@12:40, 7/9/14

|

1

N.Y. / Region

For Those in the Digital Dark, Enlightenment Is Borrowed From the Library

By JIM DWYER | Jul 8th 2014

For most of New York City, two companies, Time Warner and Verizon, provide broadband access at an annual cost of close to $1,000 per home. But for many houses, that means no access at all.

Computers and the Internet; Libraries and Librarians 

Internet service is very cheap for the carrier.  What we are paying is rent. 

Rent rises to "what the traffic will bear".

It does not matter if it is a cable company or the prone company.

Aluminum, copper or glass does not change the rent.

The node on the power line is a finite resource.  

The available bandwidth is small.

We can buy fiber service or play with routers.  The rent will be the same.

 

2

U.S.

Many Sharp Turns in Bergdahl’s Path to Army

By KIRK JOHNSON and MATT FURBER | Jul 1st 2014

People who knew Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in Idaho paint a fairly consistent portrait: hard-working and socially awkward, full of restless energy and romantic plans.

Afghanistan War (2001- ); Desertion (Military); United States Defense and Military Forces; Prisoners of War 

He did not tell us.  He will.  There was preparation.

We are not told his language skills.

 

3

Business Day

News From the Advertising Industry

By STUART ELLIOTT | Jul 6th 2014

Account assignments, miscellaneous news from advertising agencies and more.

Advertising and Marketing; Online Advertising; Ratings (Audience Measurement); Social Media; Homosexuality and Bisexuality 

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

Season 7 (2014–15)

Main article: Mad Men (season 7)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
Part I: The Beginning
79	1	"Time Zones"	Scott Hornbacher	Matthew Weiner	April 13, 2014	2.27[72]
80	2	"A Day's Work"	Michael Uppendahl	Jonathan Igla and Matthew Weiner	April 20, 2014	1.89[73]
81	3	"Field Trip"	Christopher Manley	Heather Jeng Bladt and Matthew Weiner	April 27, 2014	2.02[75]
82	4	"The Monolith"	Scott Hornbacher	Erin Levy	May 4, 2014	2.14[76]
83	5	"The Runaways"	Christopher Manley	David Iserson and Matthew Weiner	May 11, 2014	1.86[77]
84	6	"The Strategy"	Phil Abraham	Semi Chellas	May 18, 2014	1.93[79]
85	7	"Waterloo"	Matthew Weiner	Carly Wray and Matthew Weiner	May 25, 2014	1.94[80]
Part II: The End of an Era
86	8				2015[81]
87	9				2015[81]
88	10				2015[81]
89	11		Jared Harris[82]		2015[81]
90	12				2015[81]
91	13		Matthew Weiner[83]		2015[81]
92	14		Matthew Weiner[83]	Matthew Weiner[83]	2015[81]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_Men_%28season_7%29

Repeat the post if you want the text.

 

4

Opinion

Help for Troubled Youths

Jul 6th 2014

John A. Tuell of the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice responds to a column by Nicholas Kristof.

Juvenile Delinquency; Transgender and Transsexuals; Youth 

Good intentions and studies are not enough.

I would be happy to consider a "grandparent" foster home.

A clean safe accepting place with few "rules" and what help in "maturity" we can offer. 

My intended studio would not be a safe place for self destructive children.

Building a core group will be a slow process.

5

U.S.

Mistrust in North Carolina Over Plan to Reduce Precincts

By RICHARD FAUSSET | Jul 7th 2014

A plan to save money and streamline operations has been seen as racially motivated by some in the community.

Voting Rights Act (1965); Redistricting and Reapportionment; Race and Ethnicity; State Legislatures; Law and Legislation; Voting and Voters; Blacks; Polls and Public Opinion; Voter Registration and Requirements; Civil Rights and Liberties; Elections 

"Democracy imposed from above is tyranny"

The district map should come from all the population.

Representative legislatures are a compromise without comfort.

Congress was assigned the problem of fixing the voting rights act when it cannot fix itself.

6

U.S.

Tea Party Favorites Find That Losing Only Widens Their Reach

By JENNIFER STEINHAUER | Jul 3rd 2014

Many of the Tea Party movement’s most resonant voices are Election Day losers who have headed to outside groups or radio programs in an effort to influence campaigns.

Tea Party Movement; Elections, Senate 

They may be loud but they did not get elected.

Loud does not vote in the legislature.

 

7

Automobiles

Honda Expands Takata Air Bag Inflator Recall

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN | Jul 8th 2014

Honda said it would expand by one million vehicles a two-million-vehicle recall for air bag inflators that could explode; VW recalled about 2,000 Golfs.

Automobiles; Recalls and Bans of Products 

A failure to meet specifications.

Japan has not had these problems recently.

They are called quality control.

 

8

World

Q. and A.: Julia Middleton and Ronald Arculli on Cultural Intelligence in a Global Era

By DIDI KIRSTEN TATLOW | Jul 7th 2014

Who will lead the world to a better future? Julia Middleton’s new book, “Cultural Intelligence,” proposes the idea that people who can truly bridge cultures, in a fundamental, not superficial, way, will be the best leaders.

Children and Childhood; Intelligence and Intelligence Tests (IQ); International Relations; Language and Languages; Parenting; Translation and Interpreters; Youth 

This is a discussion of politics in that it is a discussion of "how shall we live".

They are wrong because they do not understand that government exists to control commerce for the local good.  

Government is not commerce or manufacturing or agriculture.

All must thrive if the world is to thrive.

The exercise of faith does not help.

9

Science

Ancient Bird Had Some Feathers Just for Show

Jul 7th 2014

A new fossil of a well-known early bird could help shed light on the evolution of feathers, researchers say.

Birds; Paleontology; Dinosaurs 

Tandem biplane is one possibility.  Insect flight is another.

I would trust an aerodynamisist on the usefulness of feathers.

  

10

Opinion

Silicon Valley Sharknado

By MAUREEN DOWD | Jul 8th 2014

How close are Google & Co. to inventing computers that overtake the human brain?

Artificial Intelligence; Robots and Robotics 

Where would be the fun in that?

"I see pitchforks"

11

Technology

Mixed Predictions About Wearables Like Smartwatches and Google Glass

By BRIAN X. CHEN | Jul 3rd 2014

Several prominent research firms made predictions about where these devices were headed. Their projections were all over the map.

Watches and Clocks; Wearable Computing 

I have not found a use for such a thing.

I remember geek watches.

I owned a few.

 

12

World

Venezuela: Stolen Matisse Painting Returned

By WILLIAM NEUMAN | Jul 8th 2014

Venezuelan authorities on Monday welcomed home a painting by the artist Henri Matisse more than a decade after it had disappeared from a Caracas museum.

Robberies and Thefts; Art; Museums 

It is good to put these things back.

 

13

Opinion

Another Indictment in Albany

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 4th 2014

What happened to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s promise to clean up the capital?

State Legislatures; Ethics and Official Misconduct; Tax Evasion; Perjury; Editorials 

One Republican at a time.

 

14

U.S.

New T.S.A. Rules for Electronics on Flights Bound for U.S.

By RON NIXON and MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT | Jul 7th 2014

American officials are responding to intelligence reports that explosives could be disguised inside devices like cellphones.

Airport Security; Electronics; Bombs and Explosives; Terrorism; Airlines and Airplanes 

Security theater. 

 

15

Sports

New York Racing on Display at Belmont Park

By TOM PEDULLA | Jul 5th 2014

At the inaugural Stars and Stripes Day, Mr Speaker upset Adelaide in the Belmont Derby as the state took a step back into international racing.

Horse Racing; Santa Anita Derby; Breeders' Cup (Horse Races) 

Sooner is better.   As soon as you can is best.

 

16

Opinion

The Risks of Hospital Mergers

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 6th 2014

When two top names in health care formed an alliance in Massachusetts, it did not turn out well for consumers.

Hospitals; Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Health Insurance and Managed Care; Editorials 

Health care is not an insurable risk.

 

17

Science

Six Vials of Smallpox Discovered in Laboratory Near Washington

By HENRY FOUNTAIN | Jul 8th 2014

The sealed vials were discovered on July 1 in a Food and Drug Administration lab at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., and were later confirmed to be smallpox.

Smallpox; Laboratories and Scientific Equipment 

There are probably others. 

18

World

Recent Tanker Hijackings Add to Problems in the South China Sea

By KEITH BRADSHER | Jul 8th 2014

Investigators want to know if stolen fuel is being sold for profit or is being used to finance political activities, possibly even terrorism.

Piracy at Sea; Ships and Shipping; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Offshore Drilling and Exploration 

Money.

 

19

Sports

Sterling Spars With Wife’s Lawyer at Trial That Will Determine Clippers Sale

By BILLY WITZ | Jul 8th 2014

Donald Sterling, the Clippers’ owner, testified at a trial that will determine whether he was legally removed from a trust by his wife, who then sold the team.

Basketball 

His money his fight.

 

20

Automobiles

SEMA Garage Takes Aftermarket Parts From Concept to Reality

By ROY FURCHGOTT | Jul 2nd 2014

Using a 3-D scanner and a team of technicians, the SEMA Garage can even make a custom Z-shape trim piece for the ZZ Top guitarist’s hot rod.

Automobiles; 3-D Printers; New Models, Design and Products; Scanning Devices 

|

@19:00, 7/7/14

|

1

Business Day

Reno Rolls the Dice on High-Tech

By DIONNE SEARCEY | Jul 6th 2014

The Nevada city is looking to shed its casino-town image and become a hub of e-commerce ventures, an Apple data center and a drone testing ground.

Start-ups; Casinos; Relocation of Business; Corporate Taxes; Recession and Depression; Science and Technology

In the age of same day delivery and internet ordering
craft technology is better than joining Detroit as a zombie city.
There is no pile of junk as a place to start.

The manufacture of "one of a kind" was the only entry to work
my cohort in school could find.

2

Opinion

On Construction: Buy American

Jul 4th 2014

Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing responds to an Op-Ed article.

Infrastructure (Public Works); Factories and Manufacturing; Bridges and Tunnels; Government Contracts and Procurement; Building (Construction)

In the last four hundred years the Americans have learned that specifications are written for good reasons.
The Chinese do not currently believe it to be true.

This is the song "Give me that old time religion" as presented by Joseph Campbell.
I can't find that one.  Try:  "Old Time Religion (Filk) - Tony Provencher"
Filk is what happens to song when copyright is ignored.
There are many versions.

3

Automobiles

G.M. Resists Recalling Trucks Over Brake Line Problem

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN | Jul 7th 2014

Amid about 1,000 complaints and a years-long government investigation, G.M. has not recalled 1.8 million trucks with a brake line corrosion problem.

Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Brakes; Trucks and Trucking

G.M. has a case. Brake lines have been required to be steel.
Steel rusts with exposure and time.

4

World

Chinese Leader, Underlining Ties to South Korea, Cites Japan as Onetime Mutual Enemy

By CHOE SANG-HUN | Jul 4th 2014

President Xi Jinping reminded South Koreans on Friday that their two countries had fought “shoulder to shoulder” against Japan more than four centuries ago.

International Relations

China joins the diplomatic game.
It is far better that they do.
They will know when they commit to war.

5

Science

New Field Tests May Curb Kissing Bug Disease

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. | Jul 7th 2014

Rapid and accurate tests could speed up diagnosis of Chagas disease, which has few symptoms at first but can be fatal.

Tests (Medical); Chagas Disease; Parasites

Another tropical disease is threatened with extinction.
The story said nothing about an animal carrier.

6

U.S.

Taking Oil Industry Cue, Environmentalists Drew Emissions Blueprint

By CORAL DAVENPORT | Jul 6th 2014

To influence carbon policy, the Natural Resources Defense Council followed a strategy used by the oil industry during the Bush administration.

Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Air Pollution; Coal; Clean Air Act; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; Lobbying and Lobbyists

I am glad to know the N.R.D.C. did its job.

7

Opinion

Reining In the Drones

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 6th 2014

The grave problems raised by this lethal technology need to be addressed by the Obama administration, as a bipartisan panel has just made clear.

Drones (Pilotless Planes); Targeted Killings; United States Defense and Military Forces; Editorials; Terrorism

The act is assassination, a business of the C.I.A.
Enthusiastic Islam finds it useful to report assassinations when their partisans end up dead.
I would be interested to know what proportion of the reported deaths are not on the C.I.A. killed list.
   More deaths are easy.  Fewer is harder.

8

World

Tensions High in Jerusalem as Palestinian Teenager Is Given a Martyr’s Burial

By JODI RUDOREN | Jul 4th 2014

The funeral for Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, widely presumed to have been killed in an act of retaliation, was seen as a potential flash point.

Palestinians; Funerals and Memorials; Murders and Attempted Murders; Kidnapping

The war drums are getting much louder.
It is a good time to leave the area.

9

Opinion

A Company Liberals Could Love

By ROSS DOUTHAT | Jul 5th 2014

Hobby Lobby and religious organizations serve the common good. So why not encourage, rather than obstruct, them?

Christians and Christianity; Plan B (Contraceptive); Birth Control and Family Planning; Health Insurance and Managed Care; Liberalism (US Politics)

I do not wish to further empower corporations.
A corporation can hold no faith. It does not think or feel.
A corporation can have no soul in a culture that believes in such things.
It limits the liability of the owners to the financial investment.
Corporate law is silent on morality.
Humanity is said to have free will.
One cannot be moral for another.

10

Sports

Sterling Case Will Examine Role of a Doctor Who Evaluated Him

By BILLY WITZ | Jul 6th 2014

A neurologist involved in assessing Donald Sterling’s competency socialized with Sterling and his wife, Rochelle, hours later.

Basketball

There will be no change.

11

Business Day

A Deluge of New Summer Programs Has TV Marketers Scrambling

By STUART ELLIOTT | Jul 6th 2014

New broadcast and cable shows and new episodes of streaming video series have made the summer a busy time for advertisers on traditional and social media.

Advertising and Marketing; Television; Online Advertising; Cable Television

The doing is much better than the watching.

12

World

Academic Scandal Shakes Japan

By DAVID MCNEILL | THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION | Jul 6th 2014

Accusations of fabricating data and plagiarism by a researcher have prompted questions about the quality of science in a country that still punches below its international weight in cutting-edge research.

Falsification of Data; Plagiarism; Research

I do not know the politics of her situation.
I do know that politics were involved.
Sabotage is not unknown in science.
Faith is also known.
 

13

Arts

London Auctions Cap a Go-Go Season

By SCOTT REYBURN | Jul 6th 2014

Extremely wealthy collectors focus their investments on low-risk, big-name artists.

Art; Auctions

Fashion and demand.

I will have to produce work for publication to join the fray.
 

14

Opinion

Beliefs, Facts and Money

By PAUL KRUGMAN | Jul 6th 2014

How Republicans ignore the evidence and cling to that old-time economic religion.

Inflation (Economics); United States Economy; United States Politics and Government; Economics (Theory and Philosophy); Religion and Belief; Psychology and Psychologists

Krugman notes that faith trumps facts.
 

15

World

It’s Tasty and Political: Britain Presses U.S. on Haggis

By STEVEN ERLANGER | Jul 4th 2014

With a Scottish vote on independence two months away, Britain is lobbying America to allow imports of the delicacy made from sheep’s innards, which the United States banned for consumption in 1971.

Sheep; Meat; Referendums; United States International Relations

Scrapie was the problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrapie 

16

Opinion

Two Approaches to Tidal Politics

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 6th 2014

North Carolina is in foolhardy denial about the severity of rising seas, while Virginia’s leaders are forthrightly talking about the problem.

Global Warming; State Legislatures; United States Politics and Government; Editorials; Coastal Areas

The days of the Republican party are numbered.
What is will not solve the next problem.
 

17

U.S.

Creating a Safe Harbor for a Village Heritage

By PATRICIA LEIGH BROWN | Jul 6th 2014

Fishermen in Morro Bay, Calif., have joined forces with scientists and civic leaders to give small-scale fishermen a chance against big-time operators.

Fishing, Commercial; Ports; United States Economy; Fish Farming; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; Boats and Boating

Regulation is absolutely necessary.
Helping the local operators keep going seems a good thing.
The quota is too big if the big boys can keep going.
"Out of fish" kills all the fishermen.

18

Sports

Lawyers for N.C.A.A. Show Support for Northwestern

By STEVE EDER | Jul 4th 2014

19

Automobiles

Monday Motorsports: Hamilton Benefits From Rosberg’s Hard Luck

By JERRY GARRETT | Jul 7th 2014

20

World

Poised to Gain in Iraq Crisis, Kurds Face New Barriers to Autonomy

By TIM ARANGO and CLIFFORD KRAUSS | Jul 4th 2014

Always.

They did not talk to Gertrude Bell.

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

We lost power for twelve hours. I crewed my brother's boat to the far eastern corner of Connecticut in twelve hours.  Recovery was much slower.

@1:45, 7/7/14

|

1

World

Tensions High in Jerusalem as Palestinian Teenager Is Given a Martyr’s Burial

By JODI RUDOREN | Jul 4th 2014

The funeral for Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, widely presumed to have been killed in an act of retaliation, was seen as a potential flash point.

Palestinians; Funerals and Memorials; Murders and Attempted Murders; Kidnapping 

The war will continue.

 

2

U.S.

Students Joining Battle to Upend Laws on Voter ID

By MATT APUZZO | Jul 5th 2014

College students have joined a legal challenge in North Carolina, claiming that the state’s requirements discriminate based on age.

Voter Registration and Requirements; Discrimination; Colleges and Universities; Identification Devices; Voting and Voters 

Good.

 

3

World

How Climate Change Could Foil China's Smog-Fighting Efforts

By DIDI KIRSTEN TATLOW | Jul 3rd 2014

China is spending a lot of money to address its air pollution problem, but some scientists say that may not produce the results the government expects.

Air Pollution; Chemistry; Fuel Efficiency; Global Warming; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hazardous and Toxic Substances; Science and Technology 

Britain stands as an example of what direct action against coal does.

China must end the use of coal as quickly as possible.

This is a practical first step.

The problems that remain must be worked on in any case.

Over thinking is not required.

4

World

As Deadline Nears for an Iran Nuclear Pact, the Fingers Are Pointing

By DAVID E. SANGER | Jul 2nd 2014

With less than three weeks until a deadline for an agreement on Iran’s nuclear future, public sparring rests on the larger narrative of whether Iran should settle its estrangement from the West.

Nuclear Weapons; Embargoes and Sanctions; International Relations; United States International Relations 

Negotiations continue.

They are talking price.

 

5

Opinion

At a YMCA Near You, a Course for a Diabetic Nation

By TINA ROSENBERG | Jul 3rd 2014

Eighty percent of Americans live within five miles of a YMCA. How can that help slow the nation’s diabetes epidemic?

Diabetes; Diet and Nutrition; Preventive Medicine; Weight 

Every one has a guess at the cause of type2 diabetes.  The science is in.  Treatment of the cause is developing.

Very few want to point at fructose.

That would point at sucrose, table sugar, loved by all.

I have been wondering how the eighteenth century rich got fat.

6

Business Day

Italy Accuses Germany of Undermining Its Economic Efforts

By JAMES KANTER | Jul 4th 2014

The Italian prime minister responded to criticism by the head of the Bundesbank that Italy needed to push harder for economic reforms.

European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ) 

Italy makes an effective point.

 

7

Business Day

Virus Plagues the Pork Industry, and Environmentalists

By STEPHANIE STROM | Jul 4th 2014

A disease is killing huge numbers of piglets and young hogs, and environmental groups worry about the buried carcasses’ effects on groundwater.

Agriculture and Farming; Livestock Diseases; Pork; Pigs; Water Pollution 

Monoculture is dangerous.  The danger to water is minor.

 

8

Opinion

On Construction: Buy American

Jul 4th 2014

Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing responds to an Op-Ed article.

Infrastructure (Public Works); Factories and Manufacturing; Bridges and Tunnels; Government Contracts and Procurement; Building (Construction) 

Wrong.

9

Opinion

The Real Internal Revenue Scandal

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 5th 2014

Budget cuts have led to sharply reduced staff, less enforcement of the tax laws and poor taxpayer service.

Federal Budget (US); Tax Evasion; Federal Taxes (US) 

Yes!

 

10

U.S.

Fearing Lawsuits, Sheriffs Balk at U.S. Request to Hold Noncitizens for Extra Time

By JENNIFER MEDINA | Jul 5th 2014

The phenomenon started after a judge ruled that a sheriff had violated one immigrant’s civil rights by holding her solely at the request of federal agents.

Immigration and Emigration; Illegal Immigration 

Doubly wrong.

It misses on all points.

 

11

Opinion

Rethinking the Wild

By CHRISTOPHER SOLOMON | Jul 5th 2014

When America’s woods and wild places need a helping hand.

Wilderness Areas; Trees and Shrubs; Land Use Policies; Global Warming; Environment 

Christopher Solomon is correct.

Extreme care and caution are a prerequisite when considering an intervention.

We must not seek commercial profit.

Much of "wilderness" is wilderness park where "the hand of man" has been reduced but not entirely removed.

The Native Americans manipulated their environment.

Wilderness is an Enlightenment invention.

 

12

Sports

Lawyers for N.C.A.A. Show Support for Northwestern

By STEVE EDER | Jul 4th 2014

13

U.S.

Tea Party Favorites Find That Losing Only Widens Their Reach

By JENNIFER STEINHAUER | Jul 3rd 2014

Spin.

14

Real Estate

Dealing With Barking Dogs

By RONDA KAYSEN | Jul 5th 2014

This week’s questions address noisy dogs in a co-op; a wish for a dishwasher in a rent-stabilized apartment; and an error involving common charges.

Dogs; Real Estate and Housing (Residential); Dishwashers and Dishwashing; Rent Control and Stabilization; Noise 

Dealing with a barking dog is an expected part of dealing with a dog.  

I expect to pack with the dogs.  

My pack rank is my problem.

I probably will need your help.

15

Automobiles

Subaru Recalls 660,000 Vehicles for Brake Line Corrosion

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN | Jul 3rd 2014

Separately, the federal highway safety agency opened an investigation into 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups with potentially faulty rear differentials.

Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Recalls and Bans of Products

Take the Subaru in for an inspection.  It won't cost out of pocket.

I do not expect perfection anywhere. 

"Best efforts" are all that can be asked.

16

Business Day

When Taxes and Profits Are Oceans Apart

By GRETCHEN MORGENSON | Jul 5th 2014

Many American companies won’t divulge the tax bills they would face by bringing home their overseas earnings. It’s a figure that investors could benefit from knowing.

Corporate Taxes; Company Reports; Corporations; International Trade and World Market 

Gretchen Morgenson has a world view that is in error.

Taxes are a consequence of nationalism.

People are nationalists and pay taxes. Corporations are only people for the right to contract.

 

17

N.Y. / Region

New York City Agrees to New Contract With Chief Municipal Union

By NIKITA STEWART | Jul 2nd 2014

Mayor Bill de Blasio and District Council 37, the largest municipal union in the city, said the deal would raise wages by 10 percent and reduce health care costs.

Labor and Jobs; Wages and Salaries; Government Employees; Organized Labor 

A duty of the position.

I am glad it is done.

 

18

Opinion

Reducing Wireless Competition in Europe

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Jul 3rd 2014

The merger of two cellphone companies in Germany will result in less choice for consumers and higher prices over all.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Cellular Telephones; Wireless Communications 

I have noticed the monopolistic nature of cell phones.

The prices will rise.

19

U.S.

Obama Weighs Steps to Cover Contraception

By ROBERT PEAR and ADAM LIPTAK | Jul 4th 2014

The Obama administration, reeling from decisions by the Supreme Court, is weighing options to provide contraceptive coverage to women who are about to lose it or never had it because of their employers’ religious objections.

Health Insurance and Managed Care; Birth Control and Family Planning; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); Religion-State Relations; Corporations 

Only he will do it.

 

20

U.S.

Video: California’s Extreme Drought, Explained

Carrie Halperin and Sean Patrick Farrell | Jul 5th 2014

The state is experiencing the worst drought in its history. Find out just how bad the situation is getting and what it means for you.

Drought; Water; Agriculture and Farming; Conservation of Resources; Food; Fruit; Food Prices 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/05/us/californians-keep-up-with-joneses-water-use.html

Yes.  The drought is as natural as the climate.

People don't believe in climate either.

God must hate them personally.

Faith is by nature inexplicable.

@12:05, 7/5/14

|

1

Business Day

Downloads in Decline as Streamed Music Soars

By BEN SISARIO | Jul 3rd 2014

2

Health

The Price of Prevention: Vaccine Costs Are Soaring

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL | Jul 2nd 2014

Vaccination prices have risen significantly over the past 30 years, creating dilemmas for physicians and parents and straining public health budgets.

The Pharmaceutical companies behavior is scandalous.
It is the best reason I know for socialism.

3

World

Andy Coulson Gets 18 Months in Tabloid Phone Hacking

By ALAN COWELL and KATRIN BENNHOLD | Jul 4th 2014

Mr. Coulson, 46, a former editor in Rupert Murdoch’s news empire, was found guilty last week of one count relating to the hacking scandal.

Sentences (Criminal); Wiretapping and Other Eavesdropping Devices and Methods

It is the lightest possible escape for News Corp.
He must have acted with the permission and active encouragement of top management.

4

Opinion

Protecting Parrotfish on the Path to a Caribbean Reef Revival

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Jul 4th 2014

Marine scientists see parrotfish protection as a vital step toward restoration of Caribbean reefs after decades of devastation.

Coral; Fish and Other Marine Life; Global Warming; Invasive Species; Reefs

This makes sense to me.
Graze the weeds.
 

5

Sports By BEN SISARIO | Jul 3rd 2014

Lawyers for N.C.A.A. Show Support for Northwestern

By STEVE EDER | Jul 4th 2014

Lawyers for the N.C.A.A. filed a brief with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday supporting Northwestern University, which has been trying to fend off a movement by members of its football program to form a union.

College Athletics; Football (College)

This is badly timed.
The N.C.A.A. and Northwestern are wrong.

6

Opinion

There Goes the Neighborhood Cafe

By DANNY MEYER | Jul 2nd 2014

Rising rents are killing off Manhattan’s local restaurants.

Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); Landlords; Restaurants; Rent Control and Stabilization; Gentrification; Real Estate (Commercial)

Jane Jacobs (The Life and Death of Great American Cities) points out that a city grows and dies in rings.  There is no sign that there is currently a dying ring in the New York area. The Dying rings are where regeneration occurs.  The regeneration has happened and its name is housing.  The small manufacturing businesses and their support services are in the Orient.  When they are needed here we will have to grow them again.  I would like easy access to the support businesses.  That looks to be the internet these years.
I would like to be among under employed technical people.  That seems to be New England still.
Food out is always a project.  Less now than it was.

7

Opinion

My American Family

By JOE NOCERA | Jul 4th 2014

A previous generation of immigrants now supports today’s immigrants.

Immigration and Emigration; Italian-Americans; Hispanic-Americans; Politics and Government

Joe Nocera should use his eclectic education more in his compositions.

8

World

Refugee Camp for Syrians in Jordan Evolves as a Do-It-Yourself City

By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN | Jul 4th 2014

As the sprawling Zaatari camp evolves into an informal city — with an economy and even gentrification — aid workers say camps can be potential urban incubators that benefit host countries like Jordan.

Refugees and Displaced Persons; Humanitarian Aid; International Relations; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- )

An enforced temporary nature is a tent camp.
It can only be maintained if the occupants are convinced it is very temporary.
Here the refugees know they are there for years.  Comfort and health at minimum cost are their objectives. 
I see no difference between a refugee camp and a slum known as a favella in Portuguese.

9

U.S.

Deadlock in Congress Appears to Worsen as Midterms Loom

By CARL HULSE | Jul 1st 2014

With immigration legislation dead for the year, Congress has a very short must-do list as relations between the two parties, already miserable, seem to be getting worse.

United States Politics and Government; Elections, House of Representatives; Midterm Elections (2014); Elections, Senate

The Republicans see obduracy as their rout to power.
I hope they will be frustrated.

10

World

Deeply Divided Israel Unites in Grief and Sees a Larger Purpose

By ISABEL KERSHNER | Jul 1st 2014

A day after the bodies of three kidnapped Israeli teenagers were found in the West Bank, thousands gathered to bury them side by side, wrapped in Israeli flags.

Palestinians; Israeli Settlements; Kidnapping; Funerals and Memorials; Murders and Attempted Murders; Teenagers and Adolescence; Grief (Emotion); Jews and Judaism; Demonstrations, Protests and Riots

When Syria collapses the shooting war with Israel will continue.
If things break as expected Turkey will open another front.

This is going to be messy for years to come.

11

World

Kurdish Officials Seek More Autonomy in Any Deal With a New Government

By MICHAEL R. GORDON and ALISSA J. RUBIN | Jul 3rd 2014

Leaders in Kurdistan have said they will not participate in a unified government unless Baghdad grants the region expanded self-rule and accepts the occupation of Kirkuk.

Kurds; Sunni Muslims; Shiite Muslims; International Relations

Yes, messy.

12

Opinion

On Construction: Buy American

Jul 4th 2014

Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing responds to an Op-Ed article.

Infrastructure (Public Works); Factories and Manufacturing; Bridges and Tunnels; Government Contracts and Procurement; Building (Construction)

There is no reason a Chinese company cannot do the work if they will meet the specifications.  It is an old fight.
Contractors have thought profit lies in cheating forever.
There is no way to make it good.  We can only make it right in the first place.
The B.Q.E. stands as an example.

13

Opinion

The War on Workers

By CYNTHIA ESTLUND and WILLIAM E. FORBATH | Jul 2nd 2014

Why the Supreme Court decision on Harris v. Quinn was a bigger loss for labor than people think.

Collective Bargaining; Organized Labor; First Amendment (US Constitution); Wages and Salaries; Labor and Jobs; Government Employees

Yes, or rather wages.

14

U.S.

Many Sharp Turns in Bergdahl’s Path to Army

By KIRK JOHNSON and MATT FURBER | Jul 1st 2014 

There is nothing known as yet.

15

World

Honduras: Search for Miners Continues

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Jul 4th 2014

Eight miners remained missing after three others were rescued Friday after more than two days trapped underground in a small wildcat gold mine that collapsed in southern Honduras.

Mines and Mining; Accidents and Safety; Rescues

Capitalization could make it safer.
It would reduce returns to the miners.

16

Business Day

Virus Plagues the Pork Industry, and Environmentalists

By STEPHANIE STROM | Jul 4th 2014

A disease is killing huge numbers of piglets and young hogs, and environmental groups worry about the effects on groundwater of the buried carcasses.

Agriculture and Farming; Livestock Diseases; Pork; Pigs; Water Pollution

Legislators tend to take the cheapest fix.
The pictures are not the problem.
Mobile crematoria would solve the water problem.

17

U.S.

Aims of Donor Are Shadowed by Past in Coal

By MICHAEL BARBARO and CORAL DAVENPORT | Jul 4th 2014

Though the environmentalist Tom Steyer has vowed to sell his investments in companies that generate fossil fuels, the projects his hedge fund bankrolled may emit carbon for decades to come.

Coal; Mines and Mining; Global Warming; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures

I understand the position.
I would take his money.

18

World

Pakistan Approves Sweeping Antiterror Bill, Prompting Warnings From Rights Groups

By SALMAN MASOOD and SABA IMTIAZ | Jul 2nd 2014

The act allows security forces to shoot suspects on sight, arrest suspects without warrant and withhold information about where detainees are being held or what they are being charged with.

Search and Seizure; Human Rights and Human Rights Violations; Civil Rights and Liberties; Terrorism

This is not an effective move.
It will be seen as what it is, religious war.

19

Opinion

Bangladesh’s Rotten-Mango Crisis

By TAHMIMA ANAM | Jul 2nd 2014

A dispute over contaminated mangoes reveals a growing chasm between the city and the country.

Mangoes; Food Contamination and Poisoning; Hazardous and Toxic Substances; Agriculture and Farming

The city and garden inherent conflict needs work.
Bicycle transport could be part of a solution.
Cities should be dense to minimize communication difficulties.
Gardens require space that could be profitable city.

20

Business Day

Italian Leader Presses His Case for Budget Relief in Europe

By JAMES KANTER | Jul 2nd 2014

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi means to use Italy’s six-month tenure in the European Union presidency to promote policies that focus on growth.

European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- )

and Childhood

3

World

Andy Coulson Gets 18 Months in Tabloid Phone Hacking

By ALAN COWELL and KATRIN BENNHOLD | Jul 4th 2014

Mr. Coulson, 46, a former editor in Rupert Murdoch’s news empire, was found guilty last week of one count relating to the hacking scandal.

Sentences (Criminal); Wiretapping and Other Eavesdropping Devices and Methods

4

Opinion

Protecting Parrotfish on the Path to a Caribbean Reef Revival

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Jul 4th 2014

Marine scientists see parrotfish protection as a vital step toward restoration of Caribbean reefs after decades of devastation.

Coral; Fish and Other Marine Life; Global Warming; Invasive Species; Reefs

5

Sports

Lawyers for N.C.A.A. Show Support for Northwestern

By STEVE EDER | Jul 4th 2014

Lawyers for the N.C.A.A. filed a brief with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday supporting Northwestern University, which has been trying to fend off a movement by members of its football program to form a union.

College Athletics; Football (College)

6

Opinion

There Goes the Neighborhood Cafe

By DANNY MEYER | Jul 2nd 2014

Rising rents are killing off Manhattan’s local restaurants.

Renting and Leasing (Real Estate); Landlords; Restaurants; Rent Control and Stabilization; Gentrification; Real Estate (Commercial)

7

Opinion

My American Family

By JOE NOCERA | Jul 4th 2014

A previous generation of immigrants now supports today’s immigrants.

Immigration and Emigration; Italian-Americans; Hispanic-Americans; Politics and Government

8

World

Refugee Camp for Syrians in Jordan Evolves as a Do-It-Yourself City

By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN | Jul 4th 2014

As the sprawling Zaatari camp evolves into an informal city — with an economy and even gentrification — aid workers say camps can be potential urban incubators that benefit host countries like Jordan.

Refugees and Displaced Persons; Humanitarian Aid; International Relations; Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- )

9

U.S.

Deadlock in Congress Appears to Worsen as Midterms Loom

By CARL HULSE | Jul 1st 2014

With immigration legislation dead for the year, Congress has a very short must-do list as relations between the two parties, already miserable, seem to be getting worse.

United States Politics and Government; Elections, House of Representatives; Midterm Elections (2014); Elections, Senate

10

World

Deeply Divided Israel Unites in Grief and Sees a Larger Purpose

By ISABEL KERSHNER | Jul 1st 2014

A day after the bodies of three kidnapped Israeli teenagers were found in the West Bank, thousands gathered to bury them side by side, wrapped in Israeli flags.

Palestinians; Israeli Settlements; Kidnapping; Funerals and Memorials; Murders and Attempted Murders; Teenagers and Adolescence; Grief (Emotion); Jews and Judaism; Demonstrations, Protests and Riots

11

World

Kurdish Officials Seek More Autonomy in Any Deal With a New Government

By MICHAEL R. GORDON and ALISSA J. RUBIN | Jul 3rd 2014

Leaders in Kurdistan have said they will not participate in a unified government unless Baghdad grants the region expanded self-rule and accepts the occupation of Kirkuk.

Kurds; Sunni Muslims; Shiite Muslims; International Relations

12

Opinion

On Construction: Buy American

Jul 4th 2014

Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing responds to an Op-Ed article.

Infrastructure (Public Works); Factories and Manufacturing; Bridges and Tunnels; Government Contracts and Procurement; Building (Construction)

13

Opinion

The War on Workers

By CYNTHIA ESTLUND and WILLIAM E. FORBATH | Jul 2nd 2014

Why the Supreme Court decision on Harris v. Quinn was a bigger loss for labor than people think.

Collective Bargaining; Organized Labor; First Amendment (US Constitution); Wages and Salaries; Labor and Jobs; Government Employees

14

U.S.

Many Sharp Turns in Bergdahl’s Path to Army

By KIRK JOHNSON and MATT FURBER | Jul 1st 2014

People who knew Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in Idaho paint a fairly consistent portrait: hard-working and socially awkward, full of restless energy and romantic plans.

Afghanistan War (2001- ); Desertion (Military); United States Defense and Military Forces; Prisoners of War

15

World

Honduras: Search for Miners Continues

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Jul 4th 2014

Eight miners remained missing after three others were rescued Friday after more than two days trapped underground in a small wildcat gold mine that collapsed in southern Honduras.

Mines and Mining; Accidents and Safety; Rescues

16

Business Day

Virus Plagues the Pork Industry, and Environmentalists

By STEPHANIE STROM | Jul 4th 2014

A disease is killing huge numbers of piglets and young hogs, and environmental groups worry about the effects on groundwater of the buried carcasses.

Agriculture and Farming; Livestock Diseases; Pork; Pigs; Water Pollution

17

U.S.

Aims of Donor Are Shadowed by Past in Coal

By MICHAEL BARBARO and CORAL DAVENPORT | Jul 4th 2014

Though the environmentalist Tom Steyer has vowed to sell his investments in companies that generate fossil fuels, the projects his hedge fund bankrolled may emit carbon for decades to come.

Coal; Mines and Mining; Global Warming; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures

18

World

Pakistan Approves Sweeping Antiterror Bill, Prompting Warnings From Rights Groups

By SALMAN MASOOD and SABA IMTIAZ | Jul 2nd 2014

The act allows security forces to shoot suspects on sight, arrest suspects without warrant and withhold information about where detainees are being held or what they are being charged with.

Search and Seizure; Human Rights and Human Rights Violations; Civil Rights and Liberties; Terrorism

19

Opinion

Bangladesh’s Rotten-Mango Crisis

By TAHMIMA ANAM | Jul 2nd 2014

A dispute over contaminated mangoes reveals a growing chasm between the city and the country.

Mangoes; Food Contamination and Poisoning; Hazardous and Toxic Substances; Agriculture and Farming

20

Business Day

Italian Leader Presses His Case for Budget Relief in Europe

By JAMES KANTER | Jul 2nd 2014

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi means to use Italy’s six-month tenure in the European Union presidency to promote policies that focus on growth.

European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- )

"Jul 5 11:36 amJul 5 11:36 am 22

Swedish Sadomonetarist Setback

OK, this is fairly amazing. I’ve written often about sadomonetarism among central bankers — the evident urge to find some reason, any reason, to raise interest rates despite high unemployment and low inflation. The most influential hive of this kind of thinking is the Bank for International Settlements, which for some reason commands great respect even though it offers an ever-changing rationale — inflation! Any day now! Or maybe not! Financial stability! — for its never-changing advocacy of tight money. But the place where policy makers most dramatically gave in to this urge is Sweden, where the majority at the Riksbank decided to indulge its rate-hike vice while freezing out one of the world’s leading experts on deflation risks, my friend and former colleague Lars Svensson.

Well, guess what: Lars has been proved so dramatically right by events — raising rates didn’t curb rising debt, but it did push Sweden into deflation — that the Riksbank has done an abrupt U-turn, slashing rates (and overruling the governor and first deputy governor).

Actually, the drama of this U-turn may be a very good thing, since it might convince investors that this is a real regime change."

"How Prophets Get Lonely

At Bloomberg View, Leonid Bershinksy weeps over the cruel world that for some reason isn’t listening to Jaime Caruana of the BIS, who warns that we must raise interest rates now now now. Why is this prophet so lonely?

Well, it might have something to do with the fact that three years ago Caruana and the BIS warned that interest rates must rise to avert a surge of inflation. That didn’t happen — in fact, low inflation and the threat of deflation came instead.

Now, everyone gets things wrong sometimes. But when that happens, you’re supposed to think about why you were wrong, and reconsider your policy views. If the BIS did any soul-searching, nobody else noticed — and it’s still calling for higher rates, with a new justification (and where it used to warn about inflation, now it’s arguing that deflation isn’t so bad.) Why, exactly, should anyone take its views seriously at this point?

But being a hard-money guy seems to mean never having to reconsider. I missed my chance to mark the anniversary, but it’s now five years plus since the WSJ warned that wildly inflationary monetary and fiscal policies were bringing on the bond vigilantes. And to read their opinion pages, you’d think they were right all along."

The Euro Zone is getting more insane.