LAUSANNE Switzerland is punching above its weight in its participation in a project to build the world’s largest fusion reactor. The project, known as ITER (formerly International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power – it should be able to produce ten times the amount of energy […]
Archives for 2014
American universities: conquering the SATs
With few exceptions, Scholastic Assessment Tests (SATs) are required by all students, regardless of nationality, for entry into any university in the United States. Here are some thoughts on how to prepare. Even if you have got the International Baccalaureate, Swiss Maturité, or British A-Levels, you need to take the SATs in order to apply […]
Hedgehogs, wolves and climate change
Following last year’s disastrous spring, our current warm weather has been marred by this week’s UN Intergovernmental Climate Change report warning of more extreme conditions and food insecurity unless we take action. Normally I rely on the disappearing mountain snows to herald the advent of spring, coupled with that other more unfortunate indication, the number […]
India complains about secret accounts
The Swiss finance minister, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, has received a letter from her Indian counterpart complaining about an alleged lack of cooperation over funds stashed by Indian citizens in Switzerland’s banks. A finance ministry spokesman confirmed to the Sonntagszeitung newspaper that the letter had arrived and that the Indian finance minister would get a reply “soon”. […]
Le News edition 21
04 April 2014 Download the latest edition of Le News here: Le News 03.04.14 Edition 21 (Right click “save target as”)
Paedophile ban vote
BERN The Swiss National Council recently supported an initiative seeking to ban convicted paedophiles from ever working with children again. The so-called Marche Blanche proposal, which passed by 82 votes to79, aims to prevent repeat offences by prohibiting access to potential victims through professional pathways. The referendum is set for18May. The Federal Council, however, deems […]
Research fund side-steps EU ban
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in Bern has set up a temporary funding scheme to get around the European Union’s 26 February ban excluding Switzerland from European Research Council (ERC) grants. According to SNSF spokesman Jürg Dinner, researchers working in Switzerland, or who applied for an ERC starting grant before 25 March, may request […]
Confused by hotel stars?
GENEVA Whether travelling for business or pleasure, trying to figure out Europe’s hotel star category system (often confused with the stringent Michelin restaurant stars) can leave many scratching their heads in confusion. Switzerland was the first to institute a non-government form of hotel classification in 1979; this greatly influenced similar systems in Austria and Germany. […]
Wines in full bloom
The colourful burst of flowers heralding spring is a natural invitation to discover wines that boast enticing blossom aromas. Here is a seasonal selection of dry white and red wines made from grape varieties with a definite floral character. Sauvignon Blanc is one grape variety that established New Zealand’s reputation for quality wine. Not only […]
Living with special needs
NYON Living with special needs, either physical or intellectual, is no impediment to a full and active life in the Lake Geneva region. Stretching from Geneva to Montreux, the region offers an often unique wealth of opportunities for children and adults living with special needs. These include private and state-run schools and centres for youngsters […]
