The May issue of The Atlantic features a fascinating article on how creative minds begin to imagine works of art. The sample set of participating artists runs the gamut from music to architecture, auto design to fashion. They provide unique, highly personalized insight into how some of culture's most accomplished artists launch new projects. Some interesting points: • T.C. Boyle says that technological advancements (namely, computers) have allowed him to condense a month's worth of painstaking... READ ON
It is once again a boom time for the titans of American business, with corporations posting high profits on eye-popping earnings statements; yet unemployment remains stubbornly high (with few signs pointing to a rapid acceleration in hiring on the horizon). New York Magazine has a theory that partially explains the disconnect—corporations now need far fewer employees to run the show. In a recent piece entitled "The Hiring Gap"—comparing the top ten most valuable companies in the nation in 1964 with... READ ON
Last week, the state-controlled Chinese Central Bank released figures indicating the country now holds over $3 trillion dollars in foreign-exchange reserves. The Economist has some interesting ideas on what the bank could buy if it were ever inclined to shop around for sexy investments, rather than squirrel money away on stodgy foreign currency. The fictional-but-still-realistic shopping list includes: • Almost all of this year's total projected oil output—estimated to be around $3.41 trillion... READ ON
In 1989, a couple of dudes spent six weeks driving across the country taking pictures of people in malls. The results were fantastic. Now Michael Galinsky is trying to turn his photos into a book. (Via The Today... READ ON
Every Friday, we post a series of unrelated questions meant to spark conversation in the comments. Answer one, answer all, respond to someone else's reply, whatever you want. Jason English is really milking this whole paternity leave thing, so he's asked me to whip up this week's questions. 1. My sister has a peculiar habit of making up words. Sometimes it's blatantly obvious (like the use of "embiggen" on The Simpsons), other times it's a strange amalgamation of known words that sounds plausible when... READ ON
Here's a quick quiz for movie buffs. Can you name the last ten pictures to win the Best Film: Drama award at the Golden Globes? We're posting this quiz on January 17, 2010, so we're looking for the winners from the 2000 ceremony (1999 movies) through the 2009 ceremony (2008 movies). You've got 5 minutes. Good luck! Take the Quiz: Name the Last 10 Winners (Best Film:... READ ON
Earlier this year, Alec Baldwin took home his second Golden Globe for his portrayal of Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock. Let's see how well you know this celebrated character. And after you're done, come on back and let us know what other TV and movie character quizzes you'd like to see. Take the Quiz: Jack... READ ON
The '80s were a wild time. This decade of provocative fun and frivolity managed to produce some phenomenally atrocious movies. But even years later, some are as unforgettable as they were comically wretched. Let's see how much you remember. If you can match the correct movie title to the paraphrased synopsis preceding it, well, you've probably wasted more time than you should have watching movies in the Reagan-era. Take the Quiz: '80s... READ ON
Although the show may have (some) shortcomings, and (many) detractors, it has become such a phenomenal cult hit that it has inspired multiple syndication deals on numerous networks and countless Halloween costume representations across the nation. And this week, twenty years after the gang entered Bayside High, the cast (except Screech and Mr. Belding) was featured on the cover of People. Miss Bliss could not have seen this coming. Take the Quizzes: Part I and Part... READ ON
For today's 5pm Quiz, here's one that originally ran last November. Let's find out how much He-Man and Care Bears knowledge you've retained. Take the Quiz: '80s... READ ON
5 Questions: Great "Scott"!
Troy McClure Film or Actual Terrible Movie?
Opossums don't "play dead." When frightened, they become overexcited and pass out.
