Thursday, January 3, 2013

@10:00, 1/2/13

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1
Opinion

Who Pays for the Right to Bear Arms?

Any effort to address gun violence must focus first on the inner city.
Urban Areas; Gun Control; Poverty; Blacks; Race and Ethnicity; 

Whine.
First deal with the well ordered militia.
We must either deal with the nuts who think a gun helps or with the guns.
If we are to have armed bands there should be no limit on the arms.
 
2
Business Day

Malls Blossom in Russia, With a Middle Class

While malls appear to be past their peak in the United States, in Russia they are luring shoppers with money to spend and investors like Morgan Stanley.
Shopping Centers and Malls; Foreign Investments; Shopping and Retail; 

I don't like the mall way of existence.
It feels like the company store.

Its a mall world after all       To the tune of "Its a small world after all"

3
N.Y. / Region

What to Expect in New York in 2013

The Times’s Metro reporters predict next year’s news in the city and region.
Budgets and Budgeting; Hurricane Sandy (2012); Politics and Government; Environment; Economic Conditions and Trends; 

Just more of the same.

It could be you will spend time in the city.  
I would like a visit.
 
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4
U.S.

10 Feet Below Waters Off Midway Atoll, a Famous Flying Dud

The discovery of the rare wreckage of a Brewster Buffalo in the Midway lagoon has rekindled interest in the aircraft and a record that seems as colorful as tragic.
United States Defense and Military Forces; World War II (1939-45); Aviation Accidents and Safety; Archaeology; 

The Brewster Buffalo, a design destroyed by management meddling.

5
Opinion

The Worse, the Better

I'd long thought that the more cruel the crackdown, the sooner Putin's regime itself would crack. But I hadn't anticipated feeling so much despair in the meantime.
Adoptions; Law and Legislation; Legislatures and Parliaments; 

There is a group of Red Baiters  in the congress and Putin is the closest thing they have to a red.
Revolutions of rising expectation was the rule I learned as a child.
Things can get terrible and people just dig in.

6
Business Day

Rig Runs Aground in Alaska, Reviving Fears About Arctic Drilling

There are no signs of spilled fuel, but that remains a concern as long as the Shell Oil vessel is stuck; the Coast Guard hopes to get salvage experts aboard to assess the damage.
Accidents and Safety; Offshore Drilling and Exploration; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Ships and Shipping; 

The full power of the North Pacific.  
It can be pulled out of there. 
The effort will not be trivial.
It is not a real danger to anything as yet.

7
Health

Vegan Phô With Carrots, Noodles and Edamame

A phô without some traditional ingredients is still very much phô.
Soups; Noodles; Veganism; Recipes; Diet and Nutrition; Medicine and Health; 

I can do this.  
Conditions are not tropical here at this time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_noodles

8
Opinion

Japan Can Champion Women’s Rights

An official apology on “comfort women” is unlikely. But Japan can help consign sexual servitude to history.
Sex Crimes; World War II (1939-45); Women's Rights; Women and Girls; Human Trafficking; 

When the culture changes attitudes will change.
Sex selection will change the culture.
The change will not be graceful.
Mary McCarthy will just irritate the powers there.
Put the problem aside for another fifteen years or so and it will solve itself.
 
9
N.Y. / Region

Answers to Questions About New York

Questions about a seemingly dangerous merging of bike and turning lanes, and rush-hour green lights.
Bicycles and Bicycling; Automobiles; Traffic Accidents and Safety; 

Bicycles are doing better in the city.  They are not great.
10
Opinion

America’s Retreat From the Death Penalty

More lawmakers and voters are facing up to the costs and mistakes of capital cases.
Capital Punishment; Murders and Attempted Murders; Decisions and Verdicts; 

Ritual murder has no place in a just society.
There is the problem of dealing with the mad.
 
11
Opinion

Why the Economy Needs Tax Reform

Fixing the tax code could be a defining legacy for President Obama’s second term.
Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; Federal Taxes (US); Income Tax; Reform and Reorganization; 

There is no question that tax reform is needed.
A progressive income tax will be most of it.
Scaling is a big question that will be hotly debated for years.
Social engineering is an aspect that cannot be neglected
 
12
Fashion & Style

Three Mothers, One Bond

She said she had picked us, in part, because she had read that lesbians have the longest wait for adoptions of all, and she wanted to right that wrong. How could we not love her?
Babies and Infants; Adoptions; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; 

A very sweet story.
If we are to undertake such a project we had best get started.
 
13
Arts

Game Theory: The Year of Antisocial Gaming

They say 2012 was the year of the social game. Don't believe them. This was actually the year of the antisocial game.
Computer and Video Games; Friendship; 

I don't know.  
The very few times I tried social gaming it did not hook me.
 
14
N.Y. / Region

Billions in Aid for Hurricane Victims Appears in Jeopardy

A bill to provide federal aid to states pummeled by Hurricane Sandy was in danger of dying on Tuesday night as the House seemed headed for adjournment without taking up the legislation.
United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Hurricane Sandy (2012); Federal Aid (US); 

The GOP will do its best to not spend on Democrats.

15
World

Bahrain: 2 Sentenced in Beating Death

Two police officers have been sentenced to seven years in prison for beating to death a Shiite opposition activist in custody during last year’s crackdown on protesters.
Deaths (Fatalities); Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); Sentences (Criminal); 

Justice is unavailable.
 
16
Business Day

In Europe, Focus Begins to Shift to the Speed of a Nascent Recovery

The probability of catastrophe in the euro zone has fallen substantially because of a fundamental change in the way European leaders are dealing with the debt crisis.
Euro (Currency); European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); 

The austerity fans are seeing things.  Pink Elephants.
 
17
World

Afghan Camps Receive Winter Aid, but Officials Say It Isn’t Enough

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Sunday distributed emergency cold weather supplies to families in a refugee camp where two days earlier a 3-year-old child died of exposure to the cold.
Refugees and Displaced Persons; Weather; 

If it were enough, the story would not run.

18
Real Estate

A Nod to New Amsterdam

19 South William Street is the sober sister on a block of flamboyant beauties.
Restoration and Renovation; Architecture; 

As noted, these were built as toy buildings.  
Dutch New Amsterdam disappeared  in several fires.  
Thatched roofs do not do well in cities.
There is no note of the 1820 flooding.

19
Opinion

Haiti’s Long Road

Three years after the earthquake, recovery is distant and progress slow.
Foreign Aid; Earthquakes; Refugees and Displaced Persons; 

Haiti may be run by a kleptocracy.  
The suspicion has jammed the process of reconstruction.
A solution would be a coup by a group sworn to personal poverty.
That is not a high probability.
More likely is a population crash.
Conditions will continue as they are.

20
Magazine

Adrienne Rich’s Kind of Language

The poet who wrote from the heart and the mind; from the gut and the crotch.
Poetry and Poets; Language and Languages; 

"We are, I am, You are".


     @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 @20:00 



1
Science

Beyond the Myth: The Bounteous Mekong

At first glance, the river may seem a near-wilderness. On closer inspection, the Mekong and its banks are more like an unruly linear farm.
Christmas; Economic Conditions and Trends; Electric Light and Power; Fish and Other Marine Life; Levees and Dams; Rivers; Weather; 

We have and he knows our history with dams and rivers and the creatures that build and use them.
The faithful do not learn.
I would strongly advise against dams.
 
2
N.Y. / Region

What to Expect in New York in 2013

The Times’s Metro reporters predict next year’s news in the city and region.
Budgets and Budgeting; Hurricane Sandy (2012); Politics and Government; Environment; Economic Conditions and Trends; 

All of this is easily predicted.
There is no prediction of the GOP refusal to vote the recovery money.
Reworking N.Y. will not be easy.
 
3
Style

Talking to Other Parents About Guns

There are no guns in this house. There, I said it, and now you know - but how do I ask others the question I just answered?
Children and Childhood; Gun Control; Newtown, Conn, Shooting (2012); Parenting; School Shootings; 

I will think about this if there are children in my home.
I know of no way to keep children and guns apart.
Early and through instruction is a mitigation though not a solution.
Ignorance and guns is our problem.
 
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4
Opinion

America’s Retreat From the Death Penalty

More lawmakers and voters are facing up to the costs and mistakes of capital cases.
Capital Punishment; Murders and Attempted Murders; Decisions and Verdicts; Editorials; 

I do not regret the action.
 
5
Opinion

Rape, Lies and Videotapes

The rape of an elderly woman in Tel Aviv revives Israelis' fears about African immigrants -- just in time for the general election.
Elections; Illegal Immigrants; Immigration and Emigration; Sex Crimes; 

The faithful do not learn, anywhere.
One or more migrants?
 
6
World

A Library Joins a Drive for Veterans' Success

The Single Stop Veterans Initiative, a collaboration by three groups, helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life with counselors at the Mid-Manhattan Library and six other locations around New York City.
Libraries and Librarians; Nonprofit Organizations; Veterans; 

A step in the right direction.
The GOP hates to pay for things.
 
7
Business Day

Investigative Firm Started by Krolls Acquires Private Watchdog

K2 Intelligence, the investigative business started by Jules Kroll and Jeremy Kroll, has acquired Thacher Associates, a leading player in the niche business of overseeing large-scale real estate development projects on behalf of governments and developers to ferret out corruption in the construction process.
Building (Construction); Infrastructure (Public Works); Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; 

This is the prime contractor's job.  If the prime contractor cannot be trusted to do it that contractor should be replaced.  If the prime contractor does not do its job, they are sued, bankrupted, and the insurance company pays for the repair or replacement.
That such a business can find work says that the regulatory agencies need overhaul and re-budgeting.
8
Business

Andrew Sullivan Leaving Daily Beast to Start Subscription Web Site

The prolific blogger wrote that he thought that "the only truly solid future for online journalism'' is to get readers to pay for content, and eschewed advertising revenue because it was "distracting and intrusive.''
Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Computers and the Internet; Online Advertising; 

Good luck to him.
I do not expect to miss his work.
 
9
N.Y. / Region

Answers to Questions About New York

Questions about a seemingly dangerous merging of bike and turning lanes, and rush-hour green lights.
Bicycles and Bicycling; Automobiles; Traffic Accidents and Safety; 

The Bicycle will not do well in the city until it will keep the rider dry in the rain and have places it can be safely parked.
 
10
Opinion

Haiti’s Long Road

Three years after the earthquake, recovery is distant and progress slow.
Foreign Aid; Earthquakes; Refugees and Displaced Persons; Editorials; 

Giving money to thieves is not charitable.
  
11
U.S.

How the Deal on the Fiscal Cliff Affects Financial Aid

Mark Kantrowitz, an expert on paying for college, explains how the new legislation affects financial aid for current and prospective college students.
Colleges and Universities; Federal Budget (US); Federal Taxes (US); Financial Aid (Education); Law and Legislation; Student Loans; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; Tuition; United States Economy; 

Interesting.  There is nothing here for me.

12
Fashion & Style

Three Mothers, One Bond

She said she had picked us, in part, because she had read that lesbians have the longest wait for adoptions of all, and she wanted to right that wrong. How could we not love her?
Babies and Infants; Adoptions; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; 

A sweet story.
If we are to take action in this direction, we should start as soon as possible.
 
13
Arts

Game Theory: The Year of Antisocial Gaming

They say 2012 was the year of the social game. Don't believe them. This was actually the year of the antisocial game.
Computer and Video Games; Friendship; 

I agree that the computer does not improve relationships.
Sometimes it makes them possible.
 
14
N.Y. / Region

Billions in Aid for Hurricane Victims Appears in Jeopardy

A bill to provide federal aid to states pummeled by Hurricane Sandy was in danger of dying on Tuesday night as the House seemed headed for adjournment without taking up the legislation.
United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Hurricane Sandy (2012); Federal Aid (US); 

The GOP likes revenge and hates to pay.
 
15
World

Bahrain: 2 Sentenced in Beating Death

Two police officers have been sentenced to seven years in prison for beating to death a Shiite opposition activist in custody during last year’s crackdown on protesters.
Deaths (Fatalities); Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); Sentences (Criminal); 

I can find no way to justice in this.
 
16
Business Day

In Europe, Focus Begins to Shift to the Speed of a Nascent Recovery

The probability of catastrophe in the euro zone has fallen substantially because of a fundamental change in the way European leaders are dealing with the debt crisis.
Euro (Currency); European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); 

A tissue of  lies.

17
Real Estate

A Nod to New Amsterdam

19 South William Street is the sober sister on a block of flamboyant beauties.
Restoration and Renovation; Architecture; 

Old fiction is still fiction.
 
18
Business Day

When the Deficit Will Be Fixed

It's difficult for members of Congress to agree to take a political hit for raising taxes and cutting into popular programs when the benefits will be realized only by their successors, an economist writes.
Credit and Debt; Federal Budget (US); Federal Taxes (US); Government Bonds; Interest Rates; United States Economy; 

The deficit will not need fixing until the economy recovers.

19
Sports

Piazza, the Marlin, And a Shared Fixation

Mike Piazza played five games for the Marlins, in 1998, but his Marlins baseball cards remain objects of desire for a lawyer in California and a student in Miami.
Baseball; Collectors and Collections; 

Collectors set the price of art. 
They are not artists.
 
20
Opinion

Why the Economy Needs Tax Reform

Fixing the tax code could be a defining legacy for President Obama’s second term.
Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; Federal Taxes (US); Income Tax; Reform and Reorganization;

We need a progressive income tax.

A Willy Sutton tax policy is the only way to keep the bonds paid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Sutton

Sutton is known, albeit apocryphally, for the urban legend that he said that he robbed banks "because that's where the money is".

Time to cook supper.







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