The Serpents of Liberty
From the colonial period to the end of the US Civil War, the rattlesnake sssssssymbolized everything from evil to unity and power.
How Computer Science Became a Boys’ Club
Women were the first computer programmers. How, then, did programming become the domain of bearded nerds and manly individualists?
How Ornithologists Figured Out How to Preserve Birds
A very nineteenth-century-science problem: lots of decaying avian specimens.
Richard Nixon’s Fantasy Baseball Team
It might have been a ploy to garner Democratic votes, but the president took his dream team seriously.
A Holy Trinity in Ancient Egypt
The ancient Mediterranean was full of religious expression, and Kemetic culture's concept of a divine family influenced early Christians.
The Changing Meaning of “Mysticism”
People who don't follow organized religion sometimes describe themselves as spiritual. But this idea isn't a recent invention.
A War of Liberation for Afghan Women?
The Taliban's gender-based repression was part of the US argument for invading Afghanistan.
Latin Literature’s Problem with Invisibility
Ancient Romans saw the rituals of professional sorcerers as foreign and suspicious. But how else were you supposed to become invisible?
Sharks Are Hiding from Scientists in Plain Sight—Almost
Marine biologists need to count sharks to save them, but the common practice of using video cameras to record populations could be improved.
Way before MTV, Music Ruled the Living Room
I want my Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey, and Lawrence Welk! To say nothing of Soul Train!