April 2007 School Edition Schools near their wish: Easier tax levies The state Senate voted 33-16 to approve a constitutional amendment that reduces the requirement for passing school levies from 60 percent to a simple majority. Read the Full Story in the Everett Herald  (04/13) A Starring Role for ‘Green’ Construction Not too long ago, the concept of “green” building was discounted as impractical, something that might be good for the environment but not necessarily for the business climate. But that mind-set is changing rapidly. Read the Full Story in the NY Times  (04/29) Hybrid vehicle technology goes commercial Hybrid cars and trucks, which use gas-electric technology, have become the poster children for energy savings in the automobile world. But industry has been paying attention, as well. Hybrids are quietly starting to show up in other transportation uses, from locomotives to construction equipment. Read the Full Story in USA Today  (04/12) Colleges build for a greener tomorrow When Roberts Wesleyan College's Golisano Library opens this year, that temperature will keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter. And when campus buildings are put up or renovated in the future, the college will likely use a similar "green exchange" system, involving wells sunk deep into the ground instead of traditional heating and air-conditioning systems. Read the Full Story in the Rochester D&C  (04/02) Russia Challenges the U.S. Monopoly on Satellite Navigation The days of their cold war may have passed, but Russia and the United States are in the midst of another battle — this one a technological fight over the United States monopoly on satellite navigation. Read the Full Story in the NY Times  (04/03) Quote of the Month "An optimist will tell you the glass is half-full; the pessimist, half-empty; and the engineer will tell you the glass is twice the size it needs to be. " -unknown