Culture
Shared traditions, belief systems and values among a social group
Today’s the Shared Anniversary of Ruin Porn Poster Children Detroit, Machu Picchu
July 24th marks double jackpot for the intrepid explorers of years past as well for as fans of the latest photographic trend, "ruin porn."
July 24, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Olympic Games at the Smithsonian
Before you settle into your couch to watch the Olympics, get down to the Smithsonian for exhibits, games and more.
July 24, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Q&A: Archaeologist Unearths 600-year-old Bra in Castle
Though in tatters, the undergarment looks thoroughly modern. But was it comfortable!?
July 23, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Worldwide Economic Collapse: Orson Scott Card’s Predictions for 2012
The author of Ender's Game envisioned the imminent end of American power
July 23, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Great Books—and the Best Places to Read Them
Reading while traveling can serve as a sensory supplement to one's surrounding environment. Here's a list of some of my favorite books and where to read them
July 21, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Here’s What Nixon Would Have Said If Apollo 11 Hadn't Returned
Forty three years ago today, the crew of Apollo 11 set down on the surface of the Moon. In the event that things had gone horribly wrong, Safire had a speech ready for then-President Nixon
July 20, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Superheroes’ Most Amazing Power: Getting Kids to Choose Healthy Snacks Over French Fries
Cornell researchers exploit kids' adoration of Batman for the better, using the superhero as an impetus to encourage kids to eat healthy.
July 20, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events July 20-22: Living Earth Festival, Movie Day, Book Signings at Air and Space
This weekend, celebrate Earth, have a movie day and check out some super cool planes at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
July 19, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Energy Drinks: Wassup With Supplements?
The effects of energy drink supplements like taurine, guarana and ginseng have been studied prolifically, and some of their benefits are rather surprising
July 19, 2012 |
By Kat J. McAlpine
Man’s Best Friend or the World’s Number-One Pest?
With perhaps 600 million strays skirmishing for food on the fringe of the human world, street dogs are a common element of travel just about everywhere
July 18, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Hitler Plotted to Kill Churchill With Exploding Chocolate
Nazis are known for their heinous wartime crimes and tactics. Now, exploding chocolate can be added to that list, as revealed by a 60-year-old letter stamped "Secret."
July 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
What Does Space Smell Like?
Astronauts have consistently reported the same strange odour after lengthy space walks, bringing it back in on their suits, helmets, gloves and tools, according to Science in a Can.
July 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
How Common Was Cannibalism?
While eating one another is understandable if stranded on a snowy mountain or desolate wasteland, evidence exists that some societies tucked into the practice even if not faced with life-or-death situations, just for the fun of it.
July 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Jennifer Griffin on Managing a Kitchen as an Amputee
While some might see the lack of a hand as an end to a life of cooking, Jennifer Griffin figured out how to revamp and revise her methodology for pulling a meal together
July 18, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
360-Year-Old Advertisement Extolls Coffee’s Virtues
An advertisement issued by some brilliant London entrepreneurs may well be the first coffee ad ever.
July 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Messy History of Tacos
There's so much more to the humble taco than meets the hungry North American consumer's eye - or palate.
July 16, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Spooky Reads for Halloween
Vampires, Axe Murderers and Monsters from the Deep: Smithsonian's Reading Guide for All Things Halloween
July 16, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
An Architect-Turned-Barista Draws a Fine Line Between Brewing and Design
As the finale to our coffee series, we talk with Yeekai Lim, an entrepreneur from Los Angeles, about coffee, design, and the common ground(s) they share
July 13, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Return of the King Salmon
In the ocean waters just off California's Central Coast, the fish are swarming this summer like they haven't in years
July 12, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Climate Change Will Mean the World Eats Rice
The future under climate change indicates that rice will soon become an even more abundant staple, thanks to a boost in carbon dioxide that make crops like rice thrive
July 11, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
