Here's a scenario for you: You're a megalomaniac world leader with an obsequious state-run media outlet at your disposal. You've upset your constituency in some capacity and need to regain their favor, real quick. Releasing an image in the newspaper of you doing something they would approve of would be perfect, but you've so seldom done things they approve of that you don't have a photo at the ready. What do you do? The answer most of these world leaders arrive at is simple—just create a photo and... READ ON
I've got some bad news for you. All those A's and B's you received in college that made your parents so proud and boosted your self-esteem? Well—they were bogus (sort... READ ON
The New York Times Magazine posted an abstract illustration capturing stereotypes all over the world. Christoph Niemann's "The World Map of Useless Stereotypes" provides an interesting look at how different nations view each other, stereotypically—of course. It's got all the classics I'm sure you've heard a million times. Check it... READ ON
Everybody loves robots. They make funny noises, work really hard to perform simple tasks of questionable benefit, and are often charmingly skeletal-looking (well, to people who are charmed by skeletons, at... READ ON
The good people over at The Atlantic recently reviewed the American Customer Satisfaction Index and compiled a list of the 19 Most Hated Companies in America. The list includes all the usual suspects that you've probably had actual or virtual run-ins with, for all the reasons you would put them atop a list you might mentally make for the sake of personal edification. Americans hate banks because of excessive and often hidden fees; they hate airlines for flight delays and insultingly rapacious baggage... READ ON
One hundred years ago, The International Time Recording Company, Computing Scale Company, and Tabulating Machine Company merged to become the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company. Apparently, people one hundred years ago loved naming companies with a confusing collection of impressive sounding, quasi-scientific words assembled in seemingly random order. And if those company names could include hyphens, well—the more the better. Today, that company is better known as IBM (the company changed its name... READ ON
Get comfortable, pop a Teamocil, crank up your favorite Dr. Fünke's 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution album and show us how much you know about the series that was too well-written to enjoy the longevity it deserved on network television. Take the Quiz: Arrested... READ ON
Now that LinkedIn has taken the plunge and gone public, the company is valued at approximately 45 times the amount of revenue it generates annually—meaning there is a bit of a disconnect between its estimated market cap and its actual profits. LinkedIn's massive windfall has "people who know things" speculating about an imminent wave of similar IPOs from social media companies that investors may be grossly overvaluing. The Atlantic has an interesting charticle analysis showing the revenue-valuation... READ ON
Do the swoon-worthy gas rates companies are charging at the pump these days make you think, "Geez, if only it were 1918. Then, I'd only have to fork over a measly 25 cents per gallon to keep this sucker running"? While a quarter per gallon today would certainly be a sweet bargain, that wasn't the case then. The good people over at the U.S. News and World Report have compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Petroleum Institute to find the ten most expensive years for gasoline... READ ON
In a classic episode of The Office, Jan tasks Pam with documenting in detail what, exactly, Michael does with his time at work. Pam begins compiling a time-use diary. Michael, oblivious to the assignment, casually resists Pam's subtle suggestions to perform his typical duties, and the time log ultimately includes such inane activities as Michael doing his Bill Cosby impression, and standing in line for a free pretzel in the lobby. This intriguing subplot raises the question—"What do bosses do with... READ ON
5 Questions: Great "Scott"!
Troy McClure Film or Actual Terrible Movie?
Every film John Cazale appeared in was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
