NSW govt to rebuild high school with private funding

Monday, May 22, 2006

New South Wales minister for Education and Training, Carmel Tebbutt told parliament that Kelso High School, which was destroyed by fire on August 18, 2005 will be rebuilt under the NSW government’s New Schools Public Private Partnerships (PPP) program. Under the program, the bulk of construction costs come from private companies who own the schools for 30 years, after which time they revert to government ownership.

The PPP program began in October 2001. According to the government, 19 schools will be delivered under the PPP program by 2009.

The announcement follows Member for Bathurst, Gerard Martin’s statement to parliament on September 14, 2005 that the government would be rebuilding the school at a cost of $18 to $25 million. “The Government has accepted the responsibility of the $18 million to $25 million to rebuild the school, which is proceeding post haste” he said.

The PPP announcement has been seen as a backflip by the government.

When approached by Wikinews, Brad Hazzard, the opposition’s education spokesperson said that the coalition did not have a formal policy in this area but generally were supportive of the PPP program so long as infrastructure and maintenance are addressed.

Australian Greens education spokesperson, John Kaye, said that problems were already emerging with the PPP program in NSW. In March 2006, it was revealed that the government had to negotiate an exit strategy so that after school hours child care could be provided. In a media release provided to Wikinews, Dr Kaye said, “Yet another flaw in a NSW Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been uncovered. Just like the Cross City Tunnel, the community suffered because the contract failed to protect the quality of service delivery,”

“After numerous complaints from parents, the Iemma government had to negotiate an exit strategy from the contract to provide out-of-school-hours childcare. Corporate giant ABC Learning which had purchased the original provider, Peppercorn, was clearly not interested in the expensive end of childcare”.

Dr Kaye also pointed out that an Auditor general’s report found alarming evidence that the basis for PPP in NSW could be based on unreliable financial models. Dr Kaye said that the Auditor General has “cast a very large shadow” over the government’s claimed savings from the PPP program.

“It appears that the NSW government does not know with any degree of certainty how much it would cost to perform the same function in the public sector. Any attempt to say that private sector control is cheaper is now fraught with danger,”

“The Auditor General’s report proves that the methodology used by the Government to estimate the costs of public sector provision is highly unreliable and suspect” said Dr Kaye.

Both Carmel Tebbutt and Gerard Martin gave no response when contacted by Wikinews.

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Purchasing A Video Surveillance System?

Purchasing a Video Surveillance System?

by

DL Consultants, LLC

Before starting to compare surveillance systems or evaluating potential vendors, consider what you want to monitor with your CCTV surveillance system. Once you decide what you want to see, choosing components will become easier. Be sure you have the answers to the following questions before you spend any money for a video surveillance system

Do you want to observe the general comings and goings? Vehicles? Or do you want to see specific faces, merchandise, or a crowd en mass?

Next, decide what picture quality you need in your surveillance systems. Quality can refer to both how detailed the image is and how fast the frame rate is. Frame rate measures the number of many individual pictures that make up the video. “Real-Time”, what you see on television and on VHS tapes, is 30 frames per second. Most often, surveillance systems record at slower rates, which result in more jerky-looking images but saves on recording space. A system with higher Recording/Playback rate is preferred.

How will your surveillance system be monitored? Will you simply record at all times, and only review the tape when a problem occurs? Or will you have a dedicated employee watching for trouble? Also, with multiple surveillance system cameras, you have the option of connecting each to its own monitor, or combining multiple images onto one monitor.

What s the priority for the surveillance system? Is it the deterrence of potential crimes or the capture of perpetrators? If you are more interested in deterring certain activities, large, visible cameras are your best bet. Trying to catch criminals without them being cognizant of the surveillance, requires hidden surveillance system cameras, which cost more for hardware and for installation.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ-ivckE0uo[/youtube]

One of the newest trends in the surveillance system industry concerns digital recording. Only a few years ago, most closed-circuit TV systems were paired with the familiar Time Lapse VCR to record images. However, digital video recorders (DVRs), which record onto hard drives instead of tape, offer a positive alternative.

For businesses that do not want to change tapes constantly, DVRs definitely are the way to go. While security VCRs offer a time-lapse mode that lets them record for long periods of time, the resulting images are not a good record of events – they record only one snapshot every eight seconds. To get higher quality, the tapes need to be change every day, if not more often. DVRs, on the other hand, can record for weeks or even months without the video data needing to be archived or written over. However, if you re on a tight budget and willing to invest in fading technology, good time-lapse VCRs, designed specifically for security use, start at $300 to $400.

When choosing a CCTV camera, consider the space of your surveillance zone: Are you 5 feet or 15 feet away from your surveillance target area? It s best to locate your camera as close to the surveillance area first, and then choose how much zoom you need.

To determine the field of view required, take photos of the areas to be covered from the proposed camera locations. The type of lens you need depends upon what you want to see, how far away it is and how wide the viewing area. Do you want to capture a person s face or a car license plate? Each camera location will determine which lenses would maximize your surveillance potential. For example: A 4mm wide angle lens will be able to view an area 20 high X 26 wide at 21 away.

Will the cameras be subject to damage? If they will, damage resistant cameras would be a must.

Is the space well lit or dimly lit? Are the lights turned off at night? Do you want to monitor the area with the lights turned off? If so, infrared CCTV cameras will be required.

You have a broad range of video surveillance cameras available to you. Understanding the different kinds will make it easier to determine which will suit the application best.

Outdoor Cameras – Outdoor cameras need to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity and usually come in a weatherproof casing that also helps protect against vandalism.

Infra-Red Cameras – These cameras have infrared LEDs installed around the lens of the camera. This provides the light the camera can use to ‘see in the dark’ even when no outside light is available. In some low light installations, a day/night camera will work as well.

Day/Night Security Cameras – Day/Night cameras have a super sensitive imaging chip in them. This allows these cameras to work great in low light with no infrared lighting needed. Low light means that there is some light available but not a lot, for example from street lights or even moon light. If your application has absolutely no light then you’ll need to use infrared instead.

Mini Security Cameras – Mini cameras are some of the smallest available, but still offer extremely good resolution and are ideal for unobtrusive surveillance. The compact design of these coin cameras make them very easy to hide and difficult to see.

Bullet Cameras – Bullet cameras are small, compact and can be placed almost anywhere. These cameras are great for covert surveillance. The lens is built into the camera and cannot be switched. The main advantages to the bullet camera are their low cost and their small size.

Dome Cameras – Dome cameras are a popular style. Dome cameras present a streamline and professional look to any company, organization or building. They are available in both black & white and color formats. Some dome cameras come in an armor dome to protect against vandalism. Typically, they’re only used indoors.

Budget: Just like any technology, the more you spend, the better the system you get. Keep in mind a low system is better than no camera at all.

Vigilance and Security

, a wholly owned subsidiary of DL Consultants, LLC, is a fast growng internet reseller of a broad line of cutting edge security camera and surveillance systems appropriate for home, as well as, small and medium business applications. Our clients include parents, homeowners, warehouses, convenience stores, restaurants and retail establishments.

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Purchasing a Video Surveillance System?

U.S. judge orders release of President Trump’s tax records, appeals court issues delay

Thursday, October 10, 2019

On Monday, United States District Court Judge Victor Marrero issued a ruling against President Donald Trump finding that New York City prosecutors could view his tax records after a subpoena issued by a grand jury. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is investigating Trump over alleged hush money paid to two women with whom he has been alleged to have had affairs. Such payments could be considered bribery. President Trump sued Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. and his own tax preparer Mazars USA to block the release of eight years of tax returns to the grand jury, but Judge Marrero dismissed the president’s lawsuit. The president’s legal team appealed the decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which issued an administrative stay to Marrero’s order about an hour and a half after the district court ruling.

The appeals court ruling placed a stay on the district court’s ruling until it hears arguments from the president’s lawyers and District Attorney Vance’s office. According to a court clerk, arguments in the case would be scheduled as soon as the week of October 21, with briefs from both parties due in the intervening time until then.

Trump had asked the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York intervene in a New York City criminal proceeding, in which a subpoena had been issued to Trump’s tax preparer. He sought such intervention to prevent Mazars from releasing his tax returns, arguing that, as president, he should be immune from prosecution, and that, by extension, his tax preparer, Mazars USA, could likewise be exempt from investigation. Marrero rejected this argument:

The notion of federal supremacy and presidential immunity from judicial process that the President here invokes, unqualified and boundless in its reach as described above, cuts across the grain of […] constitutional precedents. It also ignores the analytic framework that the Supreme Court has counseled should guide review of presidential claims of immunity from judicial process. Of equal fundamental concern, the President’s claim would tread upon principles of federalism and comity that form essential components of our constitutional structure and the federal/state balance of government powers and functions. Bared to its core, the proposition the President advances reduces to the very notion that the Founders rejected at the inception of the Republic, and that the Supreme Court has since unequivocally repudiated: that a constitutional domain exists in this country in which not only the President, but, derivatively, relatives and persons and business entities associated with him in potentially unlawful private activities, are in fact above the law.

Because this Court finds aspects of such a doctrine repugnant to the nation’s governmental structure and constitutional values, and for reasons further stated below, it ABSTAINS from adjudicating this dispute and DISMISSES the President’s suit.

Following Marrero’s order, the appeals court issued a stay, delaying Mazars’ compliance with the subpoena until it could review the case.

Trump responded to the ruling via Twitter, attacking the subpoena as a political strategy: “The Radical Left Democrats have failed on all fronts, so now they are pushing local New York City and State Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump.”

The Manhattan district attorney’s office began its probe into Trump’s financial affairs after his former lawyer Michael Cohen was convicted of federal campaign finance law violations connected to payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to remain silent about alleged affairs with Trump. Cohen is serving a three-year-long prison sentence.

Trump has admitted to ordering the payments, according to prosecutors, but the U.S. Justice Department maintains a policy of not charging the sitting president with crimes.

In recent United States history, it has been customary, but voluntary, for presidential candidates to release their tax returns when running for office. Trump was the first president to refuse to do so since 1976. Trump has cited an Internal Revenue Service audit as prohibiting him from releasing them. The president has a lawsuit to prevent a New York State law from allowing the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means from gaining access to his records.

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How To Remove Black Streaks And Mildew A Roof?

By Linda Bockman

Roof cleaning is not an exact science, most contractors charge anywhere from .50 cents a foot up to $1.50 depending on the pitch of the roof and the difficulty of the job. It’s a niche market that very few companies specialize in but those that do find it incredibly profitable.

Residential roof cleaning is another service that you can offer to your clients but it’s important that you understand the basics of roof construction. If not, you may cause leaks and severe damage in the home, most power washers use machines capable of pumping 4-8 gallons of water per minute, one mistake and I’m sure you can realize just how much damage you can cause if your not careful.

Most roofing materials are installed over a layer of felt paper and in some cases a rubber like ice guard material. The first layer of shingles is called the starter course and is installed at the lowest point on the roof, upside down. This allows a solid base for water to run over without leaking down into the rafters and plywood between the shingles keyways. Once this later is installed another shingle is place directly on top of it, and the rest of the roofing is placed in a similar fashion up the roofline. The reason shingles are installed in this manner is to allow the water to run over one shingle onto the next until it enters the gutter system. Now that you understand the basics of roof installation it’s equally important to know the other structures on the roof and their function to avoid causing leaks around them.

Vent Pipes

Vent pipes are used to vent gasses from plumbing fixtures in the home. The have a rubber gasket around them that wraps tightly around the protruding pipe to keep out water. Inspect all vent pipes to make sure there are no cracks or tears in them.

Flashing

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Flashing will be found where chimneys and other objects meet the roofing. It should be fastened and sealed in place to keep water from entering the home when it runs down the surface.

Ridge Vents or Peaks

This picture shows the peak of a roof with the ridge vent removed so you can see where any water entering it will enter the home.

Nail Pops

Nail pops may only be small holes in the roofing but they can allow water into the home and under the shingles and felt paper. When water gets under the tar paper it can become trapped and cause the plywood underneath to rot.

Skylights

Skylights may be found on many roofs and require extra caution. Never spray water around them, they will usually leak if you do.

Powered Attic Vents and Missing Shingles.

Most homes have motor driven vents on their roofs to remove excess heat on hot summer days. If water is sprayed under these vents it can easily run down the wires causing a short in the electrical system or a fire. Obviously it’s also important to make sure there are no missing shingles before you begin washing the roof. All of these items an easily be fixed by an experience roofer but it’s imperative that they are fixed before you clean the roof!

The Process

There are a few ways to clean roofs but they all rely on the same principle, low pressure cleaning with the use of a cleaning agent. Most roof cleaners use a sodium hydroxide base or sodium Hypochlorite. Bleach is used most often, but sometimes with disastrous results. GAF roofing says that the use of bleach immediately voids any warranty on an asphalt roof because it breaks down the composition of the shingle. These stains are impossible to remove without the aid of chemicals. Caustics are inexpensive and very effective for killing mold. No matter which method or cleaner you use they can cause significant plant damage around the home or to the roof if not used properly. Safety is also a huge factor in roof cleaning, using an OSHA approved safety harness and ropes are a must. Never attempt cleaning a roof without proper safety precautions; even the flattest roof can become slippery and hazardous when wet.

Most roof cleaning requests will be for removing green mildew or black streaks and stains (mold algae also known as ‘gloeocapsa magma’). These stains significantly affect the look of any home. On occasion you will also notice moss growing on roofs, what the home owner may not realize is that mildew and moss can actually eat away the roofing on the home.

In the past, the only way to get rid of them was to replace the roof. It has been estimated that as much as 50% of all roof replacements have been done because of the appearance of the roof and not actually because of its functionality.

We suggest using the following method: First, using an X-Jet, wet the roof slightly to cool it down. Also soak the ground and any plants near the downspouts to dilute the cleaner. Second, using a chicken ladder along with a roped harness or another OSHA approved method, apply your roof cleaner. This can be done with an X-Jet, pump up sprayer or Shurflow pump, no matter which method you use apply it to the shingles from the lowest part of the roof up to the peak. When applying cleaners make sure you don’t shoot them under the shingles, if using an X-Jet shoot above the roof and allow the cleaner to ‘fall’ onto the roofing like rain. After applying your cleaner, allow the cleaner to work for about 15 minutes then begin power washing with 100-300PSI from the peak of the roof down. Always make sure the spray from your wand is aimed down the roof, never across or up the incline. This will shoot water under the shingles and cause leaks. It will also get cleaner on the nails that fasten down the shingles. Most roof cleaning chemicals will cause rapid rusting of fasteners.

Finally, rinse the surface and plants around the area well. Rinsing of the roof can be done from the ground using your X-Jet.

About the Author: Linda Bockman sunbritesupplymd.com 301-519-9274

Source: isnare.com

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Wal-Mart owes back taxes, according to State of Wisconsin

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

According to the state of Wisconsin, Wal-Mart has avoided paying millions of dollars in state taxes by paying rent on 87 Wisconsin properties. The Wisconsin State Department of Revenue call this behavior “abusive and distortion of income.”

Wal-Mart is doing this by setting up one subsidiary to run all its stores and setting up another subsidiary to own its real estate. The operating subsidiary then pays the rental cost to the real estate subsidiary and takes a tax deduction for the rent. This money will, however, end up in the corporation’s own pocket.

As a result of Wal-Mart’s actions, the state tax auditors say that Wal-Mart owes more than $17.7 million in back corporate income taxes, interest and penalties from 1998-2000.

The Wal-Mart corporation claims that they are doing nothing wrong, rather they are taking advantage of an overlap of state and federal tax laws in an effort to reduce their taxes and costs.

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Driftwood crucifix listed on eBay for $25,000

Monday, March 21, 2005A piece of driftwood in the shape of a crucifix is listed for sale on eBay with a starting bid price of $25,000. The seller, known as “Marzipanda,” from Scottsdale, Arizona lists its description as a “Natural Found Wood Jesus Christ Crucifix Cross Easter.”

Maripanda describes the discovery of the piece as, “My very dear friend found this amazing natural driftwood while hiking a few years ago. So striking because it clearly resembles the Lord and all the details.”

Expensive found art Christiana made international headlines in November 2004 when a Florida woman named Diana Duyser sold a partially eaten grilled cheese sandwich on eBay for $28,000 to Canadian online gambling website, GoldenPalace.com, after claiming she saw the likeness of the Virgin Mary burned onto the toast.

But not all high-priced Christian fare on eBay is of dubious value. A perusal of Christian-themed items as of March 20, showed 13,944 for sale on eBay. They ranged from other found art to some very expensive and authenticated rare art.

One such item has an eBay seller from Tel-Aviv, Israel listing a 19th century iron wall plaque with a starting bid of $30,000 and a shipping cost of $2,000, making it the most-expensive Christian religious item listed for sale on the auction web site.

Under the “Christian Icons” section of the site, the 14 cast iron plaques are advertised to have been made in 1855 and portrays “Jesus in Jerusalem” with the 14 stations of Christ.

Another high-priced Christian-themed item is a set of chalices and paten in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for $3,550. The gold-plated silver is thought to have been made in the 1870s.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Driftwood_crucifix_listed_on_eBay_for_$25,000&oldid=2606825”

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon declared ‘permanently incapacitated’

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

The Israeli cabinet today (Tuesday) declared Prime Minister Ariel Sharon “permanently incapacitated,” a declaration that officially ends his tenure as Prime Minister.

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, whose centrist Kadima party won parliamentary elections in March, is currently in negotiations to form a coalition government.

Sharon has been in a coma since suffering a massive hemorrhagic stroke on January 4. Under Israeli law, Olmert can serve in the capacity of acting prime minister for only 100 days, until April 14, before a permanent replacement must be chosen. The official announcement was moved up to Tuesday because the Jewish holiday of Passover begins on Wednesday, April 12. Olmert is expected to be named as Sharon’s permanent replacement.

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Retire To Mexico: How To Prepare For Your Retirement In Mexico

Submitted by: Jennifer Schindel

If you see that your retirement time is fast approaching, now is the time to make sure that you are totally prepared for your later years. Far too many individuals wait until it is too late to begin to plan. The fact that you are planning to retire in Mexico is a huge step in the right direction. Not only is the weather beautiful almost all of the time, it is also one of the least expensive places around the world to spend your retirement years. Add to that the fact that the people are generally friendly and the atmosphere relaxed, and you have a winning combination.

You might be surprised to learn that there are almost 500,000 individuals that are now living a retired life in Mexico which are from other countries. They have discovered the same thing that you probably have discovered, the fact that Mexico is the ultimate retirement location. There are several things that you need to keep in mind, however, whenever you are preparing your retirement in Mexico. Although some additional planning will be necessary, keeping these things in mind will help you to make a good decision.

First of all, you need to decide what area of Mexico you’re going to retire in. There are several different choices but it also depends a lot on what you plan on doing with your retirement. If you plan on spending most of your time kicking back and enjoying some relaxation, perhaps a beachfront retirement home would be something that you would enjoy. If, however, you decide that you want to be more active in your retirement than Mexico can certainly provide you with what you need as well. There are several different cultural centers that offer you everything from museums and fine dining to an interesting night life that you can enjoy.

Some very popular retirement destinations for expats from all over the world include:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWoFfQEz3qs[/youtube]

* Rincon de Guayabitos, a laid-back beach community in the State of Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta;

* Ajijic, a small city in the Sierra Madre mountains, bordering the shores of Lake Chapala, near Guadalajara;

* San Miguel de Allende, a bustling historic town, recognized for its art and culture, in Central Mexico

* Baja, California, the peninsula south of the United States, hosts several top retirement communities, like La Paz and Loreto.

Don’t think that retiring to Mexico is limited to these areas; there are many comfortable and affordable towns and cities to consider all over Mexico.

Once you decide where you’ll make your move, you are also going to need to figure out all of the legal requirements that are necessary. Preparing for your retirement in Mexico is more than just moving to another country. You need to take sure that you have your immigration papers in order. Your insurance needs to be taken care of as well as any banking needs that you might have.

As long as you plan in advance, however, you can enjoy a fantastic retirement in Mexico. It’s a great place to spend your later years.

About the Author: Retire to Mexico in the beautiful areas of Ajijic or

Rincon de Guayabitos

. Find real estate at http://www.buymexicohomes.com

Source:

isnare.com

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First Active offer 100% mortgages in Ireland

Thursday, July 14, 2005

First Active has become the first financial institution to offer 100% mortgages in the Republic of Ireland. The bank previously offered 100% financing to professionals in finance and medicine, but is now to offer this product to anyone who can afford to meet the repayments.

The development is a huge boost for first time home buyers who have been struggling to get on the Irish property market in recent years due to the rapid increase in house prices. A typical first time buyer in Dublin with 92% financing would normally have to put down a deposit of €20,000-€30,000 in cash, but now have the option to produce no deposit.

First Active has said that 100% mortgages will be available across its entire range of mortgage products.

Note however that this is not necessarily an entirely positive development.

The United States and most of Europe have experienced a housing price bubble in recent years. A bubble occurs when buyers purchase a property not because its price is appropriate for its actual value but because they expect the price to significantly rise in the short term permitting resale with a profit.

In other words, the prices people pay for properties becomes divorced from the real value of the property; the purchase is speculative and depends purely upon the expectation that people will continue to buy properties in this way (e.g. without proper consideration of their real value).

The terrible weakness in this is that when the market corrects itself and prices fall to a level where properties are being priced at their actual realistic value, anyone holding a property loses a great deal of money, since the price they paid does not reflect the actual realistic value of the property.

This kind of shock to the housing market is extremely undesirable. Significant write downs in the value of property often significantly depress the economy as a whole.

Less than 100% mortgages force buyers to invest a significant amount of money in the act of purchasing their house, which tends to discourage purely speculative purchasing, thus helping to mediate house price bubbles.

With 100% financing, anyone who can meet repayments can speculatively purchase a property. This naturally encourages pricing bubbles.

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