Human Environment
Public and private places and buildings, including cities, monuments, parks and reservations
At a Glance: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the Oregon Coast
The coastal Highway 101 route, through rainforest and redwoods, is as beautiful as it is popular
August 29, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Transit Users Trust Distorted Subway Maps Way Too Much
Subway map design might have a lot bigger impact on the way you travel than you might think
August 29, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Your Unofficial Guide to Portland, Oregon’s Many Brewpubs and Breweries
In parts of Portland, Oregon, one must hardly walk three blocks before running into another bar that pours its very own beer. Locally brewed? The concept takes on a whole new scale of meaning in Portland
August 24, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
The Smoothest Con Man That Ever Lived
"Count" Victor Lustig once sold the Eiffel Tower to an unsuspecting scrap-metal dealer. Then he started thinking really big
August 22, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Is Portland, Oregon the Best City for Bikes in the Country?
With dedicated bike lanes and businesses catering to cyclists, the Oregon city is a true pedaler's paradise
August 22, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Better, Faster, Taller – How Big can Buildings Really Get?
The race for the tallest structure in the world has been with us since humans built structures, and today it is going strong. But where's the limit?
August 20, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
NASA’s Nodosaur Track
Over 110 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed where a major NASA facility now sits
August 20, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
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
