A blog by Asher Glaser, sometimes.

My heart goes out to all who are suffering because of these fires. You are close by and in my thoughts and prayers. -A --- The Associated Press, posted July 3, 2008 Hundreds of lightning-sparked wildfires have turned the air of Northern California into an unhealthy stew of smoke and ash, forcing the cancellation of athletic events and other outdoor activities. Health advisories urging residents to stay indoors to limit exposure to the smoky air were issued Saturday from Bakersfield north to Redding, a distance of nearly 725 kilometres. Air pollution readings in the region are two to 10 times the federal standard for clean air, said Dimitri Stanich, spokesman for the California Air Resources Board. Some areas are experiencing the worst air quality on record, with the smoke hanging down to the ground like a fog. Air quality agencies are especially concerned about small-particle pollution. The tiniest particles can penetrate past the body's immune defences, travelling deep into the l...