Culture
Shared traditions, belief systems and values among a social group
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
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
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
Events December 21-23: Medicinal Tattoos, Dakota 38, and ZooLights
This weekend, learn about the health history behind tattoos, watch one man's journey to mark the Dakota War and take in the holidazzle at the Zoo
December 14, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Japan is Obsessed with Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas
Thanks to the insanely successful “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) marketing campaign in 1974, Japan can't get enough KFC on Christmas Day
December 14, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking
What's behind the holiday tradition of hanging hosiery on the fireplace?
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
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
These Two Kids Are Turning 12 at 12:12 on 12/12/12
One plans to eat Krispy Kreme donuts arranged in the shape of a 12, because "donuts are awesome"
December 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
As the World Warms, the Future of Skiing Looks Bleak
Climate change is delivering serious wounds to the winter sport all over the globe
December 11, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
We Don’t Know the Origins of the Candy Cane, But They Almost Certainly Were Not Christian
There are a lot of explanations floating around out there about the candy cane - but almost none of them are true
December 11, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Most Exclusive Coffee in the World Is Harvested From Elephant Poo
Two cups of the so-called Black Ivory coffee cost around $50, while a pound of the digested beans total a tidy $500
December 11, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Start Hoarding Your Beans, Thanks to Climate Change, $7 Coffee May Be the Norm
Starbucks most expensive cup of coffee to date raises the question, how high can we go?
December 10, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
On This Day in 1901, the First Nobel Prizes Were Awarded
One-hundred and eleven years ago today the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, for physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace
December 10, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Fungus in Your Cheese Is Having Weird Sex
It turns out that the fungi in cheeses like blue cheese aren't just sitting there, waiting for you to eat them
December 10, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Scientists Accidentally Create a Pina Colada Pineapple That Tastes Like a Coconut
Now, scientists have created the cocoapple—a pineapple that tastes like a coconut
December 07, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Should Trophy Hunting of Lions Be Banned?
Some argue that tourist safari hunts generate important money for African nations—but can lions afford the loss?
December 07, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
It’s Been 40 Years Since Anyone Rode a Rocket to the Moon
Apollo 17 took off forty years ago today
December 07, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Where to Watch the Biggest Waves Break
From Waimea Bay to "Mavericks," here are some superb sites to watch surfers catch the biggest breakers in the world this winter
December 06, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas for the Design Enthusiasts in Your Life
In preparation for the holiday season, a selection of gift ideas related to some of our favorite Design Decoded posts
December 06, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
