Interesting details about Hillary Clinton's health care plan 2007

Looks like good analysis here by Maggie Mahar. More details in her comments further in the thread too. (Thanks to Uncle Larry for the linky goodness).

Cheese du jour 2007

Also from our visit to Jardiniere last night, we recommend the Fenacho semi-firm goat's milk cheese with fenugreek* from Bend, Oregon, and the Epoisses washed rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, France.

*A stellar example from the genre my cheesemonger friend Gordon describes as "cheese with stuff in it".

Blogging through the fog 2007

In headcold hell today, but am starting to go stir crazy to do *something* despite my thickheadedness. Thus for your enjoyment here are some links without the big insightful posts I'd intended to write (for weeks now, alas).

Economic news to make you gnash your teeth: Bush tax cuts make balancing budget impossible in 2007 through 2010. The trend beyond 2010 is even more scary, particularly when you look at the comparison between that lost revenue and benefits through Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid. I am still rather unclear on what exactly these "conservatives" are supposed to be conserving; smells like bad fiscal management to me.

More pleasing economic historical analysis from Nicholas Wade, "In Dusty Archives, a Theory of Affluence" which anyone interested in the transition from traditional economies to industrial ones will find thought-provoking.

Worst. President. Ever. 2007

or if not, he's sure giving the title a run for its money.

It's not just that his policies are bad, it's the terrifying realization that he doesn't even understand them.

Do check out the whole New York Times piece on Bush & his biographer; it's short and worth reading.