@20:30, 12/30/15

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1

Food

No-Recipe Cod Cakes and Other Joys

By SAM SIFTON | Dec 30th 2015

Alsatian meatloaf for New Year’s eve and black-eyed peas for New Year’s day lunch.

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017903-thin-and-crispy-cornbread

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017904-purple-hull-peas-and-mustard-greens-in-smoky-potlikker

I would substitute bacon as the luxury version.

2

Real Estate

$950,000 Homes in Texas, Mississippi and Arizona

By MIKE POWELL | Dec 30th 2015

This week’s homes include a cottage in Mississippi, a contemporary in Arizona and a bungalow in Texas.

Mississippi has impossible politics.
Texas very similar.
Arizona I would think hard about.   Hot weather.

3

Opinion

Guns and Mental Illness

Dec 28th 2015

The American Psychological Association agrees that gun violence cannot be prevented solely by addressing mental illness.

The electorate must learn the facts.
We should start with what is known and learn as more becomes known.
Some things will change. 

4

World

Alarm Spreads in Brazil Over a Virus and a Surge in Malformed Infants

By SIMON ROMERO | Dec 30th 2015

The mosquito-borne Zika virus, suspected of fueling a spike in microcephaly, is at the core of one of the most alarming Brazilian health crises in decades.

There is no need to know exact numbers.
Start the eradication campaign now.
Start vaccine development now.
Start diagnosis development now.
Legalize abortion now.

Brazil is facing a lost generation
and depopulation in another generation.

5

U.S.

Michigan: Regulator Quits in Drinking Water Crisis

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 29th 2015

Dan Wyant, Michigan’s top environmental regulator, resigned after children in Flint were found to have higher blood-lead levels because of a cost-cutting move.

Gov. Rick Snyder, who apologized for what occurred in Flint, where elevated blood-lead levels have been found in children. In a cost-cutting move while it was under state emergency financial management a way has been found to destroy the town.

6

World

Venezuela: Opposition Victories Are Challenged

By REUTERS | Dec 29th 2015

Members of Venezuela’s governing Socialist Party have filed Supreme Court appeals to challenge the election of eight opposition legislators.

It is a familiar pattern.
Politicians try to hold on to power.

7

Sports

Skier Drags Gate to the Line

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 30th 2015

Adrien Théaux won a World Cup downhill in Santa Caterina Valfurva, Italy, by 1.04 seconds, but Christof Innerhofer of Italy grabbed most of the attention by finishing fourth after skiing halfway down the course with a gate attached to him.

Snow making.



Figure 4. Temperature analysis from the 00 UTC December 30, 2015 run of the GFS model, showing temperatures near freezing (aqua colors) penetrating very close to the North Pole. These temperatures are about 20°C (36°F) above average. Image credit: University of Maine Climate Reanalyzer.

8

Opinion

Help for Traumatized Kids

Dec 29th 2015

The Jewish Child Care Association writes that these children “are part of New York City’s future.”

One child at a time.

East Ramapoe is not exemplary.


9

U.S.

Families of 2 Fatally Shot by Chicago Police Question Officers’ Training

By MONICA DAVEY | Dec 27th 2015

There is no riot.

10

Science

3,988,076: The Number of U.S. Births in 2014

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR | Dec 28th 2015

The total was 1 percent higher than in 2013, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The teenage birthrate dropped 9 percent.

The economy is improving slowly.

11

U.S.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Cuts Trip to Cuba Short After Police Shooting in Chicago

By ALAN BLINDER | Dec 28th 2015

Mr. Emanuel, who has faced calls to resign amid an unrelenting outcry about the Police Department’s handling of fatal shootings, has cut short a family vacation and will return to the city, his office said Monday.

There is a faction that hates him as a Democrat.

12

World

Argentina: Ex-Transportation Ministers Get Prison

By JONATHAN GILBERT | Dec 29th 2015

Juan Pablo Schiavi, who held the post at the time, was given an eight-year sentence, convicted of causing the deaths of 51 people in a 2012 train crash in Buenos Aires.

I want to see the full explanation in March.

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

13

N.Y. / Region

New York Knicks’ Cleanthony Early Is Robbed and Shot in Queens

By BENJAMIN MUELLER | Dec 30th 2015

The basketball forward was attacked by a group of men in Maspeth early Wednesday after leaving a strip club, the police said. There have been no arrests.

Campaigning against guns is dangerous.

14

Sports

Swedish Players Increasingly Drawn to U.S. Colleges

By JULIE ROBENHYMER | Dec 29th 2015

Two players on the Swedish team at the world junior championship in Finland also play college hockey in the United States, as do 21 other Swedes.

"The Montreal Canadiens’ Condon, who went to high school in Belmont, Mass., is expected to start in Friday’s Winter Classic against the Boston Bruins in Foxborough."

http://nytimes.stats.com/nhl/scoreboard.asp?day=20160101

1:00 PM ET	NBC
Montreal
Boston

15

Sports

Wizards Rout Nets With Help From Jarell Eddie’s Hot Fourth Quarter

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 26th 2015

In his debut, Jarell Eddie made four 3-pointers in the final period, and the Nets lost their sixth straight home game.

Final	1	2	3	4	Tot
LA Lakers	24	34	31	23	112
Boston	27	29	22	26	104

Preview | Box | Recap

Leaders	LA Lakers	Boston
Points	J. Clarkson 24	I. Thomas 24
Rebounds	J. Randle 12	J. Sullinger 8
Assists	J. Randle 4	E. Turner 8

16

Sports

Devils Prevail on Late Goal; Panthers Surge Atop Division

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 29th 2015

David Schlemko’s tiebreaking goal gave the Devils a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night over the Carolina Hurricanes in Newark.

"BRUINS 7, SENATORS 3 Jimmy Hayes scored three goals, Patrice Bergeron and Matt Beleskey had two apiece, and host Boston beat Ottawa to end a three-game losing streak."

17

Food

Where to Buy Field Peas

By KIM SEVERSON | Dec 29th 2015

It’s worth seeking out other varieties of cowpeas for a deeper range of flavor.

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017904-purple-hull-peas-and-mustard-greens-in-smoky-potlikker

Black eyed peas are on the shelf at the grocery.

18

Real Estate

A Conversation With Jonathan H. Simon

By VIVIAN MARINO | Dec 29th 2015

Mr. Simon, 50, is the founder, chairman and chief of Simon Baron Development, which focuses on residential and mixed-use developments.

Manage as much as you like.  I have little interest in the business.

19

Sports

Suns’ Bledsoe Is Out for the Season After Knee Surgery

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 29th 2015

Phoenix point guard Eric Bledsoe, the team’s leading scorer, sustained a torn meniscus in a game against Philadelphia and is expected to return for training camp next fall, the team announced.

http://nytimes.stats.com/nba/scoreboard.asp

Final	1	2	3	4	Tot
LA Lakers	24	34	31	23	112
Boston	27	29	22	26	104

Preview | Box | Recap

Leaders	LA Lakers	Boston
Points	J. Clarkson 24	I. Thomas 24
Rebounds	J. Randle 12	J. Sullinger 8
Assists	J. Randle 4	E. Turner 8

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Streak
Toronto	20	13	.606	--	10-5	10-8	3-1	12-6	6-4	1 W
Boston	18	14	.563	1.5	9-8	9-6	4-2	13-9	5-5	1 L
New York	15	18	.455	5.0	8-8	7-10	4-1	9-13	5-5	1 W
Brooklyn	9	23	.281	10.5	6-10	3-13	2-2	6-13	2-8	1 L
Philadelphia	2	31	.061	18.0	1-12	1-19	0-7	0-20	1-9	1 L

 

20

World

Burkina Faso: First New Leader in Decades Is Sworn In

By RICK GLADSTONE | Dec 29th 2015

The inauguration of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré drew officials from eight other West African countries and thousands of supporters.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Burkina+Faso/@12.2213963,-6.0558802,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0xe2dca26d5a6709b:0x27930aed46836dab

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@9:30, 12/30/15

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1

Food

The Best Roast Chickens

By SAM SIFTON | Dec 28th 2015

Sam’s chicken picks, scampi, lamb burgers and more.

http://sidneymintz.net/

http://sidneymintz.net/sugar.php

I want to read "Sweetness and Power".

2

World

Australia Bushfires Strike Popular Tourist Area

By REUTERS | Dec 26th 2015

The fires have burned down more than 100 homes, and officials predicted more blazes to come.

Another hot dry summer.
Another season of burning.

3

N.Y. / Region

New York State Standardizes Its Oversight of Lawyers

By BENJAMIN MUELLER | Dec 29th 2015

New rules will make lawyers subject to a uniform disciplinary process, putting an end to regional differences in the handling of complaints.

The concern is opiate addiction among members of the bar.
This will be another failed attempt to fix addiction.

There is no cure for addicts.
Systems must be adjusted to be addiction tolerant.
This will mean that some professions are closed to some minds.
Addiction is not a moral or ethical problem.
The attempt to externally control addiction is an ethical problem.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics

4

U.S.

More Police Officers Facing Charges, but Few See Jail

By SHAILA DEWAN and TIMOTHY WILLIAMS | Dec 29th 2015

This year, 18 officers were charged in fatal shootings, research shows. But despite heavy sanctions, like millions paid out in settlements over mistakes, police departments have resisted change.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_of_the_court
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constable
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosecutor#United_States

Trying a police officer implies a conflict of interest.


5

U.S.

Death Toll Rises in Dallas as Storms Sweep South

By DANIEL E. SLOTNIK and DAVID MONTGOMERY | Dec 27th 2015

At least 11 people were killed in the Dallas area Saturday night when several tornadoes swept North Texas, officials said.

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/historic-unseasonable-flood-begins-on-mississippi-river-928-mb-low-hi

"On January 20, the flood crest is expected to arrive in New Orleans, bringing the Mississippi River to its 17-foot flood stage in the city, just 3 feet below the tops of the levees. In past years, though, when the river has been forecast to rise to 17 feet in the city, the Army Corps of Engineers has opened up the Bonnet Carré Spillway in St. Charles Parish, which diverts water into Lake Pontchartrain and keeps the river from reaching flood stage in New Orleans. The Corps may also be forced to open the Morganza Floodway in Pointe Coupee Parish, which would divert water down the Atchafalaya River. Opening this spillway has a considerably higher cost than opening the Bonnet Carré Spillway, due to the large amount of agricultural lands that would be flooded below the Morganza Floodway. The Corps also has the option of increasing the flow of Mississippi River water into the Atchafalaya at the Old River Control Structure in Concordia Parish. Operating the Old River Control Structure in this way, though, puts stress on the structure, as I explained in my 2011 blog post, America's Achilles' heel: the Mississippi River's Old River Control Structure. The Tuesday evening forecast from the NWS River Forecast Center predicted that the Mississippi River would crest at Red River Landing, where the Old River Control Structure is located, on January 19. The predicted crest of 62.5' is just 0.9' below the all-time record crest of 63.39' set on May 18, 2011. A water level this high has a good chance of forcing the Army Corps to open the Morganza Floodway in order to relieve pressure on the Old River Control Structure. Both the Bonnet Carré Spillway and Morganza Floodway were opened in May 2011, when the highest flood crests ever observed on the Lower Mississippi arrived. This flood cost approximately $3 billion; $1 billion was required just to repair the damage done to the levee system and various other components of the flood control system damaged by the flood, according to Charles Camillo's book, Divine Providence: The 2011 Flood in the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. I expect the damage from the December 2015 - January 2016 Mississippi River flood will run into the hundreds of millions. According to a Wednesday news story in The Advocate, the Army Corps will make a decision by January 9 on whether or not to open the Bonnet Carré Spillway. The last time the spillway was opened in January was back in 1937, its first year of operation. In a Wednesday morning Press Release, the Army Corps of Engineers indicated that they are mobilizing people, barges and operational equipment to open a third floodway on the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Ohio River--the Birds Point - New Madrid floodway. Opening up this floodway would help relieve pressure on the levees near Cairo, Illinois, something the Corps was forced to do in May 2011. However, the Corps said that they do not anticipate operating the floodway during the current flood, if current flood height predictions hold."

"Incredibly warm air flowing to the North Pole
The counter-clockwise flow of air in advance of Wednesday's Icelandic low is pumping relatively warm air all the way to the North Pole, where temperatures near freezing may be occurring--though I doubt there are any instruments there to measure the temperature this winter. The warm air is following an unusually contorted kink in the jet stream. Bob Henson tweeted this fact on Tuesday: reanalysis maps dating back to 1948 (courtesy Steven Cavallo, University of Oklahoma) show only three cases where the North Pole Temperature reached the freezing mark or above in December (and no cases in January - March.) Andrew Freedman of Mashable has more on this freak Arctic warm wave in a Tuesday post."

Faith does not influence nature.

6

U.S.

Puerto Rican Police Officer Held in Fatal Shooting of 3 Colleagues

By FRANCES ROBLES | Dec 28th 2015

A police spokeswoman said that the officer held a female lieutenant, a male commander and a policewoman hostage at a station before he killed them.

Some are legally insane.

7

World

Aide to Kim Jong-un Dies in Car Accident

By CHOE SANG-HUN | Dec 29th 2015

Kim Yang-gon, 73, head of the United Front Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea, was a key foreign policy aide for the country’s young and relatively inexperienced leader.

Auto accidents are rare in North Korea.
I can't read the political tealeaves.

8

U.S.

As Flooding Continues, Missouri Asks Residents to Move to Safety

By CHRISTINE HAUSER | Dec 30th 2015

The death toll attributed to the flooding has continued to rise, to 13 dead as of Tuesday from six people killed over the weekend, officials said.

http://www.wunderground.com/severe.asp

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/historic-unseasonable-flood-begins-on-mississippi-river-928-mb-low-hi
Look at the pictures.

9

Opinion

A Maid’s Peaceful Rebellion in Colombia

By ERNESTO LONDOÑO | Dec 28th 2015

How domestic workers in Colombia achieved success in demanding better wages and treatment.

There should be no exploitable bottom.
Unions limit the supply of labor.

10

Sports

Reliever Aroldis Chapman Acquired by Yankees

By BILLY WITZ | Dec 28th 2015

The Yankees traded four minor leaguers to the Cincinnati Reds for Chapman, who had 33 saves last season.

No recent news of the Boston Red Sox
http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection=Baseball&region=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=article#/Boston+red+sox/since1851/allresults/1/allauthors/newest/

11

N.Y. / Region

New York Faces Struggle in Curbing Flophouse Schemes That Victimize Addicts

By KIM BARKER | Dec 28th 2015

The city formed a task force to crack down on so-called three-quarter houses, but none of them have been closed, despite evidence of continued exploitation and poor conditions.

"The city faces a dilemma: The homes may be bad, but they still fill a need. Many single homeless people would rather stay in a three-quarter house than in a homeless shelter. Shut them down, and the city risks putting more people on the street at a time when the homeless population has reached record levels."

Ewer, basin and chamber pot.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher_%28container%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_pot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightstand
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightstand

12

U.S.

Severe Weather Aims for New Targets After Pummeling Texas, Midwest and Mississippi

By KATIE ROGERS and CHRISTINE HAUSER | Dec 28th 2015

Storms have led to reports of at least 43 deaths across several states. Here’s what you need to know as the harsh weather continues into the week.

It was not that bad where I encountered it.

http://www.weather.gov/

13

Science

The Residents of Vanuatu, Then and Now

By SINDYA N. BHANOO | Dec 28th 2015

Skull analysis suggests the earliest inhabitants may have had Asian and Polynesian roots, while modern residents are more similar to Melanesians.

"“The only time that Melanesian migrants could have come and ‘outmarried’ the original Polynesians would have been during the couple of hundred years during Lapita times,” he said. He and his colleagues reported their findings in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapita_culture

Region where Lapita pottery has been found
14

World

The E.U. Migrant Crisis, Told in 2 Startling Numbers

By CELESTINE BOHLEN | Dec 28th 2015

More than one million migrants have made their way to Europe this year, but only 190 of them have been formally relocated.

The U.S. must solve the "Syrian" problem in Syria or deal with Texas.

We will not "Kill them all.  Let God sort them out."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wog

15

Sports

Thunder Rally Past Nuggets

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

Russell Westbrook had 30 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds, and Oklahoma City allied from an 11-point second-half deficit to beat visiting Denver, 122-112.

7:30 PM ET	CSNE/TWSN/NBAt
LA Lakers (5 - 27)
Boston (18 - 13)

Preview


16

N.Y. / Region

Legacy of New York’s Chief Judge: A Focus on Social Justice

By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr. | Dec 29th 2015

Throughout his seven years on the State Court of Appeals, Judge Jonathan Lippman said, his goal was to make it the policy of the state that poverty should never bar a person from a fair hearing.

His is a laudable project.
It may pay the rent.
It will not make the partners wealthy.
It has improved the world
And should continue to improve the world.

17

U.S.

Missouri: Rising Waters Imperil River Towns

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 29th 2015

A rare winter flood shut parts of two interstates, threatened hundreds of homes and caused sewage to flow into waterways.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/outlook_tab.php

"

Figure 2. Existing flood stage on December 28, 2015 (inner colored square) and predicted maximum flood stage (outer colored square region around the inner colored square) for the Lower Mississippi River and two tributaries (the Arkansas and Ohio Rivers) near where they join the Mississippi. I've added numerical ranking on the right side of the squares to indicate where a top-ten flood crest in recorded history is expected. Two gauges are expecting their highest floods on record (Cape Girardeau and Thebes), and most of the Lower Mississippi is expecting a top-five highest flood crest on record. Where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois, the Ohio River is forecast to crest on January 5 at the third highest level on record; downstream from Little Rock, Arkansas, the Arkansas River is predicted to crest on Friday at the third highest level on record near its confluence with the Mississippi. Image credit: NWS River Forecast Center."

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/?n=lowerohio,lowermississippi,andlowerarkansasrivers

There may be clear weather for at least a week.

18

U.S.

Families of 2 Fatally Shot by Chicago Police Question Officers’ Training

By MONICA DAVEY | Dec 27th 2015

Grieving relatives on Sunday demanded changes to the way the police interact with black residents and more training for officers in how to de-escalate tense situations involving possible mental health issues.

A proper action.
My hope is that it will bring proper changes. 

19

U.S.

Texas Urges Supreme Court to Reject Appeal on Obama’s Immigration Program

By MICHAEL D. SHEAR | Dec 29th 2015

In a brief filed Tuesday, the state’s attorney general argued that lower courts had properly rejected an “unprecedented assertion of executive authority.”

Texas is wrong.
Immigration policy is a constitutional federal prerogative.

20

Sports

Concussion Report Highlights Field Maintenance

By KEN BELSON | Dec 29th 2015

The Concussion Legacy Foundation called attention to the link between head injuries and poorly maintained fields, especially those of synthetic turf.

The differences are small.
At a guess the amortized cost of an artificial surface is about the same as a natural turf surface.
Further, the concussion risk is about the same. 
Ending the game of football is the cheapest option.

People learned in 1968 that Roman Imperial crowd control is better than any modern method.


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@21:00, 12/29/15

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1

Food

Chilaquiles to Welcome the New Year

By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN | Dec 29th 2015

Adding eggs to the comforting Mexican dish of fried tortillas and salsa makes a perfect breakfast for Jan. 1.

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017908-green-chilaquiles-with-eggs

The dish looks to be dynamic. 
It will not stand reheating.
It is more than two should eat.

2

U.S.

Maryland: Trial Is Postponed for 2nd Officer in Freddie Gray Case

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

The Maryland Judiciary issued a statement Monday saying the trial of the officer, Caesar Goodson, will begin Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 6.

Murder is probably the wrong charge for the driver.

3

U.S.

Pennsylvania: Prosecutor Wants Court to Reconsider Case Against Priest

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

Despite losing on appeal twice, Philadelphia’s district attorney said Monday that he would continue to fight to keep a Roman Catholic church official who will soon be eligible for parole in prison over his handling of sexual abuse cases.

I do not know the details.
Appearances do not favor Msgr. William Lynn. 

4

Science

The Plant Had a Lovely Striation. Then They Got the Pruning Shears.

By C. CLAIBORNE RAY | Dec 28th 2015

Why do some variegated specimens, with their pleasant patterns of dark and light, grow back without the original pattern intact once they’re cut back?

The example is a monocott.
Dicotts are a different mechanism.

5

World

Cave-In Traps 18 Miners in China

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 26th 2015

Rescuers pulled 11 workers to safety and located 18 others who were trapped after a mine collapsed in the eastern province of Shandong, state news media said.

Gypsum is usually mined open cast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum#Mining

6

U.S.

Puerto Rican Police Officer Held in Fatal Shooting of 3 Colleagues

By FRANCES ROBLES | Dec 28th 2015

A police spokeswoman said that the officer held a female lieutenant, a male commander and a policewoman hostage at a station before he killed them.

Real crazies. 

7

Food

A Layer Cake Gets a Surge From Cardamom

By MELISSA CLARK | Dec 28th 2015

Sprinkling chopped pistachios and candied rose petals on top creates a creamy beauty adorned in shades of pink and green. (Article plus video.)

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017901-cardamom-cream-cake

I could make it.

8

Opinion

U.S.A.I.D. Afghan Programs

Dec 29th 2015

A U.S.A.I.D. official says an article focused on a few projects that increased support for the Taliban instead of the vast majority that did not.

Think moral hazard.

9

Food

A New Day of the Buttered Bread Has Dawned

By DAVID TANIS | Dec 28th 2015

An old Irish custom of celebrating New Year’s Day by feasting on bread and butter is worth reviving.

http://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692/1001962-20-of-our-best-bread-recipes

I make good yeast bread.  

10

U.S.

Jason Van Dyke, Officer Who Shot Laquan McDonald, Pleads Not Guilty

By MITCH SMITH | Dec 29th 2015

The lawyer for the Chicago officer said his client looked forward to a chance to get his side of the story out at trial.

We will be shown all the details.
There does not appear to be a defense.

11

Travel

Morocco’s Other Coast Emerges as a Destination

By ELAINE GLUSAC | Dec 29th 2015

Morocco’s west coast, a blustery stretch of North Africa, testifies to its colonial past and trading heritage in a series of historic forts and emerging ports.

I can do without the development.

12

N.Y. / Region

City Hall, a Restaurant Hangout for Officials in TriBeCa, Is Closing

By JAMES BARRON | Dec 25th 2015

The decision to close the restaurant, which opened in Lower Manhattan in 1998, was based on a combination of economic factors, its chef said.

I would have to study the books.
Prices reflect costs.

13

Opinion

Mental Health in New York City

Dec 29th 2015

Chirlane McCray, the city’s first lady, describes ThriveNYC, a new program to create more and better services.

The resource is inadequate to the need.

14 

Sports

Tar Heels Tune Up for A.C.C. With a Rout

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

The Tar Heels rolled in their final nonconference game of the season, as Brice Johnson scored 16 points and 16 rebounds in dismantling the Spartans.

A 47th consecutive win for U Conn.

"Breanna Stewart scored 23 points and Moriah Jefferson added 17 to help No. 1 Connecticut beat No. 6 Maryland, 83-73, in the Maggie Dixon Classic on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

Stewart missed the Huskies’ game last Monday with a sprained right ankle, but she showed no ill effects as Connecticut won its 47th straight game, tying the third-longest winning streak in team history.

UConn (10-0) had to work for this victory, as Maryland (11-1) was not intimidated by the Huskies.

The Terrapins trailed, 40-32, early in the third quarter before scoring 11 of the next 12 points to take a 43-41 lead on Brianna Fraser’s 3-point play with 4 minutes 35 seconds left in the period.

The Huskies closed the quarter with a 15-4 run to go up by 9 points. Maryland could only get within 4 the rest of the way."

15

Travel

In Portland, Thai Food Moves Beyond the Usual

By ANNA HEZEL | Dec 29th 2015

Adventurous chefs and restaurant owners are using more-exotic ingredients in many of their signature dishes.

Enjoy.

16

World

Drought Deepens South Africa’s Malaise

By NORIMITSU ONISHI | Dec 26th 2015

The full impact of the drought and resulting poor harvests will be felt only in the months ahead, but they have already left 29 million people without reliable access to food, the U.N. says.

Farming is a skill set.
The small farmers are learning.

17

Opinion

When Dying Alone in Prison Is Too Harsh a Sentence

By RACHAEL BEDARD | Dec 28th 2015

For terminally ill prisoners who should be with their families, the system of medical parole is too slow, too cumbersome and too little used.

The prison system does not attempt to be compassionate.

18

Sports

Thunder Rally Past Nuggets

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

Russell Westbrook had 30 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds, and Oklahoma City allied from an 11-point second-half deficit to beat visiting Denver, 122-112.

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Last 10	Streak
Toronto	19	13	.594	--	9-5	10-8	3-1	11-6	6-4	1 L
Boston	18	13	.581	0.5	9-7	9-6	4-2	13-9	6-4	4 W
New York	15	18	.455	4.5	8-8	7-10	4-1	9-13	5-5	1 W
Brooklyn	9	22	.290	9.5	6-10	3-12	2-2	6-12	3-7	1 W
Philadelphia	2	31	.061	17.5	1-12	1-19	0-7	0-20	1-9	1 L

19

U.S.

Ethan Couch, ‘Affluenza’ Defense Fugitive, Arrested in Mexico

By AMISHA PADNANI | Dec 29th 2015

Mr. Couch, 18, was spared prison in a deadly drunken-driving case after his lawyers argued he suffered psychological problems stemming from his family’s wealth.

Let the courts try to deal with them.

20

U.S.

Near Dallas, Residents Tally Tornadoes’ Devastation

By COOPER NEILL, RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA and DAVID MONTGOMERY | Dec 28th 2015

At least 11 people were killed, the most in the area in 88 years, and hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in suburban neighborhoods.

The insurance will pay.

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@11:45, 12/28/15

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1

Health

Zika Virus, a Mosquito-Borne Infection, May Threaten Brazil’s Newborns

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. | Dec 28th 2015

An increase in the number of infants born in Brazil with a form of brain damage has been blamed on the Zika virus.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zika_virus

A whole new set of worries.

If Zika causes microcephaly  the world should know.
A crash program is necessary.

2

World

Poland: Law Altering Top Court Goes Into Effect Despite Criticism

By REUTERS | Dec 28th 2015

The new law which affects how Poland’s highest court makes rulings, is a move that critics say will paralyze the court and erode checks and balances on government powers.

People are properly suspicious of changes.
Requiring a quorum and a supermajority seem a good idea to me.
Factional dominance of the political system should be avoided.
It is the problem in the U.S.

3

U.S.

Missouri: Judge Prevents State From Revoking Abortion License

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

A federal judge said the state had treated the Planned Parenthood clinic more harshly than similar institutions and had moved to withdraw the license because of political pressure from some state lawmakers.

http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/admitting-privileges-health-care/

The requirement of admitting privileges for doctors providing outpatient abortions
seems superfluous. 
Formerly pregnant women requiring emergency care would be admitted through the emergency department of the hospital.
Pregnant women requiring inpatient care would also come through the emergency department.    

4

Travel

An Oakland Restaurant With Food That Begs for Beer

By REBECCA MARX FLINT | Dec 28th 2015

Half Orange offers a distinctly Bay Area spin on the burger-and-brews joint.

Enjoy. 
There should be more such places.

5

U.S.

Cleveland Officer Will Not Face Charges in Tamir Rice Shooting Death

By MITCH SMITH | Dec 28th 2015

The 12-year-old boy was killed as he was playing with a replica gun in a park. Relatives and activists, who called the shooting senseless, had sought charges in the case.

Let us fix it so people are not shot by nervous and fearful officers.

6

Sports

Wayne Ellington Ignites Nets’ Biggest Comeback of the Year

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

Ellington tied a career best with seven 3-pointers and finished with 26 points as the Nets rallied from a 16-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Heat.

http://nytimes.stats.com/nba/scoreboard.asp?day=20151227

Final	1	2	3	4	Tot
New York	18	23	24	26	91
Boston	22	29	26	23	100

Preview | Box | Recap

Leaders	New York	Boston
Points	C. Anthony 29	I. Thomas 21
Rebounds	K. Porzingis 12	K. Olynyk 9
Assists	L. Galloway 5	I. Thomas 6

http://nytimes.stats.com/nba/scoreboard.asp?day=20151230

7:30 PM ET	CSNE/TWSN/NBAt
LA Lakers
Boston

7

Sports

Two Browns Players Arrested

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 27th 2015

Cleveland Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant will not play in Sunday’s game at Kansas City after he and safety De’Ante Saunders were arrested Friday morning in a traffic stop.

"The New England Patriots claimed defensive back Troy Hill off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals and signed wide receiver Chris Harper to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. The Patriots also released tight end Asante Cleveland and wide receiver Leonard Hankerson. (AP)"

Sunday, January 3, 2016

1:00 PM ET	CBS
New England
Miami

American Football Conference
East Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
xy-New England Patriots	12	3	0	.800	0.0	455	295	7-1-0	5-2-0	9-2-0	4-1-0	1 L
New York Jets	10	5	0	.667	2.0	370	292	6-2-0	4-3-0	7-4-0	3-2-0	5 W
Buffalo Bills	7	8	0	.467	5.0	357	342	4-3-0	3-5-0	6-5-0	3-2-0	1 W
Miami Dolphins	5	10	0	.333	7.0	290	379	2-5-0	3-5-0	3-8-0	0-5-0	3 L

The Patriots are in the playoffs.

8

N.Y. / Region

New York Today: The Year in Sports

By TATIANA SCHLOSSBERG | Dec 29th 2015

Tuesday: A look back at our teams, rainy weather, and seals.

http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/boston%20red%20sox

9

Sports

Arsenal Moves Into First; Struggling United Settles for Tie

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 28th 2015

Petr Cech set a Premier League record with his 170th shutout in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, while Manchester United drew, 0-0, with Chelsea.

http://www.theguardian.com/football

10

N.Y. / Region

Elections Are Easy for Queens Prosecutor; Critics Call This a Problem

By ELI ROSENBERG | Dec 27th 2015

Robert A. Brown, 83, has been re-elected to the prosecutor’s job six times since 1991, with no opposition, and detractors say that is a sign of lingering machine politics in New York.

Getting on the ballot requires good signatures.
"Sour grapes" does not count.

11

Science

Letters to the Editor

Dec 28th 2015

Readers respond to articles in Science Times.

Vote your interest.
Drugs are part of health care.
Controling global warming is still possible.
Without effort the problem will be worse.

12

Science

How Turkey Vultures Stay Aloft to Focus on Dinner

By SINDYA N. BHANOO | Dec 28th 2015

The birds use small-scale air turbulence to soar continuously at forest edges, without much flapping, according to a new study.

Nicely observed.

13

World

David Cameron Defends Flood Defense Record as Northern England Is Drenched

By STEVEN ERLANGER and STANLEY REED | Dec 28th 2015

Britain’s Environmental Agency warned that the country needed “a complete rethink” of its flood defenses as roads in the north remained under water.

Forest and wetlands in combination with bigger rivers may be the best solution.

14

Sports

Devils Fall to Hurricanes; Capitals Win 7th Straight

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 26th 2015

The Devils, who have not won consecutive games since mid-November, tied the score at 1-1 early in the third period but surrendered two more goals and lost at Carolina.

7:00 PM ET	NESN/RDS2
Ottawa
Boston

Preview

15

Sports

Islanders Place Jaroslav Halak on Injured Reserve

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 27th 2015

The Islanders placed Halak, their goaltender, on injured reserve because of an upper-body injury.

"Sabres forward Evander Kane is under investigation by the Buffalo police in connection with a sexual offense, the team confirmed in a statement.
The Buffalo News, citing unidentified police personnel, said the investigation was related to events Sunday morning in a Buffalo hotel room. A police spokesman and Kane’s agent, Craig Oster, did not return messages."

It is a different player and a new incident.

16

World

Israel and Brazil at Impasse Over Ambassador Appointment

By ISABEL KERSHNER and VINOD SREEHARSHA | Dec 28th 2015

Signaling its displeasure, the Brazilian government has yet to approve Israel’s nomination of a former settler leader as its next ambassador to Brasília.

Brazil could accept the Israeli ambassador and then send him home.
The two nations should be talking.

17 

Sports

Hawks Hand Knicks a Third Straight Loss

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 26th 2015

The Atlanta Hawks won their sixth straight game with a 117-98 victory at home over the Knicks on Saturday night.

"CELTICS 99, PISTONS 93 Avery Bradley scored 18 points, Isaiah Thomas had 17 points and 9 assists, and Boston won at Detroit.

Pistons center Andre Drummond had 22 points and 22 rebounds for his fifth 20-20 game of the season. Coming into the day, Houston’s Dwight Howard had the only other 20-20 game in the N.B.A. this season."

18

N.Y. / Region

Anxiety Aside, New York Sees Drop in Crime

By J. DAVID GOODMAN and AL BAKER | Dec 27th 2015

Fewer episodes of major crime in New York City in 2015 have made the year the safest in modern history, but William J. Bratton, the police commissioner, has also called it “a year of great contradictions,” as four officers died on duty.

Yes.

19

Fashion & Style

Preschool Without Walls

By LILLIAN MONGEAU | Dec 29th 2015

Bundle up, buttercup. A growing number of preschools are situating their classrooms under the open sky and towering trees, regardless of weather.

https://waldorfeducation.org/waldorf_education/curriculum

For much of the world population out of doors is the city streets.
Children will go there.
I am not certain the school should take them.
"The job of a child is to be a child"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Fr%C3%B6bel

20

Opinion

New York City Policing, by the Numbers

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Dec 28th 2015

A new report shows how drastically policing practices in the city have changed since 2011 — even as crime rates remain historically low.

From the graph crime is falling for some other reason.
It went down under the last three administrations.
People should discover why and do more of that.


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