Monday, April 6, 2015

@9:30, 4/5/15

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1
Opinion

Watering California’s Farms

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Apr 4th 2015
Agriculture businesses will also need to change the way they operate if California’s drought continues.
Agriculture and Farming; Irrigation; Water; Drought 

Demand for water must be reduced to a sustainable level.
Unlimited drawing on ground water is an abuse of the common.

2
Opinion

Justice Kennedy’s Plea to Congress

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Apr 4th 2015
In a recent hearing, he was right to remind lawmakers of America’s “broken” criminal justice system.
Prisons and Prisoners; Mandatory Sentencing; United States Politics and Government; Law and Legislation; Eighth Amendment (US Constitution); Sentences (Criminal) 

Punishment is a failed theory of correction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
I have trouble making the argument on tenth amendment grounds.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

3
Science

California Drought Is Worsened by Global Warming, Scientists Say

By HENRY FOUNTAIN | Apr 1st 2015
Scientists say that the warming trend makes it highly likely that California and other parts of the Western United States will see more severe droughts in the future.
Drought; Global Warming; Water 

The thing that matters is the drought will continue for another year.
The rest is speculation.

4
Opinion

How to Screen Pilots and Protect Passengers

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Apr 3rd 2015
The airline industry could be doing more to provide mental health assessments and treatment.
Mental Health and Disorders; Aviation Accidents, Safety and Disasters; Depression (Mental); Regulation and Deregulation of Industry 

The proposed program will be applied.
It will not fix the problem. 

5
N.Y. / Region

State Senate Leaders Says Additional $25 Million in Budget Will Aid Charter Schools

By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS | Apr 3rd 2015
Buried in the details are items of $14 million and $15 million that will also be for ‘certain school districts, public libraries and not-for-profit institutions.’
Education (K-12); Budgets and Budgeting; Charter Schools; State Legislatures 

The Charter schools must "Sink or swim".
The public libraries, parks, WiFi and other projects deserve help.

6
Science

Behind Each Breath, an Underappreciated Muscle

By CARL ZIMMER | Apr 2nd 2015
Researchers have developed new tools that give a glimpse into how the muscle that helps every mammal breathe, the diaphragm, develops.
Muscles; Respiratory System; Science and Technology 

Interesting.

7
U.S.

Long-Eared Bat Gets Federal Protection

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 1st 2015
The federal government said Wednesday that it is giving new protections to a species that has been nearly wiped out in some areas by the spread of a fungal disease.
Endangered and Extinct Species; Bats 

Telling the oil drillers no is a good thing.

8
World

Andreas Lubitz, Germanwings Co-Pilot, Researched Suicide and Cockpit Doors, Prosecutors Say

By NICHOLAS KULISH, MELISSA EDDY and NICOLA CLARK | Apr 2nd 2015
The information was discovered in the browser history on an iPad found by investigators searching the co-pilot’s apartment in Düsseldorf.
Aviation Accidents, Safety and Disasters; Airlines and Airplanes; Pilots 

I favor privacy.

9
U.S.

Maryland: Johns Hopkins Sued Over Disease Study

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 1st 2015
More than 750 plaintiffs sued the Johns Hopkins Hospital System on Wednesday over medical experiments in Guatemala in the 1940s and 1950s during which subjects were infected with venereal diseases.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

The United States Government owes these people.

10
Opinion

Denmark’s Drug-Free Pigs

By BARRY ESTABROOK | Apr 3rd 2015
American farmers don’t need all those antibiotics.
Antibiotics; Pigs; Factory Farming; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry 

It is a demonstration of a proper pork program.

11
U.S.

Rhode Island Settles Lawsuit on Union Pension Overhaul

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE | Apr 2nd 2015
Six of the nine unions that sued over the state’s 2011 pension system overhaul agreed to the tentative settlement, which affects 59,000 current and past workers.
Pensions and Retirement Plans; Government Employees 

A bad resolution of a fictional crisis.

12
Magazine

The Enduring Appeal of Roasted Chicken Provençal

By SAM SIFTON | Apr 1st 2015
A simple and classic dish from the designer Steven Stolman.
Cooking and Cookbooks; Chickens; Recipes

An easy dish.


13
Business Day

European Commission Asks Companies to Go Public With Google Complaints

By MARK SCOTT | Apr 2nd 2015
The move is part of an antitrust inquiry into whether the search giant has used its dominant position to give preferential treatment to its own services.
Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues 

Google appears to behave itself.

14
Fashion & Style

Looking for Cheaper Skin-Care Products? Borrow From the Men

By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN | Apr 1st 2015
Skin care products for men may be similar in quality to those marketed to women but are often far less expensive.
Skin; Cosmetics and Toiletries 

Please yourself.

15
World

Educators Found Guilty in Sexual Assault of Kindergartners in Indonesia

By JOE COCHRANE | Apr 2nd 2015
A Canadian guidance counselor and an Indonesian teaching assistant at the Jakarta Intercultural School were sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Sex Crimes; Sentences (Criminal); Child Abuse and Neglect 

I can't guess.

16
The Upshot

Why a Claim About the Irrelevance of Parenting Time Doesn’t Add Up

By JUSTIN WOLFERS | Apr 2nd 2015
Insights can be found despite measurement problems, which affect nearly all studies, but cause-and-effect conclusions require careful interpretation.
Parenting; Statistics; Children and Childhood 

Bad numbers.

17
Opinion

What New Yorkers Get for $150 Billion

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Apr 3rd 2015
The details of this last-minute jumble of a budget yield very little for most people to celebrate.
Budgets and Budgeting; Corruption (Institutional) 

The bills will be paid for another year.
Half the legislature wants to stop all change.
The other half is split on what changes should happen.

18
Your Money

Federal Flood Insurance Premiums for Homeowners Rise

By ANN CARRNS | Apr 2nd 2015
New rates increase premiums for homeowners in high-risk areas by as much as 25 percent, while new surcharges add $25 for owner-occupied primary homes and $250 for second homes.
Flood Insurance; Real Estate and Housing (Residential) 

Insurance only spreads the risk.
The risk has been split into several pools. 
One of the pools is coastal flooding.
The price of coastal houses is higher.
The risk of coastal flooding is higher
The share of the risk pool is bigger.
Home owners pay more.

19
Food

Video: Cooking Techniques: Making Mayonnaise

Apr 3rd 2015
Whisk together egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, water and neutral oil to form this emulsion.
Mayonnaise; Cooking and Cookbooks 

I have seen it done.
I worry about the raw egg.
I buy the commercial product.
 
20
Opinion

The Real Reason College Tuition Costs So Much

By PAUL F. CAMPOS | Apr 4th 2015
It’s not because states have cut funding for higher education.
Colleges and Universities; Tuition 

I cannot follow Mr. Campos' argument.
It appears to be false.
Tuition is paid on an individual basis.
On an individual basis less public money contributes toward tuition.
Total individual tuition has not decreased.
Individual tuition costs have risen.
The rest is noise relative to the premise.

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Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, April 5, 2015

@20:00, 4/4/15

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1
Technology

Video Feature: Custom Filters to Sift the Torrent of Technology News

By KIT EATON | Apr 1st 2015
A number of apps help users winnow the overwhelming amount of news about hardware and software, serving up content of the greatest interest to them.
Mobile Applications; Science and Technology; News and News Media 

I find I can get through slash dot tn about half an hour.
http://slashdot.org/?nobeta=1&source=autorefresh

2
Business Day

European Commission Asks Companies to Go Public With Google Complaints

By MARK SCOTT | Apr 2nd 2015
The move is part of an antitrust inquiry into whether the search giant has used its dominant position to give preferential treatment to its own services.
Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues

Google seems to be a well behaved company.

3
U.S.

California Drought Tests History of Endless Growth

By ADAM NAGOURNEY, JACK HEALY and NELSON D. SCHWARTZ | Apr 4th 2015
The state’s history as a frontier of prosperity and glamour faces an uncertain future as the fourth year of severe shortages prompts Gov. Jerry Brown to mandate a 25 percent reduction in non-agricultural water use.
Drought; Conservation of Resources 

Houses will cost more.
California will be over when Los Angeles  is abandoned.

4
N.Y. / Region

Federal Scrutiny of a Youth Immigration Program Alarms Advocates

By KIRK SEMPLE | Mar 31st 2015
The scrutiny of the program, which allows young people who have been abused or abandoned to apply for a green card, was prompted by a report that raised the possibility of a fraudulent scheme in Queens.
Immigration and Emigration; Family Courts; Sikhs and Sikhism; Youth 

The right would like to sabotage the program.



5
Technology

Video: App Smart | Tech News That’s Easy to Use

Kit Eaton and Dallas Jensen | Apr 1st 2015
Technological advances can now help keep us informed about the latest technological advances. Appy Geek, PopSci and CNET all have easy-to-use interfaces that deliver the latest in tech news.
Mobile Applications; Science and Technology; News and News Media 

Follow the fashion press if you wish.

6
Business Day

High-Power Magnets Get Temporary Reprieve From Safety Rules

By RACHEL ABRAMS | Apr 3rd 2015
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wanted to enforce regulatory rules aimed at high-power magnets in toys after a child died from swallowing one.
Magnets and Magnetism; Accidents and Safety; Consumer Protection 

The toy should be bigger.
Big enough to make swallowing it impossible for a child.

7
World

Chinese Taxi Drivers Drink Pesticide in Beijing Protest

By DAN LEVIN | Apr 4th 2015
At least 10 men were hospitalized after they traveled to Beijing and drank pesticide to protest what they said was poor treatment by their companies.
Demonstrations, Protests and Riots; Suicides and Suicide Attempts 


Despite the name China is not a government for the people, by the people of the people.
It is less than stable.
 
8
Business Day

Cellphones for Women in Developing Nations Aid Ascent From Poverty

By MELINDA GATES | Apr 1st 2015
Digital financial tools can greatly improve lives in poor countries, but it is especially crucial to put them into the hands of women, whose role in economic growth is often ignored.
Women and Girls; Third World and Developing Countries; Cellular Telephones 

Do not expose more money than you can afford to lose to the internet.
Digital money is not well protected.

9
Business Day

Powdered Alcohol Meets Resistance in U.S. Before It Even Comes to Market

By RACHEL ABRAMS | Apr 3rd 2015
Concerned over the potential for abuse, six states have banned the product, and a senator has introduced a bill to ban its sale and manufacture nationwide.
Alcoholic Beverages; Law and Legislation 

this is the first I have heard of it as a real product.
I read a piece of fiction years ago.
I expected to find 4/1/15 on the story.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_powder
"50% alcohol by weight.
It would be better to carry 100 proof vodka or good scotch.

10
Business Day

Prosecutors Ease Crackdown on Buyers of China-Bound Luxury Cars

By MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN | Apr 1st 2015
Federal authorities in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Ohio have settled these export disputes by returning all of the seized cars.
Automobiles; Luxury Goods and Services; International Trade and World Market; Small Business 

The government has been acting improperly.
Congress should fix the law before the courts strike it down.

11
World

Kamchatka, Home to Russian Version of Alaska Iditarod, Frets Over Growth

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR | Apr 4th 2015
The remote Russian peninsula is caught between ambitious plans to develop untapped resources like gold and oil, and efforts to preserve its natural splendor.

Soon Russia will act to protect wilderness.   Sooner is better. 

12
Business Day

ADM Announces Plan to Fight Deforestation

By STEPHANIE STROM | Mar 31st 2015
ADM joins other global companies like Cargill, Kellogg and Nestlé in efforts to reduce the environmental impact of producing commodities.
Forests and Forestry; Commodities 

These corporations are presenting good public relations

13
U.S.

Virginia: Duke Agrees to Pay $2.5. Million for Ash Spill

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 3rd 2015
Duke Energy agreed to the settlement with Virginia over a spill that coated 70 miles of the Dan River in gray sludge.
Accidents and Safety; Fines (Penalties) 

I am disappointed.
The decision should destroy the Republican party in Virginia.

14
World

Russia: Scores Die as Trawler Sinks in the Western Pacific

By REUTERS | Apr 1st 2015
At least 50 people died and several remained missing after a Russian trawler sank late Wednesday near the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Deaths (Fatalities); Missing Persons 

56 were reported dead this noon.

  1. Official: Russian Trawler That Sank Was Seriously Unstable

    MOSCOW — A governor in Russia's Far East says the trawler that sank in the Sea of Okhotsk, killing at least 56 of the people onboard, was carrying only about a fifth of the ballast it should have been, making it severely unstable.
    April 04, 2015 - By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - World - Print Headline: "Official: Russian Trawler That Sank Was Seriously Unstable"


15
World

Germanwings Co-Pilot Accelerated During Descent, Data From 2nd Recorder Shows

By NICOLA CLARK | Apr 3rd 2015
Data showed that Andreas Lubitz used the autopilot to direct the plane to descend to 100 feet, then repeatedly increased the speed.
Aviation Accidents, Safety and Disasters; Airlines and Airplanes; Pilots 

Wait for the accident report.

16
N.Y. / Region

New York City Comptroller Cites Flaws in Hurricane Sandy Recovery Program

By DAVID W. CHEN | Mar 31st 2015
A company hired by the city to help homeowners rebuild had a “financial disincentive” to act more quickly because it had already been paid millions of dollars upfront, an audit found.
Hurricane Sandy (2012) 

There is no surprise here.
Michael Bloomberg had hangers on. 

17
Business Day

In Advertising Technology Deal, Rubicon Buys Chango

By SYDNEY EMBER | Mar 31st 2015
The deal gives Rubicon access to Chango’s intent marketing technology, which delivers ads based on a consumer’s intent to buy a product or service.
Advertising and Marketing; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Start-ups 

Amazon's book marketing is both creepy and ineffective.

18
World

Study Finds Mexican Troops Did Not Stem Drug-War Killings

By ELISABETH MALKIN | Apr 3rd 2015
A statistical analysis of homicide rates in 18 regions of Mexico confirms that the arrival of soldiers failed to reduce the number of murders in 16 of those areas.
Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides; Drug Abuse and Traffic 

Ok.

19
Business Day

New Stumble in Trial of Former Goldman Programmer

By BEN PROTESS | Apr 1st 2015
The long-running case against Sergey Aleynikov, a former Goldman Sachs programmer, is set to begin on Monday after a judge rebuffed a request from the prosecution for a long delay.
Industrial Espionage 

http://slashdot.org/?fhfilter=Sergey+Aleynikov

Did Goldman Sachs Overstep in Criminally Charging Its Ex-Programmer? 186 Screenshot-sm

Goldman Sachs should be on trial.

If he could hack the kernel once he can do it again. 
Sergey Aleynikov is probably innocent and should sue.

20
Business Day

Private Eyes in the Grocery Aisles

By KAREN STABINER | Apr 4th 2015
Food suppliers, manufacturers and markets depend on testing companies like IEH Laboratories to find contaminated products and to root out fraud.
Food Contamination and Poisoning; Food; Recalls and Bans of Products; Product Tests 

Food is tested.  It often flunks. 

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Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, April 4, 2015

@11:45, 4/4/15

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Business Day

Jury Makes Chrysler Pay $150 Million to Family of Boy Killed in Jeep Grand Cherokee

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 2nd 2015
Jurors found that Chrysler acted with reckless disregard for human life in selling the 1999 Jeep with a rear-mounted gas tank. At least 75 people have died in post-crash fires.
Automobile Safety Features and Defects; Suits and Litigation (Civil); Decisions and Verdicts 

Eleven billion dollars will bankrupt Chrysler again.

2
World

Death Toll in Sinking of Russian Ship Rises to at Least 56

By ANDREW ROTH | Apr 2nd 2015
Helicopters and dozens of ships were mustered for a rescue operation in the icy Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East. Sixty-three sailors have been rescued.
Maritime Accidents and Safety; Rescues; Deaths (Fatalities); Emergency Medical Treatment 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Okhotsk
http://nsidc.org/
http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/files/2015/03/Figure11.png

It looks to me like gear trouble.

Distant water factory ship.

Sixty three looks like a  full deck watch

3
World

Russia: Death Toll Rises in Ship Disaster

By ANDREW ROTH | Apr 2nd 2015
Russian emergency workers frantically plucked bodies from the freezing Sea of Okhotsk after a refrigerated trawling ship sank off Russia’s Far East, killing at least 56 of a crew of 132.
Maritime Accidents and Safety; Deaths (Fatalities); Rescues 

Same story,  different headline.

4
U.S.

Californians Who Conserved Wonder if State Can Overcome Those Who Didn’t

By JACK HEALY and ADAM NAGOURNEY | Apr 2nd 2015
A day after Gov. Jerry Brown announced mandatory cuts to water use, Californians said they worried that their efforts to conserve were simply not enough in the face of a four-year drought.
Conservation of Resources; Water; Drought 

The homeless are not yet dying of thirst.

5
Your Money

Over 50 and Back in College, Preparing for a New Career

By KERRY HANNON | Apr 3rd 2015
For many retirees, babysitting grandchildren, golfing and relaxing on the beach is passé. Instead, they’re being newly educated for second careers.
Retirement; Colleges and Universities; Labor and Jobs; Adult Education 

Been there, done that.

6
Magazine

How to Avoid Death By Lightning

By MALIA WOLLAN | Apr 3rd 2015
Get off your landline. Pay attention to the weather report.
Lightning; Accidents and Safety 

The problem is real.  
Sailboats do not add to the problem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_strike
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_strike#Personal_safety

51 divided by three hundred million is not a big number.

7
Opinion

The Many Droughts of California

By JEFF WHEELWRIGHT | Apr 3rd 2015
If the sunny days continue, the state’s sunny temperament may not.
Drought; Water; Reservoirs; Agriculture and Farming 

No information.
A graceful piece of writing.
 
8
U.S.

Global Population of Muslims Projected to Match Christians by 2070

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN | Apr 2nd 2015
Muslims will outnumber Christians by the end of the century, according to a report from the Pew Research Center that projects the global religious future.
Religion and Belief; Christians and Christianity; Muslim Americans; Polls and Public Opinion; Muslims and Islam 

Modern medicine and public health is wonderful.
Boko Harum  will try to fix that.
 
9
U.S.

Alabama Man Freed After Decades on Death Row

By ALAN BLINDER | Apr 3rd 2015
Prosecutors now they they cannot make a case against Anthony Ray Hinton, who was convicted of killing two men in the Birmingham area in 1985.
Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides; Capital Punishment 

It would be far cheaper for Alabama to look at the evidence. 

10
World

China Deports American Jailed on Spy Charges

By EDWARD WONG | Apr 3rd 2015
Xue Feng, an American geologist imprisoned for more than seven years has been deported by China and has arrived home in Houston, a human rights organization said.
Espionage and Intelligence Services; United States International Relations 

China hid official corruption.

11
World

Doubts Intensify About Reports of a Video Made During Germanwings Flight’s Final Moments

By RICK GLADSTONE | Apr 1st 2015
Doubts about the video’s authenticity intensified after the French police asserted that the reports about it were false and the French prosecutor leading the crash investigation said no videos had been recovered.
Aviation Accidents, Safety and Disasters; Video Recordings, Downloads and Streaming; Ethics and Official Misconduct; Murders, Attempted Murders and Homicides 

I will ignore this story.

12
World

Stampede to Join China’s Development Bank Stuns Even Its Founder

By JANE PERLEZ | Apr 2nd 2015
The new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank attracted 46 founding members, among them 14 advanced economies of the Group of 20, including Brazil, France, Germany and Russia.
United States International Relations 

I don't have an opinion on this Chinese bank.  
I would be nervous depositing money in it.
I don't know how it will be regulated and backed.

13
World

French Bill Barring Ultrathin Models Clears a Hurdle

By ALISSA J. RUBIN | Apr 3rd 2015
The National Assembly passed measures that call for health certifications before hiring and labeling of retouched photographs.
Models (Professional); Law and Legislation; Anorexia Nervosa 

The designers like adolescent boys.
The girls buy the cloths.
The result is androgyny.

Brooklyn will be the new home of fashion.

14
World

Argentina: Britain Spied to Ensure Falklands Security, Report Says

By REUTERS | Apr 3rd 2015
Britain spied on Argentine military and political leaders to ensure the security of the Falkland Islands from 2006 to 2011, an Argentine television channel reported on Friday, citing intelligence documents provided by Edward J. Snowden.
Surveillance of Citizens by Government 

There is no surprise in this story.

15
World

4 Killed in Explosion and Fire on Pemex Mexican Oil Platform

By PAULINA VILLEGAS | Apr 1st 2015
Pemex said that there was no evidence of a major spill, but that the blast had forced the evacuation of more than 300 workers from the rig.
Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Explosions (Accidental); Oil Spills; Deaths (Fatalities) 

If there is a story we will see it.
As of now there is no story.

16
Real Estate

Homes for Sale in New York and New Jersey

By MICHELLE HIGGINS | Apr 3rd 2015
This week’s properties include a five-bedroom in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., and a four-bedroom in Wall Township, N.J.
Real Estate and Housing (Residential) 

You would do better to buy this place.

17
World

Fighting Over Leftovers From Spain’s Harvest

By SUZANNE DALEY | Apr 2nd 2015
Gathering grapes, olives or garlic left after harvest is an old practice, but farmers say hard times are now leading too many pickers to the fields.
Agriculture and Farming; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleaning
The Romany have a bad reputation.

18
Real Estate

Leonardo DiCaprio Builds an Eco-Resort

By JULIE SATOW | Apr 3rd 2015
The actor has teamed up with the developer of an eco-conscious condominium in New York to build a resort in Belize.
Eco-Tourism; Coast Erosion 

A terrible thing to do to a nice beach.

19
Science

Gas Utilities Reduce Leaks of Methane, Study Finds

By JOHN SCHWARTZ | Mar 31st 2015
Researchers suggested that the reduction was largely a result of equipment upgrades, including replacement of leaky old cast-iron or unprotected steel pipe.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Methane; Global Warming; Air Pollution; Natural Gas; Environment 

Gas still has a price.  Liability costs more.

20
Real Estate

$1,695,000 Homes in California, Arizona and Georgia

By MIKE POWELL | Apr 1st 2015
This week’s offerings include a log house in California, an 1844 house in Georgia and Southwestern style in Arizona.

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

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Posted by at No comments:

@21:40, 4/3/15

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1
Opinion

The Conscience of a Corporation

By TIMOTHY EGAN | Apr 3rd 2015
They are saying, No, don’t give us the power to discriminate. We’d rather remain soulless purveyors of product to the widest possible customer base.

Agreed.
The sarcasm may not be enough. 

2
Opinion

Denmark’s Drug-Free Pigs

By BARRY ESTABROOK | Apr 3rd 2015
American farmers don’t need all those antibiotics.
Pork; Antibiotics; Livestock; Regulation and Deregulation of Industry; Factory Farming; Pigs 

I do not want to run a livestock operation.
Cutting antibiotic use seems a good idea.
3
U.S.

As Quakes Rattle Oklahoma, Fingers Point to Oil and Gas Industry

By RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr. and MICHAEL WINES | Apr 3rd 2015
Some in the industry believe the earthquakes are a natural phenomenon, but many scientists disagree.
Earthquakes; Oil (Petroleum) and Gasoline; Geology; Waste Materials and Disposal; Hydraulic Fracturing 

There are no external costs.
The oil and gas operations must pay the full present and future costs of their actions.

4
false

What We’re Reading

By THE NEW YORK TIMES | Apr 3rd 2015
Get recommendations from New York Times reporters and editors, highlighting interesting stories from around the web. In this installment, great reads from Matt Apuzzo, Jenna Wortham and others.
Athletics and Sports; Cheating; Computer and Video Games; Education (K-12); Identification Devices; Newspapers; Suits and Litigation (Civil); Tennis; Xbox (Video Game System) 

Old code can run on an emulator.  Being slow and stupid is easy.

People continue to be human.

5
U.S.

Obama’s Passport Data Leaked in Australian Email Blunder

By PETER BAKER | Mar 30th 2015
Passport information for President Obama and the leaders of 30 other countries was accidentally emailed by an official in Australia’s immigration department.
Privacy; E-Mail; Passports 

Just noise.

6
false

Scenes from a Sustainability Quest, from Leopard Skin Sales to Lionfish Sashimi

By ANDREW C. REVKIN | Apr 3rd 2015
A sustainability quest that includes leopard skins, road salt and lionfish sashimi.
Blogs and Blogging (Internet); Colleges and Universities; Computers and the Internet; Earth; Education; Environment; Reefs; Social Media; Sustainable Living 

Revkin is preaching to the quire.
About half of the U.S. will not understand that actions have consequential costs.
The purpose of government is the maintenance of the common.

7
Technology

Antitrust and Other Inquiries in Europe Target U.S. Tech Giants

By MARK SCOTT | Apr 2nd 2015
New developments offer the latest sign that American tech giants face intensifying scrutiny in Europe that could curb their profits in the region and affect how they operate around the world.
Computers and the Internet; Antitrust Laws and Competition Issues; Corporate Taxes; Music; Royalties; Video Recordings, Downloads and Streaming 

I wish the European governments good luck in regulating data collection and use.
I would like them to succeed.
Anonymity looks to be our best defense.

8
Business Day

Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest Level Since January

By REUTERS | Apr 2nd 2015
The labor report and figures that showed an unexpected increase in factory orders support views that a recent economic slowdown is probably temporary.
Unemployment Insurance; Factories and Manufacturing; United States Economy; Economic Conditions and Trends; Unemployment 

The signals are noisy.
The jobless claims could indicate a falling workforce.
Job creation is way down. 

9
Magazine

Letter of Recommendation: The Thomas Guide to Los Angeles

By MEGHAN DAUM | Apr 3rd 2015
To leave the house without it was to risk ending up on the Boulevard That Defies All Logic.
Navigation; Global Positioning System; Roads and Traffic

I like paper maps.
GPS systems can help.

10
Opinion

How to Encourage Healthier Eating

Apr 3rd 2015
Kevin Concannon, an under secretary of agriculture, and other readers respond to an Op-Ed essay about discouraging junk food consumption.
Food; Diet and Nutrition; Food Stamps; Vegetables

Removing the subsidies from "junk food" would help.

11
N.Y. / Region

Sheldon Silver’s Lawyers Again Ask Judge to Drop Indictment

By BENJAMIN WEISER | Apr 2nd 2015
Lawyers for Mr. Silver, who was forced to step down as the Assembly speaker after his arrest, argued that the conduct he is accused of “simply does not amount to any federal offense.”
Extortion and Blackmail; Frauds and Swindling

The judge will decide.

12
Business Day

European Central Bank Firm in Backing Stimulus

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 2nd 2015
Top officials expressed determination to stick with the full 1.1 trillion euros, even though the eurozone economy shows signs of finally picking up.
Euro (Currency); Banking and Financial Institutions; Government Bonds

This form of "stimulus" is ineffective.

13
Opinion

Students and Parents in the Dark

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | Apr 2nd 2015
The Department of Education should disclose the names of all schools that have been placed under student aid restrictions.
For-Profit Schools; Student Loans; Colleges and Universities; Editorials

If we had a way to measure education an efficiency number would be good.

Demanding accreditation for student aid might work. 
There will be screams.  
The problem is not trivial.

14
Business Day

Falling Corn Prices Bring Down Quarterly Profit at Monsanto

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Apr 1st 2015
Sales slid to $5.2 billion from $5.8 billion.
Company Reports; Corn

Monsanto is not guaranteed a profit.

15
N.Y. / Region

Rollout of New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow Is Again Halted in Court

By EMMA G. FITZSIMMONS | Mar 31st 2015
The Greater New York Taxi Association has argued that the Bloomberg administration exceeded its authority in trying to force drivers to purchase a certain vehicle.
Taxicabs and Taxicab Drivers

The taxis make a successful business.

16
Science

A Farmer Ant’s Unique Fungal Crop

By SINDYA N. BHANOO | Mar 30th 2015
Newly discovered ants have domesticated a fungus deadly to other ant species.
Fungi; Ants

More evidence of evolution.

17
Opinion

The Price of Damming Tibet’s Rivers

By MICHAEL BUCKLEY | Mar 30th 2015
China’s control over the region’s waterways hurts countries downstream.
Levees and Dams; Rivers; Hydroelectric Power

China is not behaving well.

18
Opinion

Why the Trans-Pacific Partnership Matters

By ROGER C. ALTMAN and RICHARD N. HAASS | Apr 3rd 2015
If the Trans-Pacific Partnership fails, the national security of America will be severely harmed.
Trans-Pacific Partnership; International Trade and World Market; United States International Relations; Income Inequality; Currency; United States Politics and Government

I need more information to form an opinion.

19
U.S.

Obama Commutes Long Sentences of 22 Drug Offenders

By MATT APUZZO | Mar 31st 2015
The clemency was part of an effort to correct a disparity created by measures from the 1980s and ’90s and align penalties more with current law.
Amnesties, Commutations and Pardons; Mandatory Sentencing; Drug Abuse and Traffic; Sentences (Criminal); Prisons and Prisoners

The U.S. drug policy has been bad.
There is no foreseeable change from congress. 
This is a start on correcting the policy.

20
Business Day

Charter’s Deal May Not Be the Last Word on Bright House

By JEFFREY GOLDFARB | Mar 31st 2015
With Comcast-Time Warner Cable still in play, the cable landscape could still realign again.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures; Cable Television

High speed internet is enough.
We will get the best deal we can find.
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