| Design team taps WKU student
A college senior from Western Kentucky has been selected to work on a global design project to create a wind-powered water purifier to benefit impoverished areas that lack electricity. Zach Pearl, who is studying mechanical engineering at Western Kentucky University, is part of the five-member team contributing to the project from around the world. "Something like this could possibly be used where there isn't a safe source of drinking water," Pearl said. "This could save lives." The research is still in early stages, he said, but the group is using computer-generated conceptual drawings to examine the possibility of harnessing wind power. It's not Pearl's first attempt to design a water purification system. Last year he was part of a team that created a water purification system powered by pedals on a bicycle.
Take it from Rio: That's entertainment!
Rio Clemente, the "Bishop of Jazz," began performing at age eight. He recently returned to Morristown High School, his alma mater, to share some tips with finalists in the upcoming "Morristown's Got Talent!" show. This video (about two minutes) gives a flavor of the rehearsal. .
Kosovo Independence Tipped for Feb 17
A US diplomat said independence was likely to come a Sunday, when the UN Security Council does not normally meet. That would fit with the Serbian government's reference to February 17.
Russia has said it will use its right of veto in the Security Council, where it is a permanent member, in support of Serbia, which regards Kosovo was the cradle of Serbian Orthodox history, culture and religion.
The European Union is preparing to send a 2,000-strong civilian mission to oversee Kosovo's birth as an independent state, in spite of opposition from several of its member states including Cyprus and Spain.
While EU officials consider February 17 as the probable date, talks between European capitals would "multiply next week" to find a declaration "acceptable by all" at the EU foreign ministers' meeting, diplomats in Brussels say.
THE GREEN REPORT: North Bay green developments industry-by-industry
The Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and PG&E hosted the first of three Green Energy Summits on Feb. 1 on the topic What is Green Building and How to Comply with the New Santa Rosa Ordinance.
The second session called Green Building: Implementing Low-Carbon, High-Energy Efficiency and Solar Into Your Projects will be presented March 14; the third, Water Efficient Buildings and Landscaping, is scheduled for April 11.
For more information, visit www.santarosachamber.com.
Education Napa Valleys Pope Valley Union Elementary School District is taking steps to purchase a propane-fueled school bus, which would be the first in the county.
The district will discuss the possibility during the Feb. 21 school board meeting.
Food & Beverage Calistoga Beverage Co.
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