I think this New York Times article does a nice job of showing how insurance companies use an "illogical" system to pay for healthcare services.  Of course, as long as it is saving them money and they can continue to turn a nice quarterly profit, why should they change?

Health Plans Put Onus on Insured

Well, it's official.  The CDC released surveillance results last week of the 2008 Flu season which suggests that we are heading for an epidemic this year.

The 08 Flu season has gotten off to a slow start but in the last couple of weeks has fired back with a vengeance.    
 The problem seems to be that this years vaccine is not a good match for 2 of the 3 circulating strains of Flu.  Therefore, offering less protection from the illness. 
The good news (so far) is that the number of deaths and hospitalizations related to the flu has been low.

Be on the look out and remember to WASH YOUR HANDS(a lot!)

CDC-2007-2008 Influenza Season Week 5, ending February 2, 2008