloses their contents may be in violation of those court orders."

Rodriguez has been one of the many prominent American baseball players over the past few years who has been linked to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Other prominent names include both the arguably greatest hitter and pitcher in Major League Baseball history, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Bonds, the all-time Major League record holder for home runs, was linked to steroid use during the BALCO scandal in 2003, while Clemens was named in the Mitchell report in December of 2007.

The executive vice president for labor relations of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, stated that league commissioner Bud Selig was "disturbed" by the linking of steroid use to Rodriguez. Commenting for the league, he said, "Because the survey testing that took place in 2003 was intended to be non-disciplinary and anonymous, we cannot make any comment on the accuracy of this report as it pertains to the player named."

The report by Sports Illustrated also made the claim that Gene Orza, the COO of the Major League Baseball Players Association informed Rodriguez of a random drug test that occurred in September of 2004, a test that was supposed to remain confidential to all players. The MLBPA denied the accusations, commenting "There was no improper tipping of players in 2004 about the timing of drug tests. In September 2004 MLBPA attorneys met with certain players, but we are not able to confirm or deny the names of any players with whom we met." When asked in the Sports Illustrated report, Orza declined to comment, stating "I'm not interested in discussing this information with you."

The anonymous testing of players was started in 2003 by the MLB, in order to get a brief estimate of how many players were using performance-enhancing drugs, leading to the beginning of the mandatory, penalty-enforced testing that began in 2004. 1,198 players took the "survey test" in 2003, and the results were later stored in a laboratory in Las Vegas, with codes being used in place of the players names. However, a list of the players actual names that went with the list of codes was kept in a separate office in Long Beach, never intended to ever be together with the codes.

In April 2004, federal agents with search warrants raided the two labs looking for information on the 2003 BALCO scandal test results of 10 players, including Barry Bonds. While searching, they found both the list of names and the codes, including the positive test result of Rodriguez. Following the investigation and raid, the MLBPA informed all 104 players on the list that their positive test data had been sized by the federal agents.

Former Major League Baseball star and self-confessed steroid user José Canseco told the media that the news was old, saying "I said in my book Vindicated that he was a known steroid user before 2000. It's old news. I've been saying this forever. You guys are playing catch-up." In the book, Canseco links Rodriguez to steroids through the claim that he saw him using the drugs. In his first book, Juiced, references to Rodriguez were removed by the publisher of the book because it could not be confirmed that Canseco actually saw Rodriguez taking steroids. According to the publisher, it was only after Canseco passed a lie detector test that information about Rodriguez was allowed into Vindicated.

Current senior advisor to the Texas Rangers John Hart commented on the situation in an interview with MLB Network. "I think in the climate that we have today, you don't have much shock anymore. Obviously Alex probably is the best player in baseball. This has always been a special talent and the guy has been putting up Hall of Fame numbers since the day he showed up in the big leagues. I've been in the game for almost 40 years and it hurts a little bit, if in fact this is true. It breaks my heart for the game that we have this kind of thing occurring, But at the same time, a lot of people seem to have been caught in this net," he said.

Since the positive test occurred in 2003 before penalties were instituted, Rodriguez will most likely not be suspended by the MLB as a result of the situation.