The Amphibious One posts a long interview with Paul Drain on how wonderful the Cuban Health System is. This is not the first time I have seen left-wing articles on how wonderful (and cheap) the Cuban Healthcare system is. Such articles are usually full of unflattering comparisons with the US Healthcare system and the somewhat [...]
This is a picture of the Greeks protesting against austerity. And here is a picture of New Zealanders protesting against prosperity (AKA mining in conservation land) There are a number of obvious similarities. Both protest groups are dominated by the left. Both protest groups are protesting the direct result of a decade of left-wing government [...]
Two US surgeons have offered some commentary on Why US Healthcare Costs Are Out of Control. It is a highly revealing read. They cite six reasons: The Building of Shrines for Hospital Administrators – buildings constructed out of desire to make a mark rather than out of necessity. Unnecessary Duplication of Services – Often added under [...]
I see yet another “broadband productivity” report seriously underestimates the gains to be had by ultrafast broadband. The survey by Motu Economic and Public Policy Research found a productivity effect of having broadband, compared to not having broadband, of about 10 percent across all firms. The estimates indicated a marginally stronger impact on productivity for [...]
In the Herald today: Dr Penelope Briscoe, dean of the faculty of pain medicine at Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), says reform is needed to curb the illicit use and sale of powerful prescription medicines. I view statements like this with some trepidation. I don’t know how it is in Australia, but, [...]
Spam Journalism: The spurious use of sensational headlines to add spice to an otherwise pointless article. (MacDoctor definition) Just for a change of pace a bit of business spam: Will NZ become Iceland? The economy is in its worst recession on record, and the government faces a sea of red ink – will New Zealand end [...]
This is the question asked of Helen Clark by a ten-year-old called Nami, today. Good question, Nami. Possibly the most penetrating question asked of Helen Clark this whole campaign. She chose to talk about broadband. It was perfectly possible that she could have talked about our world leading status in social policies, climate change and [...]
It seems that suddenly, everyone wants to train more doctors. National released part of its health policy yesterday, stating their pledge to increase medical student numbers by 200 a year (at a cost of $31 million). Coincidentally (NOT), the government’s Medical Training Board released its recommendations for 100 new medical school places. Both articles talk [...]
