* Clinton says she's ultimately responsible for the safety of U.S. diplomats—dumping further hay on the pile. * Color-coded guide to Angela Merkel's blazers. * Study finds you can judge 90% of a stranger's personal characteristics by looking at their shoes. * America's
* Six-year study of Britain's drug laws by cops, scientists, etc., recommends decriminalization. * Primer on the battle over whether soda actually makes us fat. * Pumpkin is the new bacon. * Philosopher argues for pain-free world, which may soon be possible with technology. * People with congenital analgesia—people who,
* German chancellor tries unsuccessfully to feel Greeks' pain during visit. * America faces the doom of Venice, where elites yanked up the ladders after they'd climbed to the top. * Round-up of nastiest Congressional races currently underway. * Senator Arlen Specter, "a Philadelphia institution," dies of cancer
* Google says no monkey business involved when search for "completely wrong" yields Romney photos. * Letter to American liberals. * Popkey: The Vikings stink—OK, not this year, but it could be tough convincing their fans otherwise. * Math explained behind that last straw applied to the poor camel. * Understanding your
* Nobel Peace Prize bestowed on the European Union amid a "growing gulf" between its member nations. * During last night's debate, Biden took clear command at times, Ryan didn't screw up, and both parties got what they needed. * Round-up of bloggers' reactions to
* Deep in the Republican South, a swath of voters are pro-Obama due in part to plankton. * "Philadelphians Wear More Sweatpants Than Anybody, Says Study." * Muslims in Java seeking their fortune embrace ritual that requires sex with strangers. * Despite Putin's aid, his cranes won't
(One clue to get you started: The map doesn’t represent gross national anything.) {image-1} [Answer]
* Brief, accessible guide to the vice-president and his rival in preparation for tonight's debate. * Related: Ryan's appeal and positions reduced to a children's poem. * Obama's confidence is intact, and as the meme says—which he knows about—"he's
* "Romney frantically figuring out how tax plan could actually work after realizing he might win election." * The complex history of presidents trying to be funny. * A bad lip reading of the first 2012 presidential debate. * Old Economy Steven has it better than his parents—and his kids. * U.
* Pentagon task force sent to Jordan in case turmoil in Syria should expand into a wider conflict. * The pro-U.S. case for helping Iran save face. * Terrific article about the predetermined square dance that people do in elevators. * A tale of two lawyers: One wants to inject more money
