News lifestyle 2008-07-24 Andanh.com

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:51 EDT

environmental health

Air fresheners, detergents emit hazardous fumes, study says

SEATTLE . The fumes that waft from top-selling air fresheners and laundry products contain dozens of chemicals, including several classified as toxic or hazardous, says a University of Washington study published Wednesday.

None of the chemicals was listed on product labels, nor does the federal government require companies to disclose ingredients in fragrances, said study author Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs.

cool down, doggy Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:51 EDT

Here are some common pet emergencies and tips to avoid them, all from veterinarians, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Partnership for Animal Welfare.

Heat stroke

The problem: In the middle of summer, pets are better off staying home.

Within minutes, temperatures inside a car can reach 140 degrees. Even when the windows are cracked, dogs can quickly overheat. Walking or running in the heat of the day also is a big mistake. Signs of trouble include excessive panting, disorientation and vomiting.

Timber tales Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:09 EDT

NICHOLASVILLE . Mickey Humphrey is no lumberjack.

He wields neither ax nor saw. There's no plaid shirt or suspenders.

As site project manager for the ongoing reconstruction of Kentucky River Dam No. 9 in Jessamine County, his gear includes a walkie-talkie and a flotation vest.

To Humphrey, a stray log is nothing but a minor hindrance to keeping his $14.7 million project on track.

Newly arrived immigrants find sanctuary in library program Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:41 EDT

Sometimes a story is just a story. And then sometimes it's the bud of a new community.

It's Monday evening, it's the Prime Time Family Reading Program, and the Henry Clay High School library is filled with story.telling and language: Spanish, French, .Swahili, Kirundi, Arabic, English. There are more than 50 people in a loose circle, and darting toddlers, and a gift drawing featuring a hugely popular $10 Wal-Mart gift card.

And all of the people in this circle . some of whom have been in the United States for less than a month . are focused on questions from a pair of children's books:

Why didn't Ping's flower grow in The Empty Pot ? And why won't Uncle Nacho give up his old hat in Uncle Nacho's Hat ?

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