Archives January 2022

10,000 refuse to pay U.S. taxes to protest Iraq war

Sunday, April 16, 2006

An estimated 10,000 conscientious objectors chose to withhold some or all of their U.S. income taxes due Monday, April 17, in protest to the use of US military power in Iraq. Some plan to instead donate their required tax to charity.

The Internal Revenue Service does not distinguish tax resistors from any other person behind on their taxes, and will apply the same fines and interest used against the other Americans who do not pay their taxes on time. Legal action is possible for extreme cases, but more commonly the IRS uses wage or bank account garnishing.

The tax protestors are well aware of these risks, yet refuse to pay on principle. Jim Allen, who served in the Army for 20 years and now teaches at St. Louis University, acknowledges that he will likely end up paying more due to the fines than he is refusing to pay today. “I am not opposed to paying taxes, but I am when such a large percent is going to pay for war. Sooner or later, they’re going to get their money, but until that happens, I’m going to continue protesting. This is too important not to.” Allen and his wife withheld $1300 – or 42% of what the couple owes the IRS, estimating this to be the proportion of his taxes that would otherwise go to military spending.

Other protestors simply refuse to file at all. Becky Pierce of Boston fills out a 1040 to determine her tax, but then donates that amount to charity without filing. Pierce says she follows in the footsteps of American protesters like Henry David Thoreau, a protester of the Mexican-American War who went to jail rather than pay taxes. “You need to have control of your money,” Pierce says. “I’m a self-employed carpenter. No one is reporting what I make. That’s why I can go unnoticed.”

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=10,000_refuse_to_pay_U.S._taxes_to_protest_Iraq_war&oldid=624881”

Russian commander: Tu-160s penetrate US airspace undetected

Tuesday, April 25, 2006File:Tu 16019.jpg

A senior Russian air force commander has claimed that new, upgraded Tu-160 bomber aircraft were unchallenged by US air defense systems when they penetrated a radar zone near the Canadian coast in US territory during an April training exercise, reports the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Commander of Russia’s long-range strategic bombers, Lieutenant General Igor Khvorov said that the bombers successfully carried out four mock Tu-95MS cruise missile launches, 200 mock bombings, and 53 mock sorties during the exercise. The RIA Novosti reported that the United States Air Force is currently investigating how the Tu-160’s escaped detection.

Lieutenant General Igor Khvorov said, “They were unable to detect the planes either with radars or visually.”

Khvorov denies any link of the tests to the current US-Iranian tension, saying, “Of course, our exercises did not have anything to do with the situation in Iran, but their organization indirectly echoed in that region.”

The Tupolev Tu-160 is a strategic bomber introduced in 1987. It resembles the North American B-1B Lancer, but is larger and faster, being powered by four NK-32 afterburning turbofans, the largest in any combat aircraft. It is not considered to be a stealth aircraft due to its exposed engine inlets and broad wing gloves.

According to Khvorov over the course of this year, two additional Tu-160s will be commissioned for the long-range strategic bomber fleet with the numerous upgrades, including the ability to launch cruise missiles, aviation bombs, and satellite communication.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Russian_commander:_Tu-160s_penetrate_US_airspace_undetected&oldid=4454907”

First Quarter Of 2010 Analysis And Forecast Of The Textile Industry

By Himfr Paul

The gradual warming of the global economic environment, stable domestic macroeconomic trends and other comprehensive factors, China’s textile industry to undertake recovery in Q4 2009, the trend during the first 2 months 2010 production start for a smooth running operation, continued to show a favorable situation for the better stabilization, produce a steady recovery, export growth accelerated, balance production and sales results have increased. However, because of drastic changes in the cotton market and exchange rate expectations, and many uncertain factors, operating environment will not optimistic.

1, January February 2010, the Basic Operation of the Textile Industry

1, production rebounded significantly. Gradually restored by the market demand and other factors, since 2010 the pace of China’s textile and garment production to speed up the growth rate was faster than in 2009. According to statistics, from January to February 2010, China’s textile enterprises above designated size 52800 accumulative industrial output value of 567.328 billion yuan, up 27.05 percent growth rate over the same period increased 24.4 percent. From the main product output situation, in addition to individual category product output decreased slightly over the previous year, most product growth accelerated noticeably. According to statistics, from January to February 2010, cumulative production of above scale textile enterprises of chemical fiber 4.2527 million tons, up 17.11% growth rate over the same period increased 13.27 percent; production of yarn 3.5822 million tons, up 26.52%, increasing speed increase over the same period 20.61 percent; production cloth 10.082 billion meters, up 50.98 percent growth rate over the same period increased by 56 percentage points; produce clothing 3.559 billion, an increase of 17.15%, the growth rate increase over the same period 23.76 percentage points.Sub regional perspective, the larger increase in yarn output up areas: Zhejiang, 42.68 percent, 40.49 percent in Henan, Fujian, 31.29 percent, 28.43 percent in Jiangsu, Hubei, 23.71%, 16.04% in Shandong. Cloth production increased a larger holding area are: Zhejiang, 131.51%, 33.48% in Hubei, Jiangsu, 24.09%, 18.87% in Henan, Shandong, 11.64%.

2, raise the proportion of domestic sales, sales balance. Statistics from January to February 2010, China’s textile enterprises above scale sales value of 555,436,000,000 yuan, up 27.08 percent growth rate over the same period increased 23.95 percent, of which domestic output value of 451,239,000,000 yuan, up 30.35% growth over the corresponding period of 23.72 percentage points. Domestic sales accounting for 81.24 percent reached a year earlier, up 2.04 percentage points. January February sales rate of 97.9% of textile products, balance production and sales. According to National Bureau of Statistics, 1 February, the national retail sales of consumer goods totaled 2.5052 trillion yuan, an increase of 17.9% increase over the same period the growth rate 2.7 percentage points. Among them, the clothing and shoes retail sales of textile products to 110.5 billion yuan, up 23.3% increase over the same period the growth rate 7.4 percentage points.

3, to speed up export growth, export growth on the Europe and the United States about three percent. Gradual improvement in the international market demand or replenishment, exports increased significantly. According to Customs statistics, from January to February 2010, China’s textile and apparel exports totaled 28.202 billion U.S. dollars, up 28.77% growth rate over the same period increased 43.45 percent. Of textile yarn, fabrics and products 10.148 billion U.S. dollars, up 39.28%, the growth rate higher than the same period last year 60.1 percent; apparel and clothing accessories exported 18.057 billion U.S. dollars, up 23.53%, the growth rate higher than the same period last year 34.8 percentage points.

Imports from the country perspective, the European Union, the United States exports by 3 percent or more. January February, the EU exports 6.651 billion U.S. dollars, up 30.3%; U.S. exports 4.346 billion U.S. dollars, up 33.8%. Exports to the EU and the United States amounted to 2.646 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for China’s textile and garment export growth of 42% of the total.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoIHbxvhZI4[/youtube]

From the main exports by area, Zhejiang Province, export growth accounted for five total net increase of nearly eight percent nationwide. January February, Zhejiang exported 7.209 billion U.S. dollars, up 40%, an increase accounted for 32.7% of the total national net; Guangdong exported 5.013 billion U.S. dollars, up 29.26%; Jiangsu exported 4.4 billion U.S. dollars, up 24.85 percent; Fujian exported 1.747 billion U.S. dollars, up 51.06%; Shandong exported 2.198 billion U.S. dollars, up 14.09 percent. An increase of five provinces and exports 4.934 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for a net increase of the total textile and clothing 78.3%. View from the main export products, yarn, fabrics, made ups, knitwear export growth are more than three percent. January February yarn exports grew 44.05 percent, up 40.36% fabric, manufactured goods, up 37%, up 34.18 percent knitwear. The four categories of exports 18.152 billion U.S. dollars, up 37%, an increase of the national textile and garment exports accounted for 77.8% of the total net increase.

Substantial growth in the first two months of exports, in addition to last year’s low base factors, should say that it is to restore growth, as compared with the same period in 2008, increased by only 10%, if after deducting price factors, an increase of even lower.

4, significantly raise economic efficiency. January February 2010, China’s textile enterprises above designated size achieved sales revenues of 543.3 billion yuan, up 27.9% over the previous year increased 26.6 percent over the same period. Total profit of 22.817 billion yuan, an increase of 9.748 billion yuan, an increase of 74.59% over the previous year increased 85.59 percent over the same period (down 11.01% over the same period last year). Main Product gross margin was 14.01%, up 0.85 percentage points. Sales profit rate of 4.2%, up 1.12 percentage points to upgrade. Cotton processing enterprises in which two consecutive price increases above the cotton price increase, sales revenue of 889.058 billion yuan, up 10.57%, the growth rate increased 6.7 percentage points over the same period last year. Total profit of 6.495 billion yuan, the same period last 2.06 times. Sales profit rate 4.34%, 1.61 percentage points year on year increase.

Second, Increased Negative Factors, Operating Environment will Become more Complex

Situation from the ground two months, China’s textile industry, production, domestic sales and export performance in the data showed a relatively rapid recovery in growth momentum, it is noteworthy that the low base last year, to some extent will cause the main earlier this year indicators overestimate, but the industry faces this year, the operating environment more complex and more external and reducing its inventory.

First, pressure on exchange rate movements is expected to increase. Greece and other countries affected by the debt crisis, the euro began last December continued depreciation of the dollar against the euro has appreciated nearly 10%. As the dollar yuan is linked, this year, although the yuan against the U.S. dollar remained stable at around 6.82, but the 5% appreciation of the yuan against the euro, sterling rise 7%. Recently around the appreciation of the renminbi, in a dispute between the U.S. heats up. Even if the short term exchange rate changes to have much time being, but medium and long term exchange rate appreciation pressures still exist, re entered if the yuan revaluation cycle, it will seriously affect the export of China textile and apparel products, and industry stability.

Second, recruitment is difficult, labor costs. Subject to rapid economic rebound, the market demand and other factors, many textile enterprises in China coastal areas are facing a more serious shortage of laborers, “labor shortage” as an important influence factor in the current development of the industry. In order to maintain production, enterprises have raised wages, lower educational level, age and other restrictions, to ease the “labor impasse.” It is understood that the recent textile workers in some coastal areas have been as high as 30% wage increase. Substantial increase in labor costs will become effective in 2010 affected the textile industry, an important factor in reducing profits.Third, the supply shortage of cotton, cotton prices rose rapidly. Biao international cotton prices in February rose, driven by the rapid follow up of domestic cotton prices and surging domestic cotton price futures briefly broke through 17,000 yuan mark, spot cotton prices will continue to rise in the price, spot cotton prices in March rose up to a thousand dollars total This is a substantial increase in price this year to the second wave (10,11 last month were up 870 yuan and 730 yuan), the cotton for the past five years to gain the highest level.Currently 328 cotton prices across the board break 16,000 yuan ton, the price and the annual rate of increase is second only to the level of 03 04. If the October November last year, the cotton price is reasonable up, and has risen to a rational price, then round up the foam with a non rational or cotton, there is a certain risk.

Transitional cotton prices rose, the negative effects are starting to show.

On the one hand, the order of business operation rate decreased. Replenishment by domestic and international market demand, cotton prices rose higher than the cotton textile industry still capable of digesting the short term, while the gray cloth, cotton clothing rose less than the cost pressures on the order of business to run hard. According to investigation, a number of smaller funds are insufficient, inadequate post order company, has begun to stop taking orders, not to buy cotton yarn, part of the looms are also being parking, equipment Founding rates are falling.On the other hand, cotton prices push up prices of cotton yarn, cotton yarn imports continue to surge. Because large increases in domestic cotton prices, for the slow low cost pressure, many companies take the direct import of cotton yarn, cotton yarn import growth accelerated. According to customs statistics, from January to February this year, China’s total imported cotton yarn up to 170,400 tons, up 54.4%. From the perspective of country 1 February China imported cotton yarn from Pakistan, India, Vietnam and China Taiwan. Which imported 69,900 tons from Pakistan, up 63.05 percent, China’s cotton yarn imports accounted for 41% of the total. From Vietnam, India, import growth accelerated significantly, year on year growth of 121.72% and 44.13%.

Analysis of the main reasons for rising cotton prices:

First, demand exceeds the output. From cotton production side, this year’s cotton crop failure, cotton production 6.4 million tons, about 1.1 million tons over the cut. On the other hand, due to the textile market to pick up, demand driven, increased production and demand contradiction, cotton prices continued to rise.Second, control measures lag. In recent years, the main means of state regulation of the cotton market is collected, a cast storage, transporting and distribution of cotton in Xinjiang cotton import quotas. Storage during the last throw in the resource control capabilities have been significantly less than after the payment of import quotas, on the one hand the import of cotton to miss a good opportunity to focus on the other hand, stimulate the international cotton prices of imports rose in order to stimulate the domestic cotton price Biao up.

Third, store cotton reluctant sellers, increasing the supply and demand tension. Rise in international cotton prices Biao postganglionic case, the domestic cotton price rose rapidly with the holding of cotton business optimistic and store cotton reluctant sellers, increasing the supply shortage of the cotton market atmosphere. A report from the Agricultural Development Bank of the Agricultural Development Bank loans acquired cotton, has sold 1.157 million tons of cotton, accounting for 48% of purchase amount, which has sold 1 million tons in Xinjiang, accounting for acquisition of 60%, while the Mainland for sale proportion of only about 20%, that most of the mainland hoarding unsold cotton.

Fourth, scattered resources, the cotton market disorder. Agricultural Development Bank from a group of recent data shows that the Agricultural Development Bank this year put the number of loans and the acquisition there was a reduction, the new cotton industry into other funds acquired increased significantly. Ended March 20, 2009 cotton year running Agricultural Development Bank loans to total 33.2 billion yuan, down 17 billion yuan, down 33.8%, support enterprises to purchase cotton, 2.4 million tons, down 1.8 million tons, down 42.9%; average price 12280 yuan ton, up 1,400 yuan over the previous year. Spring Festival has been completed after the acquisition, the Agricultural Development Bank to support the acquisition of cotton cotton enterprises accounted for only 37.5% of the total, while most of the other funding sources for the acquisition of resources, transition resources, scattered cotton market was rather chaotic.

In summary, from the current situation, cotton, cotton effective absorbed rising costs of raw materials and active store cotton stocking, cotton, cotton yarn each other support, the linkage pattern of rising short term is difficult to change. But when the garment, fabric companies can not digest high price of cotton yarn, cotton yarn market crash, time will come, it is excellent in the current market context, we need to maintain a sober grasp the pulse of the sound development of market, I would like to visit Queer .

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Source: isnare.com

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Old deeds threaten Buffalo, NY hotel development

Buffalo, N.Y. Hotel Proposal Controversy
Recent Developments
  • “Old deeds threaten Buffalo, NY hotel development” — Wikinews, November 21, 2006
  • “Proposal for Buffalo, N.Y. hotel reportedly dead: parcels for sale “by owner”” — Wikinews, November 16, 2006
  • “Contract to buy properties on site of Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal extended” — Wikinews, October 2, 2006
  • “Court date “as needed” for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal” — Wikinews, August 14, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal rescheduled” — Wikinews, July 26, 2006
  • “Elmwood Village Hotel proposal in Buffalo, N.Y. withdrawn” — Wikinews, July 13, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal delayed” — Wikinews, June 2, 2006
Original Story
  • “Hotel development proposal could displace Buffalo, NY business owners” — Wikinews, February 17, 2006

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Buffalo, New York —Buffalo, New York developers have been stymied by old real estate deeds.

The prospective Elmwood Village Hotel may be scuttled and businesses now located there may be forced to move.

Frustrations over property located in an area once known as “Granger Estates” circulate around a clause in the original deeds over land divided by then-owner Erastus Granger in the early 1800’s.

According to the documents, “no business establishment of any kind whatsoever” shall ever be constructed on the property, and they shall forever be exclusively for residential use only. Also prohibited are barns, farms and stables.

Sam Savarino, CEO of Savarino Companies, the prospective hotel developer, announced that his legal research team found the restrictions on properties located between 1109 and 1121 Elmwood Avenue which also stated in part that “no businesses, hospitality establishment of anykind whatsoever” shall ever be permitted to be built on the property.

Savarino, whom is expected to contest the restrictions, said that his company could have ignored the findings, but that, “we can’t risk the future of a multimillion-dollar project on the hope they wouldn’t be discovered. Our opponents would have had a field day if they’d surfaced after the fact.”

Savarino said his attorneys and researchers are anticipated to determine “exactly what weight the restrictions carry and if there’s a way for the courts to negate them.”

Existing businesses are also jeopardized.

Hans Mobius, owner of some of the restricted properties upon which a carriage house is built, said, he wasn’t aware of any restrictions, and “never had a reason to research the deed and title documents.” He confidently added that, “the lawyers can get this taken care of.”

Other threatened businesses include Don Apparel, H.O.D. Tattoo, Forest Plaza Art Gallery and Allentown Music.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Old_deeds_threaten_Buffalo,_NY_hotel_development&oldid=4550513”

Manitoba’s flood creating hazardous conditions

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Red River at Winnipeg is almost clear of ice blocks and ice jamming, however there are still dangers from the Red River flood.

Ice blocks which were as high as two storey buildings were ripping out trees, fences and railway ties. “You’ll see huge pans of ice standing vertical, up to 20 feet (6.1 m) high,” said Steve Topping, an official with the provincial Water Stewardship Department. “Ice was shoved up on the shore and took out trees with a very devastating effect. It has changed people’s view of the river.”

“It is incredible, the force. One piece of ice pushed out of the river about 20 feet. You watch the force push this up right in front of your eyes,” said Dean North, of the Selkirk Golf and Country Club.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police are ticketing sight seers who are driving through road closure signs and approaching excavators, cranes and crews breaking up the ice. Vehicles, people, boats, and kayaks are getting in the way.

An eight year old boy is in critical condition after slipping on a culvert Thursday. He was pulled underwater by the speed of the flowing water and remained under for about five to ten minutes until adults could rescue him. The air ambulance supplied by Alberta’s STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) remains in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

“This is not a spectator sport. It’s not about getting the best pictures for the family albums. I know floods are seen as a bit of an event, but some of the instances I’m hearing about, people should give their head a shake, they really should,” said Steve Ashton Manitoba Emergency Measures Minister, “Those who fall into the river or get into trouble in another way would be not only endangering themselves but the emergency response crews trying to rescue them. I don’t want to see a situation … where we’re trying our darndest to prevent flooding and save lives and somebody [who] decides to go have a white-water experience ends up killing themselves.”

Early Easter Sunday morning floodwater reached the rural municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements north of Winnipeg. Residents were sent an evacuation advisory Good Friday, however some residents remained. Rescue efforts commenced Saturday night to find those stranded and unable to leave as their vehicles cannot travel in the swollen overland floodwaters. Some people were rescued from roof tops as entire houses were swept off of their foundations by the large ice blocks hurtling down the river.

Highways in the area remain closed. Neil Gobelle, of Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation said to “definitely continue to watch the Red River Valley and north of the city up in the Selkirk area. Things are changing quite a bit, quite quickly, so we’ll keep an eye on those areas.”

As of Easter Sunday, Winnipeg is expected to be ice free on the Red River. The River rose 4 feet (1.2 m) in the course of 24 hours. Rain is in the forecast and the higher temperatures of 17 °C (62.6 °F) will cause melting of snow and ice.

A weather system caused by La Niña is being watched by the United States National Weather Service and its potential effects between April 16-18 for residents along the Red River Valley. “We want people to be aware there is a very real possibility of the river going higher than what is out there,” said Mark Ewens, data manager at the NWS, “To have spring floods like this back-to-back is just an unfortunate series of events that have come along to plague us this spring. We’re wanting people to understand that this is a potentially serious problem.”

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Manitoba%27s_flood_creating_hazardous_conditions&oldid=808237”

Exercise Equipment Tips Reviewing The Stott Pilates Reformer

Exercise Equipment Tips – Reviewing the Stott Pilates Reformer

by

Brandon R. Massey

Are you familiar with Pilates? Although exercise fads come and go, Pilates has remained one of the most popular forms of exercise for several decades. It offers a proven, powerful way to develop and strengthen your core muscles and other major muscle groups, giving you a slender, toned physique.

Initially offered in urban-area studios and taught by trained instructors, Pilates has entered the home, too. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of these exercise techniques through hundreds of available DVDs and specialized equipment such as the Stott Pilates At Home SPX Reformer.

What is Stott Pilates all about? It’s based on the original system founded decades ago by Joseph Pilates, yet incorporates a modern approach to exercise, with a special emphasis on improving the curvature of the spine and rebalancing muscles around joints.

This contemporary approach permeates the design of the Stott at home reformer. The basic benefit of a commercial-grade reformer such as this one is that it helps you perform the exercise movements just as you would in a professional studio. You don’t have to lie on the floor or stand. Using an authentic machine such as this product will enable you to replicate the exact Pilates motions as they are meant to be done, virtually guaranteeing faster results.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r_z7DUpjH8[/youtube]

Benefits of the Stott Pilates At Home SPX Reformer

This package includes all the essentials you need to enjoy a thorough workout. It offers a reformer box with foot strap, a padded platform extender, and double loop straps.

You can do over 250 movements on this machine. And to make sure that you are doing the exercises properly, you’ll also receive a wall poster that illustrates the Pilates techniques, and a how-to workout DVD.

Want more? This Stott SPX machine uses four full-tension reformer springs, and one 50%-tension reformer spring. The benefit? This style of tension will allow you to develop stronger, toned muscles while building core strength, too. It’s far more effective than simply lying on the floor and working through the movements without a resistance system.

Another key advantage is this reformer is designed to accommodate a wide variety of users, from short to tall. This is due to the four footbar positions and the six carriage stopping points. You won’t have to worry that this machine is too small to meet your needs.

In spite of this versatility, this Stott Pilates SPX Reformer is still perfectly suited for home use. It stands about nine inches from the floor, allowing you to slide it underneath a bed when not in use. The attached wheels facilitate smooth mobility.

Disadvantages of the Stott Pilates Reformer

Although this machine has earned rave reviews from consumers, some users have mentioned a few negatives. It might be a little noisier than competing models, and operation could be smoother. Also, consumers have complained that the cushions are too thin for comfort when performing exercises that require you to sit on your knees.

Overall, however, this Pilates reformer is a solid product that should exceed your expectations. Over the long-term, it will save you a lot of money over what you’d pay at a professional studio, and it will give you much better results than you’ll achieve from using only exercise DVDs. It’s well worth a look.

Brandon Massey runs an

exercise equipment reviews

web site. This

Stott Pilates SPX Reformer

review is just one of the many helpful consumer reports that he offers. For more reviews and advice about fitness equipment that can help you lose weight, increase stamina, and build muscle, visit his site now.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Denunciations of Scandals Threaten UN

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Denunciations of corruption, bribe, collection of bribes from refugees [1] and of sexual scandal involving the peacekeepers [2], [3] threaten the Organization of the United Nations (UN).

The gravest denunciations involve the aid project to Iraq, called Oil-for-Food. Grave denunciations of bribe exist, superfluous accounting and collaboration with the ex-dictator Saddam Hussein, against staff of the UN, companies and politicians of several countries. Even the secretary of the UN, Kofi Annan was suspicious of participation in the plan of corruption. And also grave doubts still hover about his son, Kojo Annan.

The gravity of the denunciations threatens not only the credibility of the UN, but its existence.

Secretary Kofi Annan said that he is going to promote reforms in the organization. [4]

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Denunciations_of_Scandals_Threaten_UN&oldid=4540035”

Wikinews Shorts: April 26, 2007

A compilation of brief news reports for Thursday, April 26, 2007.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at an all time record high of 13,089.89. The Dow climbed 1.05% [135.95 points] at its closing bell.

On February 27, the Dow had a record for the worst day since 2001 and plunged over 400.00 points by the closing bell, after the stock exchanges in Asia had a steep loss on the same day.

Sources

  • Vikas Bajaj. “Run on Wall Street Sends Dow Above 13,000” — New York Times, April 26, 2007
  • Ellis Mnyandu. “Dow closes over 13,000” — Reuters, April 25, 2007

A group of around 30 or 40 anarchists launched an attack against a police station in Exarchia, a busy district in central Athens, in Greece. Meanwhile, another 70 hooded individuals launched other attacks. They set fire to vehicles, politician’s offices at the Kolonaki area and various bank departments in Exarhia. Greek Riot police responded with tear gas, while the fight between anarchists and the police still takes place in streets around the University of Athens. It is believed that the youths launched the attack in order to demonstrate their support to prisoners who started an uprising in three major prisons. Another demonstration takes place in Thessaloniki, but without any clashes, so far.

Sources

  • “Incendiary Attacks” — Elliniki Radiofonia Tileorasi, April 26, 2007
  • AP. “Suspected anarchists burn cars outside Athens police station” — International Herald Tribune, April 26, 2007

The United States Senate today passed a spending bill that sets a target date of March 31, 2008 for a complete pull-out of United States forces from Iraq. The House of Representatives has already passed a similar measure. The bill also includes US$100 billion for the continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

US President George W. Bush “will veto this legislation,” said White House spokesperson Dana Perino. “The president is determined to win in Iraq. The bill they sent us today is mission defeated.”

Related news

  • “Wikinews Shorts: March 27, 2007” — Wikinews, March 27, 2007

Sources

  • “Congress backs Iraq pull-out plan” — BBC News Online, April 26, 2007
  • Richard Cowan. “Congress challenges Bush to veto pullout” — Reuters, April 26, 2007

Colombia was faced with a nationwide electricity outage at 10:15 a.m. local time today. Traffic chaos and people trapped in elevators has been reported. Hospitals and airports continued operations, using their own backup generators.

Speaking on local radio, President Alvaro Uribe said, “It appears to have affected all of the country.”

“The blackout was caused by a failure at an energy substation in northern Bogota. We do not know what type of failure it was,” Manuel Maiguashca, vice minister of energy and mines, told reporters. Speculation that the outage was caused by left wing rebels was dismissed by officials.

Sources

  • Reuters. “Countrywide blackout hits Colombia” — Globe and Mail, April 26, 2007
  • “Nationwide blackout hits Colombia” — BBC News Online, April 26, 2007

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Wikinews_Shorts:_April_26,_2007&oldid=2470872”

Now Is The Time To Get Into Property Rentals

By P Green

Right now is an exceptionally good time to become a buy-to-let investor, according to two separate reports.

Two different firms have announced that market conditions are ideal for people who want to invest their money into property rentals.

And that’s going to be good news for the thousands of people across the UK who have already invested in property, in the hope of giving their pension fund a boost, or of making a faster return on their money than other kinds of investment.

This trend has been partly fuelled by TV property shows, which often show people making a profit from development and property rentals despite little knowledge in the market. The message that many people have received is that virtually anyone can make cash by buying a house, doing it up and selling it or renting it out.

Certainly investment specialists Assetz agrees that it is currently a buoyant market. It recently said that market conditions are ideal for people who want to make a purchase and gain an income from property rentals.

The firm argues that conditions are spot on for medium-term investors, despite fears the housing market is facing a slowdown in growth or could even see falling prices.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4r5Hy9TGUc[/youtube]

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reports that a record number of first-time buyers are currently choosing to rent rather than buy, while they wait to see what happens with the housing market.

And this has apparently put huge pressure on the prices of property rentals. Prices are being forced upwards – there is even talk of record growth rates.

The Association of Residential Letting Agents agrees. It recently declared that demand for rented homes has seriously outstripped supply.

And with the likelihood of interest rates dropping soon, Assetz believes buy to let has a bright future.

A separate investment consultancy agrees that there is huge confidence for investors in the UK property rentals market right now.

Property For Life did a survey into confidence, and said 64 per cent of investors thought the interest base rate had already peaked.

As a result of that, 76% of investors in its October survey thought it was a good time to buy a house and rent it out. That’s an increased confidence since the firm’s last survey in September, when just 72% of people thought that way.

The survey revealed some other fascinating facts about current beliefs in the property rentals market.

52 per cent of people who have a buy to let investment said they are feeling the pinch of interest rates.

Last week the Bank of England held rates, leaving them at 5.75%. Rates have been on hold at that rate for four months in a row, after five rises since August last year. The bank was keen to cool what it saw as an overheating economy.

This happened against a background of the Home Information Packs, or HIPs being introduced for the sale of three and four bedroomed houses. This may have contributed to a slowdown in the growth of house prices.

In the survey, 54 per cent of investors thought the base rate would fall in the coming months. It’s possible that that extra confidence could see even more money invested into the property market, creating more flats and houses to rent.

The results of the Property For Life survey also showed that few investors expected property prices to rise in the next year. Only 38% of people in the survey thought they would see prices go up. That result is down from 48% in the previous month.

In the long-term, investors seem confident that they will see a return on their investment.

About the Author: For more information about property rental, have a look at the Property Today website at: propertytoday.co.uk/Renting.aspx

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=201965&ca=Real+Estate

Eastern Conference wins 2008 NBA All-Star Game

Monday, February 18, 2008

Eastern Conference 134 128 Western Conference

The Eastern Conference defeated their Western Conference counterparts at the 2008 National Basketball Association All-Star Game held at New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday. The final score was 134-128.

The East took an early 11 point lead in the first 5 minutes, due to an injured Kobe Bryant only playing 2 minutes before sitting on the bench for the rest of the game. “There’s one player we really, really missed, and that was Kobe,” said West coach Byron Scott. The West later reduced the lead to 2 points, but at halftime, the East led 74-65.

The West trailed by 13 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but rallied behind New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, who had seven assists in the final period. With 2:48 remaining, Brandon Roy scored a layup on an assist from Paul, giving the West a 122-119 lead, their biggest lead of the game.

The East then answered back with two three-pointers from Ray Allen, before Chris Paul tied the game with a three-pointer of his own. However, the East would then take the lead and the game with layups from Dwyane Wade and Allen, as well as a driving dunk from LeBron James. A Brandon Roy three-pointer put the game within three points with 8.7 seconds left, but 3 free throws from Ray Allen sealed the win for the East.

“The fourth quarter was crazy,” said Chris Paul. “We were down 13. We picked up the intensity. We took the lead a few times but Ray Allen was unbelievable the way he shot the ball. And that last dunk by LeBron, we had two people on him but that still wasn’t enough.”

With 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, James was named the All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career. Some television commentators also considered Ray Allen a likely choice for the award, with 14 of his 28 points coming in the final 3 minutes of the game. “I think Ray Allen had a heck of a shooting night,” James said after being presented the award.

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