What's New

"Specifically, we continue to have a 6.5 percent unemployment threshold for beginning to consider a first increase in the federal funds rate. As we have emphasized, the threshold nature of this forward guidance embodies further flexibility to react to incoming data. If, for example, inflation readings continue to be on the soft side, we will have greater scope for keeping the funds rate at its effective lower bound even beyond the point when unemployment drops below 6.5percent." more »

"Even if Jane Austen had not attended this public exhibit, it would still be well worth reconstructing. ...The British Institution's show was a star-studded 'first' of great magnitude for the art community and a turning point in the history of modern exhibit practices." Among the canvases in the retrospective gallery, portraits of 18th-century politicians, actors, authors and aristocrats offer examples of just how someone such as Jane Austen, who did not personally circulate among the social elite, was nonetheless immersed in Georgian England’s vibrant culture. more »

Jill Norgren reviews: Each of these novels is a thought provoking domestic drama. Sit down with each and then consider what Gwen and Margot would have thought of "Hem" and Hadley, and what the Hemingways might have made of Anthony, Gwen, and Margot. Smiles or snickers? – the contemplation will be interesting, perhaps provocative. more »

Work with Congress on legislation that would restrict patients who are suspected of "doctor shopping" to obtain painkillers. One Miami psychiatrist8,900 prescriptions in 2010 for powerful antipsychotics to patients older than 65, including many with dementia. Require that all providers who write prescriptions to Medicare patients be enrolled in Medicare. That means they must verify their credentials and disclose if they’ve been disciplined or criminally convicted. more »