Thursday morning roundup

In Russia, a handful of people still bother to protest

Alan Riding's new book on occupied Paris.

Scientists are outraged over the publication of an ESP study. Speaking of questionable studies, the doctor who linked autism to vaccines faked his work. Still, if parents are stupid enough to listen to Jennie McCarthy over most doctors, their kids have bigger problems.

Bethany McClean on the unnatural thing that is the 30-year mortgage. I have mixed feelings--I would have been shut out of the local housing market without that option (although arguably, the housing market wouldn't have gone bananas without 30-year mortgages), but I'm so, so glad I no longer have one.

On the topic of mortgages, I didn't know recasting was an option.

You're likely aware of most of these ways to save on travel costs, but there are some in there that aren't obvious. While we're at it, here are ten ways to get the most out of technology. And here are 17 days to visit the National Parks for free.