The largely accidental linkage of health insurance to employer has so warped our current system.

Yeah, I'd really like to see that unlinked. It would help make the labor market more fluid and would make things easier for entrepreneurs. That's part of the problem I generally have with Democratic plans.

The Republican plan of refundable tax credits just seems like a massive government subsidy of private insurance companies. Maybe it would be better separating that linkage, though it wouldn't do anything to lower costs. It also still screws higher risk folks.

I think single-payer or a French public/private system would be better than either, but I'm not sure that would addresses slowing down costs much either. Though putting everyone in a single risk pool with a non-profit setup would have to be more efficient that the current way things work.

Good job, erika! I'm so proud.

I believe in single-payer, too. If enough of us believe, will it come into being, like fairies?

Also, that Americans are just *weird* about some things.

Well, hell yes. It seems to me to be another one of those inconsistencies of the American psyche - if we're so pro-capitalism and "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" why on earth do we make it so darn hard for free-lancers and small businesses?

You know what, I pretty much have no patience with the anti-H1N1 vaccine crowd. Check the science, people. A quick Google finds me no cases of H1N1 vaccine-related deaths (but naturally there are plenty of blogs ranting about "media cover-ups"). I am not high-risk and don't often deal with kids, but as soon as there is sufficient supply I will be there with bells on.

My week of Halloweeny wardrobe has reconfirmed that I enjoy planning outfits around my socks. Today I went for the pumpkin look:
Orange/black/green argyle socks
Dansko Mary Janes
Lightweight black skirt with small side vents
Green short-sleeve cotton blouse
Orange wool v-neck sweater
Bat pendant and night sky earrings
Skull charm bracelet

I will probably lose the sweater as the day goes on, since there's a predicted high of 74 today.

IOmememeN, I've been late this whole week. Significantly so. Slept 10 1/2 hrs last night, and am still sleepy (yes, I know some of you want to kill me for complaining about that, but I bet you're not envious of the official write-up I got last year for tardiness).

And I'm trying to surf a nasty cigarette jones. And will probably fail. ::sigh::

Okay, done whinging for now. Off to work, or maybe smoke and then work.

Scrappy, that looks like an excellent weeknight dinner, and I am going to try it tonight. One question- does anyone know offhand how many fluid ounces there are in a can of chicken broth? (as that is how the measurement is listed for that ingredient).

15 oz (~ almost exactly 2 cups)

Thanks, Jessica, I bet myself that you'd be the first to answer. I would have guessed 16 oz if pressed, because a pint's a general good measurement for all things that matter (i.e., beer)

In non-viral news, I've arrived on Kos. Somebody just called me sexist and an example of a middle-school mentality.

Go you! Would you mind linking, please?

Woot photoshop competition.

Spicerack is made of awesome!

Toast:

Swansons sells chicken broth in 14 and 49 oz cans, as well as the cardboard boxes. [link]

If I were guessing, I'd go with the 14 oz. measurement.

One question- does anyone know offhand how many fluid ounces there are in a can of chicken broth? (as that is how the measurement is listed for that ingredient).

I think 14 oz, but make sure to check the can/box, they vary.

It's half a can, but I used about 3/4 because I knew I was going to cook down the sauce anyway.