Topic: P.T. Barnum

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Kim Kardashian for mayor? When public service becomes publicity. (+video)

Kim Kardashian sort-of announces that she wants to run for mayor of Glendale, Calif. Yes, California has its share of celebs-turned-politicians. But reality TV is changing the game.
Five reasons the GOP race is so unsettled

Among the Republican candidates, Mitt Romney has emerged as the early front-runner. Yet the field remains as uncertain as any in modern times – can any of them beat Obama?
The Vote
After 'Birth Certificate Day,' what now for Donald Trump?

Donald Trump has ridden far on the ‘birther’ issue. But some strategists have their doubts that he can withstand sustained scrutiny by primary voters.
How Kate Middleton and Prince William could hurt marriage in the US

The lavish wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William comes as reality TV is fueling the appetite for 'perfect' (and expensive) weddings in the US. But most people can't afford them.
Chapter & Verse
175 Years Ago, an Epic Case of Flimflammery (Plus Man-Bats)

New York City got lost in space 175 years ago this week
The moon is shrinking. No, seriously.

The surface of the moon has moved the equivalent of a football field closer to the core during the past billion or so years.
Bridgeport tornado? Tornado suspected in strong Northeast storm

Bridgeport tornado: Trees were split in half, cars were crushed, and power lines were toppled as a suspected tornado ripped through Bridgeport, Connecticut Thursday.
Memoir: A History

What is a memoir – and when and why did we go so crazy for the genre?
Waking Giant: America in the Years of Jackson

A lively look at 1815-1848, America's coming-of-age era.
How aggression got such a bad name

A word that hangs over the history of Asia is a reminder that words don't always mean what their roots suggest they should.
The odd, remarkable, yet true story of Jumbo the circus elephant

Jumbo and his devoted handler lived a strange tale of celebrity, tragedy, and love.
The odd, remarkable, yet true story of Jumbo the circus elephant

Jumbo and his devoted handler lived a strange tale of celebrity, tragedy, and love.