Odds and Ends

* Don't get me wrong, I am far from despairing. In fact, I believe in the possibility of progress and the long-term prospect for humanity. But I'm talking really long-term. The next 50 years, at least, will be a rough patch, to say the least. The disaster was largely avoidable, but the capture of state power in the world's most powerful country and largest economy (by far) by a gang of murderous, thieving sociopaths has put the planet in a hole we won't get out of for a long time, no matter what happens to U.S. politics in the days and years ahead. Disturbingly, the latest polls show the Republicans making something of a comeback. Why is beyond my comprehension. It appears now that they will retain the Senate, maybe lose only two seats. As a nation, we are sick down to our very soul.

* The Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association is in Boston, starting today. For any of you who will be there, I'll be presenting on "Role Exchange in Medical Interpretation" at a session on Tuesday at 2:30, sponsored by the Latino caucus. Like last year, I'll try to do some blogging on interesting sessions I attend. APHA is huge, overwhelming, and impossible to cover adequately, but I'll do what I can.

* If you haven't seen any comments from me on your own blogs lately, it doesn't mean I haven't been visiting -- I've been in a silent way lately. Maybe the words will start flowing soon. Also, for those who have sent me tips and story ideas, please keep doing it -- even if I haven't used them yet, I still may, and I often read with interest. It's hard to decide what to write about every day, and sometimes a story that would be a good fit here just doesn't happen to fire up the right synapses on the day it happens. I have a big file, and I keep working through it. I always appreciate getting your e-mails.

Monday I will probably post in the evening, due to the APHA meeting.