Cold, grey and beautiful.

Free Healthcare

I was happy to come across an article the other day that mentioned my beloved (Los Angeles County) was expanding a no-cost healthcare program (dubbed "Healthy Way LA") to cover citizens and permanent legal residents stuck in that "sweet" spot between too rich for Medicaid and too poor for actual insurance.

It's definitely interesting (albeit totally expected) to see how starkly American and... everyone else's views differ on healthcare. It would be unthinkable for a European (let alone a Swede) to not be able to get medical care when they needed it and to not have to have a good job, file for bankruptcy or study in another country to do it.

Arguments can be made against universal healthcare in terms of efficiency, quality of care, waiting periods etc. but the bottom line is that anyone who needs care won't be denied in the rest of the Western, industrialized world (also, those who have the money can certainly choose different/private options but those who don't at least have an option).

It basically comes down to universal healthcare being seen as a right/moral issue whose cost should be born by a responsible society and a personal responsibility/"freedom" issue - since this is my blog, I will weigh in and say that the latter is groundless and pretty f*cked up.

Please note, my next post will just be pretty pictures :)

The Soundtrack of My Life

Once in a while, you come across music and lyrics that speak to your soul and stay with you. For me, this would include a lot of songs by The Gaslight Anthem. Anyone who knows me has undoubtedly heard some of these songs as I never seem to get tired of them. This recent performance will ensure that they continue to play through my stereo and in my head...

Botaniska Trädgård

The University maintains a botanical garden just a short walk from the main library (which I am at almost everyday). After two weeks of procrastinating, I finally managed to go.

Lunds Stadsbibliotek

As with most establishments here in Sweden, the local library is really sleek, modern and well-kept (a direct result of a country that invests in itself and clearly has its shit together). I could probably hang out here all day were it not for the fact that they don't serve beer/wine and you have to pay to use the bathrooms - that's where they get you.

The Backyard