14 August 2008: Morning

Bush dispatches aid to Georgia, placing U.S., Russian forces in helmet-knocking distance.

"If the Americans take Baghdad, why can't we take Gori." Intense standoff between Georgian, Russian troops after talks break down.

Georgia triumphs over Russia in Women's volleyball, though with Brazilian-born players.

Both opium addicts and swimmers "tended to be solitary, remote figures, who felt themselves superior to dull, conventional minds." Swimming's literary neglect.

Michael Phelps's celebrations are an innate victory dance; stigmatized losers try to hide it.

What Phelps eats every day--he kicks it off with three fried-egg sandwiches.

Interactive map: The electoral college calculator lets you create your own election scenario.

Photos: The figures at the Rock Legends Wax Museum don't look much like their rock-star inspirations.

Researching makes one brain "smarter" than another; tricking your computer into thinking its RAM has doubled.

Op: Though security is important, the digital revolution requires a new liberalism to maintain democratic values.

On the potential of the suburbs as ruins, slums, hybrids, or trading places with the inner city.

Op: Replacing college education with a job-qualifying exam will lower class barriers.