Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
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
Twenty Seasons of Law And Order by the Numbers
There are 456 episodes of Law and Order, and for the past two years Overthinking It has been crowdsourcing a list of how each one ended.
November 15, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Jason Moran: Making Jazz Personal
How a MacArthur Genius Fellow is using his life experience and musical genius to engge youth in jazz
November 14, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Going West: The American History Museum’s Conestoga Wagon is a Must-See
An iconic piece of history comes out of storage just in time for Thanksgiving visitors
November 14, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Henry Wiencek Responds to His Critics
The author of a new book about Thomas Jefferson makes his case and defends his scholarship
November 14, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
These Scientists Want The Election To Go On Even Longer
If these computer scientists have their dastardly way, the election season will be extended by a whole week - all for voting
November 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Designing a 51-State Flag
Even in 1958, the American flag was designed through crowdsourcing amateurs. If Puerto Rico joins the union, who will design the 51-star flag?
November 12, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Pilgrims on Parade at the American History Museum
Pilgrim interpreters from the Plimoth Plantation arrive at the National Museum of American History
November 09, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Geronimo’s Appeal to Theodore Roosevelt
Held captive far longer than his surrender agreement called for, the Apache warrior made his case directly to the president
November 09, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
5 Essential James Bond Accessories
The stylish spy wore a Rolex and sunglasses that you can't buy on Black Friday on any other day
November 09, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Marking 50 Years of Luxurious Travel With James Bond
Since 1962, the films have introduced the world to all sorts of exotic, jaw-dropping destinations
November 08, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways
This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker
November 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The 2012 Election’s Big Winner: Math
Independently of President Barack Obama's win last night, this year's campaign was one in which numbers trumped gut
November 07, 2012 |
By Sarah Laskow
