This Will Be the Year That Was
If you can't wait to find out what 2015 will bring—from John Galliano's Cosby sweaters to Jenny McCarthy getting polio—wait no longer. (Spoilers ahead.)
Michael Rottman
This Will Be the Year That Was
At the dawn of 2014, we anticipate what will happen in our new year. This is what will happen.
Papal Haze
Even as the Roman Catholic world prepares to welcome its 267th leader, the papacy remains mysterious and misunderstood. It's time to explore the world of popes!
This Will Be the Year That Was
Already 2013 has seen America drive off the fiscal cliff, only to freeze momentarily, then either reverse in mid-air or drop straight into the canyon—depending on how you look at it. Here's more of what to expect over the next 12 months.
Dark Material
There is a brand of humor with an inherent meaning so dark that, even though we may wish we hadn't laughed, we're programmed to think it's funny. An explanation of a joke about a pedophile.
This Will Be the Year That Was
As 2012 hatches, many face the new year with trepidation and excitement. Whose political fortunes will shine brightest? Were the Mayans right? Here are startlingly accurate predictions for the year ahead.
Cosa Nostalgia
How Hyman Roth's quip in The Godfather: Part II picks up on a cinematic pastime, and exposits layer upon layer of information about his character.
Erogenous Gaps
Humor happens when an audience fills in the gaps--at its best, those gaps are packed layers deep with meaning. An explanation of an 18-word Mitch Hedberg joke.
I Love You in Europe
Romance is in the air during February, especially when the air smells vaguely European.
Being Nominated Is the Award
The allure of an awards show is not the thrill of victory, but rather the anticipation--and of course the potential for a handjob.
From the Annals of Motherhood
When faced with insurmountable obstacles, when all other options have been exhausted--that's when moms say the darndest things.
Paul Is Death
While the most popular Beatles rumor turned out to be false, making the case for an even more dramatic revelation.
The Fiery Furnaces Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles
The brother-sister duo's narrative inclinations take over during a license renewal.
Not Everyone "Got" It
In the early days of The Muppet Show, the famous bonhomie between celebrities and their Muppet co-stars wasn't there yet. Here are the encounters that didn't make a rainbow connection.
Interview With the Genie
For man and djinn alike, a soft economy makes for a tight job market.
In the Event That You Have Accidentally Swallowed the Higgs Boson
Ingesting a wily particle is no laughing matter. Ten steps of concrete advice to consider before your hands grow to the size of large cities.
Meir Comes Clean
Sixty years after the founding of Israel, the pomp-and-circumstance of the anniversary--celebrated last week on the Jewish calendar and today on the secular one--prompts a different sort of recollection.
Soulmakers: The Story of Holland / Dozier / Amin
Through all the highs, lows, and violent overthrows, Motown was always about the music. Excerpts from a forthcoming book on the label's heady days, when a certain Ugandan was tearing through the ranks.
Dante, Hero of Sinners
You already have your summer getaway planned--but what about your permanent vacation? Given your options, Hell may be less temperate, but its hidden perks make it well worth the trip.
One Possible Outcome of Super Bowl XL
The predictions have been made, the spreads have been laid. So who will reign supreme on Sunday? Anything is possible.
Changed Equations That Changed the World
As it turns out, the rules of science are more flexible than you'd think. When you tinker with the mechanics of the universe, however, you'd better be prepared for drastic repercussions.
You Only Act Once: The Lesser Bonds
Many actors have attempted to wear the mantle of 007—and many have had their licenses to kill revoked, and not just because of suspicious accents. Here are the reasons why they lost the coveted role, with grievances aired by cast and crew.
How Many Names Hath God?
No matter when we say the word God, whether in church or in vain, couldn’t we all use a couple synonyms for the all-mighty one? MICHAEL ROTTMAN examines the many possibilities, e.g., Abraham, or Clapton.