Pollution's Toll on the Brain

Nov 11, 2009 - In these days of hybrid cars and carbon credits, it is common knowledge that substances exhaled by autos and coal plants are harmful to our respiratory system. What may be surprising is the degree to which they may harm the brain—in some instances, as much as exposure to lead. A recent string of studies from all over the world suggests that common air pollutants such as black carbon, particulate matter and ozone can negatively affect vocabulary, reaction times and even overall intelligence. - 5 Comments

Who Killed California?

Oct 15, 2009 - by Troy Senik http://nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/who-killed-california My apologies for having nothing originally in this post.  The text was here but didn't show up. Apparently this article is too long to be printed here, at about 11 pages.  It is nevertheless worth reading, unless, as someone has already done, you have made your  mind up what to believe before reading. - 29 Comments

11 Health Myths That May Surprise You

Jun 30, 2009 - 11 Health Myths That May Surprise You By Tara Parker-Pope Myths, half-truths and wives’ tales persist in medicine. Sometimes doctors and nurses even believe things that aren’t true or at least are unproven. That’s the focus of a new book, “Don’t Swallow Your Gum! - 58 Comments

Promises, Promises: Indian healthcare needs unmet

Jun 16, 2009 - Just remember ladies and gents, this below is what our government wants to give us in the way of healthcare. ~~~~~~~~~~ PROMISES, PROMISES: Indian health care needs unmet BY MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer – Sun Jun 14, 9:39 pm ET CROW AGENCY, Mont. – Ta’Shon Rain Little Light, a happy little girl who loved to dance and dress up in traditional American Indian clothes, had stopped eating and walking. - 5 Comments

Why Shovel-Ready Infrastructure is Wrong (Right Now) (Think Bridge to Nowhere)

Feb 05, 2009 - Why Shovel-Ready Infrastructure is Wrong (Right Now) The term “shovel-ready"—as in, infrastructure projects that are ready or almost ready to begin—has become a favorite of policy makers in recent weeks. As the Senate gets ready to vote on a stimulus bill, it looks like the idea has stuck: The latest bill gives only projects that are able to start construction within 90 days eligibility for funding from the $90 billion set aside for infrastructure. Here is why the shovel-ready mandate could make the By Erik Sofge Published on: February 5, 2009 (Popular Mechanics) The term arrived with all the muscle and blue-collar authority of a bulldozer: “shovel-ready.” As in, infrastructure projects that are ready or almost ready to begin, the antithesis of some dimly imagined earmark or budget-sucking bridge to nowhere. - 3 Comments

US Historian John Hope Franklin Dies at 94

Mar 26, 2009 - WASHINGTON - U.S. historian and civil rights advocate John Hope Franklin, credited with helping create the field of African-American history, died on Wednesday at age 94, Duke University said. Franklin's book "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans," published in 1947, is still considered the definitive account of the black experience in America. - 2 Comments

If you're planning on going to inauguration - PLEASE READ THIS!

Jan 09, 2009 - Inauguration is quickly approaching, and if you are planning on braving the million+ crowds, it may help to read some of this information that's been published about the event locally. While I cannot share your excitement for the president being sworn in, I can share with you some advice and tips on how to stay safe, healthy, and most of all happy. Despite restrictions, city still will be packed By Leah Fabel - Examiner Staff Writer 1/9/09 Near-impossible car access to the District on Inauguration Day could limit crowd size and leave many stranded on the region’s roadways, but within the city packed conditions likely will remain. - 70 Comments