Every so often, a story like this will pop up. "Half the patients are dead within 12 months of diagnosis. The overall survival at several years out is felt to be 2, maybe 5 percent," says Dr. Henry Friedman, a neurooncologist at Duke University. But despite long odds, Delbridge underwent surgery, radiation and painful chemotherapy. And while putting his trust in doctors at … [Read more...] about God vs. The Placebo Effect

Has what some analysts call "the second term curse" been set in motion in the case of President George Bush? It may be too early to tell if the "second term curse" has begun, but the latest USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll shows Bush's approval rating has fallen to 45%, the lowest point of his presidency. Then you can add to that some other factors. Earlier polls showed the vast … [Read more...] about George Bush’s Poll Numbers Drop: The Beginning Of The Second Term Curse?

...the Bull Moose reminds us there is far more fear and death in the world than the current controversy in Florida: Obviously, much of the status of the war against terrorism must remain secret. However, we cannot assume that silence equals safety. To prevent the nation from becoming complacent, it would seem that our leaders should present a progress report on this war. Set … [Read more...] about Lest we be distracted….

Is this a sign of our 24-hour-news-network-driven society? In the past, District Attorneys were known for their vocal belief in the wisdom of juries. However, in the case of the trial of Robert Blake for the murder of his wife, the report from CNN.com paints quite a different picture: District Attorney Steve Cooley says Robert Blake was "guilty as sin" and the jurors who … [Read more...] about Intemperate remarks from a prosecutor

Our friends across the pond have their own concerns and controversies over issues relating to the end of life, and the ending of life. The Guardian has published a very personal commentary discussing the end of life issues when the person involved is conscious and fully capable of making life and death decisions, but unable to act upon them unassisted. A brief quote to … [Read more...] about End of life issues exist around the world

This teacher apparently thinks a "role model" is a piece of bread they hold up to give them an idea of how to bake at Subway: A Bronx teacher who repeatedly flunked his state certification exam paid a formerly homeless man with a developmental disorder $2 to take the test for him, authorities said yesterday. The illegal stand-in - who looks nothing like teacher Wayne Brightly … [Read more...] about Why Kids Cheat On Exams

Due to a very very busy evening of performances and arriving very late, TMV didn't finish the Around The Sphere round up (so if you are a blogger with a link, you can still send it in). We did get one new post on the site this morning, but we'll be gone until later this morning. So keep checking back. … [Read more...] about Posts Will Be Delayed Today

NOTE: This is a Terri Schiavo free zone. Our periodic linkfest looking at some posts from all over the Internet. Posts represent DIFFERING views and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Moderate Voice or its independent-minded guest bloggers. ADVICE TO THE GOP from the ever-knowing Bull Moose (one of our favorite weblogs) on Tom DeLay is a must read. A small … [Read more...] about Around The “Sphere

A diner sat down to eat at a Wendy's in San Jose and found something in the chili that's indispensible to driving in California: a finger. But it didn't help digesting the meal: "This individual apparently did take a spoonful, did have a finger in their mouth and then, you know, spit it out and recognized it," said Ben Gale, director of the department of environmental health … [Read more...] about Wendy’s Gives Diner The Finger

...being forgotten in our reckless indulgence of the tragedy of absolutes? … [Read more...] about Is the truly human element…

A Florida judge has now turned down Jeb Bush and the latest attempt to short-circuit a string of legislative judgements allowing Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to be removed. Is this case finally at the end of the line — or are there more surprises from politicians (or some kind of new legal case) to come? The latest: A Florida state judge on Thursday rejected a … [Read more...] about Florida Judge Turns Down Jeb Bush On Schiavo

...that is not meant to invoke partisan bickering, but instead thoughtful discussion amidst the sound and fury of emotional reactions. The oaths of office for the President and members of Congress require they swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. Our Constitution mandates a separation of powers not only between the three branches of the federal … [Read more...] about A serious question…

We will not excerpt this MUST READ POST because it is needed to be read in full, every single word. It's by Republican blogger John Cole. We will only say this: it reaffirms our contention that what we're seeing is not something all Republicans support — but something that scares many Republicans as well as Democrats and Independents. And a "never mind" from … [Read more...] about MUST READ POST OF THE DAY

...for Peggy Noonan. I just read Peggy Noonan's new column in the Wall Street Journal and I want what she's drinking (or smoking). Read it all but here's our favorite part when she writes about those who oppose the DeLay/Bush spectacle (including the bulk of GOPers, according to the CBS poll) that has been thrust upon the country: Why are they so committed to this woman's … [Read more...] about The Friendly Men In The White Coats May Be Coming….

The Supreme Court has refused to get involved in an appeal on the Terri Schiavo case — thus exhausting the traditional legal remedies in this case. So now the question becomes: will Florida Governor Jeb Bush be able to get a court order to allow him to hold her in protective custody via some new appeal based on new grounds in Florida? CNN reports the news that this case … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Nixes Schiavo Case: Ball Is Now In Jeb Bush’s Court

England's Prime Minister Tony Blair has taken a swipe at the kind of faith-based politics he sees in the United States, the must-read international press watchdog site Watching America reports. Watching America links to a Guardian article and here are the relevant quotes: Tony Blair chose a faith audience in south London yesterday to proclaim his belief that he was opposed to … [Read more...] about Britian’s PM Tony Blair: Thumbs Down On U.S. Faith-Style Politics

Demonstrators in yet another part of the former Soviet Union are moving swiftly to throw the rascals out: March 24 (Bloomberg) — Protesters in Kyrgyzstan today occupied the offices of President Askar Akayev in an effort to force him to resign over allegations of election fraud, according to television footage. Akayev left the capital by helicopter, Interfax reported. … [Read more...] about More Political Upheaval In Yet Another Part Of The Former Soviet Union

This just in from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz: IN BEARISH SIGN, GREENSPAN RUNS OUT ON CHECK AT SIZZLER Analysts See Fed Chief's Move Signaling Troubled Economy The stock market, which has been trading sideways for months amid soaring oil prices and bulging budget deficits, received another body-blow today when it was revealed that Federal Reserve Board Chairman … [Read more...] about ECONOMIC NEWS BULLETIN: This Just In

Unless something changes, Tom DeLay and George Bush should know that the day they leave public office they can make a lot of money in a new career: as engineers in train demolition derbies. Because yet another poll indicates their decision to shove the Terri Schiavo controversy into Congress, abruptly change hundreds of years of democratic checks and balances, and do it in a … [Read more...] about This Unfavorable Poll Must Also Be “Biased,” Right?

Most of our posts will start after 7 a.m. today. Last night TMV drove to Orange County, did a show, and drove back...and injured his back in the process. Back problems are grave in his family so he got in a tub last night, then right into bed. Check back here since there WILL be posts today on a variety of subjects. … [Read more...] about Posts Will Start After 7 a.m. PST