The "Renewable House" is made partly from hemp
University of Bath is looking at the cost and insulation efficiencies of using the plant in construction materials in the UK.
The hemp plant stores carbon, giving a "better than zero" carbon footprint.
BBC NEWS | UK | England | Somerset | Hemp plan to build green houses
Mr. Obama plans to speak publicly about the issue in May, administration officials said, and over the summer he will convene working groups, including lawmakers from both parties and a range of immigration groups, to begin discussing possible legislation for as early as this fall.
Read the story by clicking on the following: Obama to Push Immigration Bill Despite the Risks - NYTimes.com
This is an update on earlier postings—it looks like federal bailout is near at hand.
a number of life insurers met the requirements for the Capital Purchase Program because of their thrift or bank holding status and applied within appropriate deadlines
Read the story by clicking on the following: More US insurance companies eye federal aid | csmonitor.com
11-29-2006: At the time, the request was considered an act of desperation. But the $23.6 billion in loans it received turned out to be Ford’s salvation.
Ford has about a year’s worth of cash left to carry it through a still-depressed car market.
Click on the following to read the rest of the story: Well-Timed Borrowing Sets Ford Apart From Rivals - NYTimes.com
Interesting article—author talks of the “commodity cycle”.
Click on the following to read the story: Author who predicted crisis sees inflation ahead | U.S. | Reuters
there are two absentee ballots in Belvidere Township that could affect the Helnore-Falkenstein race [Helnore has a two vote lead] Oh yes, there are others talking about recount.
The recount fee is $10 per precinct and challengers can request 25 percent of the precincts within their jurisdiction be recounted.
Might there be irregularities in Belvidere—well first you need the recount and then you face that subject.
Click on the following: Some losing candidates consider recounts - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
group of cabinet-level officials are trying to establish a set of principles to guide the climate legislation that has just begun to move in Congress
Click on the following to read the rest of the story: White House May Postpone Auctioning Emissions - washingtonpost.com
The revenue picture for the county continues to be very bleak. I am posted the various handouts from the April 7, Finance Committee. First, the analysis of revenue. Based upon oral statements from the county administrator last night—even these revenues may have to be revised downward. The five major monthly revenue sources are projected to be $742,669 (See item “A”) below budget. $290,724 (item “B”) of this shortfall will be substituted from new revenue sources or transferred from accumulated, unused balances in other accounts. Thus leaving $451,945 to balance the budget. (742,699-290,945).
Expenditures are being cut. A total of $358,775 of listed expenditures have tentatively been agreed upon as “cuts” from the budget by the various department heads. Thus leaving a remaining $84,820 shortfall. In actuality both the county administrator and the committee chairman, Karl Johnson, believe the shortfall to fall between $80,000-$150,000. Each day the higher figure appears to be more likely.
What has been proposed and is being considered is a “voluntary” program? All employees and the county board members would return voluntarily 4 days of pay, between now and the end of the fiscal year (11-30-2009). The workers would take personal leave days without pay. If successful, that program would bring the budget to near balance by provided $142,365 in savings. Should the voluntary program not meet any department’s goal it is expected that the department head would cut the remaining dollar amount, out of his/her other budgeted expenditures. All of the $142,365 must occur between now and the 11-30-09 year end.
Click on the photocopies to enlarge:
