Yes. I am as exhausted as I look.
Saturday Red Wine Blogging
More progress on that absurdly positive red wine compound, resveratrol. From the Washington Post:
A key compound in red wine known as resveratrol appears to protect against many of the health ravages associated with growing old, new animal research reveals.
[…] Daily consumption of the compound — also found in the skin of grapes and the crust of peanuts and walnuts — broadly improved the long-term quality of life of middle-aged mice, although most mice did not end up living longer.
[…] the researchers now compared the health and life spans of middle-age mice given either a standard diet or a calorie-restricted diet, with or without high or low daily dosages of resveratrol.
De Cabo and his colleagues found that resveratrol had the same positive impact on mouse livers, muscles, hearts and bones as calorie restriction alone.
Regardless of dietary protocol, the general health and vigor of mice on a long-term regimen (approximately one year) of resveratrol improved overall, without apparent side effects. However, only mice consuming resveratrol alongside a high-calorie diet were found to actually live longer.
Cheers.
Another Obama Flip-Flop
The headline at der Spiegel says it all:
“Obama Refines Plans for Germany Trip.”
As we learned last week, when you refine plans, it is flip-flopping. Thanks mainstream media!
This is your Saturday open thread, and I will be back tomorrow.
Senator Helms is Dead
I can’t think of one reason to be sad, so I won’t pretend.
“We believe in free speech…”
Except when it’s anti-Bush. I really hate this president. I am a Canadian who loves this country, and this guy is a complete embarrassment. I absolutely believe George Bush is a war criminal. I really wish someone had the guts to put the question to him in an interview.
“Mr. President, you’ve authorized torture. Over 4,000 men and women have died in a war that most people knowwas absolutely unnecessary. It is now well known that intelligence was manipulated to get us into Iraq. Are you a war criminal? And should you be tried as one?”
I would love to hear one – just ONE – credible journalist ask him this question. We won’t though because it’s the MSM. And we all know the MSM sucks. MSM bias towards the left? Pleeeeze.
Did I mention how much I hate this president? Hate is a word I don’t use often.
Sorry. Just on a rant. I freaking hate George Bush. I feel terrible for Americans that this guy will be in your history books.
A Metaphor
About half a million people are expected Friday on the National Mall in Washington for the nation’s birthday celebration, but they may be shocked at what they see.
This gathering place known as America’s “front yard” stretches from the Capitol to the Potomac River and is home to the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and Washington Monument, but it’s starting to look like “an old rundown, worn-out mall that looks like it was abandoned 30 years ago,” says Judy Feldman of the National Coalition to Save Our Mall.
Just a reminder, a Capitol Fourth will be on PBS in a little bit, in case you are in an area with really crappy weather. Personally, the Marine Corps Marching band alone makes it worth watching.
***Update ***
The Boston Pops 4th on CBS is better than the PBS one, for you west coast types.
Another Open Thread
Since I got cranky and spoiled all the other ones.