714 Epidemiologists on When We Can Resume Fixating on Petty Bullshit?

“Even with coronavirus vaccines on the way, many epidemiologists do not expect their lives to return to pre-pandemic normal until most Americans ar... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Famous Philosophers in Quarantine

Aristotle: Believes everyone else in his pod is either too cautious or too reckless.Mill: Studiously reads economists’ SSRN preprints to form opin... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

A Grizzled, Months-Old Chrome Tab Welcomes a Fresh-Faced New Tab to My Browser Window

Hey there, youngblood. You must be the new recruit. Welcome to this Chrome window. Well, don’t just stand there with your bookmarks hanging out. Co... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I Oppose the Democrats’ Plan to Lower Child Poverty. If Kids Want to Eat, They Should Work In Filthy Factories Like They Did in the Good Old Days

“Sending $250/$350 per month/per child to everyone, with no work requirement, is welfare. Being pro-family means being pro-work.” — Sen. Marco Rub... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Are You Preparing Dinner for Children, or Starring in a Post-Apocalyptic Drama?

1. Every single day, the sun hangs low on the horizon, and its slanting rays fill you with dread at the horrors to come.2. You’re not sure how you... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Frequently Asked Questions by Middle-Aged White Pundits About When it’s Appropriate to Use a Particular Racial Slur

Q: When is it appropriate for me, a middle-aged white guy who hosts a podcast, or writes op-eds, or posts as a prominent blogger with a healthy Twi... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Beaver of Fine Arts: “Your Self Portrait Was Due Yesterday”: Student Reactions According to Their Zodiac Sign

Beaver of Fine Arts: "Your Self Portrait Was Due Yesterday": Student Reactions According to Their Zodiac Sign | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

In Remembrance of Lawrence Ferlinghetti

All of us here at McSweeney’s mourn the passing of Lawrence Ferlinghetti. He was our north star and compatriot in this small but feisty world of Sa... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Will Hunting on Why He Shouldn’t Get an MFA

Why shouldn’t I get an MFA? That’s a tough one, but I’ll take a shot. Say I’m getting an MFA, and my professor puts a canvas on my desk, something ... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Can’t You See I’m Listening to a Goddamn Podcast?

My mind is expanding, my horizons are broadening. I’m washing the dishes while having a cutting-edge audio experience learning about the Plague of ... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Pa and Laura Ingalls Discuss the Merits of High-Stakes Testing During a Public Health Crisis

“States still must give standardized tests this year, Biden Administration announces.” — Education Week, 2/22/21- - -“Laura! Mary! Carrie! Time fo... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

The UX on this Small Child Is Terrible

Not only am I VP of Reproduction for this household, but I’ve also been the end-user of this Small Child for over three years now. I’m going to giv... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Problematic Classic Films Slightly Improved by Adding a Character Who Sews Clothing Out of Curtains

Love, ActuallyLAURA LINNEY’S CHARACTER: Want to have sex, hot guy from my office?HOT GUY FROM HER OFFICE: Sure!LLC (answering her phone): Hey, b... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Dragon Hoarding Enormous Pile of Treasure Seeks Unpaid Intern

Dragon seeks smart, motivated intern to help manage a sprawling cavern of various golden treasures. This is the perfect opportunity for a go-getter... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m a Short Afternoon Walk and You’re Putting Way Too Much Pressure on Me

Hey, it’s me: Short Afternoon Walk. As you may have noticed, you’re all turning to me an awful lot these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love what we h... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

The Best Games to Play with Your Children after Nearly a Year in Quarantine

I SpyThe children stealthily watch out of the front windows to see who can be the first to spy with their little eyes the delivery person who will... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Excerpts from the Novel I Wrote with the Express Intention of Selling It As a TV Show

Jane looked in the mirror discontentedly. Every time she saw her reflection, she was reminded that despite being 14 and hot, she looked like an 18-... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Abandoning Your Freezing Constituents? Come to Cancún!

“As Texas was battered by an icy storm and widespread power losses that left millions of residents freezing and fearing for their safety, Senator T... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Introducing the Relationship Subscription Box

Is dating a challenge for you? Do you find it hard meeting the right person? Well, sulk no more because now an emotionally damaged human can be de... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

American Infrastructure Checks In to Remind You That It Isn’t Actually Supposed to Work

“As Texas faced record-low temperatures this February and snow and ice made roads impassable, the state’s electric grid operator lost control of th... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Mac ‘N Cheese

I am not a picky eater. I regularly eat boxed mac and cheese, not just Kraft but the $0.35 generic box that tastes little more than bleach flour an... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’ve Never Tried Your Idea, and Now Everything Is on Fire, and That’s How I Know Your Idea Is Bad

“This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States of America.” — Texas Governor Greg Abbott on the massive cold-weath... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Hey, It’s Me, God. You Can Take Lent Off This Year

Hey, all. It’s Me, God. I just wanted to let everyone know I’ve decided to give you Lent off this year. Instead of the usual “give up something imp... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I Am a Local. Where Are You From?

I am a local. That means I am from here. Where are you from?Never heard of it.I was born and raised here. Not born technically, but raised. Well,... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

As a Superhero Teacher, I Can’t Wait to Sacrifice My Unvaccinated Life for Your Child

“The nation’s top public health agency said Friday that in-person schooling can resume safely with masks, social distancing and other strategies, a... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

How to Write About Iran: A Guide for Journalists, Analysts, and Policymakers

Whether you are working from your DC office or your home in LA or New York, here’s all you need to know to become an expert on Iran.1. Always refe... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m the Guy Who Wears Shorts in the Winter, and One Day You Will All Bow Before My Bare Weatherproof Legs

Oh, hey there. I couldn’t help but notice that you were staring at my legs. No, you did not slip on a patch of ice and somehow wake up on a tennis ... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Guess Who Violated the U.S. Constitution?

- - -Download a FREE printable PDF version to play at home. | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Cardi B’s “White-Ass Presidents”

(There’s some bores in this house)(There’s some bores in this house)I said, certified geeksFor 12347 weeks1White-ass presidentsMake this count... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m William Henry Harrison, and It Seems You’ve Forgotten Me Again This President’s Day

Good day, America. ‘Tis I, William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. president, ‘Ol Tippecanoe, humbly coming before you this President’s Day to ask you aga... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Moderna Love

“Nice mask,” he said.I didn’t hear him clearly because of the wind, but I felt his presence. I turned around to see it was the man standing behind... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I, Cupid, Resign As Mascot of Valentine’s Day Because I’m a Baby and It’s Creepy

I Cupid, officially announce my retirement as the mascot of Saint Valentine’s Day. Given this is an occasion to celebrate romantic love, as a chubb... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Famous Fictional Men Review Their Made-to-Order Girlfriends

Product: EveUser: Adam (firstman@aol.com)Review: A mixed bag. Major improvement over the Lilith model (DO NOT BUY) but needed an entire rib to ac... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’ve Seen the Evidence, and There’s a Lot of It, and It’s Overwhelming and Very Persuasive, and I’ve Decided to Ignore It

“After watching graphic video from the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, many Republican senators denounced the violence but said they were still incli... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m the Liberal Mastermind Who Killed Christmas, and Now I’m Coming for Your Precious Valentine’s Day

Phase one of my master plan is complete, sheeple. Your days of saying “Merry Christmas!” to every Tom, Dick, and Harry on the street are over. It’s... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

In Memoriam: Real Pants

Real Pants, the wardrobe staple that enjoyed global success for centuries, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family who were working from home.... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m Your Sudden Onset Adult Acne, and I’m Here to Destroy Your Face, Your Week, and Your Dignity

Hello, it’s me, your sudden onset adult acne. I know things are bad right now, and I’m here to make them even worse by absolutely fucking shit up f... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Beatles Lyrics We Totally Forgot About

The part in “Hey Jude” about wivesEverybody loves singing along with their friends to this classic — especially when the “na-na-na-naaaa” part kic... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

An Update from Your Three-Year Old’s Montessori Educator, Translated for Parents Who Endured a Traditional Public School Education

“Sorrel began the day here at Shining Dewdrop Peaceful Heart Song Montessori Children’s House with an absorbent mind, eager to self-construct! Duri... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

I’m Not Some Sort of Law Expert, I’m Just a Simple Lawyer Representing the Former President in an Impeachment Trial

“I’m not Ken Starr or Alan Dershowitz. You’re not going to get a law professor’s explanation… I’m a guy who gets up in court and talks.” — Bruce Ca... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Another Beloved Show Goes Off the Rails: The Disturbing Seasons 13-18 of Your Child’s Life

Bizarre character twists, R-rated dialogue, and hours of silent glaring — that’s what you can expect in Seasons 13-18 of Your Child’s Life.Everyon... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Utilitarian Expository Comments Added to Films So Your Overly Analytical Father-in-Law Will Shut the Hell Up While the Movie’s Playing

Star Trek into DarknessThe USS Enterprise is attacked in space, a loud explosion on screen as the ship splits.CPT. KIRK: I know you’re all worrie... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

McSweeney’s Books: An Interview with Courtney Zoffness, Author of Spilt Milk

Amanda Uhle spoke with Courtney Zoffness about her forthcoming book of essays, Spilt Milk, which has already earned starred reviews from Publishers... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Forget Baby Hitler, I’m Traveling Back in Time to Kill My 18-Year-Old Self Before I Sign Up for Student Loans

This is my machine, dammit, and now that I’ve finally built it, I’m going to make a tweak that will have unquestionably positive effects on my life... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Neighborhood Watch Alert: Sad-Songed Teen with New Driver’s License in Unfamiliar Vehicle

Hi, neighbors —We just wrapped another productive neighborhood council meeting yesterday. Lisa should be getting those meeting notes out to us any... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Twelve Writing Prompts to Help You Finally Quit Writing

1. Tell a story about no one doing nothing in no words and never write it down.2. Stephen King said, “Revising a story down to the bare essentials... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

Welcome to Your New Ham Sandwich. Please Log in to Continue

Congratulations on the purchase of your ham sandwich.Soon all the pleasures of this delicious sandwich will be yours.After you complete the 32-st... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago

It’s Me, Your Anti-Vaxxer Facebook Friend, and I Believe Emily in Paris Deserves a Golden Globe

“The 2021 Golden Globes nominations were announced Wednesday morning. And among the biggest surprises was that Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ was nomin... | Continue reading


@mcsweeneys.net | 3 years ago