CULTURE

The Multi-Faceted Origins of 12 Birthstone Names

Their etymologies, unearthed.

8 Complaints About the Prom From 70 Years Ago

Grievances from the days of yore.

In 1971, Grover became the star of The Monster at the End of This Book.

8 Fun Facts About ‘The Monster At the End of This Book’

Since it was published in 1971, ‘The Monster at the End of This Book’ has become an iconic entry in the kidlit canon. Here’s what you need to know about the book, which just made a cameo in HBO‘s ‘The Last of Us.’

People now have the privilege of seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta after the sun goes down.

Travelers Can Spend the Night Near Uluru in Australia for the First Time Ever

The new overnight guided tour through Uluru-Kata Tjuta is filled with nature, history, and culture.

10 Wild Facts About the 2000s You Might Have Forgotten

Take a look back at some of the weird and WTF things that happened during the aughts, from the bizarre trend that was Heelys to how users made Myspace their own.

Corsages and boutonnieres are still popular. It‘s about time you learned their origins.

Why Do People Wear Corsages and Boutonnieres?

Ever wondered why prom-goers wear corsages and boutonnieres? Learn the fascinating history behind these floral trends and their evolution through time.

Current baby name trends are here to stay.

The Top 10 Baby Names of 2024, According to the Social Security Administration

Check out the top baby names of 2024 and their meanings.

Someone will get to claim this piece of art on May 21.

A Banksy Wall Tagged By Rival Graffiti Artists Is Heading to Auction

Banksy‘s “Battle to Survive a Broken Heart“ is going up for auction with an estimated value of up to $3 million.

Cinco Por Cinco: 5 Fun Facts About Cinco de Mayo

There’s a lot to learn about the rich history surrounding Cinco de Mayo, the annual springtime celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture in the United States. Discover the origins of the holiday here, plus so much else.

Add more heft to your TBR pile with these gripping fiction and nonfiction books.

14 of the Best Books on the Vietnam War

The best Vietnam War books from Tim O’Brien, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and others offer new insights and perspectives into the conflict that you probably never got from history class.

What’s the Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky. Who started it, and why?

Members of the royal family attending the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Reason Why Members of the Royal Family Must Always Travel With One All-Black Outfit

It all began in 1952 when then-Princess Elizabeth was caught without a black outfit when the circumstances called for one.

The history surrounding this issue is long and complicated.

Men’s Pockets Really Are Deeper Than Women’s—And Here’s Why

You aren’t just imagining things—the pockets on men's clothing really are deeper than in women’s clothing. Discover the reasoning behind this odd (but deliberate) design choice here.

The Rarest Baby Name in Each State

Looking for inspiration? Discover the rarest baby names in the United States according to Go Au Pair, from Arizona’s Noname to Maine’s Winner.

Office-related buzzwords aren‘t helpful. They‘re just annoying.

Let’s Circle Back: The Most-Hated Office Jargon in 2025

Tired of corporate lingo? You‘re not alone. A new report breaks down which office phrases Americans wish would disappear for good.

These cities are ideal for Easter lovers.

The 10 Best Cities for Easter Celebrations in 2025

Birmingham, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo lead the way on this list of the best places to celebrate Easter.

Japanese Town Turns Its Middle-Aged Men Into Pokémon-Inspired Trading Cards

Kawara’s Ojisan Trading Card Game turns real-life older men into playable characters, connecting generations through creativity and play.

Hares—not bunnies—once played a prominent role in spring celebrations.

The Surprisingly Controversial Origins of the Easter Bunny

Hares were once linked to a Germanic Pagan goddess who never even existed.

Resist the temptation—and save money in the process.

What Is the ‘No Buy’ Trend—and How Do You Actually Pull It Off?

TikTok’s “No Buy 2025” trend has been blowing up online, but what does it really entail, and is it even possible to follow? We break down the pros and cons here, plus how to get started.

A museum visitor photographs a painting by modernist artist Georgia O'Keeffe.

15 Colorful Facts About Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe’s enchanting floral still life paintings are now a deeply ingrained part of American culture—so much so that they often eclipse her other colorful accomplishments.

The Windows 95 theme has earned recognition.

The Windows 95 Chime Just Earned a Spot in the National Recording Registry

The 6-second start-up anthem joins “My Heart Will Go On” and the ‘Hamilton’ soundtrack as “one of the defining sounds of history.”

8 Gripping Facts About the Vietnam War Draft

Dive into the history of the draft during the Vietnam War, including its origins, how long it lasted, and how some young Boomers successfully managed to dodge it.

Many of the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War were Baby Boomers.

6 Ways the Vietnam War Affected Baby Boomers

The Vietnam War changed an entire generation’s relationship to power, patriotism, and possibility.

Why Did Ronald McDonald Disappear?

The McDonald’s mascot has been keeping a low profile for years. Some people think they know why.

PREV NEXT