The Berlin Wall

Why Was There a Berlin Wall in the First Place?

A brief history of East and West Germany, and why they built the Berlin Wall.
The American flag as sewn by Betsy Ross White

Happy Flag Day! (What is Flag Day?)

What is Flag Day, again? Early American flags were all over the place. There was no consensus about the flag until 25 years after the Revolution.
Extra Credit Suggested Readings from JSTOR Daily Editors

Suggested Readings: Bees, Brains, and Bad Science

Extra Credit: Our pick of stories from around the web that bridge the gap between news and scholarship. ...
Parade goers carry a large rainbow flag at the Orlando Pride Parade

Why Naming Anti-Gay Violence Matters

The Orlando shooting was an act of anti-gay violence, an element of the story many politicians have ignored.
Old photo of a couple at Niagra

How American Tourism Began

American tourism took the scenic route over the course of the twentieth century. A growing middle class and car ownership helped.
A wrapped burrito from Chipotle

What’s A Healthier Choice: A Big Mac or A Chipotle Burrito?

Consumers looking to make a healthier choice need to consider that "fast casual" restaurants aren't always better than fast food.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 5, 2016. (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images via AP, Pool)

Curry v. James: Superstar Culture in the NBA

A casual viewer of the NBA finals might be led to believe the event is really a showdown between Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
The Loving Family

Loving v. Virginia and the Origins of Loving Day

Loving Day celebrates the SCOTUS decision in Loving v. Virginia in 1967 which struck down the laws of the 16 states still forbidding interracial marriage. 
Photograph by Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman: Before the Selfie

Before cell phones and selfies, American artist Cindy Sherman influenced the world with her monumental and ongoing series of self-portraiture.