Why an MRI costs $1,080 in America and $280 in France

Why an MRI costs $1,080 in America and $280 in France: "There is a simple reason health care in the United States costs more than it does anywhere else: The prices are higher.

That may sound obvious. But it is, in fact, key to understanding one of the most pressing problems facing our economy. In 2009, Americans spent $7,960 per person on health care. Our neighbors in Canada spent $4,808. The Germans spent $4,218. The French, $3,978. If we had the per-person costs of any of those countries, America’s deficits would vanish. Workers would have much more money in their pockets. Our economy would grow more quickly, as our exports would be more competitive....."

For women in business, the squeaky wheel doesn’t get the grease

For women in business, the squeaky wheel doesn’t get the grease: "The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as the saying goes. But is this true for women in business?

Our recent Catalyst report, The Myth of the Ideal Worker, reveals that women do ask for raises and promotions. They just don’t get as much in return.

The research focused on career paths of high-potential men and women, drawing on thousands of MBA graduates from top schools around the world. Catalyst found that, among those who had moved on from their first post-MBA job, there was no significant difference in the proportion of women and men who asked for increased compensation or a higher position.

Yet the rewards were different...."

Virginia Republicans to require loyalty oath for primary voters

Virginia Republicans to require loyalty oath for primary voters: "Virginia’s Republican presidential primary is getting more exclusive by the day.

First the state party sparked controversy last week when it announced that neither Texas Gov. Rick Perry nor former House speaker Newt Gingrich had submitted enough valid signatures to appear on the March 6 primary ballot.

Now Republicans are also looking to place restrictions on just who can actually vote in the primary...."

Religious groups spend nearly $400 million on D.C. advocacy

Religious groups spend nearly $400 million on D.C. advocacy: "The number of religious advocacy groups in the nation’s capital has more than tripled since the 1970s, with conservative groups seeing the biggest growth, according to a new report.

Together, faith-based lobbying and advocacy groups spend $390 million a year to influence lawmakers, mobilize supporters and shape public opinion, according to the report, released Monday (Nov. 21) by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life...."

What Wall Street doesn’t want us to know about oil prices

What Wall Street doesn’t want us to know about oil prices: "The top six financial institutions in this country own assets equal to more than 60 percent of our gross domestic product and possess enormous economic and political power. One of the great questions of our time is whether the American people, through Congress, will control the greed, recklessness and illegal behavior on Wall Street, or whether Wall Street will continue to wreak havoc on our economy and the lives of working families.

I represent Vermont, a rural state where many workers drive long distances to jobs that pay $12 an hour or less. Many seniors living on fixed incomes heat their homes with oil during our cold winters. These people have asked me to do all that I can to lower outrageously high gasoline and heating-oil prices. I intend to do just that...."

Five Myths About America’s Schools

Five Myths About America’s Schools - Washington Post

A very interesting article that makes a lot of good points.