We're eight years into the 21st century. I was going to wait until advanced old age to compare this century with the 20th century, thus annoying the bejeebers out of my poor grandkids, but I have some free time this afternoon, and I'm not the most patient woman in the world. In this new millennium we have made several great advances--several laudable improvements in the human condition--but darned if I could think of one. Let's start off with the big changes; the really salient and vexing issues.

In the New Millennium, we have fewer crackers in a box. Last century, to save on packaging, there were boxes full of crackers. I'm old enough to remember these. I swear to God: you opened the box and reached about half an inch down and took hold of a cracker. Now, to save on crackers, and to fool consumers and fill landfills quicker, a box a foot tall might contain 15 crackers. Soon it will contain 6 1/2 crackers, and we will be expected to believe that this is due to "product settling during shipment." Price: $4.99 plus tax.

Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the propane. Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (which they now have a recipe for by the way). After they are finished with them, they return them to the store.

They are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to buy.

Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc.

You should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse to purchase that one."

Check out the following website for more details. They also have pictures you can show.

http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529

In an obvious payback to would be theocrats, the United States Agency for International Development, convinced administrators at Johns Hopkins University to modify the search software at the largest index of population information - "Popline" - to censor searches on the keyword "abortion". They succeeded.

I visited Popline today - http://db.jhuccp.org/ics-wpd/popweb/ - and type in a few terms related to but not using the forbidden word "abortion".

Evacuation  is one method of abortion in which the fetus is literally sucked out of the womb. Dilation and curettage is a mechanical method where the cervix is dilated and the womb is scraped. Mefepristone is a drug which induces premature delivery.

This is Not a commentary on official "Chado" but does contain some short helpful thoughts about Tea and many examples.

About a year ago I became very interested in tea. Due to "GERD" I had to consider not drinking soda, coffee or sweet drinks. The Chinese and Japanese teas then became an answer. As a matter of fact, I was so surprised at how appalled the Chinese are at adding sugar and milk. From mainly dumping soda, apple and orange juice, and coffee I now have lost about 20 lbs and feel better.
As a thought: Before enlightenment, soak leaves, drink tea. After enlightenment soak leaves, drink tea - but hopefully enjoy it more.

Traditional Yoga Workshop at the Moving Arts Center  at 99 Coulson Church Rd in Woodlawn, VA.  Next to Harmon's and at the ground level of the Front Porch Gallery.

It will be taught by Tran Shipman originally from China and Vietnam and a long time resident of Carroll County.  10am-12pm.  Class size limited.  Fees $15 in advance,  $20 at the door if space is available.  Participants are advised to wear stretch clothing and bring a large towel or small blanket. 

Yoga is an ancient technique for building body strength and health through proper breathing and focus on source of energy within the body.  No special equipment needed.  Yoga builds strength, flexibility and helps one relax and cope with stress.