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August 28, 2010

Politics: Parallel Universe

Last week President Obama was in a backyard in Ohio talking about the economy. But, it must have been an Ohio in a parallel universe because he described it as “moving in the right direction.” Back in our Ohio, as elsewhere in the Country, the economy is either not moving at all or moving backwards, depending on the expert. But, none of them think we’re on track. Why? Earlier in the month, we got more gloomy news about our circumstances. First-time unemployment claims are at a nine-month high. The jobless rate remains at 9.5%. Sales of existing houses fell 27% in July hitting the lowest point since 1999 when such data was first collected. The Stock Market has been on a roller coaster ride this month, including an 11% dip from its April peak.

If your spouse described this situation as “moving in the right direction”, you probably wouldn’t call him a liar. But, surely, you’d think he was nuts. If a sales guy tried to pitch it to you in the same way, you would think he was fibbing up a storm. So, what do you call it when the President of the United States calmly, and completely, puts a reverse spin on reality? The “politics as usual” rationale is giving him an undeserved pass. Obama won Ohio in the 2008 Presidential election and he was there again last week on a whirlwind fundraising trip. But just because you’re targeting people for donations is no excuse to speak falsely to them.

Check our sources: Boston.Com, MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal

Economy: Remember The Hindenburg

Most of us are way too young to have been alive on May 6, 1937 when the Hindenburg dirigible burst into flames. The German passenger airship was approaching the end of a transatlantic voyage when it exploded in midair and fell to earth, killing 36 people. The cause of the crash remains unknown but the tragedy effectively ended airship passenger service. What does this have to do with economics? Mathematician Jim Miekka developed a formula he calls the “Hindenburg Omen” for predicting stock market crashes. The formula has several variables and has accurately forecasted every market crash since 1987. Of course, it’s also predicted many, many more crashes that did not eventuate, to the point of being only 25% accurate.

And so? The conditions triggering the Omen happened twice just this month, prompting Miekka to get out of the market completely earlier this week. Of course, he was going to dump his holdings on September 1 anyway. Why? Historically, September is the market’s worst performing month. Miekka, like many, many others, typically sells high at the beginning of the month and buys back in at a lower price at month’s end. And he plans to jump back in at some point later this year as well, after waiting to see if the crash develops.

Check our sources: About History, The Wall Street Journal

Science: A Gel In Time Saves Stitches

The old expression, “a stitch in time saves nine”, which has nothing to do with stitching, can now be restated. Something like, “a gel in time saves stitches”. This does have to do with stitches but also, as with the original version, with saving time. Scientists have developed a synthetic blood-clotting gel that can close a wound and stop blood flow when a needle and thread aren’t handy. At $10 per application, the gel is an inexpensive way to keep your blood inside of you when it would otherwise pour out.

Coagulating gels are not new. Those made from natural substances, such as fungi, squid beaks and lobster shells, have been around for a while. But, they can become contaminated with viruses, which means you can, too, and they can also trigger allergic responses. Then there’s the cost: $400-500 a pop. The new synthetic variety, although not absorbable, is a great alternative as a topical treatment. Look for it on a battlefield near you because that’s where you’re likely to find it first.

Check our sources: Science News

Health: Those Tiresome Retroviruses

Literally. Researchers studying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in humans have identified a family of retroviruses that may be the cause. And they’ve come up with a possible treatment as well. The Syndrome is characterized by debilitating fatigue and chronic pain. Because symptoms fluctuate, friends and family members of sufferers often think they are malingering. Many M.D.s do as well, perhaps because there is no effective treatment.

But, this latest discovery not only gives patients’ claims credibility, it also holds out the possibility for treatment. HIV is also a retrovirus. Although not related to the family of fatigue retroviruses, HIV treatment may work for CFS sufferers. The best part is that the HIV treatments are already approved for human use. But, before large-scale testing of HIV drugs on chronic fatigue patients is done, more research is required. The work so far to establish a definitive causal connection between virus and CFS is very promising but requires further substantiation. As many as four million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue. Worldwide, the number is seventeen million.

Check our sources: The Wall Street Journal

Life: Make Bedbugs Strange Bedfellows

The U.S. is in the midst of a bedbug outbreak. For example, in New York City, claims have risen from 500 in 2004 to 11,000 in 2009. The pests are found in buses, subways, hotels, office buildings, nursing homes, your home, etc. If your home or office is plagued with bedbugs, your best bet is to ferret them out using, not a ferret, but a bedbug-sniffing dog. Dogs work fast and can locate the intruders in a single room within minutes. Which is nice because, according to one pest control company, the charge for canine services ranges from $350 – 500 per hour.

These dogs are given the same type of training as their bomb and arson-sniffing counterparts. They learn to find the bugs through their unique odor. The basic cost of a canine bedbug specialist is $10,000. Add to that the expense of training the handler and periodic refresher courses and the total cost is closer to $15,000. But, one pest control company gets so many calls for bedbug eradication, each dog pays for itself within one month. The company is about to purchase its fourth dog. No kidding. The best dogs are from the hunting breeds, like Beagles and Labradors. Happy hunting.

Check our sources: Forbes

Animals: Unusual Claims

Each year, the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI) names the dog with the most unusual pet insurance claim of that year. The latest top three finalists included (a) a Border Collie who ran through a window to “greet” his mailman, (b) a Terrier who bit a chainsaw and (c) a Labrador who ate a beehive full of pesticides and thousands of dead bees.

The first-place prize, a bronze trophy in the shape of a ham, went to the Labrador. Ellie also received a basket of toys and some doggie treats. She may eat all of her prizes, though, not just the treats. She already has consumed (not merely chewed) wooden train tracks, laptop computer keys and, of course, the beehive. Maybe she’s missing a basic nutrient in her regular dog food. Anyway, all three dogs recovered completely after receiving veterinary care. Long live your dog.

Check our sources: Reuters

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