We hope we passed the audition (Photo by C.P. Storm) Today we take a moment to say goodbye. Since February of 2005, The Spark has (mostly) been here five days a week, bringing you -- our thousands of loyal readers -- the odd, the unusual, and the just plain interesting. But, as times change, so must The Spark. Now, we're not going away altogether; we're just changing our mission to help you better find the resources for the things you want to know about. Over the last five years, over fifty Yahoo!s, past and present, have offered their expertise to entertain and enlighten you. As part of our farewell, we asked some of those writers to stroll down memory lane and mention some of their favorite Sparks of years past. Mitzi: I'm partial to "Smile! You're on Candid Camera," because I used to love the show as a kid and it's kind of a forerunner of reality shows. "Burns Night" was my first crack at writing a poem for the Spark, and "The Cottingley Fairies" -- just because I love fairies. Amy: I enjoyed the hunt: Digging about on the Internet looking for quirky, engaging content about something of interest to me. There was always something new to be learned -- and usually a moment (moments) of incredulity. I got to write about things I legitimately cared about ("Wheelin' to Work") as well as things I just found flat-out amusing (and which allowed for a bit of childish humor), like "Happy __________ Month." What can I say? The Spark was fun, attracted a special (cool, radicular) group of people, and gave me a chance to get published by a major internet company. Not too shabby, eh? Liz G.: I've enjoyed writing about odd and obscure stuff. I never would have guessed I'd have an excuse to write about balloon animals, nudity, shaving, or even fertility in Russia -- for work! The Spark has also allowed me to champion causes, and to learn a thing or two. It's been a blast. Mike: As an original member of the "On the Web"/The Spark team, and the first and longtime "image editor," I have seen this little engine here, grow and change in every way. But the best thing about working on The Spark is that I developed some halfway decent writing skills. I produced a few pieces that I'm fairly fond of (and also had a blast researching and writing) such as: My "TV Themes" piece (not to mention its two sequels), Superhero Fashion, a "Big Lebowski" piece (as The Dude), My Favorite Christmas Things, even the Olsen Twins (which a fellow Spark writer never let me live down), and one of my early pieces, the wonderful Wilhelm Scream -- the sound that I will never forget or miss in a movie, as it now stands out like Keanu Reeves's bad acting. I have also enjoyed several of my colleagues' pieces as well, but I’d rather just talk about me. ;-) Heather S.: It's been a fun year and a half writing for The Spark. Although I've written about some rather unusual topics, my favorite article has to be the one about food porn. It might have been all those highly enticing photos of gourmet meals, or the fact that I was really hungry while I was writing it, but it was a great deal of fun to write. All hail The Spark! Michelle: The Spark let me (get paid to) research micronations, chest hair fashion, sleeveface, buzzards, and lolcats. I got to write about things near and dear to me, like procrastination, board games, accordions, roller skating, treasure hunts, swearing, and hating clowns. I spent a surprising amount of time writing about fruitcakes, pirates, Halloween, and crafts, and I got to stir up arguments about caffeine, waiting tables, and vegetarian Thanksgiving meals. I wrote and punctuated badly, using fake words, and sometimes in verse. Everyone should have this much fun at work! Goodbye, Spark, old buddy. Dave: There are probably too many pieces to mention. I was particularly fond of the Tarzan piece, the Spark written entirely in limerick form, and I was more than happy to recap my appearance on Jeopardy. I was always good for snark, and was really proud when I was accused of being un-American for slamming the odious Miley Cyrus, but I also took potshots at the "Batman" TV show, toy safety, and the whole town of Branson, Missouri. I could mention the Tunguska Event, the 1918 Flu Epidemic, failed assassins, the peccadilloes of Supreme Court justices, and the history of bananas, but I think I'll go with Godzilla and my salute to Vin Scully as my legacy pieces. So that's it. We are outta here. We'll be back soon with an all-new Spark, but the old order has changed. Speaking personally, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed over the last half-decade, the writers and editors (particularly Lisa, Heather, and Michelle), and also all the folks who (unknowingly) lent us links and images. We couldn't have done it without them. Most of all, I'd like to thank you, our loyal readers, for sticking with us and giving us the chance to share a few minutes of cool stuff with you every day. Suggested Sites... The Spark of Yahoo! - five years of bringing you things you didn't know you wanted to know about. The Spark Writers - the people who brought you The Spark. The Spark: "Clip Show" - the day we changed our name from "On the Web" to "The Spark." You Tube: "So Long, Farewell" - the Von Trapps say it all for us. You Tube: "I'll Be Seeing You" - ...but we'll be back!

Directory categories: Robert Burns, Public Nudity, Joel and Ethan Coen, Food and Drink, Vin Scully

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Do these colors even occur in nature? (Photo by Brent Moore) Poor fruitcakes! Once considered decadent winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their famous longevity and density. Each year countless unappreciated loaves are even regifted or viciously tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but many suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions packed full of rich dried fruits, nuts, and spices -- and an important (and liberal) dose of brandy or whisky. Mass-produced commercial versions left out the booze and the spices and replaced the dried fruit with a candied variety -- super-sweetened bits of garish and artificial goo. Sadly, most fruitcakes that modern consumers encounter are sad, dry, teetotal bricks containing nothing that still resembles actual fruit. Luckily for lovers of holiday desserts, brave chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. That's right: Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible! This year, if you're offered a slice and it looks dark and moist and rich -- not pale and dry and artificial -- overcome your fruitcake fears and try a bite! You might be pleasantly surprised... and if you still hate it, at least you'll have new fodder for fruitcake jokes. Suggested Sites... Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are not just palatable, but delicious. cdkitchen: Fruitcake Recipes - features both traditional and unusual recipes, including beer fruitcake and sourdough fruitcake. Recipes for Christmas Cakes - with or without fruit, these confections will put some cheer into the holiday season. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruticakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Cake Recipes

Archived under: Christmas, Cooking, Flops, Food and Drink, Fruitcake, Holidays, Recipes

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(Photo by babe_kl) Poor fruitcakes! Once considered winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their longevity and density, and each year countless cakes are re-gifted or tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but others suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions of dried fruit, nuts, and spices -- and often a liberal dose of brandy or whisky. Mass-produced commercial versions left out the booze and the spices and replaced the dried fruit with a candied variety -- super-sweetened bits of garish and artificial goo. But now, hip chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible! Suggested Sites... Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are not just palatable, but delicious. cdkitchen: Fruitcake Recipes - features both traditional and unusual recipes, including beer fruitcake and sourdough fruitcake. Recipes for Christmas Cakes - with or without fruit, these confections will put some cheer into the holiday season. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruticakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Cake Recipes

Archived under: Christmas, Cooking, Flops, Food and Drink, Fruitcake, Holidays, Recipes

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(Photo by babe_kl) Poor fruitcakes. Once considered winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their longevity and density, and each year countless cakes are re-gifted or tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but others suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions of dried fruit, nuts, and spices -- and often a liberal dose of brandy or whisky. Mass-produced commercial versions left out the booze and the spices and replaced the dried fruit with a candied variety -- super-sweetened bits of garish and artificial goo. But now, hip chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible. Suggested Sites... Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are not just palatable, but delicious. cdkitchen: Fruitcake Recipes - features both traditional and unusual recipes, including beer fruitcake and sourdough fruitcake. Recipes for Christmas Cakes - with or without fruit, these confections will put some cheer into the holiday season. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruticakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Cake Recipes

Archived under: Christmas, Cooking, Flops, Food and Drink, Fruitcake, Holidays, Recipes

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(photo by Geneome) Poor fruitcakes. Once considered winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their longevity and density, and each year countless cakes are re-gifted or tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but others suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions of dried fruit, nuts, and spices -- and often a liberal dose of brandy or whisky. Mass-produced commercial versions left out the booze and the spices and replaced the dried fruit with a candied variety -- super-sweetened bits of garish and artificial goo. But now, hip chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible. Suggested Sites... About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are palatable and delicious. Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruitcakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes

Archived under: Christmas, Cooking, Food and Drink, Fruitcake, Holidays, Recipes

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