A library opened today in Texas, but it doesn't contain any physical books. Instead, it has e-books, e-readers, computers, and iPads.
This video explains the concept:
The library will have an annual budget of $1.2 million, which will cover the costs of about 10,000 new e-books each year.
What do you think of this new concept? Many other libraries have instituted new technology and "e-" features. Do you think they will eventually become entirely bookless?
Trader Joe's has been previously known for its employee benefits for part-time workers, but the grocery chain has changed its policies. Employees working less than 30 hours a week will no longer be covered by the benefits Trader Joe's offers. They will have to buy their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare. The employees that are losing their health insurance coverage will each be given a $500 stipend to "hold them over" until they can enroll with ObamaCare.
Some conservatives think that Trader Joe's change in behavior is a sign that ObamaCare is too costly -- they think the grocery chain has foreseen the high costs the Affordable Care Act would place on the company and decided to cut health benefits to avoid these costs.
Supporters of ObamaCare think that this is a solid example of what the law was created for. All workers need health insurance, and not all companies provide it, so the ACA makes sure that people can get what they need, no matter who they work for.
What do you think of those perspectives? Do you think Trader Joe's made a good decision in regards to the company's finances and to the employees' welfare?
When Facebook went public last year, it's starting price was $38. It hit $45 on the day of its IPO in May of last year, but that number quickly dropped. Today, the stock price broke its record of $45 and things seem to be looking up for Facebook. Last September, the price hit its lowest point at $17.55, but now, almost exactly a year later, the price hit a high point of $45.09 and closed the day at $45.03.
So why is Facebook successful now when it was doing so poorly before? This article suggests that speculation about the company's possible expansion into China could play a part. Facebook's advertising is also a factor. The company has recently been successful in its mobile ads, which pull in 41% of its advertising revenue. Instagram, owned by Facebook, is also expected to have ads soon. In this article, analyst Arvind Bhatia says that "video advertising and Instagram" are "catalysts for the stock."
Why do you think Facebook is doing more successful now? Do you think the stock price will continue to rise, stay the same, or fall down again?
The majority of citizens in Hawaii support gay marriage. The University of Hawaii concluded that legalizing gay marriage in the state would increase tourism profit by $217 million. With this amount of funds, gay marriage could be considered an "industry," as it was described by Hawaii News Now. What do you think of the perception of same-sex marriage as an industry?
Governor Abercrombie's call for a special session is certainly progress, and pushes forward the movement for marriage equality, at least in Hawaii. A special session allows full focus to be placed on the act and will be more efficient than usual discussion. Do you think this is a good way of going about the issue? Do you think other states will or should follow suit in the same fashion?
In the publication, the inclusion of Dual_EC_DRBG, or Dual Elliptic Curve Deterministic Random Bit Generator was concerning at first, due to concerns about its speed (3x slower than the other two methods listed). In 2007, it was revealed by a pair of Microsoft (oh the irony) researchers who proved that with the correct set of numbers, the encryption could be cracked in as few as 32 bytes of output (for size comparison, this post up to here contains about 1000 bytes). This, paired with the NSA's insistence upon a vastly slower algorithm, lead the researchers to believe that the NSA had intentionally inserted this backdoor into our security protocols.
This wasn't the first time the NSA has attempted to do this; in 1994, the agency pushed for "Clipper" chips which would record transmissions from electronic devices. This was fiercely beaten down in a frenzy by privacy advocates and legal scholars.
The NSA - nicknamed "No Such Agency" due to its secrecy - has become the center of the largest privacy scandal in the history of the U.S.
Back in June, The Guardian revealed a secret court order requiring Verizon to hand over phone records. As time went on, whistleblower Edward Snowden proceeded to give various news agencies classified documents to publish, including the Guardian, among others. Later, this was extended to government collection of personal emails, and spying on American allies. See the EFF for more information. Several organizations have now stepped out, including the ACLU and EFF, to challenge the constitutionality of the broad search powers granted to the NSA.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of these revelations is the idea that even the majority of congressmen did not know about these programs - had they known about these, an argument could be made that at least our representatives knew the extent of the surveillance. However, these programs were wholly unknown to the majority of our representatives; only three congresspeople in California were privy to this knowledge - Diane Feinstein, Rep. Devin Nunes (22nd), and Rep. Adam Schiff (29th). The fact that out of the 55 congresspeople in California, only 3 of them knew of this program raises the inevitable question - is secrecy, especially on this scale, fundamentally abhorrent to the concept of democracy?
In light of these revelations, the Obama administration has beaten a retreat from the denial to an attitude of compromise. However, this really begs the question - should the government be engaging such broad and sweeping surveillance at all?
Proponents of the surveillance point to the over 50 terrorist attacks thwarted by this program, but any trace of these terrorist attacks are not yet available to the public.
Opponents say that the surveillance violates the 4th Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizure and the First Amendment's freedom of speech protection (via the Iorfida v. MacIntyre defense against governmental restrictions of the 1st, referred to as "chilling effects").
Three things to take into consideration:
The FBI's usage of entrapment was brought up on 2012, concerning FBI agents' incitement of people to domestic terrorism
According to The U.S. Government, a total of 12,533 people were killed and 25,903 were wounded worldwide as a result of terrorism in 2011, in comparison to the 1.3 million deaths by road injury. (terrorism kills less than 1% of the people car accidents do).
The line "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" has long been a controversial one, with fights over it's implications under the First Amendment raging on since it was first added under Eisenhower. In the past, the Supreme Court has declined to hear a First Amendment case regarding the phrase "under God" due to standing and other issues. However, in recent times, there has been a backlash against the religious ideologies of the previous generations, as exemplified by the man with a pasta strainer on his head.
Following the official White House press release on Assad's usage of chemical weapons on August 21st (attached map of affected areas), and Obama's confirmation of his power as the Commander-in-chief to use military force without permission from Congress, a campaign has begun to persuade Congress of the merits of direct involvement in Syria. Top US officials including Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, General Martin Dempsey and Secretary of State John Kerry plead their case today in a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Despite recent opinion polls maintaining a majority opposition to a Syrian Strike among the American people, several lawmakers have expressed their support after Obama's efforts to seek approval began - representing "a huge boost for the president's efforts to win congressional approval for military action," with both House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor declaring their support for Obama. The draft circulating in the SFRC has some choice restrictions, ruling out combat troops and limiting the time period to 60 days. However, the language does not restrict so called "mission creep," should circumstances necessitate further action or intervention after the strike in order to maintain stability or exploit new opportunities. A classic example of mission creep would be the Korean War, in which US forces proceeded into the North after retaking the South as per their original operational parameters - this particular expansion of goals ultimately went unmet after Chinese intervention.
With recent speculations focusing on what Obama would do if and when Congress rejects his proposal, another scenario emerges in which Congress actually approves said strikes. If the Obama administration continues to successfully persuade Congress, the strikes will almost certainly occur. How will the Syrian government react? How will American and Syrian allies react respectively? Will further intervention prove necessary after a strike?
According to US Government's Assessment, Assad has used chemical weapons against his own people in the civil war there. Syria and its allies have challenged this assertion, with Assad challenging the West to produce a single piece of evidence that proves the government forces guilty. However, the part that I believe is most pertinent to us as inhabitants of America is Obama's declaration that the impending vote by Congress would be nonbinding.
Does this signal a changing socio-political context under which the Constitution is interpreted? In Libya, Obama had engaged in a bombing campaign without congressional approval in violation of the War Powers Act, and in Syria, the president seeks once more to engage in a bombing campaign - this time having already declared this action wholly within his "constitutional powers" as president. Kerry has characterized the action as a "military intervention" and therefore not a war - a form of legal word-wrangling we are all too familiar with. Obama himself has called the planned strikes limited and proportional. Like that time we went into Iraq and killed more than 100,000 people because we had "strong evidence" that Hussein had WMDs. Or that time when we sent in 30 or so UAVs into Pakistan and killed a couple thousand people in airstrikes, including U.S. citizens. Actually, there was never a war in Pakistan - at least not as far as Congress is concerned. Nor was there ever a war in Libya. Oh, and we never went to war in Yugoslavia. Not in Nicaragua either, when Congress barred the executive from interfering.
Casualties related to the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars, as per the DemocraticUnderground
So, would entering Syria constitute a war? Does the president have to obtain congressional approval before he goes in? Can he ignore Congress if it votes against him?
After several months of rules negotiation, leaders from the Ku Klux Klan and NAACP met this Saturday in Casper, Wyoming. Jimmy Simmons, president of the NAACP branch in Casper met with John Abarr, an organizer for the United Klans of America. According to Simmons, "If you want to talk about hate, get a hater. Let him tell you something about hate."
The meeting itself went quite cordially. Dressed in formal clothes, both sides discussed the history of their groups and their current goals. Abarr billed himself as a more moderate member, not participating in violence and even stating "I like to recruit really radical kids, then calm them down after they join." Simmons expressed his his surprise towards his apparent lightheartedness, stating "You're not serious about this, I don't think."
The meeting then took a stranger turn when Simmons offered Abarr a membership application in the NAACP, which he filled out and thena dded a $20 donation on top of the $30 membership fee. If this meeting is any indicator of future events, then the only thing we can say for certain is to expect the unexpected. Huffington Post Article Telegram Article
Living at home with your parents after you've become an adult is a major social stigma in the United States, a sign that you can't achieve financial independence - but according to census data, more young adults live with parents. With the exorbitant cost of living in some places outpacing the starting salaries of many, the practicality of free board with family has become more and more appealing to new adults trying to succeed in today's economy. In other countries, the rate is much higher as places like Canada or Italy (really just half of Europe), with around 40% of young adults living with their families. The social stigma in these countries isn't there unlike in America, and even less so in Asian parents where offspring are expected to help out with their families once they reach a working age. The trend is expected to continue in America even as the economy recovers, as social rules relax.
This Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service ruled "that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes... regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage." While not a dramatic victory, this report is just one of many indicators of the constantly accelerating campaign for equality for LGBT+ persons, another reassurance for gay and civil rights groups.
The ruling itself was an extension of the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor in which Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act was declared unconstitutional - a clear and cut example of judicial review, a check from the judicial branch on the legislative. Section 3 of DOMA effectively restricted federal acknowledgement of same-sex married couples. Yesterdays report was a confirmation of the "federal tax aspects" of the case. Further change is inevitable - its only a question of what the next event will be to shift civil rights towards further equality.
New York Times Articles on the IRS ruling and the original DOMA strike down
When I got the familiar vibration from NY times telling me that "Ford Hood Shooter Is Sentenced to Death by Military Jury," I didn't really think much of it, but as I inconspicuously looked it up during an especially boring lull between lectures, I realized that this is a big deal. According to NY Times, "The last execution there was in April 1961, with the hanging of John A. Bennett, an Army private convicted of the rape and attempted murder of an 11-year-old Austrian girl." It's been over 50 years since someone has been executed at Fort Leavenworth, the "intellectual center of the army." This got me thinking about military corruption/crimes in general and didn't get much other than radical claims. I kind of lost interest at the ALL CAPS TITLES IN FLUORESCENT YELLOW so I came back to this specific case. Maj Nidal Hasan, former military psychologist, isn't really greedy corruption (money, sexual relations, etc.,) its more martyrdom for a religious cause, and in my opinion, I think it's scary that the people that are supposed to protect us from the US' perceived "enemy," might be the enemy. A view from a non US perspective NBC news with a little history on capital punishment
After the housing bubble popped along with the US economy 7 years ago, we (our parents) got used to seeing "for-sale" signs and housing prices drop lower and lower. However, as the economy gets that much stronger, the housing market is seeing prices rise and stay stable at a constant pace. With the recent numbers from June and July coming out, the prices of homes are indeed getting better, with Las Vegas experiencing the highest increase. We know that the housing market is connected to the economy, but according to recent studies, the house market may be growing independent to the economy. What are your opinions about the stronger housing market, and is it significantly connected to the economical growth? housing bubble in 2006/7 BBC housing the economist housing The economist interactive housing graph The housing market vs GDP
Vice President Joe Biden has just confirmed with "no doubt" that the Ba'ath government was responsible behind the August 21st Ghouta chemical attacks. Casualty reports have ranged from 322 to 1729, with accusations of guilt coming from all sides. Coming just a year after Obama's Red Line speech, the attacks reportedly occurring 3 AM struck several rebel held towns.
Initial reactions from the international community were harsh, With the US suspecting Ba'ath involvement. The Assad regime rejected responsibility, and then proceeded to blame the rebels for staging the attack to discredit the regime - proclaiming that the US and others were using it as an excuse to attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich stated that "agenda-driven regional mass media have begun an aggressive attack at once, as if on command, laying all the responsibility on the government."
UN inspection of the attack site was delayed after the Syrian government reportedly shelled the area for days, removing evidence, and the investigators themselves were targeted with sniper fire. Reports indicate that a nerve agent was used, corroborating witness reports and videos of the attack.
Just yesterday, the UK and US deployed several guided missile destroyers and a helicopter carrier to the region to be ready for a strike against Syria, after UK prime minister David Cameron called the attacks "morally indefensible." Several nearby submarines, aircraft carriers and regional AFBs (Air Force Bases) are ready to give support should the order to attack come, which the Americans are ready for according to US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Said attacks are expected to strike prime military targets, especially any units responsible for said attacks.
While the Obama administration has solidly put the blame on the Syrian government, other groups are still claiming their innocence. With the event so recent, not all evidence has yet been collected or reviewed by investigators - and only time will tell if other nations agree with the US government's findings. Do you think the Syrian government or the rebels perpetrated this attack? Is the US government aiming to intervene militarily out of outrage for the situation, or for other reasons?
Well, according to the debt limit put forth, yes. In mid
October, the US reaches the debt limit and officially* cannot borrow any money.
The debt limit, a limit of spending put forth by congress, is exactly what it
sounds like: a limit on the borrowing of money that the US does. Debt limit explained (this is kind of biased toward Congress so watch out)
Of
course, there have been many debt limit scares, like the one in May, but the
recent increase in them may be sign of the impending doom that may fall upon
the debt ridden US. Or, it could all be a scare tactic to get American’s behind
Obama’s back on whatever spending plan he puts forth. Obama debt limit scare
In
the end, only one thing is for sure—there is a debt ceiling, and it is coming
up fast.
Robbie Rogers, a professional MLS soccer player, retired in February at age 25, announcing then that he is gay. However, such a young athlete with such a great passion for the game, Rogers decided to return to Major League Soccer, signing a multi-year contract with the L.A. Galaxy this past Saturday. This makes him the first openly gay male athlete in U.S. professional soccer.
Rogers is not just an average player - he was a former winger on the U.S. National Team, has won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew, and has even played in the English premier league for a time. The L.A. Galaxy coach, Bruce Arena, was very clear in describing the assets that Rogers provides to his team, emphasizing that Rogers was acquired for his soccer skill, as he should be.
On a side note, between David Beckham and now Robbie Rogers, the L.A. Galaxy seem to have a knack for acquiring some of the most publicized players in the MLS.
What do you guys think of Roger's milestone? Is this the beginning of a larger domino effect that started with Jason Collins in the NBA and now Rogers in the MLS? How significant a step in the right direction is Roger's announcement/signing with the Galaxy?
A tornado was reported to have hit Oklahoma today. 51 people are confirmed to be dead (more deaths expected to be uncovered) , some of which were children. Many others are injured and are in the care of nearby hospitals. The tornado did tons of damage to property and it completely destroyed two elementary schools. The tornado traveled at speeds up to 200 miles per hour and it was over one mile wide. There is a lot of information, photos, and even videos for those of you who are interested in seeing more as this post does not tell the half of it.
After several months of rules negotiation, leaders from the Ku Klux Klan and NAACP met this Saturday in Casper, Wyoming. Jimmy Simmons, president of the NAACP branch in Casper met with John Abarr, an organizer for the United Klans of America. According to Simmons, "If you want to talk about hate, get a hater. Let him tell you something about hate."
This Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service ruled "that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes... regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage." While not a dramatic victory, this report is just one of many indicators of the constantly accelerating campaign for equality for LGBT+ persons, another reassurance for gay and civil rights groups.
Last fall, when Colorado and Washington legalized the recreational use of marijuana. there was much controversy over not only the drug and abuse, but also the federal vs. state law issue. Although 18 other states allow the use of medical marijuana, at a federal level, the use of marijuana is illegal. Despite the federal law against the illicit drug, the Obama administration will not challenge state marijuana legislative laws. There's not much to say on the actual drug itself, but the fact that Obama and his administration will not sue to change these state laws is surprising, given the fact that "Last week, the White House said President Obama did not support changing federal laws regulating marijuana, which treat the drug as a highly dangerous substance with no medical purpose."Although there is definitely a shift in views concerning the legalization of marijuana across America, the murkiness of federal vs state law is something to watch..jpg)
Initial reactions from the international community were harsh, With the US suspecting Ba'ath involvement. The Assad regime rejected responsibility, and then proceeded to blame the rebels for staging the attack to discredit the regime - proclaiming that the US and others were using it as an excuse to attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich stated that "agenda-driven regional mass media have begun an aggressive attack at once, as if on command, laying all the responsibility on the government."
Robbie Rogers, a professional MLS soccer player, retired in February at age 25, announcing then that he is gay. However, such a young athlete with such a great passion for the game, Rogers decided to return to Major League Soccer, signing a multi-year contract with the L.A. Galaxy this past Saturday. This makes him the first openly gay male athlete in U.S. professional soccer.
A tornado was reported to have hit Oklahoma today. 51 people are confirmed to be dead (more deaths expected to be uncovered) , some of which were children. Many others are injured and are in the care of nearby hospitals. The tornado did tons of damage to property and it completely destroyed two elementary schools. The tornado traveled at speeds up to 200 miles per hour and it was over one mile wide. There is a lot of information, photos, and even videos for those of you who are interested in seeing more as this post does not tell the half of it.
