New particle? New fundamental force?

I saw this article a few days ago regarding the possibility that a new particle may have been discovered at Fermilab:

Tevatron accelerator yields hints of new particle

Here is the original paper:
Invariant Mass Distribution of Jet Pairs

A matter of compassion and logic

Usually the things that I write in this space are fairly light-hearted.  This in not one of those entries.

According to Planned Parenthood's website, they service 3 million patients per year.  If Planned Parenthood ceased to function, many of those patients will have no capability to receive services such as pelvic exams and mammograms.  Those women who have the means will seek care from private medical providers.  The private medical system is already functioning beyond the capability to provide adequate care to all of the patients that they already have.  What is the probability that the system will have any capability to bear the increase in patient load that would be caused by the absence of Planned Parenthood?  I am greatly concerned that a crisis in women's health would occur.

So for those opponents of Planned Parenthood who will not be moved by compassion,  perhaps they will be moved by logic.  The services of Planned Parenthood are essential to the health of women in the United States. 

One great big festering neon distraction

I was watching a video on YouTube the other night which shows all major worldwide battles over the last 1000 years.  For some reason, it caused me to ponder the nature of consumer culture.  We are pressed to buy and buy and buy.  One benefit of this is that it keeps us all distracted so that people don't go apeshit on each other as much as they would if not so distracted.  It's just an observation.