I’ve been thinking about miracles.

Last week The Lancet published an article by researchers at Duke University. The research concerned the effectiveness of noetic techniques, spelled like poetic with an “n.” A noetic technique is a method of therapy that doesn’t use a tangible substance or medical device. Specifically, what these researchers were examining was the effect of music, imagery, touch, and prayer on heart patients. [Read more…]

Reading a newspaper can be an aggravating experience.

Last week the Associated Press carried a news item with the title “Fat type linked to heart disease.” I thought “Uh-oh.” The implication of the research, the AP article said, was that “people might someday be tested for this fat, just as they are for cholesterol now.” I thought “Here we go again.” [Read more…]

In November, Sonoma County residents will vote on the GE Free Sonoma initiative, a ballot measure that imposes a 10 year moratorium on the use of genetically engineered organisms in Sonoma county.

Last week, State Senator Dean Florez, a Democrat representing the San Joaquin Valley west of Fresno, threw a wrench at GE Free Sonoma. Senator Florez pushed a piece of legislation that would nullify GE Free Sonoma should county residents approve it, along with similar regulations already in effect in Mendocino, Trinity, and Marin Counties. [Read more…]