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Floyd Landis adopts "the Wikipedia defense" as appeal strategy Cyclist Floyd Landis, who finished first in the 2006 Tour de France but is fighting a positive doping test that would strip him of the title, is now pushing his case on the Internet. Facing an appeal before the United States Anti-Doping Agency next year, Landis dubbed this approach "the Wikipedia defense". Thai Prime Minister to consider lifting martial law Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has indicated that he is considering lifting the martial law imposed in the country following the September 19 coup, during talks with Indonesian President Yudhoyono.

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Wikinews interviews South Koreans about relations with North Korea An informal poll by a Wikinews reporter found that very few of those South Koreans polled changed their mind about reunification with North Korea and the perceived threat posed by the North, following the nuclear weapons test by North Korea on October 9.

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi accuses the Government of Eritrea of jeopardizing regional stability by engaging in a proxy war through its assistance to the Islamic Courts Union in Somalia. Zenawi warns the Ethiopian Parliament that "Jihadists are amassing their forces near our borders." The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes at another record high. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare formally proposes reducing the role of Australia in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands in his country at a Pacific leaders forum in Fiji. The European Union announces it plans to assist Kazakhstan in developing nuclear power for "peaceful purposes." Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opposes a bill in Iranian parliament that would require the fingerprinting of any citizens of the United States that are visiting Iran, stating, "We do not have a problem with American people. We oppose only the U.S. government." An Associated Press photographer is released after a day in the hands of Palestinian gunmen. Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Dennis Hastert sits down with ethics investigators trying to determine when he and his staff learned about ex-Rep. Mark Foley's come-ons to former male pages and what they did to stop it.

Floyd Landis adopts "the Wikipedia defense" as appeal strategy
Cyclist Floyd Landis, who finished first in the 2006 Tour de France but is fighting a positive doping test that would strip him of the title, is now pushing his case on the Internet. Facing an appeal before the United States Anti-Doping Agency next year, Landis dubbed this approach "the Wikipedia defense".

Landis announced on October 12, 2006 that he had published a number of documents in the case "to support his innocence in the alleged positive doping test". These included his attorney's motion for dismissal, a document package containing test information, and a PowerPoint presentation criticizing the test. This action earned considerable but sometimes skeptical media coverage in the ongoing saga over the disputed race.

Landis did not set up an actual wiki, but attempted to draw on the collective resources of cycling fans, using the internet to allow widely distributed review of evidence in his case. He succeeded in getting the community to establish its own wiki independent of him personally, based largely on the Daily Peloton Forum discussions noted below. The topic had already drawn intense interest in a variety of places, including Landis's Wikipedia entry, which has figured as something of a battleground. The release serves as both a public relations strategy and a way to potentially strengthen his appeal. As Landis put it, "Why turn down free brainpower?"

In anticipation of the release of these documents, Landis had been personally posting on the forums at the Daily Peloton cycling website. He is largely out of action while rehabilitating from hip resurfacing surgery performed in September. As the documents were about to be released, Landis said, "I am sure you guys will find every mistake, even things we haven't noticed."

In forum discussions, Landis agreed with sympathetic posters who pointed to this as a "wisdom of crowds" approach, while asking others not to judge him based on incomplete information from media reports. He encouraged people to look at all of the evidence, saying, "We'll call it the Wikipedia defense, and I would have given everything to you sooner but had a very hard time selling the idea to the lawyers." At the same time, he said that not all of his arguments against the test had been revealed: "We are not going to compromise our defense by telling all of it."

Interview with Stephanie Beaumier, City Council candidate for Wards 1 & 5 in Brampton, Canada
The upcoming 2006 Brampton municipal election, to be held November 13, features an array of candidates looking to represent their wards in city council or the council of the Peel Region.

Wikinews contributor Nick Moreau contacted many of the candidates, including Stephanie Beaumier, asking them to answer common questions sent in an email. This ward's incumbent is Grant Gibson, also challenging Gibson is Malcolm Jones, Larry Lee, Jeffrey Schrik, Jagtar Shergill, and Whoston Wray.

Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign.

A: The residents of Wards 1 and 5 have told me that traffic congestion, public safety and taxes are the most important to them.

Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?

A: All of the above mentioned are very important to myself and the residents in these wards. The revitalization of the downtown core is also a key issue that will directly affect the residents of Wards 1 and 5. We must carefully plan to simultaneously improve downtown Brampton while proactively controlling traffic congestion, pollution, and public safety.

Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?

A: For me, it’s all about people. I have a proven track record of working for and with people. I have worked for Goodwill Industries, The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation, The United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel. Working on behalf on the less fortunate has instilled in me a willingness to fight for what is right. I will be accessible and responsive. I will approach this position with integrity and with passion

Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?

A: Representing the residents of Wards 1 and 5 is a natural progression in my career. I feel that my experiences working with people can be brought together to make a stronger difference in this community on a larger scale. I moved to Ward 1 in 1975 and have been living in Ward 5 for over 13 years. I have personally witnessed the growth of Brampton and the challenges that come with it. I will represent a City Council that is based on person to person communications.

Q: How are you currently involved in the community?

A: For over two years, I have worked with a team that has raised over $1 Million for children, youth and their families in Brampton. I have initiated partnerships with service clubs and The City of Brampton for this cause. This has been my full time occupation. I currently volunteer with The Brampton Canadettes Girls Hockey League and organize community events to benefit various charities.

Q: Much of Brampton's existing council is quite seasoned in the civic political process. What could you bring to the table as a "rookie", above and beyond the current roster of councillors?

A: I have been involved in all levels of politics from a very early age and have a bachelors degree in political science for The University of Western Ontario. I have also been a Brampton resident for over 30 years. I am not a rookie. I care about this city and the people who live and work here. I want to put people back as top priority in any political agendas and decision making.

Q: The Rose Theatre recently launched. What are your thoughts on this facility? Have you had a chance to tour it yet?

A: Yes, I have toured the theatre. It is beautiful from the inside out. I love the name as it coincides with Brampton’s history. To date, the theatre is operating on budget and I hope it will continue. I commend the theatre group for attracting very popular entertainment. We must watch the theatre closely and work with local media and community groups to ensure its continued success.

Q: The province has strongly encouraged the development of high-density residences near the downtown. Do these buildings fit in with your vision of the downtown? How much say should other levels of government have in urban planning?

A: I have been a resident of downtown Brampton for over 13 years. The development of high density residences in downtown Brampton is of great concern to the residents and to me. Potential problems with increased traffic, crime and pollution must be addressed at the onset of any decision making. Improving public transit within Brampton and with GO Transit is a priority and the establishment of parking areas for the residents of these new buildings is key. I appreciate the feedback and recommendations of both provincial and federal governments in urban planning, however, we must fight for what is right for Brampton and its’ residents first and foremost.

Q: How do you feel about Brampton's rate of expansion? Council recently capped the annual amount of new development; do you agree completely with this decision, would you have slowed development even further, or not have imposed a cap at all?

A: The current council allowed the growth of Brampton to get out of control to begin with. Capping the growth rate now is another example of reactive governance. However, it is the only option to best manage a bad situation. With more effective planning in the building of major roads, park lands, schools and recreation centres that meet the needs of the community, there would have been no reason to impose a cap.

Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Brampton?

A: Brampton is ideally situated near many major road access routes. It has an excellent labour pool with the full range of general labour to high in demand skill sets.

Q: How could Brampton further itself in attracting corporate investment?

A: Working with business organizations, presently in place, is a priority. The business community as it exists must be encouraged to continue their input. The need is to consult in this area of forward planning will be not only productive but appreciated by our existing base and new corporate stakeholders (Brampton Board of Trade).

Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?

A: For me, being involved in the political process is something that I have always done. Being involved, speaking out and casting a ballot are among the most important thing any one of us can do for our community and our country. I want to represent the people of this community and speak out on their behalf.

Q: What does Brampton mean to you?

A: Brampton is many things. Brampton represents opportunity, individuality and a strong sense of community spirit. I am proud to be a resident and am proud to have been raised here. Brampton is where I have chosen to make my home. Our strength is our people and their experiences and cultures. I want to ensure that I represent the new Brampton. A Brampton with a rich history and a strong future for all.

Notes

The entire original text can be read on the article's talk page.

New Zealand Labour party drops in latest poll
A poll conducted by Colmar Brunton on behalf of TV One released yesterday, showed that the New Zealand Labour Party had slipped two percent to 36%. The New Zealand National Party is leading with 49%, a gap of 13%. But acting Prime Minister, Michael Cullen, is brushing this poll off saying that the Colmar Brunton polls are always siding for National and there are two years until the next election.

The gap is the biggest it has been since the leader, Don Brash, of National made a speech about race relations in 2004 at Orewa which was hugely popular.

Cullen said: "Clearly the poll reflected the government legislation last week validating the unlawful spend by political parties in the lead up to last year's election. The poll was taken right at the time the legislation was being passed under urgency through parliament so a hit was expected."

However Prime Minister (PM) Helen Clark, is still leading as the preferred PM on 33% and Don Brash on 17%. Finance spokesman for National has been rumoured to take over Brash's job, John Key, has risen to 11%, the biggest support it has ever been.

Support for National has not changed on 49%, and the Greens is remaining on six percent. The Greens, National and Labour are the only parties to have broken the five percent threshold required in Mixed Member Proportional (MMP).

New Zealand First is up two percent on three percent. Maori Party went down one percent and is now on two percent. Both ACT and United Future are on one percent.

Today in History
1147 - Reconquista: Forces under King Afonso I of Portugal captured Lisbon from the Moors after a four-month siege during the Second Crusade.

1415 - Hundred Years' War: Henry V of England and his lightly armored infantry and archers defeated the heavily armored French cavalry in the Battle of Agincourt on Saint Crispin's Day.

1616 - The Dutch sailing ship Eendracht reached Shark Bay on the western coastline of Australia, as documented on the Hartog Plate.

1922 - The Third Dáil adopted the Constitution of the Irish Free State.

1971 - The People's Republic of China replaced the Republic of China as China's representative at the United Nations.

October 25 is Republic Day in Kazakhstan (1990); Retrocession Day in Taiwan; Armed Forces Day in Romania.

Quote of the Day

I am certain there is too much certainty in the world.
~ Michael Crichton

Word of the Day

maunder; v

To speak in a disorganized or desultory manner; to babble or ramble.

To wander or walk aimlessly.

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2006-10-24T21:26:52