November 29, 2002
McDonald's and Tealuxe Teahouse
While I was at Borders Book Store today, I scanned a copy of Time Magazine, and there was an article on a group of people suing McDonald's for making them obese. The basis for the lawsuit seemed to be that McDonald's was not providing sufficient warnings that eating their food may be fattening and/or bad for the health of the consumers. My thought was that these people are choosing to eat at McDonald's, not being forced to do so. Unlike smokers and nicotine addiction, there are no proven addictions to junk food.
Speaking of healthful food, researchers are analyzing the health benefits of white tea. It is hypothesized that white tea may be more effective than green tea in inhibiting mutagenicity. Actually, I just bought some white tea the other day. This is really more for the reason that I enjoy drinking tea than anything else, though. I consider myself a bit of a tea connoisseur. I probably couldn't tell the difference between a $50 bottle of merlot and a $150 bottle, but I can tell the difference between two oolongs of comparable pricing. If you are in the Boston area, try Tealuxe teahouse. They have decent tea. A teahouse is great for beginning tea drinkers because there is a large selection, so several different types of tea can be sampled in one sitting. Besides, the atmosphere is just a lot of fun. In addition to good tea, Tealuxe also has some yummy desserts.
Posted by Kathy at 08:27 PM | Permalink
November 28, 2002
Happy Turkey Day!
To fellow Americans... Happy Turkey Day! Did you know that probably every state governor signs an official proclamation of the official date for Thanksgiving? Here's one from the governor of Virginia, Mark Warner. As if we need permission to sit down and eat a ton of good food. Thinking about giving thanks has made my mind wander to the reason Thanksgiving began in the first place. Tragically, the Native Americans seem to have gotten the short end of the stick. Not only did they lose their land to settlers, the smallpox virus that European settlers brought over decimated their population to the extent that millions were wiped out.
Posted by Kathy at 08:31 PM | Permalink
November 27, 2002
Department of Homeland Security and the Wyden Proposal
Even before the Homeland Security Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush, I have been thinking about the impact of such a large new agency on our lives. It has been difficult to measure the impact because the sheer number of agencies being consolidated under the Homeland Security Department means much red tape. However, while reading an article today on a part of the bill which will introduce for the first time, an IT National Guard organization, it is easier to visualize how the Wyden Proposal will allow ordinary citizens to contribute to the new agency through volunteering. Makes me wonder if background checks will be done on all volunteers. I hope so.
Posted by Kathy at 08:33 PM | Permalink