@17:25, , 10/30/19

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1

As Kurds Tracked ISIS Leader, U.S. Withdrawal Threw Raid Into Turmoil

By Ben Hubbard and Eric Schmitt | Oct 29th 2019

Trump’s decision to pull troops from Syria upended a 5-year alliance and threw the plans against al-Baghdadi into disarray.

Trump has not learned not to stiff his contractors.

2

U.S.

Meet Alexander Vindman, the Colonel Who Testified on Trump’s Phone Call

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg | Oct 29th 2019

He fled Ukraine at age 3 and became a soldier, scholar and official at the White House. That’s where, he told impeachment investigators, he witnessed alarming behavior by President Trump.

OK

3

World

How the New Syria Took Shape

By Allison McCann, Anjali Singhvi and Jeremy White | Oct 30th 2019

Russia, Turkey and Bashar al-Assad carved up northern Syria as the Americans retreated.

The U.S. acceded to Turkish demands.

4

Opinion

How Europeans See America

By Brendan Miller and Rubina Pabani | Oct 28th 2019

We asked young, ordinary Europeans to take a look at U.S. policies on everything from food to guns. As they discover facts about America, they’re not impressed.

Europe does not suffer from the same class war.

5

World

Britain to Hold Election in December, Opening New Phase in Brexit Odyssey

By Mark Landler | Oct 29th 2019

The vote throws back to the British people the bedeviling issue of how, or even if, their country should leave the European Union.

More will be known in a few days.

6

U.S.

Katie Hill Will Resign From Congress Amid Ethics Investigation

By Emily Cochrane | Oct 28th 2019

The Democrat from California, who was accused of violating House rules by having a sexual relationship with a member of her congressional staff, apologized to “the people who have been hurt.”

Messy.

She should have known better.
Others do.

7

Opinion

Impeachment Does Not ‘Overturn’ an Election

By Stephen I. Vladeck | Oct 28th 2019

The founders were extremely clear about the importance of dealing with the abuse of executive power.

True.

8

U.S.

ISIS Leader al-Baghdadi Is Dead, Trump Says

By Peter Baker, Eric Schmitt and Helene Cooper | Oct 27th 2019

President Trump said in a nationally televised address that American forces targeted Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of the Islamic State, in an operation in Syria this weekend.

Probably true.
Trump was excessively pleased.

9

U.S.

2 Photos of Tense White House Moments: Note the Differences

By Annie Karni | Oct 29th 2019

President Barack Obama watched from the Situation Room as commandos went after Osama bin Laden. Eight years later, President Trump watched a raid unfold against Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Trump plays the part for television.

10

U.S.

Former G.O.P. Lawmaker Pressed for Ambassador’s Ouster, Diplomat Says

By Nicholas Fandos and Adam Goldman | Oct 30th 2019

Robert Livingston, the former congressman turned lobbyist, repeatedly contacted a White House official to criticize Marie L. Yovanovitch.

I am pleased to learn about events.
Guesses only amuse me.

11

U.S.

‘We’re Asking You to Dig Deep’: Biden Seeks to Steady Finances as Allies Fret

By Shane Goldmacher | Oct 26th 2019

Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is spending more money than it is taking in, unlike his top 2020 rivals, and showing an inability to galvanize big financial backers or energize many online donors.

Joe Biden is not winning.

12

Health

Your Uber Driver Is ‘Retired’? You Shouldn’t Be Surprised

By Paula Span | Oct 25th 2019

Older Americans are taking nontraditional jobs in greater numbers. Economists aren’t sure that’s a good thing.

Starvation incomes kill slowly.

13

U.S.

‘Swing Set Susan’ Threatened to Arrest Hispanic Teens. Instead, She Was Charged.

By Aimee Ortiz | Oct 26th 2019

A video of a Texas woman berating and threatening to arrest a group of Hispanic teenagers for playing at a park was widely shared last week.

Racism is enshrined in american culture.

14

Technology

Dissent Erupts at Facebook Over Hands-Off Stance on Political Ads

By Mike Isaac | Oct 28th 2019

In an open letter, the social network’s employees said letting politicians post false claims in ads was “a threat” to the company.

Facebook has an evil business model.

15

U.S.

Army Officer Who Heard Trump’s Ukraine Call Reported Concerns

By Danny Hakim | Oct 29th 2019

The top Ukraine expert at the White House will tell impeachment investigators he twice reported concerns about President Trump’s pressure tactics on Ukraine, acting out of a “sense of duty.”

He is a soldier and a citizen.
Possibly he is a hero.

16

U.S.

Explosion at Gender Reveal Party Kills Woman, Officials Say

By Sandra E. Garcia | Oct 28th 2019

Family members at the party, where expectant parents were announcing the sex of their baby, inadvertently created a pipe bomb that killed a woman in Iowa, a sheriff said.

Explosives deserve their reputation.

17

U.S.

Despair for Many and Silver Linings for Some in California Wildfires

By Thomas Fuller, Julie Turkewitz and Jose A. Del Real | Oct 29th 2019

Natural disasters are another prism through which California’s vast income inequalities can be viewed.

There is no substitute for thought.

18

New York

Epstein’s Autopsy ‘Points to Homicide,’ Pathologist Hired by Brother Claims

By Azi Paybarah | Oct 30th 2019

The New York City medical examiner strongly disputed the claim that evidence from the autopsy suggested strangulation.

Drama sells.

19

Opinion

Being Gay Hurts Mayor Pete. It Helps, Too.

By Frank Bruni | Oct 29th 2019

America’s need for a savior outweighs any interest in what he or she does in bed.

Yes.

20

Opinion

Donald Trump’s ‘Very Special’ Victory in Syria

By The Editorial Board | Oct 24th 2019

It’s certainly special for Erdogan, Putin and al-Assad.

Special indeed.
A lost war is special.

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@20:08, , 10/29/19

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1

U.S.

Moving Closer to Trump, Impeachment Inquiry Faces Critical Test

By Nicholas Fandos and Michael S. Schmidt | Oct 28th 2019

Investigators have been building their case rapidly. But the closer they get to the president, the more complicated their work will become.

It is not a seventeen and a half minuet gap.

2

Opinion

The Most Pressing Issue for Our Next President Isn’t Medicare

By David Leonhardt | Oct 27th 2019

The 2020 campaign is obsessed with the wrong issue.

I intend to leave these choices to the professional strategists.

3

U.S.

Democrats Move Toward Bringing Impeachment Inquiry Public

By Nicholas Fandos | Oct 28th 2019

House Democrats, who have resisted a floor vote on the impeachment inquiry for weeks, are planning to hold one Thursday to lay out rules for the investigation.

Republican strategy will show more dramatically in the open.

4

U.S.

Al-Baghdadi Raid Was a Victory Built on Factors Trump Derides

By David E. Sanger | Oct 28th 2019

The president cast the death of the ISIS leader as validation of his disengagement strategy. But it required intelligence agencies and allies he has spurned.

I am not certain the raid was legitimate.

5

U.S.

Elizabeth Warren’s Days Defending Big Corporations

By Stephanie Saul | Oct 28th 2019

As Ms. Warren ascends toward the head of the Democratic presidential pack, her critics have seized upon her bankruptcy work for big corporations to question her progressive bona fides.

She was and is a lawyer,  trying to do good work.

6

U.S.

State Court Bars Using North Carolina House Map in 2020 Elections

By Michael Wines | Oct 28th 2019

A state court found that North Carolina’s congressional districts were drawn with gerrymanders designed to benefit Republicans that violate the State Constitution.

The parties will continue to fight.

7

World

As Kurds Tracked ISIS Leader, U.S. Withdrawal Threw Raid Into Turmoil

By Ben Hubbard and Eric Schmitt | Oct 29th 2019

Trump’s decision to pull troops from Syria upended a 5-year alliance and threw the plans against al-Baghdadi into disarray.

Trump keeps getting his feet in his mouth.

8

Opinion

The Tipping System Is Immoral

By David Brooks | Oct 24th 2019

(You should still generally leave 30 percent.)

Life is tough enough.

9

Business

How to Get a Better Deal From a Real Estate Agent

By Justin Wolfers | Oct 24th 2019

The economist Justin Wolfers saved a hefty sum by offering an hourly fee instead of a commission, thwarting a system that is often inefficient and uncompetitive.

Real estate is an opaque market.

I do not know how to negotiate a price.

10

Opinion

Chuck Schumer: A Bold Plan for Clean Cars

By Chuck Schumer | Oct 25th 2019

I have a proposal that is supported not just by environmentalists but also by labor and large automakers.

Schumer should succeed.

11

U.S.

Former Boston College Student Charged in Boyfriend’s Suicide after Thousands of Texts

By Kate Taylor | Oct 28th 2019

Inyoung You is accused of involuntary manslaughter in the suicide of her college boyfriend, who died on his graduation day.

Depression is not well understood.

She may need help.
I don't know how to help.

12

Business

Before Deadly Crashes, Boeing Pushed for Law That Undercut Oversight

By Natalie Kitroeff and David Gelles | Oct 27th 2019

The government has been handing over more responsibility to manufacturers for .years. The new law makes it even harder for regulators to review Boeing’s work.

Boeing has behaved irresponsibly.
The captain is always responsible.

Dennis A. Muilenburg should be removed from control of Boeing.
Fixing the regulations is a next step.
Fixing the aircraft and recertifying it must follow.

This kind of failure often kills the company.

13

Climate

General Motors Sides With Trump in Emissions Fight, Splitting the Industry

By Hiroko Tabuchi | Oct 28th 2019

Along with Toyota and Fiat Chrysler, the auto giant backed the administration in its clash with California over pollution standards.

Tesla and Ford may end up sharing the U.S. Auto market.

14

Opinion

The ‘Deep State’ Exists to Battle People Like Trump

By Margaret O’Mara | Oct 26th 2019

A merit-based system for hiring federal employees was created in reaction to the rampant corruption of the Gilded Age.

The deep state label is part of the rot.
It is simply the government.
There is no personal vindictiveness.

No simply means no.

15

World

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS Leader Known for His Brutality, Is Dead at 48

By Rukmini Callimachi and Falih Hassan | Oct 27th 2019

President Trump announced the death of al-Baghdadi, who transformed the Islamic State into a global terrorist network that conquered territory the size of Britain and directed horrific attacks in the West.

The death was extrajudicial.
Death from fear should not be a cause for pride.

16

Opinion

Why Does Only One Party Play by the Rules?

By Jennifer Senior | Oct 25th 2019

Thanks to Trump’s deepening dependence on “alternative facts,” the assertion of reality is now a viable campaign strategy for 2020 Democrats.

This Republican party should not be the government.

17

World

Catholic Bishops Back Ordination of Married Men as Priests in Amazon Region, a Milestone

By Jason Horowitz | Oct 26th 2019

It was the first time a summit of bishops convened by a pope has endorsed such a historic change to the tradition of a celibate priesthood. The final decision will be up to the pope.

The celibate priesthood is a confession of failure to educate.

18

U.S.

Steve Bannon Has Some Impeachment Advice for Trump

By Jeremy W. Peters | Oct 23rd 2019

A new radio show featuring Mr. Bannon and some Trump loyalists aims to add to the messaging in defense of the president.

The innocent did not do the action.

Steve Bannon drove the Trump disaster.

19

Fashion

Two Parts of a ‘Quantum Entanglement’

By Lois Smith Brady | Oct 25th 2019

Marissa Maier and Wes Lau are in sync on many things. But he had to “think about it,” which almost ruined everything.

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

20

Opinion

Pick Trump’s Worst Cabinet Member

By Gail Collins | Oct 23rd 2019

Vote for the absolute bottom.

The race to the bottom continues.

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@11:15, , 10/28/19

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1

World

Panic in Pakistani City After 900 Children Test Positive for H.I.V.

By Zia ur-Rehman and Maria Abi-Habib | Oct 26th 2019

Health workers say the reuse of syringes drove the outbreak in the city of Ratodero.

Public civil education is a place to start.
"One computer per child" would help.

2

New York

1.5 Million Packages a Day: The Internet Brings Chaos to N.Y. Streets

By Matthew Haag and Winnie Hu | Oct 27th 2019

The push for convenience is having a stark impact on gridlock, roadway safety and pollution in New York City and urban areas around the world.

Bicycles can help.

3

U.S.

Official Says Attempts to Rally Top State Officials Behind Ukraine Ambassador Failed

By Nicholas Fandos and Sharon LaFraniere | Oct 26th 2019

Philip T. Reeker offered additional details on the unexpected ouster of the ambassador to Ukraine.

The house has voted to authorise the investigation.
Pointless but calming.

The evidence is mounting.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/us/politics/isis-leader-al-baghdadi-dead.html

Trump did not sound rational Sunday morning.

4

U.S.

Kelly Says He Told Trump a ‘Yes Man’ as His Successor Would Lead to Impeachment

By Annie Karni | Oct 26th 2019

Mr. Kelly’s comments appeared to pin the blame for the inquiry on the president’s embattled acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney.

Impeachment is the better option.

5

Opinion

We’re Less and Less a Christian Nation, and I Blame Some Blowhards

By Nicholas Kristof | Oct 26th 2019

Some intolerant conservative evangelicals have tainted the faith.

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

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

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

The fading of Christianity seems to be a good thing.
Fundamentalism should not be preserved.

6

U.S.

Waiting for Bolton: A Capital Speculates on What He Will Say

By Peter Baker | Oct 26th 2019

A "grain of salt" will be required with this hostile witness.

7

Opinion

Thanks, Whistle-Blower, Your Work Is Done

By The Editorial Board | Oct 26th 2019

Virtually every assertion he made has been corroborated on the record by the administration or other officials and witnesses.

There is no need to call the whistle-blower as a witness.
Calling it would ruin a good person.

8

World

From Chile to Lebanon, Protests Flare Over Wallet Issues

By Declan Walsh and Max Fisher | Oct 23rd 2019

Pocketbook items have become the catalysts for popular fury across the globe in recent weeks.

Some can see no further.  
Small costs can be the difference between life and death.

9

U.S.

Trump’s Syria Troop Withdrawal Complicated Plans for al-Baghdadi Raid

By Eric Schmitt, Helene Cooper and Julian E. Barnes | Oct 27th 2019

President Trump’s abrupt decision to pull forces from northern Syria forced the Pentagon to press ahead with a risky night operation that killed the ISIS leader, military officials said.

Trump does not think.

10

U.S.

Republicans Grind Impeachment Inquiry to Halt as Evidence Mounts Against Trump

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Nicholas Fandos | Oct 23rd 2019

House Republicans staged a protest in the secure suite on Capitol Hill where the impeachment inquiry is proceeding, seeking to shift the focus away from damaging revelations about the president.

Most of the Republicans in Congress are loyal to their man.

11

Opinion

My Family Cared for My Sick Aunt. Who’s Caring for Us?

By Lorene Cary | Oct 25th 2019

Too many people have no choice but to reconfigure their lives around a loved one’s disability.

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

Care must be invented as we need it. 
Eventually care fails.

12

U.S.

Special Operations Raid Said to Kill Senior Terrorist Leader in Syria

By Eric Schmitt, Maggie Haberman and Rukmini Callimachi | Oct 27th 2019

The identity of the target was not confirmed, but President Trump was scheduled to make a statement on Sunday morning.

This is probably another war crime.

13

U.S.

Republicans Fight Trump’s Impeachment by Attacking the Process

By Michael D. Shear, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos | Oct 24th 2019

President Trump wants his party to defend him more aggressively. Senators instead are denouncing the House investigation.

The action is probably impeachable.
I do not want to fight a civil war.

14

Smarter Living

Gear to Make Room in a Tiny Kitchen

By Michael Sullivan | Oct 22nd 2019

I’ve tested dozens of items, and here’s what’s best for under $40 — a fridge wall rack, cup hooks, a magnetic knife strip, and more.

The critical review of hardware is a necessary service.

15

U.S.

Pilots Watched Video Feed of Lavatory From Cockpit, Flight Attendant Says

By Mariel Padilla | Oct 27th 2019

Renee Steinaker and her husband, who is also a flight attendant, filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines last year. The airline now says there was never a hidden camera.

The court will decide if Southwest  Airlines is responsible.

16

U.S.

Hong Kong Protests Spread to U.S. Colleges, and a Rift Grows

By Emma Goldberg | Oct 26th 2019

Officials face the challenging task of supporting free expression without alienating the largest demographic of international students on American campuses.

There should be no political position taken by U.S. college admistrations on Hong Kong.
The Demonstrators seem suicidal.
China is sovereign.
I can approve of the demonstrators but do not want to join them.
Refugees must be allowed entry.
 Art is another problem.

17

U.S.

As Pete Buttigieg Courts Black Voters, His Sexuality Is a Hurdle for Some

By Trip Gabriel | Oct 27th 2019

A Buttigieg campaign memo that surfaced last week suggested “being gay was a barrier” to support from some black voters in South Carolina.

That is their business.

18

Business

Symbol of ’80s Greed Stands to Profit From Trump Tax Break for Poor Areas

By Eric Lipton and Jesse Drucker | Oct 26th 2019

The financier Michael Milken is a major investor in a property that became eligible for a federal tax break — after his longtime friend, Steven Mnuchin, intervened.

Congress could fix the rules.

19

U.S.

An Envoy’s Damning Account of Trump’s Ukraine Pressure and Its Consequences

By Peter Baker | Oct 23rd 2019

William B. Taylor Jr. laid out in visceral terms the potentially life-or-death stakes of what he saw as an illegitimate scheme to pressure Kiev for political help by suspending American security aid.

The testimmony is truthful in my view.

20

U.S.

‘Swing Set Susan’ Threatened to Arrest Hispanic Teens. Instead, She Was Charged.

By Aimee Ortiz | Oct 26th 2019

A video of a Texas woman berating and threatening to arrest a group of Hispanic teenagers for playing at a park was widely shared last week.

Good.

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