Headlines from July 5, 2012

June 2009 Air France crash attributed to technical failure and human error.
Former teenage bomber remembers the Algerian fight for independence.
Inquiry says the Fukushima crisis was a preventable disaster resulting from collusion among regulators, the Japanese government, and the plant operator.
New Orleans now has the country’s highest murder rate.
North Carolina legalizes fracking after anti-fracking Democrat hits the wrong button by accident.
Round-up of compelling fireworks packaging, complete with confusing euphemisms and questionable concepts. via
Free diver breaks world record by holding his breath underwater for 22:22 minutes.
After the race, there are always lots of little kids who start hitting you. Life of a minor-league mascot.
Beginner’s guide to Alice Munro.
“Smart beach reads” picked by Sasha Frere-Jones, Marcy Dermansky, and more.
Profile of Spider-Man’s reclusive, “impossibly uptight” co-creator.
Percussionist auditions for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Novice learns how to conduct a professional orchestra. #tmn
Nearly half of Americans don’t know that the Supreme Court ruled on health care.
Iran mothballs its embargoed oil in a fleet of repainted tankers.
Angst is such a familiar subject to her that she says the word with the original German pronunciation. Ode to Rachel Maddow.
Tea Party rep says opponent should quit talking about her military service—she lost her legs in Iraq—because real heroes stay mum.
South African runner to be the first amputee to compete in track at the Olympics.
Reports from the massive power outage as viewed on Twitter.
In American demography, the suburbs still dominate—and that shouldn’t be surprising.
Database of mind metaphors, starting from 501 BC.
In 31 years as a sex therapist, marriage counselor, and psychotherapist, I’ve never seen sex addiction.
CIA veteran writes remembrance of his Soviet counterpart.
Critic says ballet should be viewed as “something less than art, a form of trashy but appealing entertainment.”
How colors got their names.
Investigation into the U.S. military’s official color choices. #tmn
Vintage postcards compared to their sites’ present appearances. #photography #tmn
Field report after an avant-garde Brooklyn restaurant serves a one-time marijuana-laced menu.