The Nostalgic Quality of Our Parents’ Music
Behind the curious phenomenon of "cascading reminiscence bumps."
The Dramatic Waves That Sink Ships
Rogue waves are becoming larger and more dangerous. But even long-term studies have not made these waves any easier to predict or avoid.
How Columbine Brought Religion into Public Life
In the aftermath of 1999's Columbine massacre, American media and politicians focused on the secret world of delinquent youth and how they might be saved.
When Passover Meant Raisin Wine
Why did American Jews have non-alcoholic raisin "wine" with their Passover seders in the early 19th century?
A Horse’s-Eye View of the Civil War
Horses and mules played a major role in the American Civil War. In the end, there were about twice as many dead equines as humans.
When Cemeteries Became Natural Sanctuaries
In the 19th century, bucolic, park-like cemeteries started cropping up on the outskirts of American cities.
How the Bay of Pigs Invasion Changed JFK
The disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion, early in John F. Kennedy's presidency, led him to reconfigure his foreign policy decision-making process.
The Guerrilla Girls Are Back for Hollywood
These anonymous activists have been stirring things up in the art world since the 1980s, and they've just released another thought-provoking poster.
Why Is It So Much Hotter in the City?
On a sunny day, a city can be several degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. Could better building materials make cities absorb less heat?
Why Victorians Loved Hair Relics
Victorians were mesmerized by the hair of the dead -- which reveals something about about how they saw life.