Would you be surprised if I told you that putting on makeup enhances the aesthetic appeal of some women? No?

NASA's Earth Observatory has published some great before-and-after images of the tri-state area - the top taken at 2:14 a.m. on August 31; the bottom at 2:52 a.m. yesterday, November 1. From Earth Observatory:

The Atlantic has an amazing collection of exact before-and-after photos documenting the reconstruction of Japan in the wake of last year's quake that should, if we're calculating this right, occupy exactly enough time for you to make it to the end of the work day. [The Atlantic, image via Getty/AFP/Atlantic]

Is Megan Fox, pouty-faced president of the Marilyn Monroe Society for Unoriginal Starlets, finally letting go of her idol? The New York Daily News notes that Megan's Marilyn tattoo has been looking lighter, lately. At left, Megan at the premiere of Passion Play in September; at right, at an appearance on April 20.

Jersey Shore brawler JWOWW is best known for beating the crap out of people and wearing clothing that even hookers would find offensive. She appeared at an event last night looking gorgeous and chic. What a disappointment!

A "health clinic" in Estonia is drumming up business for its weight-loss services by having a larger girl marked "Before" and a slimmer girl marked "After" walk around handing out fliers. We're horribly embarrassed for all involved, ourselves included. [Adfreak]

Scarlett Johansson complained about the "rigid diet" she's on when she showed up "very slim" to a London film party Tuesday, says Page Six's source. The starlet does seem streamlined.

Sure, the S&P 500 fell 9 percent last week as financial problems spread further beyond Wall Street. But now one troubled bank. Wachovia, is in such high demand that the federal government had to step in to mediate a dispute between two bitterly competing suitors, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. This must be great news for…