THE MAGAZINE
Why is North Always Up on Maps?
Magnetic north is shifting towards Siberia, but that doesn't quite explain why maps put north at the top.
Welcome to the Body Farm
Beyond the border of an ordinary parking lot lies the most cutting-edge graveyard in the world … and a hands-on lab for cops and forensic anthropologists.
The Time Baby Ruth Sued Babe Ruth
When the Sultan of Sweet sued the Sultan of Swat, everyone paid attention.
10 Facts About Aspirin
Take these facts and call us in the morning.
How Kiss's Alive! Saved Their Record Label—And Changed the Music Industry
At the time, live records weren’t considered a legitimate product; bands released them mainly to fulfill contracts—but that didn't stop Kiss and their label's CEO.
The Cult of Prince Philip: In Tanna, Vanuatu, Prince Philip Was Worshipped As a Deity
To the people of Tanna in Vanuatu, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was more than royalty—he was a bona fide deity.
How a Single Mom Created a Plastic Food-Storage Empire
The story of Tupperware™ is a story of innovation and reinvention: how a new kind of plastic, made from an industrial waste material, ended up a symbol of female empowerment.
The Confederacy's Plan to Conquer Latin America
The Confederates might have lost the Civil War, but they still held onto their dream of expanding south of the border.
10 Hotel Secrets from Behind the Front Desk
Jacob Tomsky has worked on the front lines of hotels for more than a decade, and he has some hospitality secrets to spill.
The Most Amazing Lie in History
How a chicken farmer, a pair of princesses, and 27 imaginary spies helped the allies win World War II.
8 Insanely Lucky Flea Market Finds
More often than not, one person's garbage is also another person's garbage. These are the exceptions to the rule.
The 16th-Century Dance Plague
When an entire town started putting on its dance shoes, the medieval community realized something was out of step.
The Most Dangerous Book in the World
For decades, the only thing staving off a worldwide Socialist revolution was a grouchy librarian.
10 Nutty Proposals to Save the Planet
Necessity is the mother of invention. But a little kookiness could preserve Mother Earth.
10 Ways the Bicycle Moved Us Forward
How two little wheels spun a revolution in dating, fashion, medicine, and space travel.
10 Quirky Families That Still Rule the World
You’d never confuse them for the Rockefellers. But you also wouldn’t have curling without ’em. Or Kikkoman soy sauce.
10 Crime-Fighting Tricks the Bad Guys Didn’t See Coming
Real crime fighters might not have superpowers, but these tactics are the next best thing.
10 Ways Beauty Gave History a Makeover
Want to topple a politician or inspire a nation? We’ve got (beauty) tips for you.
10 Times $10 Changed It All
Never scoff at the life-altering power of a single Hamilton.
10 Times Correlation Was Not Causation
It’s a scientist’s mantra: Correlation does not imply causation. But sometimes wrong feels so right.