NO JOKE
And The Most Powerful Internet Mogul Of 2014 Is... Will Ferrell
Why comedy site Funny or Die is laughing all the way to the bank
SLIDING SALE
Online Stores Change Prices Depending On How You Shop. Here's How
You get the same sneaking suspicion every time you book a hotel or rent a car online: With each search, it seems the prices change, and you can’t help but wonder if sites are changing prices for you in particular. Well, they are — at least in some ways.
UNTIL NOW
The Most Extraordinary Photos You've Never Seen
"Sometimes it's good to revisit old contact sheets," says photographer Thomas Hoepker, whose photograph of Muhammad Ali is one of a handful of recently unearthed iconic images available (through November 14) in Magnum Photos’s Archive Dive sale.
FOR USERS WE DIGG
Today's Best Videos Are Already In Your Inbox
Sign up for our video newsletter to have the best gadget demos, short films, how-tos and viral videos delivered to you every weekday. Other than looking in a mirror, it's the best stuff you'll see all day.
THIS IS ALMOST TOO SAD TO WATCH
A Father's Last Lullaby
Lennon James Picco was delivered by emergency C-section at 24 weeks when his mother, Ashley, unexpectedly died in her sleep. As Lennon struggled to survive in the hospital's NICU, his father Chris asked if he could play his guitar for the baby. Chris played for several hours in the last days of Lennon's young life. Here, Chris plays a beautiful and sad rendition of the Beatles' "Blackbird" for his son. Lennon died the next day.
'THIS DEMANDS MORE THAN PUBLIC SHAMING'
Bill Cosby Raped Me. Why Did It Take 30 Years For People To Believe My Story?
Only when a male comedian called Cosby a rapist did the accusation take hold.
WE CALL THEM 'SEA-TONGUES'
Ever Seen A Clam Lick Salt?
So a clam's body is, for all intents and purposes, just a massive tongue. And they love the taste of salt.
BURY THE HATCHET
Amazon And Hachette Finally Reach An Agreement
Amazon and book publisher Hachette Book Group have finally reached a deal in the negotiations that have been going on since May. For months, Amazon removed pre-orders on Hachette titles, shipped them with delays and would not discount them.
THE WAR ON SMOKE
The Nicotine Fix
America’s cigarette addiction may seem to be mostly over. But low-income Americans continue to smoke — and die — at alarming rates. A radical new strategy could help them quit once and for all.
TAKE THAT, SUBWAY MARIACHI BANDS
Street Duo Has An Ace In The Hole
Sure, this seems pretty tame for the first 20 seconds or so, but wait until this little girl gets going.
THE CRU OF THE ISSUE IS ALL WINE IS OK
How A Ratings System Designed To Help Consumers Is Tearing The $40 Billion Dollar Wine Industry Apart
Wine — and the wineries it comes from — are graded on a 100 point scale. It's corrupt, terrible, and unfortunately selling more wine than ever before.
DIGG VIDEOS
All The Best Videos That We Couldn't Fit On This Page
If you're looking for something great to watch but don't want to sift through a bunch of garbage, may we humbly suggest Digg Video? We think you'll like what you see.
HAPPY ENDINGS ARE SO OVER
Grimm Brothers’ Fairytales Have Blood And Horror Restored In New Translation
"It is time for parents and publishers to stop dumbing down the tales for children," says the editor of the new uncut edition.
FAWN-OFF
Jon Stewart And Steve Carell Try To Out-Compliment Each Other
Steve Carell stars in "Foxcatcher." Jon Stewart recently put out "Rosewater." Here are two former coworkers gushing about each others' success.
PEE-OFF
Oh Good, A Golf Club You Can Piss Into
Is encouraging public urination really what we need from a product?
A VIRTUAL FEAST
Virtual Reality Hardware's Surge
A handful of tech’s biggest companies will roll out virtual-reality headsets next year as they try to create a new market for games and other software. It’s a gambit made possible by more than two decades of advances in 3D graphics and improvements in sensor speed.
AND LIKE NOTHING FROM NAPSTER
How Much Taylor Swift Earned From Spotify
Taylor Swift's Spotify payout turns out to be much less than the streaming service led people to believe earlier this week.
MISSION COMMAND
Live Updates: Rosetta’s Philae Probe Lands On The Comet
Check in here for the latest news on the Philae lander's progress.
MINDCRAFT
Illustrations Of Madness
Mike Jay recounts the tragic story of James Tilly Matthews, a former peace activist of the Napoleonic Wars who was confined to London’s notorious Bedlam asylum in 1797 for believing that his mind was under the control of the “Air Loom” — a terrifying machine whose mesmeric rays and mysterious gases were brainwashing politicians and plunging Europe into revolution, terror and war.
JUST ENOUGH COMPOSERS
The Composers Behind 'Too Many Cooks' Dish On Adult Swim's Viral Hit
It's fair to say that the Internet has already done a pretty great job of fleshing out the details of the storyline and all its complexities, but we were curious about the hard-to-lose "earworm" that is the "Too Many Cooks" theme. Thankfully, composers Shawn Coleman and Michael Kohler were able to answer a few of our questions and help us understand the strange awesomeness of their collaborative musical brainchild.
I ALSO CRASHED INTO THE JUNGLE
I Spied On Russia And Korea From The World's Fastest Plane
Designed in the aftermath of the 1960 U-2 incident—in which American pilot Gary Powers was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission over Soviet airspace — the Blackbird was pegged as the plane that couldn't be hit. Retired from use in 1999, it was never struck by enemy missiles and still holds the official air speed record for a manned jet aircraft, flying at over three times the speed of sound.
TRAPPED IN THE DUNGEON
The Lost Dungeon Master Who Fueled A Satanic Fear Of Dungeons & Dragons
James Egbert was the sixteen-year-old who infamously disappeared in the Michigan State University steam tunnels in 1979, supposedly during a live-action Dungeons & Dragons session, provoking a nation-wide scare about the then-new role-playing game.
THE DIRT ON RADIATION
The Archaeology Of An Atomic Test Site
As the beginning of the Atomic Age fades into history, archaeologists work to document a time of uncertainty and experimentation.
56% NEVER PUNISHED
The NFL Didn't Follow Its Own Domestic Violence Policies
The NFL first instituted a domestic violence policy in 1997. The league didn't hand out its first punishment under the policy until three years later.
'CHEWY 123'
FBI's Most Wanted Cybercriminal Used His Cat's Name As A Password
When he was arrested at his Chicago home in 2012 for hacking the website of security think tank Stratfor, the dreadlocked Jeremy Hammond was the FBI's most wanted cybercriminal.
YOU WANNA GET IN THESE EYES?
Channing Tatum And Fallon Have An Elaborate Lie-Off
We've watched a few celebrities play "Box of Lies" now, and while Channing isn't the best liar, he's certainly the most charming.
A POOR REAXXION
What Happens When A Society's Most Privileged People Feel Like Victims?
They are a dark subtext embodied and acted out; a set of bitter, confusing and confused feelings rendered into crude guides and blunt rhetoric. They are a not-at-all fascinating group with a totally fascinating way of talking about themselves.
KEEP MOVING
The Nomadic Life Of An Assistant College Basketball Coach
The hours are long, tiring, and often filled with soul-numbing boredom as he travels from one town to another.
PUTIN AMERICA ON EDGE
Russia Plans Long-Range Bomber Flights Near U.S. Shores
Russia plans to send long-range bombers to patrol the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, the nation's defense minister said, in what may be Moscow's latest provocative maneuver.
THE BEST THING FOR A WHILE
The Invention Of Sliced Bread
On the surface, sliced bread seems pretty simple. But it didn’t come easily: it’s an invention that endured tremendous hardships, tragedy and years of innovation before hitting the shelves in the 1920s. It even toughed out a government ban during World War II.
A WEB WITHOUT WASTE
This Is What The Web Looks Like Without Ads
For about one hour today, web users noticed two odd things on most major news sites. First, the pages loaded faster. Second, there were no ads.
THE REAL MURDERER IN THE RUE MORGUE
Police Hunt For Tiger On Loose Near Paris
A security cordon is set up around a wooded area and residents are being told to stay inside their homes or cars.
OURS IS 420-69-8008
Why Are We Still Using Social Security Numbers?
After all, they were originally issued solely to organize retirement benefits and the government explicitly stated that SSNs were not to be used for identification. And at just nine digits — with the first five corresponding to the city and year of issuance through 2011 (now randomized) — they’re not the most secure or difficult to guess.
LEARNING TO FRY AGAIN
Can McDonald's Get Its Mojo Back?
The world’s largest restaurant company is losing market share, losing sales, and suffering one heck of a corporate identity crisis.
BECAUSE 400 HP JUST ISN'T ENOUGH
The Secrets Of 500 HP Movie Cars
Dennis McCarthy is the man behind a bunch of your favorite movie cars, so his hangar also hides most of what's left after "Furious 7" got done.
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT
Frantic 911 Calls Document The Horror Of The Marysville School Shooting
The calls were made by students, parents and others during the Washington state shooting that ultimately left four victims and the gunman dead.
NEITHER YES NOR NO
FCC Chair Open To Obama's Net Neutrality Plan
The sources said that Wheeler did not, as had been reported earlier, say that he had decided to go in a different direction from what the White House wanted.
JOB SECURITY HAPPENED
Whatever Happened To Leadership Races?
Despite a tumultuous election, leaders in both parties in both chambers are keeping their jobs with ease. That's increasingly normal.
ATLAS SHRUGGED IN A T-SHIRT
Ayn Rand, Girl-Power Icon
In an elegant stroke of free-market irony, self-proclaimed enemy of feminism Ayn Rand has become a girl-power commodity several decades after her death.
REGULATED HOW EMPLOYEES POOP
Handy Sued For Being A Hellscape Of Labor Code Violations
Handy, the on-demand "handyman" and house cleaning startup, is facing a class action lawsuit for violating an impressive amount of labor laws. The suit alleges that the company refuses workers minimum wages, paid breaks, overtime pay, and withholds tips, amongst other violations.
IT WAS A REAL HIT
The Art Bot That Bought 10 Pills Of Ecstasy
An art project by !Mediengruppe btinik channels the "randomized consumerism" of an illicit digital marketplace.
WHAT YOUR PROFESSORS ARE READING
12 Scholars Answer The Question: 'What Non-Fiction Book Changed Your Mind?'
The Chronicle Review asked 12 scholars what nonfiction book published in the last 30 years has most changed their minds — not merely inspired or influenced their thinking, but profoundly altered the way they regard themselves, their work, the world.
SAME OLD STORY
Why Read New Books?
Hasn’t it all been done before? Perhaps better than anyone today could ever do it? If so, why read contemporary novels, especially when so many of the classics are available at knockdown prices and for the most part absolutely free as e-books?
ONLY IF YOU'RE FAMOUS
Does Twitter Have A Secret Weapon For Silencing Trolls?
A British lawmaker complained of abuse. Suddenly, the abuse stopped.
SOME THINGS JUST DON'T TAKE ROOT
My Urban Farming Epic Fail
It started as four college roommates with a hunger for farm-fresh food and a penchant for pet puns. It ended with dead ducks, grumpy goats and one horrifically bloody mercy killing gone wrong.
PREY CAN'T RUN, CAN'T ALDEHYDE
What Sparks Carnivores' Lust For Blood?
When given scented wooden blocks soaked in this single chemical, captive carnivores go wild.
ONE HAS THE LINE 'TWITCHING FAIRY PENGUIN'
And The Nominees For The 2014 Bad Sex Awards Are...
Ten passages of highly-colored prose are up for the prize every author dreads, the annual Literary Review Bad Sex in Fiction award. Vote for the one that lights your fire.
TIM JACOBUS IRL (STINE)
The Secret Life Of Tim Jacobus, 'Goosebumps' Illustrator
A visit with the man who drew your childhood terrors.
'HE STARTS WHERE THE OTHERS STOP'
An Oral History Of 'Weird Al' Yankovic’s 'UHF'
In his long, illustrious career, Yankovic has headlined precisely one motion picture: 1989’s UHF, a box-office disappointment that has developed a tremendous cult following.
AMERICAN INVASION
A Love Letter To The NFL’s International Series
American football in Europe may not be forever, but as long as it remains a thing, it’s going to be the thing in London.
DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
What A Pledge Of Allegiance To ISIS Means
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria extended its geographic influence on Monday when Egypt’s most deadly militant outfit pledged obedience to ISIS’ self-declared caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
FEELING INSPIRED
First Look At DJI's New, Incredible Drone
The Inspire One drone looks cool flying and offers a ton of new features, including a 360 degree camera that records in 4K.
THE HOUR IS LATE FOR 'THE LATE SHOW'
David Letterman's Last Stand
There’s a poignant pleasure in watching a TV legend take his last lap — as a visit to the taping of the show in its final season revealed.
NEO'S GOT NOTHING ON THESE TWO
Spears Fly In This Mind-Bendingly Fast Martial Arts Demonstration
These two martial artists are competing in an exhibition known as duilian, which pits a bare-handed combatant against a weapon-wielding opponent. We wouldn't want to face either of them, with or without a weapon.
NSFW, OBVIOUSLY
Internet Insufficiently Broken, Paper Unleashes Topless Photos Of Kim Kardashian
It's not the above photo. Also there's a whole profile on her, which is, of course, why you're clicking this link. Right?
WE'RE SHUTTLE-SHOCKED
Is The World's Most Corrupt Sport Badminton?
Doping suspensions, match fixing allegations, and more. Can Badminton be saved before Rio?
KNUCKLE UP
Game-Breaking Infinite Jump Already Discovered In 'Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyric'
A piece of trash 3D Sonic game? Anyone who's ever played the 2006 Sonic interaction won't be the least bit surprised.
*IF YOU'RE SUPER RICH
The Fastest Electric Motorcycle You Can Buy
With a polite round of applause, the first owner of the fastest production electric motorcycle took the keys to his new ride. Sitting down just a few moments later, he slyly looked down and slid them onto the ring next to keys for his Tesla.
NSFW
Wikipedia's Greatest Sex Illustrator Is An Anonymous Legend
Seedfeeder, a pseudonymous illustrator, has contributed 48 drawings to 35 articles on Wikipedia — all depicting various sex acts in the same sterile, almost platonic style of airline safety manuals.
WAS UNAWARE OF CO-PILOT'S ACTIONS
Surviving Virgin Galactic Pilot Describes The SpaceShipTwo Crash
The pilot who survived last month’s Virgin Galactic disaster has told investigators how he was thrown clear of the spacecraft as it broke up.
FIND A MIDDLE LANE
Let's Try To Have A Reasoned Debate Between Cyclists And Drivers
There are certain things guaranteed to set off an internet firestorm. Talk about climate change, mention Monsanto, or bring up the treatment of women in video games. So, before the next big wave of Internet arguing, I propose we retire a few overused and underwhelming opinions in the bikes vs. cars debate.
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
Footage Of The 1 World Trade Center Window Washers Being Rescued
Both window washers were successfully rescued by firefighters today after being stuck 69 stories from the ground.
IN THE LINE OF FIRE
Stunning GoPro Footage From The Front Lines Of A Wildfire
The Atlantic takes us into the field with the Geronimo Hotshots, an elite crew of Apache firefighters who battle the biggest wildfires in the nation.
TOUGH SHIT, KID
A Clip From The Bryan Cranston-Narrated 'You Have To Fucking Eat'
From the creators of "Go The Fuck To Sleep" this is bound to be a classic. We can't wait for the full audio book to come out.