Wikipedia founder embroiled in affair and financial allegations

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

This article mentions the Wikimedia Foundation, one of its projects, or people related to it. Wikinews is a project of the Wikimedia Foundation.

The implosion of a relationship between Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and journalist Rachel Marsden has resulted in controversy and international headlines. Associated Press and ABC News have also reported on questionable activity by Wales involving Wikimedia Foundation expenses. The Wikimedia Foundation is a donor-supported non-profit organization which runs Wikipedia.

Marsden had contacted Wales two years ago about concerns she had over the article about her on Wikipedia, and Wales determined the article was not compliant with Wikipedia’s standards. The tech blog Valleywag revealed Wales had a personal relationship with Marsden, and posted supposed transcripts of their instant message conversations on its site, www.valleywag.com. Wales and Marsden met in February, and The Times reported that “An apparent transcript of their conversations before that meeting suggests that, although Mr Wales had withdrawn from the editing process, he was still influencing the editors.” The Times quoted Wales from the chat logs as having stated to Marsden “The truth is of course a much worse conflict of interest than that; but that will do.” — in reference to his conflict of interest regarding Marsden’s article on Wikipedia.

Wales posted a public statement on Saturday on Wikipedia addressing the matter, and stated that his relationship with Marsden was over: “First, while I find it hard to imagine that anyone really cares about my sex life, the facts are: I am separated from my wife. I considered myself single at the time of my one meeting with Rachel Marsden on Feb. 9, 2008 … I am no longer involved with Rachel Marsden. Gossipy stories suggesting that I have been in a relationship with her ‘since last fall’ are completely false … I care deeply about the integrity of Wikipedia, and take very seriously my responsibilities as a member of the board and as a member of the Wikipedia community. I would never knowingly do anything to compromise that trust.” With regard to the conflict of interest in Marsden’s article, Wales had acknowledged to a team of Wikipedia editors in February 2008 that he and Marsden “became friends … and that we would be meeting about that,” and stated “I recused myself from any further official action with respect to her biography.”

On Sunday, The Canadian Press reported that Marsden had posted photos of herself on Ebay, and was selling items that Wales had left at her New York City apartment. In her Ebay posting, Marsden stated: “Hi, my name is Rachel and my (now ex-) boyfriend, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, just broke up with me via an announcement on Wikipedia … It was such a classy move that I was inspired to do something equally classy myself, so I’m selling a couple of items of clothing he left behind, here in my NYC apartment, on eBay. Jimbo was supposed to come visit me in a couple of weeks and pick up some of his stuff, but obviously that won’t be happening now.” Marsden told The Canadian Press “It didn’t really help matters that Jimmy chose to announce the breakup to the entire world via Wikipedia (which apparently now is an online encyclopedia that doubles as a personal soapbox?) rather than to me directly (which he did much later, in an instant message discussion).”

I care deeply about the integrity of Wikipedia, and take very seriously my responsibilities as a member of the board and as a member of the Wikipedia community. I would never knowingly do anything to compromise that trust.

Marsden placed a t-shirt and sweater which she said were left at her apartment by Wales up on Ebay, and started the bidding for each at ninety-nine cents, with the auctions set to end on March 12. By Monday, bidding on the t-shirt had reached US$300, and by Tuesday the highest bid had reached $12,200. In an email to The Globe and Mail, Marsden stated “My only focus right now, to be really honest, is on my career and finding a way to get back into print, TV, or radio here in NYC,” she wrote. “All of this other personal stuff is just an unfortunate distraction.”

Jay Walsh, the Wikimedia Foundation’s head of communications, told the San Jose Mercury News that Wales’ actions in relaying Marsden’s concerns about her Wikipedia article to a team of trusted editors was within his “routine” role. When asked by the San Jose Mercury News if Wales’ actions regarding the Marsden article could compromise his role with the Wikimedia Foundation and Wikipedia, Walsh responded “No, absolutely not.”

On Tuesday, ABC News carried a story by Wired News reporter Megan McCarthy regarding allegations of “excessive spending” by Wales, and Associated Press also reported on questions involving Wikimedia Foundation expenses. McCarthy reported that former Wikimedia executive Danny Wool, who had left the foundation last year, criticized Wales’ use of Wikimedia Foundation expenses in a blog post. Wool stated that Wales had tried to expense $300 bottles of wine, a $1,300 dinner for four at a Florida steakhouse, and visits to Moscow massage parlors to the foundation, and that the foundation rescinded Wales’ corporate credit card in 2006. Wool also stated that Wales paid the foundation $7,000, after being short $30,000 on receipts for expenses.

Wool told EPICENTER that “There were occasions where he used [the Wikimedia Foundation] for personal advancement under the guide [sic] of the mission. And, as someone who was in there for the mission part of it, I found that rather distressful.” Wool commented in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle: “Originally, it was carelessness … But as things developed, it became more apparent and obvious that he was taking advantage of the foundation credit card. It was almost like his personal piggy bank.”

Jimmy has never used Wikimedia money to subsidize his personal expenditures. Indeed, he has consistently put the foundation’s interests ahead of his own.

In an instant message exchange with Associated Press, Wales denied that the Wikimedia Foundation had taken away his corporate credit card, and asserted that he had made the decision to stop expensing business travel for the foundation. Wales highlighted a statement by the foundation’s executive director Sue Gardner: “Jimmy has never used Wikimedia money to subsidize his personal expenditures. Indeed, he has consistently put the foundation’s interests ahead of his own.” In an email to Associated Press, Brad Patrick, a former attorney for the Wikimedia Foundation, stated “Danny seems interested in blogging his way straight to a lawsuit”.

Florence Devouard, who chairs the Wikimedia Foundation, told Associated Press that Wales had been “slow in submitting receipts,” and that the foundation had rejected Wales’ expense at the Florida steakhouse. Devouard told fellow foundation board members in a private email that she had convinced Associated Press that “the money story was a no story,” and told Wales “I find (it) tiring to see how you are constantly trying to rewrite the past. Get a grip!” Wales told Associated Press: “The board, the current executive director, the previous executive director, and independent auditors have reviewed our books and publicly agree that all of my expenses were appropriate and fully accounted for.”

Media reports speculated on how the controversy would end up being represented in Wikipedia itself. On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg Times wrote: “Wales’ Wikipedia page said only this about Marsden: ‘Wales had a brief relationship with Canadian journalist Rachel Marsden.'” An article in The Australian surmised: “History will decide whether Mr Wales broke his own principles, but before that happens there may well be a Wikipedia page devoted to the controversy.”

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia_founder_embroiled_in_affair_and_financial_allegations&oldid=2950225”

Simple Steps Homeowners Can Take For Water Damage Restoration In Saratoga

byAlma Abell

A flood is one of the worst things that can happen to a person’s home. Unfortunately, every year, thousands and thousands of homes have to deal with severe flooding. However, the actual water that enters a person’s home isn’t the main thing that people have to worry about. The real damage occurs after much of the water has subsided. This is when mold begins to grow and slowly ruins the integrity of a home’s structure.

In order to avoid the growth of mold throughout, a home a homeowner needs to act fast after a flood. One of the first things a person will want to do is turn off the power of their home and unplug any and all appliances. Allowing the power to remain active in a home could lead to an electrical fire that could cause more damage. Turning off the power makes it much safer for a person to enter a home and begin removing their items.

The next thing a person will want to do is try their best to get rid of as much water throughout the home as possible. Depending on how much water is left inside of a home, a homeowner might want to consider investing in a water pump. These devices work to pump large amounts of water out of one location and into another. A service for water damage restoration Saratoga offers may provide these devices with their services.

After pumping out the majority of water, it’s time to dry and disinfect the areas inside of your home. Dehumidifiers and fans can be used to remove moisture throughout the home, and a wet vacuum can be used to dry carpets and wooden floors. A service for Water Damage Restoration Saratoga offers can work to dry and effectively disinfect all areas of your home to avoid the growth of mold.

These are just a few of the steps people might take in order to save their homes after a flood. Again, it’s important to remember that electricity and water don’t mix. Turn off the power of the home before beginning the restoration process. Call a Professional Fire Restoration Service or water restoration service if you feel that the damage done to your home is simply too severe.

Blown for Good author discusses life inside international headquarters of Scientology

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wikinews interviewed author Marc Headley about his new book Blown for Good, and asked him about life inside the international headquarters of Scientology known as “Gold Base“, located in Gilman Hot Springs near Hemet, California. Headley joined the organization at age seven when his mother became a member, and worked at Scientology’s international management headquarters for several years before leaving in 2005.

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Explosion at new shopping centre in Bath, United Kingdom

Friday, September 26, 2008

An explosion has taken place in the city centre of Bath, United Kingdom in a new shopping centre which is still being built. The explosion is said to have been caused by a gas canister that caught fire and exploded, setting fire to the building. Firefighters responded and were able to extinguish it at around 18:00 BST, approximately one hour after the explosion took place.

Several shops including Marks and Spencer, Boots and Game were evacuated. Bath Spa railway station was also closed off. Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood said “The area has been cordoned off at the request of the fire and rescue service as there are believed to be a number of gas cylinders on the site.” The fire service spokesperson also said that “officers were called just after 5pm today to a report of a fire at the SouthGate building site.”

According to eyewitness reports there was “black smoke, …a few bangs and a series of fairly large explosions.”

Bath Spa railway station has since reopened but several people cannot get their cars out of the area due to closed roads. A shelter has been set up at the Pavilion near the leisure centre in North Parade Road. The centre was due to open in 2009 but is due to be delayed.

Despite the large size of the explosion, it is believed that no one has suffered from any injuries as a result of the incident.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Explosion_at_new_shopping_centre_in_Bath,_United_Kingdom&oldid=4540028”

Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks

Monday, April 29, 2013

Sunday, the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks drafted Brisbane, Australia native nose tackle Jesse Williams in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Going into the draft, there were some expectations by the Brisbane Times and other media outlets that Williams might be selected in the first round. Injuries, which resulted in Williams being unable to participate fully in the NFL Combine, likely were reasons why he was not selected higher.

Gridiron football is not the most popular football code in Australia, with rugby league, rugby union, soccer, and Australian rules football all being more popular participation sports. Williams’ youth sporting career reflected this, with Williams playing rugby union until he was 15 years old at which time he switched codes and joined the local gridiron team, the Bayside Ravens. A year later, his playing ability earned him a scholarship offer from the University of Hawaii. He could not meet the university’s academic standards so eventually he attended Western Arizona Community College instead. In 2011, he transferred to the University of Alabama and played for the Alabama Crimson Tide for two seasons. Both seasons, his Crimson Tide team won the national championship.

Williams’ selection is unique amongst Australians as most Australians who have played in the NFL have been kickers. He is also only the second Australian ever to be drafted in the NFL Draft.

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Discovering Your Own Style With Print Scrubs}

Submitted by: Max Johnson

Deciding on a personal plan for your own wardrobe choices are a beneficial way to look professional and at your best while promoting your own sense of individuality and personality. Print scrubs offer you the opportunity to look your best while you dress for your own success. You get to choose from the styles and designs you prefer, and then you choose what type of accessories or other garments to add to your new printed design. With so many choices open to you, the chances of you meeting a co-worker in the exact same design is minimized and definitely promotes your own sense of perfection within the workplace environment.

There are jackets, sweaters, tops, tunics, and tee shirts that all provide you with the chance to look your best. The piece of apparel with the design is often accompanied by solids to insure a fashionable ensemble without being too busy or too loud. Matching your separates and using only one piece of printed apparel with the additional pieces being a solid color will promote a clean, crisp ambience you will appreciate as will those you encounter on a regular basis.

There are a multitude of chances to get your own personal look and feel. For instance, you will find that getting the perfect look is perfect with cartoon print scrubs. These can be everything or anything from Winnie the Pooh to Mickey Mouse or other Disney babies. The printed design can be large in nature or it can be small in nature repeated once or many times. Before choosing cartoon designs, please be sure the designer is authorized to sell such copyrighted brands.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK69QREfMnc[/youtube]

Another popular choice when it comes to stylish and printed styles can be found with Hawaiian styles. These are extremely popular, and, in fact, are going to be useful outside of the workplace environment as well. Often, these designs are found in a more camp-type setting, but they offer the same expertise and professionalism as the surgical greens worn for surgery to insure sterilization and cleanliness.

Childrens scrub tops and bottoms often come in these stylish fashions. They are a lot more playful promoting a more relaxing and comfortable atmosphere which can be critic to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In addition, these can be taken home when needed or even purchased by parents to promote a healthy nighttime sleep. Whatever the reason, children are a popular marketplace for these fashion statements.

Another industry favorite for these beautiful print scrubs can be found within the veterinarians office. This is going to allow the staff to look great while they promote the importance of cleanliness. Often, these designs will be more geared towards animals both tame and wild. Veterinarian offices are a popular choice for those wanting to look welcoming while remaining professional.

Developing your own sense of style and fashion is easy when you choose print scrubs either as a part of your wardrobe or as a whole. Regardless of your need, these are going to promote you and your patient while meeting the regulatory guidelines of your facility concerning dress code. Finding your style has never been easier.

About the Author: Max Johnson of

The Uniform Connection

. Click for more

Print Scrubs

.

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Food with cancer-causing dye recalled in Britain

Saturday, April 30, 2005

The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a recall of foods containing banned dyes which increase the risk of cancer. The food products were sold at the Tesco, Waitrose, and Somerfield supermarkets.

A Bristol company called “Barts Spices” found the illegal Para Red substance in their Barts Ground Paprika, which was sold in 48g and 46g jars with a “Co-op” label. The batch codes on the affected products are 5032 and 5089 (expiration Dec 2007), and 5075 (expiration February 2007).

Tesco also found that their 130g package of BBQ rice cakes (expiration November and December 2005) contained both Para Red and Sudan I.

“It would be very prudent to assume that it could be a genotoxic carcinogen,” FSA scientific advisers told reporters.

“As a company committed to supplying only the very finest quality food ingredients, we took the immediate decision to withdraw our ground paprika spice from all outlets selling the product and advertised a product recall in the national press,” a Barts Spices spokesman said in a statement.

Sudan I is only authorized for industrial use to colorize petroleum products, such as shoe polish. Para Red and Sudan I are banned under the British Colours in Food Regulations of 1995.

Britain last went through a major food recall in February, when Worcester Sauce was found to contain chili powder dyed with Sudan 1.

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Athletes prepare for 2012 Summer Paralympics at the Paralympic Fitness Centre

Monday, August 27, 2012

London, England — As Paralympians ready for the Games which are set to open later this week, they have access to a world class fitness center inside the Paralympic Village which is designed to maximise their pre-Game preparations.

According to volunteers staffing the center, instead of being a single large room, as in Beijing, the building has numerous rooms. It, along with the adjacent Village Services Centre, is designed to be converted into a school after the games conclude. Rooms have been structured as a gym, an auditorium, and science laboratories.

Gym equipment is supplied by Technogym, an Italian firm that has supplied gym equipment for the Olympics since 2000. Equipment has been provided not just for for the Fitness Centre, but for gyms at all the Olympic venues. The newest equipment is oriented toward maximum flexibility, allowing athletes to exercise the particular muscles that they most require for their sport.

In addition to the equipment, the Fitness Centre also provides instructors trained in the use of the equipment, the likes of which athletes from many countries have never seen before. There are also a number of instructors available to provide motivational training.

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Facial Rejuvenation: A Plastic Surgeon’s View}

Submitted by: Dr. Juan Brou, MD

Plastic surgery can indeed erase years of aging and stress. It is the most effective way to achieve significant results. No matter what the advertisement say about all the over-the-counter wrinkles creams, if you really want to look younger, consider plastic surgery.

Facial rejuvenation and anti-aging skin care comes in many forms. As a plastic surgeon, I recommend different approaches for different people, always customizing it for the individual.

Different techniques provide different levels of treatment, downtime and results. Here is a list of common plastic surgery techniques so you can decide what is right for you.

Facelift: A facelift is one of the most common plastic surgery techniques. A well-done facelift will correct the effects of aging on the face. A face lift can refresh your look and soften wrinkles. A quality facelift will not appear tight or unnatural.

Forehead and Brow Lifts: Not as complete as a facelift, a forehead or brow lift can takes years off the appearance your face. As the name implies, a forehead, brow lift, or an upper eyelid lift will correct deep forehead wrinkles, as well as horizontal and vertical facial lines.

Eyelid Surgery: Technically called a Blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery restores your youthful gaze by correcting loose skin, and sagging around the eyes. For most of us, the eye area is one of the most deeply affected of the face.

Nose Reshaping: Also called rhinoplasty or a nose job, nose reshaping can beautify your nose, correct breathing difficulties and create a harmonious balance with your face.

Chin and Cheek Enhancements: To accentuate the contour of your profile and neckline and provide finer definition to your face, chin and cheek enhancements can provide a more sophisticated and bold look.

Fat Grafting: Transfer of fat from thighs or abdomen to eliminate facial lines, augment lips and accentuate cheeks. Fat grafting removes years of aging from the face without any risk of scarring or the need for sutures. It is an extremely effective technique.

To decide which is right for you, it is best to consult with an experienced surgeon who can evaluate you objectively. In my opinion, it is best to do the minimal surgery in order to produce some subtle but significant results. Avoid a surgeon who seems to always want to do the maximum, most drastic thing. Often, that is not really needed. A less extensive surgery is sometimes better for many reasons. You will experience less pain and discomfort and heal faster from a simpler procedure and if that is all you require, it will also look best. Plastic surgery looks the best, the most realistic, when it is modest and subtle.

An over zealous desire to achieve drastic results is one of the main motivating factors behind bad plastic surgery that observers consider grotesque. Sometimes the best approach is to realize that there are necessary boundaries which require wisdom on the part of the surgeon to place properly. A surgeon needs to know when enough is enough and advise his patients accordingly using the utmost compassion.

About the Author:

Oklahoma plastic surgeon

Juan Brou is Board Certified with nearly 15 years of clinical experience. Patients travel in from a multi-state area to visit his

Oklahoma City cosmetic surgery practice

.

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