| German carmakers lead in reducing CO2 emissions
BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and other German carmakers cut carbon-dioxide emissions more than European rivals last year as they struggle to reach planned European Union targets. German brands sold domestically had 2 percent lower CO2 output last year, a greater reduction than French and Japanese models sold in Europe's largest economy, said Matthias Wissmann, president of the VDA German automobile manufacturers' association, at a briefing today in Berlin. The European Union plans a cap on carmakers that will force them to reduce CO2 emissions, a gas linked with global warming. The draft proposal, which is being negotiated this year among European lawmakers, will reduce the carbon emissions to an average 130 grams per kilometer (0.6 mile) for a manufacturer's fleet by 2012, with an additional 10 grams coming from improvements in tires, air conditioning and other vehicle parts.
Excessively duty-conscious
A new TV set or a washing machine may not burn a big a hole in your pocket now compared with, say, five years ago, but consumer durable manufacturers continue to cry foul over the Centres lack of attention towards this sector. Their grouse? Continued high taxation and the free trade agreements with countries such as Thailand that make manufacturing of consumer electronic goods in India uncompetitive. Sample this: While a 29-inch flat television costs about $300 in India, it costs only $200 in Thailand and $150 in China! The differential is blamed on the inflated tax structure here and this, in turn, means the local industry has been unable to either lower prices or significantly improve domestic penetration levels, even after 5-6 years. Also, due to decreasing competitiveness of manufacturing in India, companies such as Sony have already abandoned domestic production in favour of cheaper imports from Thailand.
Take steps to protect computers, electronics
Consider purchasing protective equipment which can help against lethal storm and electrical conditions. These include: Surge suppressors designed to lower the momentary high voltage of a surge or spike.
Voltage regulators maintain voltage output within narrow limits.
Isolation transformers prevent noise on a circuit from being passed to your equipment.
Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) maintains power to critical loads during power outages.
Surge Protectors: Make sure the suppressor has 3-way protection and is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed for compliance with the 1449 TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) standard. Features of the plug-in type surge protector include multiple outlets, on/off switches, audible alarms, and indicator lights to let you know the suppressor is working, and connections for telephone or data cable lines.
Habs greats worry about team behaviour
The team must always come first, retired stars Jean Beliveau, Yvan Cournoyer and Henri Richard said Thursday as they weighed in on the embarrassing arrests this week of Hab rookie Ryan O'Byrne and veteran forward Tom Kostopoulos. "They are young kids and they forget, they don't think about what the Montreal Canadiens mean .. they think about having a little fun," said Henri Richard, a former Habs captain and 11-time Stanley Cup winner as a player. "I feel sorry for them, but they're going to learn," Richard said. O'Byrne and Kostopoulos were arrested at about 3 a.m. Monday outside Whiskey Park, a Tampa, Fla., nightclub following the team's annual rookie dinner. .
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