* "While unceasingly observing and witnessing the heartbreaking bloodshed," Syrian Comment explains why intervention isn't viable. * One of America's most respected bankruptcy lawyers moonlights as a new-age healer, claiming his "energy hand" works. * If you are what you do, what are you
* UK draws up contingency plans for military action in Syria; Russia warns of "catastrophic consequences." * Kerry's speech marked the harshest American condemnation of the slaughter in Syria to date; it didn't mean we're going to war. * Assad's use of chemical
* The Guardian will grant the New York Times access to some of its trove of Snowden documents. * Der Spiegel releases Snowden documents that show the NSA hacked into foreign nations' videoconferences at the UN. * At a planned Upper West Side luxury tower, rich and poor occupants will have separate
* Documents show the Reagan administration knew of, but never disclosed, Saddam's widespread use of chemical weapons. * This was the birth of the Black Chamber, the NSA's earliest predecessor, and it would be hidden in the nondescript brownstone. * Coptic Christians in Egypt face an uncertain future. * Related:
Modern-day totem poles constructed from Americans’ favorite consumer materials—cars, beer cans, even cheeseburgers.
* Despite warnings, when doctors prescribe antibiotics, they usually prescribe big—and often shouldn't prescribe at all. * Dentist buys one of John Lennon's teeth at auction, hopes to clone the late Beatle. * Regarding Manziel, in defense of NCAA rules: Most of the athletes actually want an education.
* Assessing the media's trouble with pronouns after Bradley Manning became Chelsea Manning. * Chelsea Manning's statement on day of sentencing. * American photographer tells of torture and seven months' imprisonment with jihadi rebel fighters in Syria. * Photojournalist gang-raped in Mumbai. * No one is going to put
* 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:
* 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-
* Astronaut recruits asked to compose a haiku, limerick, or Twitter post as part of their NASA application. * French language purists should note the first article of the 1789 Declaration of Human and Civic Rights is the perfect length for a tweet. * Roundtable debate over e-cigarettes—e.g., do they
