On November 23, the “Super Committee” in Congress will decide on the future of America’s middle class – and whether it will stand with the 99% or the 1%. So a group of everyday from Occupy Wall Street embarked on a 230 mile walk from New York City to Washington D.C.

The University of Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute is building a pilot-scale plant for manufacturing cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), a wood-based reinforcing material that is increasingly of interest to researchers worldwide looking for super-strong materials that could replicate synthetic plastics.

“With development of new natural and functional nanomaterials, UMaine will be recognized as an innovator in novel cellulose nanofibril processing,” said FBRI Director and UMaine Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering Hemant Pendse, one of the researchers involved with the project. “UMaine will have the ability to process cellulose nanofibrils in ways that open up new markets and applications for cellulose nanocomposites.”

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Portland had a record-breaking year for cruise ship visits, with 71 coming into port. Those ships bring thousands of passengers to the city, gladly spending millions of dollars locally. With the new Ocean Gateway megaberth, not only will the city accommodate larger ships, it will be able to have two ships in port at the same time.

“This next phase of the Ocean Gateway project will have significant economic impact on Portland and the entire State,” said Governor Baldacci. “This deep-water pier will enhance tourism, and increase commerce and the economic vitality of the region.”

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Governor John Baldacci talked about the great need to invest in bonds to create 2,700 jobs and save jobs at risk by the possible closure of a railroad. He made these comments on his weekend radio address:

“As the Legislature draws near the end of its work for the year, it’s understandable that some issues are lingering unresolved.
Last week, the House of Representatives approved a package of investments that would create thousands of jobs in Maine and protect many thousand more. Unfortunately, the plan ran into resistance in the Senate.
The stakes are very high.

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Congressman Mike Michaud announced that this coming Monday, February 22nd, a number of protections for consumers with credit cards will take effect.

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In his weekly radio address, Governor John Baldacci said there have been signs during the last two months that Maine’s economy is beginning to turn around.

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