@9:30, 12/15/15

|


1

N.Y. / Region

New York City to Close 3 Troubled Public Schools in Brooklyn

By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS | Dec 14th 2015

It is the first time Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration has elected to shut down any noncharter public schools.

My guess is these students cannot benefit from more attention from their schools.
Their attention is fully occupied by their day to day existence outside of school.

If they can't sleep and eat out of school they will do it in class.

2

N.Y. / Region

New York Regents Vote to Exclude State Tests in Teacher Evaluations

By KATE TAYLOR | Dec 14th 2015

The board, which was acting on a report from a task force created by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, also heard recommendations for addressing problems at a Rockland County school system.

The exams do not measure the current teacher.

The problems in East Ramapo will continue.


3

U.S.

Justices Favor Lesbian Adoptive Mother in Visitation Case

By ADAM LIPTAK | Dec 14th 2015

The Supreme Court has acted in a lesbian couple’s adoption dispute, siding with an adoptive mother after the Alabama Supreme Court refused to recognize her adoptions of three children.

The case does not look good for Alabama and the biological mother.

4

Health

Changes Coming for Health Care in China and Cuba

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. | Dec 14th 2015

The two countries are models of effective public health policies, but some planned changes may not be for the better.

Early death is a cheap management plan for chronic diseases.

The story needs footnotes.  As it stands the numbers are meaningless.

5

World

Optimism for Climate Deal Amid Divisions Between Rich and Poor Nations

By CORAL DAVENPORT | Dec 11th 2015

Important provisions are still being hashed out near Paris as diplomats try to arrive at a pact by Sunday that all 195 nations will support.

http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/climate%20agreement

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/13/world/europe/climate-change-accord-paris.html

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/12/12/science/What-Does-the-Climate-Deal-Mean.html

The problems are not solved.

6

Sports

Norwegian, 21, Tops Hirscher in World Cup Slalom Opener

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 13th 2015

Marcel Hirscher, seeking his fifth straight overall World Cup title, was beaten by Henrik Kristoffersen, who easily protected his first-run lead in Val d’Isère, France.

http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/after-warmest-autumn-on-record-december-mildness-sweeps-across-us
Nearly snow free.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/101515-noaa-strong-el-nino-sets-the-stage-for-2015-2016-winter-weather.html

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/home/regionaldroughtmonitor.aspx?west

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/RegionalDroughtMonitor.aspx?south

http://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/midatlantic.php

7

Sports

Orlando Magic Trounce the Nets

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 14th 2015

Jarrett Jack scored 15 points for the Nets, who have dropped two in a row at home after winning six of their previous seven.

http://nytimes.stats.com/nba/scoreboard.asp

7:30 PM ET	CSNE/FSOH/NBAt
Cleveland (15 - 7)
Boston (14 - 10)

Preview

8

Opinion

A Potential Win-Win for the West Side

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Dec 14th 2015

A deal in the works could help create affordable housing in New York City and also help save the Hudson River Park.

The Port of New York died sixty years ago.
This development will not aid the city's health.

Parks are tax supported because they benefit the whole.

9 

Sports

Fantasy Football Week 14: Rankings and Matchup Analysis

By JASON SABLICH and JUSTIN SABLICH | Dec 11th 2015

Fantasy football analysis for N.F.L. Week 14 games, including Monday’s matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Giants.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

1:00 PM ET	CBS
Tennessee
New England

10

Sports

Islanders Top Devils to Move Into Second

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 13th 2015

With their a 4-0 victory over the visiting Devils on Sunday, the Islanders extended their winning streak to 10 games without a regulation loss.

http://nytimes.stats.com/nhl/scoreboard.asp?day=20151216

8:00 PM ET	NBCS
Pittsburgh
Boston

11

Sports

Finally Winning on Road, Redskins Remain in First

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 13th 2015

Chicago’s Robbie Gould missed a late 50-yard field-goal attempt, helping Washington break a nine-game road losing streak dating to last season.

American Football Conference
East Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
xy-New England Patriots	11	2	0	.846	0.0	402	253	6-1-0	5-1-0	8-1-0	4-0-0	1 W
New York Jets	8	5	0	.615	3.0	325	256	5-2-0	3-3-0	6-4-0	2-2-0	3 W
Buffalo Bills	6	7	0	.462	5.0	316	301	3-3-0	3-4-0	6-5-0	3-2-0	1 L
Miami Dolphins	5	8	0	.385	6.0	264	331	2-4-0	3-4-0	3-6-0	0-5-0	1 L
West Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
Denver Broncos	10	3	0	.769	0.0	281	225	4-2-0	6-1-0	6-3-0	3-2-0	1 L
Kansas City Chiefs	8	5	0	.615	2.0	331	243	4-2-0	4-3-0	7-2-0	4-1-0	7 W
Oakland Raiders	6	7	0	.462	4.0	299	326	2-4-0	4-3-0	6-4-0	2-2-0	1 W
San Diego Chargers	3	10	0	.231	7.0	250	334	2-5-0	1-5-0	2-7-0	0-4-0	2 L
North Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
Cincinnati Bengals	10	3	0	.769	0.0	354	229	5-2-0	5-1-0	8-2-0	4-1-0	1 L
Pittsburgh Steelers	8	5	0	.615	2.0	344	260	5-2-0	3-3-0	5-4-0	2-2-0	2 W
Baltimore Ravens	4	9	0	.308	6.0	278	326	2-4-0	2-5-0	3-6-0	2-2-0	2 L
Cleveland Browns	3	10	0	.231	7.0	240	357	2-5-0	1-5-0	2-8-0	1-4-0	1 W
South Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
Indianapolis Colts	6	7	0	.462	0.0	275	356	3-3-0	3-4-0	4-5-0	3-1-0	2 L
Houston Texans	6	7	0	.462	0.0	259	291	4-3-0	2-4-0	4-5-0	2-1-0	2 L
Jacksonville Jaguars	5	8	0	.385	1.0	326	357	4-3-0	1-5-0	5-6-0	2-3-0	1 W
Tennessee Titans	3	10	0	.231	3.0	253	326	1-6-0	2-4-0	1-8-0	1-3-0	1 L
National Football Conference
East Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
Washington Redskins	6	7	0	.462	0.0	281	307	5-2-0	1-5-0	6-4-0	2-2-0	1 W
Philadelphia Eagles	6	7	0	.462	0.0	301	322	3-3-0	3-4-0	3-6-0	2-2-0	2 W
New York Giants	6	7	0	.462	0.0	338	320	3-3-0	3-4-0	4-5-0	2-3-0	1 W
Dallas Cowboys	4	9	0	.308	2.0	230	305	1-5-0	3-4-0	3-8-0	3-2-0	1 L
West Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
x-Arizona Cardinals	11	2	0	.846	0.0	405	252	5-1-0	6-1-0	8-1-0	4-1-0	7 W
Seattle Seahawks	8	5	0	.615	3.0	340	235	4-2-0	4-3-0	6-4-0	2-2-0	4 W
St. Louis Rams	5	8	0	.385	6.0	210	271	4-3-0	1-5-0	4-5-0	3-1-0	1 W
San Francisco 49ers	4	9	0	.308	7.0	188	315	3-3-0	1-6-0	3-7-0	0-5-0	1 L
North Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
Green Bay Packers	9	4	0	.692	0.0	317	245	5-2-0	4-2-0	7-3-0	3-2-0	2 W
Minnesota Vikings	8	5	0	.615	1.0	258	255	4-2-0	4-3-0	5-4-0	3-1-0	2 L
Chicago Bears	5	8	0	.385	4.0	272	314	1-6-0	4-2-0	2-7-0	1-3-0	2 L
Detroit Lions	4	9	0	.308	5.0	267	336	3-4-0	1-5-0	3-6-0	2-3-0	2 L
South Division
	W	L	T	Pct	GB	PF	PA	Home	Road	vs. Conf	vs. Div	Streak
xy-Carolina Panthers	13	0	0	1.000	0.0	411	243	7-0-0	6-0-0	9-0-0	4-0-0	13 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	6	7	0	.462	7.0	288	322	3-4-0	3-3-0	5-4-0	3-2-0	1 L
Atlanta Falcons	6	7	0	.462	7.0	279	295	3-3-0	3-4-0	4-6-0	0-4-0	6 L
New Orleans Saints	5	8	0	.385	8.0	323	397	3-3-0	2-5-0	4-6-0	2-3-0	1 W

X - Clinched Playoff Spot,  Y - Clinched Division,  Z - Clinched Home Field Advantage

Last updated Dec. 15, 9:07 A.M. ET

12

U.S.

Woman Who Shot at Home Depot Shoplifters Vows to Never Help Anyone Again

By CHRISTINE HAUSER | Dec 11th 2015

Tatiana Duva-Rodriguez of Michigan, who had been a passerby when she noticed the commotion, lost her gun-carrying permit and got 18 months’ probation.

She was handled gently.
Vigilantism is criminal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigilante

13

World

Gu Kailai, Wife of Fallen Chinese Official, Is Given Life Sentence

By MICHAEL FORSYTHE | Dec 15th 2015

Ms. Gu’s suspended death sentence, for murdering a British business associate, was commuted to life in prison by a Beijing court.

An end.

14

U.S.

First Trial in Freddie Gray Case Goes to the Jury

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG and JESS BIDGOOD | Dec 14th 2015

In the closing arguments in the trial of Officer William G. Porter, the prosecutor held up a bloody seatbelt, and a defense lawyer urged jurors to put facts before emotion.

The jury will decide.

15

Sports

Knicks End Skid, Rallying Past Trail Blazers

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 13th 2015

The Knicks, who had lost four straight, trailed by 10 in the fourth quarter but prevailed as Carmelo Anthony finished with 37 points, tying a season high.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/sched/conn-w-baskbl-sched.html

Date	Opponent / Event	Location	Time / Result
Mon., Nov. 2	vs. Lubbock Christian #	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	W, 95-39
Sun., Nov. 8	vs. Vanguard #	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	W, 98-18
Mon., Nov. 16	at Ohio State	Columbus, Ohio	W, 100-56
Mon., Nov. 23	vs. Kansas State	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	W, 97-57
Sat., Nov. 28	vs. Nebraska	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	W, 88-46
Mon., Nov. 30	at Chattanooga	Chattanooga, Tenn.	W, 79-31
Wed., Dec. 2	at DePaul	Chicago, Ill.	W, 86-70
Jimmy V Classic
Sat., Dec. 5	vs. Notre Dame	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	W, 91-81
Wed., Dec. 9	at Colgate	Hamilton, N.Y.	W, 94-50
Hall of Fame Classic
Fri., Dec. 11	vs. Florida State	Uncasville, Conn.	W, 73-49
Mon., Dec. 21	vs. LSU	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
Maggie Dixon Classic
Mon., Dec. 28	vs. Maryland	New York, N.Y. (Madison Square Garden)	8:30 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 30	at Cincinnati *	Cincinnati, Ohio	7:00 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 6	vs. Tulsa *	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 8	at Houston *	Houston, Texas	9:00 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 10	at USF *	Tampa, Fla.	5:00 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 13	at Memphis *	Memphis, Tenn.	6:00 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 16	vs. Temple *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	6:00 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 20	vs. UCF *	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 23	at SMU *	Dallas, Texas	3:00 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 27	at Tulsa *	Tulsa, Okla.	8:00 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 30	vs. Memphis *	XL Center, Hartford, Conn.	12:00 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 3	at Tulane *	New Orleans, La.	8:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 6	vs. East Carolina *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	1:00 p.m.
Mon., Feb. 8	at South Carolina	Columbia, S.C.	7:00 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 14	at Temple *	Philadelphia, Pa.	12:00 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 17	vs. Cincinnati *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 20	at East Carolina *	Greenville, N.C.	8:00 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 24	vs. SMU *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 27	vs. Tulane *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	1:00 p.m.
Mon., Feb. 29	vs. USF *	Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Conn.	7:00 p.m.
American Athletic Conference Championship
Fri., Mar. 4	TBA (March 4-7)

16

Sports

Texas Shot Beats Buzzer, and Tar Heels

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Dec 12th 2015

A second-chance jumper by Javan Felix gave the Longhorns’ new coach, Shaka Smart, a victory over the No. 3 Tar Heels.

Mon., Dec. 21

vs. LSU

XL Center, Hartford, Conn.

7:00 p.m.

17

N.Y. / Region

Woman Found Dead in Brooklyn Was Murdered, Police Say

By ASHLEY SOUTHALL | Dec 14th 2015

An 82-year-old woman who was found in her apartment in a Brownsville public housing complex last month had been stabbed in the back of the neck, the police said.

The medical examiner looked at the body.

18

N.Y. / Region

Review: Saltaire Oyster Bar in Port Chester Offers the Unexpected

By M.H. REED | Dec 11th 2015

Bobby Will, the restaurant’s creative executive chef, has pulled together unexpected yet harmonious flavors to the meals at the Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House.

Another lunch stop.

19

Real Estate

When a Tree Encroaches

By RONDA KAYSEN | Dec 12th 2015

Topics include responsibility for overgrown foliage; getting off the tenant blacklist; and rights of access to financial records of co-op members.

Trees can be a problem.
I like them near but they must not rub on the structure.

20

U.S.

Chicago Teachers Union Approves Call to Strike as Pension Talks Stall

By JULIE BOSMAN | Dec 14th 2015

This could mean the union’s second walkout in three years after negotiations over teacher contracts have stalled over disagreements over pension, salaries and standardized testing.

The teachers are doing more than they should to educate the children.
They need to be paid and they need their pensions.
They are habitually underpaid.
They have been promised generous benefits.
"Jam every other day . . . jam yesterday and jam tomorrow.
Never jam today."  
                     C.L. Dodgson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Carroll



|