Our elected officials appear to have embraced the notion that you have to spend money to make money. Or at least that you have to spend money.

As this goes to press, lawmakers are deciding how to set aside $700 billion or so for distressed financial institutions. Most sides seem to agree that a massive capital infusion is the only way to avoid a complete economic meltdown.

With less than a month before Election Day, the fight to determine our next president has hit a fever pitch. By that, I mean both sides are working as never before to smear the other guy.

I have to admit that my first visit to a nursing home was less than inspiring...

Whenever I talk with long-term care professionals, I like to ask why they have chosen to do this work. Let's face it, this is not a field for sissies.

It's a rare week in Washington when there isn't a conference of experts tackling one or more of our most troubling policy matters.

There's a famous scene in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is urged to ignore "that man behind the curtain." At that point, we realize the jig is up. It has become obvious that the "great and powerful" Wizard really can't deliver the goods.

It's hardly a secret that eldercare services in this nation are in a state of flux. The average age of nursing homes in most metro markets has surpassed 30 years.

In boardrooms and across kitchen tables, much hand wringing is taking place. At issue is whether the nation may be on the cusp of a recession, or maybe worse.

As this issue goes to press, Roger Clemens and his former trainer are taking turns on Capitol Hill calling each other a liar. My guess is that they are both right, but that's beside the point.