I hate to admit it but, yes, there was a time when I had a collection of fluffy pens and said "as if" at every possible chance I got. I also attempted to give friends makeovers and, when they resisted, helped them out pro bono while secretly referring to them as my "projects" in my personal journal. I digress. So I couldn't help but smile when a coworker… Read More >>

For thousands of years, our species has been guilty of giving more thought to lofty ideological conundrums than to the little everyday things. We spend more time pondering the meaning of life than trying to figure out the smartest way to tell our keys apart. We lose sleep over moral dilemmas, but we never pause to think: is there a more effective way to… Read More >>

We've seen "Call Me Maybe" spoofed by politicians and puppets, we've even figured out why it's so catchy. But no amount of overplay can detract from the pure fun of watching these U.S. troops in Afghanistan lip-sync and dance to Carly Rae Jepsen's summer hit, below. Eric Raum, who works for the United Service Organization, set the plan for the military-style parody in… Read More >>

If you're a bit of a cinephile—or just someone who really, really likes celebrities—clear your schedule now: New York Magazine's Vulture blog is going to sap every minute of your afternoon with its new 100 Most Valuable Starsinteractive feature. Far from a glitzy look at Hollywood's finest, here you can choose various back-office criteria (likeability, Oscar wins, overseas box office, et… Read More >>

We've been on the hunt for funny food blogs around here, and last week our intern Sheri sent me Fancy Fast Food. The authors, whom some might say have too much time on their hands, start with a fast-food meal, like this ingredient list from McDonald’s:

• 4 McRib sandwiches
• 1 large French fries
• 1 Caesar Salad (with croutons)
• 10 packets of Sweet ‘n Sour sauce
• 5 packets of Barbecue sauce
• 1 Vitaminwater
• 1 bottle of water

And then they turn it into a dish that looks perfectly homemade and traditional. Strange. But true. The Subway… Read More >>

As shock and disbelief turn to grief and anger, we continue to follow the coverage of the Aurora massacre. Each day details emerge about the events inside the theater, and about the lives of those who were killed. Here then, some of the better news articles and analysis, plus a collection of unique artistic tributes from Instagram, the photo-sharing… Read More >>

Last week’s killings in Colorado have led to important conversations about how to prevent these atrocities in the future. Gun control is one. Another is how to spot and help potential killers before they strike. WebMDhad an insightful interview with expert Jack Levin, PhD, a professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University, who has written many… Read More >>

I’m a big fan of mystery fiction. Police procedurals, detective stories, amateur sleuths, psychological thrillers—I love them all. Therefore, when my book group was searching for our next selection (always a long process), I suggested Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. Surprisingly, although my book group pals are very well read, none had ever read… Read More >>

Since Friday's killings in Colorado, we've been listening in to the myriad conversations about gun control. Here are the ones that we found most thoughtful. "Whenever a tragedy like this takes place, it is assigned catchphrases and theme music, and the same fragmentary TV footage of the shooter is cycled again and again. Somewhere in the night, among… Read More >>

When I saw this recent New York Times story about a growing industry of college sorority rush consultants, I had to click. Another bogus trend piece, perhaps? No, it was real: The article describes consultants who charge anywhere from $125 an hour to $8,000 for a “weekend intensive.” That buys you one day “devoted to carrying yourself properly and the art of conversation” and another to your physical appearance, including help… Read More >>