Monday, September 9, 2013

10:30, 9/8/13

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1
Business Day

Fund Responds to Chief's Prostitution Arrest

Common Sense Investment Management, a $2.9 billion fund of funds based in Oregon, sought to distance itself on Wednesday from a prostitution scandal involving its chief executive.
Hedge Funds; Prostitution; 

"Follow the money".
 
2
Business Day

Changes to Poultry Rules Are Flawed, Report Says

New rules would allow workers at plants, rather than agency inspectors, to examine birds on processing lines for blemishes or feces.
Poultry; Food Contamination and Poisoning; Salmonella (Bacteria); 

I agree.  
The packing industry wants every penny.  
The health of their customers is an external cost.

3
Opinion

To Protect Voting Rights

Representative Mark Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat, responds to an editorial.
Voting Rights Act (1965); Voter Registration and Requirements; Voting and Voters; Editorials; States (US); Blacks; Discrimination; Identification Devices; 

The franchise (the right to vote) has always been limited. 
The limits are often changed.
Any fixed limits will not fit some future condition.
Leave the limits in the hands of the legislatures and the population.
 
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4
Sports

Positive Drug Tests Confirmed for Jamaican Athletes

The backup doping tests have come back positive for the former 100-meter world-record holder Asafa Powell, his teammate Sherone Simpson and three other Jamaican athletes.
Doping (Sports); Tests (Drug Use); Track and Field; 

Competitors cheat if they think they will not be caught.
 
5
Opinion

A Saner Approach on Drug Laws

The Justice Department says that states are free to legalize pot, but that the government will be watching.
Law and Legislation; Marijuana; States (US); United States Politics and Government; Editorials; Drug Abuse and Traffic; 

"The report also found that blacks are nearly four times as likely to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession as whites, even though both use the drug at similar rates."

The wrong people are getting the money.
 
6
Your Money

Seeking Vital Signs in a Lifetime Warranty

If a product is covered by a lifetime warranty, who is to say it has reached the end of its life? A reader asks the Haggler for help in dealing with a backpack’s manufacturer.
Guarantees and Warranties; Consumer Protection; Rebates and Refunds;

I have long wondered what the definition of "lifetime" might be.
It seems to be "at our convenience".
 
7
Education

First Trial Ends in Acquittal in School Scandal in Atlanta

In a trial resulting from an investigation that led to indictments against 35 educators, a jury said that Tamara Cotman did not influence a witness.
Cheating; Education (K-12); Decisions and Verdicts; 

The program was not working.
It must be because the teachers were cheating.
It could be an effect rather than a cause.
 
8
Technology

Google Introduces New Desktop Apps

Google’s new type of app gives it a path onto its competitors’ operating systems, an acknowledgment that people are not yet ready to live entirely online.
Chrome (Browser); Chrome (Operating System); Computers and the Internet; Software; 

I am fond of off line.
I run FireFox on all my systems.
9
World

Two Deadly Attacks in Afghanistan

Officials reported a drone strike in Eastern Afghanistan that killed up to 16 people and a Taliban assault in another province that killed 4 intelligence officers and injured over 120 civilians.
Civilian Casualties; Terrorism; Afghanistan War (2001- ); Targeted Killings; Defense and Military Forces; Deaths (Fatalities); 

They call this guerrilla war.   
We are too cheap to win and it would not stay won. 

10
Opinion

The Value of Suffering

Calamity cracks you open, moves you to change your ways. Sometimes.
Buddhism; Emotions; Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011); 

I do not believe in the Buddha.  I believe the Buddha.
 
11
N.Y. / Region

New Summer Destination: Hamptons Police Stations

The Hamptons police files this year stand as an example of the area’s struggle to balance its popularity with tourists with the high quality of life of its residents.
Police; Drunken and Reckless Driving; Traffic Accidents and Safety; 

I am not fond of the Hamptons in New York.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hamptons

Try:
47 S Fouth Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY
(631) 749-1001 · shelter-island.org

Or if you must have the Hamptons:
Northwest Harbor, NY
(631) 852-7620 · suffolkcountyny.gov
 
Call ahead.  Get the passes  Use a motel in Riverhead, Greenport or tent at Hither Hills.

12
Business Day

Bank of America Suit Against Two Former Bear Stearns Executives Is Dismissed

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Bank of America against two former Bear Stearns executives that accused the two men of lying about the health of their hedge funds, which had invested heavily in subprime mortgages.
Banking and Financial Institutions; Mortgage-Backed Securities; Subprime Mortgage Crisis; Suits and Litigation (Civil); 

Due diligence is required of all parties at all times.
 
13
Technology

F.T.C. Says Webcam’s Flaw Put Users’ Lives on Display

In a case that highlights the vulnerabilities of digitally connected devices like appliances and cars — the so-called Internet of Things — the F.T.C. censured a maker of video cameras.
Computer Security; Consumer Protection; Computers and the Internet; Cyberattacks and Hackers; Privacy; Cameras; 

Just avoid wireless.  Use a cable.  Avoid webcams in general.
14
Opinion

Hey, You Calling Me an Invasive Species?

With global warming altering habitats, it hardly matters whether a plant is called native or nonnative.
Invasive Species; Parks and Other Recreation Areas; Wildfires; 

Yes!
 
15
Business Day

European Central Bank Chief Tamps Down Optimism

Mario Draghi’s remarks, made after the bank held rates steady, were unexpectedly pessimistic and could dampen hopes that the euro zone is finally on the mend.
Interest Rates; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Banking and Financial Institutions; 

"Bank lending, which is usually considered a precondition for economic growth, continues to decline. Especially in countries like Italy and Spain, many companies are caught in a vicious circle where they need credit to expand but are not making enough money to qualify for loans.
“Without credit, there is not going to be any growth,” Jörg Zeuner, chief economist at KfW Banking Group, a development bank owned by the German government, said Thursday. “Without business prospects, there is not going to be a lot of credit demand.”"

The writer does not call Mario Draghi a liar.  A failing.
 
16
Business Day

Bank of England Holds Rate at Already Low Level

The bank kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.5 percent, even as some economists warned that the recovery was encouraging but might not be sustainable.
Interest Rates; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ); Real Estate and Housing (Residential); 

Smoke and mirrors.
 
17
World

With the World Watching, Syria Amassed Nerve Gas

Despite an international effort to block it, Syria’s governing Assad family exploited large loopholes, lax enforcement and a far greater emphasis on limiting the spread of nuclear arms.
Biological and Chemical Warfare; United States International Relations; Classified Information and State Secrets; 

It looks like the intelligence agencies fell down on the job again.
 
18
Sports

For 2020 Olympics, I.O.C. Picks Tokyo, Considered Safe Choice

Tokyo was selected to host the 2020 Summer Games, beating out Istanbul and Madrid in a major victory for a country still recovering from a nuclear plant meltdown.
Olympic Games (2020); 

Not a bad choice.
 
19
U.S.

Obama’s Battle for Syria Votes, Taut and Uphill

People on Capitol Hill said the initial campaign for strikes against Syria proved unpersuasive, but administration officials insist the debate will continue when Congress returns from recess.
United States Politics and Government; Biological and Chemical Warfare; Law and Legislation; United States Defense and Military Forces; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- ); United States International relations;

Speculation.
20
Business Day

At Virgin America, a Fine Line Between Pizazz and Profit

An airline whose sleek style rates highly with its passengers is still struggling to make money for its investors, and has lost $675 million since 2007.
Airlines and Airplanes; Frequent Flier Programs; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); Business Travel; 

Education is expensive.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

@21:00 


1
Sports

Positive Drug Tests Confirmed for Jamaican Athletes

2
N.Y. / Region

New Summer Destination: Hamptons Police Stations

3
World

Has Berlusconi Finally Run Out of Political Lives?

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may be stripped of his Senate seat, sending Italian politics into further turmoil.

Trivial.

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4
Opinion

Hey, You Calling Me an Invasive Species?

5
Business Day

European Central Bank Chief Tamps Down Optimism

6
Business Day

Bank of England Holds Rate at Already Low Level

7
U.S.

A Growing County Fights for Every Resident to Be Counted

Officials in Hidalgo County, Tex., say its population was drastically undercounted in the 2010 census, and they are taking action to undo the consequences.
Population; Census; Hispanic-Americans; 

The Texas legislature disagrees.
 
8
N.Y. / Region

The Mayoral Candidates on the Police

9

NO

10
Opinion

Efforts to Eliminate Tick-Borne Diseases

Those involved in Lyme disease research and treatment address funding issues.
Lyme Disease; Research; Ticks (Insects); 

Good luck.

11
Health

Rise Is Seen in Students Who Use E-Cigarettes

12
Health

Some Fruits Are Better Than Others

13
World

A Conversation With: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar

14
U.S.

Ohio: Kidnapper Told Police They Missed Chances

15
World

Rebel Brutality in Syria Posing Dilemma in the West


yes

16
Business Day

Bold Play by CBS Fortifies Broadcasters

CBS and its chief, Les Moonves, have given the broadcast world a shot in the arm by pushing distributors to pay broadcasters just as they do cable networks.
Television; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); Cable Television; 

I can live without cable.
Satellite.
17
Health

A Cool Classic, Sliced and Diced

Five ways to enjoy cucumbers — a perfect food for hot end-of-summer days — inspired by cuisines around the globe.
Cooking and Cookbooks; Cucumbers; Recipes; Vegetables; 

Easy to grow.  Cheap to buy.
 
19
Crosswords & Games

Young Prodigies Turn In Good Performances

At age 11, Nicolas Checa of Dobbs Ferry is the youngest champion in state history.
Chess; 

I do not play well.
 
20
World

With the World Watching, Syria Amassed Nerve Gas


 

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