Odds and sods I look at regularly, just because they amuse me. I hope they do the same for you. Incidentally, I found this page’s title on Greg Ross’s Futility Closet (it’s somewhere on this page) in a mini-article which also includes the delightful sentence in Icelandic: Barbara Ara bar Ara araba bara rabbabara. Ross points out that this, “besides being fun to say, is spelled with only three letters. It means “Barbara, daughter of Ari, brought only rhubarb to Ari the Arab.”
Mental Floss » Scientists Have Built a Machine That Produces a Non-Stop Flow of Wine
The small device works to speed up the fermentation process by weeks. [Link]
Mental Floss » This Year Will Be One Second Longer Than Usual
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service has added a leap second to the calendar on December 31. [Link]
Mental Floss » This Giant Air Purifier Turns Smog into Jewelry
Carbon cufflinks may soon become a thing. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Oy vey, ya scurvy dog! Hoist those sails, ya momsers! [Amusing]
[link] [43 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » If Boaty McBoatface demonstrated anything, it was not to let the public name things … and yet here we have Trainy McTrainface station [Facepalm]
[link] [68 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Not even the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro is safe: "As well as the shooting this 10 June, he was carjacked last July and robbed at gunpoint in September 2014 of his crucifix and a replica of a gold ring gifted to him by Pope Francis" [PSA]
[link] [48 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Not that anyone is going to care anymore after last night, but two of the officers involved in the Alton Sterling shooting had been investigated 4 times in the last seven years over complaints of excessive force and police brutality [Followup]
[link] [348 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » The Secretly Smart Reason Scam Emails Are Poorly Written
There's a reason the "Nigerian prince scam" is so common. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Cool: A rodeo performer has claimed the Guinness World Record for the most Texas lasso skips in a minute. Now wait a Gol-Durned Minute: Wadda you mean he was in NEW YORK CITY? [Cool]
[link] [24 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » The Differences Between Table Salt and Kosher Salt, Explained
Most home chefs treat kosher and table salts as though they’re interchangeable; in fact, they’re not. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Humpback whale carcass washes ashore in Alaska. Get the dynamite [Sad]
[link] [37 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Seagulls, now that's a different story [Interesting]
[link] [15 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Show
The modern "push present" has centuries-old roots. [Link]
Mental Floss » 6 Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Financial Planner
During your first meeting with your financial planner, don't let him or her ask all the questions. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Well, at least SOMEONE was sent to prison for the death of Eric Garner, even if it's just the guy who filmed it [Asinine]
[link] [48 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » If the only impediment standing between you and joining ISIS is your Dad taking your passport away from you, you probably wouldn't make a good terrorist anyway [Dumbass]
[link] [28 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Take a Look at the Last Image Taken by Japan’s Hitomi Satellite Before It Died
Japan's space agency, JAXA, lost contact with Hitomi in late March. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » 1986: Parents sue record companies for corrupting the children. 2016: Children sue Snapchat for corrupting them [Silly]
[link] [49 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Photoshop this happy family portrait [Photoshop]
[link] [15 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Could a Former President Ever Become Vice President?
It all comes down to how you like your Constitution: literal, or liberally intepreted. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » It's back, and not a moment too soon: it's your Fark Weird News Quiz [Survey]
[link] [17 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » The only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a… robot bomb? Okay, then [Followup]
[link] [359 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Dallas sniper claimed he wasn't affiliated with any groups, was just pissed-off at white people [Followup]
[link] [266 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » The Emotional Ups and Downs of Famous Novels, According to a Computer
Researchers used the hedonometer to graph the emotional arcs of 1737 books. [Link]
Mental Floss » Retrobituary: William Moulton Marston, the Psychologist Who Created Wonder Woman
Marston created Wonder Woman as the embodiment of his version of feminism—and she may owe something to his unusual romantic life. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Man shot in Nutbush over a pizza [Stupid]
[link] [39 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » "I just wanted a steak and cheese melt. I really wanted one, I wanted one so bad, and look what happened." Woman who filmed sleeping Subway staff left heartbroken after he calls police on her [Awkward]
[link] [81 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 5 Flipped-Up Facts About American Curl Cats
Meet the all-American feline with the funny ears. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » The Dallas sniper attended a "self-defense and personal protection gym" in Fort Worth that happily trains civilians to conduct urban warfare [Scary]
[link] [330 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Tickets to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Final 'Hamilton' Performance Are Selling for $20,000 Each
One last time… [Link]
Mental Floss » Your Smartwatch Could Give Hackers Your PIN and Passwords
Scientists were able to use smartwatch movement data to crack PINs with 80 percent accuracy on the first try. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Fark Store Daily Deal: Design bundle – fonts, templates, and icons. (Sponsored Link) [Plug]
[link] [1 comments] [Link]
Futility Closet » First Impressions
Architect John C. Portman Jr.’s 1967 design for the Hyatt Regency Atlanta included a 22-story atrium, the first of its kind in the world. The effect was so impressive that the point where visitors emerge into the central space was nicknamed “profanity corner.” [Link]
Fark.com RSS » IRS allows 60% of ex-employees (including those being disciplined) to keep their IDs and access buildings, computers [Asinine]
[link] [43 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » The Weird Week in Review
Strange things happening all over. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Your "unsanctioned independent fireworks show" might be a little over the top if you knock a house off its foundation and townsfolk think you triggered an earthquake [Dumbass]
[link] [58 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Is Your FOMO Making You Broke?
Can you really afford "one more round" with your friends? [Link]
Mental Floss » 15 Surprisingly Delicious Burger Toppings
Set the lettuce and tomato aside. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Sure it's hard to top the excellent reputation of the Big Mac and its high level of respect in the culinary world, but a top chef has done it [Silly]
[link] [104 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » What’s Your Financial IQ?
When it comes to managing your money, knowledge really is power. Take our quiz to see how your financial smarts measure up—then click through to see what Farnoosh Torabi, Chase Slate financial education partner, and host of the award-winning podcast, So Money, has to say about securing your financial future. [Link]
Mental Floss » Today's Amazon Deals You Can't Miss
As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, July 8. [Link]
Mental Floss » Arctic Pavilion Will Let Visitors Witness Climate Change First-Hand
The center will be open to researchers and tourists alike. [Link]
Mental Floss » Augmented Reality Game Lets Kids Build Virtual Worlds
In case you hadn't noticed, augmented reality is having a bit of a moment. [Link]
Mental Floss » Archaeologists Reconstruct the Hillside Burial of an Ancient Shaman
The well-preserved grave of an older disabled woman suggests her people marked her death with a ritual feast and ceremony. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » #NotAllAltons [Facepalm]
[link] [59 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Dallas PD goes Full Reddit [Followup]
[link] [362 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Most people are responding to the Dallas police shootings with sorrow and calls for unity in the face of unspeakable tragedy. And then there's this jackass [Dumbass]
[link] [499 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Self-regulation, not self-control, is what matters when it comes to children. Well, we'll just see what Laura Branigan has to say about that [PSA]
[link] [61 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 12 Surprising Facts About ‘She’s All That’
1. M. Night Shyamalan did an uncredited rewrite of the script. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » On a day like today, what we really need to make things a bit better is some doses of wisdom from the late, great Bob Ross. With bonus pic of the master with a baby raccoon [Spiffy]
[link] [71 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 5 Questions: Saint Cities
[Link]
Fark.com RSS » Finally a gym for stoners who just want to pedal slowly while getting high through life [Amusing]
[link] [29 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » ThanksMom says FML
Today, while taking out the trash late at night with my mom, a group of people drove by and decided it would be funny to turn around and chase us up the driveway in their car. Before I even realized what was happening, my mom was already halfway to the house yelling back, "You're on your own!" FML [Link]
FMyLife » quackers says FML
Today, I found out that my favorite pizza place will no longer deliver to my area after dark because they've been robbed too many times. FML [Link]
FMyLife » Bad Hubby says FML
Today, I asked my wife of 10 years to tell me honestly what she thought about our sex life. She said, "It's… fine." FML [Link]
FMyLife » NotFromAustralia says FML
Today, I thought the earwig infestation that had plagued my basement apartment for weeks had finally solved itself. Turns out the black widow infestation took care of it for me. Time to move. FML [Link]
Mental Floss » California Town Accidentally Fixes Curb That Was Part of Ongoing Geology Study
Geology enthusiasts are heartbroken over a seemingly mundane street repair in Hayward, California. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Our rents are up how much? Our options are worth that little? Atlas shrugs? Fedora tips [Obvious]
[link] [72 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Transgender person told not to wear a sports bra while in the pool. Since some people had a problem with this, it was made into a news story [Murica]
[link] [142 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » New App Lets Beachgoers Keep Tabs on Shark Sightings
“Sharktivity” is now available for iOS. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » US Capitol on lockdown after sighting of staffer with a gun [NewsFlash]
[link] [155 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » PurplePanda_1927 says FML
Today, I was driving with my little brother when out of nowhere he yelled at me to stop. Thinking it was urgent, I slammed my breaks, almost getting rammed from behind. Why did he yell for me to stop? The Pokémon GO said there was a sparrow near us. FML [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Photoshop this little fixer-upper [Photoshop]
[link] [19 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » New 'BFG'-Inspired Public Art Trail Honors Roald Dahl
They're totally "splendiferous." [Link]
Fark.com RSS » It was the bikini-clad booty butt that did the serial burglar in [Dumbass]
[link] [60 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 10 Revealing Scans of Historical Artifacts
Technology has made non-invasive examination possible in such detail that using your eyeballs pales in comparison. [Link]
Weird Universe » Sunscreen-Pooping Seagull
What if seagulls were robots and they pooped sunscreen on small children? Nivea made it a reality.
[Link]
Mental Floss » Smart Sensor Turns Any Object Into an Instrument
A music and technology company called Mogees has created a smart sensor that transforms any object into an instrument. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » How to get fired from your Wall Street hedge fund firm: Rent a $20m mansion in the Hamptons and totally trash it with gun-toting little people and bikini-clad women by having a #Sprayathon party with a thousand people [Dumbass]
[link] [63 comments] [Link]
Weird Universe » Human Thigh Bone Tibetan Trumpet
Full story here.
[Link]
Fark.com RSS » I didn't paint this crap, prove it or I'll sue you. If only World War 2 could have been prevented so easily [Strange]
[link] [53 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » The International Space Station's Media Library Is Stocked With Sci-Fi Movies
There are more than 500 movies and TV series in the satellite's collection. [Link]
Mental Floss » Saint Cities
[Link]
Mental Floss » Get Your Tea Fix With These Herbal-Scented Erasers
The lightly perfumed erasers will help ease your crossword stress. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Dallas shooting update #3: 11 officers fired at, five now confirmed dead. Snipers suspected [Followup]
[link] [1484 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » AverageAvarice says FML
Today, after 22 hours running around the hospital, I found some time to sit still and have a sandwich. My attending physician walked by and commented that I must not have enough work to do. The same person who 12 hours ago said finding time to eat was a skill, since I was eating on the go. FML [Link]
FMyLife » hannamacintosh says FML
Today, I finally decided to accept a date proposal from a guy who's had a crush on me for years. I got into his car, and it smelled strongly of my middle school perfume. I went into his bedroom and saw my middle school class photos hanging everywhere. Let's just say I ran home that night. FML [Link]
Mental Floss » The Most Popular Words In Heavy Metal Band Names
Encyclopaedia Metallum is an online archive of heavy metal bands from around the world. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Ways to end up in hell when you die: fake a cancer diagnosis to raise money for yourself [Sick]
[link] [44 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » Ananomouse says FML
Today, I had my guy over for some sexy times. Things stopped before they even started. I watched him pick his nose then wipe it on my freshly changed sheets. He denied it when I called him out on it. FML [Link]
Mental Floss » Morning Cup of Links: Nuclear War Movies
It' a great day when you start it with great links! [Link]
Fark.com RSS » This discovery of mountain lion kittens sounds more like a Jerry Springer show than a scientific finding [Amusing]
[link] [24 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » jackdixon says FML
Today, I just got dumped by my girlfriend. It wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't told me that she was only dating me for my dog. FML [Link]
FMyLife » TooInnocent says FML
Today, I was told that I was no longer being considered for the Prison Officer job I have been interviewed for, because a social media check showed I had liked a picture of drugs, so my character is inappropriate. I thought it was a picture of candy. I've never even tried weed. FML [Link]
FMyLife » whiskynexttimeplease says FML
Today, my husband kindly offered to take me on a brewery tour. Turned out the brewery is owned by his ex-girlfriend and there was no tour after all. Just me standing awkwardly for 25 minutes while he chatted to her about her family and stuff they used to do together. FML [Link]
Mental Floss » 12 Amazing Pencils for Jotting Down Your Really Good Ideas
Now all you need is a really cool eraser. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Park Slope sisters: What to do today? Let's dress up in Disney princess dresses and leotards and have an adventure in Manhattan, surely our parents won't mind [Silly]
[link] [35 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Worker who was given a paycheck worth 100x what he should have received blows most of it on a new car, hotel rooms, designer clothes, cocaine, vodka, and online gambling. The rest he wasted [Dumbass]
[link] [33 comments] [Link]
GraphJam » Bros Icing Selves
Graph by: DrUNIX Tagged: air hockey , bros , goal , icing , Pie Chart , ricochets Share on Facebook
[Link]
GraphJam » The Stephen King Universe
Graph by: (via Tessie Design Company) Tagged: author , best of week , books , flow chart , horror , stephen king , universe Share on Facebook
[Link]
GraphJam » Practice That Pokerface
Graph by: Mamzelle_Kat Tagged: Bar Graph , be quiet , laughing out loud , shh Share on Facebook
[Link]
Mental Floss » Deaf Girl Trains Hearing-Impaired Puppy to Understand Sign Language
"Walter is my best friend." [Link]
Mental Floss » How Can I Raise My Credit Score?
Presented by Chase Slate. [Link]
Futility Closet » Misc
Image: Wikimedia Commons ZZ Top’s first album is called ZZ Top’s First Album. Supreme Court justice Byron White was the NFL’s top rusher in 1940. LOVE ME TENDER is an anagram of DENVER OMELET. Every palindromic number with an even number of digits is divisible by 11. “In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.” — Cassius From English antiquary … [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Wasted 19-year-old babysitter with four kids in the car tells cop that that's just how kids roll these days [Dumbass]
[link] [30 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Every winter, the population of great white sharks along the west coast disappears deep into the Pacific Ocean-swimming for 30 to 40 days to reach a point halfway between Mexico and Hawaii. And no one knows why. Solution: Attach cameras to the sharks
[link] [57 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Watch a Laser Clean a Baking Tray Better Than Soap Ever Could
Ugh, want. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Did you think maybe the alligators couldn't get you if you climbed a tree? Guess again [Florida]
[link] [38 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Dallas shooting update: 11 officers fired at, four now confirmed dead. Snipers suspected [Followup]
[link] [1266 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers the following tips to avoid wrong-way drivers at night: Stay in the far right lane. And pray [Florida]
[link] [14 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » This guy really meant it when he formed a mentoring group called "Developing Boys To Men". He even asked one to send him a nude photo to check his progress. Now he has a seat over there [Fail]
[link] [27 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 8 Things You Should Know About Renters Insurance
Presented by Allstate. [Link]
Mental Floss » Ancient Ostrich Relative Discovered in North America
Researchers believe the discovery could be the key to identifying other ancient bird species. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for a night. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life [Sick]
[link] [35 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Ottawa clinic has a new treatment for severe alcoholics, an hourly glass of wine [Interesting]
[link] [32 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » You can lead a dog to water, but you can't make it stop biting you [Strange]
[link] [8 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » Amazon Will Open Third Physical Store in New York City
After opening stores in Seattle and San Diego, the company is planning a third physical bookstore in New York City. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Shots fired at Dallas protest march, reports of officers down [NewsFlash]
[link] [1423 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » In Florida, McDonald's eats YOU [Florida]
[link] [11 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Man drowns himself into Pensacola Bay after police inform him he's still using Verizon. Can you hear me now? [Florida]
[link] [14 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Woman charged with luring children for sex with ice cream, popcorn. Why she thinks they would want to have sex with ice cream and popcorn is beyond me [Strange]
[link] [45 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » A history degree without studying U.S. history? From our nation's top colleges? No wonder we're boned as a country [Stupid]
[link] [89 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Recently retired police chief of Blam Blam, MN when he left: Police don't need bodycams because "nothing's significantly broken in law enforcement now." That should help [Awkward]
[link] [24 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » GOP Senator says he's skipping the convention, looking forward to watching dumpster fires instead [Hero]
[link] [99 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » It's a warm day, the traffic isn't too bad, OH SH$^T [Sick]
[link] [19 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Instigated by Germans, the War of the Beach Umbrellas threatens livability of Sexitano town [Amusing]
[link] [21 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » The latest thing killing you? Your bed. EVERYBODY PANIC [Unlikely]
[link] [27 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Çongress manages to actually do something useful and passes an FAA funding bill that includes a provision requiring airlines to refund the baggage fees you paid for any luggage they manage to lose. Yes, that took an act of Congress [Spiffy]
[link] [14 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Wendy's data hack: make it a biggie size [Facepalm]
[link] [19 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Moral of the story: always have a plan B. Especially if plan B involves a machete [Scary]
[link] [16 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Police training spends 12 times longer on winning fights than avoiding them [Obvious]
[link] [44 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » These creationists outside the Ark museum debated an atheist on evolution and got completely and utterly humiliated [Amusing]
[link] [216 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Humpty Doo man calls police to complain about his father burning all his cannabis, leading to the important question: What is Humpty Doo? [Interesting]
[link] [16 comments] [Link]
FMyLife » mulligan says FML
Today, I told my boyfriend I'll be moving to a different state in a few months for a new job. He now refers to me as his "girlfriend for now". FML [Link]
FMyLife » anonymous says FML
Today, my friends woke me up on my birthday by spraying me with silly string. I have a job interview and it won't come out of my hair. FML [Link]
FMyLife » tiredmom says FML
Today, my son found a cockroach in his bed. I had to kill the thing and wash all his sheets and stuffed animals before he'd finally agree to go back to bed, three hours later. FML [Link]
Mental Floss » This Is How Long You Can Hold Eye Contact Before Feeling Awkward
It only takes a few seconds for things to get weird. [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Bay Area geologists cry out after curb, pulled out of alignment by seismic forces, that they've been watching for 40 years, is destroyed by city work crew. Work crew says it wasn't their fault [Strange]
[link] [44 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Woman uses the Reducto curse on her fat after being told she was too large to fit into the rides at Harry Potter World [Cool]
[link] [39 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » White man waves shotgun at cars, shoots at deputy with handgun, is arrested and not shot. It's the oddest thing [Obvious]
[link] [51 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » ISIS arming their own drones with IEDs [Dumbass]
[link] [20 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Thieves smash into beauty supply store, steal $50K worth of hair. Witnesses report seeing getaway car weaving in and out of traffic [Strange]
[link] [13 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Former PM Tony Blair says world 'is better' after Iraq war, although he fails to mention better than what [Asinine]
[link] [14 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » America: Road rage incites gunfire. England: Road rage incites ketchup spraying [Strange]
[link] [8 comments] [Link]
Fark.com RSS » Photoshop this drippy cave [Photoshop]
[link] [14 comments] [Link]
Mental Floss » 14 Old Words for Stinky Stuff That We Should Bring Back
The vast history of English has more than a few options for describing the non-musical kind of funkiness. [Link]
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