Saturday, April 13, 2013

@7:47, 4/12/13

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1
U.S.

A Busy California Port Seeks to Grow, but a Neighbor Objects

Plans for a new railyard at the Port of Los Angeles have struck a nerve in the town of Long Beach, whose working-class neighborhoods are near the port.
Ports; Air Pollution; Ships and Shipping; Railroads; Trucks and Trucking; 

One thing a bigger rail yard will not do is increase truck traffic.
Electric traction in the yard will also help cut fumes.
A real fix would be to import less from Asia.
 
2
Technology

Tech Firms Push to Hire More Workers From Abroad

Silicon Valley is battling in Washington to make the immigration process easier for people with skills coveted by the technology sector.
Immigration and Emigration; Visas; Foreign Workers; Labor and Jobs; Computers and the Internet; Engineering and Engineers; United States Politics and Government; 

Cheap help is always very popular with management.
 
3
Health

Where Germs Hide in Your Kitchen

A new report found that some of the areas people considered most likely to be contaminated, like microwave keypads, were not, while some they had never thought of, like refrigerator water dispensers and the rubber gaskets on blenders, were among the worst.
Bacteria; E Coli (Bacteria); Food; Food Contamination and Poisoning; Home Appliances; Kitchens; Mold; Poultry; Salmonella (Bacteria); Vegetables; 

yes.
 
4
Opinion

Tell the Truth About the Arms Treaty

The United Nations accord on global arms trade can’t touch Americans’ guns. But it can make it harder for the world’s rogue actors to get them.
Arms Trade; United States International Relations; Arms Control and Limitation and Disarmament; Gun Control; 

Obama may sign it but the senate will not ratify it.
5
Opinion

Cybersecurity: A View From the Front

Online security has come to mean protecting our entire way of life.
Cyberattacks and Hackers; Cyberwarfare; Computers and the Internet; 

This is a twisted view.
The only things that can be discovered on line are those things that are present on line.
Encryption slows but does not prevent discovery.
Well designed and carefully executed code helps enormously.

6
N.Y. / Region

Soaring Charges by a Contractor With Special Ed

The lavish spending and questionable performance of a company that provided therapy underscores problems that have surfaced in the city and state’s special ed pre-K program.
Special Education; Disabilities; 

I would understand best efforts.  
This looks like pervasive and persistent fraud and outright theft.

7
Opinion

Open the Slaughterhouses

8
Education

With Police in Schools, More Children in Court

Youth advocates and judges say more children are being sent into the criminal justice system for acts like scuffles and truancy that are better handled in the principal’s office.
School Discipline (Students); Police; Education (K-12); Crime and Criminals; Youth; Juvenile Delinquency; 

Just the wrong tool.
9
U.S.

Health Care and Military Spending Bear the Brunt of Proposed Cuts

President Obama’s budget plan would preserve or increase financing on initiatives like early education, manufacturing and research.
Federal Budget (US); Reform and Reorganization; Health Insurance and Managed Care; United States Defense and Military Forces; Water; Presidential Election of 2012;

This budget proposal is a dead letter.
We will go another year and a half with continuing resolutions if noting breaks badly.  
A bad break is very close to a certainty.

10
Technology

Internet Speeds Fail to Meet Promises in Germany, Study Shows

Only 15.7 percent of those using fixed line connections and 21 percent on mobile devices received the advertised maximum speeds.
Computers and the Internet; Wireless Communications; Advertising and Marketing; Cellular Telephones; 

I did not know speeds are so low.
My system reports speeds of 110 to 119 mbs most of the time.  It does slow if there is a problem with the line or with network loading.
I find low bit rates very frustrating.
11
Education

Allegations of Test Help by Teachers

Investigators have interviewed over a dozen teachers from two elementary schools on Long Island’s North Shore in an inquiry into possible coaching during state exams.
Cheating; Tests and Examinations; Teachers and School Employees;

Sadly probable.
Tougher tests do not quickly make better taught children.
There will be lower scores.
The distribution of scores will change.
 
12
Opinion

Libraries and Authors

The American Library Association responds to an Op-Ed article by Scott Turow.
Books and Literature; Libraries and Librarians; Writing and Writers; E-Books and Readers; Copyrights and Copyright Violations; 

The library association is fighting an heroic battle.
I thought they were winning.  The fight looks to be much more contested.


             
13
Opinion

When ICE Ran Amok

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is putting new policies into place after a series of botched raids on innocent immigrants.
Illegal Immigrants; Search and Seizure; Fourth Amendment (US Constitution); Editorials; 

ICE like the proverbial headless chicken continues to operate without further instruction.
It will have to be deconstructed.
 
14
U.S.

Hearing in Cole Attack Is Delayed Again, This Time by E-mail Security Issue

Pentagon workers searching records on another case discovered confidential e-mails between lawyers for a man accused of helping to plot the 2000 bombing of the destroyer Cole in Yemen.
Cole (USS); Suits and Litigation; Computer Security; E-Mail; Computers and the Internet; Detainees;

The extra territorial prison at Guantanamo Bay was a bad idea that should have ended more than four years ago. 
This is just the latest upset.

15
World

India: Drones Protecting Rhinos

16
Opinion

Hope Leaves the Shadows at the Capitol

A rally for the rights of undocumented immigrants adds heat, and pressure, to the reform struggle.
Immigration and Emigration; Illegal Immigrants; United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Editorials; Editorial Observer; 

There should be no betrayal of hope.
 
17
World

Emirates’ Laws Trap a Doctor Just Passing Through

A South African doctor on a layover in the United Arab Emirates is trapped there by criminal charges he had not been aware of.
Doctors; Malpractice; Forgery; Decisions and Verdicts; 

I have no evidence to support an accusation of prejudice.
It is an Arab state.  He is Jewish.
 
18
Technology

Teacher Knows if You’ve Done the E-Reading

Nine universities are testing technology that allows them to track their students’ progress with digital textbooks.
E-Learning; Textbooks; Colleges and Universities; Data-Mining and Database Marketing; 

I hate the idea.  It is probably very effective.
 
19
Opinion

Lost in the Supermarket

A new book about processed food is so much fun you almost forget how depressing it all is.
Cereals; Diet and Nutrition; Food; Supermarkets and Grocery Stores; 

I am finding it more and more difficult to find a satisfying diet at the supermarket.  Admittedly I cook differently but old favorites seem to be less available, more expensive and of lower quality.
Much of that may be lack of sleep and smudgy spectacles.
 
20
N.Y. / Region

New Yorkers Brace for Cuts in Unemployment Benefits

Automatic federal budget cuts are playing havoc with emergency unemployment benefits.
Unemployment Insurance; Unemployment; United States Economy; Federal Budget (US); 

This is the designed effect.

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@9:24

1
Technology

Tech Firms Push to Hire More Workers From Abroad

2
Health

Where Germs Hide in Your Kitchen


Boil it.

3
Opinion

Tell the Truth About the Arms Treaty

4
Opinion

Cybersecurity: A View From the Front

5
N.Y. / Region

Soaring Charges by a Contractor With Special Ed

6
Opinion

Open the Slaughterhouses

7
Education

With Police in Schools, More Children in Court

8
U.S.

Health Care and Military Spending Bear the Brunt of Proposed Cuts

9
Technology

Internet Speeds Fail to Meet Promises in Germany, Study Shows

10
Opinion

Libraries and Authors

11
Opinion

When ICE Ran Amok

13
Education

Allegations of Test Help by Teachers

14
World

India: Drones Protecting Rhinos

15
Opinion

Hope Leaves the Shadows at the Capitol

16
World

Emirates’ Laws Trap a Doctor Just Passing Through

17
Technology

Teacher Knows if You’ve Done the E-Reading

18
Opinion

Lost in the Supermarket

19
N.Y. / Region

New Yorkers Brace for Cuts in Unemployment Benefits

20
N.Y. / Region

New Tool for Police Officers: Records at Their Fingertips

In a pilot program, the Police Department has distributed some smartphones to its officers, allowing them to look up suspects’ criminal histories and verify their identification.
Smartphones; Identification Devices; Crime and Criminals; Android (Operating System); 

Another good idea to hate.

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@16:07


1
Technology

Tech Firms Push to Hire More Workers From Abroad

2
Health

Where Germs Hide in Your Kitchen

3
Opinion

Tell the Truth About the Arms Treaty

4
Opinion

Cybersecurity: A View From the Front

There is none.

5
Business Day

Debating the Merits of Hiring Great Recession Graduates

The old stuff doesn’t work anymore. And that’s why I want to hire people who are trying to create new things.
Entrepreneurship; Recession and Depression; Small Business; Social Networking (Internet); 

 If I need more cats to herd the crop he is thinking about will be there.
Managing an assistant is a skill I have never seen practiced.
Hiring a competitor is not what I want to do
 
6
Education

With Police in Schools, More Children in Court

7
U.S.

Health Care and Military Spending Bear the Brunt of Proposed Cuts

8
Technology

Internet Speeds Fail to Meet Promises in Germany, Study Shows

9
Opinion

When ICE Ran Amok

11
Education

Allegations of Test Help by Teachers

12
Business Day

What Happens if You Don't Pay Your Taxes

There are lots of nonmonetary penalties, like being denied a hunting or medical license or having your driver’s license suspended.
Federal Taxes (US); Fines (Penalties); Sentences (Criminal); Tax Evasion; 

File if you are required to file.  Pay the tax you owe.  If you overpay  it usually is returned.  Most important, talk to the authority.
13
Opinion

Hope Leaves the Shadows at the Capitol

14
World

Emirates’ Laws Trap a Doctor Just Passing Through

15
Opinion

Libraries and Authors

16
Technology

Teacher Knows if You’ve Done the E-Reading

17
Business Day

What's Wrong With the Chapter 14 Proposal

A big problem with a proposed change in the bankruptcy procedure is its effort to penalize the provider of debtor-in-possession financing if the new financing is used to “overpay” creditors.
Bankruptcies; Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010); 

Stephen J. Lubben is speaking to people more familiar with bankruptcy than I am.  It appears that the Hoover Institution, a conservative think tank, wants to do away with Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Chapter 11 allows a bankrupt to attempt to recover under court supervision.  The bankrupt party maintains title to the property and with the aid of bridge financing pays off the creditors on an agreed schedule and interest. The corporation survives.  Under the proposed Chapter 14 the bridge financing would not be available and events would devolve to a "fire sale" of the assets and the break up of the corporation.

18
N.Y. / Region

Man Accused of Burning Jewish Symbols Is in Police Custody

The police say a 35-year-old man burned a dozen Jewish doorway adornments known as mezuzot in Brooklyn this week.
Anti-Semitism; Hate Crimes; 

This is really ugly behavior.
I am not finding an alternative to jail time.  Sixty days on Rikers is harsh.
Paying for ceremonial replacement might be added.  The crime is really ugly
19
Business Day

Tuesday Reading: Hip Surgery for a Better Sex Life

On Tuesday in The Times, articles about a student loan rate that is set to rise (again), the return of a morning sickness drug and a surprise path to a better sex life — hip surgery.
E-Books and Readers; Hips; 
I have read most of these.
I would like a sex life again.
20
Business Day

Inventories Fall as Sales Rise, a Hint That Goods Are Needed

In growing sales, a sign that companies will have to build up their reservoir of goods.
Agriculture and Farming; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; United States Economy; Consumer Behavior;

Eternal hope.  
Things do not look good.  
Things are a bit better than they were.  
Houses are selling but they are selling for cash. 
This is hot money running to shelter.
 

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@22:42


1
Business Day

Debating the Merits of Hiring Great Recession Graduates

2
Opinion

When ICE Ran Amok

3
Opinion

The Week in Food

From honey laundering to bacon condoms, your week in food news.
Agriculture and Farming; Food; Meat; Obesity; Salmonella (Bacteria); 

ok
 
5
Business Day

What Happens if You Don't Pay Your Taxes

6
Opinion

Hope Leaves the Shadows at the Capitol

7
World

Emirates’ Laws Trap a Doctor Just Passing Through

8
Technology

Teacher Knows if You’ve Done the E-Reading

9
Business Day

What's Wrong With the Chapter 14 Proposal

10
Business Day

Tuesday Reading: Hip Surgery for a Better Sex Life

11
N.Y. / Region

Man Accused of Burning Jewish Symbols Is in Police Custody

12
Business Day

Inventories Fall as Sales Rise, a Hint That Goods Are Needed

13
N.Y. / Region

New Yorkers Brace for Cuts in Unemployment Benefits

14
Opinion

Lost in the Supermarket

15
U.S.

Environmental Questions Take Back Seat at Confirmation Hearing for E.P.A. Nominee

Questions for Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, focused more on officials’ e-mail accounts and the agency’s legal strategies.
E-Mail; Computers and the Internet; Suits and Litigation; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; Global Warming; Air Pollution; United States Politics and Government;

The committee has not scheduled a vote on Ms. McCarthy’s nomination.  

16
U.S.

All Over the Map in the Redistricting Fray

Attorney General Greg Abbott is trying to sell lawmakers on adopting maps drawn by federal judges and reducing the risk of losing seats.
Redistricting and Reapportionment; Voting Rights Act (1965); Voter Registration and Requirements; Discrimination; State Legislatures;

Let the courts work more.
 
17
N.Y. / Region

Jury Pool in Ex-Aide’s Trial Will Be Queried About Liu

Defense lawyers for Jia Hou, a former campaign treasurer for City Comptroller John C. Liu, say they are worried about how political corruption cases that broke last week will affect Ms. Hou’s trial.
Elections, Mayors; Frauds and Swindling; Corruption (Institutional); Campaign Finance; Elections, Comptrollers; 

I am with Liu.   Put up or shut up.
 
18
U.S.

Oil’s Financial Ties to Texas Legislators

Friendliness toward the drilling industry is typical for Texas, where many lawmakers receive campaign contributions from oil and gas groups or have investments in drilling companies.
Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Campaign Finance; United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Hydraulic Fracturing; 

The best regulation money can buy.
 
19
Health

Ask Well: Ball Chairs

Although you might expect that sitting on an exercise ball would demand extra exertion to keep you upright and stable, it does not provide any meaningful workout. And it may bring other problems.
Back (Human Body Part); Chairs; Exercise; 

I must get more active.
 
20
World

Nearly 70 Years Later, a New Round of Auschwitz Prosecutions

Germany’s Central Office for the Investigation of Nazi Crimes compiled a list of 50 former guards who worked at the concentration camp in Poland and might be brought to court.
Guards; Holocaust and the Nazi Era; War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity;

The  mess is not cleaned up.


We will soon run out of real Nazis.




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