The Most Popular Articles of 2019
At the beginning of 2019, we could have guessed that our most popular articles would feature a little bit of history, literature and art. But you also surprised us with your interest in Gen Con, movie theme songs, and candy! Here’s our list of the ten most popular articles we published in 2019. Enjoy!
1. The 50 Greatest TV Theme Songs of All Time: Live-Action
We’re warning you now: after reading this, you’ll be humming these theme songs all day.
2. The Case for Late Bloomers
Making too much of those who achieve success early — whether measured by college admission, a glamour job, money, or fame — can make it seem that the rest of us are destined to be also-rans for the rest of our lives.
3. Considering History: Myths and Realities of the Mexican-American Border
Many imagine the border between the U.S. and Mexico to be a consistent, stable entity, but history shows that this line – and the many debates that surround it – is prone to revision.
4. Killer in the White House
For over twenty years a silent killer stalked the White House. Was this killer responsible for the death of three presidents?
5. How Dodge City Became the Ultimate Wild West
Fake news and smoking guns made the Kansas town a symbol of frontier lawlessness.
6. 11 Old Candies You Can’t Buy Anymore
Like a dirty trick, these treats disappeared.
7. What We Can Learn from Gen Con
Gen Con brings gamers, cosplayers, and other fandoms together. And we should follow their example.
8. The Creation of Nancy Drew
It took a tenacious, bold, independent writer to invent the fictional teen sleuth.
9. America’s First Opioid Epidemic
As the country struggles with a terrible opioid crisis, we remember a similar epidemic that raged through the U.S. in the 1800s.
10. How to Look at a Norman Rockwell Picture: Part 1 — Hands
David Apatoff takes a closer look at the details that make Norman Rockwell a true artist. He starts with Rockwell’s use of hands.
Featured image: ©SEPS
The Most Popular Cartoon Collections of 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, we share a list of our most popular cartoon collections from this past year. You got a laugh from golf, grownups, mammals and matrimony!
1. Golf—A Good Walk Spoiled
The game of golf has always been good for laugh!
2. Our Favorite Critters
Have you ever tried to keep raccoons out of the trash? Or had to deal with squirrels demanding birdseed? Our cartoonists have these animals pegged!
3. Campaign Comedy
Those television ads can drive you up a wall, but we somehow managed to find the silly side of campaigning.
4. Overheard at the Bar
We would never suggest our talented cartoonists spend a lot of time at bars, but they seem to overhear a lot of watering hole conversations.
5. Life’s Little Surprises
If life has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected!
6. Play on Words
Our cartoonists would like to have a word with you!
7. The Things Grown-ups Say!
These adults tell it like it is!
8. The Funny Thing About Marriage…
Marriage is a sacred institution that just might land you in an institution.
9. Kids Say the Darndest Things
Our cartoonists know what Art Linkletter knew years ago: out of the mouths of babes… comes trouble.
10. The Nutty Neighbors
They say good fences make good neighbors. These cartoons show that a good sense of humor helps, too!
The Most Popular Articles of 2018
At the beginning of 2018, we never would have guessed that our most popular articles would feature everything from cat meme photography to getting rid of the penny. Here’s our list of the ten most popular articles we published in 2018. Enjoy!
1. The Cat Meme Photographer from a Century Ago
A prolific animal photographer pioneered lolcats at the height of postcard popularity.
2. 8 of History’s Most Destructive Lies
Some lies have more impact than others. Here are eight that caused untold damage.
3. Why Tattoos Are So Popular
For many, it seems the body you’re born with is no more than a blank canvas in need of decoration.
4. Comedians in the White House: Our Favorite Jokes by Presidents
Here are our favorite quips from the comedians in the White House.
5. 10 History Facts You’re Probably Getting Wrong
To celebrate Popular Delusion Day, we dispel some delusions about history.
6. 7 Reasons to Get Rid of the Penny
There are a lot of compelling reasons to ditch the penny. Here are seven of them.
7. Let’s Keep the Funeral Tradition Alive
Trendy alternatives to this rite of passage are nice to think about, but they fail to satisfy our basic emotional needs.
8. The Unknown World of Competitive Adult Figure Skating
This 49-year-old career woman works full-time, and she skates better than you.
9. 8 Weirdest Presidential Nicknames
Most of us know about “Tricky Dick,” but can you identify “The Grand Wrestler” or “Big Steve”?
10. Political Violence and Mail Bombs 100 Years Ago
The prospect of mail bombs has become an unsettling re-occurrence in American life.