* Merkel would like "clarity" on the whole Greece risking a big populist "no" vote and chaotic E.U. exit. * Former skinhead renounces hate, needs 25 surgeries to remove tattoos. * Infographics are a thoroughly Victorian, not modern, phenomenon. * Tweeting Birmingham, England's newspaper ads of yore.
* Iowa uninterested in Herman Cain's sexual-harassment past. * Is Jon Huntsman fluent in Chinese? The answer appears to be no. * Obama gets to say things Cameron can't—Brits reach for Shakespeare, Americans for Lincoln. * Scientists tell subjects that fingernail-on-chalkboard sound is contemporary music; subjects
We asked you to show us how close the recession is to your doorstep. Here’s a sign of hope in North Carolina: Name: Rosecrans Baldwin Location: Chatham County, NC Recovery/downturn: This roadside espresso hut closed for business about 18 months ago. Now there’s a sign in the
* Chart shows how many Manhattans, standing-room only, are required by seven billion people. * Chinese immigrants explain why they're in Laos. * Whether or not to spank a child. * Anticipating tomorrow's Biblioracle session on TMN: "A book everyone should read and why." * Issue two of
* Since 2001, Britain consumes less stuff; economy grows without noticeably increasing resource use. * Jon Lee Anderson on contemporary Libya and the fall of Gadhafi. * Zambians proud of their stability, with an ousted president retiring with grace. * Historian on extinct states in Europe offers five books to read now and why.
Hear that knocking? It’s either Halloween or those are Buy Here Pay Here dealership reps here to kidnap a family member. Assuming the former, are your Halloween preparations complete? If not, TMN (The Mourning News!) can help: * If you still need a costume but don’t have any money,
* Everyone thinks women fall in love more easily, but a study of college students finds the opposite. * Lament of an aging professor observing his own brain slowing down, with a killer conclusion. * University of Chicago hosts Jersey Shore academic conference. * Funded by Jeff Bezos, the 10,000-year clock will
* Studies find mind-reading is now feasible, if a bit crude. * Phrases like "god particle" may drive scientists batty, but they stoke interest that promotes research. * Photos leak from "foreclosure mill" law firm Halloween Party that mocked evicted homeowners. * Photographs taken inside haunted houses when the
* Much of the growth beyond seven billion people will come from fragile states. * Businesses from NATO countries hope Libyan gratitude becomes opportunity to cash-in. * Equatorial Guinea invites first delegation to see how the country has changed—it hasn't. * From last year: TMN's Liz Entman watched
* China admits two tons of "gutter oil" are consumed in restaurants; real amount believed ten times larger. * Taibbi: Rick Perry is the best little whore In Texas. * Hitchens drops the hammer on those who encourage dying people to believe in God. * Advanced degrees increasingly helping firefighters get ahead.
