Cardamom Tango

...in which I introduce you to a military officer whose last name is pronounced [oop-dah-tay].

That was really bad.

I only have a bit of time this morning to post some general updates from recent articles.

• Remember a few days ago when I discussed the Hazards of Sugar and I said I wanted to find out why agave nectar was considered a good alternative to sugar?  Well, The Kitchn just posted a little info on the subject, and apparently it's not.  I encourage you to read and decide for yourself, but it sounds like the stuff is more like HFCS than a natural way to sweeten.  They also link to a defense of agave nectar by a producing company.  I mean, we really have to choose what to believe when it comes to these things, but the articles are more or less in line with what I learned from the Hazards of Sugar lecture: sugar is a poison that cannot be processed completely under all circumstances.  We should choose wisely when and how to sweeten.
• My book order came in the mail and I've just started reading The End of Poverty.  Let me tell you--it is heart-wrenching.  I'm looking forward to getting to the solutions portion.