Culture
Shared traditions, belief systems and values among a social group
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
Events December 7-9: 3-D Caves, Custom Kicks and Talk-Rock
This weekend, catch the hot new virtual reality art project, create your own "mockups" with artist Louie Gong and take in a talk and show with Fire and the Wheel
December 06, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Day Henry Clay Refused to Compromise
The Great Pacificator was adept at getting congressmen to reach agreements over slavery. But he was less accommodating when one of his own slaves sued him
December 06, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Drinking Tea Was Once Considered an Irresponsible, Reckless Pursuit for Women
Poor Irish women who drank tea in the 19th century might as well have been chugging a bottle of whiskey
December 05, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Your Genetic Future: Horse-Dogs, Plantimals and Mini-Rhino Pets
A kids' magazine in the '80s hoped that by now we'd have a whole new array of pets to choose from
December 05, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Nine Gift Ideas For the Science-Loving Art Enthusiast on Your List
Be it a book, movie, calendar or game, these picks are perfect for the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list
December 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Blame Napoleon for Our Addiction to Sugar
Prior to 1850, sugar was a hot commodity that only society's most wealthy could afford
December 04, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Five Ways to Deck Your Halls With Food this Christmas
There are lots of ways to use goods in the pantry to make your digs a little merrier
December 04, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
