Warning Signs

WASHINGTON - Several Wall Street analysts told a skeptical Senate committee yesterday that they continued to recommend stock in Enron even after it began its slide into bankruptcy because they had been duped by the company. Senators pressed the analysts from four top brokerages to explain how they missed the warning signs and failed to sound alarms that might have saved private investors and state pension funds the billions of dollars that were wiped out when the energy trader collapsed in December.

This is one of those products Gear Girl wishes she did not have to test. But although she is very careful outdoors, she sometimes misses the warning signs ("Leaves of three ... "). The lack of vigilance leads to little red bumps, a rash and the insatiable desire to scratch 24/7 - the calling card of poison ivy. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 85 percent of us will develop an allergic reaction if we touch poison ivy, oak or sumac, so finding relief ranks high on the adventure must-have list.

I agree with Rolling Road residents and Councilman Tom Quirk ("Speeders slow to change behavior despite cameras," Catonsville Times, Dec. 7) that speeding on Rolling Road is a problem that needs solving. However, in these hard economic times does anyone believe that fining drivers, mostly other Catonsville residents driving to or from work, nearly $40,000 in 10 days is the way to go about it? I drive by the speed camera twice a day. I have not received a warning or fine, so I am not grinding a personal ax. For a fraction of $40,000, more conspicuous and forceful warning signs reminding drivers that the speed limit is photo enforced could be installed.

Motorists speeding past Howard County schools face much steeper fines beginning this week. Speeders within a school zone -- where there is a sign warning of the new penalties as well as flashing warning lights -- will be fined twice as much as for an ordinary speeding ticket. Fines will range from $140 for speeding 10 to 19 miles over the 25-mph speed limit to $540 for driving 20 to 29 mph over the limit, police say. The normal schedule of fines applies when warning lights aren't flashing -- they flash 15 minutes before and after school opening and closing times -- or if warning signs aren't up. County officials decided to double the fines and put up the necessary signs after the General Assembly approved a law last year giving local governments authority to do so. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Norman R. Stone Jr., a Baltimore County Democrat, went into effect Oct. 1. Under another bill he sponsored, which becomes law July 1, Howard County police can assess the higher fines whenever students are on school property, regardless of whether warning lights are flashing.

Last week's startling news that police have charged a man with killing, dismembering and eat part of his housemate in Harford County has raised man questions. Yes, certainly about why, but also about whether anything in the suspect's past could've indicated such deviant behavior. Already, we're learning details of a troubled history of this suspect, who along with his father and victim are tied into Morgan State University. We're trying to pull more reports and get more information as any clues that might have sent up warning signs.

People should avoid direct contact with Beards Creek in Riva between Hoot Owl Road and Berkshire Drive, Anne Arundel health officials said Wednesday. A warning for the area is in effect until Jan. 4 because of a sewage spill that was caused by a blocked sewer line, according to a statement from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. About 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the creek Wednesday. Warning signs have been posted and do not restrict boating, fishing or crabbing, the health department said.

Financial warningsIn today's troubled economy, it's tough to avoid financial problems. But by following these guidelines, you may be able to head off problems before they get too serious. It may mean the difference between being stiffed by an insolvent customer -- or avoiding bankruptcy court yourself.Here are some warning signs for debtors:* You are using withholding taxes to pay your bills. Big mistake: Your debts to suppliers may be wiped out in a bankruptcy. The taxes you're now using to cover those debts will still have to be paid.

Fewer blue crabs were found this winter in the Chesapeake Bay, a recently completed survey indicates, adding to scientists' worries that one of the region's most prized delicacies is in jeopardy.Meeting in Annapolis this week, biologists from Maryland and Virginia concluded that there are a growing number of "warning signs" pointing to diminished blue crab stocks in both states.Most also worried that unless future catches are limited, the crab may not be able to bounce back readily from the coming harvest season.

Dr. Siegfried J. Kra has some advice that could save husbands' lives. Funny thing is, the advice isn't for husbands -- it's for their spouses. Get a husband to make an appointment for a physical, Kra says. And then nudge him, ever so sweetly, to keep it. "Oh, and get him to eat more veggies, cut back on red meat and exercise a little," he adds. "Learn the warning signs of depression, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Know what things should be covered in a thorough physical. And speak up if it doesn't get done."

I'm sure there's a big fat report somewhere -- more than 500 pages in a loose-leaf binder. I even have a hunch that taxpayers paid for it.Who knows?Maybe William Proxmire once gave it a Golden Fleece Award.Let's imagine what its title might be:Velocity Parameters of Automotive Thoroughfare Signage And The Hearing-Impaired Minor: Calculated Risk?As I say, I'm just guessing at all this. I haven't seen the report that says a traffic sign warning of a deaf child is a bad idea.Neither has Don Nelinson, a man I've known for more than 10 years and the father of a profoundly deaf child for the last five.