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Arts & Culture

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How Benh Zeitlin Made Beasts of the Southern Wild

The Oscar nominee for Best Director transformed filmmaking as he assembled a new myth out of Hurricane Katrina

Karen Cusolito Lights Her Artwork on Fire

Meet the artist who burns her creations to amazing effect

Penn Jillette demonstrates the art of fire breathing.

Penn Jillette Reveals the Secrets of Fire-Eating

The more talkative half of the famed magic duo says that even for professionals, this magic act is a tough act to swallow

Fire has been the fuel of creativity in art and music.

What Do Alicia Keys, the Boss and Wagner Have in Common?

From the classical era to modern music, flames have lent a spark to some of the greatest tunes of all time

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Discussion

Discussion

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Why Peanut Butter is the Perfect Home for Salmonella

A food safety expert explains the scientific reasons why salmonella outbreaks in peanut butter—like the one earlier this week—are so common

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Ask Smithsonian 2017

Why Does the Durian Fruit Smell So Terrible?

Scientists examine what chemicals make the Asian fruit smell like “turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock”

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The Insane Amount of Biodiversity in One Cubic Foot

David Liittschwager travels to the world’s richest ecosystems, photographing all the critters that pass through his “biocube” in 24 hours

A Murray Meisner original dress, sold on Etsy

A Holiday Shopping Reminder: Do We Really Need That Extra Pair of Jeans?

Meaningful purchases trump frenetic shopping and closets bulging with new clothes

A rendering of The Brewery development in Milwaukee, WI

A New Life for Old Breweries

In response to a changing economy and demographic shift toward urban areas, the deserted homes of Schlitz, PBR and other beers are being repurposed

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Why Do We Hiccup? And Other Scientific Mysteries—Seen Through the Eyes of Artists

In a new book, 75 artists illustrate questions scientists haven’t fully answered yet

Nothing more American than apple pie, except maybe the Great American Pie Festival.

A Pie Champion’s Award-Winning Sweet Potato Pie Recipe and More Holiday Advice

From E-Z Bake to national champ, Jennifer Nystrom knows pies

Cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer

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

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Where Does Your Thanksgiving Meal Come From?

Take a closer look at where the staples of the holiday dinner originate — from farms across the country, both large and small

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The Science of Cooking a Turkey, and Other Thanksgiving Dishes

In a new book, the editors of Cook’s Illustrated share some secrets to preparing the perfect holiday feast

1980s aerobics clothes

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”

Twinkies.

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

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Trash as Treasure: Crocheting Plastic Coral Reefs

With yarn made from discarded plastic bags, Australian artist Helle Jorgensen stitches delicate sculptures of corals

Sean Connery getting fitted for one of his classic suit jackets by Anthony Sinclair.

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

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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

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