@20:50, 10/23/14

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1

World

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

By EDWARD WONG | Oct 22nd 2014

A tradition of herding has continued for centuries in western China, despite official efforts to force nomads to settle in villages. But a recent drought has put that lifestyle to the test.

Drought; Sheep; Livestock; Nomadic People; Uighurs (Chinese Ethnic Group) 

Let us stay out of the mud as much as possible.

2

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 

"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)"

3

Business Day

As Safety Concerns Grow, More States Ban Use of a Guardrail Unit

By AARON M. KESSLER and DANIELLE IVORY | Oct 22nd 2014

Oregon and Mississippi became the latest states to prohibit further installation of the Trinity Industries ET-Plus rail head, which is thought to have a dangerous defect.

Roads and Traffic; States (US); Transportation

The Jury was convinced.  

I see bankruptcy in the future if the appeal does not succeed.

4

Movies

Intent on Defying an All-Seeing Eye

By A. O. SCOTT | Oct 23rd 2014

“Citizenfour,” about Edward J. Snowden’s quest to expose sweeping government surveillance of citizens, has the effect of a spooky and deeply unsettling thriller.

Movies; Surveillance of Citizens by Government 

If I were in Edward J. Snowden's position I would be just as paranoid.  

Sometimes the monsters are real.

I will see the film on disk.

5

Opinion

Edward J. SnowdenEdward J. Snowden

Can Genetics and Breeding Do for Cassava Edward J. SnowdenWhat They've Done For Corn?

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Oct 23rd 2014

Bill Gates explores non-GMO genetic research boosting corn and cassava yields.

Corn; DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Genetic Engineering; Genetics and Heredity; Vegetables; Yuca (Vegetable)

Let us try the experiment.

 

6

Arts

In Bids, Celebrity Cachet Brings a Premium

By LORI HOLCOMB-HOLLAND | Oct 23rd 2014

Based on coming auctions, the single-owner collection, be it that of a celebrity, politician or a private individual, is increasingly popular.

Art; Auctions 

Consider the trade in relics, holy or not.

 

7

Opinion

A Verdict on Blackwater

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Oct 22nd 2014

The verdict was specific to these four individuals.

The differences between a volunteer and a mercenary are distinct and important.

We have not yet rejected mercenaries as agents of national policy.

 

8

Opinion

The Mirage of the ‘New Egypt’

By MONA ELTAHAWY | Oct 23rd 2014

Three billboards tell very different stories about President Sisi’s regime.

Politics and Government; Demonstrations, Protests and Riots; Social Conditions and Trends 

Mona Eltahawy is perceptive.

9

Science

Man’s Genome From 45,000 Years Ago Is Reconstructed

By CARL ZIMMER | Oct 22nd 2014

The genetic material, extracted from a Siberian fossil, supported a hypothesis that early humans interbred with Neanderthals, and their interaction occurred between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.

Anthropology; Neanderthal Man; DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); Genetics and Heredity; Fossils 

Interesting.

The fit with my mental model is not good.  

There is more work to be done.

10

Fashion & Style

What to Wear This Week: Oct. 20

By SIMONE S. OLIVER | Oct 20th 2014

Red Door Spa, Elements Massage and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa are offering a range of services for $50 each.

Cosmetics and Toiletries; Skin; Spas 

Please your self. 

11

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- ) 

My guess is the critical moment is long past.

Europe is in a deflationary spiral and has not the tools to make an exit.  Japan appears to have missed takeoff.  I have not heard reliably that Britain is out of the woods.  The U.S. is in neutral at best.

12

World

Miliband’s Embrace of Jewish Heritage Complicates Criticism of Israel

By STEPHEN CASTLE | Oct 23rd 2014

The politically loaded issue of support for Israel comes with a personal dimension for Ed Miliband, who could become Britain’s prime minister after next year’s election.

Jews and Judaism; Palestinians; International Relations 

The alternative for support for Israel is a second Holocaust and a probable nuclear war.  There will be no winners.

A one state solution is possible with justice for the Palestinians.

13

World

Denis Mukwege, an African Voice Against Rape, Is Honored by Europe

By ALAN COWELL and JEFFREY GETTLEMAN | Oct 22nd 2014

The European Parliament awarded the doctor its highest human rights accolade for a campaign to end the use of mass rape as a weapon of war.

Human Rights and Human Rights Violations; War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity 

The rapes must end.

14

Fashion & Style

Plenty of Diversions at the Angel Ball

By JOHN KOBLIN | Oct 22nd 2014

A black-tie benefit draws out celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds with Blake Lively and Kris Jenner on Monday night.

Parties (Social); Celebrities; Cancer 

And nowhere I want to be.

15

N.Y. / Region

So Little Paper to Chase in a Law Firm’s New Library

By DAVID W. DUNLAP | Oct 22nd 2014

When the firm Kaye Scholer moved its new Manhattan office this month, it did not take 95 percent of its tens of thousands of law books.

Legal Profession; Relocation of Business; Libraries and Librarians 

Law is tradition published.

Publishing is changing.

16

Science

Competition Drives Quick Evolution of Lizard’s Feet

By DOUGLAS QUENQUA | Oct 23rd 2014

A type of lizard in Florida took just 20 generations to evolve feet better suited to climbing trees, a new study suggests.

Lizards; Evolution (Biology); Science and Technology

I would like some intermediate data.   

17

Sports

Roger Goodell Must Address Questions From Ray Rice’s Lawyers

By KEN BELSON | Oct 23rd 2014

N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been ordered by an arbitrator to answer questions from lawyers representing the former Ravens running back Ray Rice, who is appealing his indefinite suspension.

Football; Domestic Violence 

Lawyers getting paid.

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/ncaabasketball/index.html?action=click&region=TopBar&pgtype=SectionFront&module=SectionsNav&version=BrowseTree&contentCollection=Sports%2FBasketball%3A%20College&contentPlacement=2&t=qry68

No games scheduled.

ports/baseball/index.html?action=click&region=TopBar&pgtype=SectionFront&module=SectionsNav&version=BrowseTree&contentCollection=Sports%2FBaseball&contentPlacement=2&t=qry382

Game two tomorrow evening.

18

Opinion

Government Bailouts

Oct 23rd 2014

William M. Isaac, a former F.D.I.C. chairman, criticizes how the government changed a bailout package for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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

The regulators had and have the power required.

19

Business Day

A Comcast Executive Raises Doubts About Streaming Services

By EMILY STEEL | Oct 23rd 2014

Stephen Burke, the NBCUniversal C.E.O., said he was surprised by announcements last week that HBO and CBS would start subscription streaming services.

Company Reports; Cable Television 

Comcast is constructing a defensive position.

Their business model is under attack.

20

World

Video: Inside the Ebola Ward

By BEN C. SOLOMON | Oct 23rd 2014

The daily challenges faced by doctors, nurses and other workers at the Ebola treatment center run by the International Medical Corps in Bong County, Liberia.

Ebola Virus 

There are heroic efforts being made.

We must help as we can.

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