An excerpt from Andy Kessler's newest book, The End of Medicine: How Silicon Valley (And Naked Mice) Will Reboot Your Doctor.

This week's Big Idea features guest columnist Andy Kessler. Andy writes about the situation between Verizon and the city of Philadelphia and wonders if this situation is the start of a nationwide trend. Also in this issue we look at the rumors of a Microsoft-AOL alliance, and Growth Report market columnist, Peter Henig ponders the long-term viability of investing in gold.