Organic or Not?

Try to get as much organic food as you can? Well, not every one can afford the high cost of organic food, for some others it's a matter of accessibility. Personally I consider myself a 'moderate organic food lover,' I buy organic food whenever I can, but sometime the price tag of organic food just scared me away.

Why is organic food better? Organically grown food is more nutritious than food produced using synthetic chemicals.

• 63% higher in calcium
• 73% higher in iron
• 118% higher in magnesium
• 29% lower in mercury

If you can only choose to go organic for certain amount of food, this is the list you cannot miss! I just learn it from today's continuing study session. (provided by Jennifer Metz, MPH)

1. celery
2. peaches
3. strawberries
4. apples
5. blueberries
6. nectarines
7. bell peppers
8. spinach
9. kale/collard greens
10. cherries
11. potatoes
12. grapes (imported)   

listed in descending order, starting with greatest levels of pesticide

Meanwhile, there are foods that you can just ignore their organic labels and save your self a bunch at the counter. Here is the list of food with least contamination and doesn't matter if you eat them organic or not

1. onions
2. avocados
3. frozen sweet corn
4. pineapple
5. mangoes 
6. frozen sweet peas
7. asparagus
8. kiwis
9. cabbage
10. eggplant
11. cantaloupe
12. watermelon
13. grapefruit
14. sweet potatoes
15. honeydew melon

listed in ascending order, starting with lowest levels of pesticide contamination

慎選有機食物

有機食物比較健康是不爭的事實，但是不見得每個人都能負擔得起，而且也不一定能順手可得。如果只能選擇吃某些有機會物，那麼以下這十二種食物遭農藥污染的比例最高，最好選擇有機的來食用：

1. 芹菜
2. 桃子
3. 草莓
4. 蘋果
5. 藍莓
6. 油桃
7. 燈籠椒
8. 菠菜
9. 羽衣甘藍
10. 櫻桃
11. 馬玲薯
12. 葡萄（國外進口） 

以上食物按受農藥污染程度最多順序排列

相對，有些食物則不必非吃有機的不可，因此可以省一點錢，購買一般栽種的即可。

1. 洋蔥
2. 牛油果
3. 冷凍玉米
4. 鳳梨
5. 芒果
6. 冷凍毛豆
7. 蘆荀
8. 奇異果
9. 高麗菜
10. 茄子
11. 哈密瓜
12. 西瓜
13. 柚子
14. 紅薯
15. 蜜瓜

以上食物按受農藥污染程度最少順序排列

炸西瓜

不想腦袋像西瓜一樣被炸得開花，就不要私下燃放煙花 

每年的這個時節，執法單位都會開一次記者會，提醒民眾不要違法使用煙花和爆竹，特別是在夏天高溫又乾燥的季節，火種很容易引發火患。違法者可被罰款300至1萬美元，或被監禁！

ATF專家表示，每年有55%的爆炸致傷案件發生在20歲或以下的青少年身上，而在南加州，這類案件從2005年的63宗，增加到2010年的200多宗。因此呼籲家長要看好小孩，不要讓他們私下玩煙花。

洛縣警局則透露，去年國慶日期間有16人受傷、破獲5噸的非法煙花，而非法燃放煙花也造成約9萬美元的火患損失。因此提醒民眾，去看專業的煙花表演就好了，不要自己偷偷燃放！

民眾需知：

1. 不管那一類型的煙花，在洛縣管轄區內（包括未建市地區）一律全面禁止
2. 某些城市允許民眾燃放獲批准的安全性（safe and sane）煙花，但是僅限於6月28日中午至7月6日中午之間銷售，同時只能在私人的場地燃放。
3. 違反加州煙花法是一種輕罪，可被罰款500至1000，或監禁一年；如擁有一磅或以上的煙花則是重罪可被判入獄一年或罰款不超過5000美元。

更多有關國慶日煙火相關資訊，可瀏覽SafeJuly4th網站。

警方破獲、中國製造的煙花  

警方破獲、中國製造的煙花 

My Plate, My Health, Make it a HealthyPlate

More than 1 person has asked me recently "have you gained weight?" - I was like "hell yea, and I know it!"

My regular workout and healthy diet routine was interrupted since February when I took a trip back to Malaysia for Chinese New Year. Since then I've been either travelling, working on different projects or having friends in town.

At first I tried to convince myself that my clothes and pants are shrinking, then I started to realize avoiding the problem doesn't makes it disappear. So for this past week, I've been working out everyday, I went to the gym on Monday and Friday for spinning class, Tuesday and Wednesday work on cardio machines, and badminton with friends on Thursday.

I missed those days when I was (physically) more fit then I am now. I want to be that me again. The goal is to loose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.

Jenifer Metz talked about the new MyPlate guildeline

This morning I attended PALS's continuing study session and one of the speakers, Jenifer Metz talked about the new MyPlate guideline, which was introduced by the USDA few days ago, replacing the decades old Food Pyramid. While the new guideline remains controversial, I think it's important to know that one should eat more (fresh) fruits and vegetables everyday, and exercise at least 30 minutes each day.

10 minutes break and some fun exercise!

The good thing about MyPlate is it's flexible, you can personalize your own eating pattern base on your age, weight, height and physical activities. I was shocked, kind of, when I key in my information and this message showed up "the weight you entered is above the healthy range for your height. This may increase your risk for health problems. Some people who are overweight should consider weight loss."

OMG, this sounds alarming, I need to do something!

I knew I was going to do something about it, but this is just another great motivation to kick of a healthy lifestyle. I'm going to post breakfast, lunch and dinner pictures everyday for the next 30 days, kind of like a food log to track what I eat everyday.

This will be my project/personal challenge, we're going to have another session in July, then I'll see the progress, and hopefully share my accomplishment!

保育…先從認識做起

以推廣及宣傳環境與海洋保育工作為主的長堤太平洋水族館，本周末開始又有新的展覽了。

水位上升，危害人類及大自然

第一項是與水位上升有關，在全新的海事科學館內，放置了一粒直徑達 6呎的「地球儀」，透過影片投射的畫面，說明水位上升對全人類的影響。據了解，全球有一半人口住在離海邊50英哩之內的範圍，水位上升將會危害到他們。例如聞名世界的渡假聖地馬爾代夫，只要水住再漲5呎，整個馬爾代夫就要變成水底世界了。

南北極危機展覽館

第二項是南北極危機，在全新的展館內，大家可以進一步了解南極及北極的生態，看看兩極的動物，還有機會用手指觸摸不會叮人的海月水母（Moon Jellies），它們就像月亮投射在海面一樣。館員說，事實上不是它們不叮人，而是「刺」不大，所以叮不過手掌的皮膚。無論如何，他們提醒大家在海邊遇到水母，千萬別冒險去觸碰。

可以觸摸的海月水母

此外，還可以一睹罕見的北極雪狐（snow fox）喔（這不會是傳說中的雪山飛狐吧？）。這隻超high的雪狐叫Sitka，今年才兩歲。在我們圍觀的幾分鐘時間裡，它在籠子裡不停走動，還秀了一手爬鐵絲網的絕招回饋我們的熱情，真是太好笑了。

很high的Sitka

其實水館族裡還有很多的展覽館，非常適合帶小朋友去參觀，而且館外就是小小的海灣及彩虹公園（Rainbow Park），夏天的時候來吹吹海風應該會很舒服的。開放時間為每天9AM-6PM，門票成人$24.95、7-11歲兒童$12.95、62歲以上耆英$21.95，另有各式年票，可上網查詢。

還有其他可以觸摸的魚喔

這才叫成群結隊吧

水族館前方有美麗的海灣，還有燈塔

皇后瑪莉號

不讓你割

如果選民在今年11月投票通過，三藩市將會立下新法限制18歲以下男孩切割包皮；現在聖塔莫尼卡也有意跟進這個立法的程序…事實一再證明，美國人真的很無聊，真是吃飽沒事做，花大筆錢去搞這種無聊的提案，勞師動眾叫大家投票表決，然後不論正反一方不爽投票結果，一定會告上法庭，帶來不必要的勞民傷財後果。

男性從小切割包皮已經有久遠的歷史，除了文化與宗教（猶太教和回教）因素，醫學上也已經證實切割包皮的男性面對尿道感染的機率略低，同時也可以協助預防感染性傳染病毒，包括導致愛滋病的HIV病毒。

可是卻有人偏偏有錢沒地方花，要搞個全民運動來「反切割分化」，認為小孩在未懂事且未經自己同意的情況下就「少掉那塊肉（還是皮？）」，是「毀損生殖器」、帶來傷痛、甚至有危險性的做法，所以在成年之前都不可以切割（除非是會影響小孩的健康理由）。如果有「違法」的話就是犯下輕罪，最高可以被罰1000美元，或坐牢一年。

奧買尷…這是什麼大笑話呀，切割包皮還要被罰款坐牢，那以後剪指甲修眉毛是不是也要全民公投通過才能「合法化」呀？！我認為切與不切是家長的決定，當然也更應該是當事人的決定，但是有必要走到法律的途徑去設限嗎？那同樣的，一些嬰兒自小就在父母安排下受洗的，是否也有人說是不合理、有違人權與宗教自由，要立法去限制18歲以下都不得受洗皈依呢？

在這個講求自由民主的「法制」國家就是這樣無奇不有的啦，法律沒有闡明你可做的事，有人可以走立法程序去限制／規定你不可以做，所以你永遠無法猜透那些滿腦子奇想的人，下一步又要搞什麼動作。

藝動的心

曾幾何時，很喜歡走出去參加不同的社區活動，感受一下所謂的「美國人的生活」。後來，可能是忙碌的工作，又或者其他的原因，這種響往的休閒活動，已經從自己的生活中漸漸隱形。

前兩天從網上得知今晚是帕沙迪納一年一度的「文藝之夜」（Art Night），就決定「一定要參加」。

帕沙迪納是洛杉磯縣內第三大的城市，擁有超過百年的歷史，市裡不但有許多古蹟，更有大小不一的文化藝術博物館、畫廊。這個文藝之夜包括了市內的12文藝景點，當中有博物館、藝術學校、公共場合等，有些緊鄰左右，有些則位在數哩之外，當晚6-10點全面免費開放讓大家參觀。為了方便民眾在這些景點遊走，市府更是貼心地準備了區間車，分別有4條路線，民眾可以按自己喜愛的景點，搭乘相關的區間車。此外，在其中一些景點還有各式音樂會演奏。

短短4個小時是不可能遊走所有12個景點的。我選擇從市政大樓出發，往東走到鄰近的亞太博物館，再到隔壁的帕市加州藝術館。一般時間這兩個館的入門票分別為9美元和7美元。雖然只是走馬看花，但是驚覺這種小型的博物館也有很不錯的館藏及展覽品，就像是吃小點心一樣，一次一口，也是挺容易讓人感到滿足的。

接著決定往西走，雖然不是太遠的距離，但是要走路的話也蠻費時的，所以就善於利用大會安排的區間車，往Armory Center for the Arts出發。這是一個非營利組織，他們為小孩提供相關的藝術培訓課程，裡面展出的都是學生的作品。

前接走到One Colorado，這是帕市老城區裡一個露天式的購物商區，還有一些餐館和電影院。這裡有個小小的中央廣場，不同的季節有不同的活動，像是冬天會有一棵聖誕，夏天則有電影之夜、仲夏音樂會等。當天晚上這裡的舞台是呈現爵士樂，如果不是趕時間的話，還真的可以好好坐下來欣賞他們的表演。

在返回市政大樓之前，在一個戶外的展示區Side Street Projects略停了一會兒，這裡展示的作品都「很大件」，將老舊的校車或廂型車改裝成藝術的天堂，不得不佩服這些藝術家的創作天份。

短短幾個小時的行程雖然匆忙，但是心裡相當滿足，找到了那一顆「藝」動的心。

Summer vacation, plan and save!

South Street, Philadelphia, PA

Still in the process of planning for summer vacation? Well, not too late if you act now. Following some good tips from the experts can save you some money!

1. head to the hills - ski resorts are cheaper during summer, you can go for hiking, mountain biking or other summer activities
2. Caribbean islands - while it's the hurricane season, some of the islands are outside the danger zone
3. book a package - in some cases, it's cheaper than booking everything separately
4. try the Gulf - a year after the oil spill crisis, local hotel rates are still lower than they have been
5. stay close - rail trips can be affordable when gas price is skyrocketing 
6. go to town - other then the major cities, visiting small towns can be interesting and more affordable 
7. be flexible - flexible means you can save more

full story

沙哈拉的夕陽

沙哈拉的首頁，以黑白為主題，感謝大家一路以來支持

經不起金融風暴的吹襲，沙哈拉暗然地永遠深埋在沙漠中。

艷陽下的沙哈拉，誰又想
到下一刻它已走到了夕陽

位於拉斯維加斯The Strip北邊的沙哈拉賭場酒店，在營業59年之後，因為經不起經濟蕭條，於昨天（5月 16日）落幕了。這個曾經風光一時、以摩洛哥為主題的賭場，一度是貓王和披頭四出沒的地方，誰也沒想到這麼快就金融海風暴給席捲埋沒了。

當然，我對這個沙哈拉的認識，乃至情節，幾乎等於零。今年3月和友人去賭城時，沙哈拉要結束營業的消息才傳出來，那時本想去走一趟，看看沒落的沙哈拉最後一面。後來因為趕時間，最終沒有前往。

沒想到事隔才一個多月，上周就因為有大馬友人來訪，充當地陪導遊兼司機的我，又來到了賭城。這一次下榻的Stratosphere賭場酒店與沙哈拉靠得很近，可是我卻是完全沒有一回事，忘了這家即將走入歷史的賭場。

人煙稀少的沙哈拉賭場

走到沙哈拉，完全是巧合。那天早上友人參加大峽谷一日遊，我就在賭場展開自由行，原想不要開車出門，便走到沙哈拉後面的輕鐵站，準備搭乘輕鐵到The Strip的南邊。我以為那是賭場提供的免費捷運系統，沒想到竟然一趟車資要價5美元（日票12美元），想想還蠻心痛的，就下定決心不搭了。

往回走之時，就順著走道的指示，進入了沙哈拉賭場。距離關門大吉一個禮拜，又適逢周間的午後，賭場內的人煙少得可憐。我隨便逛了一下，就回到下榻酒店去取車了。如果當時記得這樣賭場要消失了，我一定會多留一會兒，至少多拍一些照片。沒想到僅有的幾張照片，成了沙哈拉的「遺照」。

以後再也看不到這個牌子嚕

翻看主流媒體的一些報導，覺得蠻有趣的，當中涉及到許多的人與事，傷感的賭客、失業的員工，還有那一去不復返的種種樂趣…我想不久的將來，這塊土地上會建起另一家賭場酒店，而大家也只能從照片中緬懷沙哈拉。

安息吧~

洛杉磯時報
拉斯維加斯太陽報
今日線上
路透社
賭城周報

10 Dying Industries

web photo

While the US economy is headed further into recovery, not every industry is performing well. According to an IBISWorld's study, about 200 industries are in their decline phase over the last decade, and the top 10 are:

1. apparel manufacturing  -77.1%
2. record stores  -76.3%
3. manufactured home dealers  -73.7%
4. photofinishing  -69.1%
5. wired telecommunications carriers  -54.9%
6. mills  -50.2%
7. newspaper publishing  -35.9%
8. dvd, game & video rental  -35.7%
9. formal wear and costume rental  -35%
10. video postproduction services  -24.9%

Social media safety tips

photo source

Who doesn't use social media nowadays? OK, my parents don't. But hey, I'm talking about 'us,' if you're reading this, I'm sure you use some sort of social media, facebook, twitter, msn, blog just to name a few. Social media has become part of our lives, a very important part of our lives, when it is that important, we all should pay attention to the privacy and safety measures. Here are a few tips as suggested by experts:

1. take advantage of privacy settings, encourage your friends to do the same
2. don't announce your vacation plans
3. do accept friend request with caution
4. don't include too much identifying information
5. do ask questions before clicking a link
6. don't automatically trust everyone

full story

Know before you go - different greeting customs

photo by Kiva Dang

When meeting associates in the U.S., a firm handshake is preferred, but when traveling abroad, it's a different story. Here are a few ways you might be greeted by others when doing business abroad:

China
While the western handshake is accepted, it is performed with a lighter grip and a pumping motion. Chinese also lower their eyes slightly as a sign of respect when meeting someone. Staring into their eyes can be perceived as a sign of disrespect.

Japan
Both handshaking and bowing are accepted forms of greeting in international business circles, so take your lead from the person you are meeting. If shaking hands, do so lightly. If you are greeted with a bow, respond by bowing in kind.

Russia
Russians usually use a firm (sometimes very firm) handshake when meeting a guest. If you've met the person before don't be surprised if the greeting includes a hug. Russian men customarily kiss their guest's cheeks (men and women alike) while women reserve such intimacies for other Russians and simply shake hands with foreigners.

France
Shake hands with one brisk stroke upon arrival and departure and make sure to shake hands with everyone.
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Latin America
Latin Americans use a light, lingering handshake (about twice as long as an American handshake) and pulling away too soon is interpreted as rejection. A man may offer his hand to a woman, and he may "kiss" the top of a woman's hand.

Europeans
While their handshake is the western style, eastern and western Europeans re-shake hands whenever they are apart for a period of time. For example, it is considered polite to shake hands when you leave for lunch and when you return.

Arab countries
Male friends may embrace and kiss each other on both cheeks following a light and lingering handshake. They also stand very close to one another when talking. If you are a non-Arab woman traveling to an Arab country, let the man offer his hand first because some Muslim men do not shake hands with women. Many Arab business women who often travel to Western countries shake hands with men and women. Let her offer her hand first.

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Calling for eligible AAPIs to become a citizen

APALC & elected officials urging
eligible AAPIs to apply for citizenship.

Are you one of the 800,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who are eligible but have yet apply for your citizenship? Well you should think about it and join Asian Pacific American Legal Center's (APALC) free citizenship workshop next Saturday (3/26), and learn more about the application process.

Joined by Congresswoman Judy Chu and Assemblyman Mike Eng, APALC announced today the launch of an ambitious statewide campaign to encourage AAPI in California to become US citizens (press release). According to APALC executive director Steward Kwoh, there are more than 800,000 AAPIs who can become a citizen in California, nationwide the number is even higher, about 2.9 million people!

"In LA alone, 245,000 AAPIs are eligible and many of them are right here in the San Gabriel Valley," Eng said. "We want to help answer their questions and help them to become new US citizens."

Why should you become a citizen? "Naturalization is a key entry point into full civic and political participation," Chu said. It is also important for citizens to register as voter, especially when California begins the "open primary" (also known as Top Two primary) voting system next year.

Besides that, as a US citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, parents, children (regardless of their marital status and age) and siblings to obtain their legal status here in the US. As oppose to as a green card holder, you can only sponsor your spouse and unmarried children.

Who is eligible for citizenship? According to Mark Yoshida, APALC's staff attorney, in order to naturalize, an individual must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be a permanent resident (green card holder)
• have continuously resided in the US for at least 5 years as a permanent resident
• have been physically present in the US for at least 2.5 years
• demonstrate good moral character
• have a basic understanding of US government and history
• be able to understand, speak, read and writer basic English (exceptions: at least 55 years old and have been a green card holder for at least 15 years; at least 50 years old and have been a green card holder for at least 20 years; have a disability that prevents you from learning English)

Citizenship 101 video

The no-cost citizenship workshop series kicks off next Saturday (3/26) at the Rosemead Community Center at 3936 Muscate Ave., Rosemead (map) from 10am-4pm. 

The free services include

• checking your eligibility for citizenship
• completing your citizenshiop application
• filing your application with USCIS
• helping you prepare for your interview

Be sure to

• make an appointment (calling 213-977-7500)
• bring 2 passport-style photos
• bring the $680 USCIS filing/fingerprint fee ($959 if 75 or older)

Future workshops will be held in Sacramento (April), Orange County (June), San Jose (September), Fresno (October) and San Francisco Bay area (November) co-host by APALC and its partner agencies.  

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你是符合資格但卻又未申請歸化為美國公民者嗎？亞太法律中心與國會議員趙美心、加州眾議員伍國慶18日敦促加州80萬名符合資格的亞太裔民眾，盡早申請入籍美國，以享有公民的權益和福利。

據了解，全美有290萬符合資格卻未申請入籍的亞太裔人士，而在洛杉磯縣則有約24.5萬人。為了協助這些符合資格者早日完成「美國夢」、成為美國公民，亞太法律中心與其合作夥伴組織，今年裡在加州六個城市舉行免費公民入籍班，其中第一場將在下周六(3/26)上午十時至下午四時於柔似蜜社區中心（地址3936 Muscate Ave.,）舉行。

趙美心表示，取得公民權能享有公民的福利，其中包括投票權。此外，公民也可以申請配偶、父母、子女及兄弟姐妹來美合法定居，相對的，綠卡持有人只能申請配偶及未婚子女。

針對一些華裔擔心一旦入籍後會被抽中作陪審員，伍國慶指出，據他了解當局是按照車管局的檔案去召募人選，而不是公民或選民登記表。

哪些人符合資格申請入籍？

• 屆滿18歲
• 擁有合法永久居留證（持有綠卡）
• 綠卡持有人必須在美國連續居住至少5年（或在美國連續居住滿3年，並且和一位美國公民結婚至少3年；或在美國連續住滿3年，並且是以家庭暴力倖存者身份拿到綠卡）
• 過去5年裡在美國實際居住時間滿2年半（或是與美國公民結婚=力並且在過去3年裡有至少1年半實際居住在美國）
• 具有良好的品德
• 可以說、讀、寫簡單的英語（除非：年滿55歲，並持有綠卡至少15年；年滿50歲，並持有綠卡至少20年；擁有令你無法學習英語的殘疾狀況）
• 了解關於美國政府和歷史的基本知識（除非擁有令你無法學習這方面知識的殘疾狀況）

免費公民入籍班提供的服務包括

• 確認你的入籍資格
• 填寫你的入籍申請表
• 向美國公民及移民服務局遞交你的申請
• 幫助你準備面試

有意參加者請務必

• 打電話預約（213-977-7500）
• 準備2張護照證件照
• 準備$680入籍申請費／採指紋費（年滿75歲只需$595）

Stay healthy when you travel

I'm not sure this is allergy or common cold, or worst, seasonal flu. I'm coughing and dealing with stuffy nose these days, it is not fun at all. It is hard to fight the jet lag and develop strong immune system to fight these gems at the same time. I think it will be days before I can fully recover, hopefully before the weekend, as I'll be out of town!

Staying healthy while traveling is very important. Here are some of the tips to avoid bacteria and viruses that could make you sick!

• be wary of the airplane lavatory
• sanitize your seat on a plane
• protect yourself from sick passengers
• avoid airline pillows and blankets
• don't go barefoot at security checkpoints
• beware touching the TV remote, alarm clock and ice bucket in hotel rooms

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Safety to Sexy, what's your favorite of all time?

How many of you actually pay attention to the safety video prior to the take off? I guess not many. At least I don't, UNLESS the video is very attractive, in a creative way.

My most recent flight was with Cathay Pacific, while the safety is not extraordinary, the animation-graphic style of presentation was not too bad. If I was to choose my all time top 3 favorites, I would pick:

#3 - Virgin America

#2 - Air New Zealand

#1 - Thomson Airways

I like Virgin America's animation-style, it looks attractive (and love the sense of humor too), you want to know what's happening next (well, you probably already knew what's included in a safety video any way) and pay attention to the video instead of reading a book/magazine (mobile device better be switch off by now).

Who could forget Air New Zealand's body-painting "bare essentials of safety" video? This is the most watched safety video on YouTube. And as my top favorite video, the young kids in Thomson's video are just TOO cute!

Here's the link to more safety videos, from the 80s to most recent's. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

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時尚永遠不會被人們遺棄，健康當然更不會，在您為自己精心選擇、裝扮溫馨的家中，健康細節一定不要忽視，否則真就變成“看上去很美了!”請一定留意以下18個健康細節!

1、衛生間太潮易得病
潮濕的衛生間容易使真菌滋生、繁殖，誘發呼吸道疾病。所以，濕墩布應晾乾後再放入衛生間；保持下水道的暢通；勤開排氣扇。

2、巧除家中異味
下水道口灑點山藥水，花盆中摻一些鮮橘皮，壁櫥、抽屜內放一包曬乾的茶葉渣，炒菜鍋中放少許食醋，加熱蒸發，都能去除異味。

3、屋裏花多眼睛累
室內擺放植物要少而精。太多會破壞環境的整體感，不僅難以起到調節心情的作用，還會造成視覺疲勞。

4、選對窗簾睡個好覺
植絨面料的窗簾較為厚重，吸音、遮光效果好；選用紅、黑配合的窗簾，有助於儘快入眠。

5、淋浴房，全鋼化玻璃最安全
使用半鋼化玻璃或熱彎玻璃，在冬天用熱水或是夏天用冷水時，有可能爆裂，鋼化玻璃的安全性則較高。

6、家用瓷磚，太亮傷眼
白色、金屬色瓷磚反光較強，可能導致近視和白內障，不適合大面積使用。裝修時，最好選擇亞光磚。

7、把陽臺當廚房， 危險
把灶具放到陽臺，冬季容易凍裂管線，引發安全事故；春夏多風季節，容易把火吹滅，造成燃氣洩漏。

8、買傢俱，樣品最環保
傢俱樣品在空氣中置放時間較長，甲醛、苯等有害物質釋放比較徹底；樣品多使用真材實料，有些廠家還會進行除醛處理。

9、裝飾房間，少用油畫
油畫顏料中含有一定量的可溶銻、砷、鋇、鉛、汞、硒等元素，如果被人體過量攝入，會危害健康。

10、床墊別老睡一面
床墊老睡一面容易導致彈簧變形、床墊凹陷，新床墊最好隔2—3個月調換一下正反面和擺放方向。

11、馬桶刷，半年一換
馬桶刷用久了刷毛會脫落，容易藏汙納垢，最好半年一換。如果放在不透風的容器裏，也容易滋生細菌。

12、寵物毛髮，用茶葉末掃
將喝剩的茶葉末瀝幹，灑在地上，再用掃帚打掃，很容易卷走寵物的毛髮，但最好用沖泡多次的茶葉。

13、有抽油煙機也要開窗
抽油煙機雖然能抽走油煙，但並不能抽走燃氣燃燒時產生的廢氣，這種氣體對人體的危害更大。

14、傢俱長蟲，塗點花椒末
遭蟲蛀的木傢俱，可將尖辣椒或花椒搗成末，塞入蟲蛀孔，然後塗抹石蠟油，連續10天即可除蟲。

15、選地漏，不銹鋼的好
鑄鐵、鑄銅地漏表面粗糙、易生銹，且排水量小、流速慢；PVC地漏抗老化性能差，遇冷遇熱容易變形。

16、壁紙，只貼一面牆
壁紙本身及膠黏劑會釋放揮發性有機化合物，所以，不妨只用來裝飾電視牆、主題牆等視覺點。

17、出汗多，用竹炭床墊
竹炭的多孔結構，使床墊可以吸附皮膚排出的二氧化碳、氨及高濕的汗氣，保持睡眠時身體舒爽。

18、房間顏色也能治病
橙色可以誘發食欲，靛藍色有助於減輕患者手術後的疼痛，紫色可以安神、消除緊張情緒。

Travel 2011: cut the cost, add the fun!

Yup, you can travel for a bargain price and have the same, even more fun! How? Here are the tricks:

1. Shop "private sales" - visit websites like SniqueAway.com, TabletHotels.com, Jetsetter.com and get 20-60% off hotel packages. Other websites such as TripAlertz.com, LivingSocial.com also have wonderful deals.
2. Buy on Tuesday - most airlines begin sales on Monday evenings and by the following day other airlines have usually matched the lowered fares on the same routes.
3. Search for coupon codes - websites like PromotionalCodes.com, CouponWinner.com organize such codes into categories so that you can search specifically for airline, car rental or hotel deals.
4. Ask for a refund - many airlines will refund the difference in price if the fare drops after you purchase a ticket (minus a change fee). Yapta.com helps get you that refund by tracking the price of your tickets and sending you an email to tweet when the price drops. Autoslash.com offers similar service for car rentals.
5. Avoid roaming charges - Skype and Truphone offer free apps for making cheap international calls using wifi, with rates that start at pennies per minute.
6. Change your credit card - most American banks charge currency conversion fees, typically up to 3% when you use your credit or debit card outside the US. Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees.
7. Save on parking your car - Bestparking.com steers drivers toward the cheapest parking at off-airport lots near 79 North America airports.
8. Wait a week - avoid the crowds and save by traveling the week after a major holiday.
9. Negotiate - though many hotels say that they offer their best rates online, it pays to ask the front desk for a lower rate.
10. Travel like a student - student travel agencies like STA Travel, StudentCity and StudentUniverse have begun to extend their low prices to non-students and older travelers.
11. Don't pay to check a bag - checking bags can quickly add up, with airlines charging between $15-$35 a bag.

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Gifts Return

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How was your Christmas holiday? How was the gift exchanging in particular? I hope you get what your like, or not. Well, if you're planning to return some of the items, you're not alone. It was reported nearly 20% of Americans return at least one gift and the total value of return gifts is estimated about $43.82 billion, a $1 billion up from last year!

If you haven't hit the store to return your items, here are some advices from the expert:

1. be careful with electronic items, do not open the packaging.
2. make sure you've the receipt or gift receipt.
3. check if you can return items you bought online to its local retail stores.
4. if return envelope is provided, doesn't mean it's free, they might deduct the shipping fee from your return items' fee.
5. be prepared if merchants asked for your ID when you return items.

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2011 - New career opportunities for medical interpreters

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The demand for medical interpreters is expected to increase even more when new standards go into effect on January 1, 2011 requiring healthcare organizations to provide an interpreter to patients who speak limited English.

Federal laws have been on the books for years requiring medical institutions to provide interpreters to non-native speakers, but there has been little enforcement of the provisions until recently. Now the Joint Commission, which accredits and certifies more than 18,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, is establishing new standards effective in January requiring hospitals to provide language interpreting and translation services.

The new provisions are expected to further fuel the demand for medical interpreters, which were already in short supply. Even before the new standards were introduced, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted jobs for interpreters and translators would grow by 22 percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all other occupations. Meanwhile a nationwide survey of 4,700 doctors, conducted by the nonprofit Center for Studying Health System Change, found that only 55.8 percent of practices with non-English speaking patients provide interpreting services, and 40 percent offer patient-education materials in languages other than English.

Medicaid currently reimburses the medical provider for the services of an interpreter. Depending on the state, a medical interpreter can make $25 to $50 an hour. In the private sector, they can command upwards of $100 an hour.
In order to be effective, medical interpreters must not only be fluent in a second language but also know a great deal of medical terminology, have good memory recall, understand ethics and cultural sensitivities, and be accurate and precise in interpreting and translating medical information. They also cannot omit or filter information exchanged between a doctor and a patient.

Beginning in 2011, Wake Forest University will offer a new MA in Interpreting and Translation Studies with three tracks, including the Intercultural Services in Healthcare option -- the first such specialization in the United States -- which prepares graduates for managerial careers in areas of culture-sensitive healthcare delivery. Another track, Teaching of Interpreting, will be the only one in the Northern hemisphere educating faculty for college-level interpreting programs.

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Informative Health Blogs

photo by keefedisabilitylaw

When you have health concern, the best way to get those questions answered is ask your doctor. At the meantime, you can check out these blogs, named as the '10 best health blogs,' to get some useful information.

1. Medgadget
2. Mind of the News
3. Former Fat Guy Weight Loss Blog
4. Beauty Crazed
5. Green Your World
6. Diabetes Daily
7. I'm Too Young For This!
8. The Health Care Blog
9. The Medicine Hunter
10. The Svelte Gourmet

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Holiday Travel Tips

photo by Ziggit

It‘s that time of the year again, are you traveling for the up coming Christmas-New Year week-long holiday? If yes, here are some useful tips from the experts:

1. be flexible with your travel dates, it helps to avoid the holiday surcharges on peak dates.
2. identify smaller airports near the major ones.
3. know which airlines are most and least likely to bump you. Good review for JetBlue and Hawaiian, bad for American Eagle, US Airways and Continental. It's better if you could snag a seat assignment early, check in online and enroll in the airline's frequent flier program.
4. know which airlines commonly offer refunds when your airfare drops before the holidays. Good review for Virgin America, Alaska, JetBlue and Frontier.
5. don't get jacked by your credit card company if you're flying overseas, some charge a 3% international transaction fee.
6. know which airlines are offering free Wi-Fi during holidays.
7. get a few workouts in before taking off for the holidays, even walking briskly for 30 minutes a day.
8. arrive at the airport in time for the flight that leaves before the one you're booked on.
9. know ahead of time how early your airline is checking passengers in.
10. know how to safeguard your bags at the airport.
11. when going through airport x-ray belt, shoes and belt go first, next is your carry-on bag, then the laptop bag followed by the 3-1-1 toiletry bag. Put a label with first initial, last name and phone number on the bottom of your laptop.
12. stow snow globes in your checked bag.
13. feel free to bring pies and cakes through airport security this holiday season.
14. if you have kids,prepare them for the possibility that they may be patted down, assuring them that they will not be separated from you.
15. help yourself avoid a pat-down by not wearing jewelry, belts or anything with metal.
16. remove any body piercings before heading through security.
17. if you're picked for a pat-down or body scan, don't leave your valuables on the x-ray belt, the agent should allow you to either retrieve your belongings or retrieve them for you.
18. thwart carry-on thieves on board the plane by shoving your luggage in the compartment over the person's head across from you.
19. download white noise or sleep-stream apps onto your iPhone.
20. pamper yourself in flight by placing a small pillow or its equivalent behind your lower back for support.
21. don't succumb to wrap rage when opening gifts.
22. if you're not going home for the holidays, seek out deals.
23. save money on a holiday getaway by considering the type of trip you want rather than thinking about a specific destination or property. 
24. ski the week before Christmas and save.
25. adjust your attitude for holiday travel and keep things in perspective.

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