Wednesday, September 25, 2013

@11:24, 9/23/13

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1
Science

A Solar System First and Sizing Down a Mountain

Recent developments in health and science news. This week: That lip tingling from Sichuan cuisine and good news for the Arctic’s ice.
Voyager Project; Ice; Chinese Food (Cuisine); DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Medicine and Health; Science and Technology; 

I am not sorry I read any of these squibs.
We keep learning about genetics.  There is more to learn.
Weather is noisy.   This year was not as hot as some.
2
World

Door to U.S. May Be Closing for Iraqis Who Helped the American Military

Iraqis who worked for the American military during the war, many of whom face discrimination and danger at home, could lose their chance at American visas if Congress doesn’t act.
Iraq War (2003-11); Translation and Interpreters; Visas; Immigration and Emigration; United States Defense and Military Forces; United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; 

The G.O.P.  does not want to pay the debts it incurred.
 
3
Opinion

New Growth of Cities

Mayor Steven M. Fulop of Jersey City responds to a Sunday Review news analysis.
Population; Urban Areas; Suburbs; 

Fuel costs are up.
 
4
Opinion

How to Survive a Mass Extinction - Even One Caused by Us

Handy tips for surviving the next mass extinction — even if it’s our own doing.
Asteroids; Disasters and Emergencies; Earth; Endangered and Extinct Species; Global Warming; Planets; Synthetic Biology; Volcanoes; 

First see the problem coming.
How many square feet of sunlight are required to support a viable community?  
Any disaster threatening extinction will be generations long.
 
5
Science

DNA Double Take

Your DNA and identity are not as entwined as once thought. In fact most people have multiple genomes floating around, from mutations and remnants of pregnancies or twins.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Genetics and Heredity; Forensic Science; Research; Human Genome Project; 

Just sounding a note of warning.
 
6
Science

Life on Mars? Well, Maybe Not

In more than a year on Mars, Curiosity has found no evidence of methane, a gas that is considered a possible calling card of microbes, NASA announced Thursday.
Mars (Planet); Space and Astronomy; Curiosity (Mars Rover); 

Stories of martians are fictions and always have been.
 
7
N.Y. / Region

Private Schools Are Expected to Drop a Dreaded Entrance Test

A group representing New York City private schools said it would no longer recommend using the test because of concerns that test-preparation courses rendered it meaningless.
Tests and Examinations; Private and Sectarian Schools; Admissions Standards; Education (K-12); 

The worries of wealth . . .
My siblings taught themselves to read by age four.
The pattern was to read to us for an hour before bed.
 
8
 
World

Berlusconi Stakes a Claim for Relevance, but Avoids Threats

In a televised address on Wednesday, Silvio Berlusconi tried to claim a continued place at the heart of Italian politics, but did not mention his party’s threats to bring down the coalition government.
Politics and Government; Taxation; Frauds and Swindling; 

He is not executed yet.
 
9
Opinion

A Farewell to the Dying

A reader laments that she did not have the chance to say goodbye before her husband’s death.
Alzheimer's Disease; Dementia; Death and Dying; 

Asking for the impossible.

I will tell her goodbye when the time comes.  
I will tell my sister to help her remember.
I will visit at my convenience and not at her demand.

10
Business Day

U.S. Revives Aid Program for Clean Energy

A controversial federal loan-guarantee program intended to support greener energy technologies will shift to supporting development of cleaner oil and coal technology.
Federal Aid (US); Alternative and Renewable Energy; United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Coal; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; 

The Obama administration can't pick winners and losers. That's our job 
says the G.O.P.

11
World

Anglicans Name First Female Bishop in Ireland

The Rev. Pat Storey, 53, a married mother of two, will serve as the bishop of Meath and Kildare, in the Church of Ireland.
Anglican Churches; Women and Girls; Religion and Belief; 

The reformation continues.
 
12
Crosswords/Games

Robert Torrence's Lights Out

Can you press the correct series of buttons to create Lights Out?
Crossword Puzzles; Mathematics; 

The easy was easy.
 
13
World

Germany’s Effort at Clean Energy Proves Complex

Germany’s plan to convert to renewable energy sources is running into problems in execution that are forcing Germans to face the costs of sticking to their principles.
Energy and Power; Alternative and Renewable Energy; Wind Power; Coal; Nuclear Energy; Electric Light and Power; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; 

The utilities are guaranteed a return on their investment.
If electric usage falls the rate (charge per kilowatt hour) will rise to provide the specified return.
The result is a death spiral.
High rates reduce usage which further raises the rate.

14
N.Y. / Region

Hynes Is Said to Be Weighing a G.O.P. Run for District Attorney

People close to Charles J. Hynes, the incumbent in Brooklyn who lost the Democratic primary last week, say that he is reconsidering his resolution not to campaign as a Republican.
Elections, District Attorneys; 

"Reached by phone, Mr. Hynes said that “nothing has changed” since the primary. “I said after I lost the primary that I would not actively seek re-election on the Republican or Conservative line,” he said. “I’m giving you a very clear, definitive answer.”"

The rest is just noise.
 
15
N.Y. / Region

Judge Won’t Delay Order on Policing

Judge Shira A. Scheindlin, who told the New York Police Department to change its stop-and-frisk strategy, declined to postpone them pending an appeal by the city.
Search and Seizure; 

The judge, Shira A. Scheindlin, is certain of her decision.
 
16
U.S.

Gas Leaks in Fracking Disputed in Study

Hydraulic fracking appears to cause smaller leaks of methane, a greenhouse gas, than the federal government estimates, according to a study released Monday.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Natural Gas; Methane; Hydraulic Fracturing; 

"Cleaner than coal" sets a very low bar.
17
World

In Mexico, Critics Say Political Corruption Worsened Impact of Dual Storms

The twin storms that tore through the country this week renewed criticism that corruption and political shortsightedness made the damage even worse.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms; Infrastructure (Public Works); Economic Conditions and Trends; Floods; 

Yes.
We see the same thing here.
 
18
World

For China, a New Kind of Feminism

The arrival of the "Lean In" movement derived from Sheryl Sandberg's contemporary manifesto has given a new focus to feminism in China.
Women and Girls; Censorship; Women's Rights;

This is the first comprehensible view of "Lean In" I have seen.
Ms. Ye is still learning.
 
19
Technology

Microsoft Increases Quarterly Dividend

The company’s board raised the dividend to 28 cents, a 22 percent increase, and approved a new $40 billion stock buyback program.
Stocks and Bonds; Computers and the Internet; 

The buyback and the dividend increase are attempts to pump the stock price.
They do not appear to be working.
 
20
Sports

Mets’ Harvey Is Covered Like Any Other Employee With a Workplace Injury

The elbow injury sustained by Mets pitcher Matt Harvey is covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers' Compensation Insurance; Sports Injuries; Baseball; 

It is not clear to me if the insurance payment covers the whole bill or part of the bill.  


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@21:43

1
Education

Online Classes Move Closer to Degree Programs

Coursera and edX, the two largest providers of massive open online courses, are inching closer to offering degree programs, although the courses so far carry no academic credit.
E-Learning; Colleges and Universities; 

Better than Microsoft solitaire.

2
Science

The Sun That Did Not Roar

The Sun appears to slack off at the height of the solar cycle, the solar maximum, usually a time of roiling activity as the star’s magnetic fields reverse.
Sun; Space and Astronomy; 

Just observed facts.
 
3
World

Hacking U.S. Secrets, China Pushes for Drones

A two-year hacking operation by a group linked to China’s army is the latest sign of Beijing’s ambitious plans to be at the forefront of drone manufacturing.
Drones (Pilotless Planes); Cyberwarfare; Industrial Espionage; Defense and Military Forces; 

Interesting.  
Plausible denyability is available.
 
4
Opinion

A Farewell to the Dying

A reader laments that she did not have the chance to say goodbye before her husband’s death.
Alzheimer's Disease; Dementia; Death and Dying; 

Reality.

Not a problem for me.
 
5
World

Anglicans Name First Female Bishop in Ireland

The Rev. Pat Storey, 53, a married mother of two, will serve as the bishop of Meath and Kildare, in the Church of Ireland.
Anglican Churches; Women and Girls; Religion and Belief; 

The Anglican population of Ireland must be very small.
 
6
Business Day

U.S. Revives Aid Program for Clean Energy

7
N.Y. / Region

Hynes Is Said to Be Weighing a G.O.P. Run for District Attorney

8
U.S.

Gas Leaks in Fracking Disputed in Study

9
World

Germany’s Effort at Clean Energy Proves Complex

10
Technology

Microsoft Increases Quarterly Dividend

11
Health

Test of Alzheimer’s Drug Gets Large Federal Grant

The $33.2 million grant will help finance a clinical trial to test a treatment on people 60 to 75 who have no symptoms of the disease, but do have two copies of a gene known to greatly increase the risk of getting it.
Alzheimer's Disease; 

An announcement of the intent to test.
Results will be much more interesting.

12
World

For China, a New Kind of Feminism

14
Science

New Approach to Explaining Evolution’s Big Bang

Two scientists take a fresh look at the hypotheses about the Cambrian explosion, one of the most important phases in the history of life.
Evolution (Biology); Oceans and Seas; Fossils; 

"Kevin Peterson, a biologist at Dartmouth, praised Dr. Smith and Dr. Harper for pointing to the right way to study the Cambrian explosion. “We are long past identifying single triggers for the event,” he said. Dr. Peters agreed that taking a holistic view of the Cambrian explosion would lead to a better understanding of it. “It’ll be a fun next decade,” he predicted"

16
Opinion

Silencing Scientists

The Canadian government is making it harder for scientists to do their work.
Oil Sands; Science and Technology; Research; Politics and Government; Academic Freedom; 

A bit more reporting please.
Here we have assertions  without support.
That I happen to agree with the assertions does not make them truth.

17
Business Day

Detroit Is Now a Charity Case for Carmakers

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are investing heavily in plants from Mexico to China. Yet their operations in Detroit remains a fraction of what they were a half-century ago.
Philanthropy; Labor and Jobs; Automobiles; Factories and Manufacturing; Bankruptcies; 

Hospice care for Detroit.
 
18
U.S.

Draining the Life From 'Community'

Actual communities in which people know each other, do things for each other and act in concert may be on the decline. But new meanings of community are rushing to fill the void.
Urban Areas; Sociology; Politics and Government; Consumer Behavior; 

Whine.
 
19
U.S.

Delaware Seeks to Steer the Poor to Top Colleges

The state plans to use application fee waivers and other information to address a pattern that limits social mobility.
Colleges and Universities; Financial Aid (Education); Income Inequality; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); 

Why is this touted as new?
 
20
World

Pope Says Church Is ‘Obsessed’ With Gays, Abortion and Birth Control

Saying that the Roman Catholic Church should seek a “new balance,” Pope Francis articulated his vision of an inclusive church, evoking gratitude and hope from liberal Catholics who had felt left out in the cold.
Homosexuality; Abortion; Birth Control and Family Planning; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; 

There will be actions enough to judge.
I feel no need to rush.


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@21:16


1
U.S.

Cherokee Girl Is Handed Over to Adoptive Parents

A 4-year-old Cherokee girl at the center of a long custody dispute was handed over to her adoptive parents in South Carolina on Monday night.
Adoptions; Decisions and Verdicts; 

I do not know where justice lies. 
We have resolution.
 
2
Magazine

Freebies for the Rich

Why are colleges giving away money to rich kids who don’t need it? They might value their rankings more than the economy.
Financial Aid (Education); Colleges and Universities; Scholarships and Fellowships; 

It is a balancing act.  It is not my decision.  I watch with interest.
 
3
N.Y. / Region

Hynes Is Said to Be Weighing a G.O.P. Run for District Attorney

4
Science

Cargo Ship Docking at Space Station Is Delayed

A commercial cargo spacecraft, which was to dock at the International Space Station on Sunday, will not make its second attempt until at least Saturday.
Space and Astronomy; International Space Station; Freight (Cargo); Soyuz Project; 

Not a failure as yet.
 
5
Technology

Microsoft Increases Quarterly Dividend

6
Health

Test of Alzheimer’s Drug Gets Large Federal Grant

7
U.S.

I.R.S. Official Linked to Tea Party Scandal Retires

Lois Lerner, an official at the center of the Internal Revenue Service’s scrutiny of the Tea Party, is retiring, the agency said Monday.
Retirement; Internal Revenue Service Political Profiling; Tea Party Movement; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions; 

Witch hunting continues.
9
Science

New Approach to Explaining Evolution’s Big Bang


This was not a fast event by human scale.

11
World

For China, a New Kind of Feminism

12
Opinion

Silencing Scientists

13
Business Day

Detroit Is Now a Charity Case for Carmakers

14
U.S.

Draining the Life From 'Community'

15
N.Y. / Region

Judge Won’t Delay Order on Policing

16
U.S.

Tina Brown Goes Global

Just as she leaves her job at the news site Daily Beast, she is creating a new brand, which will promote Women in the World events around the globe.
Women and Girls; 

Good luck.
 
18
U.S.

Victims Push Laws to End Online Revenge Posts

Posting explicit images of former sexual partners can ruin lives, yet mostly goes unpunished. But the law may be catching up with technology.
Computers and the Internet; Cellular Telephones; Pornography; Law and Legislation; Privacy; Suits and Litigation (Civil); First Amendment (US Constitution); 

The actions are sleazy.  

19
World

Mexico’s New Arrivals Mix Praise and Criticism

Readers responding to an article in The Times said that while they wished the world would focus more on Mexico’s strengths, they also wished the country would do more to tackle its flaws.
Immigration and Emigration; Labor and Jobs; Economic Conditions and Trends; 

Ok
 
20
Health

Lower Health Insurance Premiums to Come at Cost of Fewer Choices

With insurance marketplaces set to open next month under the new health care law, consumers may find that insurers have put big limits on their choices.
Health Insurance and Managed Care; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); Doctors; Hospitals;

The choice is between health care and no health care.
That is an easy choice.
The rich can have all the choice they will pay for.
I will choose to have health care.


Time for me to sleep.
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