UK doctors call
UK doctors call for ban on smoking in cars(Nov 21, 2011)
The British Medical Association is calling on the government to ban smoking at all times in cars. In research released on Wednesday, the group said the confined environment in cars spells trouble to drivers and passengers, as it exposes 23 times more toxins than a smoky bar. Children are particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke since they absorb more pollutants. Smoke can stick around in cars long after cigarettes have been smoked.
** Key phrases:
* to spell trouble: to signify future trouble; to mean trouble
Uh oh. Going out with on a date with your boss spells trouble.
* to stick around: to linger
I have to stick around the library a little longer to research.
U.S. Expands Military Ties to Australia
President Barack Obama has vowed to expand U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific region and ``project power and deter threats to peace'' in that part of the world even as he reduces defense spending and winds down two wars. The statement came several hours after announcing he would send military aircraft and up to 2,500 Marines to Australia. The president said the moves are not intended to isolate China, but they are an unmistakable sign that the US has grown more wary of its intentions. China immediately questioned the U.S. move and said it deserved further scrutiny.
** Key phrases:
* to wind down: to end or cause something to end gradually
The storm is winding down now thankfully!
* to be wary of something: to be on guard; watchful
Be wary of her actions, I don't trust her.
DEAR ABBY 1 : Is it weird to not want to sleep in the same bed with my husband? We have an amazing, caring, fun relationship -- but when it comes to sleep, I need my space while he prefers to cuddle all night. I always end up trying to push him over to his side, or telling him to please move. I know he gets offended because he's just trying to be close.
Abby, when I'm in bed with him I hardly get any sleep! He's always on my side and I can't move. It bothers me so much I end up sleeping on the couch.
Is this a bad sign for our marriage? Should I just stick it out for his sake? Our marriage is pretty close to perfect except for this one thing. -- NEEDS MY SPACE IN WEST VALLEY, UTAH
DEAR ABBY 2 : I am a 54-year-old woman who, after a long marriage and unavoidable divorce, is ready to date. I work out daily, am active in my church, take classes, and socialize with women and married couples. I'm in excellent shape and am told I'm attractive and fun. There are few available men my age (or a little younger or older) and almost all of them seem to be looking for women in their 40s, 30s or even 20s.
Why are men my age so unwilling to date women their age? We're past the drama years, are secure in who we are, and have a lot to offer. Am I destined to spend my life without romance? I'm an upbeat person but have lately started feeling angry at how I'm being marginalized. -- MISSING OUT IN WYOMING
Rice, Our Daily Food [11-11-2011]
We eat rice very often. In fact, many Asians, including Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese eat rice three times a day. More than 90 percent of the world’s rice is grown and eaten in Asia. In fact, rice is the main food for half the world’s population. Three of the world’s four most populous nations are rice-based societies: China, India, and Indonesia. We have been eating rice for more than 5,000 years.
Rice is one of the oldest foods in human history. It has been cultivated in China since ancient times. However, most believe the roots of rice come from India and Thailand. Other countries in Africa and the Middle East also cultivated rice for about 3,500 years. After the mid 15th century, rice spread throughout Europe including Italy and France. The Spanish brought rice to South America at the beginning of the 18th century.
Rice arrived in the U.S. in the 17th century. Colonists were the first to cultivate rice in America. Today, many American states produce rice. Arkansas is the leading rice producing state. California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Missouri and Florida also cultivate rice.
In many Asian countries, rice is more than food. It is an important symbol of luck and wealth. In some Asian cultures, rice is considered a link between Heaven and Earth. In India, people believe that rice is important to fertility. This is why rice is thrown on newly married couples in many countries.
In India, rice is associated with prosperity and Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth. Rice is worshipped during the full moon day following an important Hindu ceremony called the Durga puja. The words for rice and food are the same in several Asian languages. The Chinese word for rice is the same as their word for food. The average Asian person eats 150 kilograms of rice each year, compared to the average European who eats 5 kilograms.
There are more than 40,000 different varieties of rice in the world. Rice is cultivated in over 100 countries and on every continent except Antarctica. Rice is used in baby food, breakfast cereals, snacks, frozen foods, sauces, dog food, and much more!
DEAR ABBY 1 : Whenever I receive a business communication from someone unknown to me with my first name in the salutation, as in "Dear Robert," it immediately goes into the trash.
Being addressed by my first name in this context is just plain wrong. Since I don't know the person who is sending the correspondence, I find the informal tone to be highly improper.
Please remind your readers -- particularly those in business -- about your booklet on correspondence and communication, "How to Write Letters for All Occasions."
I have been accused of being "old school." However, there are rules and guidelines governing written communication, and it seems as though they are being ignored. Would you please inform people about the proper way to write? And is your "Letters" booklet still available? -- CALL ME "MISTER C.," SAN JOSE, CALIF.
DEAR ABBY 2 : I am 8 years old. At the bottom of a letter, sometimes people write XOXO. Which one means hug and which one means kiss? -- ANNA IN MISSOURI
DEAR ANNA: The "X" means kiss and the "O" signifies a hug.
P.S. Some people write "SWAK" on the flap of the envelope, which stands for "sealed with a kiss."