There’s Someone Buried under the Floor!
The story of a building that will not stand until a living human being is imprisoned in its foundations is so common as to form it own genre.
Has the Internet Weakened Our Political Institutions?
According to our columnist, the internet has destabilized many of the informal institutions that underpin our democracy.
The Mysterious Mana of Speaking
The Austronesian concept of "mana" helps us understand that behind the monolithic "magic" of modern power and authority, there is a fragile human dimension.
A Book of Divination for the End of the World
The Falnama, or Book of Omens, combined apocalyptic representations from many sources. Say a prayer, ask your question, and flip to a random page.
From the Belly of a Goat to the Mouth of a King
Bezoars, a strange lump formed in the belly of a goat, once were considered a panacea, and worth more than their weight in gold.
Better Writing Begins with the Right Tools
Word processing software has not only changed the way we write; it's changed the way we read. It pays to think about what we want from our writing tools.
Costa Rica
This Central American country was a haven for visitors long before it became a major tourist destination.
A Short History of Paris for Travelers
Read up on some of the fascinating history of the City of Lights before you head off on your next romantic vacation.
A History of Brazil
The largest country in South America is home to a wide variety of cultures, fascinating history, and some of the most pristine wilderness found anywhere in the world.
Forming a Critical Sense of Race with Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing”
Interpretations of the film may differ by race, media scholar Kelli Marshall finds.