9 Feature Stories We’re Reading This Week: A Viral Confession, Putin’s Media, And Elizabeth Moss

This week for BuzzReads, Joel Oliphint unpacks the story of a 22-year-old, who, after killing another man while driving drunk, confessed his crime in a video that was viewed by millions. Read that and these other stories from around BuzzFeed and the web.

1. “I Killed a Man”: What Happens When a Homicide Confession Goes Viral — BuzzFeed

Last summer Matthew Cordle drove drunk the wrong way on a highway in Ohio, killing another driver. With the help of a charismatic, entrepreneurial do-gooder, Cordle admitted his guilt in a YouTube video that 2.6 million people watched — but where is the line between personal contrition and public spectacle? Read it at BuzzFeed.

2. How the Truth is Made at Russia Today — BuzzFeed

John Gara/BuzzFeed

Rosie Gray looks inside the Kremlin-funded media outlet Russia Today in the wake of two high-profile departures, including an anchor who resigned on-air. “The public shake-up and skewed coverage of Ukraine has pulled aside RT’s curtain, exposing the network’s propaganda apparatus, which relies on a number of Western reporters and producers.” Read it at BuzzFeed.

3. The ReckoningNew Yorker

Handout / Reuters

Andrew Solomon interviews Adam Lanza’s father, Peter. “Since the shootings, Peter has avoided the press, but in September, as the first anniversary of his son’s rampage approached, he contacted me to say that he was ready to tell his story.” Read it at the New Yorker.

4. The ‘Boys’ in the BunkhouseNew York Times Magazine

Photograph by Nicole Bengiveno for The New York Times

A must-read investigation by Dan Barry into a group of disabled men who for decades suffered abuse and underpay while working at an Iowan turkey processing plant — and how they finally got justice. “The verdict conveyed the communal outrage felt about a case that, in courtrooms and the halls of government, has become shorthand for the segregation and exploitation of people with disabilities.” Read it at The New York Times.

5. The Very Bright Future of Elizabeth MossNew York

Cass Bird for New York

Willa Paskin profiles the actress, who plays Peggy Olson on Mad Men, which is approaching its final season. “TV has many ambitious women, but Peggy stands out among them for navigating a working world — with glass ceilings, boys’ clubs, and take-me-seriously work clothes — that feels, despite its period detail, remarkably contemporary.” Read it at New York.

6. Two Years After KONY 2012, has Invisible Children Grown Up? — BuzzFeed

Photograph by Sam Hodgson for BuzzFeed

In March 2012, a human rights organization’s documentary about a central African despot became the most viral video of all time, and the ensuing furor resulted in its leader’s bizarre public meltdown. On the second anniversary of the phenomenon, Jessica Testa explains, everyone involved is still figuring out what it all means. Read it at BuzzFeed.

7. Missed Alarms and 40 Million Stolen Credit Card Numbers: How Target Blew ItBloomberg Businessweek

Last December, hackers broke into Target’s database and made off millions’ of customers data, including credit card numbers. “The biggest retail hack in U.S. history wasn’t particularly inventive, nor did it appear destined for success.” Read it at Bloomberg Businessweek.

8. Gold in the MudSB Nation

Emhoff Collection / Via sbnation.com

Brin-Jonathan Butler and Kurt Emhoff bring the story of James Scott, who despite being behind bars, had a shot at boxing glory. “No matter what Scott’s ranking was in the world of boxing, he was still inmate No. 57735.” Read it at SB Nation.

9. Matthew Power (1974 — 2014)

Jess Benko / Via mensjournal.com

The very talented, brave and prolific writer passed away this week while on assignment in Uganda. Read tributes to his life and work, and collections of his stories, at Men’s Journal, GQ, Harper’s.

Read more: http://www.buzzfeed.com/sandraeallen/9-feature-stories-were-reading-this-week-3-10

Pentagon settles on codename for operation against ISIS, will unveil soon

http://twitter.com/#!/skymanhill/status/521767142665240576

At least we can hope for a good name: Pentagon to release secret codename of anti-ISIS operation http://t.co/fxHOLoURzM

— Malcolm JGE Murray (@malcmur) October 14, 2014

The United States’ campaign against ISIS takes a major step forward this week as the Pentagon prepares to reveal the codename for the operation, which has been settled on at last, according to CNN.

There IS now a secret codename for the operation against #ISIS Pentagon getting ready to unveil later this week.@julianbarnes @DefenseBaron

— Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) October 13, 2014

@barbarastarrcnn @julianbarnes @DefenseBaron This isn't an Apple unveiling event. Why wait? … Nevermind, idk why I ask anymore

— Ire (@Its_Ire) October 13, 2014

So many questions remain.

@barbarastarrcnn @CraigMWhitlock @julianbarnes @DefenseBaron Are they going to have O announce it like he wanted one, when we know he d/n?

— Laura McGinnis (@Txsleuth) October 13, 2014

@barbarastarrcnn @julianbarnes @DefenseBaron whats the rush? the community organizer, empty suit should golf more while #isis takes Baghdad

— Scott M Dixon (@ScottMDixon22) October 13, 2014

@APDiploWriter @ghoshworld If they tell us, won't they have to kill us, since it's secret?

— Sherry String (@CompaqSstring3) October 14, 2014

Messaging in DoD's secret anti-ISIL campaign codename will be interesting — will signal whether WH wants this to big a big deal or keep low

— philewing (@philewing) October 14, 2014

Who wants to guess what the codename will be?

Guess the codename competition: go! "Pentagon to release secret codename of anti-IS operation" http://t.co/10JDyYUzuP pic.twitter.com/XQ2AnZWKfe

— Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) October 14, 2014

@barbarastarrcnn @julianbarnes @DefenseBaron What is it? Operation Lose

— Patricia (@DogMyers) October 13, 2014

@DefenseBaron @kristina_wong @barbarastarrcnn @julianbarnes Operation slow start, Operation kinda sorta or Operation get me thru till 2017

— JP (@AgenerationXer) October 14, 2014

Operation Oops I Did It Again? “@barbarastarrcnn:There IS a secret codename for op against #ISIS Pentagon gettin ready to unveil this week”

— Live From Karachi (@WajSKhan) October 13, 2014

@barbarastarrcnn @julianbarnes I vote for the Operation Formerly Known As Prince. #OFKAP

— Kevin Baron (@DefenseBaron) October 13, 2014

My suggestions for secret code name for ISIL op: Operation Cross Your Fingers Operation Hope and Pray Operation Stall Til Election Day

— emptywheel (@emptywheel) October 13, 2014

@GregJaffe Operation Caliph-ornication. I sponsored a contest a couple of months ago. That was the overwhelming winner.

— Doctrine Man (@Doctrine_Man) October 14, 2014

@GregJaffe And the secret name is: #bushsfault !

— Capt. Marlow (@Captain_Marlow) October 14, 2014

@GregJaffe @lrozen Didn't we already decide on Operation Repo? pic.twitter.com/F1ffNrR1lz

— Léon ElsjanofWipper (@LeonEoW) October 14, 2014

@GregJaffe @lrozen operation 'Give us more time to think of a name'

— Christopher Amhoff (@camhoff20) October 14, 2014

@APDiploWriter @mletterle @ghoshworld Operation Anti-Workplace Violence

— Chad Myers (@chadmyers) October 14, 2014

@APDiploWriter @ghoshworld Anti-#ISIS code name – “Deafening Silence”

— IR_1008 (@IR_1008) October 14, 2014

@APDiploWriter @ghoshworld Operation Hot Mother

— James Kennedy (@JamesKennedyDC) October 14, 2014

@APDiploWriter @ghoshworld Operation Here We Go Again

— Mike Kaev (@MikeKaev) October 14, 2014

@astroehlein Operation: Honey Badger

— James Denselow (@jamesdenselow) October 14, 2014

@astroehlein Operation: Quagmire

— Mirza Hota (@MirzaHota) October 14, 2014

@iRSSNews @CNN I was hoping for the "Tenth Crusade" myself.

— Sarcastic Texan (@TexanSarcastic) October 13, 2014

Part of the holdup, apparently, is making sure the name is “PC” is several languages.

@iRSSNews @act4america @CNN "military has made sure the name is acceptable in languages other than English so it does not cause offense when

— Michael Nunez (@mickeynu477) October 13, 2014

@iRSSNews @act4america @CNN translated." My, have we totally gone wimpy in this country.

— Michael Nunez (@mickeynu477) October 13, 2014

@iRSSNews @act4america @CNN They're spending more time on the name of the op than they are developing a cohesive [read: winning] strategy.

— Michael Nunez (@mickeynu477) October 13, 2014

"Pentagon to release secret codename of anti-ISIS operation" Why congress has 12% approval. Call it anything you want, dammit. Do something!

— Bruce H. Wolk (@BruceHWolk) October 14, 2014

 

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/10/14/operation-jv-pentagon-settles-on-codename-for-campaign-against-isis-will-unveil-this-week/

Never Fear, These Baby Animals Have Arrived to Cheer You Up.

When you’re feeling down, just remember two words: baby animals. With their tiny feet and round heads, there’s nothing better for getting over the blahs. Peruse our gallery of wee creatures and feel your spirits lift.  

1.) The leeeettlest leeeezard.

2.) Raaaar!

3.) You know you want to rub my belly.

4.) You can just HEAR this lil quacker.

5.) A perfect place for a nap!

6.) I don’t even know what animal this is, but I wanna snuggle it.

7.) This puffy bird found a perfect perch!

8.) Not just a baby duck, a SLEEPY baby duck.

9.) Goin’ to the beach…eventually.

10.) Kitteh is not amused.

11.) Just gonna hitch a ride here.

12.) Hello there, hoomin friend!

13.) Out for a stroll with the family.

14.) This lil moo is already stylish.

15.) Baby dolphin AND mini penguin? Oh goodness!

16.) It might not be fluffy, but a baby pangolin sure is cute.

17.) Baby fox is on the hunt.

18.) A baby echidna is called a puggle. Because they totally needed to be even cuter.

19.) Baby goats contemplating the universe.

20.) Otter-ly cute.

Now take a deep breath and look at them again. Feeling better already, right? Great!

(Images via FullPunch)

Read more: http://viralnova.com/better-than-therapy/

O-care ‘enrollment’ vs. cancellation notices in crushing perspective [pic]

Unreal. This graphic from the Senate Republican Policy Committee puts that all in crushing perspective.

Period.

It should be.

And this Twitter user notes what makes it even worse:

That’s right. Remember, the Newspeak-y “pre-effecuated enrollments” are also included in the White House figures.

Related:

For every Nevada Obamacare enrollee, 50 Nevadans received cancellation notices

For the 26-year-old children? Not so fast: Young people say ‘no thanks’ to O-care [pic]

That’s what she said? White House Obamacare enrollment euphemism sparks snickers

Triple truth-ache! Brit Hume slams O-care enrollment numbers, hosurance and Landrieu

Math is hard! Obamacare enrollment numbers won’t improve; Here’s why in one truth-boom

HHS releases craptacular Obamacare ‘enrollment’ numbers; Citizens want to throw up

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/11/18/obamacare-enrollment-vs-cancellation-notices-in-crushing-perspective-pic/

These 15 GIFs Prove Science Is More Amazing Than Fiction

Warning: Don’t try some of these things at home.

1. This is what happens when you cut a water droplet using a superhydrophobic knife on a surface that doesn’t get wet.

Arizona State University/Sploid / Via journals.plos.org

2. This is the view from the Soyuz capsule, the spacecraft that takes astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS), as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere.

NASA / Via youtube.com

3. This is what vibrating guitar strings look like up close (captured using a rolling shutter effect).

Andy Nicolai / Via youtube.com

4. This is how Astronaut Koichi Wakata rides a flying carpet in space.

AFP News / Via youtube.com

5. This is what happens when you light a CD and blow on it.

Science Videos / Via youtube.com

6. This is what happens when you stuff an orange full of fireworks.

Michael Hession/ Slo Mo Lab / Via youtube.com

7. This is what happens when cardinal fish eat ostracod plankton. Ostracods produce bioluminescence so that the fish spits them out.

BBC / Via bbc.co.uk

8. This is what happens when you mix Russell pit viper snake venom with human blood.

BBC / Via youtube.com

9. These Neodymium magnets spark when they collide in a blender.

Blendtec / Via youtube.com

10. These Astronauts put a GoPro camera inside a floating ball of water in space.

NASA / Via youtube.com

11. These magnets can attract cereal.

Omar Kardoudi / Via sploid.gizmodo.com

12. This is what you see when a GoPro is strapped to the back of a lioness while she’s hunting prey.

GoPro / Via youtube.com

13. This is what happens when you crack an egg 60 feet below the surface of the ocean.

Live Science / Via youtube.com

14. Airplanes look like shooting stars in this time lapse of an airport.

Milton Tan / Via youtube.com

15. This bot fly from Belize emerges from a scientist’s skin after he let them incubate inside of him.

Piotr Naskecki / Via thesmallermajority.com

Read more: http://www.buzzfeed.com/natashaumer/these-15-gifs-prove-science-is-more-amazing-than-fiction