Dairy cattle with names produce more milk, according to new study

Dairy cattle with names produce more milk, according to new study

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Giving a cow a name and treating her as an individual with “more personal touch” can increase milk production, so says a scientific research published in the online “Anthrozoos,” which is described as a “multidisciplinary journal of the interactions of people and animals”.

The Newcastle University‘s School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s (of the Newcastle University Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering) researchers have found that farmers who named their dairy cattle Ermintrude, Daisy, La vache qui rit, Buttercup, Betsy, or Gertrude, improved their overall milk yield by almost 500 pints (284 liters) annually. It means therefore, an average-sized dairy farm’s production increases by an extra 6,800 gallons a year.

“Just as people respond better to the personal touch, cows also feel happier and more relaxed if they are given a bit more one-to-one attention,” said Dr Catherine Douglas, lead researcher of the university’s School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “By placing more importance on the individual, such as calling a cow by her name or interacting with the animal more as it grows up, we can not only improve the animal’s welfare and her perception of humans, but also increase milk production,” she added.

Drs Douglas and Peter Rowlinson have submitted the paper’s conclusion: “What our study shows is what many good, caring farmers have long since believed. Our data suggests that, on the whole, UK dairy farmers regard their cows as intelligent beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions.” The scientific paper also finds that “if cows are slightly fearful of humans, they could produce [the hormone] cortisol, which suppresses milk production,” Douglas noted. “Farmers who have named their cows, probably have a better relationship with them. They’re less fearful, more relaxed and less stressed, so that could have an effect on milk yield,” she added.

South Norfolk goldtop-milk producer Su Mahon, one of the country’s top breeder of Jersey dairy herds, agreed with Newcastle’s findings. “We treat all our cows like one of the family and maybe that’s why we produce more milk,” said Mrs Mahon. “The Jersey has got a mind of its own and is very intelligent. We had a cow called Florence who opened all the gates and we had to get the welder to put catches on to stop her. One of our customers asked me the other day: ‘Do your cows really know their names?’ I said: I really haven’t a clue. We always call them by their names – Florence or whatever. But whether they really do, goodness knows,” she added.

The researchers’ comparative study of production from the country’s National Milk Records reveals that “dairy farmers who reported calling their cows by name got 2,105 gallons (7,938 liters) out of their cows, compared with 2,029 gallons (7,680 liters) per 10-month lactation cycle, and regardless of the farm size or how much the cows were fed. (Some 46 percent of the farmers named their cows.)”

The Newcastle University team which has interviewed 516 UK dairy farmers, has discovered that almost half – 48% – called the cows by name, thereby cutting stress levels and reported a higher milk yield, than the 54% that did not give their cattle names and treated as just one of a herd. The study also reveals cows were made more docile while being milked.

“We love our cows here at Eachwick, and every one of them has a name,” said Dennis Gibb, with his brother Richard who co-owns Eachwick Red House Farm outside of Newcastle. “Collectively, we refer to them as ‘our ladies,’ but we know every one of them and each one has her own personality. They aren’t just our livelihood, they’re part of the family,” Gibb explained.

“My brother-in-law Bobby milks the cows and nearly all of them have their own name, which is quite something when there are about 200 of them. He would be quite happy to talk about every one of them. I think this research is great but I am not at all surprised by it. When you are working with cows on a daily basis you do get to know them individually and give then names.” Jackie Maxwell noted. Jackie and her husband Neill jointly operate the award-winning Doddington Dairy at Wooler, Doddington, Northumberland, which makes organic ice cream and cheeses with milk from its own Friesian cows.

But Marcia Endres, a University of Minnesota associate professor of dairy science, has criticized the Newcastle finding. “Individual care is important and could make a difference in health and productivity. But I would not necessarily say that just giving cows a name would be a foolproof indicator of better care,” she noted. According to a 2007 The Scientist article, named or otherwise, dairy cattle make six times more milk today than they did in the 1990s. “One reason is growth hormone that many U.S. farmers now inject their cows with to increase their milk output; another is milking practices that extend farther into cows’ pregnancies, according to the article; selective breeding also makes for lots of lactation,” it states.

Critics claimed the research was flawed and confused a correlation with causation. “Basically they asked farmers how to get more milk and whatever half the farmers said was the conclusion,” said Hank Campbell, author of Scientific Blogging. In 1996, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provided for a complex new cattle passport system where farmers were issued with passport identities. The first calf born under the new regime were given names like “UK121216100001.”

Dr Douglas, however, counters that England doesn’t permit dairy cattle to be injected hormones. The European Union and Canada have banned recombinant bovine growth hormone (rGBH), which increases mastitis infection, requiring antibiotics treatment of infected animals. According to the Center for Food Safety, rGBH-treated cows also have higher levels of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which may be associated with cancer.

In August 2008, Live Science published a study which revealed that cows have strange sixth sense of magnetic direction and are not as prone to cow-tipping. It cited a study of Google Earth satellite images which shows that “herds of cattle tend to face in the north-south direction of Earth’s magnetic lines while grazing or resting.”

Newcastle University is a research intensive university in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north-east of England. It was established as a School of Medicine and Surgery in 1834 and became the “University of Newcastle upon Tyne” by an Act of Parliament in August 1963.

The School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development is a school of the Newcastle University Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, a faculty of Newcastle University. It was established in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne as the College of Physical Science in 1871 for the teaching of physical sciences, and was part of Durham University. It existed until 1937 when it joined the College of Medicine to form King’s College, Durham.

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Paedophilia claims made against “living god”

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Allegations of paedophilia made against Indian guru, Sathya Sai Baba are back in the limelight again, after the UK’s Sai Youth movement was recognised as an accredited partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The Baba’s followers deny the allegations, and the Sai Youth UK’s National Co-ordinator called them “totally unfounded”. Sai Baba attracts followers from many countries around the world who revere him as a “living god”.

Around 200 youth are due to fly to India on November 13th after receiving a “divine commandment” to carry out a month-long “humanitarian pilgrimage” that will coincide with the birthday celebrations of Sai Baba, who will be 81 on November 23rd.

Pressure has been mounting on the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme charity to break its association with the Baba’s organisation.

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Understanding Aircraft Insurance Policies

My Policy Says What?!: Understanding An Aircraft Insurance Policy 2004 Reigel & Associates, Ltd./Aero Legal Services. All rights reserved.Many states require that owners and/or operators of aircraft have insurance covering their aircraft and operations. At a minimum, states usually require third-partyliability coverage. This applies to injuries to third-persons that result from operation of your aircraft. Additionally, if your aircraft is pledged as collateral forfinancing, the lender will require that you have hull coverage and/or replacement value insurance to insure the value of the aircraft collateral.Obtaining the PolicySo, how do you obtain aircraft insurance? Typically, you apply for aircraft insurance through an insurance agent or broker who represents an insurance company orcompanies that provide aircraft insurance policies. The insurance company then reviews the application and does any additional investigation necessary for it toassess its risk in providing you with insurance for your aircraft or operations. Its risk is the likelihood that it may have to pay out on a claim against yourpolicy.In exchange for its acceptance of risk, the insurance company charges you a premium. The amount of that premium is a direct product of the amount of risk that theinsurance company is assuming by extending coverage to your aircraft or operation. The greater the risk, the more expensive the insurance coverage will be. Insome cases, the insurance company may not be willing to accept a particular risk for any price.Factors that affect the underwriting decision include type of aircraft, pilot qualifications (e.g. total time, time in type, pilot certificates/ratings), nature of the operation(e.g. pleasure, business, Part 91 or Part 135) and base of operations. General aviation policies can include non-commercial pleasure and business use under FARPart 91 or commercial use under FAR Part 135.Reading the PolicyWhen an aviation insurance policy is issued, it represents a contract between you and your insurance company. As long as you comply with all of the terms andrequirements of the policy, your insurance company will provide you with coverage. If you fail to comply and a claim arises, you may find yourself withoutcoverage.But, what does the aircraft insurance policy actually say? Well, as a practical matter, it is quite common that pilots and operators do not read their policies. Sure,they may review the declaration page to confirm that the correct parties are named and that the appropriate coverage limits are in place, but often times that is as faras it goes. Sometimes an owner or operator may even ask his or her agent to explain some of the policys terms. Unfortunately, the policy contains quite a bit more information of which the pilot or operator needs to be aware of to ensure that he or she complies with the terms ofthe policy. A thorough review of the policy is both prudent and recommended.This review should begin with the Data Page or Declaration Page. First, confirm that the aircraft is correctly identified and that the appropriate owner and anyadditional insured parties are included. Also read the coverage limits to make sure that you have the limits for which you are paying.Aircraft Damage CoverageThe typical aircraft insurance policy will include both aircraft damage coverage, as well as aircraft liability coverage. The aircraft damage coverage applies whenyour aircraft sustains damage (e.g. bent metal, broken windows etc.). This coverage comes in two flavors: In-flight/In-motion andNot-in-flight/Not-in-motion.As you may have guessed, in the first instance your aircraft will be insured for damages it sustains while it is in use: moving under the power of its own engine,whether taxiing or flying. In the latter instance, you aircraft will only be insured while it is parked on the ramp or in the hangar. This coverage is less expensivebecause it presents far less exposure to the insurance company. It will only have to pay a claim if something happens to your aircraft while it is standing still and notin use. An aircraft owner may want this limited coverage when the aircraft is going to be stored and unused for a period of time.It is also possible to purchase all risk ground and flight coverage. This coverage protects you whether the aircraft is moving or not. However, a policy with thiscoverage will likely be more expensive than a policy that is either In-flight/In-motion or Not-in-flight/Not-in-motion.The aircraft damage coverage provides for transportation of the aircraft to and from the location at which the repairs are made, any related storage charges and theactual repair of the aircraft. However, most policies will also exclude coverage for damage sustained by your aircraft as a result of governmental seizure, resultingfrom repossession or enforcement of a lien against your aircraft or damage that is due to ordinary wear and tear, deterioration or age.Assuming the damage to your aircraft is covered, you should read your policy language to determine whether it contains any specific restrictions or requirementsrelating to processing of your claim, who performs the repairs, where they are performed and even how they are to be performed. Simply because you haveinsurance coverage, this does not mean that you have carte blanche for having your aircraft repaired.Aircraft Liability CoverageAircraft liability coverage protects you from liability or responsibility to third-persons for damages they may suffer resulting from the operation of your aircraft. Thecoverage requires that the insurance company both indemnify and defend you against such claims. Indemnification means that if you are responsible for the damageto a third-person, the insurance company will pay the third-person directly, up to the policy limits, the amount for which you are responsible.The duty to defend means that the insurance company will pay for your defense costs if you are sued by a third-person alleging that your operation of your aircraftcaused damage. The insurance company will hire an attorney, usually experience in aviation law, to represent you and defend against the claims. Given thecomplexity and cost of aviation litigation, this benefit alone can be worth a substantial amount of money and may even exceed the amount of money actually paid bythe insurance company to indemnify you.Your policy will always have a maximum limit for liability coverage that can be either sub-limit or smooth coverage. An example of sub-limit coverage is a policythat provides for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $200,000 per passenger. This does not mean that you have $1,000,000 to pay all claims.Rather, the insurance company will pay a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, but will only pay each passenger up to a maximum of $200,000. Thus, for anaccident in which only one passenger is injured, the insurance companys maximum exposure is $200,000, exclusive of any amounts it spends on yourdefense.On the other hand, smooth limit coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence will provide up to $1,000,000 of coverage regardless of the number of passengers. Thiscoverage presents a greater risk to the insurance company since it could have to pay the full policy limits even if only one person is injured. As a result, greater riskmeans that the premium for this coverage is going to be more expensive than the premium for a policy containing sub-limits.Policy DefinitionsWhen you read an aircraft insurance policy, you need to pay special attention to the definitions section. Many of the terms used in the policy have specific definitionsthat are different from a dictionary definition or common usage for that word. Examples include the definition of accident which is often defined as a sudden and unexpected event resulting in bodily injury, death or property damage. This isdifferent than the definition of accident contained in NTSB Rule 830 and is also more specific than a dictionary or common usage definition of the word.Another example is the definition of commercial operations or commercial purpose. An insurance policys definition of this term is usually different from, and insome cases may be broader than, the FAAs or IRSs definition or a dictionary definition.These are just two examples. However, remember that the aircraft insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Both you and theinsurance company agreed to the policy definitions when you paid the premium and the insurance company issued the policy. As a result, both you and the insurancecompany will be bound by those definitions.Coverage ExclusionsYour aircraft policy will also contain exclusions. Exclusions define circumstances in which the insurance company will not provide you with coverage for operation ofyour aircraft. An aircraft insurance policy usually includes both specific and general exclusions.Specific exclusions arise when you assume additional liability (e.g. you sign a contract that indemnifies or holds someone else harmless for damage they cause),damage occurs to your own property or injury occurs to members of your family. The policy may also specifically exclude coverage for your own medical expensesor for your operation of an aircraft that you do not own.Depending upon the state in which the aircraft is based, general exclusions can result in denial of coverage regardless of whether they directly caused a particularclaim. These exclusions will preclude coverage for operation of your aircraft in commercial operations (as defined by the policy, not necessarily the FAA or IRS),using your aircraft to commit unlawful acts, damage caused by war or terrorism or if your aircraft is operated by a pilot that is not named as an insured on the policyand does not meet the open pilot qualifications.Who Is CoveredAssuming no exclusions are applicable, the policy will provide coverage to each person named as an insured under the policy and to pilots who meet the open pilotrequirements. As a threshold matter, each pilot operating the aircraft, whether named insured or qualifying under the open pilot provision, will need to possess theappropriate pilot and medical certificates and meet all currency requirements for operation of your aircraft.The open pilot provision extends the coverage of your aircraft insurance policy to a pilot operating your aircraft who is not a named insured on your policy. Theprovision sets out total time, time in type and training requirements that the unnamed pilot must meet in order for the pilot to be covered under the policy. Generally,if those requirements are met and the pilot is operating your aircraft with your consent, your insurance coverage should extend to that pilot.What You Can DoThe complexities of aircraft insurance can seem daunting. But, what can you do to protect yourself? The first, and one of the most important things you can do, is toread your insurance policy. If you have questions regarding terms or coverage talk to your insurance agent or contact an aviation attorney who is familiar withaviation insurance matters.Once you understand the policy, make sure you abide by the policy and comply with its terms and requirements. It makes little sense to spend substantial amountsof money on insurance premiums and then place your coverage in jeopardy by doing or allowing something your policy prohibits.Next, document your operations. What do I mean by that? Simple: Keep good records. Make sure your pilot logbook is up-to-date and current. If you takeyour pilot logbook with you when you fly, make copies of the pages containing your satisfaction of the FAR currency requirements and keep the copies in a safeplace.This way, if something happens to your pilot logbook and your insurance company or the FAA later question your currency, you will have back-up proof that youwere current for your flight. Although not as critical, you may also want to keep a photocopy of your pilot certificate(s) along with your logbook records.Finally, you should use this same procedure for your aircraft and engine logbooks. If you must take them with you in the airplane, make copies and keep them in asafe place. In this instance, you may want to make a full set of copies of the logbook entries, rather than just the pages showing the aircrafts current airworthiness. An aircraft that contains logbook entries for all of the work ever performed on the aircraft is worth more to a potential purchaser than if those records are incompleteor missing.These simple steps can prevent potentially costly disputes down the road. Its been said that the best insurance is the insurance you never have to use. That may be,but if you take these steps, you should have greater peace of mind that your insurance will be there if you need it.

UK drivers urged not to panic buy during delivery strikes

Friday, June 13, 2008

British drivers have been urged not to panic buy fuel because of the 4-day walkout by delivery drivers working for companies delivering to Shell petrol stations. The 600 workers have walked out over pay disagreements, wanting an increase to their current pay of £36,500, however their union Unite turned down a last-minute offer of £41,500.

Hoyer UK, which employs tanker drivers for Shell, said, “We extended our offer to the very limits that our business could sustain.” However Unite said in a press release that, “this dispute could have been resolved if Shell had advanced a fraction of the billions of pounds in profit they make every month”, continuing to say, “one of the world’s richest companies is prepared to play Pontius Pilate and see the British public inconvenienced rather than settle this dispute for a sum smaller than the chairman’s pay increase last year”

Shell admitted that the walkout could leave some of its 1,000 forecourts without fuel, but the UK Petrol Industry Association, which represent oil refiners, said that forecourts would have around 4 days of supply, maintaining usual stocking levels. Shell also commented that the strike impact would be “significant”, as the company runs around 1 in 10 of all petrol stations in the UK.

British Business Secretary, John Hutton, said that “the strike, which will have a disproportionate effect on people in Britain, cannot be justified,” and urged both sides to resume negotiations in order to settle the dispute. “We have been working closely with industry to put in place detailed contingency plans to reduce as far as possible the disruption for the driving public,” he added. Unite’s press release also confirms that “provision has been made for fire, police and the emergency services.”

Tanker drivers on strike have set up picket lines at many of Shell’s UK refineries, including those in Stanlow, Avonmouth, Plymouth, Pembroke, Cardiff, Kingsbury, Basildon, Grangemouth, Aberdeen, Inverness, Jarrow and Luton Airport.

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Man to face court after axe attack in Australia

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

A 69-year-old man who allegedly killed his wife, two grand children and injured his daughter, who is a New South Wales police officer in Cowra, New South Wales, will face Deniliquin Local Court after being arrested at a motel in Hay, New South Wales and charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

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Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with independent candidate Charles de Kerckhove, St. Paul’s

Monday, October 1, 2007

Charles de Kerckhove is running as an independent in the Ontario provincial election, in the riding of St. Paul’s. Wikinews’ Nick Moreau interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

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Characteristics Of The Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies

By Jim Bassett

When trying to decide which insurance company to contract with people often look for the top 10 auto insurance companies. This is a good place to start though considering that these companies will have an established reputation that extends for decades. But the truth is that they are not always as good as people say they are. So as an alternative it is best to have a list of things you look for in an insurance company and then decide for yourself which is the best.

What I have often observed with a large number of insurance companies is that they tell you they are reliable and you should totally depend on them. There are some companies that meet this promise but it is not always the case. It is so hard to find a company you can rely on. Reliability comes to the fore when it comes to compensation after an accident or theft.

According to the contract of insurance that you sign there are terms and conditions about compensation and the insurer is obliged to compensate after a certain duration of time. But sometimes they ignore these provisions and do as they like.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARl1VUV08uY[/youtube]

I mention reliability because there will be situations when you need to get back on the road as soon as possible. Now if the company has not reimbursed you you stand to lose out on a lot of business or even work opportunities. Reliability is the most important thing.

An insurance company might be reliable but slow to respond. If at all a third party is injured and they need urgent medical attention speed is of utmost importance. Speed and efficiency are again important because you might still need to go to work the next day or the following Monday. And even though there are alternative forms of transport slow compensation will definitely upset plans already made.

The common misconception is that an expensive insurance policy is the best. This is sometimes true when it comes to clothes and shoes but with insurance you can’t depend on this philosophy. Rather look for a company that is cheap and efficient at the same time. This will save you a lot of money and time at the same time.

But this does not mean that expensive companies are not worth it. If you can afford expensive cover that has an established reputation then go for it. In addition to this a company that lowers premiums according to changes you make to your car and your driving record are listed in the top 10. Companies that lower premiums when you install alarm systems and trackers are respectable. Some don’t even care about this at all and they are in the top 10, think about that.

And sometimes you get discounts on insurance when you get a defensive driving course. And if your child gets good grades at school his/her insurance costs will be discounted. This is what top ten insurance companies must have on offer. Without this then what sort of rankings are they.

About the Author: When trying to decide which insurance company to contract with people often look for the

top 10 auto insurance companies

. This is a good place to start though considering that these companies will have an established reputation that extends for decades and are able to provide

cheap car insurance

.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=496550&ca=Finances

US Secret Service officer arrested during prostitution sting

Monday, November 10, 2008

A United States Secret Service officer has been arrested in Washington, D.C. after allegedly soliciting a prostitute for sex. The prostitute turned out to be an undercover D.C. police officer. The Secret Service officer was using his official Secret Service patrol car, which was marked, and was also in full uniform at the time of the arrest.

The unnamed Secret Service officer, a sergeant, was arrested after allegedly agreeing to pay the undercover police officer US$20 to receive oral sex. After agreeing on a price, the undercover officer told the Secret Service officer to drive around the corner, where the sex act would take place. When he stopped his car, he was arrested by police officers.

Police say they were performing a normal sting when the Secret Service officer pulled up. The unnamed officer thought the Secret Service officer was going to tell her to get off the streets, but instead told the officer that she had “nice thighs”.

In D.C., soliciting a prostitute for sex holds a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. The Secret Service officer was released pending charges and was suspended from his job pending an internal investigation.

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Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Progressive Conservative candidate Jim Chapman, London-Fanshawe

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Jim Chapman is running for the Progressive Conservative of Ontario in the Ontario provincial election, in the London-Fanshawe riding. Wikinews’ Nick Moreau interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

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Small aircraft crashes into building in New York City

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

A small aircraft struck an apartment building in New York this afternoon, killing the pilot and a flight instructor. Cory Lidle, a pitcher for the New York Yankees baseball team, was the registered owner of the aircraft and is believed to have been piloting it; his passport was found on the scene. The flight instructor was Tyler Stanger.

The plane, a Cirrus SR20 with registration number N929CD, hit the 26th floor of the Belaire Condominium, a 50 story brick luxury residential building on the Upper East Side at 524 East 72nd Street at York Avenue near the East River in Manhattan, New York City, of which the first 20 floors are a hospital. An eyewitness, present half a block from the building, reported that the plane hit the building, creating an enormous fireball, broke in two and crashed down onto on the street below. Authorities received a 911 call reporting a crash at 2:42 p.m. Eastern time.

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg gave a press conference at approximately 5:20 p.m. Eastern time to report that the plane was occupied by a flight instructor and a student pilot, but as next-of-kin had not been able to be notified, the identities of the two people on the plane would not be released at this time.

Apartments were seen to be engulfed in flames. The FBI has stated that it was not an intentional attack. The New York area was grey and overcast during the time at crash; however, visibility was not hampered.

After an hour and a half, the fire was extinguished by the FDNY. According to CNN Television ten people have been injured, six of them firefighters. The New York Times, however, reports that eleven firefighters have been injured.

Initial reports suggested that a helicopter was involved, but the FAA has stated that it was a fixed-wing aircraft. CNN Television reported that it was a single-engine fixed-wing plane which left Teterboro Airport, a busy General Aviation airport in New Jersey, circled the Statue of Liberty was tracked on radar until it was lost near the 59th Street Bridge, that the plane may have been having fuel problems or fuel pump problems, and that it was “a pilot in distress.”

Wallace Sines, a source for CNN stated he believes the plane was a Cirrus SR-20 with an installed parachute, which did not deploy. The whole-plane parachute system may have saved the lives of the aircraft occupants had it been safely deployed clear of buildings, but the system is not designed to prevent the trauma associated with a plane impacting a builing. The Cirrus SR-20 was introduced in 2001 and the Cirrus line of 4-seater aircraft has since become one of the most purchased single engine aircraft in the world. The SR-20 does not normally carry an airline-style flight-data recorder, but some are equipped with GPS equipment which logs flight direction, speed and altitude.

The aircraft was owned by baseball player Cory Lidle. He was on board reported by AP. Lidle was killed, according to reports. CNN Television reported that the FBI stated he was at the controls as the only occupant of the plane, and that his passport was found on the ground below the accident.

A little over an hour and a half after the crash, the fire was extinguished after 39 fire units and over 100 fire fighters responded.

The White House has said that there has been no change in the terror threat alert level and that President Bush is being updated constantly.

La Guardia airport was temporarily restricted to no take offs from other airports, however by 4:10 Eastern Time, CNN Television reported that all New York-area airports were open.

CNN Television announced at 3:50 p.m. Eastern Time that as of a few minutes earlier, NORAD is putting fighter aircraft on patrol over certain major American cities as a precautionary measure similar to the actions taken after the 9/11 attacks as a “just in case” measure. It also reported that tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of the attack on the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen.

Moments after the crash, there was a drop in the New York Stock Exchange, however it quickly returned to normal after it was reported that the crash was an accident.

The New York Yankees organization confirmed the plane is registered to Cory Lidle of the New York Yankees, who was planning to fly from New York to Florida, and that some unnamed member of the Yankees organization was on the plane.

One eye-witness interviewed by the BBC stated: “I was wondering why the plane was doing acrobatics and then the next thing I knew was that it had crashed into the building.”She also added that the plane was a small, white, 4-seater winged aircraft and not a helicopter as many news agencies were reporting it to be.

CNN Television broadcast reports from eyewitnesses who reported:

  • A pilot who saw the impact stated, “It looked like a pilot who was desperately trying to get to an airport.”
  • Another eyewitness who saw the event from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, also referred to the incident as appearing as if the plane was “desperately trying to get to LaGuardia” and that as to whether he “clipped” the building, or struck it directly, that “he hit it dead on.”
  • “I heard a buzzing noise and then an explosion which looked like a mushroom cloud.”
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