19 January 2011: Afternoon

Obama reminds Hu of universal human rights, Reid calls Hu a dictator.

Cheney needs a heart.

Facing wiretaps about orgies and prostitutes, Berlusconi says, "Italy needs everything but elections."

One Italian, an artist; two Italians, a concert; three Italians, defeat. Ben Schott chart of differences between nationalities.

Science introduces empirical measurement of fame (for scientists).

During first two years, 45% of college students don't "demonstrate any significant improvement in learning."

List of common misperceptions.

Op: Students who read, study, and critique short stories end up writing short stories.

I don't treat hand puppets. Literal New Yorker captions.

Masks, prayer, and vegetarian rituals used by workers who collect honey from tiger reserve.

Math says ordering a bottle of champagne plus some juice is smarter than requesting 10 mimosas.

Fifty meals to eat in 50 states prior to the apocalypse.

If you write something a baby can hum, it'll be around for a long time. Remembrance of Sam Cooke with his brother L.C.

Theme from Jurassic Park played at 1/10th its original speed.

Primer on latest generation of Palestinian hip-hop producers.

Music written specifically to be played in shuffle mode.

Video: San Luis Obispo, tilt-shifted.