Category Archives: Health

Health, Media Criticism, Science And Society

My Father

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I just realized he would have been ninety years old today, if he hadn’t died over a third of a century ago, at 55. He had a terrible lifestyle — he smoked most of his life, was overweight, and had a bad diet, exacerbated by horrible nutritional advice (low-fat, grains) after his first heart attack at age 45. I’ve outlived him now, with no signs of coronary problems, but I’ve never smoked, and never been (much) overweight. I’m hoping that I’ll live to be at least ninety, and if I can make it that far, I suspect I’ll go far beyond, barring accidents or massive social upheaval.

Culinary, Health, Science And Society, Social Commentary

Caffeine Addiction

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How it happens to your brain.

I started drinking coffee a few weeks ago, primarily for medicinal purposes (a couple cups in the morning). I don’t really enjoy it, and I’ve never noticed any mental effect from doing so. If I didn’t make a pot for her every morning, I probably wouldn’t bother. When I skip a day, I don’t notice anything, either. So maybe I’m sort of impervious to its effects. Of course, that could also mean that I’m not getting any of the hoped-for health benefits of drinking it.

Business, Economics, Health, Media Criticism, Political Commentary

The Mandate From Hell

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Can it be fixed?

Kevin thinks it will be easy, but I don’t see it. Do we get rid of the employer mandate, which will be super expensive? Do we raise the limit to 35 hours a week, which would probably result in somewhat less dumping, but would still cost a bunch of money? And which program would Democrats like to cut to pay for the extra expense? Because Republicans would definitely not be on board with raising taxes for it.

This isn’t just politically hard; it’s actually hard.

One of the many reasons the legislation is such a disaster.

It’s like squaring the circle. Of solving a Rubiks cube that’s been taken apart and put together the wrong way.