April, 2004

Vol.5. NO4 ....................................................Pages 12 and 13

Letter to the Editor – Periscopes, etc.

I work for a Surplus Store and Museum in Los Alamos New Mexico. For several years I have been trying to get the National laboratory security to invest in Hand Held Periscopes since they can, and do, save lives and property. I have received only mild response.

I propose that These Zoom scopes, Sports scopes, Golf Scopes, Periscopes ($85.00 new) be made available in Army/Navy base exchanges so that soldiers and sailors have the option to buy these items. Especially in forward theater areas like Afghanistan and Iran. This would bypass the foot-dragging that is common in the military supply system, save the taxpayers money, and allow those in harm’s way to enhance their own protection and efficiency while still performing their duties.

During WWI many families bought periscopes for their loved ones and they are credited for many soldiers’ safe return. Usually only senior officers would be issued these hand held and tripod mounted optical devices. Some were no more than a pair of mirrors, others were more sophisticated bent telescopes and binoculars. The simplest were mirrors mounted on the ends of bayonets.

Wars are won by those who get the better bang for the buck and are able to see danger approaching before the other side does......

Other items that might be useful: more powerful and inexpensive telescopes and binoculars, brunton style engineering surveying compasses, water purification and chenical detection for contaminated water. Camping supplies of all kinds, various types of hand and body warmers including air activated disposable hand, foot and back type, directional listening devices, non-lethal weapons both chemical and shock type, personal body armor including steel/kevelar insole arch supports, metal detectors, directional microphones...etc.

All you have to do is suggest to the PXs/Base exchanges to carry these items and the troops will do the rest!

Frank John Holmquist
Los Alamos, N.M.
e-mail: tblackhole@aol.com.

Diabetes, Apple Pie, and a Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Written by Jen Allbritton, CN - Vitamin Cottage

Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics! While evaluating the blood sugar effects from apple pie, researchers noticed it had the opposite effect than expected, and the cinnamon was the culprit. The research team then asked volunteers with type 2 diabetes to take either 1,3, or 6 grams of cinnamon powder a day, in capsules after meals. Within weeks, the cinnamon-consumers’ blood sugar levels averaged 20% lower than a control group. Some even achieved normal blood sugar levels. Tellingly, blood sugar started creeping up again after cinnamon was stopped.

Here’s what is happening. Carbohydrates in food are broken down into glucose (sugar), which then circulates in the blood. The hormone insulin makes cells take in the glucose, to be used for energy or made into fat. Those with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, while those with type 2 produce it, but receptors have lost sensitivity to it. Even apparently-healthy people, especially if overweight and sedentary, frequently lose sensitivity to insulin. Excess glucose in the blood can cause serious damage to the eyes, kidneys, and other organs, so controlling it is a good idea. Cinnamon contains a flavonoid (MHCP) that closely mimics insulin activity, activates its receptor, and works synergistically with insulin in cells. Although apple pie can be an occasional treat, an every day food it is not. Try adding this spice to oatmeal, hot beverages, popcorn, poultry seasoning rub, and bread recipes. These effects can be produced even by soaking a cinnamon stick in a cup of tea, so even a little will help. Note: Work with your physician since cinnamon’s actions can alter medication needs.

Have a question about diet or supplements? Call 303-986-4600 ext. 444 to leave your question on our voicemail. I will try to address them in a future column.

Digital Shoot-Out

Two teams shooting the same 3-5 minute script over two days in a digital shoot-out. Scripts outlines have been sent to both teams as of midnight on 30Mar2004, and will detail five plot points to be included in the films in some manner. Filming will take place April 1-2 around Taos during the festival events.

Both TFI (in Taos) and Digital Film Institute (in the Duke City) have been teaching classes in the art of filmmaking for for several years, and their crew will be chosen from members of previous classes. A screening time for the films has not yet been set. For updated information pick up the May 2004 issue of The Sun-News.

Exotic Herbs and Spices, Herbal Capsules & Liquid Extracts,
Ear ConinG, Mehandi & Beauty Products, Books & Teas.

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Arab Nightmare

Seeing how plants split water could provide key to our future energy needs.
The possibility of using the Earth’s abundant supply of water as a cheap source of hydrogen is a step closer thanks to researchers from Imperial College London. By mimicking the method plants use to split water, researchers say that a highly energy efficient way to form cheap supplies of hydrogen fuel may be possible in the future.
Reporting online in the journal Science recently Imperial researchers revealed the fine detail of the protein complex that drives photosynthesis - the process that converts atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic matter and oxygen (O2) by using sunlight to split water (H2O).

Using X-ray crystallography, the researchers described for the first time the mechanism that underpins the photosynthetic water-splitting reaction. By analyzing these findings the researchers believe it may be possible to learn how to recreate the process on an industrial scale, allowing hydrogen to be manufactured as a fuel.

For more information see: http://www.ic.ac.uk/P4881.htm

Important Action For You to Take

The time has come for us to make our voices heard!

As you may be aware, Governor Richardson has initiated a “Save Smart” program which seeks to consolidate the procurement of office supplies with contracts likely to go to out-of-state suppliers. The 800 member Santa Fe Independent Business and Community Alliance (The Alliance) is extremely concerned that the Governor does not understand the ways in which this program can contribute to the loss of state tax revenues, jobs, and income to our communities. Owners of office supply businesses will have less money to buy from other local businesses - groceries, restaurants, dry cleaners, hardware stores, automotive centers, etc. - and less money to pay for services such as advertising, printing, graphic artists, attorneys, accountants, banks, etc.. So, this action by the Governor takes money from all our local businesses and not just the office supply companies.

The Alliance has written to Governor Richardson on your behalf to explain the potential negative consequences of the Smart Save program on the New Mexico economy and locally-owned businesses. You will find a copy of this letter on our website, www.santafealliance.com - We ask that you add your voice to ours.

We urge you to write, fax and/or email state government officials and New Mexican and Albuquerque Journal editorial staff to state your opinions and educate them on this important issue! Contact information, as well as a press release with information to include in your communication, can be found on our website.

Our Time Is Now – Please Take Action - Together We Can Make A Difference! Contact Information:

Bill Richardson, Governor
romana.martinez@state.nm.us
phone: 476-2200
fax: 476-2226

Diane D. Denish,
Lieutenant Governor
Diane.Denish@state.nm.us
phone: 476-2250
fax: 476-2257

Michael C. Vinyard,
State Purchasing Agent
mvinyard@state.nm.us
fax: 827-2484

Santa Fe New Mexican-letters to the editor (limited to 150 words)
letters@sfnewmexican.com

Journal North - letters to the editor
jnorth@abqjournal.com

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