Friday, January 2, 2015

@9:10, 1/2/15

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U.S.

Video: On Tribal Lands, Oil and Trouble

 
Stealing from the tribes is an old tradition. 
We are learning it is expensive.

2
Opinion

Hens, Unbound

A new law is a significant step forward in animal welfare.
Agriculture and Farming; Chickens; Animal Abuse, Rights and Welfare; Referendums; Pigs 

Approved.
World

Kenyan Court Suspends Part of New Antiterrorism Law

The court blocked some of the law’s contentious restrictions on media organizations and provisions on refugees until further hearings could be held.
Civil Rights and Liberties; Law and Legislation; Courts and the Judiciary; Politics and Government; Terrorism 

The Kenyan courts can read their constitution.
The Upshot

Jeb Bush, and Two Myths About Shifting to the Right

A study suggests he doesn’t need to move to the right in the primary but won’t be punished in the general election if he does.
Presidential Election of 2016; Presidential Election of 2012 

There are no centrists in the G.O.P. power structure.
Business Day

Digital Tax Increase to Take Effect in Europe

 
The users always pay all the taxes.
Sellers pass the taxes on to their customers.
U.S.

Maryland: Diocese Says Bishop Was Hit-and-Run Driver

The first female bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland was the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist in Baltimore, a diocese spokeswoman said Monday.
Hit-and-Run Drivers; Bicycles and Bicycling; Episcopal Church; Deaths (Fatalities) 

OK.
There are no surprises here.
World

Bomber in Yemen Kills at Least 23 at a Ceremony

Religious war.

Yes.  
There are wrong assumptions about the nature of food markets.
This population are not any kind of slave.
Health

In a New Approach to Fighting Disease, Helpful Genetic Mutations Are Sought

After years of looking for genetic mutations that cause diseases, investigators are now searching for those that prevent them.
Genetics and Heredity; Alzheimer's Disease; Preventive Medicine; Research; Biotechnology and Bioengineering 

Genetic differences matter, even in families.
Technology

Uber Suspends Operations in Spain


Regulations are enforced.
Opinion

Stanford Women and Silicon Valley

Readers discuss an article examining the class of 1994 at Stanford.
Women and Girls; Computers and the Internet; Science and Technology; Careers and Professions 

There are sex linked differences in behavior.
I have no idea how they relate to Silicon Valley.
Software has been a "gold rush" situation.
World

New Year, Old Problems


Yes.
Business Day

Euro Falls Against Dollar as European Central Bank Hints of Stimulus

Mario Draghi, the bank’s president, told a German newspaper that the risk of deflation must be tackled.
Quantitative Easing; Euro (Currency) 

The Euro zone governments believe in "Austrian" economics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austrian_School
Krugman is a Keynsian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keynesian_economics
He has convinced me.
World

Turkey Strengthens Rights of Syrian Refugees

New ID cards will grant access to basic health care and education, while a separate proposal would allow conditional work permits.
Refugees and Displaced Persons; Labor and Jobs; Identification Devices 

For Turkey the alternative is mass killing.
Business Day

Allianz Is to Share in Payouts Over 3 Malaysia-Linked Air Disasters

The German insurance giant faces responsibility as the lead reinsurer for AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
AirAsia Flight 8501; Aviation Accidents, Safety and Disasters; Malaysia Airlines Flight 17; Malaysia Airlines Flight 370; Insurance 

It is why they were paid their premiums.

Even a "good" Bush is the wrong man.
Sports

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Retires From Test Cricket

Dhoni, 33, went out on a personal high, setting an all-time record for Indian wicketkeepers.
Cricket (Game) 

Connecticut women have no scheduled game.


American Athletic Conference
 ConferenceOverallvs
  W-L Pct Hm Rd W-L Pct Hm Rd Nt  Top 25
2 Connecticut 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 11-1 .917 4-0 3-1 4-0 3-1
Tulane 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 11-2 .846 6-1 4-0 1-1 0-0
South Florida 2-0 1.000 2-0 0-0 11-3 .786 6-1 2-1 3-1 0-2
Temple 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 6-8 .429 2-4 2-3 2-1 0-1
Tulsa 1-0 1.000 1-0 0-0 6-6 .500 3-4 2-2 1-0 0-0
UCF 1-0 1.000 0-0 1-0 5-7 .417 4-2 1-5 0-0 0-0
East Carolina 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 9-4 .692 4-1 3-2 2-1 0-2
Memphis 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 6-7 .462 5-3 1-4 0-0 0-0
Houston 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 5-8 .385 1-3 2-3 2-2 0-1
SMU 0-2 .000 0-0 0-2 4-9 .308 4-3 0-4 0-2 0-2
Cincinnati 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 3-10 .231 3-2 0-6 0-2 0-0

Obituaries

Looking Back: Those We Lost in 2014


We are now the elders.
World

Shelling Strikes Afghan Wedding Party, Killing at Least 25 Civilians



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@ 13:00  


World

Kenyan Court Suspends Part of New Antiterrorism Law

The Upshot

Jeb Bush, and Two Myths About Shifting to the Right

Automobiles

Carmakers Take a Hint From Tablets

By adopting tabletlike, touch-screen systems, automakers are integrating smartphones and online services with fewer complicated controls that frustrate and distract drivers.
Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Software; Automobiles 

A touch screen is not a reduction in distraction.
Business Day

A Stress Test for Europe’s Top Banker

In doing “whatever it takes” to save the eurozone, Mario Draghi, the head of the European Central Bank, now risks dividing it.
Quantitative Easing; Economic Conditions and Trends; Government Bonds; Euro (Currency); Inflation (Economics) 

"Pushing on a string"
U.S.

Maryland: Diocese Says Bishop Was Hit-and-Run Driver


Supreme Court, in Big Leap, Plans to Put Filings Online

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the changes would come “as soon as 2016” in his annual year-end report on the condition of the federal judiciary.
Computers and the Internet; Archives and Records 

Faster publication is not a big change.
Arts

Record-Setting Auctions Cap a Turbulent Year

Sotheby's and Christie's, the top international auction houses, are facing new challenges even though the art market is booming.
Auctions; Art 

Supply problems are troubling the auction market.
Business Day

Cage Law Expected to Push Up Egg Prices

The new standard requires farmers to put fewer hens into each cage or invest in revamped henhouses, and they will probably pass the costs on to consumers.
Eggs; Chickens; Agriculture and Farming; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); United States Economy 

I can afford more than $2.00 a dozen.
The price rise will not be significant.  A few cents more to food stamps will not kill us.

Look under all the shells.
Technology

Uber Suspends Operations in Spain

U.S.

Gun Control Groups, Blocked in Washington, Turn Attention to States

The movement, facing mounting losses in federal elections, is tweaking its name, refining its goals and using the gay-marriage movement as a model.
Gun Control; States (US); Law and Legislation 

It is only a sane action.
Opinion

Stanford Women and Silicon Valley

Business Day

Allianz Is to Share in Payouts Over 3 Malaysia-Linked Air Disasters


Contractual obligation.
Sports

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Retires From Test Cricket


No scheduled game.  There will probably be one Sunday.
Opinion

Settling Investor-State Disputes

International arbitration provides a neutral referee to depoliticize disputes.
Foreign Investments; Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation; Law and Legislation 

"Domestic courts do it all the time."
Technology

Daily Report: Pinterest Opening Its Boards to Ads on Wide Scale for First Time

On New Year’s Day, the digital scrapbook Pinterest will start selling advertising, competing with Google, Twitter and Facebook for marketing revenue from the biggest consumer brands.
Advertising and Marketing; Online Advertising; Social Media 

Another reason to avoid the cloud.
Technology

Writers Are Mixed Over Amazon Unlimited

Six months after its introduction, Kindle Unlimited is proving controversial and disruptive, just like so many other Amazon innovations.
Amazon Kindle; Book Trade and Publishing; Books and Literature; E-Books and Readers; Writing and Writers 

As long as the Writers are getting paid there is no real fight.

Editors, illustrators and designers provide a real service.  
For most writers it is a luxury.
Vanity presses take the hit.
Business Day

Airports Modernize Dining Options With Farm-to-Terminal Fare

The interest in locally sourced food has reached the once-grim world of airport cuisine, and restaurateurs and producers are working to adapt to airports’ challenges.
Airports; Food; Travel and Vacations; Business Travel; Local Food 

Fashion in food is a way to compete.
Arts

A Shaker Village Finds Enterprise Is Not So Simple

The Hancock Shaker Village in Massachusetts, a window into a religious sect that embraced celibacy and social tenets of egalitarianism and pacifism, is struggling financially.
Museums; Finances 

Finances killed the sect before.  
Celibacy is not a good foundation for community.

Mother Ann Lee found it better than a bad marriage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Lee
N.Y. / Region

New York Casinos’ Remote Homes Could Dampen Success

A state board’s recommendation that licenses for three upstate casino resorts be approved is getting mixed reviews from gambling analysts, urban planners, politicians and rival developers.
Casinos; Gambling 

Cuomo has produced a possible result.
These will be removed when they fail.


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@22:22, 1/1/15

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U.S.

Video: On Tribal Lands, Oil and Trouble

Murder charges spark an investigation into a tribal chairman’s business dealings on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.
Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides; Corruption (Institutional); Native Americans; Water Pollution; Hydraulic Fracturing 

Not at all romantic.
Reality rarely is.

2
Opinion

An Enemy of Reform in New York Jails

The leader of the correction officers’ union has a record of bullying and shielding abusive officers, so federal oversight might be needed to do the job.
Guards; Police Brutality, Misconduct and Shootings

Jail time would be a death sentence.

3
Opinion

Torture, Race, Marijuana and 12 Other Big Issues of 2014

Here’s how The Times’s editorial board reacted to the year’s biggest news events as they unfolded.
Two Thousand Fourteen; Editorials; Police Brutality, Misconduct and Shootings; United States Politics and Government; Ebola Virus; Immigration and Emigration; Executive Orders and Memorandums; Torture; Marijuana; Minimum Wage; Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Recalls and Bans of Products; Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships; Abortion; Women's Rights; Global Warming

Most of our nation is learning.

4
Opinion

Hens, Unbound

A new law is a significant step forward in animal welfare.
Agriculture and Farming; Chickens; Animal Abuse, Rights and Welfare; Referendums; Pigs

A nest box can be open one side.
That makes area a question.
Nest separation is a better parameter.

5
Business Day

Digital Tax Increase to Take Effect in Europe

New rules are coming into force for services like movie streaming and content like e-books on Thursday, but who will foot most of the bill remains unclear.
Sales and Excise Taxes; Taxation; E-Commerce; Computers and the Internet; Prices (Fares, Fees and Rates); Regulation and Deregulation of Industry

All the costs are born by the customer base.
Taxes are a cost.


6
Business Day

Treasury Auctions for the Week of Dec. 29

The following tax-exempt fixed-income issues are scheduled for pricing this week.
Auctions; Tax Credits, Deductions and Exemptions

http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/rates-bonds/government-bonds/us/
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-01/fed-rate-increase-seen-mid-year-even-as-inflation-is-a-no-show.html

The economy remains against the zero lower bound.

7
U.S.

A Kansas Town Rallies for a Modest Lifeline: A Local Grocery Store

Plains has struggled in ways familiar to many towns in the Midwest. A grocery store, some residents believe, would afford them more than just fresh food.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores; Rural Areas

Small town residents tend to be the "left behind".
These are not stupid though they may be limited in mobility.
They use microeconomics every day.
The cost of food includes the cost of getting it home and preparing it.
The town needs a market, a green market with a staff so it can have extended hours.
An attached community kitchen could do semiprepared foods.  A bakery is a natural addition.  

8
U.S.

Jeb Bush Resigns From Board Seats, Possibly Edging Closer to Presidential Run

Mr. Bush gave up positions at an online education firm and his own education foundation this week, the latest nonpolitical commitments from which he has detached himself as he looks toward 2016.
Presidential Election of 2016; Primaries and Caucuses

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeb_Bush

We have seen his father and his brother. 
I will not vote for another Bush.

9
Technology

Uber Suspends Operations in Spain

In a first in the growing pushback against Uber’s global expansion, a judge’s ruling bars telecommunications operators and banks from supporting the company’s services.
Car Services and Livery Cabs; Decisions and Verdicts; Mobile Applications; Taxicabs and Taxicab Drivers

Regulations are enforced.

10
World

New Year, Old Problems

The euro crisis is back; Russia is behaving like a revisionist power; the Middle East remains in chaos; and nationalism in China and Japan is on the rise.
Euro (Currency); Middle East and North Africa Unrest (2010- )

Solved means the problem ceases to exist.
Solutions have not been allowed.

11
World

Bomber in Yemen Kills at Least 23 at a Ceremony

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack at a ceremony for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in the southern city of Ibb.
Terrorism

Religious war news.

12
Health

The Doctor Is Out; You May Be in Luck

In some cases, heart patients survive longer when their doctors are away at conferences.
Doctors; Heart; Surgery and Surgeons

Yes.

We executed her plan.

13
N.Y. / Region

For Many People, Dec. 26 Is Also a Day of Celebration

For much of New York City, the day after Christmas is a holiday, from the first night of Kwanzaa celebrations to Boxing Day and the Feast of St. Stephen.
Christmas; Holidays and Special Occasions; Kwanzaa (Celebration); Boxing Day

Yes.

14
World

For Children in Turkish Refugee Camps, School's Out

Among the 1.5 million Syrian refugees in tent cities cobbled together near the border are thousands of youths who have lost access to a formal education.
Education; Refugees and Displaced Persons; Kurds; Terrorism

We should offer secular education to all.

15
World

Shelling Strikes Afghan Wedding Party, Killing at Least 25 Civilians

Officials said they had begun an investigation of the attack, which wounded more than 50 people, mostly women and children.
Civilian Casualties

We probably did not do it.
Tribal war with big toys?

16
Opinion

The Palestinians’ Desperation Move

Political actions by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority this week are likely to make it even harder to create a viable Palestinian state.
Palestinians; Israeli Settlements

There will be no settlement of the status of Palestine.

17
The Upshot

Five Surprising Economic Trends in 2014, and What They Mean for 2015

One of the foremost challenges is finding a way to get the world’s major economies humming enough that deflation is no longer a worry.
Economic Conditions and Trends; United States Economy; International Trade and World Market; Deflation (Economics); Stocks and Bonds; US Dollar (Currency); Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Interest Rates; Credit and Debt

There is no surprise here.

18
Obituaries

Looking Back: Those We Lost in 2014

This year produced many deaths that stunned the country if not the world, in the fields of news, arts, sciences, politics and athletics.
Deaths (Obituaries)

Very few live past 100.

19
Home & Garden

What Lies Beneath Takes a Gulp of Air

Flora Grubb introduces minimal steel holders for air plants.
Flowers and Plants; Interior Design and Furnishings

I did not think of a stand.
I have always hung them from a wall or a wire as is traditional.

20
World

Joining International Criminal Court Wouldn’t Guarantee Palestinians a War Crimes Case

Even if the Palestinian Authority becomes a member of the International Criminal Court, the legal repercussions from the Gaza war last summer would take longer to resolve and face many hurdles.
Palestinians; War Crimes, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity

Yes.

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Thursday, January 1, 2015

@14:00 12/31/14

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1
U.S.

Video: On Tribal Lands, Oil and Trouble


Money is not required for joy.

2
Opinion

A Democrat to Watch in 2015

In some ways the anti-Warren, Rhode Island’s first female governor is a dynamo and dissident who forces tough conversations on her party.
Governors (US); United States Politics and Government; Income Inequality; Pensions and Retirement Plans 

Gina Raimondo has accepted the G.O.P. model of the economy.

3
Sports

Shifting Fortunes, and Reputations, in Rose Bowl Game

Before Florida State returned to prominence, Oregon was regularly derided as a symbol of college football’s ruinous excesses. The two teams will meet on Thursday in a national semifinal.
Rose Bowl (Football Game); Football (College) 

UConn is not playing today.

4
World

Five Guantánamo Prisoners Are Released to Kazakhstan



6
Business Day

Gun Smuggling on Plane Reveals Security Oversight

On Dec. 10, a man carrying a backpack containing 16 firearms with ammunition flew aboard a Delta Air Lines passenger jet to Kennedy International Airport in New York from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Airlines and Airplanes; Firearms; Security and Warning Systems; Business Travel; Travel and Vacations 

Security theater is their game.

7
Business Day

Vermont’s Only Nuclear Plant Shuts Down After 42 Years

The owner of the plant said economic factors, especially related to the natural gas market in the Northeast, were the major reasons for the shutdown.
Nuclear Energy; Shutdowns (Institutional) 

Stalemate.

8
U.S.

Texas: Cause Sought in Fire That Killed 5 in Senior-Living Facility

At least 17 people remained hospitalized Monday following an early Sunday fire that killed five residents at a senior-living facility in Castle Hills near San Antonio, a city official said.
Fires and Firefighters; Retirement Communities and Assisted Living; Deaths (Fatalities); Elderly 

Warehouse fire.
No sprinklers, bedding and cheap help.

9
World

Drone Strike in Somalia Is Said to Kill Shabab Leader



10
Opinion

Gaza Is Nowhere

In the enclave, another war is waiting to happen.
Palestinians; Israeli Settlements 

Ethnic cleansing is not acceptable. 

11
N.Y. / Region

An Animated History of New York’s Love-Hate Relationship With Commuting


Rent will choke the city.
12
U.S.

Health Insurance Enrollment Strongest in Federal Marketplace



13
U.S.

Tasked to Protect All on Campus, but Accused of Racial Bias

Tensions at colleges come at a time of heightened attention to how the police treat members of minority groups.
Education; Race and Ethnicity; Police; Police Brutality, Misconduct and Shootings; Blacks; Racial Profiling; Discrimination; Demonstrations, Protests and Riots 

Body worn cameras will help.

14
Opinion

Four Questions for 2015

Looking at some topics explored this year and making some predictions.
Two Thousand Fourteen; Keystone Pipeline System; Insider Trading; Football (College); Coaches and Managers; Securities and Commodities Violations; College Athletics; Football 

Joe Nocera is probably correct.
I still dislike his pandering.

15
Opinion

The Year in Charts



16
Opinion

India's Mental Health Crisis

Prime Minister Modi has proposed admirable new policies. But there's little money to fund them.
Mental Health and Disorders; Medicine and Health; Budgets and Budgeting 

India could start research on treatment.  
It would cost much less and it would be just as effective.

17
Business Day

Auto Industry Galvanized After Record Recall Year

Spurred by an ignition switch defect in millions of General Motors vehicles, the auto industry has issued more recalls involving old models than ever before, an analysis shows.
Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Recalls and Bans of Products 

The regulators have better support.
 
18
World

Chinese Court Orders 6 Companies to Pay $26 Million for Polluting

The fine was the biggest of any Chinese pollution case and seemed to signal that officials are trying to crack down on businesses that have degraded China’s land, water and air.
Water Pollution; Fines (Penalties); Environment; Suits and Litigation (Civil); Agriculture and Farming 

This is only the beginning.

19
Business Day

Sony Cyberattack, First a Nuisance, Swiftly Grew Into a Firestorm


Trivial.
 
20
World

Japan and South Korea Vow to Share Intelligence About North via the U.S.

Under the pact, the sharing of classified information will be limited to North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons programs.
Nuclear Weapons; Missiles and Missile Defense Systems; United States International Relations 

A reasonable step.


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@20:25, 12/31/14

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1
Business Day

Sony’s ‘The Interview’ Is Set for On-Demand and Wider Online Viewing

Sony’s new partners will expand digital availability of the film, which will also have a wider theatrical release starting Friday.

North Korea is still at war with Japan.

2
World

How Putin Forged a Pipeline Deal That Derailed

Russia’s energy minister and its energy giant, Gazprom, helped shape a Bulgarian bill for a pipeline that President Vladimir V. Putin sought to keep Europe dependent on Russian gas.
Natural Gas; Pipelines; Series; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline 

Putin is empire building.
He is fond of drama.
This ploy has been energy backed with the Russian military.

3
Opinion

The Year in Charts

How economics and politics unfolded in 2014, as told in 10 graphics.
United States Economy; Income Inequality; United States Politics and Government; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Wages and Salaries; Midterm Elections (2014); Economic Conditions and Trends 

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/steven_rattner/index.html

"

Steven Rattner

Jay Mallin/Bloomberg News
Steven Rattner, a long-time Wall Street financier, led the restructuring of the auto industry in 2009 as counselor to the Treasury secretary under the Obama administration. His book “Overhaul: An Insider’s Account of the Obama Administration’s Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry” was published in 2010. He is the chairman of Willett Advisors, the investment arm for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s personal and philanthropic assets, and the economic analyst for MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Follow Steven Rattner at twitter.com/SteveRattner"

Notice how little ideology matters to daily life.
Ideology matters to Steven Rattner. 

4
Business Day

Sony Cyberattack, First a Nuisance, Swiftly Grew Into a Firestorm

Interviews suggest that Sony — slow to realize the depths of its peril — let its troubles deepen by mounting a public defense only after enormous damage had been done.
Cyberwarfare; Movies; Computer Security; Computers and the Internet 

If the Sony bottom line is trivial to you this incident is trivial.

5
Opinion

Keeping Track: Loans for Troops and Higher Wages

Updates on a few issues we’ve been following.
Minimum Wage; Credit and Debt; Consumer Protection; Blood Donation; Homosexuality and Bisexuality; United States Defense and Military Forces; Editorials; Veterans 

There is a need to consider assumed definitions.
Democracy.
Republic. 
Government.
Justice.

At the moment "government of the people, by the people, for the people" will do.

People includes all the residents of the governed area.

Government exists to control abuse.

All the topics in the story are considered abusive. 

6
World

Bribery Frees a Drug Kingpin in Afghanistan, Where Cash Often Overrules Justice

The United States extolled a leading opium dealer’s imprisonment as a sign that the Afghan authorities could establish law and order. Then the man paid millions to escape.
Opium; Prisons and Prisoners; Bribery and Kickbacks; Corruption (Institutional) 

Blood money has been found a political disaster in democracies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_money_%28restitution%29

7
World

As Early Elections Near, Greek Legislators Disband

The vote, which is due to be held Jan. 25, will pit the prime minister’s party against a left-wing group opposed to recent austerity measures.
Elections; Legislatures and Parliaments; Politics and Government 

If the economic disaster that is present Greece is to end they must exit the Euro.

Syriza will do that. 

8
World

Five Guantánamo Prisoners Are Released to Kazakhstan

Three detainees from Yemen and two from Tunisia were transferred from the military prison in Cuba. With the move, there are 127 prisoners left.
Detainees 

Trivial noise.

9
Opinion

When New York City Police Walk Off the Job

Data published by The New York Post suggest that police officers are taking their bitterness toward Mayor Bill de Blasio to a new level.
Editorials; Police Brutality, Misconduct and Shootings; Attacks on Police; Strikes; Racial Profiling 

Investigate.  
If it is a refusal by the police to do their duty it is grounds for dismissal.
If there is another explanation it is a failure by the Post and a reason to force a change of management at the paper.

10
U.S.

Health Insurance Enrollment Strongest in Federal Marketplace

States running their own health insurance exchanges reported smaller growth in enrollments than occurred in the federal marketplace.
Health Insurance and Managed Care; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010); States (US)

People want health insurance.
In states that insisted on federal exchanges enrollment was delayed.
Bad reporting distorts the news.
Editors should not allow it. 

11
N.Y. / Region

Lawmakers Look to Override Christie and Cuomo on Port Authority Overhaul

Sponsors in New York and New Jersey of legislation that would improve transparency at the authority plan votes to override vetoes by their governors.
State Legislatures 

Good luck to the legislatures.

12
World

Ebola Ravages Economies in West Africa

In Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, Ebola is not just affecting immune systems but also the bottom lines of businesses and governments.
Ebola Virus; Economic Conditions and Trends 

Yes.

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/case-counts.html

Countries with Widespread Transmission

CountryTotal CasesLaboratory-Confirmed CasesTotal Deaths
Guinea270723971709
Liberia801831103423
Sierra Leone944673542758
Total20171128617890
There are not enough dead reported.
 Guinea reports an instantaneous rate of .631
Applied to Liberia .631 X 8018 = 5062  
applied to Sierra Leone .631 X 9446 = 5960   
1709 + 5062 + 5960 = 12731    12731 - 7890 = 4841 unreported dead.

Unreported cases do not appear in my hen scratches.

13
World

Merkel to Attack Anti-Immigrant Movement in Germany

The German chancellor will use her New Year’s speech to urge people not to join the weekly protests in Dresden held by Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West.
Immigration and Emigration; Demonstrations, Protests and Riots; Muslims and Islam 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/01/world/euro-and-immigration-promise-challenges-for-merkel-in-2015.html

14
Business Day

Peter Praet of E.C.B. Says More Eurozone Stimulus May Be Needed

Peter Praet, a member of the European Central Bank’s executive board, heightened expectations of broad government bond purchases to stoke the economy.
Banking and Financial Institutions; European Sovereign Debt Crisis (2010- ) 

"But the central bank could delay an asset purchase program to bring dissenting members of the policy-making governing council on board, or simply to allow more time to make preparations for what would be a huge and complex intervention in bond markets. Political turmoil in Greece could delay asset purchases, because the E.C.B. might be reluctant to acquire debt that a new Greek government might not repay."

These proposed actions will be ineffective.

15
U.S.

School Cash Insufficient in Kansas, Court Finds

The judges did not say that lawmakers had to increase K-12 funding to a particular amount, but suggested that the spending per pupil should be increased.
Education (K-12); Budgets and Budgeting 

The GOP sees no reason to teach the serfs to read.

16
Sports

Hawks Spoil Party as James Turns 30 and Cavaliers Fall Without Him

Cleveland faded to 18-13 without James, who rested a sporadically sore knee and may be unavailable for Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee.
Basketball 

NCAA Women's Scoreboard
Previous Day | Thu., January 01 | Next Day
No conference games scheduled.
w10 © 2015 by STATS LLC.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
 

NCAA Standings

Conf:

American Athletic Conference
 ConferenceOverallvs
  W-L Pct Hm Rd W-L Pct Hm Rd Nt  Top 25
2 Connecticut 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 11-1 .917 4-0 3-1 4-0 3-1
Tulane 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 11-2 .846 6-1 4-0 1-1 0-0
South Florida 2-0 1.000 2-0 0-0 11-3 .786 6-1 2-1 3-1 0-2
Temple 2-0 1.000 1-0 1-0 6-8 .429 2-4 2-3 2-1 0-1
Tulsa 1-0 1.000 1-0 0-0 6-6 .500 3-4 2-2 1-0 0-0
UCF 1-0 1.000 0-0 1-0 5-7 .417 4-2 1-5 0-0 0-0
East Carolina 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 9-4 .692 4-1 3-2 2-1 0-2
Memphis 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 6-7 .462 5-3 1-4 0-0 0-0
Houston 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 5-8 .385 1-3 2-3 2-2 0-1
SMU 0-2 .000 0-0 0-2 4-9 .308 4-3 0-4 0-2 0-2
Cincinnati 0-2 .000 0-1 0-1 3-10 .231 3-2 0-6 0-2 0-0

Conference W-L - conference win-loss record
Conference Pct - conference winning percentage
Conference Hm - conference home record
Conference Rd - conference away record
Conference Nt - conference neutral site record

Overall W-L - overall win-loss record
Overall Pct - overall winning percentage
Overall Hm - overall home record
Overall Rd - overall road record
Overall Nt - overall neutral site record
vs Top 25 - record vs. Top 25 teams 

17
N.Y. / Region

For Officer Liu’s Funeral, Blending Police Traditions With Chinese Customs

The burial for Officer Wenjian Liu, who was killed in an ambush on Dec. 20, will begin with a Chinese ceremony led by Buddhist monks, followed by a police ceremony with eulogies and a police chaplain.
Attacks on Police; Funerals and Memorials; Buddhism; Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides 

18
World

Drone Strike in Somalia Is Said to Kill Shabab Leader

The American strike killed the chief of intelligence for the Shabab, the Qaeda affiliate, Somali officials said. American officials have not identified the target.
Drones (Pilotless Planes); United States Defense and Military Forces; Targeted Killings 

Denyability   would be good.
I would rather Kenya did the job.

19
World

Nigeria: Militants Attack Town

Gunmen opened fire in a town in northeast Nigeria, killing at least 15 people, witnesses and a security source said.
Muslims and Islam; Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides 

Nigeria could issue hunting permits.
The result would please no one.

20
World

Palestinians Join International Criminal Court, Despite Israeli and U.S. Warnings

President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority signed papers to join the court and other organizations, a move that could bring harsh sanctions.
Palestinians 

The solution is easy and less acceptable to the Zionists.

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