好多東西都在漲價…

Forget caviar and lobster; basics are pricey enough
[img=images/images_seattletimes_20070816.gif popup=false]
照片出處: Seattle Times

Cost of dairy farming is rising with milk prices
Year Farms Cows
1996 902 257,000
1997 825 253,000
1998 770 248,000
1999 725 247,000
2000 680 246,000
2001 655 246,000
2002 630 247,000
2003 602 247,000
2004 585 240,000
2005 560 237,000
2006 550 233,000
Source: Washington Dairy Products Commission (Seattle PI 報導裡的資料).

Side Note:
UW ranked 11th on public-university list
Police to increase patrols downtown
Most youth happiest just being with family
Youths say parents are their heroes
Working women could use a wife
Top party school: West Virginia

Medical Side Note:
Sales of pain-killers in state up 96 percent since 1997
Virus may be partly to blame for obesity
Wanted: athletes with defibrillators

還沒聽這麼久的華文歌…

新聞, 找到了他本人的部落格和他放在 YouTube 上的創作. 不過對我來說, 真正吸引我的反而是那些唱關於馬來西亞的歌.

在這裡讀書的那段時間裡, 我大多數的朋友都是從馬來西亞或泰國來的華人. 聽他的歌就想到我那些馬來西亞的朋友, 不少人講話就是那麼的粗. 聽他個歌詞內容就像那些朋友敘述的一樣. 可是他們對國家的愛卻又是那麼的強烈.

還沒有聽過這麼久的華文歌, 還重複的聽同樣的歌那麼多次… :-p

How to Handle the Heat

It's gonna be a scorcher

How to handle the heat
The elderly, babies, overweight and chronically ill people are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Beat the heat safely with these tips:

Drink water: Cool water is best. Don't wait until you're thirsty. If working hard or exercising in the heat, sip 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Put out extra water for pets. Don't take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you take water pills, ask your doctor how much you should drink in hot weather.

Slow down: Cut back on strenuous activity, and take frequent rest breaks in the shade.

Dress light: Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps your body cool off.

Eat light: Choose cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads.

Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place, such as a movie theater or shopping mall. At home, pull curtains or shades to keep rooms cool. Use window stops to prevent children from falling out, and move fans out of their reach. Check railings for safety on decks and porches.

NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and try to limit your outside time to cooler morning and evening hours.

Visit elderly neighbors and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:
* An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees.)
* Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating.)
* Rapid, strong pulse.
* Throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
* Heavy sweating.
* Paleness.
* Muscle cramps.
* Fatigue, weakness, dizziness.
* Headache, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
Sources: Snohomish Health District, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Side Note:
Verizon's copper cutoff traps customers, hampers rivals: 如果加入 VerizonFiOS 光纖網路, 家裡到電話到轉接機間的傳統銅線可能會被抽換成光纖. 之後將無法降級至 DSL. 更麻煩的是光纖在停電時是無法使用的. 因此家內的電話將無法使用. 傳統銅線的電話在停電時還是有很大的機會可以繼續使用.
As crime worsens, Arlington pours money into public safety
Get set for a honkin' big I-5 mess: 八月十日至八月二十九日, 西雅圖市中心南方 I-5 的施工將會大大影響所有的交通.

Alaska Quater…太狠了

Grizzly to represent Alaska on quarter
Alaska 昨天展示他們的 Quarter 設計.

[img=images/20070424_akquarter.png popup=false]
照片出處: The Anchorage Daily News

Grizzly bear 一口咬著鮭魚…華盛頓州的 Quarter 上有個跳躍鮭魚的設計. 不過還真的是很代表 Alaska.

Side Note:
Existing-home sales plunge most in two decades
U.S. house-price decline accelerates, but not here
China's food woes become ours: 要非常的小心從中國進口來的食品.
Ferries of Puget Sound

Medical Side Note:
Abortion, breast cancer aren't linked, study finds
Breast feeding won't halt obesity, report says

A Long Way Gone

Sierra Leone), 現居紐約作者寫下自己的親自經歷. 在國家的內戰下, 13 歲被迫成為一位殺人不眨眼的 Child Soldier. 又如何在偶然之下被聯合國的 UNUCEF 給救了出來. 到後來內戰到了首都 (Freetown), 再如何自己逃出獅子山到幾內亞.

A Long way Gone 這本書回答我很久以來就很好奇, 很多心理上的問題. 尤其是對一個人洗腦並不是件很難的事.

想要了解 Child Soldiers, 不是去看 Blood Diamond, 而是讀這本書.

Ishmael 將會在下列日期再次拜訪西雅圖簽名他的書.
UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
4/2/2007 7:00 PM
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA

ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY
4/3/2007 7:30 PM
101 S. Main St.
Seattle, WA

Seattle Public Library 裡有差不多三百人排隊等著看這本書呢!!! 不過有聲書只有約 24 個人排隊. 機會也許較好些.

Side Note:
Bellevue violent crime up in '06, but overall, crime down 10 percent
Fewer teens say they use alcohol and pot
Moms' time with kids has grown since '60s, study says
King County growth booms: King (14th), Pirece (70th), Snohomish (87th).
Wi-Fi worry: Laptops at risk of attack