25 July 2008: Morning

American embassy dusts off, expands program to help U.S.-employed Iraqis obtain visas, citizenship.

Obama in Berlin: The police estimated that over 200,000 people...thronged the boulevard that stretches between the Prussian Victory Column and the Brandenburg Gate.

Brooks: Obama has one speech; he delivered it to cheers in Europe, but back home the message is getting tired.

Another possibility is that books per se are not especially interesting. An exploration of possible reasons for "reader's block."

Young Jeezy exhausts every rhyme possibility except "Cliff Clavin."

I must insist, from now on, that I am sent a proof of every review I do, in pdf format, so I can check it for fuck-ups.

Deciding the New Orleans food scene has rebounded, The Times-Picayune resurrects its critiques.

Tougher than getting a same-sex marriage: getting a same-sex divorce.

McCain may announce a running mate before the Olympics, when people are still looking for something to pay attention to.

Citing corruption, Iraq disbanded its Olympic committee last month; it now appears unlikely Iraqi athletes will be allowed to compete.

Scientists reveal origins of aurora borealis: magnetic explosions between the Earth and moon.

Video: The Muppets have arrived on the internet--finally.