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Almost a whole page of the Dictionary of American Regional English is dedicated to "wampus," a Southern term for a variety of real creatures, such as a wild horse, and imagined ones, such as swamp wampuses and whistling wampuses.

Words from the Dictionary of American Regional English

After half a century of studying jib-jabbing, linguists have just finished the nation’s most ambitious dictionary of regional dialects

On April 15, North Korea will open the tallest and swankiest building in Pyongyang, the Ryugyong Hotel.

A Fabulous New Luxury Hotel—In North Korea?

The 1,080-foot-high Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, opening in April, has also been labeled the “Hotel of Doom”

Artists such as David Hockney were inspired by the SX-70.

How the Polaroid Stormed the Photographic World

Edwin Land’s camera, the SX-70, perfected the art of instant gratification

The Contemplative Court (concept illustration) at the National Museum of African American History and Culture will feature falling water and a dramatic view.

Dream Building

You probably know Errol Morris as an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker. Roger Ebert called his first film, Gates of Heaven, one of "the ten greatest films ever made."

Errol Morris: The Thinking Man’s Detective

The documentary filmmaker has become America’s most surprising and provocative public intellectual

According to magician Teller, "Neuroscientists are novices at deception. Magicians have done controlled testing in human perception for thousands of years."

Teller Reveals His Secrets

The smaller, quieter half of the magician duo Penn & Teller writes about how magicians manipulate the human mind

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The Conversation

Readers Respond to the January Issue

The One: The Life and Music of James Brown by RJ Smith records, corrects and carves out historical significance of James Brown's life.

A James Brown Biography and Other Must-Read Books

This vivid new book charts the dazzling contradictions in the life of the Godfather of Soul

In Mass Effect 2, human colonies in space mysteriously vanish.

The Art of Video Games

For decades, video games have enthralled and inspired, and now they are the subject of a new exhibit that views them as serious works of art

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Music That Rocks the Imagination

The motivation behind Quetzal’s music is stirring dreams – and helping build communities

Twilight’s Taylor Lautner

Behind the Scenes of Twilight

The wildly popular novels and movies depict werewolves as members of the Quileute Indians of Washington State – a new exhibit tells their real story

Explore installations, such as Chromosaturation, by Carlos Cruz-Diez, 1965, at the Hirshhorn until May 13.

Here & Now

The sinking of the world's most famous ship on April 15, 1912 generated waves of Titanic mania.

Why the Titanic Still Fascinates Us

One hundred years after the ocean liner struck an iceberg and sank, the tragedy still looms large in the popular psyche

A life vest from the Titanic.

From the Editor: Fateful Encounters

The Titanic and the elusive nature of perception

The "Venus of Hohle Fels" is a 40,000-year-old figurine and is so small it could be hidden in your fist.

The Cave Art Debate

The discovery of a 40,000-year old figurine reignites debate among archaeologists about the origins—and true purpose—of art

Seven Famous People Who Missed the Titanic

The notables who planned to sail on the fateful voyage included a world-famous novelist, a radio pioneer and America’s biggest tycoons

From a series about her son’s illness, by Pilar Belmonte, 2004.

Shooting Stars: Sylvia Plachy presents Pilar Belmonte

Belmonte found her personal voice as a photographer during a time of family crisis

From the series Collages, by Delphine Diaw Diallo, 2011.

Shooting Stars: William Coupon presents Delphine Diaw Diallo

Diallo’s photos combine pop culture and African roots with an American vernacular

From Falls the Shadow, a series by Sirio Magnabosco, 2010.

Shooting Stars: David Burnett presents Sirio Magnabosco

According to the acclaimed photojournalist, Magnabosco’s work reminds you why you liked photography in the first place

From Badlands, by Tomeu Coll, 2005-6.

Shooting Stars: Donna Ferrato presents Tomeu Coll

The young photographer makes far-flung expeditions to capture life at the outer reaches of the world

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