The Daily Tar Heel :: Most voters believe concealed carry permits are necessary, survey says

An important but marginal victory.

Chapel Hill?

NC Senate sales tax plan could cost cities, towns http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article16538819.html

For G.O.P., Support for Israel Becomes New Litmus Test - NYTimes.com

Another prime reason to dislike Republicans.

Atlantic’s Overturning Circulation slows to Levels not Seen in More than 1,000 Years | Uncover California

So what can we do?

Terrorism Unlikely in Germanwings Crash, French Officials Say - NYTimes.com

Do we really understand the ways in which cargo or the plane itself might have been programmed to cause this - in such a way that human intervention on-board was not possible? I think the answer is no.

California Plastic Bag Referendum Could Spark Environmental Showdown : NPR

Seems like such a no-brainer to me.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough Says the Israeli Occupation 'Must End'

Tell me again.... why is a Jewish Israel a good thing while a white country club is not? It seems me that both are reprehensibly discriminatory. Everyone loses in the process. Why are we supporting so fervently the white country club sometimes known as Israel?

"McDonough added, “Nothing would do more to improve Israel’s security or its relations with its neighbors than to bring about a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state alongside a secure, democratic, Jewish Israel.”"

Debunking the Myth of the Job-Stealing Immigrant - NYTimes.com

Useful.

FDNY: 'No Evidence of Smoke Detectors' On Floors Where 7 Died - NBC News.com

Why would they not have smoke detectors? Religious objection?

Breaking Bad Habits

Also worth more reflection.

A Sucker Is Optimized Every Minute - NYTimes.com

Well worth more reflection!

What Begat What - NYTimes.com

Right on!

Peggy NOONAN on Israel

Peggy NOONAN, Repblican commentator, noted this morning on Face the Nation that the US was one of the countries had "invented" Israel back in 1948. We should never lose sight of this fact, and the responsibility we have as a result of doing so.

Do the Democrats and Israel Have a Future Together? - NYTimes.com

Moreover, I don't care.

Bougez en musique - Vie pratique - Télématin - France 2

This is really neat.

Pardons Elude Men Freed After Decades in Prison - NYTimes.com

North Carolina has become so embarrassing.

Evangelicals Aim to Mobilize an Army for Republicans in 2016 - NYTimes.com

Who are the evangelical leaders in NC? Has someone compiled a list that we can all access?

Largest U.S. Immigrant Groups over Time, 1960-Present | migrationpolicy.org

I would surely have flunked this test.

North Carolina Fines Duke Energy $25.1 Million - NYTimes.com

It's not enough.

Museum Asks Visitors To Listen To New York's Buildings : NPR

What a great thing to do!

BBC News - Stunned France probes deadly Argentina helicopter crash

Reality shows may be the worst thing that ever happened to television.

Touching

Post-its from Georges http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31768869

Ineresting

NYTimes: Farmers Put Down the Plow for More Productive Soil http://nyti.ms/1A9oK7B

Awful move!

NYTimes: White House Faults G.O.P. Senators’ Letter to Iran’s Leaders http://nyti.ms/1HowAQw

The Feel-Good Gene - NYTimes.com

I want to consider this carefully!

What Bibi Didn’t Say - NYTimes.com

Me too.



"Alas, Bibi is Churchill when it comes to isolating Iran, but he is AWOL when it comes to risking his own political future to make it happen. I have a problem with that. I still don’t know if I will support this Iran deal, but I also have a problem with my own Congress howling in support of a flawed foreign leader trying to scuttle the negotiations by my own government before they’re done. Rubs me the wrong way."

In U.C.L.A. Debate Over Jewish Student, Echoes on Campus of Old Biases - NYTimes.com

I don't get it. Why do Jews deserve more or less sensitivity than anyone else? Is this why?

"“It’s very problematic to me that students would feel that it was appropriate to ask that kind of questions, especially given the long cultural history of Jews,” he said. “We’ve been questioned all of our history: Are Jews loyal citizens? Don’t they have divided loyalties? All of these anti-Semitic tropes.”"

I resent that if it is the case. When it comes to conflicts, I don't think any question should be off limits. What you don't ask, you don't know and when we stop asking questions because someone might be offended, we reduce our understanding. No one wins in that case.

Google and Apple Fight for the Car Dashboard - NYTimes.com

They ought to stop doing all of this. Too many people die.

Who Loves America? - NYTimes.com

I have real trouble with this whole concept as one who believes in equality, for everyone.

Interview: Mary Pilon, Author Of 'The Monopolists' : NPR

What an interesting story.

Monroe Freedman, Expert on Legal Ethics, Dies at 86 - NYTimes.com

I will never forget being his student at the National Law Center at the George Washington University.

White House warns Netanyahu not to reveal Iran details - CNN.com

He can say whatever he likes, but when "we" provide a forum for him, we get to call the shots and should. Disgraceful.

The World in Words | Public Radio International

Neat.

When Did ‘You’re Welcome’ Become a Gloat? - NYTimes.com

I want to think more about this.

The Daily Tar Heel :: Faculty respond to Board of Governors decision to close poverty center

Notable but I think a losing effort.

Development Gateway | Solutions that empower

Nice to see this continuing.

Tile - How It Works

Seems like a stretch for 100 feet.

Tragic Gun Crimes in Chapel Hill Haven't Swayed Lawmakers in Raleigh - Chapelboro.com

There are too many guns in America.

Google and Apple Fight for the Car Dashboard - NYTimes.com

Distracting drivers by giving them more toys to use while at the wheel is at least idiotic if not criminal.

Rudy Giuliani’s Raging Bull - The Daily Beast

That's it.

In Remarks on Obama, Rudy Giuliani to the Core - NYTimes.com

He's pathetic.

Giuliani Comments Draw Tweets From Martina Navratilova, Judd Apatow and Others - NYTimes.com

All he gets from me is contempt.

A Bid for Guns on Campuses to Deter Rape - NYTimes.com

An inherently awful idea.

CHAPEL HILL: UNC board panel recommends elimination of three university centers | Education | NewsObserver.com

One of the many reasons I feel so much worse about living in NC than in the past.

Daunting!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/on-the-middle-east/2015/feb/16/uk-envoy-if-libya-fails-it-could-be-somalia-on-the-mediterranean

Coffee power!

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-use-coffee-with-a-cop-to-fight-crime/

Deaths

http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2015/02/17/over-30000-died-en-route-to-europe-over-23-years

The Irish goodbye -- ten ways you say farewell to Ireland - IrishCentral.com

Fascinating.

Templeport Development Association - About

I look forward to spending some time on this.

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, County Cavan: Buildings of Ireland: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

My grandfather and or other members of the family may have worshiped here.

Gun Debate Reignites in Colorado, 2½ Years After Aurora Theater Shooting - NYTimes.com

An outrage that threatens lives. Who are these people anyway?

Taiwan plane crash survivor says engine 'did not feel right' | Fox News

Which airplanes today can operate safely when they lose one engine?

Un hôtel japonais confie l'accueil de ses clients à des robots

A really bad idea.

Emission Terrorisme, grand banditisme : d'où viennent les armes ? - 01/02/2015 du : photos et vidéos - M6

We have too many guns in America. So does France.

The Integrative Law Movement: An Introduction | Cutting Edge Law.com

Have not been following this but seems positive.

Italie!

Voyage sur mesure - Vie pratique - Télématin - France 2

Great program, it appears.

▶ Je suis Charlie - Bien différents, bien ensemble - Vidéo Dailymotion

This is just the right message,

Benjamin Netanyahou veut réduire la dépendance économique d’Israël vis-à-vis de l’Europe de l’Ouest

It would be nice to cut the dependence with the US too!

Bobby Jindal doubles down on 'no-go zone' comments, even as Fox News backs off similar statements | NOLA.com

I am embarrassed that he uses his Brown education for this?

Feinstein to Justice Department: Don't charge Gen. Petraeus, he has 'suffered enough' - Washington Times

If this is true, I'd be all the more likely to charge PETRAEUS if the decision were mine to make! Outrageous comments from a previously distinguished Senator whose best time may be well behind her.

French Police Say Suspect in Attack Evolved From Petty Criminal to Terrorist - NYTimes.com

He never ceased being a criminal and we have to keep reminding us of this, first and foremost.

Who first said 'The pen is mightier than the sword'? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30729480

‘Dangerous Moment’ for Europe, as Fear and Resentment Grow - NYTimes.com

I don't think we can overstate the danger.

NYTimes: In Sweden, the Land of the Open Door, Anti-Muslim Sentiment Finds a Foothold http://nyti.ms/1Bqm73J

NYTimes: As Refugee Tide Swells, Lebanon Plans a Visa Requirement for Syrians http://nyti.ms/1rMw7UK

NYTimes: Ferran Adrià Feeds the Hungry Mind http://nyti.ms/1Dcgl75

Un enfant prend le pistolet dans le sac de sa mère et la tue accidentellement | Dernière minute | Nice-Matin

We simply have too many guns in America.

Aleksei Navalny and Russia’s Protesters Face a Tough Battle - NYTimes.com

I don't understand Russia at all.

NYTimes: Dipping Into a French Melting Pot http://nyti.ms/1BcR4rK

NYTimes: The Scoreboards Where You Can’t See Your Score http://nyti.ms/1JVfqg0

NYTimes: Human Rights Groups in Egypt Brace for Crackdown Under New Law http://nyti.ms/1zGY9DU

Bilingual Nationhood, Canadian-Style - NYTimes.com

Good stuff.

French jobless total at new record http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30597756

French jobless total at new record http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30597756

Prosecute Torturers and Their Bosses - NYTimes.com

Yes, yes!!!!

Los Angeles, as a Pedestrian - NYTimes.com

We should see all places this way!

Journey to Reconciliation Visited Worlds of Presidents, Popes and Spies - NYTimes.com

Bravo to all involved!

Amb. Samantha Power’s father died of broken heart after she left for US - IrishCentral.com

All is not roses.

La torture est justifiée pour 51% des Américains, selon un sondage - rts.ch - info

This is no longer my country.

The Speech That Could Make Elizabeth Warren the Next President of the United States | Miles Mogulescu

I agree.

Storytelling Your Way to a Better Job or a Stronger Start-Up - NYTimes.com

I'd like to help!

"Reconnaissance de la Palestine: le Sénat vote la résolution" - Nice-Matin

I am very glad to see this advance.

C.I.A. First Planned Jails Abiding by U.S. Standards - NYTimes.com

Exactly what I said at the time.

Americans Involved in Torture Can Be Prosecuted Abroad, Analysts Say - NYTimes.com

Indeed.

NPR Search : NPR

Sure does bring back lots of memories.

Could it be?

The BBC reported today that not one of the major English or Urdhu language newspapers in Pakistan carried a story today of the Nobel Peace Prize award to Malala in Stockholm or Oslo. Amazing. Even if they do not like her, this is big Pakistani news, I think.

Brazil panel delivers report on regime brutality

It was a very sad day, first with the Senate Intelligence Committee report on torture, then this report from Brazil and finally the interview with Angeline JOLIE on NBC about the movie she has made of the man who was a prisoner for years in a Japanese camp during World War II. So much pain inflicted on other human beings. It is too much for one day.

In Seven States, Atheists Push to End Largely Forgotten Ban - NYTimes.com

It is troubling to see NC on the list.

IASC: The Hedgehog Review - Volume 16, No. 3 (Fall 2014) - Falling -

I saw him on CNN today, or perhaps it was MSNBC. It's easy to identify with this sad story. We would do ourselves a service by realizing that more often. Here is more of his story; I think I met him when he was at the Washington Post.

Why Save a Language? - NYTimes.com

Interesting.

Delta

Judge for yourself.

--

Hello Terry,

RE: Case Number 14294593

Thanks for your response sharing your dissatisfaction with the response you received. I apologize that you are still not happy.

I’m really sorry you needed to write again in reference to this matter. I wanted to be very sure I understood your email. Please know we provide safety information via the safety packet in the pocket in the seat in front of you and our flight attendants will advise the passengers also during their safety presentation onboard each aircraft if you have any additional questions.

Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to your future travel in December. 

Regards,

LaShawn Adams

You Share, We Care

Original Message Follows: ------------------------

I believe you are WRONG on this.

Look at the airplane for this flight –

EPARTSWed Dec 17 | 8:15pm 
from New York-Kennedy, NY(JFK)

ARRIVESWed Dec 17 | 10:04pm 
at Raleigh/Durham, NC(RDU)

FLIGHTDL 2920 | 1h 49m

PLANECRJ 900 - View Seats

and you will find this…

“Life preservers are installed for flight crew, flight attendants and observer. Passengers are provided with flotation seat cushions.”

….here http://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/fsb/crj%20fsb%20r%205.htm

Please explain your answer and if I am right about it being wrong, give me the correct response that I requested.

From: Contact Delta [mailto:ContactUs.Delta@delta.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2014 4:53 PM
To: Terry MAGUIRE
Subject: RE: OCSD-General Feedback-Other (KMM40069605V44818L0KM)

Hi Terry,

RE: Case Number 14294593

I'm sorry you feel the process for contacting us is difficult. This isn't on purpose. However, there are some auto-generated emails that are sent for informational purposes only and state do not reply. We're also working through a backlog of emails and as a result aren't able to reply to emails as fast as we'd like to. Unfortunately, we're not able to retrieve your original comments to the auto-generated email in question.

Yes, life preservers are located at every seat underneath the front of the seat on every plane we fly. So, in an emergency with instructions to dawn the life preserver you would simply reached down retrieve the life preserver and secure it as instructed.

We hope to see you again on Delta soon.

Regards,

Allen Warner

You Share, We Care

Original Message Follows:

------------------------

I noted my concerns in the form that you require us to complete.

You sure do make it bureaucratic and complicated, and I forget now if there was something more that I wanted to raise. It took you a week to reply!

Oh, I do remember one thing – where, specifically, are life preservers stored on the airplane that I took from JFK back to RDU? I was distressed to read that the only life saving device at our seats on that aircraft are the seats themselves. I do not recall any instruction or information about where the actual life preservers are stored. Are there enough on board for all passengers? A flight leaving JFK for RDU spends some time over a lot of very cold ocean, especially right after takeoff.

From: Contact Delta [mailto:ContactUs.Delta@delta.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 8:36 AM

To: Terry MAGUIRE

Subject: Re: OCSD-General Feedback-Other (KMM39900840V93743L0KM)

Hello Terry,

RE: Case Number 14294593

I’m really sorry as you were unable to respond to us. I’d like to review your concerns in detail. Please reply to this email and refer to case 15160495, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you want to send me the info by postal mail, please use this address:

Delta Air Lines

Corporate Customer Care

Department 980

PO Box 20980

Atlanta GA 30320-2980

We value your business and will look forward to serving you for a long time to come.

Regards,

Karen M. Gomes

You Share, We Care

Original Message Follows: ------------------------

Delta Air Lines Customer Care Form

Title: Mr

First Name: Terry

Middle Name: Terry

Last Name: MAGUIRE

Suffix:

Reply-To Email Address: tmaguire@newspaper.com

Airline Program:

Frequent Flyer Number:

Address: 143 GRAYLYN DR

Address Line 2:

City: CHAPEL HILL

State/Province: NC

Postal Code/Zip: 275164456

Country: US

Telephone Country Code: |

Phone Number:

Flight Date:

Flight Number:

Origin City:

Destination City:

Confirmation Number:

Ticket Number:

Class of Travel:

Response Required: yes

Message: If you are going to send out an e-mail, set it up so someone can reply. This is really dumb! From: Auto-Reply Delta Air Lines - Prospects [mailto:support-b9asxcybfpayqkau3866bqc7gr0pu5-ar@e.delta.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 2:15 PM To: tmaguire@newspaper.com Subject: You've Reached an Unmonitored Account delta.com | Profile | Mileage Balance | Add to Address Book Wait, we want to hear from you, but replies to this email address are not delivered to us. Please use our online form at delta.com to contact us, and we'll get back to you. Sincerely, Delta

Submitted: Wed Nov 19 2014 14:18:44 GMT-0500 (Eastern Standard Time)

  

Four Decades of Solitary in Louisiana - NYTimes.com

I hope we have nothing like this in NC.

Researching Your Future Neighbors - NYTimes.com

I find this whole subject fascinating ranging from what the law permits and/or requires (which continues to befuddle me) and what people want to know and can know.

Gray Hair and Silver Linings - NYTimes.com

Nice piece.

Great Vacation? Don't Brag to Your Friends - NYTimes.com

Narcissism.

Take a Walk - Chapelboro.com

Bravo!

The internet: Too much of a good thing | The Economist

Worth good reflection.

A Writer Whose Pen Never Rests, Even Facing Death - NYTimes.com

Quite a story.

Opposing Gun Measures in Washington State Draw Cash and Sow Confusion - NYTimes.com

There are too many guns in America.