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10 Quirky Things Politicians Do

We elect our Senators and Representatives with the expectation that they'll bring our interests to the legislative process and work to bettering the country. But the truth is, they're not always the most normal people themselves. Here are 10 of the quirkiest current Congressmen—be sure to chime in with your own legislator stories in the comments. 1. Collin Peterson (and his... READ ON

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The Early Game Show Appearances of 10 Future Stars

1. Mel Harris In 1979 future thirtysomething star Mary Ellen Harris (her real name, as we found out) competed on the $20,000 Pyramid. She gave her occupation as a “professional dog trainer,” a resume bullet point that seems to be missing from all her official biographies. Mel was a fierce competitor, but she missed the big money payoff by that much (picture my thumb and index finger almost meeting). 2. Dr. Joyce... READ ON

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10 Surprising Bobbleheads

Not just a staple for at least one summer baseball promotion night a year, bobbleheads for fictional and historical figures, even 60s rock bands are pretty commonplace. But that doesn't mean there aren't still a few surprises regarding who gets the honor of bobblehead-dom these days. 1. John Calvin. No, not an obscure minor league ball player, I'm talking about the John Calvin. You know, French theologian, developer of Calvinism. Fingers crossed for John Wesley next year! 2. Barry Manilow. The... READ ON

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10 Awesomely Geeky Birthday Cakes

1. Dungeons and... READ ON

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10 Abandoned Psych Wards Photographers Love Sneaking Into

Abandoned buildings have long held a fascination for me. They imply a mystery (what happened?) and a challenge (can I get inside and see?) as well as a thrilling bit of danger (guard dogs! rape-happy squatters! the floor might collapse!) that make an almost irresistible combination, especially for a photographer. But of all the sites that die-hard UrbEx photographers like to infiltrate (that's Urban Exploration for the uninitiated), which can range from old hotels and houses to industrial sites to... READ ON

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10 Songs That Sample “Good Times”

Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, it was first recorded by their band Chic for their 1979 album Risqué. It quickly became #1 on a couple different Billboard charts and eventually Rolling Stone ranked it #224 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. But how did it become such an, excuse the pun, “Rappers Delight?” You can watch the awesome video above or read the following transcript based on the video: In late 1979, Debbie Harry suggested that Nile Rodgers join her and... READ ON

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10 Postmasters General Who Weren't Boring

If pressed, most people probably couldn't remember the name of any of the United States' Postmasters General (yes, we're going with "Postmasters General"). The job just isn't all that glamorous and, quite frankly, sounds a little boring. It might not be an A-List position, but that doesn't mean Postmasters have led D-List lives. Here are 10 surprising stories that illustrate how wild and crazy—or brilliant and powerful—the highest-ranking mailman in the country can be. 1. Charles Wickliffe (1840... READ ON

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"Hallelujah" 10 Ways

"Hallelujah" is a song written by Leonard Cohen in 1984, and never officially released as a single. It has become famous mainly through cover versions, and has been recorded by hundreds of artists. In 2008, American Idol contestent Jason Castro sang a version that caused Jeff Buckley's famous cover to rocket to the top of the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart (you know, the kids these days with their iTunes and what-not). Buckley's rendition became a Platinum single on April 22, 2008, eleven years after... READ ON

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The Origins of 10 Food Phrases

If you like a little food etymology with your Sunday brunch, this list is for... READ ON

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10 of the Best Parents in Fiction

It’s a lot more difficult than you might think to find good parents in fiction: Perhaps unsurprisingly, a lot of fiction deals either with the lack of a parent—being a cardinal rule of children’s fiction to ditch the parents—or a parent’s complete unsuitability for the role. But there are a few out there, parents who make you think, “Gee, I wish my parents were like that.” Here’s our totally comprehensive, really scientific overview of good parenting in fiction: 1. Atticus Finch To... READ ON