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1

Science

A Struggle to Balance Wind Energy With Wildlife

By DAN FROSCH | Dec 16th 2013

Tensions between the White House, the wind energy industry and environmental groups have risen over a new rule allowing wind farms to kill eagles.

Wind Power; Birds 

Wind power has an unacceptable price.

2

Science

Truths About Grades, and the Coldest Cold on Earth

By DOUGLAS QUENQUA | Dec 16th 2013

Two Harvard studies show that early music education has no discernible effect on cognitive abilities, and East Antarctica records a record low of minus 134 to minus 137 degrees.

Music; Research; Temperature; Antibiotics; Birds; Comets; Weather 

There is no magic for learning.

Faith is not a substitute.

3

U.S.

Senate Asks C.I.A. to Share Its Report on Interrogations

By MARK MAZZETTI | Dec 17th 2013

The Senate Intelligence Committee has asked the C.I.A. for an internal study that lawmakers believe is broadly critical of the C.I.A.’s detention and interrogation program.

Interrogations; Classified Information and State Secrets 

The Nuremberg trials were a very bad precedent. 

The torture of prisoners is a war crime.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_immunity
The Supreme Court put Sovereign immunity in question
For Bill Clinton.
President Obama does not want to send The Shrub to the Hague as a prisoner.
The precedent would send him next.

4

N.Y. / Region

Facing Suit, New York City Agrees to Remove Mold in Public Housing More Quickly

By MIREYA NAVARRO | Dec 16th 2013

A planned settlement with the federal government is aimed at helping thousands of tenants suffering from asthma.

Suits and Litigation (Civil); Mold; Asthma; Public and Subsidized Housing; Americans With Disabilities Act; Hurricane Sandy (2012)

Public housing is a trap for both the city and the residents.

It is another dole.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dole

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare#History

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_charity#History

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_von_Bismarck#Welfare_state

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

"An entitlement is a guarantee of access to something, such as to welfare benefits, based on established rights or by legislation. A "right" is itself an entitlement associated with a moral or social principle, such that an "entitlement" is a provision made in accordance with a legal framework of a society. Typically, entitlements are based on concepts of principle ("rights") which are themselves based in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement.
In a casual sense, the term "entitlement" refers to a notion or belief that one (or oneself) has a right to some particular reward or benefit^[1]—if given without deeper legal or principled cause, the term is often given with pejorative connotation (e.g. a "sense of entitlement")."

"Originally, the term "entitlement" in the United States was used to identify federal programs that, like Social Security and Medicare, got the name because workers became "entitled" to their benefits by paying into the system."

Here we are at the nub of the present political conflict.

A social invention is required to resolve this conflict.

5

Thousands Flee From Fighting in South Sudan

By CHRISTINE HAUSER | Dec 17th 2013

As fighting continued in Juba, the capital, the U.N.mission there was providing shelter to civilians but said it could not accommodate all who sought refuge.

Civilian Casualties; Evacuations and Evacuees

We must pay our back U.N. dues.
 

6

Science

Video: ScienceTake: Angry Birds

| Dec 10th 2013

Mockingbirds furiously protect their nests against intruding cowbirds, with mixed results.

Birds; Reproduction (Biological)

She is all yours.
 

7

Science

Neanderthals and the Dead

By JOHN NOBLE WILFORD | Dec 16th 2013

A re-examination of remains supports claims that our ancient human relatives held burials, thus narrowing the behavioral distance between them and us.

Neanderthal Man; Funerals and Memorials; Archaeology

If groups are cross fertile with fertile offspring 

they are not separate species.

8

N.Y. / Region

For Lindsay, a Rare Monument to a New York Mayor

By SAM ROBERTS | Dec 16th 2013

Fiorello H. La Guardia got an airport named for him, Edward I. Koch a bridge and, now, John V. Lindsay a street. But New York’s mayors are not usually afforded such honors.

Mayors; Monuments and Memorials (Structures); Roads and Traffic; Names, Geographical

A live city is a mixed use city. 
Our cities are becoming company towns.

Everything that is not high metamorphic or other hard rock formations potentially will be drilled for hydrocarbons. 
The owners are dreaming of cash.

9

World

British Panel Narrows Options for Expanding Airport Capacity

By STEVEN ERLANGER | Dec 17th 2013

While its shortlist included proposals for Heathrow and Gatwick, the panel did not completely rule out the idea of a new airport.

Airports

Build in northern France and use the T.G.V.  Half way between London and Paris with quick access to the low countries.
Agincourt International.
 

10

Your Money

An Alternative to Giving Up the Car Keys

By ALINA TUGEND | Dec 13th 2013

The number of older drivers on the road is growing, but technology and training could keep them behind the wheel safely for longer.

Elderly; Traffic Accidents and Safety; Therapy and Rehabilitation; Drivers Education; Roads and Traffic

Getting checked is probably a good idea.
Mother stopped driving on her doctors order.  Mostly she is relieved.
 

11

Opinion

Is the Safety Net Just Masking Tape?

By THOMAS B. EDSALL | Dec 17th 2013

The case for structural economic reform.

Income Inequality; Labor and Jobs; Liberalism (US Politics); Welfare (US); United States Politics and Government

"In practice, Konczal writes, the political left has abandoned its quest for deep structural reform — full employment and worker empowerment — and instead has “doubled-down” on the safety net strategy. "

"full employment and worker empowerment" happen only when there is a dearth of labor.
"the safety net strategy" we can execute.
The London of William IV was Ebenezer Scrooge "Christmas Future"

12

World

Putin Is Expected to Offer Ukraine a Financial Lifeline

By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN | Dec 16th 2013

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia will meet Tuesday with Ukraine’s embattled president, Viktor F. Yanukovich, but officials said the possibility of Ukraine joining Russia’s customs union would not be discussed.

Demonstrations, Protests, and Riots; International Trade and World Market

Ukraine is the case for inflation.
 

13

Sports

Delving Into Brain Injuries With the N.F.L.’s Money

By KEN BELSON | Dec 16th 2013

The National Institutes of Health has decided part of a grant from the N.F.L. to study brain injuries will go to two groups studying chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., in living patients.

Concussions; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Only the beginning.

The tobacco business would like smoking to be safe for anyone.
 

14

Real Estate

A Flurry of New Activity at a Harlem Crossroads

By C. J. HUGHES | Dec 17th 2013

At the neglected intersection of East 125th Street and Park Avenue, new signs of life are appearing.

Area Planning and Renewal; Mixed-Use Developments; Real Estate (Commercial)

Metro North runs a train every five minutes in rush hours through that area.

15

Health

A Gap in the Affordable Care Act

By CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS | Dec 16th 2013

The flawed implementation of pediatric dental care under the new health law could leave millions of young patients without access, experts warn.

Teeth and Dentistry; Children and Childhood; Health Insurance and Managed Care; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)

It will be fixed when it can be done.
 

16

N.Y. / Region

Brooklyn’s Next Prosecutor Protests $286,000 Payment to Hynes Deputy

By DAVID W. CHEN and FRANCES ROBLES | Dec 16th 2013

Kenneth P. Thompson, in a letter to the departing District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, protested “a potential gross overpayment” for unused vacation to Michael F. Vecchione, who recently retired.

District Attorneys; Wages and Salaries

Michael F. Vecchione must get his money if he earned it.

17

Magazine

Video: Holiday Feast: Goose

David Frank and Jenny Woodward | Dec 13th 2013

Sam Sifton shows how to make a goose fit any wintertime special occasion.

Geese; Cooking and Cookbooks

Looks easy.  Is easy.  I can do that.
 

18

N.Y. / Region

Bankruptcy Court Hearing Examines Mystery at Wine Storage Business

By CHARLES V. BAGLI | Dec 15th 2013

After water poured into the cellars of WineCare Storage during Hurricane Sandy, most of its clients have been unable to get anywhere near their rare and valuable bottles.

Wines; Suits and Litigation (Civil); Hurricane Sandy (2012); Floods

One drinks the wine and not the label.
 

19

Business Day

Barclays to End Sponsorship of London Bike Program

By CHAD BRAY | Dec 11th 2013

The British bank Barclays is ending its sponsorship in 2015 of a bike-rental program in London that inspired a similar bike-sharing program — Citi Bike — in New York.

Bicycles and Bicycling; Libor (London Interbank Offered Rate)

Barclays Bank is in a good deal of financial trouble.
The bike-share program does not pay them in cash.

20

Business Day

Walmart Names New Head of Foreign Operations

By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS | Dec 10th 2013

David Cheesewright is taking over the post that Doug McMillon is leaving to become the retailer’s chief executive.

Appointments and Executive Changes; Shopping and Retail

Things may be changing.

"In the meantime, Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, is barreling through a competitive holiday season, trying to snare every available customer with promotions blazing. On Friday, Walmart will bring back “Black Friday-like prices” on items including an iPad mini and Monster headphones, and it will keep those prices in place through Christmas Eve."

This is a Bad sales year.