Today's Boston Globe articles

1. International Relations: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/10/25/obama_may_face_fight_on_treaties/

While the treaties are laudatory and important, I do not think all of them will get passed. There is much reluctance (appropriately though) to placing restrictions on the U.S. military and its development, esp. if similar restrictions are unlikely to deter effectively 'rogue' regimes.

2. U.S. History: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/10/25/the_dangers_of_dabbling_in_a_good_cause/

An informative and insightful article, although it leaves me begging for more information about the so-called 'Secret Six', their motivations for supporting John Brown, and their lives afterwards.

3. Climate Change:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/10/25/activists_turn_up_the_heat_on_climate/

I attended such a event yesterday in Garden City, which was somewhat informative. Climate change awareness is less politicized than health care reform, but deserves more individual commitment from all of us.

4. Health Care Reform:
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/10/25/fears_of_health_monopoly_as_congress_urges_collaboration/

This is a duly concern - consolidation within the health care market decreases competition, esp. when hospitals merge. That is why a public option and strong government regulation - including a more cognizant FTC - is necessary.

5. American Football:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/10/25/nfl_in_england_would_you_like_chips_with_that/

I disagree - sports should be promoted and cross boundaries. Soccer has long become popular in America, and football is attracting an European audience. We should not be isolationist in sport.

6. Classical Music:
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/10/25/brook_farm_group_was_among_the_first_to_hear_beethovens_brilliance/

Interesting article, although I think the author overattributes Beethoven's popularity in America to Brook Farm (the connection itself is still tenuous). Nonetheless, Beethoven rules!

7. Evolution Debate:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/10/25/in_the_muslim_world_creationism_is_on_the_rise/

Ok, I've been reading conflicted reports and statistics on the evolution vs. creationism debate in the Muslim world. I think neither side has gained a substantial advantage yet, but the debate is still ongoing and is likely conditioned by political realities.

8. Books - Government:
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/10/25/so_whos_in_charge/

Ok, we all know that private contracting is prevalent. I hope the book shows how serious a problem it is domestically, and how such a situation hurts the public good. Then, it will spur many of us and the government into action.

9. Books - Baseball:
http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/10/25/a_warm_up_pitch_for_the_world_series/

A great way to fill my baseball appetite after an all-too-short postseason (ok, Red Sox only). I'm reading Vaccaro's book and the verdict is still out.