* Irony in Zimbabwe's gradual improvement: Mugabe is necessary for now. * Senior GOPers increasingly bullish about Romney, whom they winced over during the primaries. * Analysis finds most members of Congress speak like high school sophomores. * Egypt's election matters because "its winner will assume a crucial role&
* Syria proves countries with strong middle classes and diverse economies are worse at overthrowing dictators than those without. * Obama's spending binge never happened—federal spending is rising at its slowest pace since the end of the Korean War. * Author of the book on Romney's nightstand says
* Four confirmed dead in two days on Everest. * Eight hurt in shooting following NBA playoff game in Oklahoma City. * Deadspin finds Yahoo! Sports writes at a lower reading level than Sports Illustrated for Kids. * Specially made atlas to teach geography to the blind. * American speech grows more homogeneous as regional
* ANC goes to court to remove the satirical Zuma painting, thus ensuring painting's celebrity. * Putin shifts especially unpopular ministers over to the Kremlin. * IAEA chief says Iran nuclear inspections deal not far off. * According to The Atlantic's Iran War Dial, there's now a 37%
Paintings crammed with matriarchs, wrestlers, and girls wearing bananas on their heads—where quite a lot more is going on than first appears.
* The CIA is not considered governed by rule of law—an alarming situation that's been legitimized by Obama. * Internet erupts over song by Kitty Pryde; singer says it's just grilled cheese, not gourmet food. * If you find New York foodie feasting stupid, this link is for
* Notes on life in Egypt three days before voting begins in "the first competitive presidential election in the history of the Arab world." * Ladies, attention: Zuckerberg is off the marriage market. * Hormones, not video games, explain why teens stay up all night, and why school should start later.
* Argument for a two-state solution based on coordinated unilateral actions, without negotiation. * What if we could crowdfund militia? Meet Kickstriker. * Americans getting “more liberal” on gay marriage, “more conservative” on gun rights. * Controversial painting of South African president's penis reported sold. * Thom Steinbeck answers questions about receiving
A plea for safety from cyclists to motorists.
* "Friending," as explained in 2004. * Looking back at the punk-like radicalism of Donna Summer, who died yesterday at 63. * A video timeline of Donna Summer's most memorable songs. * More than 100 DJ sets available for download from drum and bass legend LTJ Bukem. * Skechers to
