Things were looking promising for European businesses at the beginning of 2007. Energy prices are expected to lower, which will have a massive effect on the weak economy. And although no saveur believes the central bank will keep to its 3.5% interest rate for long, the news of Germany's growth-rate hitting a 6-year high was enough to make Europeans everywhere celebrate a quick "woohoo!". But it was short-lived.

The Bank of England has just announced its risen interest rates to 5.25% - whopping!
Why so high? And why now? Sour inflation numbers are likely to be the Government's big secret. Probably much worse than the 3% predicted by pessimistic analysts.

Went to the shell that they call the Galleria for lunch. We decided on Key West Cafe. The decore in the building was great and you wouldn't even have known the store was a Gap 10 years ago. All kidding aside I found it very to its name as it gave you the impression you were in the tropics. The one gripe I had were the silly Corona Six Packs that acted as holders for condiments and the even sillier Corona bottles that acted as the Salt and Pepper Shakers. I ordered the Hemingway and an order of Chicken Quesadillas. The Quesadillas were excellent. Very good cheese high quality chicken and grilled to perfection. The Hemingway Sandwich was a bit on the bland side but the fruit on the side was worth its price in gold. All and all an enjoyable lunch at the Key West.