US – Tuesday, February 9
National
Plant blast under investigation
Federal investigators headed to Connecticut yesterday to determine the cause of an explosion at an unfinished power plant that killed at least five workers and hospitalized dozens of others.
 
International
Pressure grows for sanctions
International pressure for new sanctions against Iran grew yesterday after Tehran announced plans to make higher-enriched uranium and add 10 nuclear sites in a year, raising Western fears it wants to develop atom bombs.
 
The Word
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
New York Arts
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
Business
‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit
NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.
 
My Wellbeing
Let me count the ways ...
‘Tis the season for writing love letters. But that can be a daunting endeavor, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Should you put it in verse, use flowery language, get erotic? As with almost anything in life, the simpler you keep it, the easier (and often better) it will be. It doesn’t sound that romantic, but think of your love letter as a laundry list of the reasons why you adore your sweetheart. It’s kinda like Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43: “How do you love your partner? Count the ways!” Here’s how to do it without rhyming or pulling out a thesaurus:
 
Published 12:20, March the 4th, 2009
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McCain Pushes Drug-Import Bill Sought by Obama Budget


Prescription - drug imports , supported by President Barack Obama’s budget, would be allowed under a measure being introduced in the Senate today by his campaign rival, Senator John McCain.

Obama wants to reduce health-care costs to pay for plans to expand medical coverage for uninsured Americans. McCain, an Arizona Republican, will propose the bill with Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan, of North Dakota, and Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, of Maine, according to an e-mailed statement.

Brand-name drugs in other countries cost as much as 70 percent less than in the U.S. Allowing imports would save Americans $50 billion over the next decade, including $10 billion for the U.S. government, the lawmakers said. Dorgan and Snowe introduced similar legislation before that was opposed by the pharmaceutical industry and former President George W. Bush.

“We do expect this to pass,” said Julia Wanzco, a spokeswoman for Snowe, in an interview today. “Part of the reason why this is such a big deal right now is because Obama announced in his budget a strong interest in implementing this policy.”

If it becomes law, the legislation “will bring consumers immediate relief and will ultimately force the pharmaceutical industry to lower drug prices in the U.S.,” according to the senators’ statement.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, a Washington-based trade organization of drugmakers including Pfizer Inc., opposes the legislation.


Counterfeiting, Adulteration


“The worldwide counterfeit threat is knocking at America’s door and will soon be greeted if prescription drug importation moves forward,” said Ken Johnson, senior vice president at PhRMA, in an e-mailed statement. “Interest in prescription drug importation is waning in part due to the millions of seniors accessing medicines and saving money through the Medicare prescription drug program and consumer weariness in the aftermath of recalled tainted foreign products.”

AARP, the largest advocacy group for older Americans, supported Dorgan’s original measure to permit imported drugs.

Obama’s budget calls for lower drug costs and improved medical product safety. It proposes spending $634 billion to expand U.S. health care, financing the “down payment” with increased taxes on wealthier Americans and cuts to government payments for some drugmakers and health insurers.

“The budget supports the Food and Drug Administration’s new efforts to allow Americans to buy safe and effective drugs from other countries,” said the document, released by Obama Feb. 26.

Bloomberg