Arts and Humanities
The arts and humanities explore human experience through creative expression and critical analysis of history, literature, philosophy and religion
The History of Mapmaking, Jared Diamond’s Latest and More Recent Books Reviewed
Also on the docket, travelling by fire and understanding the concept of “antifragility”
December 2012 |
By Chloe Schama
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
Last Minute Food-Themed Gift Ideas
There's still time to pick up these magazines, books, kitchen gadgets and food stuffs for your Christmas shopping needs
December 18, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
Nimbus Clouds: Mysterious, Ephemeral and Now Indoors
Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde has found a way to create clouds in gallery spaces. In the seconds before they dissipate, he captures beautiful photographs
December 18, 2012 |
By Claire Tinsley
Our 10 Most Popular Videos of 2012
Giant snakes, lost footage, secret histories and more in this wrapup of our most watched videos of the year
December 18, 2012 |
By Caroline Lacey
Your Guide to the Most Delicious Drinks for the Holidays
Few beers may so strongly evoke the image of dark winters and frozen European landscapes as Imperial Stout—and a bottle fits nicely in a Christmas stocking
December 17, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Rasputin Was Murdered Today in 1916
It's still a mystery who exactly orchestrated and carried out the deed
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
If Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit Looks Weird to You, Blame the Guy Who Created Oakley Sunglasses
The Hobbit was shot on a RED camera developed by sunglass mogle Jim Jannard
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events December 18-20: National Apologies, Robot Face-offs and Jazzy Holidays
This week, learn about the 2009 official apology to Native Americans, talk with an expert at Air and Space and hear some "post-cool" takes on seasonal classics
December 17, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Is This Hans Christian Andersen’s First Fairy Tale?
A historian in Denmark may have discovered Hans Christian Anderson's first fairy tale ever
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
How the Emancipation Proclamation Came to Be Signed
The pen, inkwell and one copy of the document that freed the slaves are photographed together for the first time
December 2012 |
By Louis P. Masur
This Nostalgic Private Collection Has 1,713 Photos of Old-Fashioned Cans, Jars and Clippings
Flickr user Roadsidepictures offers hundreds of images of vintage product packaging spanning most of the 20th century
December 14, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
White Gold: How Salt Made and Unmade the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos had one of the world's first, and largest, salt industries—which led, indirectly, to their becoming the only tropical jurisdiction to have a pair of igloos on their flag.
December 14, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
How Change Happens: The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington
At the 150th and 50th anniversary of two historic moments, the African American History and Culture Museum and American History Museum team up to shed new light
December 14, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
We Prefer Our Leaders to Have Deep Voices, Even If They Are Women
Our biology may be influencing our decision making when it comes to how we select our leaders
December 14, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking
What's behind the holiday tradition of hanging hosiery on the fireplace?
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Sit Back and Plug In: Entertainment in the Year 2000
Was our future to be delightful or depraved? Sort of depends on your perspective
December 13, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
How to Bring Manufacturing Back to the USA in Small-Batch Format
Aspiring makers are now finding ways to manufacture their designs in American factories
December 13, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Events December 14-16: Ai Weiwei’s Ceramics, Mayan Calendar and Stradivari’s Instruments
This weekend, learn about the contemporary artist's use of historic objects, why the world didn't end and just what's so special about Stradivari in concert
December 13, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Hunt for African Wildlife From Your Computer
A new citizen science project lets you in to the beautiful world of Serengeti National Park
December 12, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
