@1:30, 10/24/14Greg Abbott, the Republican who is running for governor of Texas, is riding a wave of television ads all the way to the election. Elections, Governors; Political Advertising; MMidtermiMidtermdterm Elections (2014)

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1

N.Y. / Region

M.T.A. Told It Must Focus on Repairs, Not Growth

By PATRICK McGEEHAN | Oct 23rd 2014

In a report, the Citizens Budget Commission says the authority should improve the conditions of its existing transit systems, before moving ahead with the Second Avenue subway and other expansion projects.

Subways; Transit Systems; Second Avenue Subway (NYC)

When it was decided to save the nickle fare the M.T.A. was made dependent on state subsidies for capital expenditures.

The authority must do repairs and growth.

2

World

In China, a Drought Tests Nomadic Herders’ Culture of Survival

By EDWARD WONG | Oct 22nd 2014

Horse country.

3

Automobiles

Wheelies: The Captain America Edition

By BENJAMIN PRESTON | Oct 23rd 2014

The motorcycle that Henry Fonda may have ridden in the movie “Easy Rider” sells for $1.35 million; the Petersen Automotive Museum closes for renovations.

Automobiles; Electric and Hybrid Vehicles; Indianapolis 500 (Auto Race); Antique and Classic Cars; Automobile Racing

I remember "Easy Rider" and how it began and ended.

"Amid falling fuel prices and weak alternative-fuel vehicle sales, Ford is cutting the price of its Focus electric car for the second time this year. Starting Oct. 13, the automaker reduced the price by $6,000 to $29,995, including shipping and delivery fees. Autodata, an industry analyst, said that Focus E.V. sales through September were down 6.6 percent over last year, at 176,156 units. (The Detroit News)"

4

World

Video: Uneasy Allies in the Fight Against ISIS

Quynhanh Do | Oct 23rd 2014

The groups fighting for the town of Kobani meet the politics behind Turkey’s recent decision to assist them in pushing back the Islamic State.

Kurds; United States International Relations; United States Defense and Military Forces; United States Politics and Government; Airships; International Relations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recep_Tayyip_Erdo%C4%9Fan

Erdoğan  would like to be Sultan.

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

5

Opinion

A Verdict on Blackwater

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Oct 22nd 2014

As much accountability as we will see.

6

Business Day

Europe Faces Three Critical Tests

By ANATOLE KALETSKY | REUTERS | Oct 23rd 2014

Three separate events next week will help determine whether Europe is headed for economic recovery or continued stagnation.

European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- )

The outlook for Europe is dismal.

7

U.S.

A Plan to Cut Costs and Crime: Curb Bias Against Ex-Convicts

By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS and TANZINA VEGA | Oct 23rd 2014

Cities and states are approving laws that forbid criminal-history questions on most job applications, part of an effort to ease ex-offenders’ re-entry into society.

Ex-Convicts; Hiring and Promotion; Labor and Jobs; Law and Legislation; Discrimination

Attempting to curb bias in hiring is "pushing on a string".
Labor is in surplus.  Employers are looking for any reason
to reject applicants.  HR will continue to check criminal records.  If such checks are forbidden they will not be reported.
Getting industry growing is the best way to get it hiring.

 8

Books

Leon Panetta’s ‘Worthy Fights’

By LESLIE H. GELB | Oct 21st 2014

Leslie H. Gelb reviews Leon Panetta’s memoir, which recounts a career in public service, including stints as White House chief of staff, director of the C.I.A. and defense secretary.

United States Politics and Government; Books and Literature

Leon Panetta is a simple man forced to live a complex life.
He is not a simpleton.

9

N.Y. / Region

Strategy by Union: Mock a Manhattan Apartment Building’s Selling Points

By MATT A.V. CHABAN | Oct 20th 2014

With a parody ad, a building workers’ union takes on the AVA High Line, a luxury New York apartment building.

Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Advertising and Marketing; Video Recordings, Downloads and Streaming; Social Media

It is not inability but unwillingness to pay more than must be paid to fill the position.
The practice of minimal pay is universal in business.

10

U.S.

Diwali, Once Hidden, Now Lit Large

By SWATI KHURANA | Oct 22nd 2014

When my family and I immigrated in 1977, to be an Indian-American meant replacing curry with bologna and saris with sweaters, and celebrating Diwali invisibly. My daughter’s life is very different.

Diwali (Hindu Festival); Hinduism; Immigration and Emigration; Indian-Americans; Parenting

There is a critical mass of practitioners for any religion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minyan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quorum

11

Opinion

Pigs Crammed in Crates

Oct 21st 2014

A Farm Sanctuary official agrees with Bill Maher that pigs should not be confined to tiny crates.

Animal Abuse, Rights and Welfare; Pigs; Factory Farming

Gestation crates are a horror.

Homo Sapiens  are omnivores.
Our obligate vegetarian near relatives are all extinct.

I will shop and cook to your specification.
I may argue about details.
We understand nutrition better than our ancestors.

12

Opinion

Freezing Your Eggs: When, If and Why

Oct 23rd 2014

Readers respond to an Op-Ed article about a new corporate benefit.

Eggs; Pregnancy and Childbirth; Women and Girls; In Vitro Fertilization; Work-Life Balance

As far as corporate management is concerned babies are an
unnecessary expense.

13  

Arts

Inching Toward Eradication

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. | Oct 23rd 2014

On Jan. 13, the American Museum of Natural History will open a display devoted to the efforts to eradicate Guinea worm and other diseases.

Guinea Worm Disease; Museums

I will stand and cheer when the extinction of the Guinea Worm is announced.

14

Sports

Brad Keselowski Stays in Chase for Sprint Cup

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Oct 19th 2014

Needing a victory, Keselowski won in overtime at Talladega Superspeedway to advance to the third round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Automobile Racing; Nascar Sprint Cup Series

More travel for you.

15

Health

Steroids Are No Boon to World’s Poorer Women

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. | Oct 20th 2014

Giving steroids to women who are about to give birth prematurely may be useless or even dangerous in poor countries where most women give birth at home.

Premature Babies; Steroids; Pregnancy and Childbirth; Third World and Developing Countries

A careful examination of the original work in wealthy nations will probably reveal the problem.

One pound infants do not have a high survival rate.


16

U.S.

In Ad Spending, Greg Abbott Opens Big Margin

By CHRISTINE AYALA and BOBBY BLANCHARD | Oct 23rd 2014

Greg Abbott, the Republican who is running for governor of Texas, is riding a wave of television ads all the way to the election.

Elections, Governors; Political Advertising; Midterm Elections (2014)

The Koch brothers want him elected.
Texas will have "the best government money can buy".

17

Automobiles

Yearning for Spring: A Wealth of New Models at American International Motorcycle Expo

Oct 22nd 2014

Motorcycle manufacturers brought their newest models to Florida over the weekend, including the bobber and cafe-inspired Star Bolt C-Spec.

Motorcycles, Motor Bikes and Motorscooters

"Zero SR

Made in the United States, this electric motorcycle produces 106 pound feet of torque, which Zero says will launch the bike from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of more than 100 m.p.h. Zero says that with the $2,500 Power Tank accessory, the bike has a highway range of 94 miles and a city range of 185 miles. Pricing starts at $17,345."

You would do better with a Ford Focus EV.
Get a used bike for romance.

18

Business Day

Guardrail Maker Trinity Industries Liable for Fraud in Texas

By DANIELLE IVORY and AARON M. KESSLER | Oct 20th 2014

19

U.S.

Your Evening Briefing

By RICK ROJAS | Oct 20th 2014

ok

Business Day

Platform Specialty Products to Pay $3.5 Billion for Arysta LifeScience

By CHAD BRAY | Oct 20th 2014

The deal to acquire privately held Arysta LifeScience is expected to bolster Platform Specialty’s offerings for protecting crops, including insecticides and herbicides.

Chemicals; Defoliants and Herbicides; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Pesticides

I have heard nothing on hive weakening for a year or two.
There is a big market for pesticides.

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@11:30


1

N.Y. / Region

M.T.A. Told It Must Focus on Repairs, Not Growth

By PATRICK McGEEHAN | Oct 23rd 2014 

2

World

In China, a Drought Tests Nomadic Herders’ Culture of Survival

By EDWARD WONG | Oct 22nd 2014 

3

World

China Signs Agreement With 20 Other Nations to Establish International Development Bank

By BREE FENG | Oct 24th 2014

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank would offer financing for infrastructure projects in underdeveloped countries across Asia.

China can do that.

4

Automobiles

Wheelies: The Captain America Edition

By BENJAMIN PRESTON | Oct 23rd 2014

5

Opinion

A Verdict on Blackwater

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Oct 22nd 2014

6

World

Video: Uneasy Allies in the Fight Against ISIS

Quynhanh Do | Oct 23rd 2014

7

World

'The Storm of Reality': Chinese Poetic Voices From the Lower Tier of Society

By DIDI KIRSTEN TATLOW | Oct 24th 2014

Reacting to a far more complicated, and in some ways tougher, reality than when a last wave of poetry caught public attention in the 1980s, new voices are emerging from China’s working class.

Books and Literature; Contests and Prizes; Factories and Manufacturing; Migrant Labor (Agriculture); Poetry and Poets; Sufism (Religion); Suicides and Suicide Attempts; Unemployment 

A folk awakening.

8

Opinion

The Real Bailout Victims

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Oct 23rd 2014

A.I.G. shareholders may be suing the government over their treatment, but it’s the American public that suffered the most.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (2008); Suits and Litigation (Civil); Subprime Mortgage Crisis; Banking and Financial Institutions 

Mr. Greenberg's contention is without merit. 

9

Business Day

Europe Faces Three Critical Tests

By ANATOLE KALETSKY | REUTERS | Oct 23rd 2014

10

World

U.S. and South Korea Agree to Delay Shift in Wartime Command

By CHOE SANG-HUN | Oct 24th 2014

The deal reached at the Pentagon means the Americans will retain control of forces in the event of war until the South Korean military is better prepared.

United States Defense and Military Forces 

The situation in South Korea continues as it was.

11

Magazine

Is It Cheating to Compete Against Younger Runners?

By CHUCK KLOSTERMAN | Oct 24th 2014

Age groups, and aid groups.

Ethicist, The (Times Column); Ethics (Personal); Running; Nonprofit Organizations

"Unswerving inflexibility is not proof of morality."

12

U.S.

A Plan to Cut Costs and Crime: Curb Bias Against Ex-Convicts

By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS and TANZINA VEGA | Oct 23rd 2014

Impossible

13

Health

Studies Link Mental Issues and the Rigor of the Military

By BENEDICT CAREY | Oct 23rd 2014

Though new soldiers report about the same rate of mental problems as their civilian peers, new research suggests those disorders can persist for longer amid the demands of service.

United States Defense and Military Forces; Mental Health and Disorders; Depression (Mental); Anxiety and Stress; Suicides and Suicide Attempts; Research

Test everyone.

Magazine

My Search for the Fountain of Youth

By SAM ANDERSON | Oct 24th 2014

Down the back roads of strip-mall Florida, I hunted for the legendary reservoir that would keep me forever young.

Fountains; Water; Exploration and Explorers
Cities and states are approving laws that forbid criminal-history questions on most job applications, part of an effort to ease ex-offenders’ re-entry into society.

Ex-Convicts; Hiring and Promotion; Labor and Jobs; Law and Legislation; Discrimination

Increasing entropy.

U.S.

Preparing a Child to Own a Mobile Phone — But Not Always Use It

By BARBARA SPINDEL | Oct 24th 2014

N.Y. / Region

Strategy by Union: Mock a Manhattan Apartment Building’s Selling Points

By MATT A.V. CHABAN | Oct 20th 2014

Style

Divorce: Share Your Experience

By THE NEW YORK TIMES | Oct 23rd 2014

I will ask once.

Books

Leon Panetta’s ‘Worthy Fights’

By LESLIE H. GELB | Oct 21st 2014

Opinion

Freezing Your Eggs: When, If and Why

Oct 23rd 2014

Not an option.

U.S.

In Ad Spending, Greg Abbott Opens Big Margin

By CHRISTINE AYALA and BOBBY BLANCHARD | Oct 23rd 2014

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