How important is the reporting of medical errors? The Beacon asked the Helium.com writing community to look at the article by Joan Little "Hospital errors: What the patient doesn't know might hurt" and comment. Of the 27 articles submitted, we chose one by Teresa Small, who talks about changing the mindset of providers about reporting and the responsibility for monitoring reports.

Curiosity brought Sarah Truckey to the World Naked Bike Ride, which was somehow supposed to create awareness about oil dependence; but the experience brought her feelings of exhilaration and pride.

Using scientific research -- OK, using Google and Wikipedia and random knowledge -- Steve Lawler predicts the winner of the presidential election.

The recent transit summit was a chance to clear the air before the November election, which will include a county transit tax measure. One of the real benefits for that effort was federal praise for improvement by Metro management.

The Beacon asked the Helium writing community to respond to George Johnson's July 9 On Science column about the dangers of tanning. Many of those who wrote agreed with this author, who said she heard the warnings but figured that bad things happened to others, not to her. (photo from lightsoutfilms | Flickr)

American Rivers outlines its proposal for what should be done in the wake of the recent flooding. The eight recommendations includes "Do No Harm."

(photo by Rachel Heidenry | The Beacon) 

The skills that make you a valuable employee will serve you well in the face of layoffs or company closures. As jobs contract in one part of the economy because of efficiencies, new opportunities open. For instance, if you can make more hot dogs without an increase in spending, the market will create a demand for more buns.

After the destruction caused by flooding this year, isn't it time that citizens and government get together and get development off the floodplain? The Beacon chose this article from more than 30 pieces written in response to a question based on an article by Professor Robert Criss posted through Helium.com . Helium invites entries from writers all over the world.

Not only are the mortgage giants "too big to fail," they have always functioned with the implicit guarantee that the government would bail them out. This safety net leads to risk taking.