Precious Arabic manuscripts from western Africa are under threat as Mauritania's desert libraries vanish The bone-dry wood creaks as the book opens at a page representing the course of the moon, framed by black balls and red crescents. The manuscript contains 132 pages of Arab astronomy bound in well-worn leather, a 15th-century treasure stored, with similar items, in a cardboard box in a ...

DIY tattoos

Why do people risk infection by inking themselves?

A Nation of (Some) Immigrants, Redux [News Bits]

Federal Judge blocks key parts of Arizona immigration law An uncertain challenge for police Before SB1070, AZ deported thousands using controversial fed-local partnership program Anti-immigrant group calls for "safe passage" of illegals ICE may decline to assist in enforcement... And in other news... House approves war funding Catalonia bans bullfighting Australia attraction to offer Klingon ...

Iranian Social Networking, Hard-Line Style

"The website of the followers of Khamenei has been created. Please enter with your hijab and after completing your ablution." With that Facebook post, 29-year-old Iranian Ahmad heralded the arrival of a new social networking site, called Velayatmadaran, launched by the Iranian establishment. -Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE

Clinton's Museum of Russian Icons' expansion on track

An addition to the towns little economic engine that could, the Museum of Russian Icons at 203 Union St., is on track as construction crews prepare for a grand opening scheduled for Oct. 23.