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Events November 23-25: ZooLights, Artsy Holiday Cards and Metaphysical Baseball
This weekend, a seasonal favorite returns to the Zoo and authors sign books on 20th century holiday cards and a man haunted by visions of baseball's past
November 22, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
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
Next Stop on the Thanksgiving Tour: Julia Child’s Kitchen
The beloved destination has re-opened with new goodies for food lovers
November 21, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Where Did Pabst Win that Blue Ribbon?
The origin of Pabst's iconic blue ribbon dates back to one of the most important gatherings in American history
November 20, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
FOOD: An Edible Exhibit Examines Our Many Culinary Cultures
Just in time for Thanksgiving, an exhibit all about what we put on our table at the American History Museum
November 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Different Wars Have Different Sounds
Changing weapons and technologies bring new sounds to the battlefield
November 20, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
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
Indexed: Fire by the Numbers
Fire can destroy in an instant—or burn for centuries
November 2012 |
By Photo by Richard Du Toit / Naturepl.com
These Communities Decided Not To Rebuild After Disaster
It seems that despite always asking the question, the answer is always the same: rebuild. Except in these cases - when entire communities just pick up and leave
November 19, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Archeologists Uncover Utah’s First Mormon Baptistry
Archeologists uncovered the remains of the first Latter-day Saints baptistry in Utah County, build around 1875
November 19, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Giving Thanks to Clothes That Stretch
Seeking comfort, holiday diners will don elastic to indulge their expanding waistlines. They should thank Thomas Hancock and his "masticator"
November 19, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
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
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
James Bond’s Dapper Dinner Jackets
With their origins at a London bespoke tailor, the suits of 007 are sharp—almost as sharp as a dagger shoe
November 16, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
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
The Space Shuttle Was Almost Called ‘Pegasus’
Alternate names for the Space Shuttle that nearly were: Starlighter, Pegasus, Space Clipper
November 15, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The World’s Largest Collection of Coffee Cup Lids
With over 500 different disposable plastic lids, the architect-collector has pieced together a history of American innovation and culture
November 15, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
As BP Set to Plead Guilty for 2010 Spill, Some Good News From Gulf Wildlife
BP may be about to pay the largest criminal fine in U.S. history
November 15, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz

