| German carmakers lead in reducing CO2 emissions
BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and other German carmakers cut carbon-dioxide emissions more than European rivals last year as they struggle to reach planned European Union targets. German brands sold domestically had 2 percent lower CO2 output last year, a greater reduction than French and Japanese models sold in Europe's largest economy, said Matthias Wissmann, president of the VDA German automobile manufacturers' association, at a briefing today in Berlin. The European Union plans a cap on carmakers that will force them to reduce CO2 emissions, a gas linked with global warming. The draft proposal, which is being negotiated this year among European lawmakers, will reduce the carbon emissions to an average 130 grams per kilometer (0.6 mile) for a manufacturer's fleet by 2012, with an additional 10 grams coming from improvements in tires, air conditioning and other vehicle parts.
Middle-class autoworkers cling to way of life amid benefit cuts
Just two weeks after his 18th birthday, Randy Horter started his first factory job, helping make clutches and air conditioning systems at an auto parts plant. Since then, the 49-year-old Chrysler line worker has cobbled together a career working at various manufacturing plants and made a nice, middle-class life with his wife, Candace, who works at the same Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Ill. The couple earns about $75,000 a year, unless one or the other is laid off. They own two used cars and their home. Between them, they raised five children, now grown, and were hoping to start preparing for retirement. .
Afghanistan:Manley Report
First of all I would like to say I have lost two family members in Afghanistan, and that if I was able to re-join Princess Pat. over there I would, only because I feel obligated to help my fellow soldiers. That said, this mission is one that would go on forever. It doesn't really matter how much stability is brought to the region, as soon as western countries leave, it will again become ruled by Islamist warlords. There is a lot of money to be made in the poppy fields and as long as that remains true, the warlords will return. Now the reasons we went in there in the first place I am sure time will show were false as well. You cannot claim we are there to protect womens rights etc. because if thats what we are doing there we have a few hundred more countries to occupy over there.
Bowden bond would upgrade buildings
Patrons of an independent school district in west Tulsa County will vote next month on a bond issue that would bring more classroom space, a new library and gym and other upgrades.
A vote for the $2.5 million issue is scheduled for March 4, said Allen-Bowden Superintendent Penny Haynes.
The school, 7049 Frankoma Road, is an independent district with about 400 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Included in the bond issue are a new gymnasium and a new classroom building that would include a library, Haynes said.
The existing gym and library would be repurposed, she said.
The current gymnasium facility, Haynes said, is lacking in space and has no air-conditioning.
The new gymnasium, which would be about twice the size of the existing gym, would be more suitable for students and visitors alike, with a doubled seating capacity and nice stage, Haynes said.
Commissioners approve renovations to Larimer County Justice Center
The county commissioners on Tuesday approved a proposal to renovate the Larimer County Justice Center in downtown Fort Collins to create courtroom and office space for three new judges. Renovation plans include adding more heating and air conditioning units to the building at 201 LaPorte Ave. The renovation is expected to cost up to $2.5 million.
Money for the project will come from a 0.2 percent sales tax that county voters approved in 1997 to build a new courthouse.
County officials hope to have the work completed by July, when the new judges are expected to come on board. .
EU bid to freeze out patio heaters
They have only been popular in the UK for little more than a decade, but patio heaters could become history if MEPs vote to ban them today. The EU parliament is expected to back a resolution requiring the use of appliances with low energy efficiency to be phased out. Patio heaters are specifically targeted in the motion, which calls on the EU to act urgently and introduce minimum standards for energy efficiency on such appliances as air-conditioning, television "decoder" boxes and light bulbs. It also calls for the abolition of stand-by mode on electrical appliances. If the ban comes into effect and is enforced, it could cost pubs, restaurants and caterers in the UK up to £250m in lost revenue per year. The use of outdoor heaters increased with the new UK smoking ban, as well as growing use at home as garden accessories for the British summer.
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