1 - The Comeback Continent - New York Times

“…the next time a politician tries to scare you with the European bogeyman, bear this in mind: Europe’s economy is actually doing O.K. these days, despite a level of taxing and spending beyond the wildest ambitions of American progressives.”

(tags: economy us europe)

2 - » US Health Care Ranked Last Of 19 Industrialized Nations In Study Dvorak Uncensored: General interest observations and true web-log.

“I wouldn’t say it (the last-place ranking) is a condemnation, because I think health care in the U.S. is pretty good if you have access. But if you don’t, I think that’s the main problem, isn’t it?” Nolte said in a telephone interview.

(tags: health healthcare us)

3 - The Big Picture | Why Prediction Markets Fail

In the area of politics, I am in agreement with Dan Gross, who wrote “these are less futures markets than immediate-past markets.” In other words, bettors essentially aggregate polling data that is already out — rather than forecasting the unknown future

(tags: elections markets prediction)

4 - Zero Beta: If Emerging Markets Stop Emerging

Progress, both technological and economic, does not necessarily turn into profits. Especially in the manner that most people believe it will.

(tags: economy yuan us dollar consumers emerging china)

5 - Why it’s good to leave your WiFi open - Boing Boing

“…it’s basic politeness. Providing internet access to guests is kind of like providing heat and electricity, or a hot cup of tea.”

(tags: society hospitality internet network wifi)