Headlines from November 1, 2012

Flooding certainly killed a lot of New York City’s rats, but the most dominant members survived on the surface. #sandy
Among Sandy’s casualties: one of the nation’s largest, most valuable collections of lab rats and mice.
Sloane Crosley: “Where is the line between becoming an isolated premature hunker and a jet-skiing moron?” #opinions
When disaster strikes, the humble pay phone is suddenly in high demand. #technology
Photos from the Brooklyn McDonald’s that saved Halloween.
Rob Delaney connects the dots between NYU’s infant evacuees, Medicaid, and our collective future.
The other thing no one’s discussed much during this presidential campaign: What happens next with the Supreme Court.
California reports record number of voters—1.4 million of whom are newly registered.
The bulk of New Yorkers do not have an unlimited appetite for growing their own kale. Urban gardeners fight the good fight.
What the real Slumdog millionaire did with his winnings.
In Congo, an armed gang attempts to assassinate a doctor who’s treated thousands of rape victims.
Guesses abound as to the plot of the new Star Wars movies, and whether the original cast might return.
Most vampire graves stand apart, in wooded spots outside modern cemetery fences, where snow melts slower. #longreads
Curiosities of the American presidential race explained, like why Obama gestures with his thumb.
Holiday requested for our five worst presidents. #opinions #tmn
Wonkblog Tax Reform Calculator: Try and pay for Romney’s tax cuts by axing deductions and exemptions.
Bolivia asks Sean Penn, “militant for noble causes,” to get its land back from Chile.
Candidates sought for the Worst International Affairs Essay of 2012 (inspired by Niall Ferguson).
“Grand Canyon University Turns Down Free Campus Offer In Massachussetts.” via
If you dream of having a genius for a child, you will spot brilliance in your child. How to raise a prodigy, or not. #longreads
Tips for prodigal candy-hunters: Target New Urbanism developments.
Food trucks come to the rescue in New York neighborhoods lacking power.
Brief history of In-N-Out Burger.
Dental floss is deadly when it’s used as a weapon, or to saw through prison enclosures.
British science magazine facing its final issue publishes tips on how to survive the end of the world.
Faulkner estate sues Woody Allen for illegally using quote in Midnight in Paris.
How to talk like Jane Austen.
Man who jumps on mattresses all day for his job says there is nothing funny about jumping on mattresses.
Pictures of Americans who perhaps love their animals too much. #photography