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BIE iNews Views 11.4.12 Hurricane Sandy has died down but in her aftermath, the Northeast U.S. has more than a million people without electricity, limited fuel for cars and taxis, and freezing temperatures that are making life miserable. Subway service has been restored to about 80% of New York City’s lines but commuting to work remains a difficult task for most of the 8 million residents. Some teachers are reporting that the frequent use of digital technology is hampering their students’ ability to focus for extended periods. Electronic media use among 8-18-year olds has grown so dramatically that they now spend twice as much time watching and engaged in digital media than they spend in school. Mao Tse Tung said that “women hold up half the sky” but at this year’s Communist Party meeting in Beijing, there will be few if any women in powerful positions. During the past 30 years, there have only been 4 female governors. Some women are reluctant to try and join the “old boys club” where a heavy drinking culture remains in vogue. Han Chinese make up 90% of the population so China’s other minorities don’t have many opportunities to become political leaders. China looks like a Han man’s world. A South Korean zoo has a talking star—Koshik the elephant. An international team of scientists has confirmed that the Asian elephant places its trunk in its mouth and is able to produce Korean words that mean "hello," "sit down," "no," "lie down," and "good." Americans got an extra hour of sleep this Sunday, thanks to the end of daylight saving time. Germany began the shift in time during World War I to save fuel and Britain and America soon followed suit. Following World War II, Americans wanted to continue daylight savings time to enjoy their leisure time and it has remained a popular policy with most people. To promote safer driving conditions and save energy, the Netherlands is adding a futuristic photo-luminizing powder to their highways that absorbs sunlight during the day and then gives off a bright glow at night. Another special paint indicates the temperature of the roadway so drivers can be alert for icy conditions. The field of transportation is making rapid advances in technology.