World News Thread & Breaking News!!

[bladerunner]

Re: Spitfires!!!

Should this guy have been fined for complaining too often over what our broadcasters regard as trivial matters

eg.

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A Wellington man is fighting for his right to complain.

Don McDonald was fined $50 last year after making one too many complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

He complained about a One News story which incorrectly said Kathryn's Supernova was in a galaxy 240 light years away from Earth.

It's in fact 240 million light years away.

The BSA says while the complaint did point out an inaccuracy, it was frivolous and trivial and Mr McDonald had been warned about making such complaints in the past.

Mr McDonald's today appealing that decision at the High Court in Wellington, saying he's being deterred from his democratic right to complain.
"I want to foster an informed and democratic society. The news is important, serious, we've got to get it right and not worry people about missing out important details."

 

[solarz]

Re: Spitfires!!!

The BSA says while the complaint did point out an inaccuracy, it was frivolous and trivial and Mr McDonald had been warned about making such complaints in the past.

LOL, they think the difference between 240 and 240 million is frivolous and trivial? Speaks volumes about the BSA, doesn't it?

 

[Franklin]

Re: Spitfires!!!

What do you guys make of this.

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[montyp165]

Re: Spitfires!!!

What do you guys make of this.

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Again, it has as much credence as a piece of wet toilet paper, since it is way overstating issues in China that are more pervasive in other countries (even the US) but ignored by the western media in general.

 

[bd popeye]

Re: Spitfires!!!

American icon Dick Clark dies at age 82.

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Dick Clark died earlier today. The famed TV producer was 82.

Paul Shefrin, a rep for the entertainment legend, told ABC News his client suffered a "massive heart attack." According to TMZ, Clark was at St. John’s hospital in Los Angeles for an outpatient procedure when the heart attack occurred. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, who worked with Clark on his annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" specials, took time out of tonight's "Idol" broadcast to memorialize his mentor. "We can't begin tonight's show without acknowledging the passing of a television pioneer and my dear friend Dick Clark," Seacrest said. "Without Dick, a show like this would not exist. He will be missed greatly." He then pointed to his watch and added, "I know that he's in a better place, saying, 'Hey let's get on with the show.' You got it, boss!"

Earlier in the day, following the news of Clark's death, Seacrest offered condolences via Twitter. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The Mount Vernon, N.Y., native, who was born Richard Wagstaff Clark, became a breakout star after being tapped to host “American Bandstand,” an afternoon dance show for teenagers, which debuted nationally in 1957. Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and the Jackson 5 were just some of the big acts featured on the hit show, though he reportedly regretted not booking The Beatles. Clark, went on to form his own production company and put out many popular shows, from the hidden camera series "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" to game show "The $25,000 Pyramid." He also produced many TV award shows, including the Golden Globes.

In 1972, he hosted "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" for the first time, helping Americans countdown to midnight as the ball dropped in New York's Times Square. He continued to helm the special until 2004 when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. After Regis Philbin stood in for him the first year, Clark, who was also diabetic, passed the baton to "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and, after recovering, made an annual appearance to address the audience.

Clark's first time back in 2006, he had the same boyish spirit people had grown to know. Although he clearly struggled with his speech, sounding hoarse and sometimes indecipherable, he candidly addressed the audience, saying: "Last year I had a stroke. It left me in bad shape. I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again. It's been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I'm getting there," noting "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Following Seacrest's lead, other celebrities expressed their sadness over the passing of Clark as well. Jenny McCarthy, who appeared on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," tweeted: “RIP dick Clark. You were amazing to work with. U will be missed. Xxxoo.” Joan Rivers chimed in, writing: “Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!” Even Snoop Dogg remembered the TV man, posting: “REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir.”

Clark is survived by his three children and his third wife, Keri Wigton, to whom he has been married since 1977.

 

[delft]

Re: Costa Concordia

An update on the salvage of the Costa Concordia - the ship is to be refloated by the US company Titan Salvage, a daughter of Crowley, according to news media in The Netherlands, using huge balloons. I don't see anything yet on its web site -

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.

 

[bd popeye]

Re: Costa Concordia

^^ I heard a 10 second sound bite about this on the news this morning. Not much info about the job.. Delft what happend with that Dutch company??

Ah ha.. I found this short story..

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The contract was won by US-based company Titan Salvage and an Italian firm specialising in underwater ship repairs, Microperi, Costa Cruises said.

Under the plans, the Concordia will be re-floated in one piece and towed to a port on the Italian mainland.

Thirty-two people died when the ship hit rocks off the Tuscan island of Giglio with 4,200 people on board.

The operation, which is expected to take a year, still needs to be approved by the Italian authorities.

The ship lies half-submerged on its side on a steep underwater incline, near the island's main port.

Airbags will be used to re-float the ship once the gash ripped into its port side when it ran aground has been mended, the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome.

Once the Concordia has been removed, the sea floor will be cleaned and measures taken to help marine flora to regenerate.

Work to drain more than 2,000 tonnes of fuel and sewage from the ship was completed last month, easing fears that the pristine waters around Giglio could be badly polluted.

 

[bladerunner]

Re: Costa Concordia

The Contractor must have really sharpened his pencil. And they're blaming it on the Girls weight. She doesnt look overweight at all

Girl falls through pavement in China - video

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A taxi driver rushed to the rescue of a girl who fell through a pavement while walking down a street in northern China. The pavement caved in under the teenager's weight as soon as she stepped onto a section of the walkway, surveillance camera footage shows. The cab driver stopped immediately at the scene and climbed into the six-metre deep pit to help the girl

 

[AssassinsMace]

Re: Costa Concordia

I saw that on US television and they said the girl missed warning signs while talking on the phone and that was a temporary surface.

 

[solarz]

Re: Costa Concordia

I saw that on US television and they said the girl missed warning signs while talking on the phone and that was a temporary surface.

Nevertheless, putting a thin, unsupported pavement on what is pretty much a HOLE is beyond irresponsible. Whoever did this should be prosecuted for endangering the public.

The positive aspect is that the cab driver stopped immediately to help the girl. It's a welcome change from the indifference that we've seen in the recent past.