Modern Countries
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Letter From Chinese Labor Camp Prisoner Found in Kmart Decorations
The letter's author described 15 hour work days, no days off and pay of around $1.61 per day after receiving sentencing without a trial
December 28, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
It’s Not Safe for Turtles to Cross the Road, Humans Make Sure of That
Some motorists go out of their way to hit turtles that are trying to cross the road
December 28, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Do We Really Need to Take Vacations to Space?
The possibility of entering a sealed aircraft, buckling up and exiting the atmosphere in the name of leisure is nearing reality
December 27, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
This Christmas Tune Was Written By An Astronaut And Recorded in Space
Listen to the first song written specifically to be performed in space
December 27, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Canada And the United States Are Bickering Over Ownership of a Tiny Island
A tiny island with little more than a lighthouse and some puffins is the center of a border disagreement
December 26, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Children Who Went Up In Smoke
A tragic Christmas mystery remains unsolved more than 60 years after the disappearance of five young siblings
December 25, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
An Edible White House, and the Long History of Gingerbread
The history of gingerbread starts as early as the 11th century
December 24, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Events December 25-27: Visitor’s Guides, Maya Weaving and Grandma’s Kwanzaa
This week, catch a demonstration and hear stories of celebration, or just tour the museums with our custom-made app
December 24, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Take a Tour of Victor Hugo's Paris
As a film version of his Les Miserables hits theaters, consider traveling in the French writer’s footsteps
December 24, 2012 |
By Nina Fedrizzi
Frida Kahlo’s Closet Finally Opened for the World
After Frida Kahlo died, her eccentric husband, the painter Diego Rivera, refused to let anyone open her closet. Now, finally, Frida's closet is on display for the world
December 21, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The History of the Teddy Bear: From Wet and Angry to Soft and Cuddly
After Teddy Roosevelt's act of sportsmanship in 1902 was made legendary by a political cartoonist, his name was forever affixed to an American classic
December 21, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Coconut Shell Contraption Turns Your Bicycle Into a Monty Python Skit
This bicycle-mounted coconut holder lets you pretend you're riding a horse
December 20, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Russia Just Voted To Stop Letting Americans Adopt Russian Kids
The Duma - Russia's power house of Parliament - voted in support of a bill that would ban American citizens from adopting Russian orphans
December 20, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Where’s Rudolph? Inside the Decline of Alaska’s Caribou
The antlered herd’s population is declining – what’s going on in the Alaskan wilderness?
December 20, 2012 |
By Molly Loomis
‘In Cold Blood’ Killers Exhumed
Richard Hickock and Perry Smith's bodies were exhumed yesterday, as part of an investigation into four murders committed in Florida in 1959
December 19, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
In Vigil for Newtown Victims, Video Gamers Will Put Down Their Weapons
On Friday, December 21st, a day of cease fire for online shooters
December 19, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Boy Who Became a World War II Veteran at 13 Years Old
In 1942, Seaman Calvin Graham was decorated for valor in battle. Then his mother learned where he'd been and revealed his secret to the Navy.
December 19, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Native American Woman May Have Made It to Europe 500 Years Before Columbus Was Born
Portions of DNA passed only from mother to child reveal that about 80 people living in Iceland today possess a genetic variation distinct to one found mostly in Native Americans
December 19, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Eastern Cougar ‘Ghost Cat’ Declared Extinct
The eastern cougar is extinct. But did it ever exist in the first place?
December 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
A Frightening and Fascinating Journey Through North Korea
When a Philadelphia couple took a world tour in 2011, they quickly struck upon the idea of visiting one of the world's most mysterious places
December 18, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
