* Optimism in Tripoli over oil reserves, but the government is paralyzed, the army is just another militia. * Further violence in Athens as bailout deal goes to Greek Parliament. * Inventor of 5-Hour Energy spent his twenties as a monk trying to still his mind. * Paul Krugman vs. other economists—"
* With the foreclosure settlement behind them, banks can look forward to more lawsuits and criminal charges. * [China] would much rather see future consumption...via lower household savings than through splurges on credit cards. * For those who know, it's not America vs. China in a battle for supremacy, it&
* Panetta says not even our biggest "bunker buster" could reach underground Iranian nuclear installations. * Brazil demands that Twitter ban users who warn of police speed traps and roadblocks. * Coffee shops invade India, and young people enjoy them mostly for hanging out. * Interview with Berlusconi as he prowls around
* The key question is not whether Vladimir Putin—and Putinism—will survive. They will not. * China reacts to jumping inflation by announcing it will raise the minimum wage 13% each year until 2015. * China's continuing PR nightmare. * When young Chinese want to learn American slang, they turn to
* Syrian forces said to be attacking civilian areas in Homs; Putin proposes advice, angering European diplomats. * Italy imposes emergency measures to conserve gas supplies during Europe's big freeze. * 100,000 Muscovites turned out in sub-zero weather to protest Putin. * List of jobs held in a Medieval city.
* Electrodes on the brain may be the shortcut to the 10,000-hour talent rule. * Willpower is the root of all happiness; a new book explains how to exercise yours to get more. * Diners travel to a Hudson Valley monastery to experience mindful eating, where each bite can last 20
* Obama returns $200,000 linked to the family of a fugitive casino magnate. * Nice things about Attila the Hun. * Notes on whether Italy can change its ways, or remain "more or less equally honored and dishonored." * Despite the lock-out, the NBA is doing very well, with viewership
* After teacher arrests, LA school performs security theater for parents, temporarily replacing its entire staff. * When did the middle finger become offensive? * In the U.S., an invented country freed from its past, a tough match lays ahead for soccer vs. football. * Researchers force monkeys and humans to watch Clint
* New report on Twitter use in Africa reduced to very few characters. * Breakdown of bride pricing in southern Nigeria. * Arnold Bread offers 40 varieties, "and that is just counting the sliced breads, not the thins or buns." * Iran not amused by Samsung ad showing Israel accidentally blowing up
* Sloan-Kettering president accused of pilfering groundbreaking cancer research, using it to launch a biotech firm. * Nobel officials face inquiry into whether they've adhered to Alfred Nobel's ideals—case in point, Obama. * The genome of Wall St. traders. * People who speak languages that blur "today&
