From Sears to Monkey Ward’s, mail order catalogs abounded. But only one sold Whoopee Cushions. (And Dribble Glasses.)

Don’t despair! From National Corn Dog Day to National Personal Space Day, every day of the year is now an excuse to party!

Beyond “dark and stormy night,” “bad lit” contests made purple prose proliferate.

What if the sun went out? What if we all aimed laser pointers at the moon? Got a question? Ask Randall Munroe, “thing explainer.”

How the Savannah Bananas became the hottest, and hip-hopping-est team in baseball.

Before SNL, “Your Show of Shows” blew American comedy wide open.

“It’s not all about the dog,” William Wegman says. Meet Man Ray, Fay Ray and his other famous Weimeraners.

With the season upon us, The Attic offers ten rules of etiquette.

Before Hillary, before Kamala, the zany Gracie Allen threw her hat in the ring.

Bold, brash and just so funny, Molly Ivins taught us to laugh at the powers that be.

With “truth” up for grabs, one year responded with hoaxes, clever and convincing.

Historians are a dour lot, but Sarah Vowell looks at America with dark amusement. And that voice!

Through Depression and war, America got a lift from a little shaving company and its roadside verse.

When TV was coming of age, Dick Cavett asked it to think.

From Oz to the moon, Yip Harburg’s lyrics captured America’s hopes and dreams.

From Woodstock to world humanitarianism, the former Hugh Romney has spread joy and healing.