Each month, Premium subscribers get an extra story without a tagline, which they’re invited to supply — otherwise known as the monthly Tagline Challenge.
Photo
Saaya Irie Photos
Saaya Melts Hearts — But May Break Yours
A photo is “worth a thousand words,” so yes, I’ve got the photos (below). But usually you need some words to put the photos in context.
These Photos are Not for Discriminating Consumers!
When is the discriminatory treatment of women not really discriminatory?
Our Kind of Hostage Problem
Sometimes a photo is just the thing to finish off a good story. From True’s 27 February 2005 issue:
Make a Run For the Border
You’ll no doubt have questions after reading the story and seeing the photo, from the 5 December 2004 issue.
Just in Time for Halloween Or…?
Another example of the photos “making” the story. From the 12 September 2004 issue.
Cops Confirm: He Was Nailed!
Sometimes the story just isn’t complete without a photo …or two. From True’s 30 May 2004 issue:
April Fool!
First, it’s just a fun story. But it was extra fun for me since I know one of the principals involved: Mark Mason, an on-air personality at KEX radio in Portland, Ore. Anytime I’m in Portland, Mark has me on his show, and it’s a blast to be there. Anyway, the story, from True’s 4 April 2004 issue:
At Least She’s Smiling
From the 28 September 2003 newsletter:
The iLoo is Flushed
Did a story in This is True ridiculing an announced new product from Microsoft result in its cancellation? Let’s look at the evidence, starting with the story that appeared in True’s 11 May 2003 issue:
Not Available in Any Store!
From True’s 9 February 2003 issue:
The True Story of Leonard Carlo’s Bar
See Updates Below!
I showed a friend the story below from the 3 October 1999 issue, and she found it way too hard to believe.
Let’s Go to Pluto!
Yes, True is about weird news. More importantly, it’s about thinking, which implies a quest for knowledge and understanding. That’s most evident in my editorials; here are two of them on the same subject, starting with one from May 2002:
You’d Be Proud Too (a.k.a. “Billy Club”)
NOTICE: Includes NSFW Photo
I can relate. No, not to genital giganticism, but rather to the unsmiling corporate response to parody. In my case, it was Hasbro, with the Get Out of Hell Free cards.
It’s Not a Bird, It’s Not Plane, It’s Vaginaboy!
NOTICE: As you already know from the page title, Includes NSFW Photo
Sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. From True‘s 4 November 2001 issue:
Be Very, Very Quiet
The story is amazing enough, but adding the photos really drives it home. Read the story before scrolling down: it’s worth it.
Sign of the Times
One of the disadvantages of writing a text-only column is the inability to realize the potential of “a picture is worth a thousand words”. But then, that’s what web sites are for! It can make a cute story a hysterical story.
Mike the Headless Chicken
Update! See below.
Sometimes you come across a story that really, really seems too weird to be true. Sure we’ve all heard about chickens who run around the barnyard after getting their heads chopped off. But for over a year?
Valentine’s Greetings from Mars
When This is True brings you greetings, we don’t think small, we bring you the world! In this case, the planet Mars. (Yes, I know Venus is the goddess of love, but this is more up the Current Events alley, OK?)