If Manti Te'o Is So Gullible, How Is He Passing Classes at Notre Dame?

AP

Te'o continues to maintain that he was duped into believing his fake girlfriend was real all along. But one commenter wants to know — if he's so easily fooled, how could he possibly be passing college-level courses?

By David Wagner

Jan 3, 2013

How Many Conspiracies Is Hillary Clinton Behind, Really?

Even though Hillary Clinton will return to her office at the State Department as soon as next week, imaginative people still think her concussion was a convenient cover-up. Which led one sarcastic commenter to ask today: What else is she not telling us about?

Comments | 4,656 Views

By David Wagner

Dec 18, 2012

'The Tendency to Use Verbs as Nouns Made My Blood Boil this Year'

Jen Doll rounded up the year's worst words today, setting one of our commenters off on a mini-rant about noun-ified verbs. 

Comments | 3,505 Views

By David Wagner

Dec 17, 2012

Tuning Out the Gunfire in the Distance

The New York Times reported on Newtown residents' thwarted efforts to regulate guns earlier this year. One of our commenters wondered if she should take a firmer stance on gunfire in her neighborhood. 

Comments | 814 Views

By David Wagner

Dec 10, 2012

20% of Commenters Want Christmas to Be More About Krampus Than Jesus

The "War on Christmas" flames were again stoked today over a statistic citing a majority of Americans wanting to shift the holiday's emphasis from Santa to Jesus. One commenter says neither figure represents his love for the sinister side of Christmas.

Comments | 2,762 Views

By David Wagner

Dec 5, 2012

Citigroup Layoff Memo Reads Like a Bad Dilbert Joke

Citigroup announced a massive round of cuts this morning through a press release that seems to go out of its way to make no sense. One commenter thought she was reading Dilbert for a second.

Comments | 4,534 Views

By David Wagner

Dec 3, 2012

Rick Santorum: Too Crazy for Fox News?

With his presidential aspirations dashed, Rick Santorum has started writing for the birther friendly site World Net Daily. One commenter wonders if Fox News thought Santorum was too fringe friendly for their famously fair and balanced approach.

Comments | 4,846 Views

By David Wagner

Nov 27, 2012

This 2016 Speculation Is Really Getting People Down

GOP leaders are already hinting at possible candidates for president in 2016. One exhausted commenter wonders if perpetual presidential jockeying has become an existentialist nightmare. 

Comments | 1,943 Views

By David Wagner

Nov 20, 2012

What If Reddit Really Did Write Our Laws?

California Rep. Zoe Lofgren reached out to Redditors for ideas on new Internet legislation. The gesture was surely well intentioned, but as one of our commenters noted, the idea of Reddit writing our laws is a bit terrifying. 

Comments | 932 Views

By David Wagner

Nov 13, 2012

Does the Petraeus Probe Mean Civilians Should Panic About Online Privacy?

While we all gush over the juicy details of David Petraeus's infidelity, some are expressing concern about what this tells us about online privacy. If it was so easy to get access to Petraeus's Gmail account, what does that mean for the rest of us?, one commenter wonders. 

Comments | 1,337 Views

By David Wagner

Nov 12, 2012

Let's Cast Hollywood's Adaptation of the Petraeus Affair

A four-star general, his eager biographer, an FBI probe, another "other woman," a disgraced resignation—as one commenter notes, General Petraeus' affair is a Hollywood blockbuster that practically writes itself.

Comments | 1,479 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 30, 2012

Predicting the Title of 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

Disney bought a majority share of LucasFilm today, announcing plans for a new Star Wars movie as soon as 2015. One of our commenters thinks he already knows what they'll call it.

Comments | 5,101 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 26, 2012

Our Commenters Can't Be Fooled by That Fake Obama Birth Video

Vice tried to pull a fast one on the Internet today with their post "Is This Obama's Kenyan Birth Video?" It wasn't, obviously, and Wire commenters pointed out a bunch of dead give-aways.

Comments | 3,592 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 24, 2012

Moving the Islanders to Brooklyn Makes Sense ... at Least Geographically

Today we learned that the the New York Islanders will soon call the Barclays Center home. Some think the NHL team's move from Long Island to Brooklyn is strange. But, as one commenter points out, the Islanders' new home stays true to the team's name.  

Comments | 608 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 23, 2012

Who's Buying All These Hotcakes, A Commenter Wonders

"Surely it will sell like hotcakes," Jen Doll wrote today about Pippa Middleton's forthcoming book on entertaining Celebrate. The line got one commenter wondering where that common phrase came from.

Comments | 172 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 22, 2012

Reddit May Have Crashed but the Weather Outside Is Delightful

Glitches in Amazon's hosting service took down websites like Reddit, Imgur, GitHub, and a bunch of others today, much to the chagrin of homebodies everywhere. But one commenter took the blackout as a blessing, noting Mother Nature's splendor today.

Comments | 1,167 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 19, 2012

The Logic of a Cord-Cutter Who Still Subscribes to Newspapers

Today, Rebecca Greenfield wrote about young, traditional media-shunning cord-cutters. In the comments section, we heard from a 60-year-old who cut her cable subscription—but is keeping her newspaper subscription.

Comments | 2,759 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 18, 2012

Taking Issue With One Word in Hillary Clinton's Work-Life Balance Quote

Clinton toldMarie Claire reporter, "Some women are not comfortable working at the pace and intensity you have to work at in these jobs." One of our commenters thinks she'd be right if she changed one word. 

Comments | 1,560 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 16, 2012

'Ask Not For Whom the BlackBerry Rings, It Rings for Thee!'

Late last night, Adam Clark Estes drew our attention to this tragedy for the ages: BlackBerry owners regretting their choice of smartphone. Woe is the poor BlackBerry scroller, laments one commenter.

Comments | 1,107 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 15, 2012

Glenn Beck's New Jeans Have Limited Hipster Appeal

Today, Serena Dai drew our attention to Glenn Beck's new line of jeans, which only come in classic or straight fits. One commenter says that without a skinny version, hipsters won't wear them. Not even ironically.  

Comments | 1,123 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 12, 2012

What Songs Do Politicians Have Left?

In her post on Peter Berg asking Mitt Romney to stop using the iconic slogan from his show Friday Night Lights, Esther Zuckerman noted that musicians have also told him to stay away from their songs. What do politicians have left?, one commenter wonders. 

Comments | 1,315 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 11, 2012

The Future of Journalism Means Having to Quote Absurdly Named Redditors

In her post on Reddit's decision to ban Gawker in defense of child porn, Rebecca Greenfield quoted a Redditor with a graphic username. "What a world," says one of our commenters.

Comments | 3,440 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 9, 2012

Getting Tired of Apple Hype

Today Rebecca Greenfield posted what appear to be leaked images of the highly anticipated iPad Mini, which prompted one of our Apple-phobic commenters to roll his eyes in comment form. 

Comments | 2,069 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 8, 2012

But Who Would Tami Taylor Vote For?

Friday Night Lights author Buzz Bissinger endorsed Mitt Romney for president today. Channeling Tami Taylor, one of our commenters says that even with clear eyes, full hearts, and Bissinger's vote, Romney's still got a heck of a game ahead.

Comments | 1,207 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 5, 2012

World of Warcraft-Playing Politicians Just Can't Catch a Break

In her race for a seat in Maine's State Senate, Colleen Lachowicz has had to defend her double life as a level 85 orc on World of Warcraft. One commenter says that any WoW character she played would've been used against her by her opponents. 

Comments | 1,109 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 3, 2012

Some More Moms for the Media to Make Up

Today, Esther Zuckerman listed all the condescending terms reporters have come up with to describe undecided female voters. One of our commenters was inspired to coin a few more categories of mom.

Comments | 615 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 2, 2012

Scott Stapp's Political Future

Creed frontman Scott Stapp appeared on Fox News today to inform everyone that he won't be voting for Obama again. Could he be planning a bid for the White House? One commenter welcomes the thought, with arms wide open.  

Comments | 1,079 Views

By David Wagner

Oct 1, 2012

Replacing Debates with Kittens Would Be 'Just as Informative, and Great for Productivity'

Today, Elspeth Reeve noted that even the campaigns are treating the upcoming presidential debates as little more than a reality show. Why can't we just watch kittens instead, asks one commenter.

Comments | 462 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 28, 2012

The 'Farce' of Real News Agencies Reporting Fake Stories

The Onion made a joke about rural white voters preferring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Barack Obama, and the Iranian news agency FARS ran with it. What a "farce," says one of our commenters. 

Comments | 1,552 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 26, 2012

Texas Spanking Law Gives Common Sense a Good Thrashing

The states allows school officials to spank teenagers of the opposite gender, apparently. On top of that insane fact, one commenter noted that the spanking policy has a huge flaw. 

Comments | 1,537 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 25, 2012

Lindsay Lohan and Nautical Chic

Today, Richard Lawson sent Lindsay Lohan off to sea as a Newfoundland fisherwoman. One of our commenters imagined giving Lindsay a fictional nautical chic makeover.

Comments | 1,006 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 24, 2012

James Joyce: Master of the Well-Placed Colon

In celebration of National Punctuation Day, one of our commenters noted James Joyce's playful use of the colon in a line from Ulysses​.  

Comments | 1,749 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 21, 2012

And I Did Not Approve This Facebook Message

Rebecca Greenfield noted the widespread scorn for apps that automatically share articles users read on social media sites. One of our commenters explained this frustration pithily. 

Comments | 524 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 18, 2012

Has the Oldest Fanfic Been Discovered?

When a 1700-year-old document mentioning Jesus' "wife" is unearthed, how do our heathen commenters respond? Not with shock, but with snark. 

Comments | 1,215 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 17, 2012

Malaysia's Fear of V-Necks Echoes No-Gays-in-Iran Line

Malaysia is trying to help parents spot homosexuality in their children. One sure sign? V-neck shirts. The news reminded one commenter of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's insistence that Iran has no homosexuals. 

Comments | 1,552 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 14, 2012

When Book Blurbs by Authors Backfire

Jen Doll examined the logrolling world of book blurbs today. One of our commenters finds that blurbs by critics are fine, but blurbs from authors are warning signs.

Comments | 2,414 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 13, 2012

'Here's the Deal' with a Common Crutch Phrase

Today, Jen Doll updated her original list of crutch words, but our commenters think there's still a few more out there. Here's the deal with one commenter's suggestion. 

Comments | 422 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 12, 2012

'Putin Is Expected to Challenge Medvedev to an Arm Wrestling Match'

Russia's prime minister called for the early release of imprisoned Pussy Riot members today. One commenter took the occasion to imagine how Putin and Medvedev might resolve an argument.

Comments | 1,863 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 11, 2012

On Ambien-Popping SEALs: 'Falling Asleep During Transport Was Quite Common'

In his tell-all, ex-Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette says he and fellow soldiers slept just before taking out Osama bin Laden. One of our commenters could relate. 

Comments | 655 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 10, 2012

'Cell Phones While in the Air' Would Fuel a Commenter's Plane Rage

As we noted today, many in the tech world are calling for airlines to allow passengers to use gadgets during takeoff and landing. Over my dead body, says one of our commenters. 

Comments | 142 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 7, 2012

Obama Citing Steve Jobs: 'Our Politicans Should Be Big Like That'

Steve Jobs and Barack Obama had their differences, but the President still cited Jobs during his DNC speech. One commenter appreciated the mention. 

Comments | 504 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 5, 2012

A Theatrical Reading of Michelle Obama and Ann Romney's Speeches

A commenter steeped in theatre compares the podium performances from Ann Romney and Michelle Obama. 

Comments | 2,496 Views

By David Wagner

Sep 4, 2012

A Sockpuppeted 'Masterpiece of Commenting'

Today, we looked at the literary shortcomings of authors who fake glowing reviews of their own books. Unlike those bland sockpuppeteers, our commenters praise themselves with style.

Comments | 345 Views

By Adam Martin

Aug 31, 2012

'It Feels Like Making Fun of My Grandfather or Something'

It's easy to laugh at Clint Eastwood's loony speech at the Republican National Convention because he was held up as a serious commentator and then delivered, well, this.

Comments | 4,565 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 28, 2012

'Squirrel Doesn't Taste Like Chicken'

Today, Jen Doll examined the latest urban foraging trend: eating city squirrels. One commenter lets us know how the gamey little creatures taste. 

Comments | 487 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 24, 2012

Brunch-Bashers, Quit Harshing Our 'Pleasant Buzz'

A commenter explains why brunch isn't undoing America. 

Comments | 1,729 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 17, 2012

Tracing The Rise of 'You' in Fiction

Today, Jen Doll unpacked a study that shows the use of selfish, ego-driven pronouns like "me," "you" and "I" outpacing collective, inclusive pronouns like "we" and "us." In the comments section, one reader noted a potential source for the rise of "you" in contemporary fiction.

Comments | 501 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 14, 2012

Newspapers: 'Tech Types Would Never Admit Those Remain Useful'

The tech world is getting excited about a tiny machine that prints items from the Internet, as Rebecca Greenfield wrote earlier today. But one commenter brought up an interesting question: Why not just buy a newspaper? 

Comments | 953 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 13, 2012

On Saying Goodbye to Our German Friends, Zeitgeist and Schadenfreude

Last week, Jen Doll compiled a 'Dictionary of Despicable Words.' The German words zeitgeist and schadenfreude didn't make her initial list, but our readers overwhelmingly disdained them. All except for one. 

Comments | 1,695 Views

By David Wagner

Aug 9, 2012

New York Times Will Print LMFAO, But Not STFU

Today, Jen Doll looked at the New York Times' justification for not printing STFU Parents, the name of a popular blog. But, as one commenter noted, the paper is just fine with printing LMFAO. 

Comments | 1,724 Views

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