Good Reads

President Obama wants to limit executives from companies that accept bailout money to a salary of half a million dollars a year (more than he makes as president). The New York Times explains how difficult that will be for Wall Street employees.

Hugh Rienhoff's daughter has a rare genetic defect that doctors can't identify or treat, so he took it upon himself to sequence her DNA. It's not an easy task if you don't have a business, or university, or laboratory of your own.

You might think taking pictures of dead babies is morbid. Those who have lost a child are grateful for the memories preservd by a group of photographers who provide this service.

Fossils of a pregnant four-legged semi-aquatic ancestor of the whale lead scientists to believe they gave birth on land. It was probably a requirement from their HMOs.

Taking Traffic Control Lessons — From Ants. And why not? Ants are efficient, cooperative, and determined to reach their destination.

Some say it's time to put sex back in sex education. In other words, maybe we should teach kids more than how to avoid pregnancy and STDs. (via Metafilter)

Built in 1844, the Atlantic Avenue tunnel was New York's first subway tunnel. Forgotten, then rediscovered in 1981, the tunnel is now open for tours.

Titanoboa cerrejonensis was a prehistoric snake that grew up to 15 meters long and could swallow crocodiles whole! Luckily, it would never be able to hide on a plane. Bonus: here are some other prehistoric giants.

Academic Earth has thousands of video lectures from the world's top scholars. This is like attending Ivy League classes without that annoying tuition. (via Metafilter)