G20 concludes with $1.1 trillion headed to nations damaged by the downturn; though the "new global deal" was not reached, unity was. In a rare show of emotion from the international press, many in the room stood up and cheered after Mr. Obama was done. Op: To
Sweden's parliament votes overwhelmingly to legalize gay marriage. Holder cites prosecutorial misconduct in Alaskan Sen. Ted Stevens's corruption case, dismisses conviction. Stunning, recent photos from Afghanistan. Eminent Australian judge faces two years in jail for lying about a speeding fine. W.W. Norton kicks off National
The purpose of this summit, like all such summits, is not really discussion. It is politics. Obama and Medvedev announce unexpected new arms control treaty. Anti-Americanism justifies the existence of Iran's current regime, furnishes a pretext for domestic repression. Netanyahu explains his fears of a nuclear Iran:
U.C. San Diego sends acceptance emails to 28,000 rejected applicants by mistake--later apologizes for the mixup, any emotional trauma caused. Historical examples where pranks and fakery have derailed studies, ruined lives, and misdirected entire professions. In London, Bank of England besieged by "Financial Fool's
Canadians are so sensible they even have the sense not to brag. How Canada has avoided the bailouts. In Afghanistan, Karzai approves law to turn back women's rights--opponents accuse him of grabbing at Shia votes. "Our main export to Russia is not wine, but 'thieves
Sarkozy threatens to walk away from G20 if demands for stricter financial regulations aren't met. Photos and stories of recently laid-off workers from all over U.S. Animated photos of world landmarks as they dim their lights to observe "Earth Hour." Video: From 1958, Aldous
The search for information resembles a walk through an overbuilt quarter of an ancient capital. How Wikipedia, like buildings and cities, can learn. A current favorite resource: the Hitchcockwiki. I wrote the software that turned mortgages into bonds. Michael Osinsk tells the story of his own Manhattan Project. Today in
Two months into Obama's term, Glenn Beck's "mad as hell" rhetoric sends Fox News back to the top of political cable. Fox launches "The Fox Nation," a website with an "Our Purpose" page rather than "About Us." Brazilian
U.S. Patent Office bans "business-method" patents on ideas rather than implementation. An explanation of video-game brain-fitness software, its supposed science, and game recommendations. Study shows playing computer games effectively treats amblyopia, or "lazy eye." Is there a richer, deeper, more textured universe
Brazil's president says poor, non-white people shouldn't bear the burden of a crisis caused by white, blue-eyed people. The war in Afghanistan is on track to being the longest in U.S. history. New Maira Kalman column about the kind of government she likes.
