Sunday, December 2, 2012

@19:33, 12/1/12 2

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1
Style

'Worst Toy Awards' Target Lego Friends

If a Lego battleship building set is still a good toy, then how can the Lego Friends Beauty Shop be one of the "worst toys of the year?"
Advertising and Marketing; Children and Childhood; Gender; Parenting; Toys; 

I don't know what makes a worst toy.  
It is not the gender steriotypes

Overprotective parents?  Paranoid school boards?  Tiger Moms?

2
Opinion

The U.N. To Vote on Palestine

U.N. member states will vote Nov. 29 on a resolution to grant “non-member observer state status” to Palestine.
Palestinians; Voting and Voters; 
The general assembly voted as expected.  Palestine has observer status.
3
N.Y. / Region

Putting the Bounce Back in Your Step

Dance classes with Kangoo Jumps, bouncy spring-loaded shoes designed for running and jumping without offending the joints.
Exercise; Sneakers; 

I came across them about five years ago.  I was not impressed.
4
World

Should Health Care for the Very Poor Be a Fast-Growth, For-Profit Business?

As excitement heats up in India about the "affordable healthcare" industry, some questions remain.
Health Insurance and Managed Care; Microfinance; Private Equity; Reform and Reorganization; Venture Capital; 

No
5
Opinion

Turning Points

History, like an oil tanker, turns slowly. So let’s not exaggerate how much of a crisis we are actually in.
Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Third World and Developing Countries; Economic Conditions and Trends; Social Conditions and Trends; 

I have no confidence in Niall Ferguson.
6
Business Day

Airbnb Responds to Questions About Hosts Breaking Local Laws

Why doesn't Airbnb give users more information about local zoning laws? And does it want hosts to take down all listings where they are violating the law?
Customer Relations; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); Urban Areas; 

A timely warning.
7
Opinion

A Climate Scientist Braves the Wilds of YouTube

A climate scientist explains his penchant for online climate communication.
Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Computers and the Internet; Global Warming; Weather; 

I do not need to be sold the reality or climate change or the necessity of action.
8
U.S.

Government Report Supports Closing Guantánamo

The report says the 166 detainees being held at the military prison could safely be housed in prisons in the United States.
Shutdowns (Institutional); Prisons and Prisoners; Terrorism; United States Defense and Military Forces; 

The GOP would not tolerate the transition to "war criminals". 
9
Business Day

For Small Businesses, More Than Income Tax Rates Are at Stake in Deficit Talks

While most of the discussion about taxes is focused on the expiring Bush-era tax cuts, a host of other deductions and credits that directly affect small businesses are on the line - and on the table.
Capital Gains Tax; Corporate Taxes; Income Tax; Small Business; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; 

I do not expect a deal.  The GOP will get their cliff and then proceed to try to rescind most of it.

10
Arts

Spare Times for Nov. 30-Dec. 6

A listing of noteworthy events and activities in the New York area.
Poetry and Poets; Culture (Arts);

These are a bust.  I would happily spend some hours at the Met. Museum.
The Modern is a second choice.  I do not like their new building.
 
11
U.S.

Ohio: ‘Heartbeat Bill’ Curbing Abortion Is Sidelined

The leader of the Ohio Senate put a stop Tuesday to a bill that would have imposed the most stringent restriction on abortions in the nation.
Abortion; Law and Legislation; 

A good result for a terrible reason.
12
World

Christmas Tree Controversy Fires Multicultural Belgium

Belgian traditionalists are up in arms over a decision to replace the annual Christmas tree in the main square of Brussels with a structure of steel-framed cubes. But the controversy has also stirred some racist reactions with an undercurrent of Islamophobia.
Christmas; Christmas Trees; Muslims and Islam; 

"Which is the proper end of a soft boiled egg to open?"  Swift
13
World

Ethnic Hatred Tears Apart a Region of Myanmar

In western Myanmar, clashes have left at least 167 people dead and 100,000 people homeless, most of them Muslims.
Muslims and Islam; Buddhism; Freedom of Religion; Religion and Belief; 

I will be silent on this.
14
U.S.

Under One Roof, Building for Extended Families

Multigenerational living, a throwback to the past, is a growing trend in the struggling economy, and major homebuilders are designing flexible layouts.
Families and Family Life; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); United States Economy; 

I would be happy to consider such features.
15
Business Day

To Save H.P., Break It in Two

Bill George, a Harvard business professor, contends that after a decade of turmoil at the company, it is time to split Hewlett-Packard into two businesses: enterprise systems and computer hardware.
Computers and the Internet; Enterprise Computing; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; 

H.P. has been a technology company.  
Technology is a big enough world to dominate.
Engineering is their core business.  Sales and manufacturing are subservient to engineering excellence.

16
Technology

Losing in Court, and to Laptop Thieves, in a Battle With NASA Over Private Data

A former astronomer at the Jet Propulsion Lab in California sued NASA, claiming its background checks violated his privacy rights. He lost the case, but his claim now has proved true.
Privacy; Computer Security; Identity Fraud; Suits and Litigation; 

Strong encryption would make the records useless.
weaker encryption would not protect the information.
The solution that occurs to me is to centralize the file.  Information could then be passed out on a need to know basis.  These records could be setup to evaporate in a set amount of time or when the job was completed.
The desired result is minimal exposure to risk of loss of control of access.

17
Opinion

Let’s Stick Together

The world is at risk of a race to the bottom in financial standards. Where are the global voices that can do something about it?
European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); International Trade and World Market; Economic Conditions and Trends; Global Warming; Millennium Development Goals; Protectionism (Trade); 

The needs are obvious.  
So are the costs.  
There will have to be more pain before there is action.
18
N.Y. / Region

Group May Sue Over Money Owed to Poor New York School Districts

Campaign for Fiscal Equity contends that the state has exacerbated the financing gap between rich and poor schools despite a court ruling six years ago.
Education (K-12); Budgets and Budgeting; 

We will see them in court.
19
Opinion

End Federal Flood Insurance

It is long past the time that the government stopped subsidizing people who live and build in dangerous flood zones.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Insurance; Floods; 

"There is no such thing as a bad risk.  There are only bad premiums."
Let the premium depend on the risk and the risk pool.
Offer a buyout for those who cannot afford repeated losses or higher premiums.  There is no need to end the program. only the losses.

20
N.Y. / Region

Post-Storm Cost May Force Many From Coast Life

Insurance premiums will increase as standards for rebuilding become stricter and costlier, posing a serious threat to low- and middle-income enclaves.
Hurricane Sandy (2012); Insurance; Floods; Homeowners Insurance; Coastal Areas; 
Risky areas are cheap areas.  
Do not risk what you can't afford to lose.
Low incomes do not grant special rights.



1
Business Day

MegaFon Shares Fall After I.P.O.

The initial offering of the Russian cellphone operator MegaFon raised $1.7 billion, making it Europe's second-largest offering this year, but the market seem unimpressed on the first day of trading.
Cellular Telephones; Initial Public Offerings; Stocks and Bonds; Telephones and Telecommunications; Wireless Communications; 

This was not unexpected.
2
Opinion

Learning History at the Movies

Films like "Lincoln" can contribute to our understanding of past events, but on their own, they are no substitute for the work of historians.
Civil War (US) (1861-65); History (Academic Subject); Movies; 

The movies are only motivation.
3
Style

'Worst Toy Awards' Target Lego Friends

If a Lego battleship building set is still a good toy, then how can the Lego Friends Beauty Shop be one of the "worst toys of the year?"
Advertising and Marketing; Children and Childhood; Gender; Parenting; Toys; 

Fond a better target.
4
Opinion

The U.N. To Vote on Palestine

U.N. member states will vote Nov. 29 on a resolution to grant “non-member observer state status” to Palestine.
Palestinians; Voting and Voters; 

Palestine is now an observer.
5
N.Y. / Region

Putting the Bounce Back in Your Step

Dance classes with Kangoo Jumps, bouncy spring-loaded shoes designed for running and jumping without offending the joints.
Exercise; Sneakers; 

Cute but a bad idea.
6
World

Should Health Care for the Very Poor Be a Fast-Growth, For-Profit Business?

As excitement heats up in India about the "affordable healthcare" industry, some questions remain.
Health Insurance and Managed Care; Microfinance; Private Equity; Reform and Reorganization; Venture Capital; 

No.
7
Opinion

Turning Points

History, like an oil tanker, turns slowly. So let’s not exaggerate how much of a crisis we are actually in.
Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Third World and Developing Countries; Economic Conditions and Trends; Social Conditions and Trends; 

It is not that black or that hopeful.
8
Business Day

Airbnb Responds to Questions About Hosts Breaking Local Laws

Why doesn't Airbnb give users more information about local zoning laws? And does it want hosts to take down all listings where they are violating the law?
Customer Relations; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); Urban Areas; 

Fair warning.
9
Opinion

A Climate Scientist Braves the Wilds of YouTube

A climate scientist explains his penchant for online climate communication.
Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Computers and the Internet; Global Warming; Weather; 

I will ignore the sales job.
10
U.S.

Government Report Supports Closing Guantánamo

The report says the 166 detainees being held at the military prison could safely be housed in prisons in the United States.
Shutdowns (Institutional); Prisons and Prisoners; Terrorism; United States Defense and Military Forces; 

It will not happen.  Closing would make the GOP war criminals.
11
Business Day

For Small Businesses, More Than Income Tax Rates Are at Stake in Deficit Talks

While most of the discussion about taxes is focused on the expiring Bush-era tax cuts, a host of other deductions and credits that directly affect small businesses are on the line - and on the table.
Capital Gains Tax; Corporate Taxes; Income Tax; Small Business; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; 

Yes.
12
Arts

Spare Times for Nov. 30-Dec. 6

A listing of noteworthy events and activities in the New York area.
Poetry and Poets; Culture (Arts); 

What a bust.
13
U.S.

Ohio: ‘Heartbeat Bill’ Curbing Abortion Is Sidelined

The leader of the Ohio Senate put a stop Tuesday to a bill that would have imposed the most stringent restriction on abortions in the nation.
Abortion; Law and Legislation; 

Good result, bad reason.
14
World

Christmas Tree Controversy Fires Multicultural Belgium

Belgian traditionalists are up in arms over a decision to replace the annual Christmas tree in the main square of Brussels with a structure of steel-framed cubes. But the controversy has also stirred some racist reactions with an undercurrent of Islamophobia.
Christmas; Christmas Trees; Muslims and Islam; 

Just do it.
15
World

Ethnic Hatred Tears Apart a Region of Myanmar

In western Myanmar, clashes have left at least 167 people dead and 100,000 people homeless, most of them Muslims.
Muslims and Islam; Buddhism; Freedom of Religion; Religion and Belief; 

No comment.
16
U.S.

Under One Roof, Building for Extended Families

Multigenerational living, a throwback to the past, is a growing trend in the struggling economy, and major homebuilders are designing flexible layouts.
Families and Family Life; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); United States Economy; 

I would consider such.

17
Business Day

To Save H.P., Break It in Two

Bill George, a Harvard business professor, contends that after a decade of turmoil at the company, it is time to split Hewlett-Packard into two businesses: enterprise systems and computer hardware.
Computers and the Internet; Enterprise Computing; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; 

Engineering excellence.  the rest is noise.

18
Technology

Losing in Court, and to Laptop Thieves, in a Battle With NASA Over Private Data

A former astronomer at the Jet Propulsion Lab in California sued NASA, claiming its background checks violated his privacy rights. He lost the case, but his claim now has proved true.
Privacy; Computer Security; Identity Fraud; Suits and Litigation; 

Minimize exposure in space and time.
19
U.S.

The Trouble With 'Offbeat' Essays Isn't the Style, but the Fit

Sush Krishnamoorthy, a student at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, in New Delhi, has eschewed writing about something "fancier" in her college essays for writing about her "ordinary" life.
Admissions Standards; Colleges and Universities; Writing and Writers; 

She has probably done exactly the right thing.
So should you.
20
Opinion

Let’s Stick Together

The world is at risk of a race to the bottom in financial standards. Where are the global voices that can do something about it?
European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); International Trade and World Market; Economic Conditions and Trends; Global Warming; Millennium Development Goals; Protectionism

There is nothing more powerful than self interest yet.
More pain may help with motivation.




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

Electric heat I will not have for living off the grid.

Diet and exercise.  Eat early  Eat small  Eat often.   Keep moving.

Time cards are not a nuisance.   Spread sheets are a pain.

I do not want or need a loan.

Wrinkles make an interesting surface.
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