Headlines from August 16, 2012

AP Stylebook releases list of election cliches to avoid—WaPo provides commentary.
Hungary tries to quell “brain drain” by requiring state-sponsored grads to stay for 10 years—a possible violation of EU laws.
Mr. Ramirez thinks that around 0.5% of all bills in Peru, including dollars, are fake.
Previously unpublished Gore Vidal Q&A on religion, democracy, his favorite writers.
Misquotes catch on so quickly because they just sound catchier.
The story of the ultra-rare 1936 Mercedes roadster whose owner defied the Nazis and kept her car, which could now break auction records.
This looks like a great platoon to me. Wesley Clark’s previous knowledge of reality shows was limited to Wipeout. #tv
Mike Deri Smith spends a week on Lt. Gen. McChrystal’s diet and exercise regimen. #tmn
Tom Breihan profiles the giants (literally) of pro wrestling.
One of the top U.S. Scrabble players kicked out of national championship for hiding blank tiles.
Defenders of a rare NYC wildflower lost their battle to big-box retailers years ago; though the species still blooms, its days are numbered.
If it makes you shake, scream, or hallucinate, it’s probably been cited as a cause for the Salem witch trials. A history of jimsonweed. #tmn
Around 95% of domestic adoptions now permit contact with birth parents—compared to around 36% in the ‘80s.
Kids from the ‘90s predict today’s internet. #video
Hear Beck’s new songs, recorded for the video game Sound Shapes. #music
Europe lets Hezbollah operate openly as a political and social movement.
Prize-winning 1987 essay by Hilary Mantel on women’s domestic life in Saudi Arabia.
Favorite new meme: “Ridiculously Photogenic Syrian Soldier.”
NBA officials didn’t think black players looked good in black until Jay-Z persuaded them otherwise.
Northern pols shouldn’t say “y’all” unless they once ate fatback sandwiches from necessity. #opinions
Spanish mayor stages robberies at supermarkets and gives stolen groceries to the poor.
Unlike Romney, Obama drinks and even brews his own beer, and he’s talking about it a lot.
Devo to release “Don’t Roof Rack Me, Bro! (Remember Seamus)” in honor of Romney’s dead dog.
Fantastic analysis of international art English and the rise of the art-world press release.
How to acquire a literary agent and why you may not have found one yet.
Karl Lagerfeld finds muse and lingerie designer in former child prostitute “gifted” to famous French athlete.
Jodie Foster defends Kristen Stewart, saying today’s star culture is impossible to survive.
Alicia Silverstone demands vegan meals for Pussy Riot in letter to Putin.
Net-net, I obviously think traders carry the day here. Banker girl rates financial types for optimum dating.
Thursday poem: “Difference,” by Mark Doty.
Ghettos remade from train-set props. #photography #tmn