Modern Countries
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Mexico Is Technically the ‘United Mexican States’ And Isn’t Too Happy About It
Mexico is sick of having to correct people on its name all the time
November 23, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Watch the World’s Oldest Working Computer Turn On
The Harwell Dekatron—also known as the Wolverhampton Instrument for Teaching Computation or the WITCH computer—was built in 1951
November 23, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Who’s Murdering And Mutilating These Dolphins?
Along the southern coast of the United States a mystery is deepening: mutilated dolphins keep washing up on the beach, and no one knows where they're coming from
November 23, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Arctic Is Running Out of Snow Even Faster Than It’s Running Out of Ice
The Arctic is losing snow cover twice as fast as it is losing sea ice
November 23, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
A Pack of Wolves Turned Up in Berlin For the First Time in 100 Years
Naturalists in Berlin celebrate over recent news: farmers spotted a pack of wolves in a village 15 miles south of Berlin, living in deserted former Soviet camp
November 23, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The History of Pardoning Turkeys Began With Tad Lincoln
The rambunctious boy had free rein of the White House, and used it to divert a holiday bird from the butcher's block
November 21, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
They Celebrate American Thanksgiving in the Netherlands
From 1609 to 1620, many of the Pilgrims who came to America lived in the Netherlands
November 21, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
A Pie Champion’s Award-Winning Sweet Potato Pie Recipe and More Holiday Advice
From E-Z Bake to national champ, Jennifer Nystrom knows pies
November 21, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Where Does Your Thanksgiving Meal Come From?
Take a closer look at where the staples of the holiday dinner originate -- from farms across the country, both large and small
November 20, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Dog Paralysis Reversed With Cells From Pooch’s Nose
Good news for partially paralyzed pooches (and maybe someday, humans): scientists can now reverse that affliction by injecting dogs with cells grown from the lining of their nose
November 20, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Insider Visitor Tips for the Holiday Weekend
Must-see exhibits, little known facts and veteran visitor wisdom for your Thanksgiving weekend at the Smithsonian
November 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Shell Oil Has Been Selling Itself As a Protector of Nature Since the 1930s
From gateway to guardian, Shell's eco-based advertisements through the years
November 19, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Early History of Faking War on Film
Early filmmakers faced a dilemma: how to capture the drama of war without getting themselves killed in the process. Their solution: fake the footage
November 19, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Events November 20-22: A Nation’s River, Observations and Festive Foods
This week, Alexandra Cousteau discusses the Potomac, kids can gaze at the skies and the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled Thanksgiving
November 19, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Death of a Twinkie: What’s a Trash Foodie to Do Without Hostess?
Hostess, the bakery responsible for Twinkies, is declaring bankruptcy and liquidating its assets
November 16, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
The Life And Death of Wonder Bread
Clever advertising and technical innovations propelled Wonder Bread to the top
November 16, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
To Avoid College Admissions Scrutiny, High Schoolers Are Changing Their Names on Facebook
In recent years, colleges have been sharpening their interest in applicants' online personas, specifically their Facebook accounts - but students have caught on
November 16, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Australian Students Accidentally Taught That Robots Led the Russian Revolution
Nearly 6,000 Australian students were inadvertently taught this week that giant robots led the Russian Revolution thanks to a sloppy exam staff Google job
November 15, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Fight that Wouldn’t Stay Fixed
How an apparent misunderstanding led to a brawl that turned into a donnybrook that became a legend
November 15, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Events November 16-18: Ang Lee, Muscogee and Thelonious Monk, Jr.
This weekend, watch an Ang Lee classic, celebrate American Indian Heritage Month and listen to the famous musician's son perform
November 15, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
