Human Environment
Public and private places and buildings, including cities, monuments, parks and reservations
Where Has the Heat Been Most Oppresive This Summer?
This year is shaping up to be among the warmest on record—not only in the United States but worldwide. Here are a few of the hottest hotspots
August 16, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
A Different Kind of Pi Day – the U.S. Population Hits π x 100,000,000
The U.S. Census Bureau announced yesterday that our population has hit one of math's favorite landmarks
August 15, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
These Are the Mega-Cities of the Future
In 2025, chances are you'll live in one of these cities. Today, chances are you haven't heard of some of them
August 14, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Great Food Festivals of the World
To sample the best foods and flavors of a region, head for a festival
August 10, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Why People Won’t Leave the Town that Has Been On Fire for Fifty Years
For the residents of Centralia, Pennsylvania, the fire that has been burning beneath their town for fifty years is part of what makes it home.
August 10, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
New Tech Identifies that Special ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ That Makes Paris Paris
Science provides an answer on what details in an urban street scene clue people in on what city it is from.
August 09, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Singapore’s “National Night” Encourages Citizens to Make Babies
Singapore's "unbelievably low birthrates" have inspired "National Night," a campaign to encourage Singaporean couples to "let their patriotism explode" on August 9.
August 08, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Best Vegetarian Foods of the World
Traveling and eating abroad, many diners discover that the world is a vegetarian's oyster
August 03, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
In Step With Income Inequality, US Cities More Geographically Segregated than Ever
Residential segregation has increased by income in 27 out of 30 of America's major metropolises, and in some cases translates to shorter lives for those in poorer areas.
August 03, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
"The Flying Housewife" of the 1948 London Games
Voted female athlete of the 20th century, Fanny Blankers-Koen won four gold medals while pregnant with her third child
July 31, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
A Brief History of Death By Subway in NYC
A few highlights of death on New York City's subways over the years.
July 29, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
More Great Books and Where Best to Read Them
A continuation of last week's list of the author's favorite reads
July 27, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Is This the World’s Tiniest Car?
This super tiny car, designed only for cities, could help fill the holes in public transportation at city edges.
July 27, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Why the Idea of Killing Sharks to Make Waters Safer Is Absurd
The recent fatal shark attack off Western Australia has ignited a debate there over whether the fish should continue to be protected
July 24, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Today’s the Shared Anniversary of Ruin Porn Poster Children Detroit, Machu Picchu
July 24th marks double jackpot for the intrepid explorers of years past as well for as fans of the latest photographic trend, "ruin porn."
July 24, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
On the Trail of the Warsaw Basilisk
The basilisk was just a legendary monster–until the day in 1587 that word swept through Warsaw that one was hiding in a cellar in the Polish capital, killing anybody who approached it
July 23, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Great Books—and the Best Places to Read Them
Reading while traveling can serve as a sensory supplement to one's surrounding environment. Here's a list of some of my favorite books and where to read them
July 21, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
1927 Magazine Looks at Metropolis, “A Movie Based On Science”
How filmmakers created a gorgeous, dystopian future
July 19, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Man’s Best Friend or the World’s Number-One Pest?
With perhaps 600 million strays skirmishing for food on the fringe of the human world, street dogs are a common element of travel just about everywhere
July 18, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Mesa Verde’s Mary Jane Colter Collection (But Don’t Call it That)
Among the treasures that will be on display when the park's new museum opens later this year are 30 pieces donated by the legendary architect
July 18, 2012 |
By Susan Spano
