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The European Union budget is relatively small (around 1% of EU GNI), but it can make a big difference. Around 94% of the European Union budget supports researchers, businesses, farmers, regions, young people and many others.
Too little is known about the concrete projects on the ground and how they bring about concrete results and benefits for citizens and businesses as well as for the wider European economy. This non-exhaustive list of good EU projects gives you an idea. Did you know for example that the EU supports solutions to traffic and environmental problems in European cities, that it helps to preserve our environment, allows for energy savings and makes our economy more sustainable? That it supports reconciliation in Northern Ireland? That it brings together universities and researchers or helps local farmers? It spurs economic and social development in poorer regions and supports the unemployed. Progress in cancer research helps patients and creates new treatments. Top-class researchers are enabled to pool knowledge and save money in transnational research projects that benefit European competitiveness. Small and medium sized enterprises receive support to innovate. Risks stemming from climate change and natural disasters are mitigated. Young people get a chance to study, train and volunteer abroad. Children in conflict zones are supported, humanitarian aid is delivered and global food security is improved.
Environment + Climate change research
1. To save 1 500 trillion litres water annually, EU-funded researchers developed a smart irrigation system – Funding: EUR 2.23 millionhttp://www.waterbee.eu
2. A team led by German researchers have uncovered first observed ozone hole in the Arctic region – Funding: EUR 3.5 millionhttps://www.fp7-reconcile.eu/
3. A team led by British researchers is investigating how the melting of continental ice (glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets) will contribute to sea level rise over the next 2 centuries – Funding: almost EUR 10 million http://www.ice2sea.eu/
4. EU-funded research team develops biofuel made of algae to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – Funding: EUR 1.43 millionhttp://ow.ly/fl0Cx
5. By developing new desalination technology, EU researchers have made it possible to reduce freshwater use in cooling towers by 80% – Funding: EUR 9.65 million http://www.aquafit4use.eu/
6. EU project finding new solutions to make rivers and lakes cleaner, safer and more sustainable – Funding: EUR 6.98 millionhttp://www.wiser.eu
7. Austrian paper recycling company has built new plant using sensor technologies developed in EU project to detect plastic impurities in waste paper – Funding: EUR 2.86 million www.sortit.eu
8. An Italian-led research group is finding ways to make historic buildings more energy efficient, helping protect our cultural heritage and climate – Funding: EUR 4.99 million http://www.3encult.eu/
9. First pan-European database for ocean monitoring is now available as a result of EU project involving 28 countries – Funding: EUR 33.8 million http://ow.ly/fkY2f
Health research
10. The "Human Brain Project" will create the world's largest experimental facility for developing the most detailed model of the brain, for studying how the human brain works and ultimately to develop personalised treatment of neurological and related diseases – Funding: EUR 54 million http://www.humanbrainproject.eu/
11. EU-funded researchers developed world's first wearable fall detection device for elderly people – Funding: EUR 1.1 millionhttp://ow.ly/fkXEo
12. Multinational research team funded by EU designed and commercialised first portable X-ray machine – Funding: EUR 1.03 millionhttp://ow.ly/fkXUF
13. EU-funded researchers in Denmark, UK, Greece, Norway and Spain find links between diets during pregnancy and babies' health – Funding: EUR 13.6 million http://www.newgeneris.org/
14. EU-funded scientists developed cheaper and faster HIV detection method – Funding: EUR 1.6 million http://ow.ly/fkZxC
15. EU invested EUR 1.1 million to develop T-ray scanners, a safer alternative to X-ray-based technologies – Funding: EUR 1.1 millionhttp://ow.ly/fl2Ta
16. EU researchers examining potential for diamond particles to detect and help treat cancer – Funding: EUR 2.78 million http://www.fp7-dinamo.eu/about.html
17. Multinational EU research project finds way to use plant proteins to produce vaccines for humans and livestock – Funding: EUR 2 million http://www.plaprova.eu/
18. EU researchers have found molecular markers in thyroid cancer which helps identify radiation-induced tumours and improve risk estimation after the exposure to low-dose radiation – Funding: EUR 2.76 million http://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/isb/genrisk-t/index.html
19. EU funding the largest study in the world on potential brain cancer risks of mobile phone use by kids – Funding: EUR 3.5 millionhttp://www.mbkds.net/
20. EU-funded research has revealed that exposure to radiation from wireless devices is low except near wi-fi access points – Funding: EUR 3 million http://seawind-fp7.eu/
21. Utrecht University, the Netherlands, has led EU research into the long-term health effects of exposure to air pollution in Europe – Funding: EUR 5.85 million http://www.escapeproject.eu/index.php
22. Spanish company supported by EU research funds designed smart hospital beds that help patients & nurses – Funding: EUR 1.46 million http://ow.ly/fkYtP
23. International research team funded by EU works on efficient drug-delivery solutions against cancer – Funding: EUR 2.07 millionhttp://ow.ly/fl2z0
24. Thought-controlled prosthetic limbs can become reality thanks to EU research funds – Funding: EUR 1.6 million http://ow.ly/fl3bh
25. EU-funded researchers found new evidence which helps to develop innovative heart disease prevention methods – Funding: EUR 0.24 million http://ow.ly/fl4UM
Bioeconomy research
26. Austrian-led project finds way to turn slaughterhouse waste into bioplastics with help of EU funding – Funding: EUR 2.9 millionhttp://www.animpol.tugraz.at/
27. EU research project aims to turn woodchips and sawdust into bio-composites for car seats and dashboards – Funding: EUR 4.3 millionhttp://ow.ly/hqHim
28. EU helping Norwegian researchers create "vegetarian" diet for fish to aid sustainable aquaculture and consumers' health – Funding: EUR 10.5 million http://ow.ly/hqIby
29. EU-funded consortium developed technology to protect fish hatcheries from bacteria and improve fish farming – Funding: EUR 791 117 http://ow.ly/fkXLh
30. Irish-led research project is helping scientists assess human impact on cold water corals and fish in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean – Funding: EUR 6.5 million http://www.eu-fp7-coralfish.net/
Industry research
31. The Graphene project will investigate and exploit the unique properties of a revolutionary carbon-based material. Graphene is an extraordinary combination of physical and chemical properties: it is the thinnest material, it conducts electricity much better than copper, it is 100-300 times stronger than steel and it has unique optical properties – Funding: EUR 54 million http://www.graphene-flagship.eu
32. Investing in complex, long term research, development and innovation projects can be risky. EU research funding has made it possible for companies to sign more than EUR 8.5 billion in EIB loans for 86 innovation projects, through its Risk Sharing Finance Facilitywww.eib.org/rsff
33. EU funded research project developed new glass engraving technique to fight counterfeit drugs – Funding: EUR 990 797http://www.sfera-research.eu/
34. EU funds 16 researchers from 12 countries worldwide to develop smaller & more powerful 'organic' electronics – Funding: EUR 3.8 million http://ow.ly/fl1Bq
35. Up to EUR 1.2 billion a year can be now saved by food industry thanks to a new EU-funded technology for chocolate preservation – Funding: EUR 2.75 million http://projekt.sik.se/propraline/
36. Polish researchers funded by the EU discovered how to extract valuable chemicals from polluted water – Funding: EUR 100 000http://ow.ly/fl7eX
Disasters research
37. A detector for earthquake victims trapped under rubble has been developed and is now tested by EU-funded team – Funding: EUR 4.9 million http://ow.ly/fl5PT
38. EU-funded researchers developed a method to detect explosives inside a container over distances of 100 m – Funding: EUR 2.49 million http://ow.ly/fl6bj
39. A team of Belgian-led researchers is investigating how to make societies more resilient to disasters – Funding: EUR 3.24 millionhttp://www.embrace-eu.org/
40. Emergency tool developed through EU funding can prevent environmental disasters such as oil spills – Funding: EUR 1.13 millionhttp://shiparrestor.com
41. An Unmanned robot designed by EU researchers can save lives and fight a fire where standard fire trucks can't intervene – Funding: EUR 803 315 http://ow.ly/hqKkO
Energy research
42. Partners from EU-funded project ADDRESS have developed a unique Energy Box which will allow consumers to programme energy usage during non-peak periods, saving money – Funding: EUR 8.99 million http://www.addressfp7.org/
43. Potential of next generation biofuels being looked at in EU-funded research project BABETHANOL by engineers from Latin America & Europe – Funding: EUR 3.16 million http://babethanol.com/
44. EU supporting demonstration of zero emission buses using hydrogen fuel cell technology in circulation in several European cities – Funding: EUR 25.87 million http://chic-project.eu/
45. European researchers demonstrate that 70% of today's polymers can be derived from biomass, massively reducing our dependence on petroleum-based plastic production – Funding: EUR 13.9 million http://www.biocore-europe.org/
46. EU project develops small solar power systems which will allow homes and workplaces to generate their own electricity and meet their heating and cooling requirements – Funding: EUR 3.27 million http://www.digespo.eu/default.aspx
47. Engineers in EU MARINA PLATFORM project have exploited the possibility to combine wind with waves, tides and currents in order tomaximize the output of an offshore platform and to reduce costs – Funding: EUR 8.7 million http://www.marina-platform.info/
Transport research
48. EU-funded researchers in Sweden have proven that cars can be electronically linked so that drivers are not needed on long journeys and can sit back and let technology take the strain – Funding: EUR 3.83 million http://sartre-project.eu/
49. A team led by Tuscany-based researchers has developed a system for monitoring oil-spills in the Mediterranean Sea to help disaster planning and emergency interventions – Funding: EUR 3.27 million http://www.argomarine.eu/
50. European researchers developed a new approach for building cars which shaves 40% off their weight, meaning less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions – Funding: EUR 10.4 million http://www.superlightcar.com/
51. A EU-funded project has developed a fleet of remote-controlled robots that crawl through cargo ships in search for cracks, corrosion and other defects – Funding: EUR 2.1 million http://minoasproject.eu/
Frontier research
52. EU funded 30 scientists in team behind the Higgs Boson discovery at CERN – Funding: EUR 6.5 million http://ow.ly/fl2bB
53. Researchers from 12 leading institutes work on a robot prototype that will be used for a space mission to Mars – Funding: EUR 1.9 million http://ow.ly/fl6Ea
International research
54. The outcome of the EU-PEARLS alternative rubber project (called "a tyre revolution" by the press) in cooperation with European researchers and tyre manufacturers, has the potential to create new natural rubber industry in Kazakhstan – Funding: EUR 5.86 millionhttp://www.eu-pearls.eu/UK/
55. Promoting high tec start ups and new jobs in North Portugal: UPTEC - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Universidade do Porto" – Funding: EUR 15.4 million (ERDF)
This is a project that has brought together research and business in order to create new jobs and new businesses in knowledge based sectors from film and TV to energy efficiency and marine technology. In the first 5 years its target of employing 300 people has been far exceeded. It now employs around 900 specialists. It is also a key asset to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the region. http://www.uptec.up.pt
56. Three new metro lines for Bulgaria's capital – Funding: EUR 441 million/140 million European Investment Bank loan
These projects in Sofia's metro system represent a focused and well-planned EU investment solving significant transport problems. There are huge benefits for Sofia's residents from this project which was endorsed recently in the WWF/Friends of the Earth "Well Spent " list of sustainable projects under EU Cohesion Policy. The impact of the new metro lines has been an 18% reduction of traffic accidents, 905 000 tons/year reduction of noxious gases (incl. GHG), 15-20% noise reduction. Direct and indirect economic effects are estimated at 35 million euros per year.http://wellspent.eu
57. Hi tech industry fostered in Attica and Western Greece – "Corallia Clusters" – Funding: EUR 40 million since 2006
The "Corallia Clusters Inititative" connects representatives of industry, suppliers, buyers, researchers, infrastructure providers, financial institutions, public sector organisations and the media. The project is pushing the concept "Innovation Made in Greece". One of its key actions has been to link up the Greek nano-microelectronics, space industries and gaming technologies industry to academic and research institutions, supporting start-ups . Since the creation of the "Corallia" initiative in 2006, members of the cluster have grown from 13 to 132. For 2008-2010, companies belonging to the cluster had a turnover of growth rate of 266%, an employment growth rate of 63% and an export growth rate of 119%.http://www.corallia.org/
58. Making business more competitive and safeguarding jobs with green advice: North West England – The ENWORKS Resource Efficiency project – EU Funding : EUR 7.38 million (ERDF)
ENWORKS is a flagship environmental advice service. Through specialist on-site support, online tools and knowledge and skills transfer, ENWORKS helps small businesses to save money and be more competitive by increasing their resource efficiency and reducing their exposure to environmental risks such as resource price volatility. This in turn has helped to protect jobs. In 2011, ENWORKS won NGO of the Year at the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards. Impact: Thousands of businesses have been helped to become more energy efficient, sustainable and profitable. In its last two projects alone, ENWORKS has provided intensive support to over 4 000 SMEs, resulting in annual cost savings of GBP 85 million being identified as well as the creation of GBP 158 million in sales and the protection of 1 110 jobs. In terms of environmental benefits, 75 800 tonnes of CO2emissions, 646 000 m3 of water and 10 700 tonnes of materials have been saved to date. http://www.businessgrowthhub.com/partners/
"ENWORKS is one hell of a story! This is the sort of stuff that makes me feel amazingly inspired." – Sir Jonathon Porritt (2010)
"What impresses me most about projects such as ENWORKS is they truly are becoming the change that's needed in the world." – Al Gore, former US Vice President (2007)
59. Partnering university and business to boost the local economy in Spain's Castilla y Leon region: University-Business Knowledge Transfer (T-CUE) projects – Funding: EUR 12 300 (ERDF)
Launched in 2008, the project has worked to strengthen the roles of Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) of the region's top universities. It has aimed to facilitate university-business links and specifically to match business needs with university technology supply. The project has resulted in several spinoffs, such as for nanobiotechnology and renewable energy, plus prototypes and projects based on emerging technologies.http://www.redtcue.es/T-CUE-Publico/queestcue/TCUE1
60. Making Styria (Austria) a global centre for clean-tech companies with 5000 new jobs: Eco World Styria project - Funding: EUR 444 000 (ERDF)
Eco World Styria was founded in 2005 with the support of EU funds to increase the concentration of successful clean technology (clean-tech) companies in the Austrian region of Styria and to make this a top location worldwide – a "Green Tech Valley". Impact: The region of Styria is now home to more than 180 clean-tech companies and has one of the highest concentrations worldwide of top class clean technology firms. Since the beginning of the project, eco-innovation has generated 5 000 new jobs, increasing company staff on average by over 10% per year.http://www.eco.at
61. Leverage loans for local business to create and safeguard jobs – Finance for Business North East Funds – Funding: GBP 44.25 million (ERDF)/GBP 62.5 million (ECB).
This project Finance for Business North East Funds demonstrates the huge benefits for local regeneration and growth. Impact: Since 2010, GBP 125 million of loans and equity investments have been made available to local business in the North East of England – GBP 44.25 million from the European Regional Development Fund, another GPB 18,25 million in match funding , and of GBP 62.5 million from the European Central Bank. This in turn has so far attracted another GBP 59 million in private investments. For local people that has meant 532 new jobs so far, with another 1 180 safeguarded.
62. Finance for small and medium sized business in Wales: JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises) – Funding since 2009: GBP 96 million (ERDF/EIB)
This scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, provides debt and equity investments to growing companies in Wales. Since 2009 it has provided GBP 96 million finance to help over 430 businesses to grow, creating 1 500 jobs in the process. EU regional funds are a big success story In Wales. Up to December 2012, EU projects in Wales have created more than 16 000 jobs and almost 4 500 enterprises, helped 45 000 people into work and 120 000 to gain qualifications.
63. Developing smart energy technology in amsterdam for growth and fighting climate change – "Amsterdam, Smart City" – Funding: EUR 1.56 million (ERDF)
The 'Amsterdam, Smart City' project's aim is to test new technologies that save energy and then make them available to people and businesses in the Amsterdam region. 'Amsterdam, Smart City' acted as a catalyst for new innovations in the field of smart energy technologies. Within the project over 50 private firms (multinationals and SMEs) worked together with TNO (Dutch Knowledge Institute, a public independent research institute), Housing Cooperations and the Municipality. http://amsterdamsmartcity.nl
64. Sparsely populated Swedish regions mobilise for jobs and development: Project SLIM III (north-mid Sweden) – Funding: EUR 1.45 million (ERDF)
SLIM (Systematic Leadership and Innovative Management) includes the Dalarna and Gävleborg Regions, 15 "clusters" of companies, four universities and national authorities. SLIM's model has been cited as a best practice case for developing innovation and growth strategies by Sweden's government and the OECD. Around 700 companies, with 60 000 employees, are taking part in the project to develop new products and services and increase employment. The sectors involved include everything from IT and services to traditional industries such as pulp, paper, steel and engineering. The four participating universities are home to 55 000 students and 3 000 researchers.
65. Estonia: Competence centre for cancer research (CCCR) helping patients and creating jobs – Funding: EUR 1.2 million (ERDF)
The ambition of the CCCR is to establish a strong long-term private-public partnership in top-level cancer research, based on the common vision of SME entrepreneurs and scientists. New jobs have been provided for top-level scientific staff – CCCR staff increased from 30 in 2005 to 71 in 2010; 5 top-level researchers repatriated from other countries. New expertise has been developed that was missing in Estonia; new start-ups were created in biotechnology and in certain high-tech services needed for the CCCR projects with more graduate students specialised in applied cancer research. http://www.vtak.ee/en/
66. Belgium Wallonia: bringing sophisticated solutions to aeronautical research – Funding: EUR 4.13 million (ERDF)
Cenaero is a research centre located in Charleroi's Aeropole business park providing sophisticated services and technological solutions to industries in the aeronautical and related sectors. Set up in 2002, Cenaero's mission is to support innovation among aeronautic companies by providing them with focused expertise in numerical simulation and modelling methods. In terms of impact, Cenaero has led to the creation of more than 75 jobs so far. The Centre is now entering its second phase of development and aims to consolidate its position at European level while at the same time diversifying its market opportunities. By 2015 some 50 additional jobs should be created as well as two start-up companies. The full self-financing of the structure should also be achieved. http://www.cenaero.be/
67. Andalusian city leading the way to energy-saving lighting systems – Funding: approx EUR 1.32 million (ERDF)
In 2007, Light Environment Control S.L. (LEC) in the town of Barbate, Andalusia, became the first company in Europe to light an entire city with LED technology. LEC became a benchmark in the led sector and a national leader at national level, giving effective and tailor-made solutions to its clients. LEC is located in one the most depressed areas of Spain with 40% of unemployment in 2012. Since LEC installed its new production centre for the design, research and manufacture of led-lighting systems, it has created 100 direct jobs and around 150 indirect jobs. It has also permitted to keep high skilled professionals from the region. http://www.lecsl.com
68. Innovation centres in Cornwall helping SMEs grow – Funding: almost GBP 30 million (ERDF)
Thanks to ERDF funding, three innovation centres have opened to support SMEs in the UK's Cornwall region, offering a place for businesses to grow and collaborate. Impact: Reaching 50% capacity inside six months – more than two years ahead of schedule – the first Centre is now at its optimum operating level, home to 44 businesses with a combined turnover of over GBP 12 million per annum. In its first year of operation alone, it assisted client businesses to achieve average growth of over 40% with 45 new jobs created, and 15 others safeguarded. That job creation figure is now approaching 80. The second innovation centre at Tremough, which opened in January 2012 and benefited from EU-financing of almost GBP 10 million, is home to 35 clients, working specifically with the arts, media and creative and environmental and sustainability technologies. The Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre in Truro, which has also benefited from EU financing of almost GBP 10 million, is due to open in early 2013. It will take advantage of significant potential synergies with an emerging health and wellbeing cluster located close to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust campus. http://www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk/
69. Major EU investment for a pan-European scientific research hub in Romania – Funding: almost EUR 180 million (ERDF)
This cutting-edge research facility will involve 40 research and academic institutions from 13 Member States. It is part of a wider initiative with the Czech Republic and Hungary to make up a European research consortium pioneering the use of state-of-the-art laser technology. The "Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics", ELI-NP, to be based in Romania, will serve as a pan-European laboratory hosting a broad range of scientific disciplines from ground-breaking fundamental physics, to new nuclear physics and astrophysics as well as material science and life sciences. Researchers will also be working on new ways to handle nuclear materials and radioactive waste. http://www.extreme-light-infrastructure.eu/
70. More and better cancer facilities in Msida, Malta – Funding: EUR 41.5 million (ERDF)
Goal of this major project is to develop a specialised Oncology Centre, as an extension of the public general Mater Dei hospital in Msida, and is expected to benefit the entire island population. The new building will include state-of-the-art facilities for palliative care, paediatric and adolescent oncology and haematology; as well as diagnostic and treatment areas: radiotherapy, day care, clinical support services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, psychology) etc. The new developments make full use of contemporary technologies to lower the dependence on fossil fuels and thus achieving a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emitted in the atmosphere (approximately 1 265 tons per year).
71. Biomedical & biotechnology centre drawing back researchers in Warsaw, reversing the 'brain drain' – Funding: 85% of 359.3 million zlotys (ERDF)
The Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT) in Warsaw is creating a dynamic scientific space collaborating local environmental research centres, conducting research on the most common diseases, (neoplastic, neurological and vascular), as well as age-related diseases; and is the biggest biomedical and biotechnological undertaking of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. CePT is bringing together the potential of outstanding scientists from local universities and science institutes, with their state-of-the-art research laboratories and cutting-edge facilities.http://cept.wum.edu.pl/en/centre-preclinical-research-and-technology-cept
72. ERDF improving energy efficiency in buildings and promote job creation in France – Funding: EUR 320 million
The French government has been encouraged through the ERDF to improve energy efficiency in buildings and promote job creation. It is meeting this challenge head-on with its plans to tackle 800 000 social housing units in 15 areas between 2009 and 2020.To date, the results have been impressive. By the end of the first phase in March 2011, 63 000 homes were retrofitted and of those, over a third will be of Class A energy efficiency rating. This totals energy savings equal to EUR 1 170 per household. One of the focus regions for this project is Brittany where 153 000 social housing units, managed by 38 operators, are awaiting conversion. In the first nine months of the project 2 103 households were brought up from the lowest standard to A and B efficiency levels. In this same period it is estimated that 760 jobs were created locally in the construction and planning areas.
73. Building peace and develop Northern Ireland's economy: PEACE programme - Funding: EUR 1.3 billion (mainly ERDF)
The launch of the PEACE Programme in 1995 was the direct result of the European Union's desire to respond positively to new opportunities in the Northern Ireland peace process during the paramilitary ceasefire announcements. Since then the EU has provided additional financial assistance through the PEACE II Programme as well as the current PEACE III (2007-2013), with a total of EUR 1.3 billion mainly from ERDF Funds. At a recent event in Brussels to celebrate the role of the EU funds in building trust within the community, First Minister Peter Robinson said the PEACE programme was a "tangible example" of the EU's contribution to creating peace and reconciliation for which it was recently honoured by the Nobel Peace Prize.
74. Upgrading the local metro system in the wider Naples area – Funding: EUR 200 million (ERDF)
Upgrading the local metro system in the wider Naples area – which transports 2.9 million residents around the city, is expected to benefit 150 000 residents living and working in this suburb through better and more frequent services and faster journey times. The line itself is managed by the Metronapolli S.P. of which the municipality of Naples is the largest shareholder. Between 2000 and 2012, the estimated overall benefits of the metro upgrade and extension make a significant difference to the carbon footprint of the city, with an annual reduction of CO2 emissions by 250 000 tonnes and a cut in oil consumption by 110 000 tonnes.
75. Tukums, Latvia: "Baltic biomass network" project and regional bioenergy development strategy – Funding: EUR 1.6 million (ERDF).
Between 2008 and 2009 the Tukums local authority joined the "Baltic Biomass Network" project and together with various stakeholders developed a regional bioenergy development strategy. The municipally-owned heating company "Tukuma Siltums" has installed two new biomass boilers of 10 MW capacity to replace heavy, old fuel oil boilers. In addition, flue gas condensers were installed using technology developed by a local company. Each of the boilers provides additional efficiency in terms of heat energy production, substantially increasing the efficiency of heat energy production and replacing fossil fuels with renewables. The project accounts for additional savings of about 15-25% of energy production, prevention of further increase in heating costs for the inhabitants, more than 90% decrease in particulate matter emissions and considerable decrease in emissions of sulphur, ash and other substances.
76. Minimizing Forest Fires Risks for Tourists (MIRTO): a project between Italy, Croatia, France and Greece – Funding: EUR 306 562
Forest fires regularly affect the Mediterranean, a popular tourist destination. In emergencies, tourists are especially vulnerable – they are psychologically unprepared to face disasters, they might come from areas where forest fires are rare or even unheard of, they don't know local fire danger conditions and the areas they are visiting, might not speak the local language and often underestimate risks. The European Commission has funded a project (called MIRTO) to raise awareness and prepare people to react to forest fires in Croatia, France Greece and Italy. The target population were tourists and tourist operators (summer camp managers, ferry companies and municipalities). Information material including handbooks for summer camp visitors, holiday house owners and an information video broadcasted on ferries connecting the Mediterranean islands were produced and distributed in different languages.
77. EU command post 2012, a civil protection simulation exercise – Funding: EUR 350 000
Civil protection teams from France, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and staff from the European Commission´s Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) tested the efficiency of their procedures and practical reaction to major disasters. The scenario was based on a fictitious European country affected by a major earthquake resulting in severe floods, landslides, power and communication cuts, collapse of infrastructure, and industrial accidents. Around 150 people and five different mobile command posts from the participating countries took part in this exercise. The exercise was an opportunity for experts from different EU countries to exchange practical experience and learn from each others' practices. The exercise also contributed to building trust among different national teams which is a basis for successful cooperation in joint EU civil protection operations.
78. EU Children for Peace initiative – Funding: EUR 2 million
And then, of course, there are the projects to support children – victims of war, part of the EU Children for Peace initiative. These four projects, worth EUR 2 million in total, will provide education and safe, child-friendly environment to 23 000 children – 4 000 Syrian refugee kids in the Domiz camp in Iraq, 5 000 Colombian kids in Colombia and Ecuador, 11 000 kids displaced by fighting in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 3 000 Pakistani kids in the conflict-ridden North of their country. Implemented together with some of the world's best reputed humanitarian organisations, these projects will give a chance for a better future to children that have a horrible past and uncertain present.
79. The European Capitals of Culture: two examples from the UK
Two British cities have already been designated as European Capitals of Culture: Liverpool (2008) and Glasgow (1990). Under the motto 'the world in one city' and with reference to the EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue, Liverpool 2008 featured 7 000 cultural events, activities and projects. The local authorities took this opportunity to complete a large programme of restoration of the city. A particularly designed Volunteer Programme gave people of the working-class district of Merseyside the chance to train as city hosts, thus showing how culture can support community engagement. With more than 10 million people attending cultural events, all major cultural organisations in Liverpool registered significant increases in visitor figures in 2008. According to the Liverpool City Region, these visits generated a reported GBP 800 million of economic impact from the European Capital of Culture year, making a case for the importance of cultural investment.
80. Literature across frontiers – Funding: EUR 1 384 620
This project aims to promote literature written in less widely-used languages and at encouraging translation and promotion of international literary events. It stimulates debate on innovative approaches to literary promotion, provides support for the training of literary translators working in less widely-used languages and creates opportunities for collaboration amongst organisations and institutions active in this field. Lead organiser is the Aberystwyth University's Mercator centre (UK). Co-organisers come from Malta, Belgium, Spain, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Portugal and Cyprus. http://www.lit-across-frontiers.org
81. Radiography of the Past – Funding: EUR 760 440
This is a project which studies non-destructive approaches to understand and promote complex archaeological sites. The scientific team involved has integrated and enhanced existing "non-invasive" prospecting techniques (including 3D visualisation tools) for the study of archaeological sites. Destructive and costly excavations would not be essential any longer. The applications of enhanced new techniques have already shed new light on the evolution of medium-sized Roman towns like Ammaia in the Iberian Peninsula. The project is coordinated by the Spanish Universidade de Evora.http://www.radiopast.eu/
82. GENETIME: An interdisciplinary training site in Ancient Biomolecules with direct applications on the way viral diseases spread – Funding: EUR 1 032 990
This Marie Curie project offers opportunities for early stage researchers to experience in the latest molecular approaches applied to ancient samples. This new science of ancient biomolecules is revolutionising archaeology, palaeontology, and palaeoclimatic research. Gkikas Magiorkinis, a Marie Curie Fellow trained in the GENETIME project, was recently awarded the 2012 Marie Curie Prize in the "Promising Research Talent" category. His follow-up study was published in the high profile publication PLoS Computational Biology and featured in the BBC health section. The project was coordinated by the University of York (UK). http://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/GT/welcome.html
83. ECO ITN: Supporting the implementation of the EU legislation on chemicals – Funding: EUR 3 386 676
The primary objective of this project is focused on supporting the implementation of the new EU legislation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH), which requires demonstration of the safe manufacture of chemicals and their safe use throughout the supply chain. ECO ITN is educating a new generation of researchers at a high scientific level in both environmental and computational methods. The program involves a great deal of interdisciplinary as it provides training in various basic and complementary computational and experimental areas of environmental sciences. http://www.eco-itn.eu/
84. Enabling the disabled of Europe – Funding: EUR 32 391.47
Organised during the "2010 European Year for Combating poverty and social exclusion" by the Hungarian city of Varpalota, the project "Comprehensive integration of disabled and differently abled people" aimed to reduce the number of people who rely on social welfare, to tackle the sense of redundancy and alienation from society many disable people feel, and to facilitate those with disabilities in living and working independently. The project, in collaboration with three other municipalities from Romania, Austria and Italy, encouraged practical exchanges and mutual help. A participating organisation provided a disabled group from Varpalota with housing; the Italian and Austrian partners offered study trips for the Hungarian and Romanian Experts; the towns of Wolfsberg and Varpalota made donations to charities in Petrosani.
85. 150 million of poor people benefitted from EU response to food crisis, new report shows – Funding: EUR 1 billion (2008-2011)
A new report on the EU's Food Facility, set up in 2008 to counter the negative effects of the food crisis, show that in three years, the EU has improved the lives of over 59 million people in 49 countries, and provided indirect support for 93 million others (by for instance enabling people to benefit from increased opportunities for trade in the area, and to learn improved skills from neighbouring farmers). The evaluation report, unveiled in December 2012, also shows that the EUR 1 billion facility has led to the vaccination of over 44.6 million livestock, and helped to train 1.5 million people in agricultural production. http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/development-policies/intervention-areas/ruraldev/food_intro_en.htm
86. Bakery production for local community of over 85 000 people – Funding: EUR 920 107 (EAFRD)
The project successfully extended and modernized the capacity of a Romanian bakery production, which now provides bread and a wide range of high quality bakery for over 85 000 people in the rural areas of Cluj and Bistrita counties. To preserve the character of the recipes, a great amount of work is still done manually. Therefore, through the project 103 jobs have been created, employment being an important component. This project was one of the largest initiatives in the region, its example encouraging other entrepreneurs to apply for funds.
87. Geothermal heating for expansion of orchid production business – Funding: EUR 500 000 (EAFRD)
Capitalising on experience gained in the Netherlands, two Slovenian business partners created a highly efficient geothermal heating system, and doubled production, turnover and staff in this orchid enterprise in a remote region of north-east Slovenia with the country's highest unemployment rates. Over a five-year period, 15 new full-time jobs were created, raising the total staff to 29, averaging 33 years of age. The business partners created a "cascade heating system" making highly efficient use of the geothermal resources in their rural area. Production has more than doubled to 1.2 million flowering pot plants, with a similar increase in turnover. Over 85% of all energy required is from geothermal supply and thus renewable. The amount of energy required to produce individual plants has decreased by 15%.
88. Increased capacity and efficiency of a potato production plant – Funding: EUR 4 708 530 (EAFRD)
A Welsh potato firm production's facilities in Pembrokeshire (UK) were restructured to improve accessibility, energy, water treatment, health & safety, so enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the company in a sustainable way and thus its performance and competitiveness. A new road was built, improving vehicle access to the loading bays and allowing for a better road management system around the site, the power supply to the existing potato packing line was upgraded and a new water treatment facility was built. http://www.puffinproduce.com/
89. Transnational cooperation in local wine sector – Funding: EUR 202 861 (EAFRD)
Local wine producers in the Moselle valley, which covers 3 countries, all face similar problems: unpredictable climate, difficult terrain and a challenging market for wines. Four Local Action Group from the Luxembourg, German and French banks of the River involved with promoting local wine products and businesses decided to work together to tackle their common difficulties. Local vintners and producers strengthen competitiveness in their local wine sectors through joint participation in various initiatives. http://www.terroirmoselle.eu/index.html
90. Diversification into paper and textile fabrics handling – Funding: EUR 370 350 (EAFRD)
The beneficiary agricultural company's main business activity is the production of agricultural products for processing and further sale. The company introduced new multifunctional machinery and diversified its activities into the production of a wide range of paper and textile based products. The project supported the purchase of the relevant equipment. Specifically the company can now provide paper, woven and non-woven textile fabrics, laminated products. Six new jobs were created.
91. Manufacturing of briquettes – Funding: EUR 38 393 (EAFRD)
Thanks to support from the EAFRD, a company operating in the woodworking sector successfully diversified its main business into the production of briquettes processing wood waste. The company benefited from this successful diversification of its business. Moreover, three more full-time and six additional part-time jobs were created and an old building was renovated thanks to the investment.
92. Building a Bio-Gas Station in Dešov – Funding: EUR 1 056 000 (EAFRD)
EU agricultural funds supported the development of a biogas station which converts 10 000 tonnes of bio inputs (mainly from pig manure, maize and livestock slurry) into around 4 300 MWh of electricity each year and provides a long-term economic diversification option for the farm business. The project also helps provide new income sources for farmers supplying the bio inputs that are converted into gas. Bio-molecular processes that occur during the gas extraction procedure convert the bio-products into biogas plus a good quality compost material.
93. 'Cheese Route Bregenzerwald': supporting small-scale cheese makers – Funding: EUR 61 186 (EAFRD)
This project aimed to strengthen business activity between regional cheese producers, the local tourism sector and other businesses to add value to locally-produced cheeses, improve (mostly small-scale) farmers' income and other rural businesses in a mountainous area in the west of Austria. The Bregenzer Cheese Route initiative in the north-east of Austria's Vorarlberg brought together milk producers, small-scale cheese makers, local tourism and other enterprises which needed to help make an already-existing initiative more sustainable and successful. A total 180 partners from different sectors took part in the project, which helped safeguarding local farming methods as well as employment and the income of 1 200 farming families and 90 alpine dairies.
ENVIRONMENT: LIFE+ programme
Every year the LIFE+ programme invests some EUR 250 million in over 200 projects for environmental improvement and nature conservation, mobilising over EUR 500 million. While the programme is relatively small, its individual projects have had a disproportionately large impact. For example:
94. SMILE (Sustainable Mobility Initiative for Local Environment) – Funding: EUR 700 000
This French LIFE project (2000) started off what is now known as the European Car Free Day and Sustainable Mobility Week, which in 2010 involved 2088 cities and has had an incalculable environmental, social and economic impact over the years. http://www.smile-europe.org/
95. Maifisch – The re-introduction of allis shad (Alosa alosa) in the Rhine System – Funding: EUR 500 000
150 years ago, the allis shad was one of the two most important commercial fish species in the lower and middle stretches of the Rhine and its tributaries. However, pollution and large flood protection dams along the Dutch coast, preventing natural migration, caused its extinction in the Rhine river basin in the 1950s. Since 2006 a German-French LIFE project has been breeding and reintroducing the allis shad. This summer, 60 years after its disappearance, a few of them were caught several hundred kilometres further downstream on their seaward migration. There is a higher probability that the allis shad will slowly regain its place in the Rhine ecosystem and may eventually become once more commercially important for the Rhine fishermen.
96. Donauufer – Restoration of Danube river banks – Funding: EUR 700 000
This Austrian project restored the natural river banks and floodplains along a 3 km stretch of the Danube. It not only locally improved the conservation status of a wide range of endangered species (birds, fish and plants) and habitats, but by slowing down the current and unblocking the floodplain river side-arms it also reduced the risk of flooding in the cities Hainburg and Bratislava. Visited by countless experts, it now serves as a model for similar initiatives along the Danube and elsewhere.
97. Usa e Riusa – Use and reuse packaging of fresh fruit and vegetable products – Funding: EUR 600 000
This Italian project aimed to replace waste-generating fruit and vegetable packaging with reusable, foldable and recyclable plastic boxes. At the beginning of the project in 1999, the beneficiary (CPR system) was a small cooperative with 900 000 boxes, 47 members and a handful of staff. At the end of the project (2003), it had 5 million boxes, saving not only 50 000 tonnes per year of packaging waste but also EUR 6.5 million per year in waste disposal costs. Today it has over 950 members and 12 million boxes that are used 110 million times in a year. Waste savings are over 100 000 tons per year, energy savings are 100 MWh per year, and waste disposal cost savings are some EUR 13 million/year. The company is now present in all Italian regions and tens of jobs have been created. http://www.cprsystem.it/
More information:
For a list of almost 500 success stories of European research, visit: http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/success_stories_en.cfm
With the yearly RegioStars awards, the European Commission honours Europe's most innovative and inspiring regional development projects. For an extensive overview of projects, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/projects/stories/index_en.cfm
The "Well Spent"-campaign has published a list of "benchmark and inspirational EU cohesion policy projects" that are showing "the way towards a greener Europe and a better World": http://wellspent.eu


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A backup battery that can recharge your phone more than 7 times over should be enough for most trips. But the ZeroLemon SolarJuice adds solar power, water resistance and shock proofing for good measure. Right now, it's 50% off for Gizmodo readers.
Here are the SolarJuice's features and specs…
- 20,000mAh Lithium Polymer battery, with a life of 1000+ recharge cycles
- Anti-explosion, lightweight, compact, and reliable
- Recharging capabilities via powerful 1.2W monocrystalline solar panel
- 4 LED indicators show charging progress
- Dual outputs at 2.1A and 1A for maximum iOS and Android charge rates
- Ultrabright LED flashlight
That monstrous capacity can be used to charge tablets and laptops, too, and the electricity is held in a polymer battery, which cannot overheat. Power is doled out via dual USB ports, providing 2.1A and 1A respectively — the faster of the two is about as quick as most iOS and Android devices can suck up the juice. Extra top-up power is provided by the solar panels that cover one side of the ZeroLemon, with eight hours of sunlight being enough to half-fill the internal battery.
Shipping is free (but only available to the Continental US), and ZeroLemon's 180-day guarantee is included. See the link for a closer look.
Get 50% off the ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20,000mAh ($49.99 incl. shipping)
StackSocial brings you deals on gadgets, apps, elearning, and consumer tech. So to be clear, this post is not editorial and we make money on sales.

subset: commoncrawl


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SELMA — Vicente Contreras is 70 years old — and "no mas," he insists with a smile — and he says he is still fit and hearty enough to perform the hard labor of California"s farm fields.
Contreras concedes his knees hurt when he climbs ladders to pick peaches, nectarines and plums for $8 to $9 an hour, six days a week, during the peak summer harvest. And during the less rigorous pruning of grapevines in winter, he can"t move as fast as the young workers — at least when they happen to be around.
Amid the verdant fields and orchards of America"s most bountiful agricultural region, California farmworkers are graying. A labor shortage deepens as fewer younger workers arrive from Mexico and more head home to stay.
Increasingly, California"s $44.3 billion agricultural industry must rely on the well-calloused hands of older workers who came many years ago to fill jobs pruning, planting, picking and packing.
These days at Chandler Farms, a fourth-generation family ranch 20 miles south of Fresno, veteran workers like Contreras are in the majority.
On a recent weekday, Antonio Magdaleno, 59, cut grapevines in a neighboring field. Magdaleno emigrated from Michoacan, Mexico, in 1973 and has spent 36 of his last 40 years on Central Valley farms.
His features bronzed and weathered, Magdaleno said he looks forward to the mid-winter pruning, "a beautiful time and something special," marking the start of the growing season.
"It"s always been us," Magdaleno said in Spanish. "Time has passed, and we"re older. The young people want to work in factories and other places."
The aging of California"s agricultural workforce reflects a convergence of trends.
In many cases, the children of farmworkers who arrived decades ago have little interest in field work, leaving much of the vital labor to their elders.
Tighter U.S. immigration enforcement, as well as brutal cartel-driven violence along the Mexican border, have deterred many potential workers from attempting to cross.
And, amid a rebounding economy in Mexico, Mexican farms are facing their own labor shortage and have plenty of work to offer at home.
The upshot, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation, is that more than 70 percent of state agricultural producers anticipate a worker shortage starting this spring and worsening though the growing season. Some officials estimate the labor force could fall by more than 80,000 farmworkers — down from the 450,000 workers on whom farmers have come to rely for the peak harvest of late summer.
"Basically, we"re running out of low-skilled workers. People simply are not doing farm work to the extent they were doing before," said J. Edward Taylor, a UC Davis economist who has studied the migration of farmworkers from Mexico.
Contreras, the 70-year-old farmhand, says he is happy to be among those still working the orchards and vineyards at Chandler Farms, which produces tree fruit, raisin grapes and almonds.
"What I like is being out with people in the fresh air," said Contreras in Spanish, his eyes glinting in the crisp morning sun. "I"m alive, active and ready for this work."
Grinning, he contorted to parody a feeble man shriveling into a ball. "If I don"t work, I"ll do this," he said.
But from California"s Central Valley to Washington D.C., the graying workforce adds urgency to the debate over immigration reform.
Farm lobbyists and elected officials are discussing remedies that include granting legal status to more than one million undocumented farmworkers in the United States and establishing an expanded guest worker visa program for agriculture to ensure a steady supply of laborers.
"We have to try to find a system that is not going to cause a major disruption to our industry," said Bryan Little, director of labor affairs for the California Farm Bureau Federation. The industry group favors letting undocumented farmworkers stay in the country while applying for legal status, as well as drawing in seasonal guest workers to replenish the labor force.
California agricultural interests estimate that as many as 70 percent to 90 percent of farmworkers in the state may be here illegally, often presenting counterfeit documents to secure work.
Those who face the least danger of deportation — and who are least likely to flee in immigration raids — tend to be veteran workers, whose U.S. residency is more established.
Bill Chandler, 73, runs the family ranch in Selma with his son, John, 35. Chandler says his workforce largely consists of older laborers who got permanent residency or U.S. citizenship under a 1986 immigration reform law signed by President Ronald Reagan.
"There are always people in the ag labor force who don"t have (proper) papers," Chandler said. "So we"re all scrambling for what labor is here. And they"re older folks."
He added: "They"re special. They"re really special."
On a recent day, as more than a dozen men set to work pruning Chandler"s raisin vines, all but one was over 40.
Adrien Rosales, 22, was that one younger worker. He said he is proud of his father, Salvador, 46, who was pruning alongside his son.
"It"s tough work. You get tired, worn down, and no one wants to do this," Adrien said. He said he plans to study heating and air-conditioning — and to grab at the first opportunity to get out of farm labor.
"It"s very hard to find people who work in the fields whose parents migrated from Mexico to work in the fields," said Taylor of UC-Davis. "The second generation doesn"t do farm work. That"s why we"ve relied on a steady influx of newcomers. And the newcomers are in dwindling supply."
Taylor said economic factors may continue to drive down the number of farmworkers — even with immigration reform — and prompt growers to convert to less labor-intensive crops.
That is already happening at the 480-acre Chandler Farms. Because of difficulty finding workers for harvesting fruit, the family decided to cut back by 40 acres on peaches and plums and use more land to grow almonds, which can be harvested by machine.
"I don"t know if it is going to get better for awhile," Chandler said. "If you want peaches or plums, or strawberries or lettuce or tomatoes, we need a program in which we can have labor. I don"t have the answers."
For years, the Chandler family hired seasonal workers, often younger men who were put up in a bunk house on the ranch.
These days, the farm mostly finds workers through word of mouth.
Many are older laborers who worked at the ranch years before and now have their own homes and, in many cases, have sent their children off to college.
"That"s the success story," said John Chandler. "You see the next generation moving on."
Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Fresno,-based Nisei Farmers League, representing 1,100 farms, packing and processing firms and dairy and poultry outlets, worries about the future.
Cunha says his group"s workforce fell by 20 to 30 percent during last year"s harvest season compared to the year before. By September, some farm crews were as much as 60 percent short of needed workers, Cunha said. He blamed stepped up farm audits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the increased perils facing migrants along the border with Mexico.
"Workers were leaving agriculture because they were fearful of the audits and getting busted by ICE," Cunha said. "And then, when they went home, they realized it wasn"t worth it to return because of the drug traffickers and human traffickers" preying on people crossing the border.
"They"re not coming back," Cunha said. "The fear is too great."
Barbara Cecchini, who grows fruits and vegetables in California"s Contra Costa County, said many of the seasonal workers who typically cut her asparagus crop didn"t return last year. And numerous younger workers took off for other farms when harvest time arrived for blueberries and cherries — crops that generally pay higher hourly rates because of better profit margins at supermarkets.
"When our labor force shrinks, we have to shrink our fields," said Cecchini. As much as 20 percent of her asparagus went uncut last year, she said, because she couldn"t find enough workers — young or old — to harvest the crop.
John Chandler worries about the physical toll on older workers. He said he doesn"t want the oldest workers doing heavy lifting and seeks to ensure they have ample drinking water in the fields.
"A lot of ag work can be very physical," he said. "It just gets tougher to get down and pick up those boxes and lug those peaches. And we recognize that."
Macabeo Murillo, 58, worked on the Chandler farm 20 years ago, before moving on to work in a boat factory and as a lineman for Pacific Gas & Electric. Along the way, he raised two daughters who went into nursing and a son who became a city public works officer.
But Murillo recently returned to field work. His family house is near Chandler Farms. His wife has been in poor health, and Murillo wanted employment close to home. For him, returning to the work he performed as a young migrant didn"t seem like a stretch.
"I found something I enjoyed," he said. "Our generation thinks differently about this work. We"re responsible about putting food on our household table, about keeping the lights on and paying our bills."
Arcadio Castro, 59, is a foreman at the Chandler ranch. Castro was undocumented when he came to the United States in 1972, but was granted U.S. citizenship in 1995.
He said he often returns to visit his hometown in Zacatecas, Mexico, and still encounters young men there working on farms for a little as 100 pesos, or $8 a day, who dream of finding jobs in California.
But he said few can afford the $5,000 a coyote may charge to smuggle them across the border. And those willing to take the risk often prefer construction jobs in urban areas.
So Castro has come to rely upon — and appreciate — the veteran laborers willing to perform work many of their kids won"t consider.
"You"re not going to believe me, but the older workers are better," Castro said. "They go slower, but they work all day long. The younger ones start complaining. They say, "Oh, it"s so hot." Then they climb up a ladder and start texting."


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Things are turning around.
As of today, 100 coal plants have been defeated or abandoned since the beginning of the coal rush, which came out of the Bush-Cheney energy plan of 2001. This news comes as President Obama is at the G8 summit in Italy discussing action on global warming. As other countries like China say they will not act until the U.S. does, these 100 stopped plants are a sign from Americans. We are taking action against global warming, and it's time to join us.
More than 400 million tons of carbon dioxide pollution, a main cause of global warming, have been kept out of the air annually as a result of stopping these 100 plants. This is a tremendous achievement that is helping us meet the pollution reductions scientists say are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. It also demonstrates an undeniable trend of American communities moving beyond coal and towards clean, renewable energy.
In many places – including NC – a shift to clean energy is now underway. Recent reports indicate green job growth is doing well despite our state's tough economic climate (report, report, and a few more).
At the beginning of the coal rush, it seemed inevitable that most of the 150 new proposed coal plants would get built. Since then we've seen an incredible change in the way people, businesses and governments are thinking about energy; we're figuring out how to generate and use it more cleanly and efficiently.
In North Carolina, though, the fight against Cliffside continues.


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Okay, this just trickled in from the Facebook Liberation Front. Robert Swartwout, a mid-level manager at the managerially-corrupt Veterans Administration has just reported that Hurricane Arthur the Miserable has left the North Carolina shores and is spinning out to sea, so the quarterly Swartwout family vacation can resume full speed now that the lights are back on. I imagine a slightly different tone has smothered the coastal towns, resulting in pressing exchanges of concern among the locals about property damages and minor setbacks, but those resilient people live season to season in that horrid storm zone, so they usually manage to snap back rather quickly from a storm of this low magnitude. The ones that don't or can't simply leave for less breezy arrangements.
My snarky but intended only in fun reply to Robert:
Only a low down high fallutin' Connecticut Yankees fan would pay perfectly good US-inflated tourist dollars to win emergency merit badges by way of a stinking little Cat 2 Carolina 'Cane, but also like a perfectly good Connecticut Yankees fan, you didn't turn and run like a low down high fallutin' blue belly deserter either. Therefore, it's a sipping whiskey wash as they say...so please do enjoy your elegant poseur fishing and other fine washables while the government continues to soak the rest of us, and the natives just smile as they're taking yours!


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You have your own benchmarks? We have height-adjustable tables
- C-leg frame with perforated side panel and removable inner panel. Steel pipe frame, stove-enamelled, silver (RAL 9006, white aluminium)
- Table top 25 mm thick, melamine resin coated chipboard according to DIN 68765, emission class E1, rounded with 2 mm plastic edge. Rectangular panels are pre-drilled at the bottom, free-form panels can be mounted left / right, self-cutting screws are included.
- Horizontal electricity supply via integrated cable trough under the table top, cross section 85 x 90 mm. Vertical cable routing in table leg possible
- Desks can be combined with each other and connected with interlinking panels (LE90, LE91 and LT12 D). The working surface can also be extended with installation plates (LA60 D, LA80 D and LA160 D)
- Table height: 65 - 85 cm, height-adjustable every 1 cm, height adjustment via base foot: +/- 5 mm, load capacity: 120 kg
Assembly instructions
Assembly instructions
Product is delivered unassembled to the customer's door, free of charge (curbside). Easy to assemble for all customers thanks to enclosed assembly instructions. Free delivery to the point of use. On-site assembly available at extra cost (Germany and Austria only).


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Find Auto Insurance Near You in Nebraska
There are numerous auto insurance companies in Nebraska which makes it really challenging to narrow the list down to the best company for your vehicle ... and that is where we come in.
Below you'll find some of the best car insurance companies in Nebraska that will help insure your vehicle. Instead of giving you the cheapest car insurance, we are presenting you with the most affordable and comprehensive plans.
Also if those companies don't work out for you, we've also included some of the best listings in Google for auto insurance companies near you in Nebraska
We have also setup a custom Google search to help find the more affordable auto insurance companies near you.


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Blending is the process of combining liquids that are easily dissolved to form a homogenous liquid.
In most cases, a sugar solution and concentrate are blended together to make a pre-mix. Water is added to this to produce the final beverage.
In other cases, a second premix is made using powder and water. This can be blended with the first to get a different kind of end product. The key to success is always to combine quality ingredients in exact proportions so as to achieve a consistent taste, colour, texture or other desired characteristic.
Blending can be done manually in batches or automatically in a continuous, in-line process. Your choice of method will depend on your priorities. For example, if your end product is based on expensive raw materials, maximising yield and minimising product losses are likely to be key. In this case, we would recommend using our continuous in-line blending system, which is among the best on the market. It offers precise and reliable flow and includes a built-in density meter to ensure a perfect result every time.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for the lowest possible start-up investment, batch blending is a more economical solution. Taking a holistic view of your production, Tetra Pak can provide the right blending equipment and design the right process to match your production priorities.
In 2014 Tetra Pak acquired Miteco, A Switzerland based company and a leading provider of process solutions for soft drinks, fruit juices and liquid food. More products related to blending can be found on the Miteco web site: www.miteco.com
A blender for high precision in-line blending of a wide range of beverages with low operational and raw material costs, fully automated to ensure uniform product quality and uncompromising food safety.
A blender that is optimized for accurate, efficient in-line blending of concentrates to final syrup with low product losses and reduced raw material costs
The Tetra Pak In-line Blender D can be customised to handle a variety of recipes, including flavoured milk, cheese milk, standardized milk for dairy powders, lactic acid drinks, condensed milk and liquid formulated products amongst others.
We can help you with your food production. Contact us about Blending
About Tetra Pak
Together with our customers we make food safe and available, everywhere. Since the start in 1951 we have taken pride in providing the best possible processing and packaging solutions for food.
Tetra Pak is one of three companies in the Tetra Laval Group – a private group that started in Sweden. The other two companies are DeLaval and Sidel. Tetra Laval is headquartered in Switzerland.


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Video: Chef Pichet Ong Walks the Fine Line Between Sweet and Savory
When you step into Chef Pichet Ong's latest venture Qi, you immediately forget that it's tucked in a corner of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Any feeling of trendy claustrophobia from the shops around the corner and the bustling sidewalks are immediately replaced by a feeling of quietness, tranquility and... well... qi.
It's not hard to identify the source of this transformation. The restaurant features a soothing fountain, intricate woodwork and traditional Thai art, all keeping in line with its Thai grill menu.
With the Thai menu and Thai decor at Qi, it's easy to assume that Ong himself is Thai. But he is not.
"I was born in Thailand. Both my parents come from China," said Ong. "My native language is Chinese and my first food is also Chinese, but I also grew up eating a lot of Thai food."
During his childhood, Ong spent a lot of time traveling with his mother around southeast Asia and spending time with his extended family. His curiosity about food was piqued at an early age.
"My mother's side of the family particularly loved to bake, and we celebrated every occasion possible through food and cooking. It was always a communal effort," reminisced Ong.
You would think that with such early influences, Ong would have been headed straight to culinary school for college. Instead, he studied English Literature and Mathematics at Brandeis University and proceeded to get a Masters in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. It was during graduate school Ong realized he was keen on becoming a chef.
"I'm not schooled and I'm not classically trained as a chef but when I was in graduate school, I'd done some internships in different kitchens and restaurants by that time, and I was ready to hop into the kitchen and become a chef," said Ong.
Ong's culinary prowess began with desserts. "I love eating desserts. It's what drove me into cooking in the first place." Hailed as a "Pastry Provocateur" by Food and Wine, Ong's portfolio includes consultancies with Nutella and Max Brenner, a cookbook called The Sweet Spot, recipe features in numerous publications, a smattering of restaurant and bakery ventures and a spot on television as the resident judge for Food Network's Sugar Dome.
But don't be quick to label Ong as a pastry chef. He approaches savory dishes with equal flair.
"Growing up in a Chinese kitchen and seeing sugar and salt next to each other... that being the principle of cooking technique... I do like sweet food, I do like salty food," said Ong. "I can't decide sometime. So I just use both ingredients in one!"
And that's exactly what Ong does in the above video. From showing us a street dish inspired from his childhood eats to his take on a classic dessert, we see the jolly chef walking the fine line between savory and sweet.
Pichet Ong was one of the guest chefs at Asia Society's Celebration of Asia Week gala dinner on March 18 in New York City. For photos of the star-studded event, click here.


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Preheat oven to 325°. Oil an 8-inch spring form pan. Cook pasta per package directions, drain, rinse. In a large bowl, mix pasta, red pepper and spinach. Set aside. In another bowl combine tofu, basil, 3/4 cup parmesan, garlic and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Add to pasta bowl, gently stir until well combined. Transfer to prepared pan. Smooth top and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan. Bake until the top is golden brown, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven, let stand 10 minutes before removing spring form. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Per serving - 247 calories, 8 g fat (26% calories from fat), 17 g protein, 35 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 407 mg sodium


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Caregiving in the U.S.
People who care for adult family members or friends fulfill an important role, not only for the people they assist, but for society as a whole. While this care is unpaid, its value has been estimated at $257 billion annually. Although caregivers make many contributions, being a caregiver may take a personal toll.
This study is based on a national survey of 6,139 adults, from which 1,247 caregivers were identified. Caregivers are defined as 18 years of age or older living in the United States, and providing one or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs (IADLs) for someone aged 18 or older.
Key findings include:
- There are an estimated 44.4 million caregivers in the United States who, on average, provide 21 hours of care per week. The average length of caregiving is 4.3 years.
- Many caregivers fulfill multiple roles. Most caregivers are married or living with a partner (62%), and most have worked and managed caregiving responsibilities at the same time (59%).
- The typical caregiver is a 46-year-old woman who has at least some college experience and provides more than 20 hours of care each week to her mother.
- Male caregivers are more likely to be working full-time (60%) than female caregivers (41%), and female caregivers are more likely to be working part-time (14%) than male caregivers.
- The most frequently reported unmet needs of caregivers are finding time for one's self (35%), managing emotional and physical stress (29%), and balancing work and family responsibilities (29%).
The 1,247 caregiver telephone interviews included a total of approximately 200 African-American, 200 Hispanic, and 200 Asian-American caregivers obtained through over-sampling. Interviewing was conducted from September 5 through December 22, 2003. For more information, contact Linda Barrett at 202-434-6197. (140 pages)
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Smash an avocado with salt and pepper. Toast some bread. Top with eggs. I usually do sunny side up or poached, but Becca wanted scrambled. Bam. I just saved you $15 😉
Where you are always allowed to play with your food!
Smash an avocado with salt and pepper. Toast some bread. Top with eggs. I usually do sunny side up or poached, but Becca wanted scrambled. Bam. I just saved you $15 😉
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A food blog with simple & delicious recipes for all diets
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Life is precious.............. so why dont you be yourself
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Hello, everyone! My name is Nadiia, you probably noticed, I have another blog about healthy eating and sports, it is my passion) As for this blog, I just decided to share my thoughts, my feelings. Do not judge, I am not a professional writer, I just trying to express myself.
Organic Food Farm Box
Drowning in the busyness of life, and how I stay afloat, and find peace and stillness amidst the chaos
Frugal Living Tips & DIY's From My House to Yours
Healthy food that feels like a treat
Sustainable Living & Wildlife Conservation in Kenya Blog
Funny and true facts
Hello,everyone! This is a blog about fitness, healthy food, and all what we love. Here you will find advices, ideas and motivation to change your life. If you think it is impossible, you are wrong, you can do it!
Three Generations of Family Recipes
Simplicity in food and travel
Climbing, Outdoors, Life!
Vegan-Friendly Stories for all ages
A Vermont innkeeper's collection of seasonal vintage recipes, reimagined for today's cooks.
All about exploring the world
The journey of a single mom


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Vans: Off the Wall Since '66. Vans, the original skate shoe company, strives to progress originality while supporting individuals on boards and bikes the world over. The checkerboard. The waffle sole. The sidestripe. The organic pieces encompassing four decades as the world's leading action sports footwear and apparel company. The Era. Authentic. Old Skool. Sk8-Hi. Classic Slip-On. All classic Vans styles for anyone looking for timeless. Southern California style.


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Dr. Vranjes Firenze Melograno 3000g Decorative Candle
- £226
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The Dr Vranjes Melograno candle combines the finest quality wax and essences to create a relaxing scent that will lift the mood in your home. World-renowned perfumers Dr Vranjes Firenze have added these luxury candles to their range after years of research and development, and have created a distinctive product with its octagonal shape, inspired by Brunelleschi's Duomo in Florence. Each vase is crafted from hand-blown glass and is finished with a hand-painted exterior and branding to make a statement in your home. This large, statement 3000g Melograno candle is presented in a beautiful red vase, has eight wicks and offers a sweet, fruity fragrance inspired by the flavour of pomegranate seeds.
* Please note: Dr. Vranjes items are not available outside of the EEA.
- Melograno scented candle
- Large size
- Opaque hand-painted vase crafted from hand-blown glass
- Distinctive octagonal shape, inspired by Brunelleschi's Duomo in Florence
- Branding to front
- Sweet, fruity fragrance
- Eight wicks
- Finest quality wax and essences with no added solvents and preservatives
- Sweet watermelon notes with hints of jasmine, rose, bergamot and red grape
- Relaxing scent perfect to purify the air and rebalance the mood
- 3000g
- Measures W17.5cm x H24cm
Please use the chart below to convert between standard size formats
* Dr. Vranjes fragrances are all one size, please check an item's description for specific volumes
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Texsport Cast Iron Griddle
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Texsport Griddle - Griddle - Cast Iron
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For over 40 years Texsport has been supplying your local sporting goods dealer with camping and outdoor recreational equipment.
Now, Texsport products may be found in retail outlets world over and online.
Check out Texsport's full product offering. You will find an extensive listing to meet your outdoor recreational needs.
Why buy from Picnic World?
- Extraordinary Customer Service - We don't just sell picnic baskets, we eat, sleep and breathe them. Call us and a real person will answer the phone.
- Easy Returns for 30 Days - If you're not delighted on your picnic, then neither are we. At Picnic World, we offer a 30-day no-questions-asked money back guarantee.
- Small Business Values - There are plenty of nameless, faceless corporations out there. We're not one of them.
- Over 1200 Picnic Pleasures in Stock - We carry a huge selection of picnic baskets from the world's best brands.
- BBB "A+" Rating - We've been a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business since 2005 with a lifetime "A+" rating.
We Picnics
Not only do we sell picnic products but we believe picnics are the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Each one of our staff members has a personal connection to picnicking, whether it's eating lunch at Branford Park every day or searching high and low for the best picnic spot. I know our appreciation for picnics has a direct impact on Picnic World. Warren Sager, Owner of Picnic World
Special Offers
Through October 31, take $5 off any order over $100. Use promotional code CRAZYOCTOBER during checkout.
Through October 31, take $20 off any order over $500. Use promotional code BIGSAVINGS during checkout.
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"Stockade for Confederate Prisoners on Folly Island"
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I am a wife, esthetician, new mom and California girl. I split my time between Monterey, CA and San Diego where I live with my husband, little girl and pup Louis.
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Artisan Crafted Wood Sculpture of Happy Buddha from Bali, "Relaxed Happy Buddha"
Coming Back!
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
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This item is available for pre-order and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
Buddha lets out a hearty laugh as he celebrates happiness and prosperity. In his raised hands he holds golden ingots and in his excitement, his robes reveal his big belly. Made Mulyani works with seasoned acacia wood to carve this statuette with admirable Chinese stylizations. According to Buddhist practices, this representation of Buddha is believed to augur happiness and prosperity.
- 0.97 kgs
- 2.1 lbs
- 21 cm H x 14 cm W x 10 cm D
- 8.25" H x 5.5" W x 3.9" D
Gift Info
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- Email this item as a gift suggestion.
- Free Gift Wrap? No
- Premium Gift Wrap? Yes
Reviews by Customers
Verified Reviewer
"Beautiful handcrafted Buddha"
The buddha is even more beautiful than the photo. I love it and he makes me smile every time I see him.
Purchased Item:
Relaxed Happy Buddha, Artisan Crafted Wood Sculpture of Happy Buddha from Bali
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Verified Reviewer
Purchased for my daughter. She loves it
Purchased Item:
Lotus Love, Hand-Carved Heart and Lotus Flower Wood Relief Panel
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Verified Reviewer
"Beautiful Padma Parade"
I absolutely love this hanging. The workmanship is magnificent.I could not be more pleased
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Verified Reviewer
Perfect in every way. Would buy again
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Verified Reviewer
"Great craftsmanship!"
This is a beautiful mask! It was a gift for my husband. Well made and it was nicely packed.
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Verified Reviewer
"Marvelous Craft"
Wood is gorgeous and carving is flawless. I bought this for my sisters indoor pool area. She loved it!
Best Uses
- Seaside, Beach, Relaxation decor
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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
Made Mulyani has received a $1600 microcredit loan with 0% interest.
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
Made Mulyani
Bali and Java
Hand-carved wood masks and panels
Cause Badges
Made Mulyani Hand-carved wood masks and panels
"My parents and my brother taught me to make sculptures. I started by watching them carving wood at home. I was excited with the final results and worked hard at learning how to create them."
I'm a simple woman who enjoys cycling and aerobics. Friends know me as an honest woman, a hard worker and a person who likes helping others. I married in 1997 and have two children who made my life become happier and perfect. Since then, there have been many changes in my life. I have more responsibilities now but what's most important to me is my children's future.
In 2002, there was a very difficult moment in my life. I was starting a small shop in the market with a bank loan. Suddenly, a bomb exploded in Bali's tourist area! People suffered a lot because most work is dependent on tourism. Bali became so quiet, and no visitors or customers came. I think this was the toughest time in my whole life.
My island is rich in artistic and historical temples, which I love. Whenever there are ceremonies, I pray and perform our rituals there. I cannot imagine how our ancestors built such great temples with the limited tools and resources at that time. Bali also has beautiful scenery and friendly people from different cultures.
My parents and my brother taught me to make sculptures. I started by watching them carving wood at home. I was excited with the final results and worked hard at learning how to create them.
After high school, I worked at a supermarket but wasn't happy with the salary, so I decided to do wood carving after I got married. There are now ten artisans helping me and we create designs inspired by Bali's traditional cultures. We use manual tools like mallets, wood saws and chisels to carve acacia, suar and hibiscus woods by hand. By creating these beautifully-detailed sculptures and masks, we'd like to introduce our traditional culture to the world.
I heard about you from my brother-in-law, Made Wirata, who is also a featured artisan. Now, I hope people worldwide will come to know our culture.


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Why should I have a security camera DVR system?
Having a security camera system may decreases the chances of a burglary and act as loss prevention during operation hours. Even if the security DVR system does not keep a burglar from breaking in, it may cause the burglar to stay a shorter amount of time and may provide evidence of the burglary.
What should a security camera, security DVR system include?
Most security DVR systems include the security camera which can be combination of different cameras like Dome Camera, Bullet Camera, C-Mount or Infrared the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) Power supply and a monitor. It is best that all exterior potential points of entry have and sensitive area have security camera covering those areas. Security DVR, security camera should not be used as the only means of detection because they do not detect someone until they are already in the premises.
If you are looking for a security camera, video surveillance system or a digital video recorder, then we have the solution for you; DVR Master store is your ultimate source for all your surveillance and security camera needs. We specialize in digital security surveillance technology. Buy online PC Based DVR, Stand Alone DVR's, CCTV cameras and capture cards, remote video surveillance and security system.
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An annual benchmarking survey of nonprofit sector retirement plans shows broad improvement, but the survey's sponsor says financial advisors are needed to close the still yawning gap between 403(b) plans and their corporate cousins, 401(k)s.
Aaron Friedman, national nonprofit practice leader of the Principal Financial Group, which sponsored the Plan Sponsor Council of America survey released Tuesday, told AdvisorOne that in areas like investment options, investment policy statements and participant education, advisors have a role in "modernizing" 403(b) plans.
A good example would be in the area of default investment options, where the survey shows that 72.5% of 403(b) plan sponsors are now using target-date funds, up from 69.1% in 2010. But Friedman said 22% of plan sponsors are still using money-market funds as default options, a practice mostly abandoned by 401(k) plans.
"If you take a look at what are prudent plan choices, if you look at what the Department of Labor has said, a money-market fund is not a qualified default option," he said, noting their short time horizon and near-zero yields are inappropriate for long-term retirement investing. A professional investing perspective is "the expertise that the advisor can bring to the table," Friedman added.
Other areas where an advisor's touch can move these plans along include automatic enrollment, which is increasing but at a slow rate and "retirement readiness"—getting plan participants to save at higher levels, say 10 to 15%, Friedman said. "Survey trends show they are improving markedly, but they are still way behind 401(k)s" in these areas, he said.
Some of the biggest strides for 403(b) plans in the new survey include a decline in the number of plan sponsors who did not know their ERISA status (6.8%, down from 10% in 2010); 20% fewer sponsors were uncertain as to whether they had an investment policy statement; an increase in the percentage of plans allowing Roth contributions to 21.7%, up from 16.9% in 2010 and as little as 10.9 percent in 2007.
There has also been an impressive surge in the use of seminars and workshops, now used by 53% of 403(b) plans, from 41.8% in 2010.
"Advisors deserve a pat on the back for some of the improvements we've seen in the past couple of years," Friedman said, adding that all these areas point to the value advisors can bring to 403(b) plans.
The survey reveals ample room for advisor input. Just 43.5% of tax-exempt organizations retain an independent investment advisor to assist with fiduciary responsibility, and smaller plans are especially bereft of advisor input. Hospitals have the highest level of advisor penetration, with 73.2% served by an advisor, and non-hospital health care enjoyed the second highest level of advisor input (49.2%).
But education industry nonprofits are poorly served, with just 30% of these institutions (36% for higher education institutions) enjoying advisor support. Foundations are also ill-served (31.6%) by advisors.
Friedman says the low level of requests for proposal (RFPs) is an indication of the market potential advisors have in 403(b) plans. "More than 20% of organizations have not done an RFP in more than five years. Another 32% that have never done an RFP. If there are more than 50% [of nonprofit plan sponsors] that haven't looked at this, there's an opportunity for advisors," he said.
The Principal Financial executive said winning this business is a matter of having a simple conversation. "It's just talking to folks and finding out what they've been doing; how they've been handling the changes due to regulations; how well do they think the plan is serving their participants and when was the last time they looked at it."
Friedman cautioned advisors not to assume a high level of sophistication on the part of 403(b) plan sponsors.
"There are certain things that a lot of advisors take for granted in the 401(k) world that are not necessarily understood in this 403(b) world," he said, noting the number of plan sponsors who did not even know their ERISA status. "Here's an opportunity to add value and establish those relationships," he said.


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Designed for digging, loading, carrying, leveling, grading and dumping in a variety of applications and materials.
Load, carry, dump and perform general clean-up work.
Designed for digging, loading, carrying, leveling, grading and dumping in a variety of applications and materials.
Formed back wrapper design enhances bucket loading and production in a wide variety of applications.
Optimum wrapper angle and lack of sharp corners promote superior bucket fill and reduce material packing for greater productivity.
Base bucket also available with bolt-on cutting edge and bolt-on teeth.
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Lobsterpalooza boosts business in Portland
Shop owners say it's best time of year for businesses
The first-ever Lobsterpalooza kicked off Friday, bringing hundreds of boating enthusiasts to Portland.
The event for Sabre yacht owners and friends started off at DiMillo's, but will continue over the weekend. Many boaters said they plan to stay even longer, which means an economic boost for the city.
"I'm eating lobster (for) breakfast, lunch and dinner," said Ann Gregory, who is visiting from Florida.
"(I'll be) in Washington, D.C., in the morning, but definitely come back and bring 11 people with me because we're going to Lobsterfest in Rockland," said Dede Kern, who is visiting from Washington, D.C.
"These people are familiar with Portland because they bought the boat from us and they really enjoy coming back and seeing it again," said Chris DiMillo of DiMillo's.
Some attendees said they visited at least 10 times a year.
"(We) visit eight or nine times in a summer. We like it up here a lot. (As a) matter of fact, if we were smart, we would've moved up here," said John Ferro, who is visiting from Massachusetts.
Shop and restaurant owners said it's the best time of the year for their businesses.
"Most of the people that come in are tourists, I mean, especially starting in May and all throughout (summer)," said Michelle Callow, of Captain Sam's Ice Cream.
"We use a lot of local products in our ice cream as well, so it's great for us and it's also great for everyone else in the area when people come in and get local flavors and local ingredients," said Susie French, of Captain Sam's Ice Cream.
Lobsterpalooza continues with a yacht parade Saturday.


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Schools & Colleges
As the Asia Specialist in International Admissions, Clay Harmon serves international students from around the world, while focusing his marketing and recruitment efforts on Asian countries. His admissions portfolio includes the School of Education & Human Development, the College of Nursing, and some majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in addition to the International College Beijing (ICB) program. Clay has a BA in Asian Studies from the University of Puget Sound and studied abroad in Taiwan and mainland China, where he became fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He has an Ed M in Higher Education from Harvard University. Before coming to CU Denver, Clay has worked in both international admissions and study abroad, and has directed three study abroad programs in China. A Colorado native, Clay loves spending time in the Rocky Mountains (but not for skiing). He has traveled extensively in Europe and Asia and enjoys cooking, attending theatrical and choral performances, and reading novels by Indian authors.
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