Issue Contents

July-Aug 2004: The Greatest Feuds of All-Time

Cover Story:

The Greatest Feuds of All Time

by Michael A. Stusser
This isn't like the time your mom and her best friend didn't talk for like a week because they showed up at that baby shower wearing the same sweater set. No, this is more like the time that guy (a Hatfield) stole this pig from another guy (a McCoy), and the dispute wasn't settled until about three generations and 36 deaths later. Take a ring-side seat as we serve up the dirt on every no-good, low-down, hit-below-the-belt brawl that's ever taken place.

scatter_brained:

Cower to the People: An Ode to Bullies

by Christopher A. Smith
Initially, we wanted a scatter_brained on how fun elementary school is. So we dropped a researcher off at recess with a bag lunch, a Trapper Keeper, and enough milk money to buy a few rounds. But when we came back, we found him empty-pocketed and reeling in pain from an atomic wedgie. Then inspiration hit! Why not do a scatter_brained on schoolyard thugs instead? From fictional bullies to Bully beef to why the geek shall inherit the Earth, Chris Smith examines everything you ought to love about playground ruffians.

right_brain:

The 15 Greatest Moments in the History of Political Comedy

by Nick A. Zaino III
What's so hilarious about the latest filibuster on the Senate floor? Since when did a well-timed presidential impeachment send the masses into uproarious laughter? Let's face it; politics just isn't funny. But when seasoned comedians take on the government, everyone starts blushing. Read all about it, from Franklin to Franken.

The Hitchhikers' Guide to the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

by Patty Lamberti
We're not going to lie. If you're looking for vacation ideas, you might be a bit disappointed when you find out that only one of these "hot spots" still exists. And, unfortunately, the mental_floss time machine is still out on loan. But if you're a dreamer (and you're not the only one), this primer might be right for you.

left_brain:

A Sound-Breaking Work of Staggering Genius: How Chuck Yeager Reached Supersonic Speed

by Mark Fischetti
Whether he was frequenting a cat house or the White House, real life action figure and Air Force superstar Chuck Yeager lived life at supersonic speed. Of course, he flew planes at supersonic speeds, too. Forget Tom Cruise; we'd take Chuck over Maverick any day of the week. Ice Man, too.

Behind the Screens: How IMAX Films Work

by Marshall Brain, HowStuffWorks
Oh, the glories of IMAX. Movie screens that are seven stories tall. Gigantic, in-your-face images so captivating they leave you panting, sweating, and teetering on the edge of your seat. But how does so much drama come out of an itsy-bitsy camera? Well, there's your first mistake; this ain't your mama's camcorder. Read on as Marshall Brain reveals all the behind-the- screen secrets.

The mental_floss Do-It-Yourself Heart Transplant

by Tom Murphy
Everybody needs a hobby. And while you could take up backyard beekeeping (like everybody else on the block), why not try your hand at a heart transplant? Fun, easy and safe! These aren't words we'd use to describe the operation, but Tom Murphy instructs with such D.I.Y. confidence that your volunteers can't help but feel lighthearted.

spinning_the globe:

50-Cent Tour:

Antarctica

City Confidential: The Inca's Machu Picchu

by Simone Swink
Those Inca sure knew how to keep a secret. First, we couldn't find the place for over 400 years. Then, when we finally stumbled across it, we couldn't figure out how the heck they built it. Fortunately, Simone Swink is here to shine some light on Machu Picchu, the mysterious city that had Ivy-leaguers stumped for years.

Finding Niño: Peru's Not-So-Fair Weather Friend

by Steve Otfinoski
Stop wearing that "I survived El Niño" T-shirt already. Besides the fact that it's so last decade, you probably wouldn't think it was funny if you understood all the trauma these storms cause. From national anchovy shortages to birds that won't give up their feces… OK, maybe we're not making the best argument for losing the shirt, but it's definitely a good one for reading this article.