Commentary on saving the French industry from politicians, our strange brain, Japan`s muddled radiation clean up, evidence that the US economy is healing, a market centred economist points out the problem with the US economy, and the sad cost of addiction.

Interesting article which argues that the future of the automotive industry in France has nothing to do with economic nationalism but building cars of the future where demand will be. Thanks to Ken of Tokyo-Hong Kong.

Media Part -- Renault à Tanger: la classe politique française s'étrangle à tort
Dans The Bourne Ultimatum, dernier volet de la formidable trilogie consacrée aux aventures de Jason Bourne, les policiers marocains, engagés dans une haletante chasse à l’homme sur les toits de la casbah de Tanger, étaient équipés de Logan fabriquées par Renault en Roumanie.

The neuroscientist who loved fly fishing jumps off a bridge. Thanks to David of London.

Independent -- What a glorious, wonderful, perfect mind Jon had; humane and patient
THE chalk-streams and rivers of southern England are a paradise for anglers, that most patient and cerebral of all sportsmen.

And so how does one go about cleaning up after a radiation accident? Thanks to Jeremy of Tokyo.

New York Times – A  Confused Nuclear Cleanup
As 500 workers in hazmat suits and respirator masks fanned out to decontaminate this village 20 miles from the ravaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, their confusion was apparent.

With markets breaking through to bull market territory in the United States there is evidence that the economy – led by private investment – is healing. (ed`s note – but because of the underinvestment in education and infrastructure we think of the recovery from a long term perspective as bouncing ball that loses energy every time it hits the ground).

New York Times -- A Recovery With Business Stepping Out in Front
THE economic recovery that has followed the end of the 2007-9 recession may be properly named the private enterprise bounce.

 

A conservative economist breaks ranks.

Bill Moyers and Company -- Bruce Bartlett on Where the Right Went Wrong
Bill Moyers talks with conservative economist Bruce Bartlett, who wrote "the bible" for the Reagan Revolution, worked on domestic policy for the Reagan White House, and served as a top treasury official under the first President Bush. Now he's a heretic in the conservative circles where he once was a star.  Bartlett argues that right-wing tax policies -- pushed in part by Grover Norquist and Tea Party activists -- are destroying the country's economic foundation. 

Related.

New York Times -- Are the Bush Tax Cuts the Root of Our Fiscal Problem?
Whether revenue should play any role in deficit reduction is at the root of the fiscal impasse between Congressional Republicans and President Obama.

 

Whitney Houston`s death raises questions about addiction.

National Post -- Mary Rogan on Whitney Houston: A former addict’s perspective on a singer’s ruined life
When celebrities overdose and die in swanky hotel rooms, I don’t usually get too worked up.

Related.

Walrus -- Zero Sum
In implementing zero tolerance for sexual abuse, has the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario become a source of harm to the patients it’s trying to protect?

Whitney Houston dead at 48.

Globe and Mail -- The rise and fall of Whitney Houston
From the first, Whitney Houston seemed the quintessential 80s pop star.

The Greatest Love of All