By John Green For anyone paying attention to the recent headlines, the media's been making a big to-do of John McCain's editorial getting rejected by the folks at the New York Times. We don't know just how amazing his editorial was, or whether there was talk of optioning the film rights, but we do know rejection. Here are a couple stories to give John McCain hope for the next draft. Proust Gets Dissed: After submitting his magnum opus Remembrance of Things Past to an important publisher, Marcel Proust... READ ON
By Erik Sass In the years leading up to the Civil War, many Northerners and Southerners alike wanted the federal government to take a more aggressive approach toward acquiring new territory. In fact, some private citizens, known as filibusters, took matters into their own hands. They raised small armies illegally; ventured into Mexico, Cuba, and South America; and attempted to seize control of the lands. One particularly successful filibuster, William Walker, actually made himself president of Nicaragua... READ ON
By Christa Wagner Sure, it may seem silly, but, comic books mean something. Soldiers used dog-eared copies of Captain America to keep their spirits up in WWII. The Green Lantern and Green Arrow made kids actually think about issues like racism and heroin. And millions gasped when they heard the news that Superman died. In fact, the vibrant medium is so often pegged as children's pulp, or fun for the feeble-minded, that people tend to forget that comics have actually grown with and continued to... READ ON
Today we're re-excerpting from Cormac O'Brien's terrific piece in mental_floss. The First to Walk Like a Crab: Julia Dent Grant (first lady, 1869"“1877) Julia Dent Grant was cross-eyed her entire life. While that never stopped her from being a tomboy in her youth, or—remarkably—from developing into an accomplished equestrienne, it did lead to some embarrassing White House moments. At the galas she was fond of throwing, Julia had a habit of standing in the corner to avoid bumping into... READ ON
We're tired of loving camels for their minds. Isn't it time we started appreciating their bodies? by Jennifer... READ ON
By Jessica Royer... READ ON
Back when we were in pre-school there were only 4-5 sensible options for the career minded 4-year old: doctor, plumber, fireman and astronaut. Clearly, had we heard about "sin-eating", "knocking up" or any of these other fine options, we would have eaten more paste, and focused a little less on our permanent records. by Laurel Mills 1.... READ ON
By Erik... READ ON
It happens to everyone. One minute you're exchanging pleasantries with a perfect stranger; the next minute they're up in your face talking trash about Connecticut. Well, you don't have to take it anymore. History buff, and friend of the Floss, Streeter Seidell expands on why Connecticut might just be the most ingenious state in the... READ ON
By Christa Weil When making soup requires scaling a cliff, and grabbing a few olives involves avoiding gunfire, it's time to find some comfort food that's a little more comfortable. 1.... READ ON
5 Questions: Jimmy Hoffa
Lesser-Known Founding Fathers
Lyme disease is named for Lyme, CT, where several cases were identified in 1975.
