A Nation of Takers?

A Nation of Takers?:

In the debate about poverty, critics argue that government assistance saps initiative and is unaffordable. After exploring the issue, I must concede that the critics have a point. Here are five public welfare programs that are wasteful and turning us into a nation of “takers.” via Pocket

Matching Color for IKEA Lixtorp cabinets

For all you IKEA hackers out there, Varathane brand stain, Early American, is a spot on match for the brown LIxtorp cabinets from IKEA. 

Listen Up: It’s Time to Turn Down the Sound

Listen Up: It’s Time to Turn Down the Sound:

Ambient noise machines meant to prolong uninterrupted sleep may be doing long-term damage to the ears of infants, kick-starting a cycle of hearing loss that’s almost impossible to break. via Pocket

From Putin, a Blessing in Disguise

From Putin, a Blessing in Disguise:

There are a lot of people who seem intent on restarting the Cold War — in both Moscow and Washington. I am not one of them. But if we’re going to have a new Cold War, then I have one condition: I want a new moonshot. via Pocket

The dirty truth behind Park & Rides

The dirty truth behind Park & Rides:

Park and ride facilities are darling infrastructure of the transit planning profession. By providing “free” parking to lure choice riders out of cars and onto buses and trains, ridership can get a big boost. via Pocket

Insurance Won't Cover Special Needs Toddler Formula

Insurance Won't Cover Special Needs Toddler Formula:

TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) — One Topeka family is facing added expenses after their insurance company told them they will not cover a vital formula for their son, who has a rare genetic disorder. via Pocket

The Crimean Exception: Never Before in Autonomy Struggles Has a People Chosen Between Oppressors

The Crimean Exception: Never Before in Autonomy Struggles Has a People Chosen Between Oppressors:

The upcoming Crimea referendum is both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary because more than 100 times since World War II geographically concentrated ethnic or linguistic groups have voted on the question of independence. via Pocket

Liberty, Equality, Efficiency

Liberty, Equality, Efficiency:

Most people, if pressed on the subject, would probably agree that extreme income inequality is a bad thing, although a fair number of conservatives believe that the whole subject of income distribution should be banned from public discourse. via Pocket

Best predictor of divorce? Age when couples cohabit, study says

Best predictor of divorce? Age when couples cohabit, study says:

For years, social scientists have tried to explain why living together before marriage seemed to increase the likelihood of a couple divorcing. Now, new research released by the nonpartisan Council on Contemporary Families gives an answer: It doesn’t. And it probably never has. via Pocket