Anchorage: "A 14-year-old Anchorage girl who overdosed after a man injected her with heroin last week has died, police said." This might have been the girl's first (and clearly last) encounter with the drug.

Vancouver: "Take a look at a few of the day’s best local weather images of Vancouver blanketed in low-lying grey clouds and unseasonably warm temperatures." Vancouver really is the twin of our city.

Seattle: "Today, those who knew [Christina] Choi as one of the bright lights in Seattle’s food community mourn her passing. Choi died due to complications from a brain aneurysm, diagnosed Dec. 12." This is sad indeed. Choi, who briefly operated the "cute-in-a-good-way itty-bitty Eastlake restaurant Nettletown," was only 34.

Portland:: "Opponents of Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail won approval Thursday from Clackamas County election officials to launch a petition drive to require a countywide vote before officials can spend money to finance, design, construct or operate the project." The reason why these people are against progress? "Residents have raised concerns over cost, crime, pedestrian safety and changing the character of their neighborhoods." Democracy has its limits.

New York City: "Ms.Terry is a prostitute who has worked nearly her entire adult life on the streets of Hunts Point, in the Bronx." Ms.Terry is 52.

Overseas: "Hundreds of thousands of antigovernment demonstrators gathered in cities across Syria on Friday, including areas previously quiet, apparently energized by the presence of the Arab League committee." This revolution will not end with President Bashar Assad. It's time for him to smell the coffee.

Outer Space: "The 2012 Quadrantids, a little-known meteor shower named after an extinct constellation, will present an excellent chance for hardy souls to start the year off with some late-night meteor watching."
Speaking of space...


Speaking of Sting...