Here is a fine discussion about the Pope’s pending visit, and what he sees as the big issues.

An interview/dialogue with John Allen and George Weigel, sponsored bythe Pew Forum. It takes 20 or so minutes to read, but very worthwhile. The Pope Comes to America John Allen … finally what we might expect for the American Catholic Church. Again, a lot of things we could say here, which we can unpack in … Read more

Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life to save others awarded Medal of Honor

Michael Monsoor, 25, smothered a hand grenade with his own body to protect three other SEALS and three Iraqi soldiers From the Washington Post: The East Room ceremony honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor was emotional. Bush wiped tears from his eyes and put his arm around Monsoor’s family as the Seal’s death … Read more

Rush Limbaugh’s ratings are higher during his commercials

This is funny. Limbaugh’s Following Extends to Ads – New York Times The study found that Mr. Limbaugh’s share of radio listeners was greatest during commercials, beating his share during on-air segments by 0.18 percentage point. >>>>>> The study also found that Mr. Limbaugh did worst during minutes in which he was expressing approval, with … Read more

33% of adult Americans are obese … which means we need updated ambulance equipment

Bigger stretchers, etc. Increasing Obesity Requires New Ambulance Equipment – New York Times The department’s gurneys could not adequately support the patients’ weight, and the department had to pay a private ambulance company. Last fall, the department bought three gurneys that can hold patients weighing up to 600 pounds, about twice the holding capacity of … Read more

Global Warming Update #31- BBC can’t tell if it’s warmer or cooler

Well, it is cooler (they say), but it’s going to get warmer (they say). Very confusing. BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Global temperatures ‘to decrease’ … But this year’s temperatures would still be way above the average – and we would soon exceed the record year of 1998 because of global warming induced by greenhouse … Read more

American Heart Association new recommendation for “hands-only” CPR

This is new from the AHA – American Heart Association – Hands-Only CPR – Home When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public … Read more

A psychiatrist on prayer, faith and illness

Short posting on the NY Times health blog – Prayer, Faith and Doctors – Well – Tara Parker-Pope – Health – New York Times Blog Several doctors I spoke with were religious before they became patients, but they were admittedly even more so once they faced serious illness. Others changed more dramatically. “Patients used to … Read more