May 2008

The most famous love poem in the Western world is not about beauty, but consistency.

46 years—How long the borough of Centralia has been burning. Story: located in an old coal mine underneath the borough, the former landfill was set ablaze every year by the local fire department. In 1962, however, nobody thought to put the fire out.

4,000—Number made orphans in one day from China’s killer quake.

Over 120,000—Estimated deaths due to Myanmar cyclone.

Video: The likelihood of being hit by a life-ending asteroid: greater than you might think.

[Courtesy Wikipedia, C.N.N., M.S.N.B.C., The Atlantic]

The curious fate of American newspapers.

Trying not to overdose on Wikipedia's smörgåsbord of trivia.

Author of Fight Club releases newest novel, Snuff. Plot: aging porn star attempts to do the dirty ’til death.

Having hung with severed heads for her book Stiff, Mary Roach takes on sex and psychology in Bonk. Noticing a trend with these titles?

All author David Shields wants is not-so-dear old dad to kick the bucket.

The intersection of Stiff and “slices of feet.”

[All courtesy L.A. Times]

Why it's best to bring your own towels on vacation.

Ethnic confusion: the gift that keeps on giving.