Wikinews interviews Katie Hill, Australian Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist
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Wikinews interviews Katie Hill, Australian Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

London, England — Yesterday, following her team’s 62–37 win over Mexico in the quarterfinals, Wikinews interviewed Katie Hill of Australia’s women’s national wheelchair basketball team.

((Laura Hale)) Katie Hill, we know you’ve won a bronze medal before. What state are you from?

Katie Hill: I’m from New South Wales.

((WN)) Do you play for a club?

KH: Yeah! I play for the Sydney Uni Flames.

((WN)) You guys played Mexico in the lead up to this?

KH: Yeah. We just had a tournament in the Netherlands, in Europe, and we got to play them there, which is good preparation.

((WN)) You guys dominated in a painful way, embarrassingly for Mexico. You guys did a full court press and half court press and really jammed them up. Was that intentional?

KH: Of course! We had a strong game in our last game against the Netherlands, and obviously we’re a bit fired up, and we want to be here so, you know, we want to play as strong as we can and prepare ourselves for the strongest teams that we can play. So, if we get to practice those kind of things and it works really well, then that’s what we are aiming to do

((WN)) You’re going to meet either the USA or Canada. As an American, I find that terrifying. Do you guys think you have a real shot at the [semifinals]?

KH: Obviously, there’s a lot of good teams in this competition. I think that anyone could win it on their day. As long as we’re playing as well as we can, sure! Definitely!

((WN)) You seemed to have all the answers to the Netherlands yesterday. Every tactic that they tried, you had a counterattack.

KH: They’re a familiar team for us. We’ve been playing them for a while, and I think yesterday’s win was probably the first time we’ve beaten them in quite a long time. So it was nice to finally make that happen now, and have that be a good win for us and put us in a good position.

((WN)) Now’s a good time to find real form.

KH: Exactly! So, we’re saving it all up for when it counts!

((WN)) You did really well in Sydney in that tournament.

KH: Yes.

((WN)) You have that huge fan base with all those gliders shirts. How big a difference does it make on the court?

KH: Oh, it’s unreal. It’s amazing to come out. When you come out here, to many of the girls it’s their first time out, and you come out and there’s a whole big stadium full of people, all you want to do is find your family, and know where they’re sitting, and sometimes that’s really hard. So we’ve got them all in their yellow shirts and they’re all sitting there so they’re all recognisable and it just is amazing to feel so comfortable that all those people are behind you.

((WN)) Who’s here for you?

KH: I have my mum, my dad, my auntie, and also my dad’s girlfriend is here as well.

((WN)) Are you enjoying London, and the food and all?

KH: Yeah! This is the first time I’ve actually been to London. I’ve been through it a few times on our travels elsewhere, but it’s been fantastic, and we’re really enjoying it.

((WN)) Do you plan to continue on to Rio? Or are you going to be like other Paralympians and retire on top?

KH: I don’t plan to retire any time soon. It’s not like this is my last shot and then I’m going to have a rest. But I’m also focused on now and not really in four years time. I’ll see how I’m going then. I like to play basketball so I’m not going to quit.

((WN)) Thank you very much.

CEO of GM outlines plan for “New GM” after auto company declared bankruptcy
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CEO of GM outlines plan for “New GM” after auto company declared bankruptcy

Thursday, June 4, 2009

In a New York press conference at 16:15 UTC, June 1st, Fritz Henderson, the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, which filed for bankruptcy and Chapter 11 protection from its creditors earlier today, outlined a plan for what he called a “New GM”.

Speaking to the press under safe harbor provisions of U.S. law, Henderson described the events of today as a “defining moment” in the history of General Motors. Speaking to the public he said that “The GM that let you down is history,” and described a “New GM” that he expected to result from the bankruptcy process.

Henderson stated that he envisioned the bankruptcy process would take between 60 and 90 days. He stressed several times his view that the process would be one that is executed quickly, saying that not just a sense of urgency but “pure unadulterated speed” was his expectation of the process. He emphasized that “GM remains open for business” during the bankruptcy period, continuing to sell and to support its products, and that day one motions had been filed in the bankruptcy court in order to allow this.

Regarding the bankruptcy process he said, “We will do it right. And we will do it once.”

He stated that the plan for General Motors had the support of the United Auto Workers union, the Canadian Auto Workers union, the GM VEBA, and a majority of the unsecured bondholders of GM. He also mentioned that GM had already received €1.5 million in bridge financing from the German government.

In response to questions about the possibility of the United States federal government, a majority shareholder in the restructured company, dictating future product development and strategy, such as the sale of more fuel-efficient and green vehicles; he first observed that the federal government had already stated to him that it had “no real interest in running our business” and that he expected that still to be his job. Of the specific hypothetical scenario where the management of GM wants to make one type of car, because it thinks that it is the right thing for the business, and the U.S. government wants to make another type of car, he stated that “I don’t think it’s going to happen.” Expanding on that point he stated that he expected the “New GM” to focus upon “highly fuel-efficient and green technology”, and that operating both in accordance with U.S. environmental laws and in response to customer demand would naturally result in the New GM producing the types of vehicles that the U.S. government would encourage.

The “New GM” he also expected to focus on “four core brands”, and will size its dealership to match that. He stated that GM would offer a “deferred termination” package to dealers, to allow them to cease dealing in GM vehicles in a managed and gradual way.

He stated that the bankruptcy filings did not cover General Motors’ businesses in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific. Of GM’s profitable ventures in China, specifically, he stated that they were “a critical part of the New GM”. In response to questions of whether the New GM would import cars from China to the U.S., he stated the formative company’s core principle that “We build where we sell” applied in both directions, with GM building in China to sell in China and building in the U.S. to sell in the U.S., stating that this shortened supply chains.

He declined to predict when the New GM would return to profitability, stating that the goal was rather to lower the break-even EBIT point for the company. He also declined to speculate upon when the U.S. government would sell its stake in the company, saying that that was a question “better addressed to the U.S. Treasury”, and merely saying that he expected it to be “years, not months” when the U.S. Treasury felt it would give “the right return for taxpayers.”

US presidential candidate Dodd applauded by League of Conservation
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US presidential candidate Dodd applauded by League of Conservation

Friday, June 1, 2007

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued a statement today, congratulating Senator Christopher Dodd for his support of environmental issues. Dodd has made a large ad buy in Iowa and New Hampshire for a spot talking about his commitment to the issues. It is the first television ad by a candidate during the campaign to discuss global warming.

LCV President Gene Karpinski stated:

The League of Conservation Voters applauds Senator Chris Dodd for making global warming a focal point of his campaign. Not only has Senator Dodd outlined an ambitious plan to curb global warming – he is also the first presidential candidate ever to release an ad focusing solely on this key issue.

More and more Americans want our next President to address global warming and propose bold solutions to this challenge.

Senator Dodd is helping to remind America that our president has the power to stop global warming — it’s in their hands.

We look forward to seeing the debate on this issue continue to advance in the coming months.

On January 11, 2007, Dodd announced his Presidential candidacy on the now canceled Imus in the Morning radio show. The head of the New Hampshire Democratic party said Dodd told her that he wasn’t “going to do the exploratory thing, I’m going to plunge right in.”

LCV’s mission is to “advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies.”

Dodd is currently a senator for Connecticut.

[edit]

Wikinews at Toronto film fest party, with Diddy
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Wikinews at Toronto film fest party, with Diddy

Monday, September 8, 2008

Toronto residents are abuzz as the stars walk among them, during the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. The capital of and largest city in Ontario, Canada has been playing host to the premieres of major motion pictures, up-and-coming indy films, and international films alike. Over the last few years, the festival has become one of the most popular in the world.

On September 5, Wikinews sent freelance photographer Richard Burdett to the eTalk Festival Party, held by television broadcaster CTV. Described as a celebration of Canadian and international film and filmmakers, the party was held at CTV’s festival headquarters, the former CHUM-City Building. The red carpet extended into the parking lot stage area meaning celebrity guests were interviewed in the same spot where Diddy performed. DJ Samantha Ronson spun well into the night for revelers, as Lindsay Lohan hid from prying eyes inside the building.

Hosted by Ben Mulroney and Tayna Kim of CTV’s eTalk program, the party was broadcast live for an hour on Startv.

Category:June 8, 2010
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Category:June 8, 2010

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Silicone Wristbands An Amazing Cause/Awareness Marketing Tool

By Caramie Eaid

It seems what everyone thought would be a fad, is here to stay. Silicone wristbands first burst onto the scene in 2004 with the most notable brand being cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong’s yellow Livestrong gel wristband. What started out as a fundraising and awareness campaign quickly became a fashion accessory. Since then, rubber wristbands have been used by nearly every charity, or cause in North America to create awareness, and follow the trend. The durable, waterproof material makes these wristbands a favorite for all ages and event types.

Cost-effective gel wristbands are still one of the most popular products for many wristband companies. The most successful wristband companies have been producing a unique silicone-type wristband, (EVO wristbands) which are the most popular silicone choice because they are made with 100% North American materials, are recyclable, hypo-allergenic (latex-free), and are produced entirely with lead-free products and inks.

Although silicone wristbands were initially used for cause marketing and to create awareness, they are now popular as school fundraisers, and for fans to support their favorite sports team or athlete. Anyone that wants to promote something has recognized this ‘in your face’ advertising tool. Sports venues, concert tours and major events are using rubber wristbands to promote themselves, and their sponsors. Silicone wristbands serve as a great identification solution during the event, and are often kept afterwards by attendees as keepsakes – such an incredible advertisement opportunity.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHtcqrY8Ye8[/youtube]

And so, what most thought would disappear as quickly as it popped up, silicone wristbands have remained strong in the market, and are still one of the most effective fundraising tools for organizations of all sizes. The ability to completely customize their color, scent, text and logo keeps these marketing tools relevant and fresh.

RED RIBBON WEEK WRISTBANDS – COMPANIES SHOW THEIR SUPPORT BY OFFERING AWARENESS PRODUCTS

As the largest, most public annual awareness campaign in the United States, coordinating for this year’s Red Ribbon Week has already begun across the nation. Parents, teachers and volunteers responsible for organizing Red Ribbon fundraisers and awareness events are once again looking for new and exciting ways to promote the prevention of drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. Kicking off yearly during the last week of October, the campaign is intended to create awareness for youth, and start their school year off setting a good example, and encouraging a positive, drug-free upcoming school year.

Companies across the country that support Red Ribbon Week are also doing their part to create awareness. Whether sponsoring schools directly or creating products like awareness wristbands, Red Ribbon is being recognized regularly as an important campaign for America’s youth.

North American companies have recognized the campaign and its importance, and some wristband companies have entire wristband awareness collections geared towards Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week wristbands are intended to serve as a reminder of personal commitment to stay drug-free, as well as to help facilitate discussion and further awareness on the topic. Red Ribbon awareness products include the national phenomenon of silicone bracelets, plastic and ‘sparkle’ wristbands, as well as customized key tags, photographic wristbands, and 3D lenticular awareness cards. These products can also be 100% customized to include school information and campaign dates, or most can be purchased in stock patterns that state mottos such as ‘I Pledge To Be Drug Free’ and ‘Substance Free Is The Way To Be’. Promotional products like these are extremely cost-effective to accommodate for school budgets and non-profit youth organizations, and most companies produce products that meet all FDA and CPSIA lead-free specifications (always ask the manufacturer to provide proof that their production materials meet these requirements).

The most common challenge for Red Ribbon coordinators and volunteers, is finding a way for their campaign to be memorable, and meaningful. Keeping the campaign age appropriate across the board can be difficult with a topic like drugs and alcohol, so finding methods that will stand out, without shocking youth, is key to a successful week. Using Red Ribbon wristbands and promotional print products are a highly effective way to accomplish this.

Schools, businesses, religious groups, families, media and community alliances all come together, each October, to encourage and celebrate healthy drug-free lifestyles. Manufacturing companies like are doing their portion to create awareness, and offer products that will educate youth, and help volunteers and coordinators deliver such an important program on anti-drug awareness to kids in America.

About the Author: Caramie Eaid is a copywriter for Medtech Wristbands. Are you looking for an inexpensive way to promote your event or cause? Visit

medtechgroup.com

to request samples, and learn about innovative ways to use silicone wristbands!

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=374204&ca=Marketing

2012 Report on Gender Equality and Development says US women have room for progress
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2012 Report on Gender Equality and Development says US women have room for progress

Friday, September 27, 2013

Tuesday, World Bank released the 2012 World Development Report on Gender Equality and Development. The United States is referred to many times, often as a benchmark to foster understanding of recent gains for women in other parts of the globe. At the same time, United States women still lag behind US men in a number of areas.

In 2012, the authors note women in the United States still face challenges economically and socially. They are represented disproportionately in certain professions like teaching and nursing. They are paid less than their male counterparts. Jobs traditionally held by women also result in lower wages for men who hold these jobs. They are under-represented at the highest level of business, with only 28 of Fortune 1000 companies having a female chief executive officer. The bottom 20% of women economically have a slightly higher birth rate than their peers in the top 20%.

Immigrants to the United States from Southeast Asia and India have higher than expected male to female birth ratios, which the report authors suggest is partially deliberate sex selection based on cultural attitudes from home countries. In 2009, over half a million US women were victims of intimate partner violence. The report suggests US men have greater pension assets than US women. When compared to elderly US men, elderly women in the United States are more likely to live alone than with a spouse. US women are disproportionately under-represented in local police forces, accounting for less than 20% of all police officers. Women in the United States also bear a higher percentage of housework duties than men at 61%. When US women take part time work while raising children, they find it difficult to use that work experience to gain future full time employment. US women are disincentivized from re-entering the workforce after giving birth because of the high cost of childcare.

Many of the gains for United States women took place a while ago and took a long time to get. It took 40 years, 1870–1910, to see major improvements in the percentage of girls aged 6 to 12 attending school. In 1921, after women got the right to vote in the United States, the United States Congress passed the Promotion of the Welfare and Hygiene of Maternity and Infancy Act. This assisted in lowering infant mortality from 23% to 15%.

The report says affirmative action in the United States resulted in jobs transferring from men to women, but the authors hedged and did not draw a conclusion about the economic impact of these legislative efforts other than to say the impact was not negative.

Many of the legislative victories for United States women came early compared to developing countries. Property rights for women, while later than some of their European counterparts like Norway and the United Kingdom, started to come by 1848. That year, the Married Women’s Property Act was passed in New York. It was the first legislation of its kind in the country. Other states soon followed. Women got suffrage on a state-by-state level in the country until they got federal suffrage in 1920. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 barred discrimination against women and allowed married women to make loans without their husband’s consent. In 1980, airlines were barred from discriminating against flight attendances for their marital status during the hiring and firing stage.

The number of United States respondents agreeing with the proposition “a university education is more important for a boy than for a girl” decreased from about 14% in the period between 1994 and 1999 to about about 9% in the period between 2005 and 2007. Similarly, the number of people who agreed with “when jobs are scarce, men should have more right to a job than women” decreased from 19% to about 8% over the same period.

The report cites current research from the United States and England showing the more education a mother has, the better the outcomes for her children will be.

Currently in the United States, females academically outperform their male counterparts in all academic areas including [[mathematics|math] and science. On the Programme for International Student Assessment math test though, US boys tested better than US girls by a score of roughly 495 to 480. US girls outperform boys on the literacy test with mean scores of approximately 510 to 490. In this regard, the report suggests US girls’ performance patterns resemble global ones.

Mali’s percentage of girls in primary school is equivalent to the United States in 1810 at around 34%. Burkino Faso is worse, matching the United States in 1780 with a percentage of roughly 25%. Niger’s current enrollment for girls is around 50%, around the same percentage as the United States in 1900.

News briefs:August 14, 2006
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News briefs:August 14, 2006

The time is 19:00 (UTC) on August 14th, 2006, and this is Audio Wikinews News Briefs.

Contents

  • 1 Headlines
    • 1.1 UN sponsored ceasefire in Israel-Lebanon begins
    • 1.2 Tamil Tigers say Sri Lanka’s government bombed orphanage
    • 1.3 Colombo land mine explosion kills seven
    • 1.4 Suspected low pathogenic H5N1 Bird Flu virus found in the United States
    • 1.5 Ariel Sharon’s condition worsens
    • 1.6 Fresh pictures of Castro and Chavez shown in Cuban media
    • 1.7 AIDS conference opens without PM
    • 1.8 Edinburgh Extends Parking Zone
    • 1.9 Wellington, New Zealand university student missing
    • 1.10 Court date “as needed” for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal
  • 2 Closing statements

[edit]

Blair ally Lord Levy arrested
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Blair ally Lord Levy arrested

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Police have arrested Lord Levy, chief fundraiser to the Labour Party and close associate of Tony Blair. Lord Levy was arrested by the Specialist Crime Directorate of London’s Metropolitan police as part of an on-going investigation into the cash-for-peerages row which has troubled the Labour government since the start of the year. He was bailed on Wednesday afternoon without charge pending further enquiries.

In a statement, Lord Levy said the arrest was “totally unnecessary”. A spokesman also said: “He has not been charged and does not expect to be, as he has committed no offence.”

The cash-for-peerages affair erupted earlier this year, after an independent body reported that Tony Blair had sold peerages (the title of Lord) to businessmen in exchange for secret donations to the Labour Party. This potentially breaks the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act of 1925 which was originally introduced after Prime Minister Lloyd George was caught selling peerages for personal funds.

The ruling Labour Party admitted soon after that it had borrowed over £14 million before the last general election in 2005. The opposition Conservative Party also admitted it had been loaned £16 million by wealthy businessmen. It’s believed that as chief fundraiser, Lord Levy arranged the Labour Party’s loans.

All political parties deny any wrong-doing, although the arrest of one of the Prime Minister’s closest allies is going to provide yet more scandal for the already troubled party.

Downing Street has so far declined to comment on what they call a “party matter” and Levy himself has accused the police of “over-reacting”. Some politicians have commented that the situation could be very serious for Mr. Blair.

3 More Great Fraternity And Sorority Mixer Ideas}

More On This Topic:

Submitted by: John Hagerty

So you are the party chairman of your fraternity. Are you trying to find the most legendary ideas for the upcoming mixer? Your fraternity might refer to them as exchanges, or you might simply be throwing events during homecoming. I call them the most fantastic activities in college, and each fraternity ought to strive to have as many mixers as you can.

Allow me to share three fraternity and sorority mixer suggestions which will positively help make your next fraternity and sorority mixer a tremendous success:

Around the World Mixer – You no doubt know those restaurants or beer packs available in supermarkets where one can try cans of beer from all around the world? Effectively you can have a party like this, as well.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWut-x9Yo4Y[/youtube]

Include beverages and party favors you will find from all around the globe. French wine, Kentucky bourbon, American Beer (the very best in the world), and so on. And also it does not need to be just alcoholic drinks – Canada Dry, anyone?

Provide your guests a passport after they enter. Have stamps at every nation you check out, and load up your passport. The party favors can be fun, too. This is about sampling the fun. And don’t call this one Study Abroad; it sends the wrong message. For additional craziness, have your guests get into character with a costume from various nations.

Graffiti Mixer – So it is the conclusion of the school year, so you need to throw a good party. You have to take this instant to commemorate the wonderful time your fraternity had the past year. Do you recollect when many of us used to write inside each others yearbooks in high school? Well, you are in a fraternity now, and the next best thing can be a ordinary shirt and a lot of markers. For a bit of extra excitement, use a few black lights and glow in the dark products like highlighters.

Opposites Attract Mixer – Sororities appear to have fun with this one, and your guests enters in pairs. Get friends or dates team up with each other, and create the funniest opposites you have ever heard. We are not really talking about peanut butter and jelly. How about Obama and Bush? Or even summer and winter. The point is not to make sense it is to get absurd costumes. And keep in mind the more preposterous the actual outfits you have normally means an amazing time.

These three event ideas will make your fraternity a hit with sororities. One last key point to remember is to make sure the event is as interactive as possible. The last thing you want to happen is put your brothers and the sorority sisters on the spot and force them into awkward conversation all night. If they are forced to do something together, it will become the center of attention. This will make it easier for everyone at the event.

As always, make sure to adhere to your fraternitys risk management procedures during your fraternity mixer. Do not forget to continually put your best foot forward during the mixer. You want to be certain that your fraternity has the chance to mix with the sorority down the road.

About the Author: John Hagerty is a contributing author for

thefraternityadvisor.com

– the only site dedicated to making your fraternity the best on campus.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=1011241&ca=Home+Management}

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