Medicine and Watson

Idea that has been batted around for a while now and Tom Toles throws it out there once again. The thought is with a proper search engine we could diagnose and treat the majority of our health concerns ourselves. Not even have to go to the doctor, heresy!
My biggest problem with the doctors of today is their blatant selfishness. Perhaps the system is to blame. Doctors have to go to school for many years and invest substantial amount of income and just want a return on their investment. That's why when you go to the doctor you have an initial appointment where you schedule the actual appointment, are almost always subjected to some form of procedure regardless if there is a real problem, and they also attempt to put you on at least one form of medication for life. They need that steady income coming in.
There are actually a lot of good doctors out there but their work is diminished by the majority.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tom-toles/post/medical-mystery/2011/09/13/gIQAPd7pPK_blog.html

Gifted Students

Article on how to best teach for gifted students.
Concern is that in the day of high stakes tests the curriculum is geared towards the lowest performing students.
As a result, 10% of high school dropouts in the US are A students, dropping out of school due to boredom.
The more successful approach appears to be setting up a curriculum which is geared towards gifted students. Three year studies found that in such programs the percentage of students deemed 'gifted' rose from 10% of the school's population to 20%.


http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2011/0831/Back-to-school-Are-we-leaving-gifted-students-behind

Tom Toles Out of Control

Great post by Tom Toles.
"Most Republicans have forged birth certificates and do not really support this country."
Is hysterical how he can turn things around and show people how absurd they can be.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tom-toles/post/friday-rant-what-can-i-say-edition/2011/08/25/gIQAVNgzdJ_blog.html#comments

Invasive Species?

Article referencing couple new books which claim fighting invasive species is not in our best interest. Great line:
"Those humans that are adaptable and who explore new frontiers have long won out over those who want tradition and stability. And it is now best that we all adapt to change and not simply oppose it."
Still, some species have no benefit (i.e. Brazilian pepper and melaleuca in Florida). Believe there is no reason not to try and wipe them out. All they do is take space from productive plants.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2011/0825/Apocalyptic-contagion-and-invasive-species

US Wealth Quintiles

Interesting article on how much wealth is owned by each 5th of the population in various countries.
Pie charts contrast Sweden and the US. The top fifth of US citizens controls 84% of all the countries wealth while the bottom fifth controls 0.1%. Fair? Seems completely absurd to me.

http://www.people.hbs.edu/mnorton/norton%20ariely%20in%20press.pdf

Rumsfeld Accountable?

Our wonderful military system at work. Wonder if this occurred during the "gloves off" time frame? Too many opt for the shoot first ask questions later approach.
Even if he is found complicit am sure he will get off with far too little accountability for his failed leadership.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/0808/Appeals-court-allows-US-citizens-torture-suit-against-Rumsfeld

Innovation and Worker Alienation

Interesting article on reasons the US has not been as innovative now as during the 1950-70 time period. Also, provides links to reasons for worker alienation.
Gist of article is that computers et al have not increased productivity just produced worker alienation since workers have less control over their work.

http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/mimssbits/27063/?p1=blogs