Monday, February 29, 2016

@13:00, 2/29/16

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1
U.S.

Trump University’s Checkered Past Haunting Candidate

By STEPHANIE SAUL | Feb 26th 2016
The now-defunct Trump University, subject of a Marco Rubio attack at the Republican debate, is embroiled in lawsuits accusing it of misrepresentation.

The Trump reputation is built on lies.

2
Fashion & Style

Milan Fashion Week: Day 6 With Giorgio Armani

By ELIZABETH PATON | Feb 29th 2016
Just before the fashion cavalcade leaves for Paris, there’s also DSquared2 and Arthur Arbesser

Nobel Court dress.

3
U.S.

California: Methane Leak Was a Record for the U.S.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 25th 2016
Gas leak that sickened some Los Angeles residents and forced thousands from their homes was largest known release of climate-changing methane in United States history, scientists reported Thursday.

Gas wells were allowed to flare in the early days of drilling.
Corning Glass located for free fuel.

4
Fashion & Style

Bill Cunningham | Shaggy Streets

By BILL CUNNINGHAM | Feb 26th 2016
The fur (faux and natural) was flying on the runways and on the guests at the recent New York collections, despite anti-fur sentiments

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2016/02/28/fashion/28STREET.html

Fur could be back.

5
Fashion & Style

Prada and Moschino: Burning Down the House

By VANESSA FRIEDMAN | Feb 26th 2016
Ski looks at Emilio Pucci, “New Pop” at Emporio Armani and tailored outerwear lined in silk at Etro.

Fur. 
The fabric people may have produced a decent substitute.

6
Health

Officials Report 9 New Cases of Zika Virus Among Pregnant Women Tested in U.S.

By SABRINA TAVERNISE | Feb 26th 2016
One of the women gave birth to a baby with microcephaly, a defect that has been associated with the Zika virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is an association.
there could be another virus.

7
Fashion & Style

At Missoni, the After-Party Has to Be a Family Meal

By ELIZABETH PATON | Feb 29th 2016
Pasta, drinks and warm feelings turn a wet Sunday evening into an event.

I gather the Missoni show went well.
The competition was light.

8
Opinion

H.I.V.’s Toll on Black and Latino Men

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 29th 2016
Infection rates can be curbed even among these disproportionately affected groups.

It can be treated.
Observed medication as with T.B. is an effective way.
It does not much matter where the medication happens.

9
The Upshot

Rise in Marriages of Equals, and in Division by Class

By CLAIRE CAIN MILLER and QUOCTRUNG BUI | Feb 27th 2016
The nature of marriage is changing, and that is contributing to income inequality, research shows.

Cultural equality.

10
N.Y. / Region

3 Killed and 2 Injured in Hit-and-Run Crashes Across New York City

By RICK ROJAS | Feb 28th 2016
No arrests have been made in a series of collisions that occurred after midnight on Saturday in which pedestrians and a cyclist were hit by motorists.

There is always a crop of new drivers.

11 
U.S.

C.D.C. Urges Pregnant Women to Avoid Travel to Olympics Over Zika Fears

By ELI ROSENBERG | Feb 27th 2016
Fears of the Zika virus have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue strict travel advisories for the upcoming Summer Games in Brazil.

The C.D.C. has taken a conservative position on Zika.

12
U.S.

Massachusetts: Life Term for Teacher’s Teenage Killer

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 26th 2016
A teenager who raped and killed his high school math teacher was sentenced Friday to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 40 years.

My guess is an hospital for the criminally insane followed by
a probation hearing.
His parents should be tried for child abuse.

13 
U.S.

Appeals Court Upholds Law Restricting Louisiana Abortion Doctors

By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON | Feb 25th 2016
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals voted to allow a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals go into effect, reducing the number of remaining clinics to two.

Abortion is a right.

14
N.Y. / Region

Review: At Campagna, Glamour and Grace Notes in the Countryside

By EMILY DeNITTO | Feb 26th 2016
A modern Italian restaurant on Richard Gere’s Bedford Post Inn complex walks a fine line between flash and understatement.

Special occasions.

15
World

Relatives of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Victims Denounce Government’s Move

By RICHARD C. PADDOCK | Feb 26th 2016
Some family members contend that the restructuring of the struggling carrier could leave it without sufficient assets to compensate them.

All the credit in the world will not make these relatives whole.

16
N.Y. / Region

Review: Xarello Takes Inspiration From a Michelin Favorite

By KURT WENZEL | Feb 26th 2016
The owners of the restaurant and its chef worked together at Manhattan’s Picholine, a Michelin-starred restaurant that closed in 2015.

Gentrification seizes Queens. 

17
World

With Humility, Starbucks to Enter Italian Market

By JIM YARDLEY | Feb 28th 2016
Howard D. Schultz, head of the coffee chain, credits Italy’s distinct coffee culture for inspiring him to create the Starbucks of today.

Attempted patricide.

18
Science

The Giving Tree, Giving Year After Year After ...

By C. CLAIBORNE RAY | Feb 29th 2016
A properly tapped maple tree can yield sugary sap over many seasons without any appreciable impact on life span, says one authority on the subject.

Sugar making is a craft I know through reading.

Civilization would look different without cane sugar and cotton.

19
U.S.

Closely Watched Fight Over California Teacher Tenure Moves to Appeals Court

By IAN LOVETT and MOTOKO RICH | Feb 25th 2016
The plaintiffs argued that too often, incompetent teachers end up in classrooms with disadvantaged children, with the law making it impossible to remove them.

Business management driven by fiduciary responsibility
disinvests in child development.
It is a fault in capitalism.

20 
Business Day

Monsanto Could Benefit From a Chemical Safety Bill

By ERIC LIPTON | Feb 29th 2016
A single paragraph in the sweeping legislation could shield the company from costly liability for making the now-banned chemicals known as PCBs.

Business is required by the courts to externalize costs.
Government must change that requirement.

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Posted by at No comments:

@9:25, 2/29/16

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1
N.Y. / Region

James Burke, Ex-Suffolk County Police Chief, Pleads Guilty

By MARC SANTORA and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM | Feb 26th 2016
Mr. Burke was facing federal civil rights charges stemming from accusations that he beat a suspect in police custody and coerced his fellow officers into covering up the episode.

His empire will survive him.
His heirs may fight among themselves.

2
U.S.

Christie Splits With His Past in Backing Trump

By JONATHAN MARTIN and ALEXANDER BURNS | Feb 28th 2016
Gov. Chris Christie’s carefully calibrated endorsement of Donald J. Trump, though not all his policies, reflected the competing impulses he and many of his supporters are feeling.

I hate to agree with Meg Whitman:
"
For Meg Whitman, the chief executive of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and a surrogate in Mr. Christie’s campaign, the choice was clear. In a blistering statement Sunday, she called his endorsement of Mr. Trump “an astonishing display of political opportunism.”
“Donald Trump is unfit to be president,” Ms. Whitman said. “He is a dishonest demagogue who plays to our worst fears. Trump would take America on a dangerous journey. Christie knows all that and indicated as much many times publicly. The governor is mistaken if he believes he can now count on my support, and I call on Christie’s donors and supporters to reject the governor and Donald Trump outright. I believe they will. For some of us, principle and country still matter.”


3
U.S.

Park Service Weighs Shooting and Capture to Reduce Bison in the Grand Canyon

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 27th 2016
The massive animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, and park officials say they are destroying water sources, vegetation, soil and archaeological sites.

The Bison are native though these may be reintroduced.
The ranching operations and their stock tanks are novelties.

"Bison were introduced to the area in the early 1900s as part of a ranching operation to breed them with cattle, creating hybrids known as “beefalo” or “cattalo.” The animals no longer look like cattle but have a small percentage, if any, cattle in their genes.
Opportunities for hunters to kill them on nearby Federal Forest Service land have diminished because the bison spend more time in the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park."   Evolution is real.

The park service should introduce wolves.

4
Travel

Leaving Las Vegas for Natural Beauty and More

By LUCAS PETERSON | Feb 25th 2016
Lesser-known Vegas day trips: a Martian landscape, a snowy peak and red rocks, all to be savored on scenic drives or hikes.

I would avoid Las Vegas entirely.

5
World

Monarch Butterfly Migration Rebounds, Easing Some Fears

By VICTORIA BURNETT | Feb 27th 2016
Monarch butterflies, which fly each year to Mexico from Canada and the United States, covered about 10 acres this winter, an area more than three times as large as last year.

Pay attention!

6
N.Y. / Region

Fears About Water Supply Grip Village That Made Teflon Products

By JESSE McKINLEY | Feb 28th 2016
The discovery of a toxic chemical in the Hoosick Falls, N.Y., water supply has alarmed residents, some of whom are critical of officials’ response.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosick_Falls,_New_York

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hoosick+Falls,+NY+12090/@42.9000117,-73.3677539,4894m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!
1s0x89e098dcdfdf50ab:0x366954d76d2a7d66!6m1!1e1

I think I could deal with the water.

7
U.S.

Poor Scores Leave an Afrocentric School in Chicago Vulnerable

By JOHN ELIGON | Feb 28th 2016
An African-centered charter school is praised by supporters as instilling confidence in students, even as their subpar national test scores have led to a recommendation to close the academy.

Racism is built into American culture.

8
U.S.

Administration Protests Limits on Its Power to Fill Vacancies

By ROBERT PEAR | Feb 28th 2016
At issue is a court ruling that bars a person from serving, on an acting basis, in a job for which that person has been nominated but not confirmed by the Senate.

"Congress adopted the law because senators perceived that presidents had been using “acting officers” to circumvent the regular Senate confirmation process.
The issue shows the real-world consequences of the current impasse between President Obama and the Republican-controlled Senate. The number of vacancies at federal agencies is growing, and congressional action on nominees has slowed in the final year of the administration."

9

Your Money

Tax Tips to Make College More Affordable

By ANN CARRNS | Feb 26th 2016
Families spend an average of $24,000 a year on college, but many don’t take advantage of federal tax credits and deductions to help lower the cost.

These benefits will not help families that are not earning well.

10
Opinion

H.I.V.’s Toll on Black and Latino Men

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 29th 2016
Infection rates can be curbed even among these disproportionately affected groups.

H.I.V. is not a death sentence.
The virus can be treated.
I am not H.I.V. positive.

11
Opinion

The Sad Demise of the Summer Job

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 27th 2016
A program proposed by President Obama for getting young people into jobs deserves support.

There are more adults who will take any work.

12
World

Trial of 3 Friends Accused of Firebombing Refugees Exposes Far-Right Grip in Germany

By ALISON SMALE | Feb 26th 2016
As Germany struggles to absorb more than one million refugees, attacks against them present an increasingly pressing challenge for the authorities.

The old ways have not vanished
in Germany or anywhere else.

13
Travel

Allergic to Dogs on a Flight? What Travelers Need to Know

By ELAINE GLUSAC | Feb 26th 2016
An airline recently asked a family whose son developed an allergic reaction to a dog on board to leave the plane. Here is what fliers can do in a similar situation.

I do not have to solve this riddle.
Separate aircraft reserved for the allergic may be a way forward.

14
World

Bolivian Town Drifts From President Evo Morales, Despite Promises Kept to Left

By NICHOLAS CASEY | Feb 27th 2016
Residents of Cobija, which has prospered under ​Mr. Morales, expect his left-wing policies to continue even though he was denied the chance to seek another term.

Bolivia is a sovereign nation.

15
World

With No Unified Refugee Strategy, Europeans Fall Back on Old Alliances

By JIM YARDLEY | Feb 25th 2016
Without an effective Europe-wide policy response, and facing growing public anger in many countries, Europe’s national leaders have splintered, searching for allies.

The desperate have found a hole in E.U. law.
The political pressure will destroy the E.U. as presently constituted.

16
Sports

Islanders Beat Flames With 18 Seconds Left in Overtime

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 26th 2016
With Josh Bailey’s goal in the waning moments, the Islanders avoided a shootout and improved to 3-0 on their seven-game trip.

Boston Bruins (34-23-6)


http://nytimes.stats.com/nhl/teamstats.asp?teamno=01&type=schedule

17
U.S.

C.D.C. Urges Pregnant Women to Avoid Travel to Olympics Over Zika Fears

By ELI ROSENBERG | Feb 27th 2016
Fears of the Zika virus have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue strict travel advisories for the upcoming Summer Games in Brazil.

yes

18
U.S.

Emails Show Michigan Aides Worried About Flint’s Water a Year Before Acting

By MONICA DAVEY and JULIE BOSMAN | Feb 26th 2016
Newly released emails show that aides to Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan were concerned about the quality of Flint’s water a year before he told residents to stop drinking it.

Gov. Rick Snyder is criminally liable.

19
Opinion

Why Courts Shouldn’t Ignore the Facts About Abortion Rights

By LINDA GREENHOUSE | Feb 27th 2016
How far can states go in setting rules that restrict the procedure?

Abortion is a right.

20
Opinion

Integrating Public Schools

Feb 26th 2016
A former schools superintendent says integration could be done faster and better at the state level rather than by individual districts.

Authoritarian systems are brutally efficient.
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 28, 2016

@19:00, 2/28/16

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1
T Magazine

Three’s a Trend: Sheer Silhouettes, With a Bit of Fantasy

By MALINA JOSEPH GILCHRIST | Feb 26th 2016
Alberta Ferretti, Gucci and Alexander McQueen have all shown dresses with whimsical, other-worldly designs.

A dress is more easily changed than a tattoo.
I like the view.  I do not see these as street wear.


2
N.Y. / Region

Mayor De Blasio Proposes Retirement Savings Plan for Private-Sector Workers

By J. DAVID GOODMAN | Feb 25th 2016
The proposal would create a way for New York City’s estimated 1.4 million private-sector workers who do not have employer-sponsored retirement plans to set aside money in a city-organized program.

A city should not tax People again.
Blaming the victim.

3
Opinion

Helping Women in Africa Avoid H.I.V.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 26th 2016
A promising new device lowered infection rates for some women, but more work and research is needed.

The ring seems to work.
Its use should be encouraged.

4
U.S.

Dean at University of Texas Resigns in Part Over Handgun Law

By LIAM STACK | Feb 27th 2016
The decision by the School of Architecture’s dean in Austin underscores concerns over a new law allowing people to carry concealed firearms in campus buildings.

"Actions speak louder than words."
Actions often follow words.
Blood money works poorly.

5
Sports

Jayhawks Gain Share of the Title in the Big 12

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 27th 2016
No. 2 Kansas beat visiting Texas Tech, 67-58, on Saturday to secure at least a share of its 12th straight Big 12 title.

#1 Connecticut Huskies (28-0)



http://nytimes.stats.com/wcbk/schedules.asp?team=0129

2/14 at Temple 12:00 PM ET  W 85 - 60
2/17 vs. Cincinnati 7:00 PM ET  W 88 - 34
2/20 at East Carolina 8:00 PM ET  W 84 - 41
2/24 vs. Southern Methodist 7:00 PM ET  W 88 - 41
2/27 vs. Tulane 1:00 PM ET  W 80 - 40
2/29 vs.
21
South Florida		 7:00 PM ET  

6
Opinion

Showdown on Abortion at the Supreme Court

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 27th 2016
The justices should see that a Texas law has nothing to do with women’s health or free choice.

I can hope the anti abortion contingent has lost another round.

7
U.S.

Appeals Court Upholds Law Restricting Louisiana Abortion Doctors

By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON | Feb 25th 2016
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals voted to allow a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals go into effect, reducing the number of remaining clinics to two.

The fifth circuit is still wrong.


8
World

Japan Confirms a Decline in Population

By JONATHAN SOBLE | Feb 26th 2016
A downward trend had been indicated for years, but a national count made it official. The population total in 2015 was lower, by almost a million, than that of the census in 2010.

Japan has sought a reduced population for half a century.
Jonathan Sobele should not second guess that policy.


9
U.S.

Alabama: Law Bans Cities From Setting Minimum Wage

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 25th 2016
Gov. Robert Bentley, a Republican, signed a bill blocking cities and municipalities from setting their own minimum wage.

There is no point in attempting to enforce poverty on a population.
People will vote with their feet.

10
Opinion

A Bad Effort in Congress to Thwart States on Food Labels

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 25th 2016
States should be free to require the labeling of genetically modified food if they want to.

If people believe that genetically modified crops are unsafe they will refuse to buy them.
Prices will fall and the sales of privately labeled foods will rise.
I do not view that as a bad thing. 

11
Opinion

Veto South Dakota’s Transgender Restroom Law

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 26th 2016
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has no compelling reason to sign a discriminatory bill into law, and many to veto it.

Veto this degrading and unnecessary bill.

12
Opinion

Governors Unite in the War Against Opioids

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Feb 24th 2016
State leaders are working together to place sensible limits on the use of risky substances.

Addicts remain addicts.
Take the money out of drugs and the problems will be less.

13
U.S.

Michigan: Ex-Lawmakers Charged in Scandal

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 26th 2016
Two Republican ex-lawmakers were charged Friday with felony misconduct in office after their affair snowballed into a political scandal when one of them concocted a bizarre cover story.

Disgrace is the appropriate fate of this pair. 

14
Science

DNA Under the Scope, and a Forensic Tool Under a Cloud

By CARL ZIMMER | Feb 26th 2016
Cutting-edge technology has enabled analysis of ever-tinier genetic samples. But as the science pushes boundaries, some experts are raising reliability questions.

Resolve the reliability questions.
Even an unreliable test can cast doubt on a criminal prosecution.

15
N.Y. / Region

Review: At Abigail’s in Simsbury, a Ghost, at No Extra Charge

By CHRISTOPHER BROOKS | Feb 26th 2016
Colonial elegance in a building that dates to 1803 offers a warm atmosphere in two dining rooms spread over two floors.

Worth a stop on the way.

16
Science

The Newest, and Smallest, ‘Biggest’ Flower

By NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR | Feb 26th 2016
A cousin to the giant “corpse flower” has been discovered in the Philippines. It smells a lot sweeter, too.

Fine by me.

17
Fashion & Style

At Bottega Veneta and Versace, the Soft Power Suit Also Rises

By VANESSA FRIEDMAN | Feb 28th 2016
Marni, Jil Sander and Tod’s also proposed offerings fit for the new C-suite.

Versache is being assertive.
It would be easy to do these badly.
The results are uneven but a good percentage will go on the racks.

18
T Magazine

The Daily Jewel: Bottega Veneta

Feb 28th 2016
T plucks the best jewels right off the runway.

More is better?
The idea is there but this one is done with a heavy hand.

19
N.Y. / Region

No Trouble Seen in Brooklyn Home Where Fire Killed Girl, 2

By RICK ROJAS | Feb 27th 2016
Anonymous calls prompted child welfare caseworkers to visit Leila Aquino several times before her daughter, Kalenah, died in a house fire on Tuesday.

The mean girls have been busy.

20
Your Money

The Everything-in-One Promise of a Continuing Care Community

By JOHN F. WASIK | Feb 26th 2016
Continuing care offers retirees independent living with assistance when needed, but prospective residents need to evaluate communities carefully.

I do not want hospice care while I can do without it.
Posted by at No comments:

@3:00, 2/28/16

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U.S.

Video: Fact Check: Texas Republican Debate

By TURNER COWLES and DAVE HORN | Feb 26th 2016
The New York Times checks assertions made from the Republican presidential candidates during Thursday’s debate in Houston.

Nearly fact free.

2
N.Y. / Region

Retired Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Tapping Into Confidential Databases for Money

By BENJAMIN WEISER | Feb 26th 2016
Ronald G. Buell, 49, admitted to providing restricted information to an investigator for criminal defense lawyers.

We will not know what was worth the men's liberty.

3
Books

‘Strange Gods,’ by Susan Jacoby

By GARRY WILLS | Feb 26th 2016
Susan Jacoby examines the motives for religious conversion.

Faith cannot be debated.

4
N.Y. / Region

Prosecutors Will Move to Dismiss Charges in Brownsville Rape Case

By AL BAKER | Feb 24th 2016
The effort to drop the case against five teenagers accused of attacking an 18-year-old woman came primarily as the victim’s credibility as a witness fell apart, officials said.

"The Brooklyn district attorney, Ken Thompson, said that he would ask the court to dismiss the charges."

The case is too twisted to take before a jury.
The social workers have the problems.

5
Books

Sarah Ruhl: By the Book

Feb 25th 2016
The playwright and author, most recently, of “The Oldest Boy” says what moves her most in literature is “the writer who says: Here I stood! I loved the world enough to write it all down.”

http://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/sarah-ruhl?8qa

A dream world and not my dream.

6
N.Y. / Region

Woman Whose Daughter, 2, Died Alone in Fire Was Under Investigation

By COLIN MOYNIHAN | Feb 24th 2016
The woman, Leila Aquino, was already the subject of a New York City child welfare agency inquiry into whether the girl had previously been left unattended.

Social Services has no attention for practicalities.

7
Opinion

The Wrong Way to Teach Math

By ANDREW HACKER | Feb 27th 2016
Think about numbers as a language; we need to learn to be fluent in it.

The numerical models used in daily life are simple.
The manipulations can be learned in minutes.
It is much like adding a word to a personal vocabulary.

Mathematics is a structure of proofs.
The numerical results can be useful.
It appears that computers do not do mathematics.
Computer programmers should be mathematicians.

8
World

Bahrain: Opposition Figure Sentenced

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Feb 24th 2016
The figure, Ibrahim Sharif, the former secretary general of the National Democratic Action Society, was convicted of inciting hatred.

Bahrain is an absolute monarchy and a sovereign nation.

9
T Magazine

Three’s a Trend: Multicolored Oversize Knits

By MALINA JOSEPH GILCHRIST | Feb 27th 2016
The once-frumpy combination of volume and clashing hues has gone from geek to chic.

Better than "street styles".

10
Books

Elizabeth Eisenstein, Historian of Movable Type, Dies at 92

By MARGALIT FOX | Feb 24th 2016
In “The Printing Press as an Agent of Change,” Professor Eisenstein argued that the proliferation of print shops had a seismic effect on civilization.

Mass literacy continues.
Her work continues.
Computer printing extends it.

11
N.Y. / Region

Review: Thai West Puts French Accent on an Asian Cuisine

By SHIVANI VORA | Feb 26th 2016
Thai West restaurant in Westwood is run by the Premon family, who have experience at both Thai and French restaurants.

Colonialism is only half the story.

12
Magazine

Failure to Lunch

Photographs by BRIAN FINKE | Feb 25th 2016
The lamentable rise of desktop dining.

A corporate office should be a social organization.

An army in the field has a different task and so a different organization.

The Republican Party has not understood the problem.
It assumes the nation is an army at war.

13
Books

Matthew Desmond’s ‘Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City’

By BARBARA EHRENREICH | Feb 26th 2016
Barbara Ehrenreich says that “Evicted,” like Katherine Boo’s “Behind the Beautiful Forevers,” sets a new standard for reporting on poverty.

I agree.

14
N.Y. / Region

Babysitter Tortured Staten Island Boy Who Died, Prosecutors Say

By RICK ROJAS and REBECCA WHITE | Feb 24th 2016
Gloria Fields is accused of subjecting Anthony Delgado, a toddler, to hours of physical and sexual abuse while he was left in her care.

The story of how the appearance came to be is important.

15
Real Estate

Homes for Sale in New York and Connecticut

Feb 26th 2016
This week’s homes include a colonial in Katonah, N.Y., and a contemporary in Westport, Conn.

The small comfortable house is not to be found in these listings.

16
T Magazine

Classic English-Made Shoes for Men, Without the Heft

By HILARY MOSS | Feb 24th 2016
The designer Paula Gerbase is bringing new life to the beloved British shoemaker John Lobb, while retaining codes from its 150-year history.

City and tropical footwear.
There are places for it.

Coal and McAdam roads require the heft.

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

17
Opinion

Texas Abortion Case

Feb 26th 2016
Dr. Mary Bassett, the New York City health commissioner, writes that the case’s impact is broader.

Texas is insane.
"Multiple children have become an expensive luxury."

18
World

Italian Senate Approves Civil Unions for Gay Couples, but Not Adoptions

By GAIA PIANIGIANI | Feb 25th 2016
The bill passed handily once a provision allowing same-sex couples to adopt stepchildren was cut; gay rights advocates condemned the move.

Gay adoptions would abrogate Priestly celibacy.

Italy is not a civil society.

19
T Magazine

Artful and Stunning Cabinets of Curiosities, Decoded

By MIMI VU | Feb 25th 2016
Mark Dion discusses major works in his new show, which displays live birds, puzzle pieces and old trash.

The man is much more interesting than the work from here.

20
Business Day

Fed’s Transparency May Give Investors False Confidence, Economists Say

By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM | Feb 26th 2016
A paper by a group of economists argues that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to speak more clearly about its plans for monetary policy set up markets for disappointments.

The Federal Reserve does not have simple and effective tools to carry out its
twin mandates.
It must try to work by indirect methods.
Transparency would destroy its effectiveness.

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/realistic-growth-prospects/

Realistic Growth Prospects

 

God, I can’t wait for the primary to be over, one way or the other. But it does seem to me that I should talk a bit about what a progressive reasonably can say about prospects for economic growth under a better policy regime.
There are, I would argue, three numbers that are relevant. First, there’s the rate of growth of the economy’s supply-side potential — the rate it can grow at a constant rate of unemployment. Second, there’s the size of the output gap — the amount of extra output we could gain by getting up to full employment. Third, there’s the extent to which we can accelerate the rate of growth of potential.
On the first number, look at the chart: over the past five years US growth has fluctuated around 2 percent, while unemployment — both the conventional number and the broader U6 number — has gradually declined. This strongly suggests potential growth under 2 percent. Why so slow? Productivity has been sluggish, and the working-age population is growing much more slowly than it used to as baby boomers hit retirement age.
What about the output gap? Wage growth is still weak and inflation fairly low, suggesting that unemployment can go significantly lower from here — maybe down to the 4 percent of the late 1990s, possibly even lower. The standard Okun’s Law relationship would say that bringing unemployment down another percentage point would add 2 percent to real GDP. Maybe, maybe we could argue for an extra-large pool of discouraged workers that raises this to 3. That’s a lot of foregone output in an absolute sense.
However, it doesn’t make a huge difference when we’re talking about longer-term growth prospects. Closing a 3-point output gap over 10 years raises the 10-year growth rate by only 0.3 percent. 2016 isn’t like 1933, when the output gap was probably around 30 percent, making a huge growth rate over the next decade possible when wartime mobilization finally brought full employment and then some.
Finally, how much can we reasonably project for a rise in potential growth? A big increase in infrastructure investment would certainly help. Other progressive priorities — while good things! — would be at best a mixed bag in terms of their effect on measured GDP. For example, guaranteed pr-K and childcare might free more parents to stay in the paid workforce; on the other hand, better benefits would (and should) free some people to cut hours to focus on their families.
And nobody knows the secret of raising productivity growth. In general, any economist talking about potential growth should start from a position of modesty: nothing in what we know or have experienced in the past justifies making big promises. By all means we should try everything we can think of — but our policies should make sense even if it turns out that the effects on long-run growth are modest.
What I would say is that it’s unreasonable to assume growth over the next 10 years more than a fraction of a percentage point above 2 percent — say 2.5 percent at the upper end. Maybe we can do better, but we shouldn’t count on it.
And let me say that the great thing about a progressive agenda is that it doesn’t require big growth promises to make it work, because the elements of that agenda are good things in their own right. Conservatives need to promise miracles to justify policies whose direct effect is to comfort the comfortable (cutting taxes on the rich) and afflict the afflicted (slashing social insurance); progressives only need to defend themselves against the charge that doing good will somehow kill economic growth. It won’t, and that should be enough."


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