| Environment: Surviving Summer's Noxious Brew
The oppressive summer heat may provide the perfect excuse to indulge in ice-cold drinks, lazy weekends and outdoor dining. But for many residents of Beijing and other congested Chinese cities, it's also a season to struggle with dry cough, irritated sinus or even a general fear of going outside. As summer starts to sizzle, the air quality also suffers. And in places such as Beijing, the combination of smog, dust particles, sand and heat all add up to what could seem to be a noxious brew. On occasion, with a little focus, you could actually taste the air. Dr Brent Powis, the World Health Organisation's Beijing environmental consultant, says the hot air fuels "the cocktail chemical mix" that is common during warmer days devoid of wind or rain. "It is worse in the summer," Powis says. "The increasing temperatures can actually increase the levels of ozone in the atmosphere, which can have significant health effects." Medical experts agree the government's push to close or move some large factories out of Beijing, in order to reduce air pollution for next year's Olympic Games, seems to be working.
Daughter should pay her own expenses
Dear Annie: Our daughter, Madison, will be 24 soon. She is a very bright girl and an extremely talented artist. When she attended junior college here at home, we paid for her tuition, books and related expenses. She held part-time jobs and lived at home rent-free. Each semester, she dropped usually all but one or two classes. The last semester she attended, we told her she would have to pay for all school expenses and we would reimburse her for classes completed. She enrolled for a full schedule and completed only one class. This is our dilemma. Madison wants to attend a specific art school out of state. She has moved to that state and wants to start next semester. She has no credit history and cannot get a loan. She thinks we should co-sign a loan to pay her tuition. One semester at this school equals the price of an expensive car.
Barack Obama: Obama Announces FY08 Federal Funding Requests
One of its most popular attractions and teaching tools at the Adler Planetarium is the Sky Theater. The projection equipment in this theater is 40 years old, and is no longer supported with parts or service by the manufacturer. It has begun to fail, leaving the theater dark and groups of school students and other interested museum-goers without this very valuable and exciting learning experience. AIDSCARE, Inc., for general operating support, $750,000 AIDSCARE is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that provides housing and care for homeless children, families and adults living with advanced HIV/AIDS in the Chicago Area. AIDSCARE, Inc., for completion of the North Lawndale Campus, $2,000,000 Upon its completion, the North Lawndale campus will offer 66 units of service-enriched housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS; an onsite Health Facility and Wellness Center for residents and other members of the community; and an 8,693-square-foot multi-purpose community center.
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