samtsai.com

The Snow Mountain tunnel is the fifth longest in the world.

The longest underground road tunnel in Asia, and the 5th longest in the world, has opened to traffic in Taiwan.

The Hsuehshan [雪山], or Snow Mountain, tunnel is nearly 13km (8 miles) long and took nearly 14 years to complete.

A special commemoration service was held to unveil a memorial paying tribute to the 25 people who lost their lives during its construction.

The tunnel forms a key section of a new national expressway, which cost nearly $2bn.

The road connects the capital, Taipei [台北], to the north-eastern county of Ilan [宜蘭] and will cut journey times from more than two hours to just thirty minutes.

A key aim was to tackle unbalanced development. Ninety-five per cent of Taiwan’s population live on the west coast, leaving people on the mountainous east coast complaining they were being overlooked.

“When this tunnel is opened to traffic, we expect to save about $450,000 a day in transportation costs,” said Jun Da Jen, the project’s chief engineer.

But building the system - which includes two primary tunnels and a network of interconnecting pedestrian and vehicle tubes - was almost “Mission Impossible.”

The tunnel cuts through Taiwan’s central mountain range and was plagued by problems because of the complex geology of the site. There were dozens of floods and collapses; many workers died; and some experts doubted it would ever be finished.

Now it is completed, officials in Ilan County are anticipating a tourism boom.

Land prices there have soared and dozens of new hotels are being built. More than 30,000 cars a day are expected to use the tunnel, with the figure expected to rise sharply at weekends.

Source: bbc.co.uk

Nice. I’ve never been to Ilan County, though.

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On Friday, May 26, 2006, Pat drove us around the downtown High Level and gave us a tour. Later that night, the Germany exchange students (Thomas Heinrich and Susi Neubert) cook German pasta for us four students. Sweet.

At High Level dental clinic, we work hard despite it’s Friday!!!
Top left: Claire working on her denture case
Top right: Susi & Thomas listening attentively to Dr. McNab (Really?!)
Bottom left: Euvgen helping set up operatory
Bottom right: Pat working on paper work

Of course, there is always someone who works HARDER than the rest. Hehee…

Pat gave us a tour in High Level, Alberta.
Top left: leaving High Level Hospital through a jungle…
Top right: a church in High Level
Bottom left: a furniture store in Downtwon High Level
Bottom right: Super A Foods grocery store

Top left: High Level Fire Department
Top right: High Level Court House & Administration
Bottom left: High Level RCMP Police
Bottom right: peaceful neighbourhood in High Level. Wait…we heard there was a serial killer arrested in High Level a few days ago!!!

Top left: Flamingo Inn
Top right: Sahara Motor Inn
Bottom left: Stardust Motor Inn
Bottom right: High Level Casino (has been built for 3 years and still yet not finished)

The two German students, Thomas Heinrich & Susi Neubert, cook German Pasta. “Thomas, that’s dangerous!!!” said Sam.

Cooking pasta

Mmm…yummy German pasta.

More diary from High Level & La Crete–> click here.
More pictures from High Level & La Crete–> click here.

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Sudden life for Edmonton Oilers at the 5th game of Stanley Cup Playoff with 4-3 win over Carolina Hurricanes in OT1. Next game will be in Edmonton. Hopefully Edmonton Oilers will win the next game, too. That will be nice.

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Cranberries may help prevent tooth decay and cavities, research suggests. Scientists have found a compound in the fruit can stop bacteria from clinging to the teeth, blocking the formation of damaging plaque deposits.

However, researcher Dr Hyuan Koo warned many cranberry-containing products were loaded with sugar and consuming large amounts could lead to tooth decay.

… … …

Cranberries can be enjoyed, they should be limited to mealtimes only to avoid potential problems

… … …

Dr Koo said people should not eat or drink excessive amounts of cranberry-containing products in an attempt to improve their dental health.

He said many cranberry products contained large amounts of sugar, which is the leading cause of tooth decay.

In addition, the fruit contains a natural acid that can strip away essential minerals in the teeth.

… … …

He said: “Scientists believe that one of the main ways that cranberries prevent urinary tract infections is by inhibiting the adherence of pathogens on the surface of the bladder.

“Perhaps the same is true in the mouth, where bacteria use adhesion molecules to hold onto teeth.”

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “Cranberries are naturally very acidic, while manufacturers also tend to add sugar to cranberry products.

“Every time you eat or drink something acidic the enamel on your teeth is softened temporarily.

“If given time to recover, then your saliva will neutralise this acidity in your mouth and restore it to its natural balance.

“However, if this attack happens too often the mouth does not have the chance to repair itself and tiny particles of enamel can be brushed away. This is called erosion.

Source: bbc.co.uk

Cranberry, anyone? Good stuff.

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Oh, no, Edmonton Oilers lost game 4. That makes it 3-1 lead for Carolina Hurricanes. This is depressing. With just one more win, the Canes will get their Stanley Cup at home in the next game.

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