Hospitals and healthcare

Forbes magazine current issue cover story is entitled Bad Medicine. It looks at hospital care in general, with particular emphasis on competition between the large general hospitals, and so-called "specialty" hospitals that may offer limited services, like cardiac care, or hip and knee replacement. It’s an enlightening feature. Forbes website is free, buy you may … Read more

The death of William Buckley

The magazine he founded has a bunch of remembrances. National Review Online And here’s the NY Times – William F. Buckley Jr. Is Dead at 82 – New York Times Mr. Buckley’s greatest achievement was making conservatism — not just electoral Republicanism, but conservatism as a system of ideas — respectable in liberal post-World War … Read more

Darfur Update; some positive news

The NY Times had an analysis this morning – China, in New Role, Presses Sudan on Darfur – New York Times KHARTOUM, Sudan — Amid the international outrage over the bloodshed in Darfur, frustration has increasingly turned toward China, Sudan’s biggest trading partner and international protector, culminating in Steven Spielberg’s decision last week to withdraw … Read more

The FDA and cancer drug testing

Here’s an editorial from the Wall Street Journal this morning on approval of drugs for cancer treatment; specifically Avastin for breast cancer. Yesterday the Journal had a news feature article on this controversy (not available for free online). If the link doesn’t work the first time, try again – eventually it goes through – A … Read more

Evangelical Christians and the death penalty

From Christianity Today – a small rise in the number of people against capital punishment Capital Doubts | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction While the issue before the Supreme Court is narrow, the national mood on capital punishment itself seems to be shifting. New Jersey became the 14th state to outlaw executions … Read more

Joe Faranda does brunch

The travails of being 14 years old. Yesterday Joe decided to try his hand at scrambled eggs and bacon for himself, Tim, and Brigid. (I passed; still suffering from gastritis.) According to Brigid, he had to crack eight eggs – he kept missing dropping them in the bowl. Also forgot to add a little milk … Read more

How do you get to be the lowest rated state in the country in terms of climate for business?

It’s easy. just have 25+ years of leadership from people named Cuomo, Pataki, and now Spitzer. Here’s a short, pathetic editorial in today’s Wall Street Journal Virtual Steamroller – WSJ.com New York recently finished 50th in Chief Executive magazine’s survey of the best states to do business. Respondents cited high taxes, regulation and Governor Eliot … Read more