@15:30, 12/31/12

.

1

Health

What You Think You Know (but Don't) About Wise Eating

By JANE E. BRODY | Dec 31, 2012

Joe Schwarcz, a scientist at McGill University, sets the record straight on a host of widely circulated nutritional falsehoods.

Diet and Nutrition; Food; Meat; Nuts; Organic Foods and Products; Seafood; Sustainable Living; Trans Fatty Acids; Vitamins;

2

World

Will Turkey Squander Its Opportunity to Lead?

By DAVID ROHDE | Dec 30, 2012

Turkey should be assuming a place of leadership in the wake of the Arab Awakening, instead the reactionary impulses of Prime Minister Erdogan could mean Turkey retreats rather than leads.

Constitutions; Freedom of the Press; Human Rights and Human Rights Violations;

3

Health

U.S. Clears DNA Firm’s Acquisition by Chinese

By ANDREW POLLACK | Dec 31, 2012

The controversial purchase of a Silicon Valley-based DNA sequencing company by a Chinese firm has raised concerns about American competitiveness in a field that is becoming a big business.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Genetics and Heredity;

4

Business Day

Instantly Yours, for a Fee

By STEPHANIE CLIFFORD and CLAIRE CAIN MILLER | Dec 28, 2012

Fear of Amazon.com has pushed a variety of stores to embrace delivery within hours as a must-have promotion, even though it’s costly and logistically complicated.

Delivery Services; Shopping and Retail; Computers and the Internet; E-Commerce;

5

World

U.S. Group Raises Funds for Syrian Scholars

By D. D. GUTTENPLAN | Dec 31, 2012

A New York-based organization coordinates efforts to help students and academics left stranded by the conflict.

Education; Colleges and Universities; Financial Aid (Education);

6

Opinion

Views of Global Warming in 1992 and Now

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Dec 31, 2012

A look back at global warming, as described 20 years ago.

Global Warming; Hurricanes and Tropical Storms; Museums;

7

Business Day

William Baer Confirmed as Justice Department Antitrust Chief

By PETER LATTMAN | Dec 30, 2012

William J. Baer is expected to continue what has been widely seen as the agency's reinvigorated enforcement of antitrust laws after a period of lax oversight during the Bush administration.

Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Appointments and Executive Changes; Law and Legislation; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; United States Politics and Government;

8

Style

12 New Year's Resolutions for Happier Families

By KJ DELL'ANTONIA | Dec 31, 2012

Keep a "to-don't" list. Give warm greetings and farewells. Create more art together. Bribe more creatively.

Families and Family Life; New Year; Parenting; Writing and Writers;

9

Health

Vegan Pantry Dinners for the New Year

By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN | Dec 31, 2012

Cleaning out your pantry, fridge and freezer to make healthy, hearty meals is a good way to start the New Year.

Veganism; Quinoa; Recipes; Parties (Social); Medicine and Health; Diet and Nutrition;

10

N.Y. / Region

Woman Posed as Aunt of Newtown Victim to Commit Fraud, the F.B.I. Says

By MARC SANTORA | Dec 28, 2012

The authorities said that Nouel Alba of the Bronx had solicited donations online, falsely claiming that she was related to one of the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); Frauds and Swindling; School Shootings;

11

U.S.

9 Are Killed in Bus Crash in Oregon

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 31, 2012

About 20 others were injured in the crash, including the driver of the bus, owned by a Canadian company.

Buses; Traffic Accidents and Safety; Deaths (Fatalities);

12

Technology

Ryan Block: Why I'm Quitting Instagram

By RYAN BLOCK | Dec 31, 2012

Ryan Block, the co-founder of Gdgt, explains why he is quitting Instagram.

Privacy; Social Networking (Internet);

13

Business Day

Questcor Finds Profits, at $28,000 a Vial

By ANDREW POLLACK | Dec 30, 2012

After pricing its once-obscure drug, Acthar, in the stratosphere, Questcor gained many fans on Wall Street. But the company has also drawn some doubters.

Drugs (Pharmaceuticals); Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); Babies and Infants;

14

Business Day

Partial Agreement With Union Averts a Strike at 14 Ports

By STEVEN GREENHOUSE | Dec 29, 2012

Shipping companies and dockworkers reached a deal on their main dispute, and the longshoremen’s union agreed to drop its threat of a strike this Sunday.

Strikes; Organized Labor;

15

Opinion

The 2012 Sidney Awards, Part II

By DAVID BROOKS | Dec 28, 2012

What did you think of the first round of winners of the best essays of the year? Well, here are the rest!

Magazines; Schizophrenia; Liberalism (US Politics);

16

World

In Germany, Merkel’s Main Rival Appears to Stumble From Gaffe to Gaffe

By NICHOLAS KULISH | Dec 31, 2012

The Social Democrats’ candidate for chancellor, Peer Steinbrück, finds himself facing questions about speaking fees and a comment that Angela Merkel has the advantage of a “women’s bonus.”

Elections; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Politics and Government;

17

N.Y. / Region

A Portrait of Interfaith Giving

By STEPHEN HARMON | Dec 28, 2012

Metropolitan Diary: A Sikh man in Jackson Heights was thrilled when a stranger who had taken his picture returned with a framed copy for him.

Christmas; Gifts; Jews and Judaism; Sikhs and Sikhism;

18

Opinion

Time to Confront Climate Change

Dec 28, 2012

President Obama has the tools to reduce gas emissions significantly. He should use them.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Coal; Law and Legislation; Air Pollution; Editorials; Series;

19

U.S.

Medicaid Waiver Presents Structuring Challenges

By BECCA AARONSON | Dec 30, 2012

A Medicaid transformation waiver could transform aspects of Texas’ health care, if hospitals and providers can figure out how to create a system that will reap the benefits.

Health Insurance and Managed Care; Hospitals; Reform and Reorganization;

20

Education

Philadelphia School District Plans to Close Dozens of Schools

By JON HURDLE | Dec 31, 2012

Facing deep financial problems, Philadelphia’s school district proposed an unprecedented downsizing and other changes that would affect 17,000 students.

Education (K-12); Shutdowns (Institutional);

.

@16:00, 1229/12

.

1

Opinion

Keeping Parolees Out of Prison

Dec 29, 2012

Creating rational parole and probation systems is helping to reduce recidivism. But there is still a long way to go.

Probation and Parole; Second Chance Act; Prisons and Prisoners; Ex-Convicts; Budgets and Budgeting; 

This looks like a good idea to me.

N.Y. subsidizes otherwise nonviable towns with prisons.

Better to let the towns die.

 

2

Education

Illinois: Chicago Schools Accused of Discrimination

By TAMAR LEWIN | Dec 28, 2012

The lawsuit alleges that the district selects schools with a high percentage of African-American teachers for turnaround, while taking no action against other similarly performing schools.

Education (K-12); Blacks; Teachers and School Employees; Organized Labor;

Looks to be a union beef.  Google search:  "uft, chicago"

https://www.google.com/search?q=uft&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=com.mandriva:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=nZ5&tbo=d&rls=com.mandriva:en-US%3Aofficial&sclient=psy-ab&q=+site:uft.org+uft%2C+chicago&oq=+site:uft.org+uft%2C+chicago&gs_l=serp.12...92352.115793.0.119801.9.9.0.0.0.0.3783.13686.5-1j4j2j0j2.9.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.9yzohw_Ry2c&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.dmQ&fp=24f1703adbb12229&bpcl=40096503&biw=1431&bih=737

 

3

Health

Study Finds Modest Declines in Obesity Rates Among Young Children From Poor Families

By SABRINA TAVERNISE | Dec 26, 2012

The share of 2-to-4-year-olds who were obese declined to 14.9 percent in 2010, down from 15.2 percent in 2003.

Obesity; Children and Childhood; Diet and Nutrition; 

The children may be eating better.

More probably they are simply eating less.

Hunger thins.

 

4

Health

Too Young to Have a Heart Attack

By DIANE BENSON HARRINGTON | Dec 27, 2012

Proving to my teenage sons that 48 isn't too old for fun, I had hung on for dear life as I zoomed behind a speedboat on a ski tube. The next day, when my left arm started hurting, I tried to reassure myself that this wasn't a heart attack.

Angioplasty; Doctors; Heart; Medicine and Health; 

Not my story .

I hope it is not yours.

The iatrogenic heart problem resulted from conservative treatment of a

breast lump.  I was assured it was cancerous.

5

T:Style

The Best in Travel

By T MAGAZINE | Dec 27, 2012

From Nicaragua to China, T's suggestions on what to see and do.

Bicycles and Bicycling; Cruises; Hotels and Travel Lodgings; Travel and Vacations; 

The only travel I want to do is to you.

I will have to look at this on another system.

6

Arts

A Mountain Goat for Top Poet Perch?

By JOHN WILLIAMS | Dec 28, 2012

Fans are petitioning the government to name the songwriter John Darnielle United States Poet Laureate.

Music; Poetry and Poets; Poets Laureate; Writing and Writers; 

Why bother?

I don't need to pay for this.

A very strained kind of love.

 

7

U.S.

Justice Won’t Delay Insurance Rule

By REUTERS | Dec 27, 2012

Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court refused to block enforcement next week of a requirement in the health care overhaul that some companies provide insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices.

Health Insurance and Managed Care; Birth Control and Family Planning; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); 

Morality  is a personal matter.  No one gets to decide for others.

8

World

The Italian Paradox on Refugees

By ELISABETTA POVOLEDO | Dec 27, 2012

Italy has a good record of granting asylum status but a disgraceful follow-through, refugee agencies say, which has resulted in an expanding population of refugees in shantytowns.

Refugees and Displaced Persons; Asylum, Right of; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Immigration and Emigration; 

Refugees get a generous share of what is available.

There is nothing available.

 

9

N.Y. / Region

Suit Settled Over Claims of Sex Abuse at Poly Prep

By MOSI SECRET | Dec 28, 2012

The plaintiffs said administrators had ignored repeated allegations that Philip Foglietta, a once-revered football coach at the Brooklyn private school, had been sexually abusing students.

Suits and Litigation; Education (K-12); Child Abuse and Neglect; Private and Sectarian Schools; 

The question becomes how were suspicions not raised.  

 The coach should have been eased out and black listed. 

10

U.S.

House Ethics Panel Finds No Loan Violations

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28, 2012

The committee said nearly all the allegations involved mortgage loans that were granted so long ago that they fell outside the panel’s jurisdiction.

United States Politics and Government; Banking and Financial Institutions; Ethics (Institutional); Mortgages; 

"Let the dead past bury its dead".

 

11

World

Afghan Prosecutor Faces Criticism for Her Pursuit of ‘Moral Crimes’

By GRAHAM BOWLEY | Dec 29, 2012

Maria Bashir does more than just walk the line between the progressive and the conservative — she has, uncomfortably, come to personify it.

Women's Rights; Human Rights and Human Rights Violations; Women and Girls; 

"She suspects the publication of the statistics may be another attack by critics who want her gone.

“It is very difficult for a woman to work in Afghanistan, especially if you have an important position,” she said, her eyes flashing once again. “You have to deal with thousands of political conspiracies and problems.”

Despite the controversy, support among her Afghan admirers has not ebbed. “If she didn’t do this, she would be thrown out of office,” said Manizha Naderi, executive director of Women for Afghan Women, which runs shelters for abused women. “The law is the problem, and not Maria Bashir.”"

12

N.Y. / Region

Main Facade Intact at Ladies' Mile Landmark, but Damage Is Serious

By DAVID W. DUNLAP | Dec 28, 2012

The former O'Neill & Company dry-goods emporium building on the Avenue of the Americas looks much the same, though a load-bearing column collapsed and many zigzag cracks were evident.

Historic Buildings and Sites; Restoration and Renovation; 

The column appears to be brick.  From the date it is probably lime mortared.  Lime mortar is vulnerable to carbonic acid attack. Sulfuric acid would take the calcium carbonate to gypsum. Sulfuric acid has become much less prevalent in recent years with the absence of high sulfur coal.

At a guess the column developed a water leak in the last decade.

Careful inspection and reconstruction will save the building.

 

13

Science

A Record Worth Wilting For: Death Valley Is Hotter Than ...

By ADAM NAGOURNEY | Dec 29, 2012

Death Valley is officially the hottest place on earth, now that meteorologists have invalidated a 136.4-degree reading claimed since 1922 by a city in Libya.

Temperature; Weather; 

It is really hot in Death Valley.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauna

A sauna session can be a social affair in which the participants disrobe and sit or recline in temperatures typically between 70 °C (158 °F) and 100 °C (212 °F). This induces relaxation and promotes sweating.

14

U.S.

Sprawling Memphis Aims to Be a Friendlier Place for Cyclists

By BOBBY ALLYN | Dec 29, 2012

The Tennessee city, which had been named one of the worst cities in American for cyclists, has opened dozens of miles of bike lanes as it tries to change commuting habits.

Bicycles and Bicycling; Infrastructure (Public Works); 

If the merchants worried about parking would provide bike racks it would solve their traffic problem.  Keep them clear of long term parkers, rent locks and check packages they could become meccas.  If they provided chairs and internet wifi  they would always have a group.

Converting rail rights of way to bike ways is very poor policy.  Rail and light rail can be centrally powered electrically.  Light rail easily replaces bus service if separate rights of way can be provided.  Electrified rail runs as fast as two hundred mph.  It replaces air service at distances of a few hundred miles.

15

U.S.

Gay Republicans Take Out Ad Criticizing Hagel

By HELENE COOPER | Dec 27, 2012

There may not be any more announcements about a new national security team this week, but that hasn't stopped the drumbeat against former Senator Chuck Hagel, considered a contender for the top Pentagon post.

Appointments and Executive Changes; Homosexuality; 

My guess is that we should not second guess the president on his cabinet.

 

16

Sports

In Sled Hockey, a Slower Pace but Hard Shots and Hits

By DAVE CALDWELL | Dec 27, 2012

The Rangers, sponsored in part by the N.H.L.’s Rangers, are one of six teams in the Northeast Sled Hockey League, which caters to athletes with mobility limitations.

Disabilities; Hockey, Ice; Sleds; 

Maybe I could follow the play of these teams.

17

Style

Thanks, Mom, for Not Telling the World I Pulled a Knife on You

By JILLIAN KEENAN | Dec 27, 2012

If my mother had blogged about the moment in my adolescence when I threatened her with a knife, my life today might be entirely different.

Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Children and Childhood; Computers and the Internet; Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); Parenting; Privacy; Teenagers and Adolescence; 

The dark places we find as adolescents should not become our lives.

We grow beyond them though they do not evanesce.

We are the integration of our lives.

The process is not simple and different parts get different weights.

We must judge for interaction the person before us.

For judgement we have the presentation and the record.

I am shocked society continues.

18

Opinion

Fraud in Preschool Special Education

Dec 26, 2012

Albany should stop using private contractors for this program, but, in the meantime, reforms are needed.

Special Education; Frauds and Swindling; Editorials; 

OK.

Before we do more than audit the extant providers for theft and other fiscal abuse we need a good understanding of the effects we wish to achieve.

19

World

After Delhi Rape Victim Leaves India, Questions Raised About Media's Role

By NEHA THIRANI | Dec 27, 2012

Local media coverage is criticized for inciting "bloodlust" and invading privacy.

Hospitals; News and News Media; Police; Sex Crimes; Social Networking (Internet); Women and Girls; 

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

‘That Girl Could Have Been Any One of Us’

By HEATHER TIMMONS and SRUTHI GOTTIPATI 9:44 PM ET

After the brutal rape and death of a 23-year-old student, women in India have expressed outrage over the assault and harassment that many of them say are routine. 

This is far from over.  Details are coming out.

20

World

Iraq: Sunnis Continue Protests Against Prime Minister

By REUTERS | Dec 27, 2012

Tens of thousands of Sunni Muslims blocked Iraq’s main trade route to neighboring Syria and Jordan in a demonstration on Wednesday against Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, a Shiite.

Sunni Muslims; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); Muslims and Islam; Demonstrations, Protests, and Riots;

The faithful do not learn.
We must not return to Iraq.
























































.

.

1

Opinion

A Coal Sales Ticker Next to a 'Clean Energy' Claim?

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Dec 28, 2012

The biggest coal company in the free world says it's a "global leader in clean energy solutions."

Air Pollution; Alternative and Renewable Energy; Carbon Dioxide; Coal; Electric Light and Power; Environment; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Mines and Mining; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; 

Coal is fossil carbon.

Burning it is inexcusable.

 

2

Opinion

Closing Loopholes Isn’t Enough

By LEONARD E. BURMAN and JOEL B. SLEMROD | Dec 28, 2012

Some politicians think America can raise the revenue it needs to balance its books without raising tax rates on anyone. There’s a word for that: hogwash.

Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; Federal Taxes (US); Income Tax; Corporate Taxes; Taxation; 

This is a tissue of lies.  

The Republican plans will not work is true.

The social safety net does not require modification.

The Bush tax cuts must expire.

The spending cap must be removed.

In a few years we must begin to pay down some of the debt.

 

3

Health

United States Lags in Alzheimer's Support

By JUDITH GRAHAM | Dec 28, 2012

A Senate report highlights several trends related to care for people with Alzheimer's disease in five countries.

Alzheimer's Disease; Dementia; Elderly; United States Politics and Government; 

Support for the demented is not a contest.

Failure to support the demented does not make us a better nation.

Supporting the demented without producing a profit center for the unscrupulous awaits a solution.

If I never set foot in an old age home again I will be very pleased.

 

4

Business Day

High Energy Costs Plaguing Europe

By STANLEY REED | Dec 27, 2012

Europe has poured tens of billions of euros into clean energy initiatives, but the effort has yet to become financially sustainable. Instead, the Continent is likely to have only exported its emissions elsewhere.

Energy and Power; Solar Energy; Coal; 

The marginal cost of shale gas is very high.

The low cost of natural gas in the U.S. is a temporary aberration.

I would like to see a table of carbon per kilowatt hour With various fuels and technologies.

5

U.S.

As Swing Districts Dwindle, Can a Divided House Stand?

By NATE SILVER | Dec 27, 2012

Most members of the House of Representatives come from hyperpartisan districts where they face essentially no threat of losing their seat to the other party - and have little incentive to work across party lines.

Elections, House of Representatives; Presidential Election of 2012; Redistricting and Reapportionment; United States Politics and Government; 

This is a dismal prospect.

Obama will have to override the spending cap.

The Bush tax cuts are dead. 

New money will be non existent.

6

Opinion

Dancing Around the Fiscal Cliff

By DALIBOR ROHAC | Dec 27, 2012

U.S. budget talks and piecemeal efforts to address the E.U. crisis all ignore the key issue: What goods and services can government effectively provide.

Banking and Financial Institutions; Finances; Gross Domestic Product; United States Economy; 

Just a lie from beginning to end.

We do need to consider the social contract.  

We always need to consider that.

7

World

'Warfighter' Video Game Offers Links to Actual Guns

By THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE | Dec 25, 2012

The game producer Electronic Arts now has a Web site that promotes the makers of real weapons that are depicted in the latest version of its best-selling game, Medal of Honor Warfighter. Do the dots connect between violent video games and incidents of actual violence, as the National Rifle Association believes?

Advertising and Marketing; Computer and Video Games; Games; Gun Control; Murders and Attempted Murders; Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); Violence (Media and Entertainment); 

The evidence is against such a connection.

If there were a link the incidence of mass killings would be high.

 

8

U.S.

Marines and Sailors Face Strict Alcohol Rules

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 25, 2012

Marines and sailors will be subject to random blood-alcohol tests twice a year under a new anti-drinking policy that begins Jan. 1.

Drunken and Reckless Driving; Tests (Medical); United States Defense and Military Forces; 

This is one way to get a reduction in forces.

 

9

Opinion

Egypt’s Flawed Constitution

Dec 27, 2012

Both President Mohamed Morsi and his opponents must seek compromise and unity if they want to build a more constructive future.

Constitutions; Legislatures and Parliaments; Editorials; 

Morsi and his government want a pure future.  An Islamic future.

 

10

N.Y. / Region

After Storm, Moving to Update a Mall at the South Street Seaport

By TERRY PRISTIN | Dec 26, 2012

The Dallas-based operators of the Pier 17 shopping mall, which was largely spared by Hurricane Sandy, plan to transform the site into an open, three-story retail and entertainment center.

Real Estate (Commercial); Shopping Centers and Malls; Shopping and Retail; Restoration and Renovation; 

Just a bad move.  

 

11

Education

Illinois: Chicago Schools Accused of Discrimination

By TAMAR LEWIN | Dec 28, 2012

The lawsuit alleges that the district selects schools with a high percentage of African-American teachers for turnaround, while taking no action against other similarly performing schools.

Education (K-12); Blacks; Teachers and School Employees; Organized Labor; 

"Tell it to the judge."

12

Autos

Wheelies: The Promotion Edition

By CARLA BARANAUCKAS | Dec 28, 2012

Kia is promoting its chief designer, Peter Schreyer, to president, making him the first non-Korean to hold the post.

Advertising and Marketing; Automobiles; Bicycles and Bicycling; Commuting; Traffic Accidents and Safety; 

Kia is probably doing the right thing.

The price of gas will have to rise further to get London on to bicycles.

They need more subways.

13

Science

Capturing Climate Change Digitally

By JOSIE GARTHWAITE | Dec 27, 2012

Using two Webcams, scientists discover a high correlation between canopy hue and carbon dioxide uptake in an English forest. As the seasons shift with global warming, they will be able to chart changes in uptake.

Cameras; Carbon Dioxide; Color; Forests and Forestry; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Photography; Photosynthesis; Seasons and Months; Trees and Shrubs; 

A nice study.  It is window dressing.

14

Opinion

The Invisible Ax - People, Profit and Progress on Humanity's Planet

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Dec 27, 2012

A look at the invisible connections between consumers and the planet's ailing resource frontiers.

Forests and Forestry; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Logging Industry; Monkeys and Apes; Poaching (Wildlife); Shopping and Retail; Tidal Waves and Tsunamis; Wildlife Sanctuaries; 

Revkin is "preaching to the quire"  as far as I am concerned.

15

Opinion

The Unfulfilled Promise of 'Promised Land'

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Dec 27, 2012

A feature film on fracking misses the real drama in gas country.

Hydraulic Fracturing; Movies; Natural Gas; Shale; 

Heavy propaganda does not sell well.

 

16

World

The Italian Paradox on Refugees

By ELISABETTA POVOLEDO | Dec 27, 2012

Italy has a good record of granting asylum status but a disgraceful follow-through, refugee agencies say, which has resulted in an expanding population of refugees in shantytowns.

Refugees and Displaced Persons; Asylum, Right of; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Immigration and Emigration; 

They are broke. 

 

17

Arts

A Mountain Goat for Top Poet Perch?

By JOHN WILLIAMS | Dec 28, 2012

Fans are petitioning the government to name the songwriter John Darnielle United States Poet Laureate.

Music; Poetry and Poets; Poets Laureate; Writing and Writers; 

Don't know.

 

18

N.Y. / Region

Woman Hit by Bus Near Central Park Dies

By RAVI SOMAIYA | Dec 27, 2012

A 33-year-old woman was struck by an M.T.A. bus as she was crossing the street at 59th Street and Seventh Avenue, the police said.

Traffic Accidents and Safety; Buses; 

There is no story here.

 

19

World

Turkish Journalist Accused of Terrorist Plot Is Freed Pending Trial

By SEBNEM ARSU | Dec 28, 2012

Soner Yalcin, the owner and editor of OdaTV, a news portal critical of the government, was released from prison on Thursday after spending nearly two years behind bars.

News and News Media; Prisons and Prisoners; 

This might be signs of change.  It might also be the last efforts of an old order.  I will hope for change for the better.

20

Opinion

How Giving Became Cool

By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF | Dec 27, 2012

Ted Turner’s $1 billion donation to United Nations causes 15 years ago changed a business culture and reshaped philanthropy.

Philanthropy; Poverty; 

We have seen this game before.  I await results.

I suspect the model of building highways is applicable.
More roads lead to more cars lead to more roads etc.

.

@1:16, 12/29/12

.



We have been having a delayed Christmas.

My sister and her daughter, my younger brothers and sister in law are visiting for another day or two.

I am required to be involved most of the time.

I enjoy it but it is not my choice.

Sooner is better.  As soon as you can is best.


I will try to deal with what you have up.
I do not know when or if I will deal with the backlog I have.



.

.

1

Health

Heart Disease in Military Shows Steep Drop Since Korean War

By ANAHAD O'CONNOR | Dec 25, 2012

A new study shows that the rate of American service members with signs of coronary artery disease has declined sharply, falling to roughly 1 in 10 military personnel today from from about 8 in 10 during the Korean War.

Afghanistan War (2001- ); Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis; Blood Pressure; Cholesterol; Defense and Military Forces; Draft and Recruitment (Military); Heart; Iraq War (2003-11); Korean War; Obesity; Vietnam War; Youth; 

More statistical detail is called for.

Tobacco use is a possible cause.

 

2

Opinion

Exploring the Roots of an Emerging Planet-Spanning 'Mind'

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Dec 26, 2012

An exploration of the 21st-century relevance of a 20th-century theologian's ideas about humanity's global consciousness.

Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Computers and the Internet; Evolution; Intelligence and Intelligence Tests (IQ); Paleontology; Philosophy; Religion and Belief; Science and Technology; Sustainable Living; 

This seems to be at the least confused.

I will deal with it if you wish, but not tonight. 

3

Opinion

Immigration and Policing

Dec 26, 2012

The Obama administration promises a stricter focus on deporting serious offenders.

Immigration and Emigration; Illegal Immigrants; Foreign Workers; Deportation; Editorials; 

The presumption of innocence requires that detainers be sent only after conviction.

4

Opinion

Intentional Bias in North Carolina

Dec 26, 2012

When prosecutors went to great lengths to keep blacks off juries, it made for unfair trials.

Blacks; Sentences (Criminal); Jury System; Editorials; Discrimination; 

I do not need to know this.  

North Carolina must take action.

5

Opinion

Stop Subsidizing Obesity

By MARK BITTMAN | Dec 25, 2012

Among poor children, being overweight is a much greater problem than hunger. Food stamps should not be paying for soda.

Children and Childhood; Diet and Nutrition; Food; Food Stamps; Obesity; Soft Drinks; Weight; 

We could start by ending the sugar subsidies.

6

Business Day

This Year in Small Business: Not Impressed!

By GENE MARKS | Dec 26, 2012

A sampling of some of the best small-business writings that we linked to this year.

Crowdfunding (Internet); Entrepreneurship; Small Business; Start-ups; United States Economy; 

Mark Thoma's causal link escapes me.  Capitalism is unfair.  

7

World

Frenzy Over Teaching Test Is Symptom of Italy’s Myriad Woes

By ELISABETTA POVOLEDO | Dec 25, 2012

A flood of applicants for examinations to fill teaching positions said as much about Italy’s dim job prospects as it did about the rigidities of its public education system.

Tests and Examinations; Teachers and School Employees; 

The test is not sufficiently selective.

The policy is insane.

8

N.Y. / Region

After Storm, Moving to Update a Mall at the South Street Seaport

By TERRY PRISTIN | Dec 26, 2012

The Dallas-based operators of the Pier 17 shopping mall, which was largely spared by Hurricane Sandy, plan to transform the site into an open, three-story retail and entertainment center.

Real Estate (Commercial); Shopping Centers and Malls; Shopping and Retail; Restoration and Renovation; 

South Street Seaport is primarily a museum.  The shopping center deserves no support.

 

9

Opinion

The Dawning of Domestic Drones

Dec 26, 2012

Without proper controls, the use of unmanned aircraft could threaten privacy.

Drones (Pilotless Planes); Surveillance of Citizens by Government; Privacy; Editorials; 

We do not control the skies now.

Privacy from the air is not a big concern.

Record keeping bothers me.  My actions should not unduly haunt the future. 

10

Business Day

Worried About Taxes, Some Consumers Cut Back

By ANN CARRNS | Dec 26, 2012

About a third of Americans say they are cutting back on personal spending because of the uncertain tax situation for 2013.

Consumer Behavior; Taxation; Unemployment; United States Economy; 

Bull.

I pay almost no taxes now.  

I am far from alone.

ANN CARRNSshould learn to count.  About 90% of the population pays minimal taxes.

11

Business Day

Dressing Up for Success

By AMY ZIPKIN | Dec 25, 2012

Some hotels are adding luxuries like fancier sheets or nicer bathrooms as they change management companies and update properties.

Hotels and Travel Lodgings; Travel and Vacations; Recession and Depression; 

You are the important part to me.  The frame can and will change.

12

Opinion

The Gypsies' Dance

By JONATHAN BLITZER | Dec 26, 2012

A daring flamenco performance in Madrid exposes the Gypsies' suffering under the Nazis - and their enduring woes today.

Concentration Camps; Dancing; Discrimination; Flamenco (Dance); Holocaust and the Nazi Era; Immigration and Emigration; Romani People; War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity; World War II (1939-45); 

I am somewhat aware of the period.  

I can never read as much as this from a performance.

This much content deserves a story.  A dance will not carry the load.

13

Booming

Dance the Smartphone Tango Without Me

By ROZ WARREN | Dec 26, 2012

Should a middle-aged librarian carry a cellphone around every day on the off chance that something awful might happen?

Baby Boomers; Telephones and Telecommunications; 

We do not need to "tango".

We do need to communicate.\

I need to know when and where.  We have decisions to make.

14

Health

Fudging the Facts, for Peace of Mind

By HARLEY A. ROTBART, M.D. | Dec 24, 2012

Sometimes it's best to tell white lies and omit certain truths with our elderly parents and grandparents, a doctor argues.

Anxiety and Stress; Elder Care; Elderly; Mental Health and Disorders; 

So far I have not had to actively lie.  I have not spoken of my intentions.

15

World

Gaza Cease-Fire Helps Fishermen, but Risks Remain

By STEVEN ERLANGER and FARES AKRAM | Dec 25, 2012

The deal that halted fighting between Israel and Hamas allows fishermen to go six nautical miles out to sea, instead of three, but arrests by Israeli patrols are still possible.

Palestinians; Fishing, Commercial; Defense and Military Forces; 

There is no potential state of Palestine.  Let the negotiations, if any, start there.

16

World

Buy, Sell, Adopt: Child Trafficking in China

By MARK MCDONALD | Dec 26, 2012

Sensational announcements of the police breaking up child-trafficking rings in China seem to come with distressing regularity now. The latest sting operation, proclaimed on Christmas Eve, led to the rescue of 89 missing children and 355 arrests. But the trafficking continues.

Adoptions; Babies and Infants; Human Trafficking; Kidnapping; Orphans and Orphanages; Rescues; 

This is not a trade I want to encourage.  Let us find alternatives.

17

Opinion

Why, God?

By MAUREEN DOWD | Dec 26, 2012

Death takes no holiday. Why doesn’t God stop such heartbreaking evils?

Christmas; Death and Dying; Religion and Belief; Murders and Attempted Murders; Fires and Firefighters; 

A professor of philosophy put "Why?"as the question on his course final exam.

The answer he gave the "A" was:"Why not?"

The world is random and chaotic.  

I give love in the forms and actions I find I can.  Often love is\all I can give.

18

Science

From Bang to Whimper: A Heart Drug’s Story

By ABIGAIL ZUGER, M.D. | Dec 25, 2012

American medicine managed to take a small step forward and a giant step backward at precisely the same time with BiDil, a drug designed to treat heart failure in blacks.

Bidil (Drug); Drugs (Pharmaceuticals); Race and Ethnicity; 

Race does not sell.

19

U.S.

Oregon: Longshoreman Reject Contract

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 25, 2012

Longshoremen at a half-dozen Pacific Northwest grain terminals have overwhelmingly rejected what owners describe as their “last, best and final” contract offer.

Grain; International Trade and World Market; Organized Labor; 

The workers want payment for the technologically unemployed.  

The shippers will fight.

20

Sunday Review

Wounded Warrior Pose

By WILLIAM J. BROAD | Dec 23, 2012

Yoga can be dangerous for men, who have more muscle and less flexibility than women.

Yoga; Sports Injuries;

I am cautioned.
I may yet take up the practice.















.