The History of UFOs
UFOs are much older than the Cold War's flying saucers. These 1897 and 1909 sightings of flying machines were the talk of the town.
The Gothic World of Insect Defense
From an Australian caterpillar that carries around its old heads to exploding ants, insect defense isn't all that different from Game of Thrones.
Birdstor Daily
Once upon a time, it felt appropriate to make April Fools' jokes...
The Submerged Sexuality of Constance Fenimore Woolson’s Fiction
Constance Fenimore Woolson was a renown American Realist writer in her day, but has since almost disappeared. Two new books attempt to change that.
What Happens To The Body in Orbit?
Scott Kelly has returned from a year in orbit. How has he fared? Turns out space flight really does do a number on the body.
Nancy Reagan and the Paradox of Being First Lady
The role of the First Lady is undefined and dependent on the woman in the role, but it's a politically fraught one for all of them.
Zoological Jokes and Hoaxes
The humor in inventing fake animals comes from the fact that the audience is in on the joke. Nevertheless, the line between satire and hoax can be fuzzy.
Artist-Designer John Preus
Artist John Preus maintains a professional design studio that uses 2nd hand materials, including discarded furniture from closed Chicago Public Schools.
In Defense of Introverted Children
As the mother of an introverted child, I felt unnerved by the reactions of adults around me to my daughter’s quietness.
Games of Artificial Intelligence
Chess and artificial intelligence have been matched almost since the beginning of AI research, but now there's a new game in town.