THE MAGAZINE

10 Shocking (Mis)Uses for Electricity

During the 17th and 18th centuries, people knew electricity was the next big thing—they just weren’t sure how to use it. So they tried it all.

What’s With The New Yawk Accent?

The story of how department stores taught us about language and prestige.

3 (Scientifically Proven) Ways to Learn a New Language

In 2014, Penn State researchers found that adults who successfully tackled a new language strengthened their neural pathways, benefiting overall brain function and slowing deterioration. We scoured some recent research for tips for mastering a second tong

Dan Bluestein, Wikipedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

Where Did the Greek-Themed Coffee Cup Come From?

Those ubiquitous Greek-themed coffee cups have an unlikely father: a Czechoslovakian Holocaust survivor.

9 Real Disguises of the World’s Best Undercover Reporter

Ghana's top journalist uses silly props and disguises to expose atrocious crimes. Luckily, he's got a lot of them.

The Whale that Started the Green Movement

In 1966, a beluga whale swam the wrong way up the Rhine—and wound up paving the way for environmental reform in Germany.

10 Presidential Marriage Proposals

Ten revealing true stories of how our nation’s greatest romantics in chief put a ring on it.

10 Aphrodisiacs Around the World

Humans have had a long-running affair with foods believed to entice or enhance sexual performance, and it's led to a host of recipes for stirring up some mojo.

4 Ways To Be a Credit Card Point Guard

Four ways to make money by spending money.

13 Things You Might Not Know About Comedian Aasif Mandvi

From Disney to The Daily Show, and beyond.

The Little Known Story Behind Do the Right Thing

There's a reason Spike Lee's film about racial tension, summer heat and a corner pizza shop is President Obama's favorite film.

A Day in the Life of a Pizza Guru

Scott Wiener loves pizza, so he decided to make it a career.

When Hershey Created a Chocolate Bar for the U.S. Army

U.S. soldiers had a great ally in World War II: a barely edible chocolate bar.

10 Things Your Body Can Do After You Die

From getting hitched to saving the environment, here's proof you can still be a busybody long after you kick the bucket.

5 Facts About New York's Elevator Museum

We talked to Patrick Carrajat, founder and curator of the Elevator Historical Society in Queens, New York, about the ups and downs of his industry.

Pop Culture Syllabus: Flamingos

A Brief History of Traffic Lights

You likely spend a lot of time whizzing by or stopped at traffic lights. But how much do you know about their history?

The Statue of Liberty Arrived 130 Years Ago Today

The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York on June 17, 1885.

Why Fungus Is a Violinist's Best Friend

Violins are like fine wines: They can get better with age.

A Day in the Life of a Dictionary Editor

It includes both death threats and marriage proposals.

A Tasty Guide to Caviar and Roe

Caviar has a reputation for being hoity-toity. But fish eggs weren’t always a delicacy, and there’s nothing inherently unapproachable about them.

The Secret of 50 Berkeley Square

Dickens fans have long wondered which real-life spinster inspired Miss Havisham of 'Great Expectations.' Does a haunted house hold a shocking new clue?

New York City’s Most Moving Tradition

If you think driving a U-Haul is scary, you should have seen the old days.

A Stormy History of Weather Reporting

Over the years we’ve relied on talking sheep, girls in nighties, and glorified car salesmen to deliver us the weather. But behind the gimmicks, forecasters have always mattered. And today, we need them more than ever.

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