What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today  —  Friday afternoons and evenings — as we've mentioned here previously — are usually a dumping ground for political news its originators do not want noticed much.  Especially entering warm summer weekends.

Walter Cronkite, Iconic Anchorman, Dies at 92  —  Walter Cronkite at the anchor desk.  —  Update: 10:40 p.m.: We are highlighting some of the comments from readers about Walter Cronkite's life and legacy:  —  “Walter, you were family.  Thank you for always telling the truth and for seeing us as neighbors, not audience members.

Amazon Erases Orwell Books From Kindle  —  In George Orwell's “1984,” government censors erase all traces of news articles embarrassing to Big Brother by sending them down an incineration chute called the “memory hole.”  —  On Friday, it was “1984” and another Orwell book, “Animal Farm,” …

Last Post  —  I had all kinds of ideas for things I wanted to write before I left, but between last-minute packing and phone calls from friends and family, it didn't happen.  So I'll just say a few things quickly.  —  As I said before, one of the things that led me to start blogging …

A Year Without A Summer?  —  1816 was the “year without a summer.”  There were several causes of the abnormally cold weather that year, as this source recounts: … If this account is correct, the “year without a summer” played a role in the development of the American Midwest:

AmeriCorps IG sues government over “unlawful” firing  —  Gerald Walpin, the AmeriCorps inspector general who was summarily fired in June amid controversy over his investigation of a politically-connected supporter of President Obama, has filed suit alleging that the firing was “unlawful,” …

Unemployment tops 10 percent in 16 states in June … WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Labor Department says unemployment topped 10 percent in 16 states last month.  The rate in Michigan surpassed 15 percent, the first time any state hit that mark since 1984.  —  Home to the nation's struggling auto makers …

Chinese blogger tweets arrest SOS  —  • Twitterer amoiist caught up in police blog probe  —  • Inquiry centres on murder ‘libel’ against officials  —  The hundreds following amoiist on Twitter were used to his stream of messages.  But they ended abruptly with two terse updates early yesterday morning.

Pay for care a new way, state is urged  —  Hospitals and doctors may be put on budget  —  A state commission recommended yesterday that Massachusetts dramatically change how doctors and hospitals are paid, essentially putting providers on a budget as a way to control exploding healthcare costs and improve the quality of care.

The other-worldly philosophers  —  Although the crisis has exposed bitter divisions among economists, it could still be good for economics.  Our first article looks at the turmoil among macroeconomists.  Our second (see article) examines the foundations of financial economics

Why Trig has divided America  —  Reactions to Sarah Palin's decision to resign the governorship of Alaska have been a reminder of her unmatched ability to elicit strong emotions from friend and foe alike.  We know some of the reasons why.  It's her evangelical Christianity and her folksy manner.