The World War II Escape Route from France to Martinique
After the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940, some refugees tried to make it out through the Caribbean.
The Sorry History of Car Design for Women
A landscape architect of the 1950s predicted that lady drivers would want pastel-colored pavement on the interstate.
Britney Spears, Karate, and Wrong Numbers
Well-researched stories from the New York Times, Vox, and other great publications that bridge the gap between news and scholarship.
Antarctica Is Warming. Are Invasive Species on the Way?
Algae, crustaceans, and other types of organisms can hitchhike into new ecosystems under the hulls of ships.
Boosters Used the Sweet Pea to Define California
In the late 19th century, Californians were eager to part with their reputation for wildness, so they adopted an "English" flower as their symbol.
Five of the Best R. Cobb Drawings in the Underground Press
The artist turned a critical eye toward American society, but he didn't want to be called a political cartoonist.
Road Density Threatens Turtle Populations
Roadkill may be inevitable, but turtles are especially vulnerable—particularly females, putting species survival at risk.
The Bengali Religious Traditions That Transcend Gender
The Baul and Fakir lineages understand the cosmos through pairs of opposite essences, including male and female.
Gay Bars and Gay Rights
One of the flash points in the LGBTQ+ movement was liquor licenses, which were the subject of important legal cases.
Can Bach Make You Buy More Stuff?
Classical music carries an air of sophistication. One scholar tries to figure out whether it also translates into more ka-ching.