Headlines from July 14, 2011

Website analysis shows spelling mistakes can halve sales—wary customers suspect phishing schemes.
You’re more likely to survive a plane crash than click on a banner ad.
Talking to Berklee students, John Mayer warns against online self-promotion when there’s still music to be made. #technology
Jobless benefits will disappear, personal debt will rise—and other consequences of a debt ceiling meltdown.
Study of cold sufferers finds giving them a pill—any pill—reduces symptoms and speeds recovery.
New research finds minor health complaints now correlate to an increased risk of dementia later.
HIV drug trial proves so effective that the study was halted so all participants could be given the medication.
Op: Americans should celebrate our French connection—after all, it’s imprinted heavily on our nation. #history
Parisians complain that bistrots are being replaced by “le fast-food.” Looking for Europe’s next ex-pat epicenter.
Anti-regulation gun activist argues on the basis of the 10th Amendent—limiting government power—instead of the Second.
Some found relief by planting their face in an open icebox. Others just cried. Heatwave hits the Borough of Beards. #hair
The new medium for avant-garde artists: Jello. via
Austrian “Pastafarian” wins right to wear colander in driver’s license photo, arguing it’s religious headgear.
By classifying itself as a supermarket, Russian McDonald’s cuts tax bills in half.
Long dormant in the U.S., Toastmasters and the Lions Club find new life abroad.
In the pre-copyright era, American farmers hired artists to trademark fruit.
TMN’s Robert Birnbaum, others, roundtable Dana Spiotta’s Stone Arabia.
U.S. recording biometric information of people in Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly men of fighting age.
Japan’s Prime Minister calls for end to country’s reliance on nuclear power.
Survey of five countries rethinking nuclear; 80% of Mexico in opposition.
I guess I’m a little freakish with lamb chops. Duke Ellington’s favorite foods. #food
Ghana leaves poor-country bracket with newfound riches not in minerals, but services sector.
Mandela profile finds man as “incarnation of the great Roman virtues: gravitas, honestas, dignitas.” #longreads
Life advice from Ricky Gervais: “No one has the right to never be offended.”
Boy diagnosed by mother’s social network.
Scientists find infants won’t imitate idiotic parents—those deemed inefficient or irrational.
James Franco explains why he hates Gawker.
I check Twitter within five minutes of opening my eyes. Confessions of a Twitter addict.
Photograph of a boy texting in 1911.
Pictures of people looking sad while holding, or standing close to, the thing that has made them feel sad.
Tumblr: The fantastic faces of President Obama.
In Focus pictures from the 2011 Tour de France.
Video: 1990 Louis CK standup.
JG Ballard’s house, home to dystopian crafting, for sale, “just under £320,000.”
Judging by car listings, America’s next great storyteller is a Mohegan Lake Audi salesman.