* Illustrated explanation of how political candidates can boost their appeal by wearing Andrew Jackson's hair. * Silent discos spread in noise-averse Paris, where partiers wear synchronized headphones. * On the appeal of nightingale droppings as favored product for improving girls' skin in Japan. * Statistics on scientific misconduct in
* In the 11th winter of the Afghan war, less use of overpowering violence seen in soft air power. * Striking photos of soldiers before, during, and after their deployment to Afghanistan. * Searching for sustainable growth and facing dampened export demand, China's economy hits a lull. * China loves soccer, but
A live webcomic from Sam Brown of Explodingdog
Our man in Boston sits down for the sixth time with Russell Banks to discuss his latest novel, the movie business, Mitt Romney, the emigration of investigative journalists, and why it's wise to wait until your 70's before writing about obsessive love.
* Burma releases 651 high-profile political prisoners, U.S. rewards and praises the reforms. * Eight-year-old girl from isolated tribe burnt alive by Amazon loggers as warning to natives. * The case against assassinating Iranian nuclear scientists: It increases the chance of a nuclear Iran. * How food aid undermines Haitian
* Spate of self-immolations reported in Tunisia; at least 107 people set themselves ablaze in the first half of 2011. * Putin is too busy to debate; he is not too busy to pet leopards, curl, or sing jazz for Kevin Costner. * Pop business article says flux is the future; consumers
{image-1} Every Friday we take a look back at the week’s headlines, centering on a theme we’ve singled out as particularly important. This week, when we weren’t trying to find ourselves, we were just getting lost; psychologists were having a field day. The words of Kevin
* Advice to the U.S. as it works to increase the value of China's currency: Be careful what you wish for. * After his iPhone halted the New York Philharmonic this week, "Patron X" comes forward for an interview, apologizes. * In 1955, an all-black youth baseball
Football fans learned some important lessons this weekend; first among them: Ben Roethlisberger cannot pull off a fedora. His post-game presser outfit—whether an homage to Swingers or an attempt to bring (consensual) sexy back—only added insult to an already deeply injured Steeler Nation. Of perhaps slightly greater
* Following protest where ultra-Orthodox Jews wore yellow stars, Israel to ban Third Reich symbols and "Nazi." * Danish school to Nordic-ize Masai diet of blood, blood-porridge, milk, and beer. * Signs of the ultimate sale in Osaka. * Labor and ingredient costs put Hostess cupcakes in the red.
