Monday, October 20, 2014

@0:30, 10/19/14

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1
Technology

Phone Hackers Dial and Redial to Steal Billions

A phone fraud on the rise and aided by Internet-connected phone systems can lead to six-figure bills for businesses.
Telephones and Telecommunications; Cyberattacks and Hackers; Frauds and Swindling 

I am warned.  
I use a no contract dumb phone and  Verizon DSL with POTS.
We will have to scheme how to protect ourselves.

2
World

Scandal Over Brazilian Oil Company Adds Turmoil to the Presidential Race

President Dilma Rousseff is in a tough fight for the Oct. 26 election after a former executive at Petrobras took a plea bargain and testified that her party had benefited from a bribery scheme.
Corruption (Institutional); Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline 

The only shocking part is the arrest.

3
Opinion

Ireland, Still Addicted to Tax Breaks

It promises to get rid of a loophole that helps big multinationals — but, wait, here comes another to replace it.
Tax Shelters; Corporate Taxes; Inventions and Patents; Tax Evasion; Corporations; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions

Everyone likes income.
The European depression is not over.

4
Science

A Comet’s Brush With Mars

A comet the size of a small mountain whizzed past Mars on Sunday, dazzling space enthusiasts with the once-in-a-million-years encounter.
Space and Astronomy; Comets; Mars (Planet) 

A learning experience.

5
Opinion

The Vietnam War Still Sets Off a Battle in America

Readers respond to a front-page article about the planned 50th-anniversary commemoration.
Vietnam War; Veterans; Civilian Casualties; United States Defense and Military Forces

Still a hot topic.
We should learn from Maya Lin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Lin

6
Business Day

Washington Post Adds a National Tabloid Edition

Local newspapers nationwide now deliver with their Sunday papers a 24-page color tabloid edition of The Post.
Newspapers; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boilerplate_%28text%29
"In the field of printing, the term dates back to the early 1900s. From the 1890s onwards, printing plates of text for widespread reproduction such as advertisements or syndicated columns were cast or stamped in steel (instead of the much softer and less durable lead alloys used otherwise) ready for the printing press and distributed to newspapers around the United States. By analogy, they came to be known as 'boilerplates'. Until the 1950s, thousands of newspapers received and used this kind of boilerplate from the nation's largest supplier, the Western Newspaper Union."

7
Opinion

A Disputed Casino Plan for a New York Forest

The supervisor of Tuxedo and a town resident discuss a developer’s proposal for a large casino north of New York City.
Casinos; Gambling; Forests and Forestry; Historic Buildings and Sites 

I oppose casino development.
If the town cannot afford its high-school it can have less of one or take students from neighboring towns.  Possibly there is more state aid available.
New Jersey needs the drinking water.  It is a state. 

8
Travel

12 Treasures of Europe


I do not think I will learn more about these things by visiting.
 
9
N.Y. / Region

Protesters Link a Queens Project to Brooklyn Rents

Housing advocates are linking approval of Astoria Cove not just to its having affordable units but to demands that its developers, Alma Realty, roll back rent increases elsewhere.
Affordable Housing; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Rent Control and Stabilization; Area Planning and Renewal 

"The rent is too damn high" party.
No property owner wants less than the highest rent that will fill its units.
Builders will take subsidies.

10
Opinion

The Wrong Rx for XXLs

Instead of reviving the big-cup ban, the mayor should encourage New Yorkers to make healthier choices.
Soft Drinks; Obesity; Sugar 

I would like a tax on fructose.

11
U.S.

Bloomberg to Back Soda Tax in Berkeley



12
N.Y. / Region

In Sayreville, Football Players Recall Hazing

The investigation may be complicated by conflicting accounts from witnesses and some of the freshman football players targeted by older members of the Sayreville War Memorial High School team.
Hazing; School Discipline (Students); Football; Education (K-12) 

This is not of much interest to me.  
The local authorities will deal with it or the parents will remove them.

13
U.S.

Forecasters Play Down Hurricane Ana’s Threat to Hawaii

National Weather Service forecasters predicted the storm would pass by the island chain without doing much damage.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms 

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/tcpages/?storm=ANA

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/tc_graphics/latest_w.php?stormid=CP022014

The forecasters  are correct.

14
Opinion

Potlatch for Politicians

The first Americans could be kingmakers for control of the Senate.
Native Americans; Midterm Elections (2014); United States Politics and Government 

It is time for the candidates to press the flesh in Indian country.

15
Opinion

Amazon’s Monopsony Is Not O.K.

It comes down to this: Amazon has too much power, and it is abusing it.
Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Book Trade and Publishing; Books and Literature 

"Don’t tell me that Amazon is giving consumers what they want, or that it has earned its position. What matters is whether it has too much power, and is abusing that power. Well, it does, and it is."
Agreed.

16
U.S.

Calls to Use Yucca Mountain as a Nuclear Waste Site, Now Deemed Safe

Suspiciously timed. 

17
Business Day

Credit Card Upgrades Are Ordered to Protect People’s Data


Not a bad thing but mostly window dressing.
 
18
World

Car Bomb Kills 8 Afghans From Unit Linked to C.I.A.

It was the latest of several clashes to take a heavy toll on the security forces as American combat forces leave the country.
Afghanistan War (2001- ); United States Defense and Military Forces 

19
Opinion

Don’t Depend on Those Frozen Eggs

The debate over women’s careers is ignoring the medical reality.
Women and Girls; Pregnancy and Childbirth; Infertility; Work-Life Balance; Labor and Jobs 

20
U.S.

Police Officer in Ferguson Is Said to Recount a Struggle

Read the sidebar.



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