European agriculture ministers agreed on Monday (23 June) to draft rules to restrict the use of pesticides. The new rules, which represent a compromise reached after two years of negotiations, would totally prohibit the marketing and use of substances proven to cause cancer, gene mutation or harm reproduction. The use of most dangerous pesticides is to be heavily restricted Pesticides that mimic or disrupt hormones - so-called endocrine disrupters - will also be banned. Farmers and chemical producers must now replace pesticide products that are hazardous with safer alternatives. In exceptional cases, when alternatives do not offer sufficiently effective plant protection, hazardous substances may still be used, but only under strictly regulated conditions, with a transitional period that cannot last longer than five years.
European agriculture ministers agreed on Monday (23 June) to draft rules to restrict the use of pesticides.
The new rules, which represent a compromise reached after two years of negotiations, would totally prohibit the marketing and use of substances proven to cause cancer, gene mutation or harm reproduction.
The use of most dangerous pesticides is to be heavily restricted
Pesticides that mimic or disrupt hormones - so-called endocrine disrupters - will also be banned.
Farmers and chemical producers must now replace pesticide products that are hazardous with safer alternatives.
In exceptional cases, when alternatives do not offer sufficiently effective plant protection, hazardous substances may still be used, but only under strictly regulated conditions, with a transitional period that cannot last longer than five years.
The ongoing terror in Iraq is driving an increasing number of refugees to Europe. Now the EU is being forced to make some tough decisions: Who will be allowed to stay in Europe, and will Iraqi Christians have greater chances here than Muslims? A Catholic bishop gives communion to Iraqi Christians at a church in Baghdad: "People are getting more and more desperate." Bassam persevered for five years, believing that he could live with the daily violence, the car bombs, the roadside bombs and the snipers. But the terror kept getting closer and closer. At first, poverty and crime drove Bassam, a 45-year-old electrician, from his war-torn village deep in Iraq's south to the capital Baghdad, where he opened a stand selling ordinary electrical items like light bulbs, two-way adapters and hotplates. It was a miserable life, but bearable -- until Bassam became caught between rival militias. He was told to pay protection money, and eventually his little shop went up in flames.
The ongoing terror in Iraq is driving an increasing number of refugees to Europe. Now the EU is being forced to make some tough decisions: Who will be allowed to stay in Europe, and will Iraqi Christians have greater chances here than Muslims?
A Catholic bishop gives communion to Iraqi Christians at a church in Baghdad: "People are getting more and more desperate."
Bassam persevered for five years, believing that he could live with the daily violence, the car bombs, the roadside bombs and the snipers. But the terror kept getting closer and closer.
At first, poverty and crime drove Bassam, a 45-year-old electrician, from his war-torn village deep in Iraq's south to the capital Baghdad, where he opened a stand selling ordinary electrical items like light bulbs, two-way adapters and hotplates. It was a miserable life, but bearable -- until Bassam became caught between rival militias. He was told to pay protection money, and eventually his little shop went up in flames.
there was a highly technocratic workforce in Iraq...let's nick it. keep to the Fen Causeway
Italy and Britain would rather not aggressively go after companies involved in bribery schemes, according to a report. Transparency International released a survey of 34 nations' corruption-fighting efforts. Japan and Canada were also cited as among the four worst in the Transparency International report as being lax about investigating bribery of national companies. The report was released Tuesday, June 24 in Berlin. The report said that using bribery to win contracts damages free competition at the international level. That's also the view of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD has taken a leading roll in the issue, monitoring bribery on both the national and regional levels. In Italy, Japan, Britain and Canada there were "practically no investigations or extremely few," into bribery, according to Transparency International. That sets a bad example, said Max Dehmel, a Transparency expert. "If countries backslide, they undermine the efforts of the other countries," he said.
Japan and Canada were also cited as among the four worst in the Transparency International report as being lax about investigating bribery of national companies. The report was released Tuesday, June 24 in Berlin.
The report said that using bribery to win contracts damages free competition at the international level. That's also the view of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD has taken a leading roll in the issue, monitoring bribery on both the national and regional levels.
In Italy, Japan, Britain and Canada there were "practically no investigations or extremely few," into bribery, according to Transparency International. That sets a bad example, said Max Dehmel, a Transparency expert.
"If countries backslide, they undermine the efforts of the other countries," he said.
MPs are to be banned from using taxpayers money to buy new kitchens, televisions and other household goods for their second homes in London. There will also be tighter checks on how they spend their expenses, the Members Estimate Committee has said. They will still get £24,000 a year tax free for living away from home but are banned from spending it on furniture and home improvements.
There will also be tighter checks on how they spend their expenses, the Members Estimate Committee has said.
They will still get £24,000 a year tax free for living away from home but are banned from spending it on furniture and home improvements.
The Additional Cost Allowance would be replaced by an overnight expenses allowance of £19,600 a year for accommodation. External audit They would also be given £30 a day subsistence allowance without receipts, up to a maximum of £4,600 every year. But they would have to provide receipts for all other expenses from 1 April next year. At the moment they can claim for items up to £25 without receipts.
The Additional Cost Allowance would be replaced by an overnight expenses allowance of £19,600 a year for accommodation.
External audit
They would also be given £30 a day subsistence allowance without receipts, up to a maximum of £4,600 every year.
But they would have to provide receipts for all other expenses from 1 April next year. At the moment they can claim for items up to £25 without receipts.
Moscow has raised the prospect that "yet another impasse" over the EU's future institutional set up - caused by the recent Irish No vote to the Lisbon Treaty - could affect talks on a new pact of strategic partnership between the union and Russia. "With the Lisbon treaty in force and a clearer picture of how the EU is organised, it would have been easier to negotiate the pact," Russia's ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, said on Monday (23 June). Russian president Medvedev - Russia says it is not gloating over the EU's institutional difficulties Speaking to the Financial Times, Mr Chizhov expressed the "hope" that the 27-nation bloc finds a solution to treaty rejection so that long-delayed partnership talks with Russia do not face a new delay. "Above all, we're not gloating. It's not entirely a sign of the EU's strength, of course, but we'll be closely following developments," the ambassador said. Negotiations on a new "Partnership and Co-operation" pact are expected to get under way at the EU-Russia summit in Siberia later this week (26-27 June) - the first gathering under the leadership of recently elected Russian President Dmitrij Medvedev.
Moscow has raised the prospect that "yet another impasse" over the EU's future institutional set up - caused by the recent Irish No vote to the Lisbon Treaty - could affect talks on a new pact of strategic partnership between the union and Russia.
"With the Lisbon treaty in force and a clearer picture of how the EU is organised, it would have been easier to negotiate the pact," Russia's ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, said on Monday (23 June).
Russian president Medvedev - Russia says it is not gloating over the EU's institutional difficulties
Speaking to the Financial Times, Mr Chizhov expressed the "hope" that the 27-nation bloc finds a solution to treaty rejection so that long-delayed partnership talks with Russia do not face a new delay.
"Above all, we're not gloating. It's not entirely a sign of the EU's strength, of course, but we'll be closely following developments," the ambassador said.
Negotiations on a new "Partnership and Co-operation" pact are expected to get under way at the EU-Russia summit in Siberia later this week (26-27 June) - the first gathering under the leadership of recently elected Russian President Dmitrij Medvedev.
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The group of major oil-exporting countries, OPEC, has ruled out a further increase in oil production, saying there is sufficient supply to the market and that other factors, including US foreign and economic policies, are to blame for record price hikes. "All you need to do is look at the data to be convinced that the market is well-supplied in oil, that we have enough surplus capacity and we have enough stocks in the market," Chakib Khelil, the president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said on Tuesday (24 June). One barrel of 'black gold' currently sells for almost $140 Speaking after discussion with the European Union in Brussels, Mr Khelil cited the recent US sub-prime mortgage crisis, financial market speculation, the weak US currency and worsening geopolitical situation as main factors behind the high prices. One barrel of 'black gold' currently sells for almost $140. The price of petrol has passed from ten dollars in 1999 to 95 dollars last year. When asked about how much the price will jump over the summer holiday season, Mr Khelil replied: "It is the sixty-billion dollar question".
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The group of major oil-exporting countries, OPEC, has ruled out a further increase in oil production, saying there is sufficient supply to the market and that other factors, including US foreign and economic policies, are to blame for record price hikes.
"All you need to do is look at the data to be convinced that the market is well-supplied in oil, that we have enough surplus capacity and we have enough stocks in the market," Chakib Khelil, the president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said on Tuesday (24 June).
One barrel of 'black gold' currently sells for almost $140
Speaking after discussion with the European Union in Brussels, Mr Khelil cited the recent US sub-prime mortgage crisis, financial market speculation, the weak US currency and worsening geopolitical situation as main factors behind the high prices.
One barrel of 'black gold' currently sells for almost $140. The price of petrol has passed from ten dollars in 1999 to 95 dollars last year.
When asked about how much the price will jump over the summer holiday season, Mr Khelil replied: "It is the sixty-billion dollar question".
So what part of All you need to do is look at the data to be convinced that the market is well-supplied in oil, that we have enough surplus capacity and we have enough stocks in the market is stretchng the truth to arrive at the real problem that demand exceeds supply ? keep to the Fen Causeway
It's not like the truth would change anything, the world still needs their oil. keep to the Fen Causeway
It reminds me of the famines due to failed crops during medieval times. It wasn't like people just said "well Hamish, it's supply and demand and the market must clear you know".
They just knew high prices for vital goods were wrong on moral grounds, and the church agreed. How many times haven't produced been called profiteers when they just try to do their job and let market forces work?
It's the same now. People don't know and don't care why gasoline is expensive. They just know that it is wrong and that someone must have comitted some evil act. Whose fault is it? Who to blame?
Speculators, OPEC, Chinindia, Big Oil, refiners, "little guys in Las Vegas" (lololol)? In the end people see that ones making the most money on their account is Saudi Arabia, so said country must be an evil profiteerer.
So Saudi Arabia is very careful in talking about lower prices, higher production, blames specualtors etc, everything to placate the consumer masses who don't know and don't care about supply and demand.
Then they don't actually do anything, but talk is cheap and they have export earnings of $1 billion a day. Peak oil is not an energy crisis. It is a liquid fuel crisis.
France's Europe minister, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, has said that Europe has enemies in Washington, suggesting that neo-conservatives played a significant role in the Irish rejection of the Lisbon treaty earlier this month. French daily Le Monde reports Mr Jouyet as saying that "Europe has powerful enemies on the other side of the Atlantic, gifted with considerable financial means. The role of American neo-conservatives was very important in the victory of the No." Jean-Pierre Jouyet made the comments at a pro-Europe rally over the weekend He made the comments at a pro-Europe meeting in Lyons over the weekend, just over a week after Irish voters rejected the EU's latest treaty by 53.4 to 46.6 percent. Allegations that some funding for the No side came from across the Atlantic also came up during the Irish debate preceding the referendum. Libertas, an anti-treaty organisation campaigning on a platform of cutting Brussels red-tape, was on the receiving end of such accusations earlier this month.
France's Europe minister, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, has said that Europe has enemies in Washington, suggesting that neo-conservatives played a significant role in the Irish rejection of the Lisbon treaty earlier this month.
French daily Le Monde reports Mr Jouyet as saying that "Europe has powerful enemies on the other side of the Atlantic, gifted with considerable financial means. The role of American neo-conservatives was very important in the victory of the No."
Jean-Pierre Jouyet made the comments at a pro-Europe rally over the weekend
He made the comments at a pro-Europe meeting in Lyons over the weekend, just over a week after Irish voters rejected the EU's latest treaty by 53.4 to 46.6 percent.
Allegations that some funding for the No side came from across the Atlantic also came up during the Irish debate preceding the referendum.
Libertas, an anti-treaty organisation campaigning on a platform of cutting Brussels red-tape, was on the receiving end of such accusations earlier this month.
The last condition our minders wish for is an educated voting class. "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
Ganley Spills the Beans So, at this stage we've established a few things. The figures behind Libertas are extremely closely connected to the US military and Intelligence community; their arguments appear to be clearly disingenuous; the US military and intelligence community are indeed opposed to the treaty. The facts are, by themselves, strong circumstantial evidence in favour of the idea that Ganley and McEvaddy's connections to the US military provide the underlying motives for opposing Lisbon. But can we do any better? Can we turn up any positive evidence to support our tentative conclusion? As it happens, we can.
So, at this stage we've established a few things. The figures behind Libertas are extremely closely connected to the US military and Intelligence community; their arguments appear to be clearly disingenuous; the US military and intelligence community are indeed opposed to the treaty. The facts are, by themselves, strong circumstantial evidence in favour of the idea that Ganley and McEvaddy's connections to the US military provide the underlying motives for opposing Lisbon. But can we do any better? Can we turn up any positive evidence to support our tentative conclusion?
As it happens, we can.
The "positive evidence" (Ganley's spilt beans) decribed is actually still circumstantial and speculative, but worth considering.
Conclusion This article has examined the reality behing the Libertas campaign, the connections of its two high-profile backers, the implausibility of its message, the peculiar nature of its campaign and some of the underlying strategic differences at play. The conclusion is that the evidence suggests that Libertas is most likely to serve primarily as a vehicle for advancing US strategic interests. However, it is important to remember that while this is the most likely and most plausible conclusion about the underlying forces at play, it is impossible to ever be certain about any individual's motivation. It is possible that both Ganley and McEvaddy are both entirely genuine in their stated reasons for opposing Lisbon - although that would mean that they are also seriously stupid and completely incapable of understanding many of the elementary facts about the treaty. There's also the possibility that some other underlying motive is at play, but the evidence seems to points towards the Pentagon. All of the material in this article is in the public domain. Ironically, the source of some of the information contained herein is David Cochrane's politics.ie site where more speculative and less well substantiated versions of this argument have been published over the last few weeks: see here: http://www.politics.ie/viewtopic.php?f=172&t=34169 (hat-tip to ibis) It is interesting that despite all of this material being in the public domain, it has been Internet posters who have raised it, while the media has essentially provided Libertas with mountains of coverage, without bothering to even check as to whether it's a real campaign at all. That's because the Irish media does little other than recycle press releases, and is utterly cowardly when dealing with stuff that might annoy powerful people. Finally, for those who might suspect that this is a hatchet job aimed at discrediting the No Campaign. I am actually a No campaigner myself. See here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86857
This article has examined the reality behing the Libertas campaign, the connections of its two high-profile backers, the implausibility of its message, the peculiar nature of its campaign and some of the underlying strategic differences at play. The conclusion is that the evidence suggests that Libertas is most likely to serve primarily as a vehicle for advancing US strategic interests. However, it is important to remember that while this is the most likely and most plausible conclusion about the underlying forces at play, it is impossible to ever be certain about any individual's motivation. It is possible that both Ganley and McEvaddy are both entirely genuine in their stated reasons for opposing Lisbon - although that would mean that they are also seriously stupid and completely incapable of understanding many of the elementary facts about the treaty. There's also the possibility that some other underlying motive is at play, but the evidence seems to points towards the Pentagon.
All of the material in this article is in the public domain. Ironically, the source of some of the information contained herein is David Cochrane's politics.ie site where more speculative and less well substantiated versions of this argument have been published over the last few weeks: see here: http://www.politics.ie/viewtopic.php?f=172&t=34169 (hat-tip to ibis) It is interesting that despite all of this material being in the public domain, it has been Internet posters who have raised it, while the media has essentially provided Libertas with mountains of coverage, without bothering to even check as to whether it's a real campaign at all. That's because the Irish media does little other than recycle press releases, and is utterly cowardly when dealing with stuff that might annoy powerful people.
Finally, for those who might suspect that this is a hatchet job aimed at discrediting the No Campaign. I am actually a No campaigner myself. See here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86857
http://www.eurotrib.com/story/2008/6/12/131942/129#78 ... all progress depends on the unreasonable mensch.(apologies to G.B. Shaw)
And - this fits well with the pattern of a "groomed individual" (Ganley) - with lots of gifts, an "out front" political organization (Libertas) that puts out lots of disinformation about the campaign.
Look up "CIA covert political operations" - especially in Latin America and see the CIA's methodology in its operation in elections...Dr. John J. Nutter's 2000 book "The CIA's Black Ops" is a good one.
...creating "front" political organizations and companies... ...selecting prominent individuals... ...giving subsidies (funding) to groups and "groomed individuals..." ...putting out confusing information and disinformation...
It will start to look eerily like the Irish "no" vote.
The Italian Senate has approved a new decree which critics of Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister, say is "tailor made" to save him from a possible prison sentence for corruption. Mr Berlusconi claims his "security package" fulfils a campaign promise he made in April's election to crack down on crime, and denies it will apply to his own case. It now passes for a final vote to the Lower House, where he has a commanding majority and approval is a formality. However, Italy's centre-left opposition claimed the main purpose of the decree was to help Mr Berlusconi evade corruption charges. A key clause suspends for a year trials for alleged crimes committed before mid-2002, with the exception of those involving violence, Mafia-related offences, and those carrying a jail sentence of more than 10 years. Mr Berlusconi and his supporters say this is aimed at overhauling Italy's overburdened judiciary and clearing a trial backlog. A recent opinion poll in La Repubblica showed only 35 per cent of the public have faith in the notoriously slow and inefficient Italian judicial system.
The Italian Senate has approved a new decree which critics of Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister, say is "tailor made" to save him from a possible prison sentence for corruption.
Mr Berlusconi claims his "security package" fulfils a campaign promise he made in April's election to crack down on crime, and denies it will apply to his own case. It now passes for a final vote to the Lower House, where he has a commanding majority and approval is a formality.
However, Italy's centre-left opposition claimed the main purpose of the decree was to help Mr Berlusconi evade corruption charges. A key clause suspends for a year trials for alleged crimes committed before mid-2002, with the exception of those involving violence, Mafia-related offences, and those carrying a jail sentence of more than 10 years.
Mr Berlusconi and his supporters say this is aimed at overhauling Italy's overburdened judiciary and clearing a trial backlog. A recent opinion poll in La Repubblica showed only 35 per cent of the public have faith in the notoriously slow and inefficient Italian judicial system.
"I am more worried about the interests of Berlusconi that the greetings fascists" Question. Are you worried about the Italian political scene? Answer. Yes, I am worried. I did not say very worried, but certainly I know what I will say if you call me again in a few months.
Question. Are you worried about the Italian political scene? Answer. Yes, I am worried. I did not say very worried, but certainly I know what I will say if you call me again in a few months.
Prophetic. But this was so obvious! When Procrustes looks after you, you're sure to fit in.
Today Berlusconi was louldy contested by the assembly of the Commerce Federation (Confesercenti)as he once again attacked judges as a "cancerous metastasis" within (his peculiar brand of)"democracy."
As for la Repubblica's survey one might observe that were one to ask churchgoers if hell existed, one must not be surprised by the answers. A breakdown of the population sample would be illuminating: There is a minority of people whose opinions are not formed by watching Berlusconi's televisions.
Simply put, there is no crime emergency in Italy. There is no reason for this security package. The only emergency is Berlusconi's personal interest to beat the rap.
Energy from industry could halve gas imports Industries across the UK could generate as much electricity as 10 nuclear power stations and halve gas imports by installing or extending plants that generate energy while using the waste heat to warm local buildings. A report by Pöyry Energy Consulting, commissioned by Greenpeace, analysing the UK's potential for combined heat and power units - which capture the heat from the electricity generation process and recycle it - found nine sites where CHP could be applied or extended. These include the ConocoPhillips and Total refineries on the Humber estuary, which is already the site of one of the biggest CHP units in Europe. It could be extended from its current capacity of 730MW of electricity to produce another 2,550MW, the report found. Other sites include the Petroplus refinery at Coryton, chemical and manufacturing facilities at Wilton on Teesside, the Stanlow manufacturing complex at Ellesmere Port, the Ineos refinery and chemical plant at Grangemouth and the ExxonMobil refinery at Fawley. If all of these were developed, UK industry could produce 16GW of electricity - the equivalent of building 10 nuclear power stations, and enough electricity to power two-thirds of the country's households. Using the waste heat by pumping it to local buildings would also mean the UK would need to import only half as much gas as it does now. Tim Warham, principal consultant at Pöyry, said: "We were surprised at the large technical potential for industrial CHP we encountered. Provided the policy framework is right, CHP could make a huge contribution to securing power supplies for the UK." Businesses installing or extending combined heat and power units could also save £1bn ($2bn, €1.2bn) a year on their energy bills, according to a Greenpeace estimate based on the report, and could profit by selling excess electricity and recycling their waste heat.
Industries across the UK could generate as much electricity as 10 nuclear power stations and halve gas imports by installing or extending plants that generate energy while using the waste heat to warm local buildings.
A report by Pöyry Energy Consulting, commissioned by Greenpeace, analysing the UK's potential for combined heat and power units - which capture the heat from the electricity generation process and recycle it - found nine sites where CHP could be applied or extended.
These include the ConocoPhillips and Total refineries on the Humber estuary, which is already the site of one of the biggest CHP units in Europe. It could be extended from its current capacity of 730MW of electricity to produce another 2,550MW, the report found.
Other sites include the Petroplus refinery at Coryton, chemical and manufacturing facilities at Wilton on Teesside, the Stanlow manufacturing complex at Ellesmere Port, the Ineos refinery and chemical plant at Grangemouth and the ExxonMobil refinery at Fawley.
If all of these were developed, UK industry could produce 16GW of electricity - the equivalent of building 10 nuclear power stations, and enough electricity to power two-thirds of the country's households. Using the waste heat by pumping it to local buildings would also mean the UK would need to import only half as much gas as it does now.
Tim Warham, principal consultant at Pöyry, said: "We were surprised at the large technical potential for industrial CHP we encountered. Provided the policy framework is right, CHP could make a huge contribution to securing power supplies for the UK."
Businesses installing or extending combined heat and power units could also save £1bn ($2bn, €1.2bn) a year on their energy bills, according to a Greenpeace estimate based on the report, and could profit by selling excess electricity and recycling their waste heat.
Industry is run by accountatns who only care about the share dividend and the quarterly forecast. Upsetting that with DFH nonsense about energy saving might cost them their credibility or, worse, their jobs. keep to the Fen Causeway
Sharp's announcement also came on the same day that market intelligence outfit, Isuppli, released a report predicting that by 2010, "worldwide investments in the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells will rise to the same level as those for semiconductor manufacturing by 2010". And we all know how important semiconductors are. Isuppli reckons that with such massive solar industry growth, production costs for solar panels could be slashed by up to 40 per cent by 2010. This could mean global grid parity, whereby photovoltaic electricity would cost less, if not the same, than power from the electrical grid. Grid Parity is predicted for sunny countries by 2012 and colder, rainier countries like Britain by 2018. So, when it comes to our energy woes, the sun really could come out tomorrow
Sharp's announcement also came on the same day that market intelligence outfit, Isuppli, released a report predicting that by 2010, "worldwide investments in the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells will rise to the same level as those for semiconductor manufacturing by 2010". And we all know how important semiconductors are.
Isuppli reckons that with such massive solar industry growth, production costs for solar panels could be slashed by up to 40 per cent by 2010. This could mean global grid parity, whereby photovoltaic electricity would cost less, if not the same, than power from the electrical grid. Grid Parity is predicted for sunny countries by 2012 and colder, rainier countries like Britain by 2018. So, when it comes to our energy woes, the sun really could come out tomorrow
PV as the new microchips...oi loik it! ~Government budget deficits are not nearly as dangerous as the deficits we have created in vital and complex natural systems.~ Naomi Klein.
heheh
david jacobs and cathy something?!
it's got a nice beat, hasn't it? ~Government budget deficits are not nearly as dangerous as the deficits we have created in vital and complex natural systems.~ Naomi Klein.
Italy and Nuclear, an Endless Debate : EcoWorldly
With escalating oil and gas costs and growing French electricity imports, Italy is changing is stance on nuclear power. The re-elected Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promised on his campaign to recommit the country to nuclear power and an heated debate is now popping up from north to south. The general impression is there is still strong local opposition for three main reasons: high construction costs, projected build times of one to two decades and no identifiable Italian community willing to see a nuclear reactor built in their neighborhood. Italy has also failed to resolve the issue of what to do with nuclear waste. A proposed dump in Basilicata region was shelved in 2003 after thousands of demonstrators staged road blocks, marches and hunger strikes. Italy has not operated or built a nuclear power plant since it shut them all down after the Chernobyl accident of 1986. And recent problems at nuclear power stations in Slovenia and Japan have confirmed for many Italians that living close to a plant is a health hazard. The managing director of Enel, the government-backed firm most likely to build and operate the proposed reactors, warned that in order to proceed Silvio Berlusconi would need "new regulation and strong agreement on the plan within the country". Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola recently announced a national energy strategy that includes the construction of new generation reactors within five years. Enel officials, though, noted that it would take seven to 10 years before they could actually bring a reactor on line. Politics believe nuclear power is the country's only viable option and that the amount of extra energy produced through wind, solar and geothermal is limited. "Only with nuclear power we will be able to produce energy on large scale, in a safe way, at competitive prices and with respect for the environment", Scajola said. But Italy's nuclear critics are skeptical. The fourth-generation reactor that the Italian government has pledged to build has not yet even been fully designed so Italian nuclear reactors won't be the answer to any energy problem the country will be facing for one decade or more. Environmental groups throughout the country are criticizing the idea to bring back nuclear power. Director of Greenpeace Italy, Giuseppe Onofrio, has pledged that he'll fight `tooth and nail' to keep Italy nuclear-free, while Vice President of the Italian Senate, Emma Bonino, said building nuclear plants would not meet current demand because they wouldn't be ready for at least 20 years. In the meantime Enel is planning to build a coal-fired power station in Albania and is looking into nuclear opportunities there and in Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said recently. "We are working with the Albanian government for the construction of a coal plant and we want to push for nuclear" told Fulvio Conti, Enel chief executive, pointing out that Italy imports some 20% of its electricity from France which is largely produced by nuclear energy.
With escalating oil and gas costs and growing French electricity imports, Italy is changing is stance on nuclear power. The re-elected Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promised on his campaign to recommit the country to nuclear power and an heated debate is now popping up from north to south.
The general impression is there is still strong local opposition for three main reasons: high construction costs, projected build times of one to two decades and no identifiable Italian community willing to see a nuclear reactor built in their neighborhood. Italy has also failed to resolve the issue of what to do with nuclear waste. A proposed dump in Basilicata region was shelved in 2003 after thousands of demonstrators staged road blocks, marches and hunger strikes.
Italy has not operated or built a nuclear power plant since it shut them all down after the Chernobyl accident of 1986. And recent problems at nuclear power stations in Slovenia and Japan have confirmed for many Italians that living close to a plant is a health hazard. The managing director of Enel, the government-backed firm most likely to build and operate the proposed reactors, warned that in order to proceed Silvio Berlusconi would need "new regulation and strong agreement on the plan within the country".
Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola recently announced a national energy strategy that includes the construction of new generation reactors within five years. Enel officials, though, noted that it would take seven to 10 years before they could actually bring a reactor on line. Politics believe nuclear power is the country's only viable option and that the amount of extra energy produced through wind, solar and geothermal is limited.
"Only with nuclear power we will be able to produce energy on large scale, in a safe way, at competitive prices and with respect for the environment", Scajola said. But Italy's nuclear critics are skeptical. The fourth-generation reactor that the Italian government has pledged to build has not yet even been fully designed so Italian nuclear reactors won't be the answer to any energy problem the country will be facing for one decade or more.
Environmental groups throughout the country are criticizing the idea to bring back nuclear power. Director of Greenpeace Italy, Giuseppe Onofrio, has pledged that he'll fight `tooth and nail' to keep Italy nuclear-free, while Vice President of the Italian Senate, Emma Bonino, said building nuclear plants would not meet current demand because they wouldn't be ready for at least 20 years.
In the meantime Enel is planning to build a coal-fired power station in Albania and is looking into nuclear opportunities there and in Italy, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said recently. "We are working with the Albanian government for the construction of a coal plant and we want to push for nuclear" told Fulvio Conti, Enel chief executive, pointing out that Italy imports some 20% of its electricity from France which is largely produced by nuclear energy.
Sharp Corp (6753.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Kansai Electric Power Co (9503.T: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday they have agreed to join forces in a solar power generation project that involves the construction of two power plants in Sakai, western Japan. Soaring crude oil prices and growing concerns about climate change have boosted energy consumers' and producers' interest in renewable energy such as solar cell and wind power. Kansai and Sharp, a solar cell maker competing with Germany's Q-Cells (QCEG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and China's Suntech Power Holdings (STP.N: Quote, Profile, Research), plan to build a power generation facility with a maximum capacity of 18 megawatts at Sharp's manufacturing complex by March 2011.
Soaring crude oil prices and growing concerns about climate change have boosted energy consumers' and producers' interest in renewable energy such as solar cell and wind power.
Kansai and Sharp, a solar cell maker competing with Germany's Q-Cells (QCEG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and China's Suntech Power Holdings (STP.N: Quote, Profile, Research), plan to build a power generation facility with a maximum capacity of 18 megawatts at Sharp's manufacturing complex by March 2011.
Italy has also failed to resolve the issue of what to do with nuclear waste
Given the way they dispose of Naple's waste, I think international sanctions should be imposed if they try to resurrect their nuclear industry. less trustworthy than Iran. keep to the Fen Causeway
This is a basic con, scam, swindle, grift, bunko, flim flam, stratagem, or scheme. Greed and gullibility are, as ever, essential ingredients.
According to papers lodged in Manhattan's District Court, the businessman told potential clients that the Vatican had formally appointed him to manage its financial affairs. To bolster his claims he kept various ceremonial robes at his office in New York, including those of senior clergymen, according to witnesses cited by the prosecution.
To bolster his claims he kept various ceremonial robes at his office in New York, including those of senior clergymen, according to witnesses cited by the prosecution.
It's odd that anyone would think managing Vatican finances would require priestly vestments rather than a suit, tie and mobile, but I suppose people are strange like that.
That the templars introduced the concept to Christendom... I can't dispute that. When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes
It also offers a rich picture of history leading up to the emergence of Islam. You can't be me, I'm taken
Abroad - In Italy, More Basta Than Bravo for Cultural Diversity - NYTimes.com
... Rome, an ancient magnet for foreigners, is naturally more integrated than most Italian cities and, unlike most of the country, it has taken at least a few steps in recent years to come to terms with its multicultural reality, among them instituting a public library program to reach immigrants and provide Romans with books and lectures about foreign cultures. The question now is whether such efforts will continue. <...> Italian culture certainly isn't diverse now. It subsists on an all-white, all-native, monoethnic diet of Italian game shows, Italian television mini-series, Italian advertisements on cable stations for improbable vibrating contraptions that promise to jiggle fat away, and Italian pop music. Even Roman schoolchildren no longer stray far from a spaghetti-with-ragú diet now that an intercultural city program to serve one international-themed lunch a month has been abandoned by the new center-right government, heeding some Italian mothers, who doubted the nutritional value of falafel and curry. <...> Gabriella Sanna directs a multicultural library program here, which was started on a shoestring budget of about $120,000 in 1997. Today it survives on less, she said. ... She was diplomatic when the conversation turned to the recent election and whether her program would survive. "This is a new experience for us because we've always worked in a favorable climate," Ms. Sanna said. Her dour expression suggested she wasn't optimistic.
... Rome, an ancient magnet for foreigners, is naturally more integrated than most Italian cities and, unlike most of the country, it has taken at least a few steps in recent years to come to terms with its multicultural reality, among them instituting a public library program to reach immigrants and provide Romans with books and lectures about foreign cultures. The question now is whether such efforts will continue. <...>
Italian culture certainly isn't diverse now. It subsists on an all-white, all-native, monoethnic diet of Italian game shows, Italian television mini-series, Italian advertisements on cable stations for improbable vibrating contraptions that promise to jiggle fat away, and Italian pop music. Even Roman schoolchildren no longer stray far from a spaghetti-with-ragú diet now that an intercultural city program to serve one international-themed lunch a month has been abandoned by the new center-right government, heeding some Italian mothers, who doubted the nutritional value of falafel and curry. <...>
Gabriella Sanna directs a multicultural library program here, which was started on a shoestring budget of about $120,000 in 1997. Today it survives on less, she said. ... She was diplomatic when the conversation turned to the recent election and whether her program would survive. "This is a new experience for us because we've always worked in a favorable climate," Ms. Sanna said. Her dour expression suggested she wasn't optimistic.
you are the media you consume.
heeding some Italian mothers, who doubted the nutritional value of falafel and curry.
Well, I doubt the nutritional value of falafel as well. something that looks and tastes like burnt breadcrumbs in glue can't be good for you.
But curry....now there's a food staple. A basic food group. keep to the Fen Causeway
