Star City, Russia Ivan Sekretarev/AP
Two astronauts and one cosmonaut pose for a photo before their final preflight practical
Hidden behind the rising tensions between the United States and Russia is the strange-but-true fact that our manned space program is, in effect, their manned space program. At least until NASA develops an entire new series of rockets and space vehicles -- or until Elon Musk's private-enterprise solution is ready to fly -- the only way Americans can get into space is by hitching a ride on Russian launches. If we can't make peace in Syria, maybe it can happen on Mars.
–Andrew O'Hehir, executive editor
Key West, Florida Rob O'Neal/Reuters
Floridians partake in the Zombie Bike Ride, part of the annual Fantasy Fest, held in Key West
This zombie pelican and demon baby were both a trick and a treat in preparation for Halloween at the Key West Fantasy Fest on Sunday,. But for Florida, a battleground swing state in the 2016 election, the scariest day of the year won't be October 31, it'll November 8. In fact, the theme for this year's festivities (Oct. 21-30) is "Political Voodoo & Ballot Box Barbarians.
–Grace Guarneri, editorial intern
New Delhi, India Prakash Singh/Getty
A vendor puts chickens in a cage at an Indian poultry market. One month after India declared itself bird flu-free, two chickens died of the disease at the New Delhi Zoo
I'm going to ignore the fact that these two chicken have bird flu, because it's too sad. Instead, I'll pretend that these chicken played a prank on some local villagers and are being put in time out. They'll only be in the cages until they learn their lesson. I feel better about the photo now.
–Tatiana Baez, social media coordinator
Paris, France Martin Bureau/Getty
A woman hesitantly approaches a swan the Bois de Boulogne, a large Parisian park
What is the best way to salute a chance swan encountered in a park? Did this woman at Bois de Boulogne in Paris on Tuesday know? Then again sometimes it's best to keep things under wraps.
–Marjorie Backman, copy editor
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