News Bytes

Presidential candidate 2008
Only half a year ago, George W. Bush was reelected as president of the United States, and already someone throws hi hat in the ring for the next election: Democratic Senator Joe Biden (Delaware), who is also highly respected among Republicans, considers running for president in 2008. In a CBS interview Biden, who at first supported the war in Iraq but by now openly opposes current US foreign policy, said he would announce his final decision by December this year. Within his own party, he would probably have to run against very popular Hillary Clinton and ex-candidate John Kerry. For the Republicans, Senator John McCain and Condoleezza Rice will probably be the Republican candidates. George Bush ma not be reelected after two terms in office.

Hillary Clinton for president
According to a press release from the beginning of July: If the presidential elections in the US were within the next weeks, Hillary Clinton had a very good chance of winning. More than 50 percent of Americans would vote for the former First Lady. She did not have the same kind of majority in the polls over the last years, support for her is increasing. The reasons for this are the great support of her husband Bill and the fact that the Americans no longer seem tired of the Clintons.

US - crime rates decreasing
For the first time since 1999 the US are recording a decrease in murders and acts of violence. Violent deaths decreased by 3.6 percent, acts of violence decreased as well. Especially in Chicago the numbers decreased, which is due to the special program of the local police.

Technology revolution in schools
More than 150,000 classrooms in the US have already replaced the old blackboards with new touch-screens. It is estimated that in three to five years all classrooms will be equally equipped. 75 countries worldwide are already using this technology in their classrooms.

Innovative warplane
Northrop Grumman, a US armaments company, has starting constructing a computer-controlled bomber, the first prototype is to be tested by the end of 2006. The novelty - a pilot is not necessary anymore. All it needs is a computer and a GPS - similar to the systems controlling missiles. The plane will probably even be designed to take off from and land on an aircraft carrier. The drone will be designed to drop bombs over the target area all on its own and may already be in use by the next decade.

Building land for free
Several communities in the US have resorted to unusual measures to attract new residents - they give away building land. Nine towns in Kansas are trying to attract people willing to develop the land and counteract migration into the cities. Depending on the communities, the pieces of land are between 1,000 and 2,000 square kilometers (382 and 772 square miles) in size.

Supposedly, there's no catch. Potential owners only have to prove that they have the money to build a house. They have to start with construction at 12 months after signing the contract at the latest and move in at least 24 months after the signing. Foreign people interested in the free land should, of course, have a valid residence permit or a green card. To make this even more attractive to potential new residents, the Kansas communities for example offer a one-year free membership in the golf club for the entire family, or maybe a seasonal ticket to the pool. If that isn't a great offer!