Welcome to NewsFeed’s weekly highlight of our vocabulary — including useful, new, hilarious and surprising words (as well as some that are just fun to roll off the old tongue).
Florida Teenager Catches Massive 800-Pound Alligator
When 19-year-old Tim Stroh first saw the alligator in the St. Lucie Canal, he wasn’t impressed, thinking it was “just” a nine-footer.
Opinion Roundup: Troy Davis’ Scheduled Execution Infuriates Bloggers
Across the blogosphere, emotions are running high on the impending execution of Troy Davis, who has been set to die by lethal injection at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Sitcom Inspired by Boston Crime Boss James ‘Whitey’ Bulger in the Works
He’s not Tony Soprano, but he just might be the next on-screen gangster.
A Royal Education: Kate Middleton Goes to Princess School
Think of it as Kate’s 101 on all things British.
R.E.M. ‘Calls It a Day’ After 31 Years and 15 Albums Together
Everybody hurts — and today, fans of R.E.M. are especially hurting.
Canadian Band Could Make Big Money Off Tea Party Name
A Canadian rock band may not like American conservative politics all that much, but they might soon change their tune — and get plenty of cash.
Should Parents Fear ‘Bumble-Ardy’, Maurice Sendak’s New Book?
A new children’s book, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, the author of Where the Wild Things Are, is about an occasionally demented-looking (but fun-loving!) pig’s blowout birthday bash. It seems to have a few parents grumbling.
Christian Group Speaks Out Against Ben & Jerry’s ‘Schweddy Balls’ Ice Cream
“No one can resist my Schweddy Balls,” Alec Baldwin noted on SNL. Well, apparently moms can.
Casey Anthony’s Father Tells Dr. Phil He Wanted His Daughter Convicted
In a televised interview, Casey Anthony’s estranged parents shared their divided reactions to their daughter’s acquittal on felony charges related to granddaughter Caylee’s death.
Reading While Eating for September 21: The Way the Cookie Crumbles
Wednesday’s links talk September songs and German hangovers.
Officials: Trees and Power Lines Were Likely Culprits Behind Texas Wildfire
Officials said trees falling on two separate power lines were the likely cause of Texas’ massive wildfire that resulted in two deaths and the destruction of more than 1,500 homes.