[Link]

Lol. I know it is not the greatest piece of news ever, but I sure do love it when newspapers post stories like this. It is a nice break from the overwhelming amount of bad news I read/hear/see on a daily basis.

Personally I like the whole idea. However, I think that I simply do not have the necessary patience to see such a task “bear fruit.” But then, it would be worth a try though, and would only require some time. I wonder what I have laying around my house that I would not mind parting with.

Article Link

Dance music, pop, jazz, rock, rap, blues – there aren’t many genres which don’t carry an element of African ‘DNA’ somewhere in their make up. The music we love has its foundation in a blend of African and European sounds. We look at the influence of the continent known as the “birthplace of humanity”.

I agree! So click here and learn a little bit about Africa.

He [President Bush] called on opponents to explain why they opposed a Middle Eastern firm taking over when they did not oppose a British company being in control.

I would have to agree. Of course, there is always the argument that:

Critics fear an increased risk of terrorist attacks, pointing out that the UAE was the home of two of the hijackers involved in the 11 September 2001 attacks.

And while that is an argument, I would say it is a very weak and unnecessary one. After all, have we (The United States) not been subjected to terrorist attacks from our own citizens? I think we have.

Also, I just think it is unfair to punish an entire country of millions based on the actions of … two. I mean maybe if the two were the President and Vice-President, but they weren’t. It was just Bill and Jeff (I just picked two random names) from down the street. They weren’t anybody special or important.

What do you guys think? Am I missing a key point in this argument?

Yes, you read that correctly. I personally think it is absurd that people are forced (required, heavily influenced too, told, persuaded, or whatever else you want to call it) into choosing a health care plan where the ultimate decision of your health is in the hands of a business man. But I find it even more appalling that people now have to go jump the border just to go visit a doctor. Aside from the obvious reasons of time, money, distance, emergency, etc., I would have to agree with this statement right here:

“There are quality standards that we are developing and implementing in America that are not going to be implemented there for a long time,” said Jack Lewin, chief executive of the California Medical Association. “In terms of specialized care, it’s critically important that we look beyond just cost savings.”

Oh speak on it Mr., speak on it. It is ridiculous, simply ridiculous. And what I find even more ironic (or worrying), is this statement:

Representatives of Blue Shield of California and Health Net, both of which offer cross-border HMO plans in California, said the quality of care is comparable in both countries. The insurance companies audit Mexican clinics themselves, and then report to the California Department of Managed Health Care.

Ummm, they audit them themselves? And people seem to think that is OK. Can nobody see the OBVIOUS conflict of interest in an insurance company auditing a health care facility which they themselves have a financial interest in? I mean c’mon people. Are you folks just that blind? Or just that desperate to lower your health care costs?