A Parrot might hold the key

The comments made by the eminent scientist James Watson last week on race and intelligence is on a completely scientific level valid to make, since it can be tested and put to rest with experiments. However such claims should not be made in public; these battles should be hard-fought on the journal turf. This type of brash speaking only deflected from the read problem that minority communities are simply left behind in this ultra-competitive world. What makes me shiver is what would a young black geneticist working on a groundbreaking PhD would be contemplating this week about his/her chosen career.

I suggest he should have a pet parrot to put some foundation on such fears. We could all learn a lot from Alex

" The brainy African gray parrot, who died in September at age 31, had a grasp of numbers, colors, and even a very basic insight into the concept of 'zero' that challenged scientists' most fundamental assumptions about animal intelligence."

Paris Hilton sets a bad example

Personal finance columnist, Jonathan Clements argues far away from his regular topics and indulges into why he things we should not awed by material wealth; these things are only good when defined by some purpose in life to do good. He sums up quite well:

"We all tend to sit up and take notice when we come across people with fancy titles, hefty incomes and immense riches. Yet these aren't signs of genius or virtue. Want proof? All it takes is two words: Paris Hilton."

Health is Wealth (in some countries)

Foreign Policy has an article that caught my eye
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4025


After reading extensively (mostly every other day in the news) on the dismal performance of the NHS, and squabbling by the Tories and Labour on spending, it seems to me that answer does not just lie in more fiscal spending, but a complete change in culture and approach to the NHS.

1. Japan - not surprising, since Japan's notorious lifestyle is balanced well with fresh fish and rice.

2. Sweden - high cancer survival rate, and the Govt. follows its exuberant spending on health care (nearly 14% of GDP) with holistic social care - this can only mean longer evening walks for many swedes in the generations ahead.

3. Iceland - What? Alas, besides having a sweet tooth, Iceland can take great pride in having one of the lowest child mortality rates in the whole world. Only Singapore can match Iceland in this. Perhaps, this shows that having one of the best pro-natal policies in the world does pay large dividends.

4. France - Sarcozy might have stirred up the corridors the 5th Republic with a burst of fresh air, or let's just say an inviting cover page for L'Express and religious joggers all over the world to ponder on. The French have high fat in their diets, but long meals and a glass of red wine seems to be answer for a healthier life.

5. Cuba - Salute Raul Castro! Maybe not! But, it does have an impressive health care system despite limited resources.