The Escalator of Intensity

Hamilton Nolan · 07/05/12 02:45PM

Imagine yourself trapped, in a small room, with no fancy accoutrements whatsoever. All you have is yourself. And time. You call out, but no one brings you any Gatorade, let alone Red Bull. You feel like one of those mimes, just moving your hands around and being unpopular. Is this the end of your fitness career? Is there any way out of this trap?

Lunchtime Poll: What Drug Is Madonna On and Can We Not Have Any?

Rich Juzwiak · 07/05/12 11:00AM

That's Madonna performing "Like a Virgin" last week during an MDNA Tour stop in Berlin with tears streaming down her face. Why are tears streaming down her face? I don't know. She'd performed this song live for audience in this ballad style almost a dozen times at this point, and it doesn't seem that the song grabbed her like it did during this performance. (In other words, this doesn't seem to be a cry-every-night-at-the-same-exact-part Janet Jackson "Again" scenario.)

Everything That Happens at Williamsburg Pool Freighted With Heavy Sociocultural Significance

Hamilton Nolan · 07/05/12 08:47AM

Generally speaking, no mischief perpetrated by teenagers is "news." Teenagers not perpetrating mischief is news. This is because—no matter what race, creed, nationality, or socioeconomic stratum they come from—teenagers are punks. Do not, however, tell this to the New York Times. They have a very incisive sociological story to write.

Hot Dog Has Adorable Love Affair with Air Conditioner

Neetzan Zimmerman · 07/05/12 07:49AM

With many parts of the country experiencing record-setting heatwaves — and with power finally being restored to parts of the Mid-Atlantic that have been in the dark since last week's storm — Rowdy the Yorkipoo has the right idea: Stick your face in the AC and never let go.