31 July 2002

New York's currently: waking to dumpsters

Hamas bombs Hebrew University in Jerusalem, killing at least 6, injuring at least 30.

North Korea meets with Powell, just after launching official media campaign naming U.S. a 'kingpin of evil,' which is actually much better than an 'axis.'

Well-connected Italian coke dealer's address book gets nabbed by police, society all a-flutter.

City to get 1,700 new subway cars for more than $2.3B, to be built with Kawasaki exactly like the current new cars. Related: Lots and lots of subway stories, history.

Florida troopers pull over motorists, for a marketing survey. [via bb]

Gas not favored in downtown yoga classes, though there's always the Wind-Relieving Pose. Also in this week's Observer: Interesting details on the Pentagon's leaks to the papers, a report from the jury's foreman on the recent Schwarz trial.

Saudi Arabia blocks 2,000 sites, says Harvard Law students Edelman and Zittrain. Related: Edelman's home page, and the full list of blocked sites, including The Onion.

Bizarre publishing notes, or, Tom Clancy's farm: Brand-name authors have writers fill out their 'outlines;' Dead authors' names still used on new books; Requirements for writer to get away with substitute help: a fruitful imagination, a total lack of personal style or voice, and a reputation as a rainmaker. [via pu]

Will they call it Wednesday? IBM buys PwC Consulting for $3.5 B.

It's going to be a long afternoon in the bee yard, dude. Amanda Hesser goes bee huntin'.

Finally, the truth has been found: Who is a better artist, Shakespeare or Spears? Related, but not really: Complete celebrity gossip for the past four years.

Interesting analysis of the first chapter of Nick Hornby's How to be Good in the Guardian's Book Review. And, to make yourself feel worse, compare the fetid Times review to the Guardian's healthy, zesty insert.

Geek hotels around the world.

Pulp fiction covers gallery.