Tuesday, December 9, 2014

@18:02, 12/8/14

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1
U.S.

In Seven States, Atheists Push to End Largely Forgotten Ban

It has been 53 years since the Supreme Court ruled that states could not have a “religious test” for public office, but a belief in God remains a requirement in Maryland and other states.
State Legislatures; Atheism; Freedom of Religion 

The laws are struck down. 

Four fifths of a man is still in the federal constitution.
The attempt to remove the language is salt in the wound. 

I would like to see it done.

2
Business Day

Copenhagen Lighting the Way to Greener, More Effecient Cities

Urban areas around the world are installing wireless networks of streetlamps and sensors that could ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
Light-Emitting Diodes; Roads and Traffic; Lighting; Infrastructure (Public Works); Urban Areas; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Bicycles and Bicycling; Traffic Accidents and Safety; Smartphones; Privacy; Sensors 

I would like to see fewer gadgets and more attention to the road.  
Street lights are for all the traffic.

3
Science

Looking to Mars to Help Understand Changing Climates

Mars is a frigid desert, suggesting that the mother of all climate changes happened there, about four billion years ago. The question that haunts planetary scientists is why? And could it happen here?
Mars (Planet); Planets; Solar System; Oceans and Seas; Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

The case for solar wind is solid.
Earth lacks atmospheric helium.
Helium is found in natural gas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium

4
Opinion

Christie’s Pig-Crate Politics


Christie's presidential hopes seem to be evaporating.

NPR is working on the story.
There are records of the existence of emails at the critical time.
5
Opinion

Harvard Oil Divestment


6

Today in Politics


7
Education

Military-Style Technology Finds Way Into School District Safety Measures

Many experts say limited resources may be better spent on mental health services and training for teachers and students on what to do if their peers talk about bringing a gun to school.
School Shootings and Armed Attacks; Education (K-12); Security and Warning Systems 

As long as guns are available there will be shootings.
This equipment need not show.

8
Opinion

In Egypt, a Verdict Turns Back the Clock



9
U.S.

G.O.P. Donors Seek to Narrow Field of Presidential Candidates to One

They fear being split into competing camps and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for a bloody primary that will injure the eventual nominee.
Presidential Election of 2016; Campaign Finance 

Do not neglect to vote.
They would narrow our choices among insane clowns.

10
N.Y. / Region

After Ethics Panel’s Shutdown, Loopholes Live On in Albany

The Moreland Commission had urged officials to increase disclosure requirements and restrict how campaign funds could be spent. Now, eight months after its work was cut short, little in Albany has changed.
Campaign Finance; Ethics and Official Misconduct; Corruption (Institutional) 

I am happy Andrew Cuomo bought his budget with the commission.
He should try the maneuver again.  

11
Business Day

Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chief, to Get $84 Million Pay Package

Microsoft shareholders approved the pay package despite concerns raised by an investor advisory group.
Executive Compensation; Wages and Salaries

This is a good reason not to own the stock.
The company technology plan stinks.

12
World

Israel Debates Its Religious and Democratic Identity

The country’s parliament was dissolved on Monday in part over legislation that some Israelis fear would elevate the state’s Jewishness above its democratic character.
Jews and Judaism; Palestinians 

There is a way that would not be well received.
Take the Palestinians in in modest groups and hang the revolutionaries.  They will be known by their acts.
They will have to be treated justly and be compensated for their losses. 

13
Health

Therapy Prevents Repeat Suicide Attempts

Short-term psychotherapy may be an effective way to prevent repeated suicide attempts.
Psychology and Psychologists; Suicides and Suicide Attempts; Therapy and Rehabilitation

I wonder how much is the "Westinghouse Effect".

14
Health

For Lung Cancer Screening, a Small Dose of Hope

After years of research, there is genuine hope for reducing the toll exacted by lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Clinical Trials; Lung Cancer; Lungs; Smoking and 
Tobacco

I am not qualified for this study.
I smoked for ten pack years.
I quit about 38 years ago.  I had to do the arithmetic.

15
Business Day

Saint-Gobain to Buy Controlling Stake in Swiss Chemical Maker

The French company plans to acquire the stake in Sika from the Burkard family, which controls its voting rights, despite opposition from Sika’s board and management.
Building (Construction); Chemicals; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Stocks and Bonds

It is a business I have not studied.

16

On Smaller Farms, Including Organic Farms, Technology and Tradition Meet

The best way to sustain productive soils and harvests on America’s smaller farms is through technological innovation.
Agriculture and Farming; Defoliants and Herbicides; Organic Foods and Products; Sustainable Living

I do not expect to be profitable the first few seasons.
I will be learning.

17
World

Dismissing Senate Report, Cheney Defends C.I.A. Interrogations

Former Vice President Dick Cheney said that the C.I.A.'s harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects a decade ago were “absolutely, totally justified.”
Interrogations; Torture

Dick Cheney has not improved his reputation.

18
World

Boko Haram Attacks With Ease, Causing Death and Mayhem in Nigeria’s Provinces

Two attacks on Monday in Maiduguri and Damaturu, state capitals in northern Nigeria, were among a wave of assaults showing Boko Haram’s ability to strike at will, especially against civilians.
Terrorism

Yes.

The present Nairobi government is not for the ages.

19
U.S.

Earthquake Program Would Require Retrofitting of Los Angeles Buildings

Mayor Eric M. Garcetti announces an ambitious plan for preserving structures, water lines and telecommunications in a major quake.
Earthquakes; Accidents and Safety; Buildings (Structures); Real Estate (Commercial)

At sea "There is always a bigger wave".
In California there is always a bigger earthquake.

"How safe is safe enough" is the question.
The city is too big to walk.
How much water can be carried?
A person in the sun needs about a gallon a day.
 

In Los Angeles I do not want the general preparedness contract.  I can deal with one structure at a time.

20
World

8 Sentenced to Death for Attacks in Western China

A Chinese court has sentenced eight people to death for two separate attacks in Xinjiang that officials called terrorist operations.
Capital Punishment; Uighurs (Chinese Ethnic Group); Han Chinese (Ethnic Group)

The mess is not shrinking.


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