Wednesday, June 25, 2014

@2:45, 6/25/14

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1
Automobiles

Wheelies: The Better Bimmer Edition

2
N.Y. / Region

Lawyer Says Boy in Killing May Go Before Grand Jury


This is why there are courts.

3
N.Y. / Region

2nd Bridge Inquiry Said to Be Linked to Christie

Investigations into the administration of Gov. Chris Christie and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have zeroed in on possible securities law violations, people briefed on the matter say.
Budgets and Budgeting; Bridges and Tunnels; Securities and Commodities Violations 

A bridge too far.
4
N.Y. / Region

Contract Offer Scorned, L.I.R.R. Faces Strike

Fearing a strike on the Long Island Rail Road, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said on Tuesday that it had expanded its offer to union leaders with raises of 17 percent over seven years.
Organized Labor; Wages and Salaries; Labor and Jobs; Transit Systems 

The MTA is nuts.

The workers have earned their wage and benefits.
5
Business Day

K.K.R. to Invest in Acciona's Renewable Energy Arm

6
U.S.

Clashing Rulings Weigh Security and Liberties

Federal judges in Oregon upheld a 2008 law allowing warrantless surveillance but struck down a key aspect of the “no-fly list” that blocks people suspected of terrorism ties from boarding planes.
Surveillance of Citizens by Government; Wiretapping and Other Eavesdropping Devices and Methods; Airport Security; Suits and Litigation (Civil) 

National security arguments are failing as they should.

We cannot prevent the spying agencies from collecting information.
We can keep information collected without a warrant out of court.
Bills of attainder are expressly forbidden in the constitution.
7
N.Y. / Region

New York City Council Expected to Approve 2 Plans Aiding Immigrants

Initiatives giving legal help to those facing deportation and providing ID cards that could be used as proof of residence would further cement the city’s reputation as immigrant friendly.
Immigration and Emigration; Identification Devices; Illegal Immigration; Local Government; Public Defenders and Court-Appointed Lawyers (Criminal); Deportation 

8
U.S.

Washington State to Require Approval of Packaging for Edible Marijuana Products

The state has watched legalization take effect in Colorado, and sees children’s access as a concern.
Marijuana; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; Containers and Packaging; Children and Childhood; Shopping and Retail; Labeling and Labels 

Reactionaries are willfully blind.
Use childproof caps.
 
9
N.Y. / Region

Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Showing No Leniency in Daredevil Cases

Prosecutors are aggressively pursuing charges against World Trade Center parachutists and a speeding driver that would result in jail time and criminal records for the defendants.
Parachutes and Parachute Jumping; World Trade Center (Manhattan, NY); Stunts and Stuntmen; Sentences (Criminal); Video Recordings, Downloads and Streaming; Traffic Accidents and Safety; 1 World Trade Center (Manhattan, NY); District Attorneys; Crime and Criminals 

We learn that people can do a stunt the first time.
Repeats are strongly discouraged.
10
Business Day

Narrow Shift by Washington on Oil Exports

The Commerce Department has granted two Texas companies permits to export a light, processed form of oil, according to people familiar with the matter.
Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; International Trade and World Market 

Light distillate is gasoline or paint thinner.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_distillate

The products are probably the thinners for bitumen.
 
11
U.S.

Board Cites Confusion by Crew in Air Crash

Mostly bad control design.
12

Witch hunting by the tea party.

13
Multimedia

In Kodak's Hometown, Memory and History

Alex Webb and his wife, Rebecca Norris Webb, went to Rochester to document the fabled, if worn, home of Kodak. They returned to explore a city with a rich history and culture.
Photography; Poetry and Poets; Race and Ethnicity; Women's Rights 

It is not as bad as Detroit.
Rochester is suffering from the same distress.
I have been told that there is enough industrial diversity there that the city may survive. 
If I were to try to live there I would have to learn the local politics.
The city has highly developed public amenities but is light on tax base like most American industrial cities. 

14
Sports

High-Scoring Netherlands Avoids a Matchup With Brazil

With two late goals, the Dutch finished first in their group, avoiding a second-round match with Brazil.
World Cup 2014 (Soccer); Soccer 

http://www.nytimes.com/sports/worldcup/?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
15
World

Doubting Putin, Obama Prepares to Add Pressure

The Obama administration has drawn up plans to escalate sanctions against Russia by targeting its financial, energy and defense industries.
Embargoes and Sanctions; United States International Relations 

The Republican party is looking for a war.
It is not a good idea.
16
Fashion & Style

Spoons for the Picky

In Brooklyn, there is a revival of handmade home items.
Shopping and Retail; Interior Design and Furnishings; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Furniture; Desks 

Here we go round again.  Fiesta ware
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiesta_Ware

17
Business Day

In Japan, Abe Proposes Corporate Tax Cuts and Greater Role for Women

Analysts want to see details for the so-called third arrow of the prime minister’s plan to increase economic growth.
Corporate Taxes; Economic Conditions and Trends 

The zombies are after him.
18
Health

3-D Mammography Test Appears to Improve Breast Cancer Detection Rate

Tomosynthesis, or 3-D mammography, detects more cancers and causes fewer false alarms than regular tests, say researchers who compared data from 13 screening centers.
Mammography; Breast Cancer; Research 

Ok
19
N.Y. / Region

De Blasio Offers Easier Access to City Money for Special Education

Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a series of changes to make it easier for special-needs students in New York to receive private schooling at public expense.
Special Education; Education (K-12); Private and Sectarian Schools; Intellectual Disabilities 

Charter schools are a bad idea.
20
Sports

Today’s World Cup Matches: June 25, 2014

Argentina (Group F) and France (Group E) are in great shape, but other teams also have hopes of advancing.
World Cup 2014 (Soccer); Soccer

 http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/06/19/upshot/world-cup-2014-how-teams-can-advance-to-the-next-round.html

Look to the graphic sidebar.

 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

@11:30

1
N.Y. / Region

Lawyer Says Boy in Killing May Go Before Grand Jury

2
Automobiles

Wheelies: The Better Bimmer Edition

3
N.Y. / Region

Contract Offer Scorned, L.I.R.R. Faces Strike

4
U.S.

Major Ruling Shields Privacy of Cellphones

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the vast amount of data contained on modern cellphones must be protected from routine inspection.
Search and Seizure; Fourth Amendment (US Constitution); Cellular Telephones 

Good.
Could be better.

5
Business Day

K.K.R. to Invest in Acciona's Renewable Energy Arm



ok

Just money chasing money.  The buy-in is too steep.
 
6
Opinion

The Tappan Zee Bridge Loan

A proposal to use money that provides clean water in New York on a new bridge across the Hudson needs more scrutiny.
Infrastructure (Public Works); Waste Materials and Disposal; Sewers and Sewage; Editorials

The Highway Trustfund should pay for the bridge.
It is out of funds at the moment.
The management sees the bridge upgrade as a bigger need than waste water treatment.
Both are trivial.  Fixing the trust fund is the next order of busines.
Sell short term bonds to keep the bridge going.  The Highway Fund can pay them off if and when.

7
Opinion

East African Court Blocks Paved Serengeti Highway

A court ruling means massive migrations of wildlife will not have to contend with a paved road in the Serengeti.
Animals; National Parks, Monuments and Seashores; Parks and Other Recreation Areas; Roads and Traffic; Travel and Vacations; Wildlife Sanctuaries

"Easy and broad is the road to hell"

8
N.Y. / Region

New York City Council Expected to Approve 2 Plans Aiding Immigrants

Initiatives giving legal help to those facing deportation and providing ID cards that could be used as proof of residence would further cement the city’s reputation as immigrant friendly.
Immigration and Emigration; Identification Devices; Illegal Immigration; Local Government; Public Defenders and Court-Appointed Lawyers (Criminal); Deportation

Sweeping, cleaning and other low wage work is always in demand.
 
9

There is a group which fears the future. Often with reason.
THC is scary but not very dangerous.

10
The Upshot

Why Government Pension Funds Became Addicted to Risk

The steady decline in interest rates has pushed pension funds away from bonds and toward riskier investments.
Pensions and Retirement Plans; Stocks and Bonds; Government Bonds; Interest Rates; Hedge Funds; Retirement

The key concept here is "free lunch".
Our politicians bought the idea.
It has "turned in their hand" and cost them their reputation.
They must pay the pension bills as they come due with current income or borrowed money.
Either debt or taxes will rise.

11
Business Day

Narrow Shift by Washington on Oil Exports

12
World

After Opening Way to Rebels, Turkey Is Paying Heavy Price

Many Turks now blame their government for facilitating the rise of extremists in Syria and the new insurgency in Iraq, including the kidnapping of 80 Turkish citizens.
Terrorism; Muslims and Islam

A heavy price is being paid on the border.
Ankara is not so aware of it.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is worried about Kurdistan. 
13

The tea party is defending itself with slander.

14
Multimedia

In Kodak's Hometown, Memory and History


Rochester has a smaller problem than Detroit.
It has a better chance to survive.

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

Kent?

15
N.Y. / Region

Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Showing No Leniency in Daredevil Cases


The first time works.
Don't be one of the crowd.

16
World

Nominee for South Korean Premier Exits Over Colonization Remarks

Moon Chang-keuk, the second nominee to step aside, withdrew amid an uproar over his suggestion that Korea’s colonization by Japan had been “God’s will.”
World War II (1939-45)

Political in fighting.
 
17
18
N.Y. / Region

De Blasio Offers Easier Access to City Money for Special Education

Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a series of changes to make it easier for special-needs students in New York to receive private schooling at public expense.
Special Education; Education (K-12); Private and Sectarian Schools; Intellectual Disabilities

Part of the job.
 
19
Fashion & Style

Spoons for the Picky

In Brooklyn, there is a revival of handmade home items.
Shopping and Retail; Interior Design and Furnishings; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Furniture; Desks

We like drama.  Color is a cheap thrill.
 
20
U.S.

Alabama: Police Chief to Step Down

Mayor Todd Strange of Montgomery said Monday that Chief Kevin J. Murphy of the police would retire amid allegations of mismanagement.
Appointments and Executive Changes; Police; Police Brutality, Misconduct and Shooting

Properly so.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

@19:45

1
N.Y. / Region

Lawyer Says Boy in Killing May Go Before Grand Jury


There is a question as to what crime was committed.

2
Automobiles

Wheelies: The Better Bimmer Edition


You are traveling.

3
Automobiles

Wheelies: The Hydrogen Toyota Edition

Toyota unveils the body styling and pricing in Japan for its hydrogen fuel-cell car; G.M. to install solar energy arrays at Michigan plants.
Automobiles; Hydrogen; Solar Energy 

"In its analysis of the Kia Soul E.V., TÜV Nord, a German technical inspection organization, has found that the battery-powered car has a carbon footprint 40 percent smaller over the life of the vehicle than that of its diesel-power, European-market counterpart. Kia began building the Soul E.V. in South Korea this year. (Autoblog) "

4
N.Y. / Region

Contract Offer Scorned, L.I.R.R. Faces Strike

5
Business Day

K.K.R. to Invest in Acciona's Renewable Energy Arm

6
U.S.

Smithsonian Festival Will Stay at National Mall for Now

The annual Folklife Festival can stay at the mall until 2019 while the organizers work out the logistics and expense of complying with regulations to preserve the mall’s expensive new turf.
National Mall (Washington, DC); National Parks, Monuments and Seashores 

Grass can be replaced.  So can events.
 
7
U.S.

Archivist Faults I.R.S. for Not Reporting Loss of Emails

David S. Ferriero, the chief archivist at the National Archives, said the agency should have reported the destruction of the emails of Lois Lerner in a hard drive crash.
Internal Revenue Service Political Profiling; Archives and Records; E-Mail; Computers and the Internet 

The archives are not the primary function of other departments.
 
8
Real Estate

Tysons, a Northern Virginia Crossroads, Waits Impatiently for the Train

Construction has taken off in the area once known as Tysons Corner as developers anticipate the arrival of the Washington Metro’s new Silver Line.
Real Estate (Commercial); Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Transit Systems; Area Planning and Renewal; Building (Construction) 

A good reason not to build a rail line.
 
9
World

After Opening Way to Rebels, Turkey Is Paying Heavy Price

10
The Upshot

Why Government Pension Funds Became Addicted to Risk

11
N.Y. / Region

New York City Council Expected to Approve 2 Plans Aiding Immigrants

13
Technology

Google, Microsoft and Others Delve Deeper Into Cloud Storage for Businesses

Tech companies are poised to compete in selling services to businesses and gathering information on who does what within them.
Cloud Computing; Data Storage; Computers and the Internet; Enterprise Computing 

Any easy encryption can be broken.
 
14
Fashion & Style

Updating the Gold Standard to Platinum

Platinum blond is the shade for summer.
Hair; Color; Beauty Salons; Beauty (Concept); Cosmetics and Toiletries 

Your choice.  Please your self.  I will be pleased.
 
15
17
Business Day

More Calls to Fix Music Royalty Rules, but No Accord

The witnesses agreed that the current system — with various rules for radio, satellite and streaming — was unfair. But there was no consensus on improving it.
Radio; Royalties; Audio Recordings, Downloads and Streaming 

I am tempted to call a halt to payments for recorded performances.
All of them.  We will see how that works.  We can build from there.
 
18
Technology

DirecTV and AT&T Make Case to Congress

Back-to-back hearings in the House and Senate heard from company executives who said a merger could lower cable prices, as well as opponents of the deal.
Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures 

It should not be done.
 
19
U.S.

Shift in Law on Disability and Students Shows Lapses

The Education Department said that it would evaluate growth in students with disabilities over time and will compare their test scores with those of students not designated with special needs.
Special Education; Education (K-12); Tests and Examinations; States (US) 

The attempt to make "All the children above average" is doomed to failure.
 
20
N.Y. / Region

Turk Who Killed Staten Island Tourist Gets Life Sentence

Ziya Tasali, who said he struck Sarai Sierra with a rock in a scuffle in Istanbul in January 2013 after she refused to kiss him, denied raping her.
Murders and Attempted Murders 

There are no heroes in this.


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