Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Obama Presidency: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/27/obama_ends_first_year_with_some_progress_and_more_work_ahead/

Pragmatism is a good way to sum up his year. His critics, especially disillusioned liberals, might use unprincipled. Nonetheless, his second year will be the real yardstick.

2. Community Music: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/12/27/medford_fife_and_drums_corps_headed_for_down_under_performance/

I attended one of their outdoor performances in 2007, and they were very talented. I'm glad to hear that they are expanding their reach internationally, especially at a difficult time for community art groups.

3. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/27/states_with_wider_health_care_fight_senate_bill/

As I emphasized before, these states have a legitimate complaint. A health care bill that discourages states' innovation will be unpopular, counterproductive, and maybe even unconstitutional.

4. Foreign Policy: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/12/27/sign_the_land_mine_treaty/

The U.S. should ratify the treaty. Land mines are antiquated weapons, and outlawing them should be among the easier of the international issues that the U.S. is confronting.

5. Future: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/27/its_2010/

Dream on. It's a good thing - so long it's grounded in the present.

6. Social Psychology: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/27/the_loneliness_network/

I am unconvinced that loneliness is 'contagious': how does it spread? What about the environment? Finally, if human beings are wont to cast off an apparent loner, how can it spread so effectively?

7. Art History: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/12/27/michelangelo_redefined/

I admire Michelangelo, and believe he stands tall above his age. But art history, including famous artists, must be studied within their times and greater social histories. That is true for Michelangelo and Jay-Z.