history

Hugo Boss Apologizes For Making Nazis Look Fabulous

Seth Abramovitch · 09/22/11 09:14PM

German fashion label Hugo Boss issued a formal apology for that little blip on its resume — the one about them outfitting millions of Nazi soldiers. The acknowledgement comes on the clicked heels of a new book about the company, commissioned by Hugo Boss themselves in order to shed some light on the era.

The Mysterious Saudi Family That Vanished Two Weeks Before 9/11

John Cook · 09/08/11 03:54PM

Did you know that a Saudi family living in Sarasota, Fla., that met with 9/11 mastermind Mohammed Atta disappeared without a trace—leaving behind their cars, food, and furniture—two weeks before the attacks? Neither did Congress, or the 9/11 Commission! The FBI didn't think to tell them.

Thanks, 9/11!

John Cook · 09/06/11 05:00PM

For the unlucky ones, the losses of 9/11—even ten years on—remain unspeakable. For the rest of us, in addition to mayhem and horror, that day unleashed a bevy of irritations and annoyances that continue to reverberate across the years—and are quite speakable. Here's what we have 9/11 to thank for.

America Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy With Awkward, Ugly Rock

John Cook · 08/22/11 03:31PM

Forty-three years after his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr., has taken his place on the National Mall: the MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C., was unveiled to the press today, in advance of its official dedication next week. It captures the great civil rights martyr just as he was in life: Trapped in a big white rock, like Han Solo frozen in carbonite, with some other rocks piled up behind him.

The Plot to Grow Hitler's Breasts

Seth Abramovitch · 08/14/11 10:07PM

Not since we learned of the Nazis' failed attempts to create a canine überbreed capable of reading, writing and solving complex math equations has a tale of WWII crackpot science been so utterly delightful (if suspect): The Daily Mail has a story of a British plan to "lace Adolf Hitler's food with female sex hormones to curb his aggressive impulses" — thereby turning "Herr Hitler into Her Hitler," they write. (I applaud their restraint in not going for the easy "Mein Kramps" joke.)

Stephen Colbert Gives a Crash Course in Gay History

Matt Cherette · 07/22/11 01:05AM

Last week, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill requiring public schools to include contributions from gay people in its history textbooks. On tonight's Report, Stephen Colbert reviewed the negative reaction of conservatives (and Fox News) to the bill's passing before attempting his own take on the subject with a 60-second gay history crash course. Video of Colbert's segment is above.

The Long and Glorious History of the Pizza Box

Remy Stern · 07/14/11 12:30AM

First, man discovered fire. Then a bunch of random stupid unimportant stuff happened. Then, man discovered pizza delivery. Here's a fantastic rundown of the evolution of man's greatest achievement in food transportation. [Gizmodo]

California Wants to Force Children to Learn about Gays

Max Read · 07/05/11 10:12PM

The California Assembly has passed a bill that would require textbooks and history classes in schools to "include the contributions of gays, lesbians and transgender Americans." According to the bill's supporters, such a requirement would reduce the instance of anti-gay bullying, as well as paint a more accurate picture of American history; according to the bill's opponents, this bill will literally force every child to be homosexual forever, risking their places in heaven. The bill now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk for either a signature or veto; Brown "has taken no public position." [LAT, image via AP]

Why Kennedy’s Moon Speech Was Crazy

Remy Stern · 05/25/11 05:26PM

There are few moments in history as defining for a nation and the world as May 25, 1961. That's when President John F. Kennedy announced a plan to put a man on the Moon before the decade was over. [Gizmodo]

Your Favorite Friendster Memories

Adrian Chen · 04/27/11 01:24PM

Yesterday, we asked for your favorite Friendster memories now that the social network will basically be killed off at the end of May. And here they are! Harrowing, funny online tales from the turn-of-the-century.

Tell Us Your Greatest Friendster Memories

Adrian Chen · 04/26/11 02:52PM

The pioneering social network Friendster is dead. The site is deleting all user content on May 31st and will reboot as an "entertainment and fun" service for Asians. In honor of its passing, want to hear your best Friendster memories.

Caveman Gay, Was Buried This Way

Seth Abramovitch · 04/07/11 02:22AM

A 5,000-year-old skeleton was discovered in a Prague suburb, and archaeologists have declared him to be the first known "gay caveman" in history. That's because he was still wearing a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses. No, just kidding — it's because of how he was buried.

A Picture of Hitler's Mistress in Blackface

Maureen O'Connor · 03/09/11 05:42PM

Sometimes a picture is worth so many words, it renders you speechless. Life recently digitized a cache of Eva Braun's personal photographs. Among them was a surrealist Nazi nightmare labeled "Me as Al Jolson." It dates to 1937 and shows Hitler's future bride in blackface and drag. [Life, image via LIFE.com/Getty Images]