Only winners get heroes' homecomings Aug 11, 2008
Three dudes got medals, and the rest of them got nothing but a free trip to a country with bad air, no freedom of speech and a relatively low minimum wage. For the first time since watching the Buffalo Bills lose four consecutive Super Bowls, I was reminded that no, sometimes your best is not good enough; sometimes you can't do everything you put your mind to. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Women's Kiss Simplifies Our Olympic Heroes Pick: Scott Soshnick Aug 11, 2008
There were a range of topics to choose from, from bad air and human rights to Darfur and Tibet. Political Talk. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
VALLEY'S TOP 10: Ways the Valley can help China clean its air for the Olympics: Aug 10, 2008
Let Alan Autry tell Olympic athletes that activist judges have phonied up the case for Bejiing's bad air. 4. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Worst Olympic Heat, Humidity Since '96 Brings Bad Air to Athletes at Games Aug 10, 2008
Worst Olympic Heat Since '96 Brings Bad Air to Games (Update2). By Li Yanping and Erik Matuszewski. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Schultz's column Aug 10, 2008
Concerned about bad air quality in the world. Hell, do your part. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Spaniard outlasts field, wet weather for cycling medal Aug 9, 2008
" Zabriskie, among the favorites to win a time trial medal, added that special air cleaning machines installed by the U.S. Olympic Committee in athletes' room in the Olympic Village made coping with the bad air much easier. "The effects of heat are immediate," he said, "but the after-effects of the smog don't appear until you go home. " Posted Updated | | | To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to . Include... (USA Today -- Sports)
Next stop Beijing, China for Glendale paralympian Aug 8, 2008
With the talk of human rights violations and bad air quality, Hightower just wants to do his thing. Im just kind of looking forward to racing and doing my best, Hightower said. (Glendale Star, AZ)
Smog fears are all hot air Aug 8, 2008
Many in the American team have taken to wearing those awful air filter masks, and complaints have littered the Olympic environment over the buildup to the Games from concerned athletes worried about the damage being done by this bad air. Even the New Zealand swim team have been issued masks, but being the good Kiwis they are have been far too embarrassed to don them thus far. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
U.S. cyclists apologize for wearing masks at airport Aug 7, 2008
Just An Observer wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:28 PM:If anyone should apologize for the bad air, the bad human rights record and the broken promises it's China. Name. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
TRUE COLORS: By revoking visa, China is own worst enemy Aug 7, 2008
By revoking Cheek's visa, China is once again its own worst enemy - S.L. Price - SI.com. Posted: Wednesday August 6, 2008 12:32PM; Updated: Wednesday August 6, 2008 3:46PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Air Quality a Challenge for U.S. Athletes in China Aug 6, 2008
"I have bad allergies, so I started to cough because of the bad air out there," Erinn Smart, a U.S. fencer, told The New York Times on Monday. Despite Olympic organizers' promise that there would be blue skies for the Games, thick smog was rampant Monday, and the United States issued special masks to its athletes ahead of their trip to China, The Times reported. (Fox News)
Olympics: Games of a lifetime Aug 6, 2008
" Bad air - winds from the south tend to carry industrial pollutants - can negate some of the incredible effort the Chinese have put forth. Pollution can have an especially deleterious effect on endurance events and athletes - like in the decathlon - who compete over long periods of time. "We were advised not to exercise while we were there," Charlie Culpepper says. "I never felt energized. "Hospitality But for all that, Culpepper says, "They do whatever they can to impress foreigners. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Post a comment Aug 6, 2008
As a chinese I can feel the difference between now and years ago of beijing, I know most of you are worring about the pollution issues, you think athletes will be hurt by the bad air, but based on the data announced by IOC and our government, the air will do no harm to the healthy of our guests. the whole nations is trying our best to made the comming game the best we have ever had. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Torch finally heads for Bejing Aug 5, 2008
Many athletes have delayed their arrival to the last minute due to health fears over the bad air. Two-time Olympic discus champion Virgilijus Alekna had a different type of contamination on his mind though. (India Times)
Celizic: China vs. U.S., Phelps are top stories to watch Aug 5, 2008
Still, the smog hunkers over the city, which is situated in a kind of geological bowl that collects bad air. At night, government meteorologists have been seeding the clouds, hoping to wring rain out of them to wash the atmosphere clean. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Beijing Olympics security: Theater of the absurd Aug 5, 2008
Although public critics like Yu are still only a tiny and mostly unheard minority in China, they are like the birds that coal miners used to carry with them to test for bad air down the pit. Despite the hype from Chinese authorities and the IOC that the games will help make for a more progressive China, more at ease in the world, the harassment of activists campaigning for better human rights and peaceful political change shows there's still a long way to go. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Track and field notebook Salazar says his 3 runners Aug 5, 2008
The Chinese government has taken steps to clear Beijing's notoriously bad air, but it is uncertain how much effect those actions will have on endurance athletes competing at the Olympics. Shalane Flanagan, who has arrived in Dalian and will run in the same events as Goucher, told The Associated Press that air pollution will not stop her. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Brian CazeneuveINSIDE OLYMPICS Aug 5, 2008
A man who could have been 100 stood in a garden near a branch of Starbucks, leading a large group in traditional exercise and deep breathing, even with the bad air. Some searched for their morning chi; others opted for morning chai. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Umbrellas, Not Phelps, Should Be Olympic Legacy Aug 5, 2008
There's no wall great enough to hide bad air, which is a major topic of conversation among athletes. If I was running a marathon, I'd be a little bit worried,'' Australian beach volleyball player Andrew Schacht said. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Beijing's bad air days to end Aug 4, 2008
This is in response to statements from athletes and sports officials from western nations who have complained that bad air quality will hamper performance of athletes not accustomed to polluted air. But a senior Chinese official, Zhang Qiang, on Sunday tried to play down the rain causing operations. (India Times, India)
Beijing enjoys clear day but haze edges up Aug 3, 2008
But fetid haze could return, and many of the more than 10,000 athletes are still delaying their arrival for the August 8-24 Games until the last minute to avoid bad air. The glaring sunlight may also increase ozone levels, a pollutant not measured by the city's official air quality index. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Beijing clouds clear, but smog worries remain Aug 3, 2008
Many athletes yet to arrive because of concerns about breathing bad air ... Many of the more than 10,000 athletes are, however, delaying arrival for the August 8-24 games until the last minute to avoid bad air. (MSNBC -- News)
China allows Tiananmen music, warns protesters Aug 3, 2008
3 million cars off the road and closing down factories, have helped clear the city's notoriously bad air. Many health-conscious athletes, however, are waiting until the last minute before coming. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Beijing bathes in sunshine days before Games Aug 2, 2008
Many of the more than 10,000 athletes, however, were still delaying their arrival for the Aug 8-24 games until the last minute to avoid bad air. Another cloud Chinese authorities appeared to be dispelling over the weekend was the international outrage over blocking access to some Internet sites for the visiting media. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
All choked up over a dusty issue Aug 1, 2008
The doctor told me that it was because of the dust and bad air and gave me antiobiotics and the cough has gone now. Now, when I go out, I will use a dust mask and it helps prevent my cough. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Olympics Dirty Laundry Makes Cynicism Too Easy: Scott Soshnick Aug 1, 2008
Forget for a minute anything negative you might have heard about things like bad air, algae, locusts, terrorism, Tibet, Darfur, freedom of the press and human rights, or lack thereof. Let's just stick with the athletes and their accomplishments for now. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
The filthy air conundrum Jul 31, 2008
Beijing has a reputation for bad air pollution and if the national stadium is shrouded in smog on the first day of the games, the embarrassment will be palpable. Driving through the city is restricted to cars with even or odd number plates on alternating days. (BBC News -- UK)
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar, Just Not at Olympics Jul 31, 2008
Ten days before the Beijing Games, the focus is on other issues, such as China's bad air. The term ``Genocide Olympics'' lost traction after the devastating May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Exposure To Bad Air Raises Blood Pressure, Study Shows Jul 30, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 29, 2008) The air people breathe while walking in the park, working in the garden or shopping downtown may be unhealthy enough to seriously spike their blood pressure, a new study suggests. Cardiovascular researchers at The Ohio State University Medical Center are the first to report a direct link between air pollution and its impact on high blood pressure, or hypertension. (Science Daily)
Beijing says "sauna" haze will not last over Games Jul 29, 2008
Many athletes have delayed arriving in Beijing until the last minute to avoid bad air, and the International Olympic Committee said it may reschedule endurance events such as the marathon to prevent health risks to athletes if pollution is bad. City pollution monitors said air quality on Monday was Grade II, making it officially a "blue sky day" despite the grey haze, with the main pollutant being particulate matter. (International Herald Tribune)
Beijing Shrouded in Haze 11 Days Before Olympics Jul 29, 2008
Many athletes have delayed arriving in Beijing until the last minute to avoid bad air and the International Olympic Committee said it may reschedule endurance events to prevent health risks to athletes if pollution is bad. Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie has already pulled out of the marathon over fears of damaging his health. (Planet Ark, United States)
Making a splash on a lazy, hazy day Jul 27, 2008
Bad air made a reappearance Friday in Yuba-Sutter. The Feather River Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory Friday through today. (Appeal-Democrat)
More bad air in forecast Jul 22, 2008
Expect another hazy day with bad air ... The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is tracking the same bad air mass across the Southeast, from Louisiana to Georgia, said Michael Chang, an atmospheric scientist at Georgia Tech ... Bill Murphey, chief meteorologist for the state Environmental Protection Division, said the most likely source of the bad air is us. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Heart Problems May Get Worse In Beijing Jul 22, 2008
Olympic Site's Bad Air Can Thicken Blood. POSTED: 8:23 am MDT July 22, 2008. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Outlook For Air Quality In Beijing For Olympics Is Borderline Jul 18, 2008
"Since it's controlled by the weather, it will be a matter of luck whether the bad air periods correspond with days of outdoor Olympic events.". Locally generated pollutants in Beijing consist primarily of organic matter from transportation, factories and cooking, while regional sources of pollution include ammonium sulfates and ammonium nitrates from coal-burning power plants, industry and transportation sources, which are easily transported long distances in the atmosphere, according to Rahn. (Science Daily)
EPA issues dire new warning on health effects of climate change Jul 18, 2008
Arizona and the West sit at a critical crossroads, their growing cities increasingly vulnerable to heat, drought, wildfire, bad air and energy shortages. The report was unusually blunt for an agency criticized for its past response to climate change. (AZCentral -- News)
Fishing Report Jul 17, 2008
Dave Jacobs has been fishing the river between Lewiston and Junction City since last week, and hourly and daily breathing the bad air. He's also catching spring-run salmon, not that it makes breathing any easier. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Beijing Readying For Air Pollution D-Day Jul 16, 2008
China is taking draconian steps to limit Beijing's notoriously bad air pollution for the approaching Olympic Games. But as Barry Petersen reports, officials and Olympians can only hope for so much. (CBS News)
We need a balance between freedom and safety Jul 16, 2008
"Bad air day" is part of my 4-year-old's vocabulary. Our air quality is in a very bad state. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Beijing unveils new traffic curbs Jul 15, 2008
This measure is also aimed at cutting the city's notoriously bad air pollution during the Olympics and Paralympics. There are other temporary restrictions to clean up the air. (BBC News)
High mosquito numbers found in Yolo County, California Jul 14, 2008
Although no West Nile virus activity has been registered in the county, the District would like to remind the public to remain indoors while bad air quality persists and take proper precautions against mosquitoes, officials added. "If residents are going to be out during dawn and dusk when there's high mosquito activity, it's important they wear long sleeves and pants or put on an effective repellent to avoid being bitten" said Brown. (Xinhuanet, China)
Bill to increase vehicle fees is fair way to share cost of cleaning air Jul 13, 2008
We're responsible for our bad air ... It costs us all more than $3 billion a year in added health costs due to bad air ... No part of the economy or the community is blameless when it comes to our bad air, and no part should be excused from bearing a share of the cost. (Fresno Bee)
Smoke, high heat expected all week Jul 8, 2008
Weatherman says temperatures above 105, bad air in mix. July 08, 2008 12:24:00 AM. (Appeal-Democrat)
Olympians Face Circulation Woes in Beijing's Bad Air - Experts Jul 7, 2008
Recent studies say that the bad air could pose problems for competitors, especially those with asthma, said experts at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma ology (AAAAI). The ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and other pollutants in Beijing's hazy air are asthmagenic, meaning exposure can inflame the airways of sensitive people and even cause an asthma attack. (Planet Ark, United States)
Ten in family escape post-Fourth Calwa fire Jul 6, 2008
Call: (800) 877-3400. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Healthy Air program moving into the valley Jul 5, 2008
Instead of just reacting to bad air days, the new program urges people to do things year-round to clean the air. The program kicks off Sunday with Healthy Air Living Week in the San Joaquin Valley air basin, with activities planned from Stockton to Bakersfield to showcase what people can do to reduce air pollution. (Modesto Bee, CA)
North Dakota helicopter headed to help in California wildfires Jul 4, 2008
We've been breathing bad air for some time. " Post Your Own Comment Posting comments online has become a vital part of the Tribune experience. It allows for vigorous debate of stories and issues. However, comments must adhere to some basic principles of public conversations. To that end, comments will not be posted that contain potential libel and slander, personal insults and name calling or profanity. Posts must be issue orientated and civil. All online comments are limited to 350 words total.... (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Selected recent California newspaper editorials Jul 3, 2008
Valley ozone fighters have launched a new offensive against bad air, and the struggle could be coming to your doorstep. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which launched its new Healthy Air Living campaign a few months ago, begins pitching the program in earnest this summer. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Bill Seeks to Curb Polluting Mexican Trucks Jul 3, 2008
The Supreme Court ruling this month sided with Bush and threw out a lower court order that had blocked the trucks from entering the country on grounds that they would worsen pollution in areas of the Southwest that already suffer from bad air quality. More than 4 million trucks enter the United States from Mexico every year, but they are now required to stay within 20 miles of the border. (Yahoo News -- Transportation Issues)
Rethink those fireworks plans Jul 1, 2008
There are good reasons not to shoot off fireworks at home this Fourth of July -- and bad air and fire danger are only two of them. Fireworks hurt people every year. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Smoky, unhealthy air could return to valley by weekend Jul 1, 2008
Ferreria said the bad air last week was a cumulative effect of the wildfires, light winds and natural conditions that trapped smoke in the valley. For the time being, the smoke is going elsewhere. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Olympic Pollution, Oil Bubblemania, Give Japan Credit Jul 1, 2008
It's hard to exaggerate the economic implications of China's bad air. For years, multinational companies rushed to to profit from its lax environmental rules and weak protection for workers. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Read more. . Jun 30, 2008
"It also affects some of the air handling systems that are down in the apparatus bags that are designed to bring in heated air, and exhaust bad air," he said. He said part of the problem is multiple vendors have been used over the years to piecemeal the repairs. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
A breath of fresh air is all we ask Jun 29, 2008
The bad air is worse than the cost of gas, which you can absorb simply by not buying salmonella-laden tomatoes, or vice versa ... It's the longest stretch of bad air ratings on record since they began charting the particulate levels in 1999. (Modesto Bee, CA)
A smoky blanket Jun 28, 2008
Most of California has bad air right now, though Southern California is in better shape than most regions. The culprit is smoke from more than 1,000 wildfires burning from the southeast corner of Tulare County nearly to the Oregon border -- including 18 fires having a direct effect on the Valley. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
San Joaquin Valley air advisory: Stay indoors, people Jun 28, 2008
The bad air can damage the lungs of children, trigger asthma attacks, or result in heart attacks and arrhythmia in people with heart problems, health experts say ... Stanislaus County health officials said they have not seen any advisories on the bad air from the state Department of Public Health. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Government Declares Air Unsafe In Some Bay Area Cities Jun 26, 2008
Yet he was among those willing to brave the bad air for some outdoor exercise ... The Air Quality Management District said the East Bay, particularly eastern Contra Costa County, is being hit the hardest by the bad air and they are not predicting when it will clear up. (NBC 11, CA)
Augusta fails new standard on ozone Jun 25, 2008
"We expected that would result in more bad air days than we had before because the standard is stricter," Mr. Musgrove said. The typical ozone season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Blazes, smoke spread in hills Jun 25, 2008
That means more days of smoke settling in the Oakhurst and Ahwahnee areas -- and warnings of bad air. For today, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District forecast predicts an Air Quality Index of 160, or "unhealthy," in Fresno County. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
What the court should say on BCE Jun 25, 2008
Miners once used canaries, woozier than humans in bad air, as oxygen alarms. Martians, seeing mining halt whenever a canary swooned, might think mines run "in canaries' interests." In a sense, they were; but not because canaries are nicer; Canaries are just more sensitive to trouble. (National Post)
Now it's 'Healthy Air Living' Jun 24, 2008
It means continuing to eschew wood fires on bad air days in the winter, being careful about storing paint and other materials that give off smog-forming chemicals, using propane or natural gas for barbecues. It means planning our communities with air quality in mind -- reducing sprawl and making neighborhoods less dependent on vehicles. (Fresno Bee)
More smog expected Jun 24, 2008
Smog red zone also possible Tuesday Bad air expected to continue this week ... State officials expect the region's current spell of bad air to linger through this week. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Mariposa County shrouded in smoke Jun 24, 2008
Smoke from the Mariposa County fires and other California fires drifted into the San Joaquin Valley, leading the region's Air Pollution Control District to issue a "cautionary statement" for people sensitive to bad air. The smoke brought increased levels of particulate matter and ozone pollution to the Valley, said Shawn Ferreria, a senior air quality specialist with the district. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Leading the way to cleaner air Jun 23, 2008
Bad air is a problem easy to see ... Patti Sand believes the bad air over Phoenix contributed to the death two years ago of her 11-year-old grandson, Joseph Chavez. (AZCentral -- News)
Illinois once 'emporium' of malaria Jun 22, 2008
Malaria, or mal-aria, literally means bad air ... It wasnt until much later that researchers learned that the cause of malaria was not bad air, but a parasitic protozoa spread by the anopheles mosquito. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
