Headlines from August 22, 2013

Bradley Manning: “As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning.”
After Sandy Hook, Dick’s Sporting Goods halted assault rifle sales; now they’ve reintroduced them at a new chain.
See also: America’s love of guns can’t be contained; the question we should be asking ourselves now is: Why do we kill? #tmn
He was frightened by his decision…but felt bound to follow his faith. Some Pentecostals with HIV are declining treatment.
Why New Jersey’s ban on gay conversion therapy is a win over abusive parents.
Test your knowledge of congressional districts in Slate’s gerrymandering jigsaw puzzle. #diversions
With no engine up front, the Tesla Model S’s monster crumple zone makes it one of the safest cars ever tested.
Fast-food commercials have to use real food, and other mind-blowing facts about your workplace.
See also: How waiters carry heavy platters, how actors appear drunk, and other occupations’ insider knowledge. #tmn
In the midst of the Great Recession, corporate America seized its opportunity to ruin good jobs.
The culture of our world…is crafted by little boys who only recall being stood up on their first date, and nothing they got after.
Francis Ford Coppola loved Trapped in the Closet, and R. Kelly told his friends he grew up on Phoenix. #q&a
I think I pledged $25. Whatever happened to the Best Music Writing series?
A history of New York City as seen through the opening themes of 1970s TV shows.
The dream of the ‘90s is officially over: Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill will close at the end of the month.
Pretty in Pink: the James Spader Supercut. #video
White House and the NSA struggle to stop getting lapped by the Snowden-related news cycle.
If forced to choose between Bush and Obama, more Louisiana Republicans blame Obama for Bush’s mistakes during Hurricane Katrina.
France warns Syria of forceful response over chemical-weapons allegations.
Reporter hijacks Kremlin-funded news program to protest Russia’s anti-gay laws.
Late-in-life mailman, 72, says he won’t quit even if he wins the lottery, despite having America’s longest route.
David Letterman airs security footage of Tina Fey’s new Manhattan office being robbed by one of her movers. #video
In case you enjoy making fun of New York City foodies, New York City foodies hunger for a new cronut—e.g., the ramen burger. via
Related: Paintings of the insides of kitchen cabinets, bathroom closets, refrigerators.
Even the best science writers struggle with topics being simultaneously over- and under-explained. #tmn
“Word aversion” explains why so many people hate the word “moist,” including many in George Saunders’s audiences.
Hundreds of spelling, grammar, and geography errors in textbooks reveal dire need for education reform in Mexico.
Historical Paris mansion catches fire, with smoke seen all over the city. #photography
Florida politician posits that if taxpayers have to pay for sports stadiums, they should get to own a piece of the team, too.
Finnish tourists who stock up on cheap booze in Estonia indirectly fund thriving literary scene.
Greatest hits from 30 years of Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. #audio
Cartoon of the morning: A red French balloon walks into a saloon and drinks too much alcohol. via
The immobility of a mallard’s head when it is landing does not prove it is using its magnetic vision to steer, but it is certainly consistent with the idea.