The Shrines of September 11th
In the immediate aftermath of September 11th, impromptu shrines appeared.
What Are the Dog Days of Summer?
The "dog days of summer" are attributed to the rise of Sirius, the Dog Star, but research into the lore suggests another dog entirely.
How Jell-O Wobbled Its Way to Pop Culture Greatness
Jell-O reveals volumes about things that obsess, upset, and fuel Americans.
Are We Entering a New Golden Age of Guano?
A history of civilization could be written in fertilizers. And the history of guano—bird poop—tells us a lot about slavery, imperialism, and U.S. expansion.
When San Diego Hired a Rainmaker a Century Ago, It Poured
After Charles Hatfield began his work to wring water from the skies, San Diego experienced its wettest period in recorded history.
A History of Motorcycle Communities
Motorcycle communities are much more divers than what you'd see on "Sons of Anarchy"
The Vampire Virtuoso? Paganini’s Bloodletting Kit Is for Sale
Paganini's personal bloodletting kit contains three domed-shape glasses with brass twist spouts and a brass scarification (scraping) tool.
Interrogating “Cinderella”
Cinderella, the ever-changing fairytale, inspires no shortage of analysis and debate.
Why Did the Violist Cross the Road?
Every subculture has its in-jokes. Classical musicians are no exception, and the punchline usually involves a viola.