An illustration from a 1902 issue of The Strand magazine.  The caption reads: "'Black art'—some of its mysteries."

"Never before in the history of the world was there so much reading being done as today.  This may surprise you.  It did me when I really became aware of the fact."
—Lura H. Bartholomew, "Books for the Library," Illinois Farmers' Institute Dept. of Household Science Year Book (1922)

An illustration from an 1896 issue of English Illustrated magazine.  The caption reads: "I stumbled to my knees; but something held me—something which bound me like a web in a thousand strong silky meshes."

An illustration from an 1879 issue of Harper's magazine.  The caption reads: "The white lady."

An illustration from an 1867 issue of Harper's magazine.

"In one way, the answer is simple:  extremely.”

—John Micklethwait, God is Back (2010)

Gordon spotted our Minimalist Coloring Book at Chicago's Quimby's Bookstore, sitting next to The Penny Man.  The pairing is apropos, as minimalists surely have to watch their pennies.

Q: Where do I begin?

A: The answer is right there in your kitchen. (Kelly Hancock, Saving Savvy, 2011)

An illustration from an 1888 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.  The caption reads: "The moving skull."

We're enchanted by the mention of "imaginary photographs" in this article from McClure's Magazine back in 1915.

"At this moment, with all the Magic Arts thrashing at the outer door, she is etched with stars."
—J. Karl Bogartte, "The Perfect Crime"

(For Clint Marsh)

An illustration from an 1898 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.  The caption reads: "Ellis found his fiddle and played out his dreams."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but please don't pump that thing up again."
—Candi R. Murphy, Secrets of the Heart

Schrödinger's cat leaves me Bohr-ed.

When they entered Schrödinger's pet into a cat show, it simultaneously took the titles "Best of Breed" and "Best in Show" — until becoming entangled with the judge.

Try putting a live animal into Schrödinger's cat carrier and you'll wish you were dead.

An illustration from a 1904 issue of The Strand magazine.  The caption reads: "'Hit my hand hard,' she said."

Dedicated to Teresa Burritt.

"The question bears repeating: who needs iron and why do they need it?"
—Vegetarian Times, Nov. 1989

Which is funnier: an apple or a banana?

Clue: This is according to a radio presenter.

Answer: banana (The answer is in black text on the black background. Highlight it to view.)

Citation: Peter Stewart, Essential Radio Skills: How to Present a Radio Show (2010), p. 216

An illustration from an 1891 issue of The Strand magazine.  The caption reads: "Young Higgins."

Dedicated to Jonathan, who might agree that "Young Higgins" sounds funny.