The Newtitlement State

At Wall Street Journal, "On Medicare, Mitt Romney has the bolder, better reform":

The contradictions of Mr. Gingrich's entitlement plan reveal part of his political character, which is that his policies often don't match the high-decibel, sometimes grandiose nature of his rhetoric. This can make it easier for his opponents to stigmatize his policies as more radical than they really are because Mr. Gingrich tells everyone they're radical. He might achieve more if he spoke more softly and carried a bigger stick.

RTWT at the link.

Forget Santa Barbara: Best Retirement Spots in California

Well, I've still got about 15 years to go until then, plus another 5 or so for my wife, but I'm thinking of bailing on California altogether. Sheesh.

At Smart Money, "Retire Here, Not There: California — Forget Santa Barbara. Here are four more affordable Golden State gems."

I love Santa Barbara, of course, but San Luis Obispo is pretty heavenly, I have to admit.