The furnishing of health care as a collateral benefit of one's employment is largely a matter of historical accident rather than logical choice. Early in the development of the organized labor movement in the U.S. medical insurance was advanced as a benefit for employees. Initially, management found this a less expensive alternative than an outright wage increase since it was a contingent rather than absolute expense and could be covered by an insurance plan. Over the years this concept became generally accepted in U.S. employment contracts. Our current economic difficulties, with large numbers of the work force losing their jobs and as a consequence their health insurance demonstrates the illogic of this arrangement. Also, the cost of the insurance makes U.S. companies less competitive in the world market and is a factor in moving business offshore. ...more

March 22, 2009

Life is good, Magnum's constantly wagging tail seems to say. To that end, the irrepressible 6-year-old beagle appears to have a way of attracting just the right people. A number of animal lovers recently joined forces to give the limping beagle not only love but also the latest high-tech medical treatment to set him on the road to a good life. ...more

February 6, 2009

Life is good, Magnum's constantly wagging tail seems to say. To that end, the irrepressible 6-year-old beagle appears to have a way of attracting just the right people. A number of animal lovers recently joined forces to give the limping beagle not only love but also the latest high-tech medical treatment to set him on the road to a good life. ...more

January 14, 2009

LAKE PLACID — More than 100 workers are tapping nails, hanging drywall, installing plumbing and finishing off electrical work in order to finish by January Lake Placid's $14 million newest retirement community. The 70,000-square-foot facility will allow seniors to choose from four levels of health care. Plans call for 26 townhomes and 129 independent living suites, assisted living suites, and Alzheimer's care suites or dementia units. Windsor Lakeside Village is owned by George Houghton of George Houghton, Inc. This is the United Kingdom builder's first American project. ...more

September 3, 2007