Thursday, November 22, 2012

for 11/20/12

.



Sleep soon.

Sun rooms are a good thing.

I will happily pay less for a Macbook..






1
Science

The Rising Sea, and the Urge to Fight It

Dauphin Island, Ala., rebuilt time and again, presents a microcosm of the issues facing American beachfront communities as the seas advance.
Coast Erosion; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hurricane Katrina (2005); Sand and Gravel; Ships and Shipping; Tidal Waves and Tsunamis; 

Don't do it.  We will but should stop soon.
2
Opinion

Judicial Elections, Unhinged

Record spending in state supreme court races continues a damaging trend.
Elections, Courts and the Judiciary; Campaign Finance; Political Advertising; Political Action Committees; Editorials; 

Power politics come from the office.
3
Health

Signing Up to Help Fight Alzheimer's

A registry of people willing to participate in Alzheimer's studies was formed. Its goal: to provide information, raise public awareness, debunk nonsense and help accelerate the pace of research.
Alzheimer's Disease; Clinical Trials; Elderly; Research; 

Busy. 
 
4
Fashion & Style

Reconsidering the Rev. Best Friend

Couples who choose friends or relatives ordained for their ceremony might want to consider backup.
Computers and the Internet; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Ministers (Protestant); Marriages; 

Make it legal.
 
5
Style

Coming Out by Christmas Card

Our holiday cards are usually a slapdash affair, saying little about our family other than that I've somehow managed to purchase stamps. But this year, for those that don't know us well, our Christmas photo reveals a bit more.
Christmas; Families and Family Life; Homosexuality; Parenting; Photography; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships;
6
U.S.

Whether ‘Fiscal Cliff’ or Debtpocalypse, by Any Name, It Spells Austerity

Absent Congressional action, the country faces more than half a trillion dollars in tax increases and spending cuts next year, and semantic debate has sprung up alongside the policy debate.
Federal Budget (US); Federal Taxes (US); United States Economy; Recession and Depression; 

Republican noise.
They lost the election.

7
Fashion & Style

Political Leftovers

Questions on handling political discussions, a relative who wants to go shopping and deciding what is the proper dress for family get-togethers.
Families and Family Life; Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Shopping); Thanksgiving Day; Customs, Etiquette and Manners;

Just noise.  The adults decide.
8
Opinion

Lessons Still Unlearned

The new Republican House caucus leader should push her colleagues to value diversity.
United States Politics and Government; Presidential Election of 2012; Women and Girls; Women's Rights; 

The GOP does not know how.
 
9
Business Day

Tax Talks Raise Bar for Richest Americans

The changes being discussed by the president and Congressional Republicans would take the biggest bite from the highest earners and a smaller share from those earning less than $500,000.
Federal Taxes (US); Federal Budget (US); Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; 

"Soak the rich."   they have the money.
10
Technology

Rounding Up Volunteers, via New Apps

After a disaster, it can be hard to sift through the hundreds of ways to donate time, money or supplies. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, new apps and services aim to better organize the options.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Disasters and Emergencies; Computers and the Internet; 

This is just self aggrandizement.

11
Opinion

You Can’t Say That on the Internet

Hip Silicon Valley is actually imposing prudish strictures on billions of technology users worldwide.
Computers and the Internet; Censorship; Language and Languages; 

Censorship is just bad policy.
 
12
World

Already Desperate, Haitian Farmers Are Left Hopeless After Storm

Haiti is slipping deeper into crisis, officials say, after the huge blow from Hurricane Sandy to the tiny nation still struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake of 2010.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Agriculture and Farming; 

Screaming is easier than fixing the system.
loss of a crop will not kill many.
 
13
World

Vote for French Opposition Leader Raises Tensions

A vote to choose the leader of the Union for a Popular Movement party was considered too close to call early Monday, prompting charges of fraud.
Elections; Voting and Voters; Politics and Government; 

The euro is madness.  Greece may be out of it this time.


14
Business Day

Solar Companies Seek Ways to Build an Oasis of Electricity

While most solar panel systems are tied to the electrical grid and susceptible to widespread power failures, there are ways to tap solar energy when the grid goes down.
Solar Energy; Power Outages and Blackouts; Alternative and Renewable Energy; Electric Light and Power; 

We know how.
Paying for it is the problem.
 
15
Business Day

E.P.A. Upholds Federal Mandate for Ethanol in Gasoline

The agency rejected requests from several states to relax the ethanol mandate because of a sharp decline in the corn crop.
Ethanol; Law and Legislation; Alternative and Renewable Energy; 

It is very hard to end a subsidy.
 
16
U.S.

Case Pits Technology-Based Police Search Against Citizens’ Rights

Constitutional lawyers are closely watching a case in which police officers pursuing a bank robber in Aurora, Colo., used a GPS device to set up a roadblock that detained innocent drivers.
Search and Seizure; Suits and Litigation; Police; 

The case is silly and moot.  The police behaved badly.
17
Business Day

New Zealand’s Green Tourism Push Clashes With Realities

The country that provided the pristine landscapes for the “Lord of the Rings” films markets itself as “100% pure,” but studies show that the quality of its land and water is sliding.
Environment; Eco-Tourism; Movies; Travel and Vacations; 

It would be sad if it were so.
 
18
World

Sparring with Demons, Combat Medic Turns to Martial Arts

After three tours in Iraq, a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has found clarity in therapy but also a release in a Phoenix-area gym.
Disability Insurance; Mental Health and Disorders; Mixed Martial Arts; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; United States Defense and Military Forces; Veterans; 

I do not need this release.
 
19
Business Day

Ikea Admits Forced Labor Was Used in 1980s

Ikea said political prisoners from the former East Germany provided some of the labor that helped keep its prices so low.
Cold War Era; Prisons and Prisoners; 

"Go and sin no more."
20
Business Day

Applause for the Numbers Machine

In this election cycle, three groups deserve much admiration: people who run political polls, those who analyze the polls and those who figure out how to help campaigns connect with voters.
Presidential Election of 2012; Polls and Public Opinion; Voting and Voters; United States Economy; 

Hmmm

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1
Opinion

Judicial Elections, Unhinged

Record spending in state supreme court races continues a damaging trend.
Elections, Courts and the Judiciary; Campaign Finance; Political Advertising; Political Action Committees; Editorials; 

Justice should not be political.  Law is political.
 
2
Science

The Rising Sea, and the Urge to Fight It

Dauphin Island, Ala., rebuilt time and again, presents a microcosm of the issues facing American beachfront communities as the seas advance.
Coast Erosion; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hurricane Katrina (2005); Sand and Gravel; Ships and Shipping; Tidal Waves and Tsunamis; 

We will try.  We will not succeed.   Move the people up the hill. 
3
Fashion & Style

Reconsidering the Rev. Best Friend

Couples who choose friends or relatives ordained for their ceremony might want to consider backup.
Computers and the Internet; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Ministers (Protestant); Marriages; 

Make it legal.
 
4
Style

Coming Out by Christmas Card

Our holiday cards are usually a slapdash affair, saying little about our family other than that I've somehow managed to purchase stamps. But this year, for those that don't know us well, our Christmas photo reveals a bit more.
Christmas; Families and Family Life; Homosexuality; Parenting; Photography; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships;

The mom's concern is interesting.  "What will the neighbors think?"
 
5
Opinion

The South's Man in London

How a Swiss immigrant became the South's leading propagandist in Britain.
Civil War (US) (1861-65); Slavery; United States International Relations; 

He did not pay attention to the popular mood.
He paid for his deafness.
6
U.S.

Whether ‘Fiscal Cliff’ or Debtpocalypse, by Any Name, It Spells Austerity

Absent Congressional action, the country faces more than half a trillion dollars in tax increases and spending cuts next year, and semantic debate has sprung up alongside the policy debate.
Federal Budget (US); Federal Taxes (US); United States Economy; Recession and Depression; 

This is right wing noise.  Ignorance and malice must not make policy.
 
7
Opinion

Lessons Still Unlearned

The new Republican House caucus leader should push her colleagues to value diversity.
United States Politics and Government; Presidential Election of 2012; Women and Girls; Women's Rights; 

The GOP does not do that.
 
8
Business Day

Tax Talks Raise Bar for Richest Americans

The changes being discussed by the president and Congressional Republicans would take the biggest bite from the highest earners and a smaller share from those earning less than $500,000.
Federal Taxes (US); Federal Budget (US); Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; 

Half the population does not pay income tax.  
Most of those cannot because of lack of income.
We do not need to pay down national debt now.
 
9
Health

Signing Up to Help Fight Alzheimer's

A registry of people willing to participate in Alzheimer's studies was formed. Its goal: to provide information, raise public awareness, debunk nonsense and help accelerate the pace of research.
Alzheimer's Disease; Clinical Trials; Elderly; Research; 

Busy.
 
10
Technology

Rounding Up Volunteers, via New Apps

After a disaster, it can be hard to sift through the hundreds of ways to donate time, money or supplies. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, new apps and services aim to better organize the options.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Disasters and Emergencies; Computers and the Internet; 

Call for instructions.  If you can't get through they are overloaded.
This is just more noise.
11
Opinion

You Can’t Say That on the Internet

Hip Silicon Valley is actually imposing prudish strictures on billions of technology users worldwide.
Computers and the Internet; Censorship; Language and Languages; 

Censorship is a bad idea.
 
12
World

Already Desperate, Haitian Farmers Are Left Hopeless After Storm

Haiti is slipping deeper into crisis, officials say, after the huge blow from Hurricane Sandy to the tiny nation still struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake of 2010.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Agriculture and Farming; 

A lost crop is not the end of the world.
Screaming is politically useful.
 
13
Business Day

Solar Companies Seek Ways to Build an Oasis of Electricity

While most solar panel systems are tied to the electrical grid and susceptible to widespread power failures, there are ways to tap solar energy when the grid goes down.
Solar Energy; Power Outages and Blackouts; Alternative and Renewable Energy; Electric Light and Power; 

We know how.  Paying for it is the problem.  
Just more whining.

14
Business Day

E.P.A. Upholds Federal Mandate for Ethanol in Gasoline

The agency rejected requests from several states to relax the ethanol mandate because of a sharp decline in the corn crop.
Ethanol; Law and Legislation; Alternative and Renewable Energy; 

It is hard to get rid of a subsidy.
 
15
Business Day

New Zealand’s Green Tourism Push Clashes With Realities

The country that provided the pristine landscapes for the “Lord of the Rings” films markets itself as “100% pure,” but studies show that the quality of its land and water is sliding.
Environment; Eco-Tourism; Movies; Travel and Vacations; 

I am not going to worry about this.
I hope they act with intelligence.
 
16
World

Sparring with Demons, Combat Medic Turns to Martial Arts

After three tours in Iraq, a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has found clarity in therapy but also a release in a Phoenix-area gym.
Disability Insurance; Mental Health and Disorders; Mixed Martial Arts; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; United States Defense and Military Forces; Veterans; 

I am glad I do not need this release.
 
17
U.S.

Case Pits Technology-Based Police Search Against Citizens’ Rights

Constitutional lawyers are closely watching a case in which police officers pursuing a bank robber in Aurora, Colo., used a GPS device to set up a roadblock that detained innocent drivers.
Search and Seizure; Suits and Litigation; Police; Police Brutality and Misconduct; Bank Robberies; 

The case is dumb and moot.   The behavior of the police was unacceptable.

18
World

From Battlefield Injury Into a Functioning Disability System

A Marine veteran discusses the challenges for IDES, the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, a program that is intended to streamline disability services and determine a service member's fitness for continued service.
Afghanistan War (2001- ); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Therapy and Rehabilitation; Traumatic Brain Injury; United States Defense and Military Forces; 

The debt is real.   We must pay it.
 
19
Business Day

Ikea Admits Forced Labor Was Used in 1980s

Ikea said political prisoners from the former East Germany provided some of the labor that helped keep its prices so low.
Cold War Era; Prisons and Prisoners; 

The practice should be at an end.  "Go and sin no more."

20
Style

Taming Your Wild Thanksgiving Turkeys

A video blog entry from Cloudmom Melissa Lawrence: coaching children to eat Thanksgiving dinner in proper mannerly style.
Customs, Etiquette and Manners; Families and Family Life; Parenting; Thanksgiving 
 
The children's table is a tradition that should get attention.


The indeterminacy of my net connection is my only real excuse



1
Opinion

Judicial Elections, Unhinged

Record spending in state supreme court races continues a damaging trend.
Elections, Courts and the Judiciary; Campaign Finance; Political Advertising; Political Action Committees; Editorials; 

 Judgeships have not been a matter for political contention.
That has changed.
Political power is the goal.  Every bit counts. 

2
U.S.

Administration Defines Benefits That Must Be Offered Under the Health Law

The White House’s rules translate the broad promises of the 2010 law into detailed standards that can be enforced by state and federal officials, including those on pre-existing conditions.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); Health Insurance and Managed Care; Law and Legislation; United States Politics and Government; 

The fight goes on.  This is still stingy.  It is far better than it was.

3
Opinion

The South's Man in London

How a Swiss immigrant became the South's leading propagandist in Britain.
Civil War (US) (1861-65); Slavery; United States International Relations; 

Antislavery was a dominant theme in the commons in this period.
The attempt to normalize the revolting south in Britain was doomed to failure by ignorance.  Diplomats must first listen.
4
Fashion & Style

Reconsidering the Rev. Best Friend

Couples who choose friends or relatives ordained for their ceremony might want to consider backup.
Computers and the Internet; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Ministers (Protestant); Marriages; 

A trivial matter.  
I want the legal contract.  
The window dressing is for those who care about such things.  
Please yourself.

5
Science

The Rising Sea, and the Urge to Fight It

Dauphin Island, Ala., rebuilt time and again, presents a microcosm of the issues facing American beachfront communities as the seas advance.
Coast Erosion; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hurricane Katrina (2005); Sand and Gravel; Ships and Shipping; Tidal Waves and Tsunamis; 

 We cannot defend low ground.  We must retreat from the rising seas.
Time and treasure will be spent in the attempt.  Let us minimize that expenditure.

6
Opinion

A Broken Election System

President Obama and Congress can make voting easier for all Americans and reduce the role of big money.
Voter Registration and Requirements; Campaign Finance; Voting and Voters; 

There are a number of things that need fixing in the election process.
Anonymous speech has no place in campaigning.
Only sentient entities (natural persons) have the right to be heard in campaigns.  I think residents should have the right to vote.  I am not sure what citizenship is for.


7
Style

Coming Out by Christmas Card

Our holiday cards are usually a slapdash affair, saying little about our family other than that I've somehow managed to purchase stamps. But this year, for those that don't know us well, our Christmas photo reveals a bit more.
Christmas; Families and Family Life; Homosexuality; Parenting; Photography; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; 

No shock in this.  Interesting that the mom is concerned.

8
Health

Signing Up to Help Fight Alzheimer's

A registry of people willing to participate in Alzheimer's studies was formed. Its goal: to provide information, raise public awareness, debunk nonsense and help accelerate the pace of research.
Alzheimer's Disease; Clinical Trials; Elderly; Research; 

It is not Alzheimer's.  She is near deaf and is too vain to wear her glasses.
She confuses dreams with reality and sleeps very easily.  She is not confused as to time, place or money.  
I am tired and frustrated.   My time and attention are reserved.

9
Opinion

A New Southern Strategy

Enough with the condescension. Take our liberalism seriously.
Presidential Election of 2012; States (US); Voting and Voters; United States Politics and Government; 

I will believe that there is a liberal South when it sends liberals to congress.

10
World

Rebalancing Child-Care Equations

To some advocates of gender equality in the workplace, there won't be enough progress until men increase their role in child-rearing and demand the flexible working hours that would support that.
Women and Girls; Women's Rights; Working Hours; Workplace Environment; Work-Life Balance; 

Industry will exploit every opportunity to externalize costs and to pay less for the same accomplishment.  As long as children require care the caregiver's will be penalized.  Distributing the care effort will distribute the penalties.    

11

Defining a Target in the Gaza Conflict

Monday's Israeli attack on the Al Sharouk block, the second consecutive day that area was struck, continued to fuel the arguments about "pinpoint" targeting in the densely populated, urban Gaza Strip.
Civilian Casualties; Defense and Military Forces; Palestinians; 

 The Gaza strip should not exist as an independent political entity.
The suppression of banditry is all the excuse needed.

12
Technology

Rounding Up Volunteers, via New Apps

After a disaster, it can be hard to sift through the hundreds of ways to donate time, money or supplies. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, new apps and services aim to better organize the options.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Disasters and Emergencies; Computers and the Internet; 

Just go do it.  Call for instructions.

13
Opinion

You Can’t Say That on the Internet

Hip Silicon Valley is actually imposing prudish strictures on billions of technology users worldwide.
Computers and the Internet; Censorship; Language and Languages; 

 Censorship is a bad idea.  Automated censorship is a very bad idea.
If you don't want to see those words, exclude them from your searches
Google advanced search allows such exclusions.  My position is words will not hurt you.  Just don't read the hits that offend you.  Copyright must change to accommodate broadcast.  Business is not all of culture.

14
U.S.

Case Pits Technology-Based Police Search Against Citizens’ Rights

Constitutional lawyers are closely watching a case in which police officers pursuing a bank robber in Aurora, Colo., used a GPS device to set up a roadblock that detained innocent drivers.
Search and Seizure; Suits and Litigation; Police; Police Brutality and Misconduct; Bank Robberies; 

They could have used a map and the mile posts.  Maybe not.  There may be a case for bad practice against the Aurora police.  The attempt to have the evidence thrown out is groundless.  As presented this is just noise.

15
World

Missile’s Firing, Bomb Blasts and Sirens Shatter Gaza Calm

People waiting for foreign ministers to arrive at a Gaza hospital were startled by a nearby rocket launching, then by a deluge of wounded in the firefight with Israel.
Palestinians; Hospitals; 

There is never calm in Gaza.  
Israel has the choice of genocide or Islam.  Their choice is neither.

16
World

A Mumbai Student Vents on Facebook, and the Police Come Knocking

A medical student in India complained on Facebook about the attention a political leader’s death was getting, and she and a friend were charged.
Freedom of Speech and Expression; Social Networking (Internet); Religion and Belief; 

"A tempest in a tea pot."  
Religion has been India's problem for longer than corruption.


17
World

Sparring with Demons, Combat Medic Turns to Martial Arts

After three tours in Iraq, a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has found clarity in therapy but also a release in a Phoenix-area gym.
Disability Insurance; Mental Health and Disorders; Mixed Martial Arts; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; United States Defense and Military Forces; Veterans; 

Do what helps short of injuring bystanders.

18
U.S.

Tests Show Train Warnings Worked at Texas Crash Site

Federal investigators said Sunday that video and mechanical data show that the truck tried to cross the tracks seconds after the warning system came.
Railroad Accidents and Safety; Roads and Traffic; 

Idiocy carries a death sentence.   
There is nothing to be done about that.  

Texas has more than its share of idiots.  If we have some luck that will self repair.

19
World

From Battlefield Injury Into a Functioning Disability System

A Marine veteran discusses the challenges for IDES, the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, a program that is intended to streamline disability services and determine a service member's fitness for continued service.
Afghanistan War (2001- ); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Therapy and Rehabilitation; Traumatic Brain Injury; United States Defense and Military Forces; 

Abandoning the wounded has sparked more than one mutiny.

A government owes those who have served it faithfully everything but great wealth.

20
Business Day

Tax Talks Raise Bar for Richest Americans

The changes being discussed by the president and Congressional Republicans would take the biggest bite from the highest earners and a smaller share from those earning less than $500,000.
Federal Taxes (US); Federal Budget (US); Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; Income Tax; 

The federal tax rates matter not at all to those making no money.
Wages are an expense.  Expenses are paid from before tax income.
If there are no profits there are few taxes.  Everyone should ignore this whining.





Jolla Mobile Set To Launch It's Sailfish OS Today, Signs Deal with Finnish Telco

Posted by Unknown Lamer
from the getting-crowded-in-here dept.
New submitter zzats writes "The Finnish mobile phone manufacturer Jolla, started by ex-Nokia Meego engineers, is showing it's Linux-based Sailfish OS for the public for the first time today. The first keynote speech aired at 9:15 GMT, with an UI-focused presentation starting later, 15:00 GMT. In addition to using the OS on their own devices, Jolla is planning to license it to third party manufacturers. The company has previously stated their initial focus for creating an ecosystem is in the Chinese market." sfcrazy adds: "Jolla has signed a deal with Finland's 3rd largest mobile operator DNA to market the MeeGo based smartphones in the Finnish market."



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