* In talking to Seth about his sense of humor, I asked him about his penchant for making fun of those not like him. * Iran slams Argo Oscar win, calling it an "advertisement for the CIA." * Nine years after a group of Brits tried to swing Ohio in his
Exploring the appeal of “show caves” around the world, from their breathtaking natural beauty to the variety of tourist grotesqueries.
* Obama's team formalizes its second-term fundraising and agenda-activating mission. * Despite their long history of doing bad things together, North Korea wouldn't have tested an Iranian nuke. * Thin snows foreshadow another summer of drought and wildfire. * To take ownership of a statuette, Oscar winners first
* Medicine in the U.S. is big business—that should be our first clue when asking why our medical bills are so high. * Scientists discover how brain cells in the midst of a stroke protect themselves from damage. * How music helps children to deal with bereavement. * Defense Dept. finds drone
The Oscars are consistently irrational, but we wanted more for David O. Russell’s fantastic “Silver Linings Playbook.” Film critics David Haglund, Pasha Malla, and Michelle Orange discuss why the movie so divided critical opinion, and became such a hit with audiences.
* Replacement ears are difficult to make—3D printing could perfect how they look. * Scientists get closer to understanding how babies become bilingual before learning grammar. * Why better prenatal testing does not mean more abortion. * How to interpret rejection letters. * See also: A writer rejects a rejection letter. * [The South is]
* Snows depart the Midwest for the Northeast, but also bring moisture to some drought-stricken areas. * Medical bills are simply too high, enriching labs, Big Pharma, device makers, and hospital administrators, and screwing over everybody else. * For foreign drug manufacturers, Japan's aging population and manufacturing provide the world&
* Human Rights Watch report finds Mexican security forces participated in 250 disappearances under President Calderon. * Google releases video to demonstrate life under its new product Glass—smartphone functionality embedded in a pair of eyeglasses. * Tableau portraits of London's bus stops. * Perhaps the only thing better than Girl Scout
As every man should know, of all our clothing purchases, shoes are the most important. Not only do they protect us from dangers underfoot, the right pair can soothe our weary souls.
* Reporters in Syria see no end in sight, only "bloody stalemates" in Damascus and Aleppo. * Pictures of DIY guns, vehicles, and explosives used by Syrian rebels. * Four grand ayatollahs issue fatwas against Iran's first 3G provider, cautioning against risks posed to family life by video calls.
