Japan heat wave claims 6

My spectacular Dad sent me an article from GulfNews.com regarding the heat in Japan. Here is part of that article:

"Published: August 16, 2007, 13:59

Tokyo: Japan sizzled through its hottest day on record Thursday, as a heat wave claimed at least six lives across the country and spurred fears of an electricity shortage.

The mercury hit 40.9 degrees Celsius in the western city of Tajimi on Thursday afternoon, breaking a previous national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius set in 1933, according to the Meteorological Agency.

Temperatures also soared to new highs in parts of Tokyo and across the country, spurring vacationers to take cover indoors at the height of the "bon" summer holidays.

Six people died overnight in eastern Japan from heatstroke, including a 13-year-old boy who collapsed in the capital after basketball practice, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. Many others were hospitalized.

Elsewhere, rail tracks were bent out of shape in the sun, and firefighters struggled to deal with fire alarms set off erroneously by rising temperatures, according to news reports.

The heat also got the best of sumo wrestler Takamisakari, who smashed into his practice room window as he nearly collapsed following practice on Thursday, reports said.

Meanwhile, scorching temperatures were expected to boost sales of beer and other beverages, as well as electric appliances like air conditioners and fans, as consumers scrambled to keep cool."

Dude - I told you it was hot! I of course have no idea what they are talking about with the beer sales...