| The Future in a Tiny Sphere: A Conversation with Yoshinobu Tsujikawa
Japan leads the world in solar power technology. Japan not only produces half the total solar cells made in the world, it also exports 30% of these cells, with expected demand for 20% increases per year. The Japanese government pushes renewable energy policies that have resulted in the installation of more than 100,000 residential solar power systems by 2004, as well as a projection of 5 GW of solar generation capacity by 2010. Japan even plans to launch a solar satellite by 2040, which will deliver energy to the earth via low-intensity microwaves. The satellite will absorb the sun's energy 24 hours a day, unobstructed by clouds, and generate one million kilowatts per second – equal to the output of a nuclear power plant. Now a Kyoto-based company, Kyosemi, is redesigning the future of photovoltaics themselves.
Disabled couple are hospitalized after fire
A man and woman, both of whom use wheelchairs, were in critical condition Sunday after a blaze broke out in their West Side home, fire officials said. The 82-year-old man and 85-year-old woman were taken to Brooke Army Medical Center for treatment, according to San Antonio Fire Department District Chief Neal Nye. He would not elaborate on the type of injuries they suffered. A San Antonio firefighter suffered second-degree burns on his wrist and hip, Nye said. Emergency technicians treated him at the scene and released him. The fire broke out at the home in the 1600 block of West Durango Boulevard at 11:07 a.m. Sunday, Nye said. When firefighters arrived, they discovered the blaze had engulfed the small blue house directly across from Lanier High School.
Public Works to review sidewalk project
Director of Public Works Charlesworth Davis said plans for renovation of the sidewalks in St. John's may have to be revised in light of the concerns raised by the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD). Speaking with the Antigua Sun, president of the ABAPD voiced his dismay that road crews were building special stone curbs at the corners with little consideration for individuals with disabilities. Davis told the SUN that having learnt of the concerns of the association yesterday morning, following an exclusive page one story in the SUN, the road works committee would have to meet to review the project. .
Gearhart supports putting CCC bond on ballot
GEARHART - The Gearhart City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to support Clatsop Community College's efforts to put a bond for a new campus in Warrenton on the ballot.
College President Greg Hamann presented a recent survey he said indicated the reason the November bond failed was an unpopular proposed location, and there is broad support for a new college campus on donated Warrenton land near Dolphin Avenue and U.S. Highway 101.
Councilor Chuck Schluter did not feel the survey was representative of the Gearhart people, and said Gearhart's very negative vote on the previous bond was his guide. He said he would not support any endorsement. Mayor Kent Smith and Councilors Ed Tice, Dianne Widdop and Dorothy Well voted in favor.
Tice, who led the motion to support putting the bond on the ballot, said he supports the college and education and sees no room for growth at the current Jerome Avenue site in Astoria.
Pontiff offers example of St. John Bosco
The Holy Father presented St. John Bosco (1815-1888) as a role model in living one's faith on Wednesday, the saint's feast day, at the general audience held in Paul VI Hall.
"Today the liturgy remembers St. John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, to whom he proclaimed the Gospel with tireless ardor," the Pope said. "May his example encourage you, beloved young people, to live the Christian vocation authentically."
Turning to the sick, some of whom were in wheelchairs, the Pontiff encouraged them to contemplate the Italian saint's testimony of Christian life "to offer your sufferings in union with Christ for the salvation of humanity."
Benedict XVI prayed that St. John Bosco's example might support the newlyweds, some attired in their wedding garments, "in the mutual commitment to build your family faithful to the love of God and of brothers." .
|
