Wednesday, December 19, 2012

@2:42, 12/18/12

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1
U.S.

How Maps Helped Republicans Keep an Edge in the House

Democrats and Republicans alike use legislative redistricting to keep and gain power, but it played especially well to Republican interests in this year’s elections.
Redistricting and Reapportionment; United States Politics and Government; Elections, House of Representatives; 

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

"
In the process of setting electoral districts, gerrymandering is a practice that attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating geographic boundaries to create partisan or incumbent-protected districts. The resulting district is known as a gerrymander (/ˈɡɛrimændər/, alt. /ˈdʒɛriˌmændər/); however, that word can also refer to the process.
Gerrymandering may be used to achieve desired electoral results for a particular party, or may be used to help or hinder a particular demographic, such as a political, ethnic, racial, linguistic, religious, or class group.
When used to allege that a given party is gaining disproportionate power, the term gerrymandering has negative connotations. However, a gerrymander may also be used for purposes that some perceive as positive, such as in US federal voting district boundaries that produce a majority of constituents representative of African-American or other racial minorities (these are thus called "majority-minority districts").

Contents

I am not shocked.
 
I have shoved  answers down to the bottom of the stack.
Bare headlines appear again more recently.
2
Sports

Rape Case Unfolds on Web and Splits City

Football at Steubenville High School is an everyday topic. But rape charges against two players have some residents questioning the culture of football in the Ohio community.
Football; Sex Crimes; 

There is no honor in this.
I am very glad I am not involved.
Considering how to resolve the problems presented I find myself tempted by: "Kill them all.  Let God sort them out."
There appear to be no innocent parties.  The recriminations will go on longer than the town will exist.
 
6
U.S.

Arizona: Lawsuit Filed by Family of Agent Killed in Shootout

The parents of a Border Patrol agent killed in a shootout linked to the gun-smuggling operation Fast and Furious say officials should have known it created a risk to law enforcement officers.
Suits and Litigation;

We pay law enforcement officers to do the risky work.
Going into danger was a contractual obligation.  
This suit is groundless and should be dismissed.
It will not be dismissed because the howls of distress would fill the entertainment news.
 
7
World

Chinese Court Said to Punish Tibetan Students with Prison Terms

The International Campaign for Tibet said that eight Tibetan students were sentenced to five-year terms for their role in street protests last month during a wave of self-immolations.
Immolation;

This is really none of our business.  
Tibet is a captive nation and the Tibetans have every right to work for their independence.  
We can not be seen to support the effort.
Supporting the effort would mean another land war in Asia.
The state department and C.I.A. Black Ops do these things at a remove.

8
Fashion & Style

Learning to Let Go: First, Turn Off the Phone

A Device Free Drinks party was billed as an occasion to “enjoy a few hours off the grid.”
Wireless Communications; 

Mostly I leave my phone home.  Trouble on the road is unpredictable.
These days I do not want to share my preoccupations more broadly.
I will take all the attention you can give me.  
I do need to  show some kind of external life.
The local supermarket is not a good substitute for community.
 
9
World

D.J.’s Hiding After Threats Over Prank, Report Says

The two Australian D.J.’s who called a British hospital pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles have been taken off the air indefinitely.
Disc Jockeys; Hospitals; Nursing and Nurses; Hoaxes; 

Next Elvis revealed the phone number to the pair in a shared vision.
 
10
Technology

On Instagram, a Thriving Bazaar Taps a Big Market

While Instagram has yet to find a way to make money, many of its users have piggybacked on its popularity and created their own, sometimes quite profitable, businesses.
E-Commerce; 

If I wanted such a business I would run one.
I am preoccupied most of the time.
 
11
U.S.

Ailing Mayor of Boston Says He’s Still Up to the Job

Though some voters say it may be time after almost 20 years in office for Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston to move on, no one is stepping forward to challenge him.
Elections, Mayors; 

Mayor is a very difficult office.  The power is limited.  The responsibility great.  If there is a great politician who wants the job, now is the time.
Menino will die in office or out.  
He might write a useful book if he were out.

12
U.S.

Washington: Border Guards Will Cease Acting as Interpreters

United States Border Patrol agents will no longer serve as interpreters when local law enforcement agencies request language help, according to a new decree.
Language and Languages; 

Probably a good idea.  
Local law enforcement should be able to deal with the languages they are likely to encounter.

13
World

Chávez Faces Complications From Surgery

President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela experienced complications related to his cancer surgery, but he was showing signs of recovery, an official said.
Surgery and Surgeons; Cancer; 

This does not sound hopeful.  
I think this is a third surgery.
I could guess about his diagnosis.  
It would be a guess.
I will not miss his noise.

14
Magazine

Why I Keep the Dearly Departed in My Address Book

Even though I know that they won’t call back.
Death and Dying; 

Most of those things are long and well lost.  
Some haunt me as unfinished business.
Sooner is better.  As soon as you can is best.
 
15
U.S.

Broad Catch Limits Are Put on an Unglamorous but Essential Fish

The Atlantic menhaden is rarely eaten by humans, but for the Atlantic ecosystem as well as commercial and recreational fisherman, it is vital.
Fishing, Commercial; Fish and Other Marine Life; 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menhaden
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparidae
I know less of fin fish than I should.
This limit is still too big.
We are out of fish.
 
16
Sports

Red Wings Prospect Pleads Guilty

A Detroit Red Wings prospect, Riley Sheahan, pleaded guilty to drunken driving. He was placed on probation for a year.
Hockey, Ice; Drunken and Reckless Driving; 

Young and dumb.  
A Halloween party.
Always try to plea bargain.
Get a lawyer for this kind of thing.

17
Health

Vaccine Rule Is Said to Hurt Health Efforts

Banning thimerosal, a mercury compound used as a preservative in vaccines, would devastate public health efforts in developing countries, warn a group of doctors and experts.
Vaccination and Immunization; Mercury (Metal); 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thimerosal
The faithful do not learn.
The study associating Thimerosal with autism was debunked and withdrawn.
The Doctor who did the study lost his license.

18
World

Russian State Role Seen in Death of Poisoned Spy

Testimony at a London hearing on the 2006 poisoning death of Alexander V. Litvinenko, a former K.G.B. officer, also suggested that he had been a paid agent of British intelligence.
Poisoning and Poisons; Espionage and Intelligence Services; 

These games are not safe.  
The players are big and smart and have agendas we do not know. 
Anyone can be a pawn.  Very few are.

19
N.Y. / Region

Controversial Group Plans More Ads in Subway Stations

The advertisements depict the twin towers, engulfed in flames, beside a quote attributed to the Koran: “Soon shall we cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers.”
Political Advertising; Subways; 
"There's a Red under the bed
  And a little green man in my head"
20
N.Y. / Region

For Mothers at Risk, Someone to Lean On

A city program pairs nurses with motherhood’s hard cases: some in shelters, others abused, angry, despairing, ill and exhausted.
Babies and Infants; Nursing and Nurses; 

Some of the work gets done.  Some things get accomplished.
None of the clients want to stay at the bottom.



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2
N.Y. / Region

New Forms of Assistance Benefit Homeowners in Storm-Torn Areas

Innovative steps have accelerated repairs on damaged homes and apartment buildings in an area with a shortage of vacant housing and a lack of open space for trailers.
Federal Aid (US); Disasters and Emergencies; 

This will work if it continues.
20



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5
N.Y. / Region

For Prosecutor in Sexual Abuse Case, Muted Praise From One Corner

A rabbi who has been fighting to expose sexual abuse cases in the Hasidic community says District Attorney Charles J. Hynes was late to the cause.
Jews and Judaism; Sex Crimes; Children and Childhood; 

It should not be this difficult.  It is.  

We all know the reasons why.

The faithful do not learn.
 
15
Times Topics

Same-Sex Marriage Finds Allies in Conservatives of a Certain Age

Opinion and exit polls have been showing a sharp increase of support in a short time among every age group, including among the baby boomers.
Baby Boomers; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Polls and Public Opinion; 

No argument.   Self knowledge is rare.

20
World

Russia: Vodka Saves Animals’ Lives

A Russian circus trainer fed a cocktail of warm water and vodka to two elephants stranded in the blistering Siberian cold on Thursday and credited it with saving their lives.
Vodka; Weather; Elephants; Animals;


Russian alcoholism is notorious.

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1
N.Y. / Region

For Prosecutor in Sexual Abuse Case, Muted Praise From One Corner

A rabbi who has been fighting to expose sexual abuse cases in the Hasidic community says District Attorney Charles J. Hynes was late to the cause.
Jews and Judaism; Sex Crimes; Children and Childhood; Child Abuse and Neglect; 

It is a closed group.
Think North Korea.
 
2
Business Day

A Big, and Risky, Energy Bet

Sasol, a South African company, plans to take advantage of a glut of cheap gas to make diesel and other refined products at competitive prices in Louisiana.
Natural Gas; Diesel Power; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; 

The game is well known.
Fossil carbon is the problem.


3
Business Day

Finding an Audience, for a Cause

To promote “Girl Rising,” the makers will rely on techniques often used by more traditional advertisers, including personalized ads for employees of companies viewing it online.
Movies; Online Advertising; Women and Girls; Third World and Developing Countries; Education (K-12); Advertising and Marketing; 

Another day.
4
World

Report Cites Bias by Police in Killings in Canada

A pig farmer managed to murder 49 women before his arrest in 2002 largely because of “systemic bias by the police” against the victims, many of whom were from aboriginal groups, an inquiry has found.
Murders and Attempted Murders; Race and Ethnicity; Police Brutality and Misconduct; 

Constant agitation has worked here, mostly, some, not enough. 


5
Health

Not-Too-Sweet Wok-Popped Coconut Kettle Corn

An easy to make snack that is sweet, but not-too-sweet.
Recipes; Popcorn; Holidays and Special Occasions; Diet and Nutrition; 

I like popcorn.  Skip the sugar.


6
World

First Round of Voting Spurs Dispute in Egypt

The Muslim Brotherhood said that around 57 percent of those who cast ballots voted for the proposed constitution, but opposition leaders said voting was marred by irregularities.
Constitutions; Voting and Voters; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); 

57% of 30%  or about 19% of the electorate.


7
N.Y. / Region

New Forms of Assistance Benefit Homeowners in Storm-Torn Areas

Innovative steps have accelerated repairs on damaged homes and apartment buildings in an area with a shortage of vacant housing and a lack of open space for trailers.
Federal Aid (US); Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); 

It might work.    It looks bad to Arkansas.


8
Technology

In Europe, a Push for Higher Phone Fees

Phone bills could rise if a European Union plan to encourage spending on high-speed broadband networks is enacted.
Telephones and Telecommunications; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; 

The banks want their "pound of flesh".


9
U.S.

Ohio: Obese Prisoner Granted Clemency

Gov. John R. Kasich on Monday sidestepped a decision about whether an inmate is too fat to be humanely executed by sparing him on the ground that he had poor legal representation.
Prisons and Prisoners; Obesity; 

The slander is needless.

10
World

Syria Warns Refugees Not to Aid Rebels

The warning appeared to reflect the sensitivity President Bashar al-Assad attaches to the loyalty of the country’s Palestinians, an important element of what remains of his political legitimacy.
Palestinians; Refugees and Displaced Persons; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); 

The Palestinians are supposed not to aid the rebels.
Why bother to make the noise? 


11
U.S.

Louisiana: New Trial for Officer in Killing

A federal appeals court ordered a new trial for a former New Orleans police officer who was convicted of manslaughter of a man whose body turned up after Hurricane Katrina.
Murders and Attempted Murders; Hurricane Katrina (2005); Decisions and Verdicts; 

Another chance to do justice.

12
Fashion & Style

A Wedding Date That’s a Cinch to Remember

Many couples found Dec. 12, a k a 12/12/12, an auspicious day to report to the Marriage Bureau.
Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Marriages; 

There will not be such a memorable set of numbers soon.

With enough emotional burden any date is memorable.

If I forget you will remind me.  Explicitly.

1/13/13 is good.  6/13/13 ?  Pick a day.


13
U.S.

Groups Disagree on Why Spending Cap Is Needed

There is general agreement that the 2012-13 state budget cut was a good idea, but there are differing opinions on how Texas came to need that change in fiscal direction.
Budgets and Budgeting; State Legislatures; 

Texas Republicans are nuts.

14
N.Y. / Region

Water Tanks, Totems of City, Are Family Business

Installing, maintaining and replacing them in New York City are tasks largely handled by old family businesses.
Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Water; 

Yes.


15
Business Day

Influx of Cash in Asia Raises Familiar Worries

Property prices, for example, have risen across much of the region. And Asian currencies have strengthened, possibly leading to a repeat of what happened two years ago.
Foreign Investments; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Renminbi (Currency); Yen (Currency); US Dollar (Currency); 

Another day


16
Magazine

Welcome to Saudi Albany?

Fracking isn’t just going to change the energy business; it could change every business. And that’s pretty scary.
United States Economy; Hydraulic Fracturing; 

Fossil carbon is the problem.


17
Business Day

Risk Creeps Up in Long-Term Bonds

If rates rise, bondholders’ old bonds will lose value. If rates fall, their old bonds may be redeemed by the company, depriving the bondholders of yield.
Credit and Debt; Interest Rates; United States Economy; 

Bonds are a bad deal most of the time.  Deflation does not happen.


18
World

Hearing Reveals Details of Spy’s Life, but Motive for Death Is Still a Mystery

A hearing last week into the 2006 death of Alexander V. Litvinenko, a former K.G.B. officer, only added to speculation about why he was poisoned in a London bar.
Espionage and Intelligence Services; Poisoning and Poisons; Murders and Attempted Murders; 

I do not read minds.
 
19
Business Day

Media Spotlight Seen as a Blessing, or a Curse, in a Grieving Town

The most intimate and heartbreaking of catastrophes and the insatiable beast of global media are locked in an awkward union in a bucolic New England town that never expected to encounter either.
News and News Media; Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); 

Suicide bombing.


20
N.Y. / Region

Victims of the Newtown Shootings

Connecticut officials released the names of the victims of a shooting spree that left more than two dozen dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); Teachers and School Employees;

No relatives of mine.   Accidental deaths until we learn different.

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