CURRENT ISSUE

June 2014

Features

Out of Africa, Into the Bronx

With fufu and azonto, a tightknit community of Ghanaians spices up New York City’s invisible borough

Sue Halpern and Bill McKibben

The First Wearables

Long before Google Glass, humans donned high-tech devices that synchronized our every move

Clive Thompson

These Artistic Interpretations of the Star-Spangled Banner Call Out the Inner Patriot

In paintings, photos, music, videos and poetry, contemporary artists intrepret the flag that bravely waved above Fort McHenry

Smithsonian magazine

Star Struck

For years patriots clamored for pieces of the enormous flag that raised spirits at “dawn’s early light”

Ariel Sabar

Voice from the Deep

While captive in a Navy program, a beluga whale named Noc began to mimic human speech. What was behind his attempt to talk to us?

Charles Siebert

Father Figure

Whistler’s mother is a superstar. But the painter’s dad has languished in obscurity—until now

Jeff MacGregor

Makeover for Mont-Saint-Michel

A renovation project harnesses the power of the sea to preserve one of the world’s most iconic islands

Alexander Stille

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Phenomena

Invasion

As time passes, the invaders inevitably become the invaded

Phenomena

Trench Warfare

100 years later, nature is still healing the wounds of World War I

Phenomena

Generation Xbox

They grew up in arcades, now they game with their kids

Phenomena

Friendly Skies

People may actually feel a bit too comfortable around small drones

Around the Mall

Full Flower

A scholar’s detective work uncovers a misidentified masterpiece at the Freer

Around the Mall

Artist Will Cotton Reveals How He and Katy Perry Played an Elaborate Game of Candy Land

Artist Will Cotton's painting Cupcake Katy goes on view at the National Portrait Galley to welcome the pop star to D.C.

Around the Mall

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A League of Its Own