Perhaps there is hope for America ...

It might be as much fashion as real action, but interesting to learn that second-hand hybrid cars are appreciating in value:

A few days ago I got a call from one of my hybrid-owning friends, who is about to trade in her 2003 Honda Civic hybrid for a new one. Apparently her Honda, which has low mileage and no dings or scratches, is worth $21,000, because demand for the new models cannot be met by the manufacturers. Not bad, given that she bought it three years ago for $18,600.
"I can’t believe it," gloated my friend. "Houses are supposed to appreciate, not cars." So, it seems, conspicuous thrift can actually result in a conspicuous profit.

Then, more cheery news, on cancer - yes really - a fascinating analysis of increasing evidence of the role of infections in cancer. Which presents the possibility, as in the case of cervical cancer, of a vaccine against it.