| Jan 23, 2012 | Environment / HealthWe cheered when the Obama administration formally denied a federal permit for the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline put forth by Canadian oil giant TransCanada. The 1,700-mile pipeline would have run through six states, carrying toxic, highly corrosive tar sands...
| | Food / FarmingI feel uneasy sleeping in a house without functioning smoke detectors. I lock my doors at night. I salt my sidewalk when it’s icy. I always wear my seatbelt. Like most people, I prefer to minimize my chances of getting hurt or wrecking my car or house, despite...
| | Economy / BusinessCorruption is as American as apple pie. “The quality of government is seriously compromised when decisions made by elected politicians benefit those who funded their ascent to power,” says the anti-corruption watch-dog group Transparency International....
| Jan 16, 2012 | Environment / HealthI relocated to California for several weeks last year to avoid the dog days of summer in the nation’s capital. During my sojourn, state officials announced that they were closing Los Angeles’ infamous 405 Freeway — America’s busiest highway — for a...
| | Economy / BusinessThe wealthiest Americans — and deep pockets everywhere else — are spending epic sums on artwork. Christie’s and Sotheby’s, the two big fine art auction houses, are reporting a 35-percent increase in the prices paid for Picassos and other blue-chippers over...
