Headlines from October 1, 2009

My 10-year-old was in tears. "Mom, I don't want to die," was how he greeted me. The view from American Samoa.
Brazilian newspaper says the New Yorker is trying to sink the country's Olympic bid.
George W. Bush...had a soft spot for gay marriage, and didn't believe his own speeches on the subject.
A book about gay penguins has received the most ban requests in the U.S.
Brooklyn residents try to halt swan-on-swan violence in Prospect Park.
Op: If only the public health option were framed correctly, centrists would flock to it.
Instructions on how to short-circuit America's power grid, besides using your toaster and microwave at the same time.
What TMN's staff and readers did when the lights went out six years ago.
A guide to the best things to thump on in New York City.
What happens to your non-recyclables if they end up in the wrong bin.
Introductions are made, guides are announced at "Infinite Summer: Dracula."
Artist uses scalpels and eyelashes to render tiny sculptures.
Nuclear talks begin with Iran; "the point is to try to make it impossible for them to say no."
Gulf states taking measures to prevent Iran from gaining nukes, including buying up deals with Russia and China.
Coming soon to German basements: miniature power plants.
Fascinating account of a basic-income plan in a Namibian village, and the farmers who oppose it.
General Motors shutters Saturn after deal with Penske collapses.
Night-sky photos demonstrate what's been lost to light pollution.
Scientists decry U.K. border agency's plan to test asylum seekers' DNA to determine nationality.
Britain swears in a new supreme court--legally more supreme than the House of Lords.
Evidence for new neuroscientist pick-up line: "Would you like me to balance your processing styles?"
Tufts enforces sexual manners by banning hooking up when a roommate's present.
New Winnie-the-Pooh book adds a female companion, Lottie the Otter, "to that bothersome bear's mostly male entourage."
For those who can't wait for Dracula, the internet reading project, here's Dracula, the comic.
James Wood nails Richard Powers--and his dead characters--to the wall.
Ethical dilemmas involving Klondike bars.

Please enjoy what you get, even if you hate it. What it's like to eat and drink in a mystery café.