Thursday, October 23, 2014

@22:08, 10/22/14

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1
Opinion

What Women Want

From personhood to motherhood, women’s issues dominate 2014 campaigns.
Midterm Elections (2014); Women and Girls; United States Politics and Government; Women's Rights 

I am so glad Republicans have not figured it out.

2
Automobiles

Wheelies: The Mini Adjustment Edition

The E.P.A. orders BMW to reduce fuel economy ratings on four Mini models; Scion announces a new concept car for the Los Angeles auto show.
Automobiles; Los Angeles Auto Show 

Another day on the road.

"Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models were 1 m.p.g. too high; the greatest change will be highway rating of the Cooper S with manual transmission, which is revised to 34 m.p.g, from 38. (Environmental Protection Agency)"

3
Opinion

A Verdict on Blackwater

Four former private contractors finally have been held accountable for the killing of 17 Iraqi civilians in 2007, bringing a measure of justice.
Iraq War (2003-11); Mercenaries and Private Military Contractors; Defense Contracts; Civilian Casualties; United States Defense and Military Forces; Decisions and Verdicts; Murders and Attempted Murders 

A slap on the wrist.

4
U.S.

Denied Survivor’s Benefits After Wife’s Death, Texas Widow Files a Federal Suit

A gay rights group brought to federal court the case of a widow who was turned down for survivor’s benefits because Texas does not recognize same-sex marriages.
Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Suits and Litigation (Civil); Veterans 

Texas will ultimately lose this suit.

6
World

In China, a Drought Tests Nomadic Herders’ Culture of Survival

A devastating drought in the Xinjiang region has disturbed an ancient tradition of producing prized animals known for their hefty tails.
Sheep; Livestock; Nomadic People; Uighurs (Chinese Ethnic Group); Drought

You look to be leading a nomadic life this year.

7
U.S.

5 U.S. Airports Set for Travelers From 3 West African Nations

Passengers arriving from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone must enter at one of five airports that are screening for the disease.
Ebola Virus; Airport Security

At this point it is security theater.

8
The Upshot

Kansas Faces Additional Revenue Shortfalls After Tax Cuts


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

9
Business Day

Backers of a Maglev Train Hope to Outpace Acela in the Northeast Corridor

A $5 billion commitment from Japan and a franchise transfer are the latest steps to bring a magnetic levitation train to the Washington-New York route.
High-Speed Rail Projects; Infrastructure (Public Works)

The backers of the latest thrill may be able to get the maglev off the blocks.
It is not energy efficient.  It will remain a dream until energy costs come down.

The next step in the north east corridor is the separation of freight and passenger traffic.  The upgrades of the roadbed and bridges will come with that.
Going from one track to six is going to be a political hot potato.
two tracks for freight, two for local service and two for intercity seem minimal.
The speed limiting factor is the multiple use of the track and the resulting heavy wear and poor surfaces.
Congress is still fighting over the railroads of a century ago. 

10
Opinion

Unraveling the Cable Bundle

HBO and CBS are moving toward à la carte services, a more pragmatic approach to selling content that should benefit consumers.
Television; Computers and the Internet; Video Recordings, Downloads and Streaming; Editorials; Cable Television; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)

Net neutrality is essential.

11
Your Money

Making Sure Retirement Savings Don’t Run Out

Financial advisers say investment portfolios, financial plans and lifestyles can be adjusted to limit the risk of running out of money before you run out of time.
Annuities; Financial Planners; Stocks and Bonds; Retirement; Longevity; 401(k), 403(b) and 457 Plans; Personal Finances

"He cautioned that this is not a good time to buy any annuity because interest rates, one of the main factors used to determine the amount of the lifelong payments, are very low."
Work as long as you can. 
I am not going to declare retirement until age 70.
TIAA - CREEF is growing as is Social Security. 

12
The Upshot

‘Soft on Crime’ TV Ads Affect Judges’ Decisions, Not Just Elections

A study found that an increase in ads in state supreme court races meant a higher chance of rulings against criminal defendants.
Campaign Finance; Citizens United v Federal Election Commission (Supreme Court Decision); Political Advertising; Elections, Courts and the Judiciary; Courts and the Judiciary

We do not and should not burn people in the public square.

13
U.S.

Las Vegas Hopes Its Play to Land Pro Soccer Won’t Be a Loser

A city known for gambling but trying to diversify wants to add a Major League Soccer team, but the need for public money for a stadium is a hurdle.
Casinos; Soccer; Stadiums and Arenas; Gambling

The boosters want a stadium to bring in the marks.
They must do it without public money.  It will be gambling equipment.

14
Opinion

Vatican Synod on Family

John C. Hirsh of Georgetown University writes that the synod document leaves open the possibility of further discussion.
Religion and Belief; Social Conditions and Trends; Homosexuality and Bisexuality

I note that the discussion has been opened.
I hope to hear more of the matter.
Marriage is a civil contract.

15
U.S.

Illinois: New Archbishop Will Downsize Housing

The next archbishop of Chicago, Blasé Cupich, will live in the more modest rectory at Holy Name Cathedral instead of in the archdiocese’s North State Parkway mansion.
Historic Buildings and Sites

A neutral act.  He can live where he is comfortable.

16
Opinion

Garment Factory Repairs

Sarah Labowitz of the N.Y.U. Stern Center for Business and Human Rights writes that Bangladesh needs a global fund to get the job done.
Factories and Manufacturing; Fashion and Apparel; Workplace Environment

There is no guarantee of a profit in manufacturing.
If the building owners cannot make repairs the buildings must be removed.
There are owners who can build to standards.

17
Business Day

Love Field Flight Limits End, and Passengers Cheer


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

18
Business Day

A Retreat From Weather Disasters



19
Opinion

Bolivia’s Example

A reader takes issue with an editorial, “South America’s New Caudillos.”
Politics and Government

They and we do not need "a man on a white horse".
A functioning democracy needs only competent people in government.

20
Business Day

Death Toll Rises to 29 in G.M. Switch Defect

Two additional fatalities have been linked to defective ignition switches, bringing the total of claims eligible for compensation so far to 56.
Traffic Accidents and Safety; Automobile Safety Features and Defects

What matters is the pattern that buries mistakes. 
Both the technical errors and their human victims.  


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