18 January 2007: Afternoon

"The best things in life aren't things." Art Buchwald gets the last laugh, passes away at age 81. (Excellent video interview with him here.)

"Is it all right to take a 15-year-old girl to the Folies-Bergere?" (answer: "Depends on the 15-year-old girl"). And more advice from Buchwald in the Nov. 1953 Time.

Iraq PM tells U.S. the hour is nigh for supplying his country's troops with more more equipment.

Skeptic magazine learns to be more skeptical when it comes to believing reactionary press releases.

Ten radio station staffers fired after "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" death. And: The most heartbreakingingly placed contextual ad yet.

A new comedy, Mein Führer: The Truly Truest Truth about Adolf Hitler, has Germany divided on whether or not the H-word is funny yet.

Cambodian couples willingly say "I Do" for the first time after 30 years of marriage.

Today's long read: Last year the cruise industry reported that 24 passengers had disappeared between 2003 and last March. Frankly, cruises are terrifying.

Early ToB anticipation grows: Kevin Guilfoile posts about Pynchon and criticism and other stuff.

Saxton Freymann's emotionally provocative produce.

Ottererotica--and auto-birthica?