Wall Street Journal: Individual Mandate Delayed; Time Warner Cable In Play; American Strategy For The Arctic

The Wall Street Journal

Front page, top story: President Obama delays individual mandate -- one week.

The Obama administration reached agreement with insurers to give people an extra week to sign up for coverage in time for Jan. 1 amid problems with the federal health site.

I'm sure the president asked for a lot more time; arms twisted to get just six more days. This is still going to be a fascinating story to watch play out. My question: will six days really mean all that much in the big scheme of things. If the president is personally negotiating six-day extensions and Sebelius is happy with news of two Floridians enrolling while she was visiting the state, things are not going well. John McAfee says the site is a "hacker's dream" and Consumer Reports says to avoid it. I just don't see a 6-day extension making any difference, but the headline remains: President Obama delays the individual mandate.

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At least two companies are in the hunt to take over Time Warner Cable. 

Chuck Hagel unveiled the administration's new Arctic strategy.

Interesting: "Men's Backpacks Are Back.' This is a long, long article on backpacks for men. I "wear" one almost continuously -- biking, and it always goes with me if I'm driving somewhere. My "life" is in that bag: books, computer, correspondence. I bought my British-made "Karrimor" back in 2002, or thereabouts, and it looks like it will last a few more years (one strap is starting to separate from the pack, but I suppose a shoe tailor could fix that).  Unfortunately, it doesn't look like my particular backpack is available any more.