I was at a computer conference when the WTC attacks happened. Everyone rushed to the complimentary computers in the lobby - nobody could log on to any of the news sites except me! I brought up FreeRepublic. Other folks noticed I was on FR and pretty soon, all the other users were logged on to FR.
A crowd gathered behind me and we (sadly) watched the story unfold. I know some new FReepers were created that day.
Definetly the best news/conservative website.