670 million people affected by the largest electrical blackout in history

As nighttime arrived, Kirti Shrivastava, 49, a housewife in the eastern city of Patna, said power had not been restored in her neighborhood. “There is no water, no idea when electricity will return,” she said. “We are really tense. Even the shops have now closed. Now we hope it is not an invitation to the criminals!”

 Ramachandra Guha, an Indian historian, said that the blackout was only the latest evidence of government dysfunction in India. “India needs to stop strutting on the world stage like it’s a great power,” Mr. Guha said, “and focus on its deep problems within.” 

http://nyti.ms/Pn3gNb

300 Million Without Power in North India, Water May Be Next

Tens of millions of people in North India were without power and early morning commutes in Delhi were thrown into chaos Monday after a massive electrical grid failure. Water supplies may be seriously disrupted this evening, because of the power problems, officials said.

The Gun Rights Tilt---NYT

The Gun Rights Tilt

The same trends that have buoyed public support for gay marriage and marijuana legalization have also encouraged a more expansive reading of the Second Amendment.

The Harmonica Lewinskies, released their first album today. Listen to it here for free, or buy it if you've a mind to. Here's a coupla cuts:

Olympic Fists of Freedom: 1968

"As the stars and stripes ran up the flagpole and the national anthem played, Smith and Carlos bowed their heads and raised their fists in what was described across the globe as a "Black Power salute," creating a moment that would define the rest of their lives. But there was far more to their actions on the medal stand than just the gloves. The two men wore no shoes to protest black poverty, as well as beads and scarves to protest lynching."

Zuhori