Friday, June 14, 2013

@13:01, 6/13/13

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1
Health

Bike Sharing Can Mean Safer Biking

Growing experience from bike sharing programs in many cities makes clear that bicycling can be a safe mode of transportation, and the mere presence of a bike sharing program is a boon to the safety of all bicyclists.
Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Bicycles and Bicycling; Drivers Education; Helmets; Infrastructure (Public Works); Roads and Traffic; Taxicabs and Taxicab Drivers; Traffic Accidents and Safety; Urban Areas; 

Yes.
2
U.S.

Census Benchmark for White Americans: More Deaths Than Births

The data, recorded for the first time in at least a century, showed further evidence that white Americans will become a minority within three decades.
Census; Race and Ethnicity; Deaths (Fatalities); Birth Rates; Minorities; 

Of interest to racists.
3
N.Y. / Region

Sunlight in Store for Downtown Subway Crossing

Building Blocks: A huge artwork incorporated in the dome of the Fulton Center subway hub under construction in Lower Manhattan will let in daylight in distinct ways and help define the station.
Stations and Terminals (Passenger); Subways; Transit Systems; 

He likes it.   

The subway has needs.
4
U.S.

Band of Heavy Weather Ravages Midwest

Over a dozen tornadoes were reported throughout the Midwest on Wednesday as thunderstorms battered the region and barreled toward the Atlantic Coast overnight.
Rain; Wind; Tornadoes; 

http://classic.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html

http://classic.wunderground.com/stormreport.asp

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

5
U.S.

Pennsylvania: Priest and Ex-Teacher Get Prison for Abuse

Exceeding sentencing guidelines, a judge gave prison terms to a Catholic priest and a former teacher in a sexual abuse case that brought down a Philadelphia church official.
Sex Crimes; Child Abuse and Neglect; Priests; Teachers and School Employees; Sentences (Criminal); 

The graphic details are not reported here.
6
Business Day

In Japan, a Growth Strategy With Echoes of the Past

The ideas behind Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s growth plan are stirring a sense of déjà vu.
Economic Conditions and Trends; Foreign Investments; Corporate Taxes; Banking and Financial Institutions; 

The big problem is central bank panics over inflation.

Here is Krugman yesterday on money supply and inflation.

Hamster-Wheel Economics

Sad reading from British economic analysts these days — sad, that is, for anyone who likes to believe that evidence actually matters for policy.
First, the normally even-tempered Simon Wren-Lewis is angry, with cause: he sees the Dutch central bank calling for more austerity despite the depressed state of the Dutch economy, no prospect of recovery any time soon, no hint of debt trouble — and no explanation except boilerplate about how deficits are bad. As he says, it was one thing to buy into the austerity thing three years ago, when there wasn’t a vast accumulation of evidence about the effects of austerity in a depressed economy; but to roll out the same old line given everything that has happened since is pretty disgraceful.
But then, think about the fact that Martin Wolf is out today with a column explaining that there is no current risk of inflation. He’s right, of course, and presumably what he hears from policymakers and others tells him that such a column is necessary. But my God: we had this debate in full four years ago. The usual suspects issued dire inflation warnings; the Keynesian/liquidity trap types like me insisted that this was all wrong given current circumstances. The events unfolded like this:
And yet the people warning about inflation four years ago, and three years ago, and two years ago, are still at it, still making the same arguments. And they still have influence!
I guess there’s nothing for it but to keep on pounding. But it’s discouraging."

7
Education

Data Reveal aRise in CollegeDegrees AmongAmericans

The increase, which follows more than two decades of slow growth in college completion, appears to be driven by the recent recession and the creation of new types of jobs.
Colleges and Universities; Recession and Depression; Graduation Rates; 

Another piece of feel good fluff.

We will escape this depression when we create income at the bottom.
8
U.S.

Illinois: Governor Offers a Pension Compromise

Gov. Pat Quinn proposed a compromise to solve Illinois’ nearly $100 billion pension crisis, but it was unclear whether the Democratic House speaker would agree to the plan.
Pensions and Retirement Plans; Budgets and Budgeting; Government Employees; 

The theory has been that pensions are a benefit that is paid from current revenues.  
The theory changed. Pensions are to be paid from a trust fund formed of a wage garnishee paid by the retired workers.  The sequester rate was not set high enough to fund the pensions in the face of the financial collapse.
Taxes must rise to pay the contracted pensions.
That is the pension crisis.
The G.O.P. would die rather than raise taxes.
 
9
Opinion

Dark Money Politics

How corrupt are we willing to allow our campaign finance system to become?
Nonprofit Organizations; Political Action Committees; Presidential Election of 2012; 

As I suspected.
"There is no "there" there."
10
Business Day

Is It Worth a Piece of Your Company to Appear on 'Shark Tank'?

Do you think the appearance paid off for VerbalizeIt?
Reality Television; Small Business; Start-ups; Television; 

This is not a game I want to play.    NO.
I do not need "exposure" as yet.

11
Opinion

Fresh Start for a Critical Relationship

Talks between the United States and China set a positive tone, but there is hard work ahead.
Cyberattacks and Hackers; United States International Relations; Cyberwarfare; Editorials; 

We need to muzzle the G.O.P.
 
12
U.S.

Police Agencies Are Assembling Records of DNA

The trend is expected to accelerate after the Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding a Maryland statute allowing the harvesting of DNA from suspects.
States (US); Police; DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Crime and Criminals; Privacy; 

So keep your nose clean . . .
"Big brother is watching"
13
U.S.

Tip Sheet: Determining College Fit and Value

Gloria Cordes Larson, the president of Bentley University, suggests questions that prospective students might ask to determine if they have found a college that is worth the investment.
Careers and Professions; Colleges and Universities; Internships; 

Colleges have always claimed to build adults.
Trade schools build skills.
Business, law and medicine are trades among others.
14
Business Day

Discrimination in Housing Against Nonwhites Persists Quietly, U.S. Study Finds

Blacks, Hispanics and Asians were also asked more questions about their finances, according to the study, and given fewer offers of help financing a loan.
Discrimination; Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Race and Ethnicity; Minorities; Blacks; Hispanic-Americans; Asian-Americans; 

People find what they want to find.
It is much easier if that is actually there.
15
N.Y. / Region

Weiner’s Record in House: Intensity, Publicity and Limited Results

To admirers, Anthony D. Weiner in Congress was a tireless worker on many issues; to detractors, he was ineffectual, impatient and publicity-hungry.
Elections, Mayors; Campaign Finance; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); James Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation Act; 

A supremely skilled damning with faint praise.
16
Business Day

Group Takes On Arms Trade Corruption

Transparency International called on top executives of military contractors to speak out against corruption and follow up tips from whistle-blowers more forcefully.
Arms Trade; Corruption (Institutional); Defense Contracts; 

I think it is a good idea.  I have no idea if it is practical.
17
Science

120,000 Years of Cancer

A tumor found in the rib of a 120,000-year-old Neanderthal specimen is the oldest occurrence of the disease in the human fossil record, a new study reports.
Neanderthal Man; Bone Cancer; Paleontology; Tumors; Cancer; 

Interesting.
18
U.S.

Fish Nets Found to Kill Large Numbers of Birds

Gill nets snare and drown at least 400,000 seabirds every year, and the actual figure could be considerably higher, scientists said.
Fishing, Commercial; Birds; 

Sad . . .  Conservation work will continue.
19
Home & Garden

Native Flora Garden Opens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The century-old display of local flora is expanded to include 150 species found in and around the city.
Gardens and Gardening; Flowers and Plants; 

That kind of garden.
20
Opinion

Diabetes and Blindness

An official of Helen Keller International writes about a public health crisis.
Diabetes; Eyes and Eyesight; 

No diabetes at this end.  
I have used no sugar for months. 
We fell off the wagon for mother's birthday with a chocolate cake.
There was plenty of competition for it.


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@18:00, 6/13/13


1
Opinion

A Film Presses the Climate, Health and Security Case for Nuclear Energy

A new film stirs strong feelings and fresh thinking on nuclear energy.
Energy and Power; Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Japan); Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011); Nuclear Energy; Radiation; 

I am in favor of nuclear power.  
I think it was rushed to market and needs extensive thought.
We had best begin thinking.  We must act.

2
Opinion

Seeking Constructive Debate on Nuclear Energy

A Pulitzer-winning historian of the atomic age defends nuclear energy and a new film about it.
Coal; Documentary Films and Programs; Energy and Power; Nuclear Energy; Pulitzer Prizes; Radiation; 

Applause.
3
Business Day

Is It Worth a Piece of Your Company to Appear on 'Shark Tank'?

4
Opinion

Fresh Start for a Critical Relationship

5
U.S.

Police Agencies Are Assembling Records of DNA

6
U.S.

Tip Sheet: Determining College Fit and Value

8
Health

Medicare to Pay Less for Diabetes Care Supplies

Medicare is changing how it pays for diabetes care supplies, and beneficiaries are likely to be charged less.
Diabetes; Elder Care; Mail Order Companies; Medicare; 

I am so glad not to have the problem.
9
Business Day

Group Takes On Arms Trade Corruption

10
Home & Garden

Native Flora Garden Opens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden


We will tour when things have healed more.

11
N.Y. / Region

City Argues to Overturn Ruling That Prevented Limits on Sugary Drinks

After a judge barred New York City from restricting sales of the large drinks, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s administration asked an appellate court to approve the rules.
Soft Drinks; Recalls and Bans of Products; Obesity; 

Keep trying.  Less sugar is better.
12
U.S.

Fish Nets Found to Kill Large Numbers of Birds

13
Crosswords/Games

The Steps Puzzle

How many ways can you climb 10 steps?
Creativity; Mathematics; Puzzles; 

My combinatorics is rusty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combinatorics
My guess is close to fifty.
14
Real Estate

James K. Moyle

Mr. Moyle is the chief executive of RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosed residential properties and real estate data.
Real Estate (Commercial); Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Foreclosures; 

The business is not one I want to be in.
I have no objection to a foreclosed property.
I advise extreme caution and good title insurance.
I still want to build a separate studio with town gas, water and internet.

15
U.S.

Justices Decline Case on Graphic Abortion Images

The decision lets stand a Colorado court order that bars protesters from displaying images of aborted fetuses in places where they might disturb children.
Abortion; Decisions and Verdicts; Demonstrations, Protests, and Riots; First Amendment (US Constitution); 

good.
16
U.S.

Harsher Sentencing Guidelines Can’t Be Used for Old Offenses, Justices Say

The justices ruled, in a 5-to-4 decision, that courts violate the Constitution when they apply new, harsher federal sentencing guidelines to old offenses.
Decisions and Verdicts; Sentences (Criminal); Courts and the Judiciary; 

Proper.
17
World

Resisting by Raising a Glass

Drinking has become intertwined with broader complaints in Turkey, where Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that “religion demands” curbs on alcohol.
Alcoholic Beverages; Demonstrations, Protests, and Riots; Muslims and Islam; 

Turkey  became secular by an act of will.  
It would be wise to remain secular.

18
Opinion

Hong Kong, a Strange Place to Seek Freedom

Edward J. Snowden’s positive view of Hong Kong’s protection of individual liberties does not match our reality.
Human Rights and Human Rights Violations; Constitution (US); Freedom of Speech and Expression; Freedom of the Press; Civil Rights and Liberties; 

Snowdon may know more than the locals.  He may well be in Macau.
19
World

Tourists Still Coming to India but at Slower Pace

According to a recent survey the number of foreign tourists visiting India had fallen 25 percent since December 2012, with a 35 percent drop among female travelers.
Elections; Identification Devices; Sex Crimes; Travel and Vacations; Women and Girls;

There are places I want to visit and things I want to learn.
Mostly I will give the place a miss.
20
Science

Science Bookshelf

Top-selling nonfiction titles.
Books and Literature; Book Trade and Publishing; Science and Technology; Medicine and Health;

The Autistic Brain and 6 Whole pop out.

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@0:00

2
Opinion

Seeking Constructive Debate on Nuclear Energy

3
Health

Medicare to Pay Less for Diabetes Care Supplies

4
Business Day

Group Takes On Arms Trade Corruption

5
Home & Garden

Native Flora Garden Opens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

6
N.Y. / Region

City Argues to Overturn Ruling That Prevented Limits on Sugary Drinks

7
U.S.

Fish Nets Found to Kill Large Numbers of Birds

8
Crosswords/Games

The Steps Puzzle

9
Real Estate

James K. Moyle

11
Opinion

Hong Kong, a Strange Place to Seek Freedom

12
World

Resisting by Raising a Glass

13
World

Tourists Still Coming to India but at Slower Pace

14
Science

Science Bookshelf

15
Opinion

Civil Rights for Transgenders

It is time for New York State lawmakers to extend basic civil rights protections to transgender people.
Discrimination; Transgender and Transsexual; Civil Rights and Liberties;

Yes.
 
16
Business Day

Plant Faces New Hurdle on Horse Meat

Veterinary drugs commonly administered to horses would render their meat adulterated under New Mexico law, meaning it would not be fit for human consumption.
Slaughterhouses; Meat; Horses; Drugs (Pharmaceuticals); Food Contamination and Poisoning;

Politics and aesthetics.
 
17
Science

120,000 Years of Cancer

18
Opinion

Lincoln Answers His Critics

The story behind the president’s famous letter to Erastus Corning.
Civil War (US) (1861-65); Constitution (US); Habeas Corpus;

The civil war was not a war of choice for the north.
 
19
N.Y. / Region

Branch Falls on Tourist as She Walks Through Central Park

The woman was said to be in serious condition with head injuries from the accident, which happened near the West 86th Street park entrance.
Trees and Shrubs; Accidents and Safety; Travel and Vacations;

A first report.
 
20
Business Day

Wall Street Titans Celebrate UJA-Federation

The UJA-Federation of New York, a charitable organization focused on Jewish philanthropy, raised more than $2 million at a gala event at the Plaza Hotel on Tuesday.
Banking and Financial Institutions; Jews and Judaism; Philanthropy;

A new development in the last hundred years.


Sleep


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