What are Americans willing to forego to keep the Internet? According to a Boston Consulting Group study, 73 percent of us would give up alcohol; 69 percent, would say adios to coffee, and 21 percent would abstain from sex. There were even 7 percent of respondents who claimed they’d give up showering.

Not giving up the Internet is one thing. Giving up Internet Explorer is quite another. In the wake of Microsoft’s fun campaign called “The Browser You Love(d) to Hate,” The Atlantic Wire’s Rebecca Greenfield explains why we still despise IE and its latest “comeback” version—but in a loving kind of way.



No matter your browser of choice, our social media activity definitely comes with its drawbacks—just ask city leaders. For instance, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned in a speech on Wednesday that he believes, “Social media is going to make it even more difficult to make long-term investments” in cities.

It’s difficult for The Awl‘s TG Gibbon to take seriously any products advertised on the British tele when marketers insist on using disturbing commercials to promote their brands—like a Willem Dafoe-voiced stuffed polar bear.



We, on the other hand, are disturbed by this epic dance battle—but in a really great way. It finally settles the question of who would win in the ultimate gamer’s clash: the characters of “Mortal Combat” or “Street Fighter”?



Adversaries of “pink slime” are winning their fight. Grocery chains Safeway, SUPERVALU , and Food Lion each announced on Wednesday that they’d stop carrying the “lean finely textured beef” in their stores.

McDonald’s, already committed to no longer using “pink slime,” announced on Wednesday that CEO Jim Skinner will retire later this year. COO Don Thompson will be his successor, making him the first African American to lead the fast good giant.

Before he takes the new position, we suggest Thompson take a short break. In fact, let’s all take one this Friday, courtesy of Kit Kat.



If that doesn’t energize you through to the weekend, maybe Starbucks’ new energy drink, Refreshers, will do the trick.

And because we only have a few days left to talk about the upcoming premiere of “Mad Men,” here’s what Matthew Weiner says fans will hate about season 5.