16 October 2007: Morning

Questions and answers on why the Blackwater scandal won't keep America from outsourcing its war-fighting.

The United States cannot now undo President Bush's strategic gift to Iran. The victor in Iraq? You guessed it.

Richest Americans' share of the national income now the highest it's been since the roaring '20s; congrats, hedge-fund managers.

Op: Assuming pilgrims keep landing, New York's artistic sector will still be more financially vital than Wall Street.

Smithsonian's African American museum, anticipated to cost between $300 and $500 million, starts a little smaller with a website.

Alex Ross on the internet's benefits for the classical-music business and scene.

How Hollywood makes promotable critics out of blurb hacks.

Artistic spiritual leader and celebrity-lifter Sri Chinmoy dies at 76. Related: Chinmoy the cult-runner, the sex-romper?

Today's long read: Inspired by Chinmoy, running 44 miles around the block for perfection.

Q&A with overachievers Steven Pinker and Rebecca Goldstein, "America's brainiest couple" and "proud atheists."

Whether Cecilia Sarkozy will break up France's first couple is all anyone in Paris talks about.

Unholy/rationalist father seeks parenting advice from Salon, also from Slate.

Video: Vanna White gives Pat Sajak advice on typography.

What happens when an economist applies Radiohead-pricing to his new book.

Today is Boss's Day? Jeffrey Yamaguchi has ways to show your employer you want to keep your job.

Forum on "what single book is the best introduction to your field for laypeople."