October is the deadliest month for U.S. troops in Afghanistan

The New York Times is reporting that October is now the deadliest month for Americans in the war in Afghanistan following the deaths of eight more servicemen on Tuesday.  Those deaths bring the casualty total for the month of October in Afghanistan to 53.  The death total of October exceeds the total in August of 51.

A statement for the NATO-led coalition says that the eight soldiers killed on Tuesday died in several attacks using “multiple, complex” improvised bombs.Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said that the Taliban in Zabul Province were responsible for the attacks, in which they blew up two armored vehicles transporting troops.

My Take:  This is just another example of how the war in Afghanistan is beginning to spin out of control.  The fact that this is the deadliest months for Americans in the eight-year conflict puts added pressure on Barack Obama to make a decision about whether or not he should send additional troops to Afghanistan.

Health insurance research network to be based at Syracuse University

Syracuse.com is reporting that Syracuse University will be the home of a new non-for-profit company and upstate research network to develop a database for “consumer health insurance reimbursement.” 

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that the research network will also have a website that will allow consumers to compare prices before choosing a doctor. 

The company and research network will be funded by a $100 million settlement from health insurance companies.  The settlement stems from a state investigation into the consumer reimbursement practices of the health insurance companies related to out-of-network health care charges, which unveiled a system of fraudulent and conflict-of-interest reimbursement system.

My Take:  This is a major development for Syracuse University, making them a leader in fighting questionable practices in the healthcare industry.  This is especially interesting considering the current political debate on healthcare.  The creation of this company also seems to favor free competition among the privatized health insurance companies.

Cincinnati’s backup QB preparing to play SU

Syracuse.com has reported that University of Cincinnati backup quarterback Zach Collaros is preparing to play Syracuse this Saturday at the Carrier Dome.  Collaros took the reigns of the fifth-ranked Bearcats (7-0) after starting quarterback Tony Pike injured his left forearm in a game at South Florida on October 15.  Last week Collaros threw for three touchdowns and only two incomplete passes in a 45-10 rout of Louisville. 

Yet, Bearcats head coach Brian Kelly has not ruled out Pike who will try to practice this week with his new cast.  Pike missed two games last season with a similar injury.

My Take: Cincinnati has shown great depth at the quarterback position with a backup almost equally as good as their starter, Tony Pike, who was starting to cause some Heisman Trophy rumblings prior to his injury.  Saturday will certainly be Syracuse’s toughest game of the season against a team that could quite possibly run the table in the Big East.  Syracuse must put extra pressure on this young sophomore quarterback to have any chance at an upset.