Bilbo

Israel stations nuclear missile subs off Iran

Noted economics blogger Yves Smith has an article discussing Simon Schama’s recent Financial Times piece evaluating the likelihood of popular revolt in western democracies in reaction to financial chaos.

The Los Angeles Times offers a tool that lets you try to balance the California budget.

Juan Cole makes a very good point concerning Sen McCain’s hand wringing over Obama’s handling of the Iran situation.

Using Medicare payments as a gauge, McAllen, Texas turns out to be the costliest medical care locale in the United States. Atul Gawande explores the reasons in a June, 2009 New Yorker article.

The swine flu infection rate, as reflected on the NYT swine flu tracking map, seems a bit out of kilter.

Some Wisconsin pensioners may face up to a 40% reduction in their benefits.

Public pension funds in the US are in alarming bad shape and their prospects are gloomy at best.

Central Falls, Rhode Island built a privately run jail that ended up housing its own undocumented residents, many of whom had lived there for years.

The December 22, 2008 New York Times offers a heartwarming story of holiday season charity.