Hessy Levinsons Taft, Jewish Baby on Cover of Nazi Magazine, Dies at 91
Without her parents’ knowledge, her portrait was entered as a prank in a contest in 1935 to represent the ideal Aryan infant — and she won.
Contests and Prizes
Fátima Bosch of Mexico Wins 2025 Miss Universe Pageant Marred by Scandal
Fátima Bosch was crowned in Thailand on Friday. The competition got off to a rocky start this month when she briefly walked out after being scolded by an organizer.
Two Miss Universe Judges Resign Before Finale, Deepening a Crisis
One accused the competition of being rigged. It is the second scandal to roil the pageant after an organizer berated a contestant in public.
See How Thailand’s Pets Become Speed Eating Contest Champions
Speed eating contests are part of a growing list of pet-related events in Thailand that also include competitions for skateboarding dogs and felines that look like cows.
Ukraine Gamifies the War: 40 Points to Destroy a Tank, 12 to Kill a Soldier
Drone teams compete to ascend a scoreboard that rewards units for successful attacks. Ukrainian officials say the contest helps keep soldiers motivated.
In This Pageant, the Ugliest Face Wins
The World Gurning Championships in northern England celebrate the centuries-old art of face-pulling.
A Stone-Skimming Contest in Scotland Is Infiltrated by Cheaters
“I did see some stones that looked a little too perfect,” said the winner of the Stone Skimming World Championships. The offending contestants were disqualified.
A Lifelong Party of ‘Puzzle-Making Tomfoolery’
In 1978, Jerry Slocum assembled the first International Puzzle Party in his living room. Now it’s a global event.
A Space-Out Competition in Seoul Was Harder Than I Expected
I spent 90 minutes attempting to empty my mind and slow my heartbeat at a “space out” competition. It was harder — and weirder — than I expected.