If you take multi vitamin ou shoul read this article. They found a women’s vitamin to be contaminated with lead. TThey found other brands that did not have the levels stated in the bottle or had far less than the labels claimed. The good news is some brands tested perfect.


ConsumerLab.com report finds unexpected nutrient levels, contamination”

NO SMOKING PLEASE

We need a no smoking bill in the city of Baltimore. We can never be a great tourist center until we do. You know, like New York, DC, Los Angles, San Diego, San Francisco and many others tourist centers. Since 80% of Marylanders do not smoke what is the problem. How can we, with good conscious sacrifice the health of 80% of the population just so 20% can indulge in an addictive habit. A habit that drives up the cost of heath care, harms the environment and is major health hazard to non-smokers who breathe second hand smoke. Do not listen to the false propaganda being spewed. It says people in the entertainment industry will lose their jobs, small bars will have to close etc. In all the cities that have smoking bans done have experienced loss of jobs or small business closing. That’s bunk. The only issue is the health of the citizens.

A Success Story for Autocratic Arab Regimes

The ugly result of the Bush’s Middle East policy is reflected in this Washington Post article. Bush has given a victory to al-Qaeda, alienated the Arab world and wasted 10s of thousand lives. History will show him as a dangerous and failed President

“War's Arab Supporters Bitter Over Its Results
By Anthony Shadid
Washington Post Foreign Service

Monday, January 22, 2007; Page A01

…"It's a success story for al-Qaeda, a success story for autocratic Arab regimes that made democracy look ugly in their people's eyes. They can say to their people: 'Look at the democracy that the Americans want to bring to you. Democracy is trouble. You may as well forget about what the Americans promise you. They promise you death,' " said Salameh Nematt, a Jordanian analyst and the former Washington bureau chief for the Arabic-language daily newspaper al-Hayat.”…

It'sabout Time

Check this out. What on earth took the administration so long:

"U.S. and North Korean Envoys Hold Talks
By MARK LANDLER
Published: January 17, 2007
BERLIN, Jan. 17 — Seeking to revive stalled negotiations to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, the United States held two days of “substantive” talks with North Korean diplomats here on Tuesday and today, according to the chief American envoy, Christopher R. Hill."...

The war killed 34,000 Iraqis last year.

Millitary is Suffering

Recently there have been a number of events and pronouncements concerning the Iraq cauldron. They all boil down to one significant fact. The U.S. military is suffering. Of course we all are suffering. The thousand Iraq civilians killed and wounded every month. At home, health care, social programs, education and more all under funded because every available dollar available is siphoned off for Iraq. But here I have only listed items that deal with the misery of those who must prosecute this unnecessary and poorly executed war.

The Baltimore sun:
“Better armor lacking for new troops in Iraq
By David Wood
SUN REPORTER
Originally published January 10, 2007
WASHINGTON // The thousands of troops that President Bush is expected to order to Iraq will join the fight largely without the protection of the latest armored vehicles that withstand bomb blasts far better than the Humvees in wide use, military officers said.

Vehicles such as the Cougar and the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle have proven ability to save lives, but production started late and relatively small numbers are in use in Iraq, mostly because of money shortages, industry officials said….”

The Washington Post:
“With Iraq Speech, Bush to Pull Away From His Generals”
“…Pentagon insiders say members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have long opposed the increase in troops and are only grudgingly going along with the plan because they have been promised that the military escalation will be matched by renewed political and economic efforts in Iraq. Gen. John P. Abizaid, the outgoing head of Central Command, said less than two months ago that adding U.S. troops was not the answer for Iraq.
Bush's decision appears to mark the first major disagreement between the White House and key elements of the Pentagon over the Iraq war since Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, then the Army chief of staff, split with the administration in the spring of 2003 over the planned size of the occupation force, which he regarded as too small. …”

The Washington Post:
“General Says Army Will Need To Grow
Iraq and Afghanistan Are Straining the Force, Chief of Staff Warns
By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 15, 2006; Page A01

Warning that the active-duty Army "will break" under the strain of today's war-zone rotations, the nation's top Army general yesterday called for expanding the force by 7,000 or more soldiers a year and lifting Pentagon restrictions on involuntary call-ups of Army National Guard and Army Reserve troops….”

Abercrombie and happiness

Last night, Linda, Keith, Ray and I went to Abercrombie restaurant. WOW!! That’s the best way to describe Abercrombie’s wonderful service, cuisine and atmosphere. A warm respectful maitre d’ greeted us immediately and escorted us to our table. The menu was straightforward, elegant in design, and the listings were mouth watering. Our water glasses were filled immediately and never allowed to empty. The servers were perfect. Plates were timely removed and the new course promptly presented. The servers anticipated and fulfilled our needs perfectly. All this lovely service was enhanced by a warm friendly, relaxed and elegant atmosphere. The food was to die for. I had the Wild Boar Shank. It was lightly covered in a delicious glaze. The meat was a succulent, scrumptious melt in your mouth experience. It was served with rutabagas, carrots and a savory bread pudding. All these side dishes were excellent accompaniments. I was one happy camper. The Crab Stuffed Rock Fish that Linda and Keith had was as magnificent as my wild boar shank. The deserts were as amazing as the main courses. All in all it was great evening good food, good drink, good atmosphere and wonderful friends.

Abercrombie is located at 58 west Biddle Street. But the entrance to the restaurant is around the corner facing the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. It is advisable to call for reservations 410-244-7227.

HAPPY NEW YEAR