Facebook hired PR firm to discredit Google, reveals leaked correspondence

Posted on December 28, 2017December 28, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Facebook hired a public relations firm to systematically discredit Google by paying two journalists to plant negative pieces in U.S. newspapers, leaked correspondence discloses. The new revelations are likely to increase tension between the two companies, which are already fierce rivals.

The social network has confirmed the validity of the leaked emails, seen by Wikinews, which suggest executives at the social networking giant hired Burson-Marsteller, a high profile PR and communications firm, to discredit Social Circle, a rival website run by Google. Burson-Marsteller then recruited two journalists — Jim Goldman and John Mercurio — to push editors at The Washington Post and USA Today to publish editorials criticising Social Circle over its privacy settings. The story was exposed after Burson-Marsteller approached a blogger to publish the propaganda, but the blogger posted the correspondence online.

Burson-Marsteller has been forced to apologize for taking on Facebook as a client, admitting the orders to discredit Google violated company policy. “The assignment on those terms should have been declined,” a spokesperson said. The revelations are likely to be incredibly damaging for the firm, who have represented a number of controversial clients in the past. Facebook, however, said the allegations against Google were valid, insisting there were genuine privacy concerns with Social Circle. Google has declined to comment on the issue.

Crossing guard killed by truck in Glasgow, Scotland

Posted on December 28, 2017December 28, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Friday, January 15, 2010

An elderly woman who was a crossing guard or a “lollipop lady” has been killed in an accident involving a truck in Glasgow, Scotland. The woman has been identified as 59-year-old Catherine Gibson, who came from the Dennistoun district of Glasgow. At around 0850 GMT on Thursday, Gibson was assisting children in crossing a road as part of her job near St. Anne’s Primary School, located in the east side of the city. Gibson was suddenly struck by a truck and dragged underneath the wheels of the vehicle. The children being assisted witnessed the entire collision.

After the accident occurred, Gibson was transported to a hospital but died shortly afterwards. The truck driver, who is aged 64, was not injured in the crash. The vehicle itself was taken away from the scene of the accident at approximately 1200 GMT on the same day. A person working in a garage near where the accident occurred said: “There were children waiting to cross the road and they were all screaming and crying. They all ran back from where the accident had happened. She was found face down and it looked as though the lorry had driven over her shoulder. She was alive when she was found but died a short time later. It was horrific and the kids will probably need counselling.

“It could have been a case of the driver not being able to see her because the vehicle is quite high as he caught her on the passenger side. It’s not clear whether she gave him enough time to stop or whether the driver has failed to stop. It was snowing as well so that could have been a factor.”

Louise Jarvie is the head teacher of St. Anne’s Primary School. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this very sad time,” she said in reference to the incident. “Support and counselling for pupils and staff will be available to anyone who needs it.”

Sealing in New Delhi put off until Monday

Posted on December 28, 2017December 28, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Thursday, November 2, 2006

 Correction — November 9, 2006 The article incorrectly reports that the “opposition parties opposed” the HC notice on exempting Lal Deora areas from building bylaws. The article should read, BJP Municipal corporators opposed some provisions of resolutions passed by the MCD on March 13 urging postponement of demolition and sealing of buildings. The error is regretted. 

The Group of Ministers which is overseeing the issue has decided not to resume the sealing of unauthorised commercial establishments until Monday. The decision came after seeing the current tense situation in New Delhi.

The Group of Ministers is headed by Home minister Shivraj Patil and comprised of Law minister H R Bhardwaj, Delhi CM Sheila Dikhit, Union Urban Development minister S Jaipal Reddy and his deputy Ajay Makan.

S Jaipal Reddy told reporters that it is very difficult to conduct the sealing drive in the city under these circumstances. He made the statement after a meeting of Group of Ministers.

The Supreme Court had already sent the notice to Municipal Corporation of Delhi to resume the sealing drive from Thursday. They will approach the apex court on Friday and will apprise the court about the difficulties in carrying out the sealing drive in these circumstances where the traders are going on strike and creating situation of tension in the capital.

Supreme Court’s Monitoring committee called on the MCD to resume the sealing of unauthorised shops in the city on Friday.

Contents

  • 1 History of sealing drive in New Delhi
    • 1.1 MCD movement to demolish commercial establishments in residential areas
    • 1.2 Traders’ movement against the demolition activities
    • 1.3 Notifications from the authorities
    • 1.4 MCD’s drive of sealing commercial establishments
    • 1.5 Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill, 2006
  • 2 Related news
  • 3 Sources
  • 4 References

What Really Happened with the Hamilton High School Football Program

Posted on December 27, 2017December 27, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Contents

  • 1 Purpose
  • 2 Timeline of Incidents Before Public Recognition
  • 3 Timeline of Incidents After Public Recognition
    • 3.1 Hamilton Hazing Arrests
    • 3.2 Second Statement
    • 3.3 The First Reassignment
    • 3.4 CUSD Responds to Parents
    • 3.5 Get Out of Jail Free Card
    • 3.6 “A Night for Healing”
    • 3.7 Not Guilty
    • 3.8 Other Football Players Charged
    • 3.9 Exodus
    • 3.10 No Juvenile Left Behind
    • 3.11 A Change of Leadership
    • 3.12 Belles Goes Public
    • 3.13 The Goldmine
    • 3.14 The Legal Statements and then the Truth
    • 3.15 Civil Case Starts to Emerge
    • 3.16 The Second Reassignment
    • 3.17 Hamilton Football Takes The Field
    • 3.18 Court Documents the Initiation Graphic Actions
    • 3.19 The Search for the Source
    • 3.20 “Downfall” and the Unusual Implications
    • 3.21 Countrymen/Thomas Part With Irreconcilable Differences
    • 3.22 One Juvenile Case is Resolved
    • 3.23 Mother Goes on the Attack
    • 3.24 Intimidation Goes Viral
    • 3.25 Thomas Moves on with Castillo
    • 3.26 Another Avalanche of Information
    • 3.27 Chick-Fill-A Connection
    • 3.28 The Show Must Go On
    • 3.29 Is The Defense Ready?
    • 3.30 Thomas Next Appearance in Maricopa County Superior Court
  • 4 Important Individuals
    • 4.1 Defendants
      • 4.1.1 Minor #1
      • 4.1.2 Minor #2
      • 4.1.3 Minor #3
      • 4.1.4 Minor #4
      • 4.1.5 Minor #5
      • 4.1.6 Nathaniel William Thomas
        • 4.1.6.1 Felicia Gillespie
        • 4.1.6.2 Ken Countryman
        • 4.1.6.3 Cindy Castillo
      • 4.1.7 Steve Belles
      • 4.1.8 Shawn Rustad
      • 4.1.9 Dr. Ken James, Ed.D.
    • 4.2 Alleged Hazing Victims
      • 4.2.1 Cooperative John Doe #1
      • 4.2.2 Cooperative John Doe #2
      • 4.2.3 Cooperative John Doe #3
      • 4.2.4 Cooperative John Doe #4
      • 4.2.5 Cooperative John Doe #5
      • 4.2.6 Daniel Raynak
      • 4.2.7 Cooperative John Doe #6
      • 4.2.8 John Torgenson
      • 4.2.9 John Doe #7-18
      • 4.2.10 Frankie Grimsman
    • 4.3 Miscellaneous
      • 4.3.1 Deputy Kevin Quinn
      • 4.3.2 Det. Amanda Janssen
      • 4.3.3 Dr. Camille Casteel, Ed.D.
      • 4.3.4  Dr. Craig Gilbert, Ed.D.
      • 4.3.5 Terry Locke
      • 4.3.6 John Wrenn
    • 4.4 Unknown
      • 4.4.1 Jane Doe #1
      • 4.4.2 Jane Doe #2
  • 5 In The Wake of the Scandal

[edit]

Can You Use Wasp Spray Instead Of Pepper Spray?

Posted on December 27, 2017December 27, 2017Categories Public Relations

By Richard Armen

Can you use wasp spray as an alternative to pepper spray for self defense? You might have heard rumors that wasp spray works better than pepper spray. Suggestions to purchase bee spray for self defense have been circulating via email for the past few years. If you’ve gotten an email telling you to buy wasp spray for self defense, think twice. This rumor should not be relied upon for your safety. Although wasp spray might work in a pinch, there are far better options when it comes to protecting yourself.

Using wasp spray against an attacker would be using it in a manner that is inconsistent with its labeling. If your attacker is injured by the spray, you are likely to be held liable, since it is illegal to use the product in this manner. Many forms of wasp spray even warn directly on the label that using it against a human is a punishable offense. This stands even if the target of the spray attacked you first. Wasp spray is a poison, and will affect the attacker until they visit the hospital for an antidote. You could find yourself sued if you used wasp spray and it harmed your target.

Wasp spray has not been tested on humans. Its effects are unknown. Sure, it kills bees on contact, but what about a much larger attacker, such as a human? Though it might work against your attacker, it might not. On the other hand, pepper spray has been specifically formulated to cause the target to involuntarily shut their eyes, leading to temporary blindness. This product is formulated specifically to work against a human, even if they have consumed alcohol or drugs. Wasp spray, meanwhile, is meant for use against wasps.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx7GiKbeiE0[/youtube]

Because there are so many different formulations of wasp and hornet sprays, the exact effects will be completely unknown until you deploy the canister. At a time when you’re being attacked, do you really want to be caught by surprise when your self defense product does not work as intended? It is believed that wasp spray would require a longer contact with the attacker in order to stop the attack. Pepper spray, however, requires just a one-second burst of the spray to bring an attacker to his knees.

One of the major reasons email rumors suggest wasp spray for self defense is because most canisters have a range of 20 feet. However, pepper sprays are now available that will surpass this range. Plus, you can find pepper sprays in the form of a keychain, a pen, and many other small devices, unlike the huge canister you’d have to carry around if you opted to go with wasp spray.

With pepper spray, you’re getting legal and reliable stopping power. There is simply no reason to trust your safety to something meant to stop wasps. The US Customs and Border Protection Agency, the United States’ largest user of chemical agents such as pepper spray, does not recommend the use of wasp spray for this off-label use. Neither do the top 8 manufacturers of wasp sprays. On the other hand, pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, its effects on humans are known, and it has been used by police and military forces across the world for more than two decades.

About the Author: Resist Attack has a full range of TASER devices to keep you and your family safe. Also check for current specials on our hidden camera DVR

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=717762&ca=Advice

Asbestos controversy aboard Scientology ship Freewinds

Posted on December 27, 2017December 27, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Friday, May 16, 2008

Controversy has arisen over the reported presence of blue asbestos on the MV Freewinds, a cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology. According to the Saint Martin newspaper The Daily Herald and the shipping news journal Lloyd’s List, the Freewinds was sealed in April and local public health officials on the Caribbean island of Curaçao where the ship is docked began an investigation into the presence of asbestos dust on the ship. Former Scientologist Lawrence Woodcraft supervised work on the ship in 1987, and attested to the presence of blue asbestos on the Freewinds in an affidavit posted to the Internet in 2001. Woodcraft, a licensed architect by profession, gave a statement to Wikinews and commented on the recent events.

According to The Daily Herald, the Freewinds was in the process of being renovated by the Curaçao Drydock Company. The article states that samples taken from paneling in the ship were sent to the Netherlands, where an analysis revealed that they “contained significant levels of blue asbestos”. An employee of the Curaçao Drydock Company told Radar Online in an April 30 article that the Freewinds has been docked and sealed, and confirmed that an article about asbestos ran in the local paper.

Lloyd’s List reported that work on the interior of the Freewinds was suspended on April 27 after health inspectors found traces of blue asbestos on the ship. According to Lloyd’s List, Frank Esser, Curaçao Drydock Company’s interim director, joined Curaçao’s head of the department of labor affairs Christiene van der Biezen along with the head of the local health department Tico Ras and two inspectors in an April 25 inspection of the ship. “We are sending someone so that they can tell us what happened, where it came from, since when it has been there,” said Panama Maritime Authority’s director of merchant marine Alfonso Castillero in a statement to Lloyd’s List.

The Church of Scientology purchased the ship, then known as the Bohème, in 1987, through an organization called Flag Ship Trust. After being renovated and refitted, it was put into service in June 1988. The ship is used by the Church of Scientology for advanced Scientology training in “Operating Thetan” levels, as well as for spiritual retreats for its members. Curaçao has been the ship’s homeport since it was purchased by the Church of Scientology.

According to his 2001 statement, Lawrence Woodcraft had been an architect in London, England since 1975, and joined Scientology’s elite “Sea Organization” (Sea Org) in 1986. He wrote that he was asked by the Sea Org to work on the Freewinds in 1987, and during his work on the ship “noticed a powdery blue fibrous substance approximately 1 ½” thick between the paint and the steel wall,” which he believed to be asbestos. He also discovered what he thought was blue asbestos in other parts of the ship, and reported his findings to Church of Scientology executives. Woodcraft discussed his experiences in a 2001 interview published online by the Lisa McPherson Trust, a now-defunct organization which was critical of the Church of Scientology.

The Freewinds regularly inspects the air quality on board and always meets or exceeds US standards.

Church of Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw responded to Radar Online about the asbestos reports, in an email published in an article in Radar on May 1. “The Freewinds regularly inspects the air quality on board and always meets or exceeds US standards,” said Pouw. She stated that two inspections performed in April “confirmed that the air quality is safe,” and asserted that the inspections revealed the Freewinds satisfies standards set by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Clean Air Act.

Pouw told Radar that “The Freewinds will be completing its refit on schedule.” The Church of Scientology-affiliated organization Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) had been planning a cruise aboard the Freewinds scheduled for May 8, but according to Radar an individual who called the booking number for the cruise received a message that the cruise had been delayed due to ongoing work on the ship. Citing an article in the Netherlands Antilles newspaper Amigoe, Radar reported on May 6 that a team from the United States and supervised by an independent bureau from the Netherlands traveled to Curaçao in order to remove asbestos from the Freewinds.

…if the Church of Scientology claims to have removed the blue asbestos, I just don’t see how, it’s everywhere. You would first have to remove all the pipes, plumbing, a/c ducts, electrical wiring etc. etc. just a maze of stuff.

“I stand by everything I wrote in my 2001 affidavit,” said Lawrence Woodcraft in an exclusive statement given to Wikinews. Woodcraft went on to state: “I would also comment that if the Church of Scientology claims to have removed the blue asbestos, I just don’t see how, it’s everywhere. You would first have to remove all the pipes, plumbing, a/c ducts, electrical wiring etc. etc. just a maze of stuff. Also panelling as well, basically strip the ship back to a steel hull. Also blue asbestos is sprayed onto the outer walls and then covered in paint. It’s in every nook and cranny.”

Many Scientologist celebrities have spent time aboard the Freewinds, including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Chick Corea, Lisa Marie Presley, Catherine Bell, Kate Ceberano, and Juliette Lewis. Now magazine reported that Tom Cruise has been urged to seek medical attention regarding potential asbestos exposure, however a representative for Cruise stated he has “absolutely no knowledge” of the recent asbestos controversy. Cruise, Holmes, Travolta and Preston have celebrated birthdays and other events on the Freewinds.

There is not now and never has been a situation of asbestos exposure on the Freewinds.

In a May 15 statement to the United Kingdom daily newspaper Metro, a representative for the Church of Scientology said that “There is not now and never has been a situation of asbestos exposure on the Freewinds.” The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center notes that agencies have recommended anyone who has spent time on the Freewinds consult with their physician to determine if possible asbestos exposure may have affected their health.

Raw blue asbestos is the most hazardous form of asbestos, and has been banned in the United Kingdom since 1970. Blue asbestos fibers are very narrow and thus easily inhaled, and are a major cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which can develop in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the pericardium sac surrounding the heart. The cancer is incurable, and can manifest over 40 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

“This is the most dangerous type of asbestos because the fibres are smaller than the white asbestos and can penetrate the lung more easily,” said toxicologist Dr. Chris Coggins in a statement published in OK! Magazine. Dr. Coggins went on to note that “Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, the victim has six months to a year to live. It gradually reduces lung function until the victim is no longer able to breathe and dies.”

Ten April Fool’s pranks of 2009

Posted on December 27, 2017December 27, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Friday, April 3, 2009

April Fools’ Day pranks harmlessly pervaded worldwide again this year. Media outlets and internet sites have joined family, office workers, and friends to provide a wide variety of practical jokes. Ireland, France, and the United States celebrate April Fools all day, whereas a few countries celebrate jokes only until noon such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.

Car and Driver claimed that GM and Chrysler were ordered out of NASCAR by the White House by the end of 2009 in order to receive any more government loans. There are press releases about this short-lived prank which received controversial feedback.

The Swiss Tourism Board has announced that volunteers were desperately needed, The Association of Mountain Cleaners “makes sure that our holiday guests can always enjoy perfect mountains. Using brooms, brushes, water and muscle power, they clean the rocks of any bird droppings.”

This year Gmail produced a new autopilot feature for April 1, 2009 which can read your email and automatically respond to every message.

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BMW released its new Magnetic Tow Technology which allows your BMW to magnetically attach to the vehicle ahead of you. This enhanced technology allows the driver to remove their foot from the gas pedal and turn off the motor.

The Guardian proposed its move to Twitter, which would allow the newspaper to fit its article content into 140 character messages or “tweets”. Included in this venture was the archiving of past events reported by The Guardian, such as, “1927 OMG first successful transatlantic air flight wow, pretty cool! Boring day otherwise *sigh*”

Google’s technological break through for April Fool’s Day was CADIE, (Cognitive Autoheuristic Distributed-Intelligence Entity). By extracting internet search patterns combined with Brain Search, a part of CADIE technology, Google can now search your thoughts and memories.

Wikipedia even fooled Fox News who claimed that “every item on the home page of the user-generated site Wikipedia is fake. The featured Wikipedia article regaled the “Museum of Bad Art” in Boston.” However, each item on the main page was based on reality — even news articles such as NASA reports a shower of diamonds over the Republic of Sudan, which was based on a meteorite which passed over Sudan whose fragments did reveal diamonds upon discovery.

The Conficker Internet worm had been in the news warning of a worst case scenario when computers worldwide would be affected by the virus. Even the chief security adviser for Microsoft, Ed Gibson, didn’t want to make any predictions about what would happen. Experts just knew that it was set to go off on April 1. Several anomalous happenings were attributed to Conficker including Leroy “Mac” MacElrie who claimed to be the programmer of the Conficker worm and turned himself in to police.

Hotels.com ran an advertisement offering hotel room bookings on the moon which would be offered on European websites starting at £800 a night.

Qualcomm ingeniously revealed a new wireless networking technology called wireless convergence. Making use of the flight patterns of pigeons. They then use innovative solutions to converge the birds with wolves to protect the internal improvements.

Media outlets were not the only ones pulling pranks. Gaming websites across the internet Blizzard, Joystiq, and affiliates posted reviews and announcements of games with tongue in cheek. YouTube offered viewers a unique April Fool’s experience as videos were offered upside down. In Ireland, U2 fans received a U2opia concert on a shopping centre roof top concert rather than the real thing.

Australian rules football: Traralgon remain only undefeated team after five rounds of 2010 Gippland Football League season

Posted on December 26, 2017December 26, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Monday, May 10, 2010

Traralgon remain the only undefeated team after five rounds of the 2010 Gippsland Football League season after they defeated Warragul by seventy points and Sale defeated Maffra by one point. Warragul remain the only team without a win.

The Gippsland Football League (officially Gippsland League) is the only major Australian rules football competition in the Gippsland region according to the Victorian Country Football League.

In other games, Morwell defeated Drouin and Moe defeated Wonthaggi.

After five rounds, the standings are;

  1. Traralgon (five wins, no losses – 166.67%)
  2. Maffra (four wins, one loss – 150.8%)
  3. Sale (three wins, one loss, one bye – 126.32%)
  4. Morwell (three wins, two losses – 115.62%)
  5. Drouin (two wins, two losses, one bye – 128.28%)
  6. Moe (one win, three losses, one bye – 85.58%)
  7. Leongatha (one win, three losses, one bye – 68.82%)
  8. Wonthaggi (one win, four losses – 46.68%)
  9. Warragul (no wins, four losses, one bye – 48.6%)

Scores are quoted as goals-behinds (total).

May 8, 2010
Traralgon 20-16 (136)
Warragul 10-6 (66)
Western ParkWarragul, VictoriaAustralia

Warragul lead Traralgon early in the third quarter but were quickly over taken and convincingly beaten.

To that point in the game, the defence of both sides dominated not allowing many scoring opportunities. From the fifth minute of the third quarter, the game belonged to Traralgon.

Tim Aitkin kicked six of his nine goals in the last quarter to help Traralgon stamp their authority on the game.

May 9, 2010
Sale 13-8 (86)
Maffra 12-13 (85)
Recreation ReserveSale, VictoriaAustralia

Sale upset ladder leaders Maffra at home. One could have argued that Maffra’s inaccurate kicking in the second half cost it the win.

To the end of the third, Maffra lead but could not close out the match. Sale won the match with a goal from a free kick after the full time siren.

Four Australian states ablaze, two dead, homes lost

Posted on December 26, 2017December 26, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Monday, January 23, 2006

Bushfires are burning across Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania assisted by very hot conditions.

Victoria is the hardest hit with a single blaze burning out over 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) and destroying 20 homes.

There are around a dozen fires burning in Victoria, with others in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Police are investigating whether or not two people found dead in their car near Moyston in South-West Victoria died as a result of the fire or died when their vehicle struck a tree.

Firefighters in the south of New South Wales have been placed on high alert as the hot weather moves North.

Firefighters across the affected states are hoping to take advantage of a cool change expected today.

Earlier this month bushfires damaged property in New South Wales and Victoria.

Scotland sets date for referendum

Posted on December 26, 2017December 26, 2017Categories Uncategorized

Saturday, March 23, 2013

On Thursday, Scotland’s First Minister and Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Alex Salmond set the date September 18, 2014, for the country’s referendum on political independence from the rest of the United Kingdom. The question to be presented at the ballot is: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”; if a majority vote “Yes”, the union of the parliaments, in-place since 1707, will come to an end.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the SNP believe Scotland would be more prosperous under self-government controlling their own resources, including the oil, fishing and farming industries.

The vote comes from what Salmond describes as a chance “to build a better country”. Salmon urged the Scottish population to seize the opportunity for independence, quoted by ABC as saying, “[t]he choice becomes clearer with each passing day – the opportunity to use our vast resources and talent to build a better country, or to continue with a Westminster system that simply isn’t working for Scotland,”

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However, Independence opponent and Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont claims the SNP have failed to detail how an independent Scotland would support itself. Lamont told the The Guardian that Salmond has failed to explain how the new nation would deal with health care and education issues, as well as what its polices would be on tax, pensions and welfare.

For this election only, the voting age of the September referendum has been lowered to 16. Polling expert Prof John Curtice told the BBC: “If you look at the polls in the round, what you discover is, yes, younger people are perhaps a little more likely to be in favour of independence.” However, the Professor was sceptical if younger voters would be the all-deciding vote that the SNP believes them to be.

ABC reports opinion polls show only 30% of the Scottish population currently support independence, with 50% favouring the status-quo as part of the the United Kingdom.