Photograph: Thousands of the Indonesian muslims congregrated during Eid ul Fitr mass prayer in Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, located in Central Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Debate Over Eid

Muslims seem to celebrate a holiday called Eid over and over, and at different times. Here's why.
Sirius

What Are the Dog Days of Summer?

The "dog days of summer" are attributed to the rise of Sirius, the Dog Star, but research into the lore suggests another dog entirely.
A shelf of Harry Potter books complete with a wand

The Value of Using Harry Potter to Teach Politics

A political scientist argues that Harry Potter can be used to teach students about politics, institutional behavior, globalization, and identity. 
Julia Child's French home

Vacationing with Julia Child

Want to get away this summer? Come daydream with us to the kitchen of Julia Child, in the south of France...
Black and white drawing of an ant

What We Saw Under the Microscope’s Lens

The lens, a tool technology that helps make the invisible world visible, brought a revolutionary perspective to our descriptions of nature.
Photograph: a woman applying facial cosmetic product.

What Beauty Product Trends Really Mean

American beauty products were once widely exported abroad and seen as representations of freedom and modernity.
James Baldwin by Allan Warren

Gay Culture: Ancient Wonder or Modern Creation?

Even at more open-minded times, gays and gay culture is always seen as a frivolous—a decorative, added bonus of civilization.
A teacher meeting a student and his parents

How Parents Watch Teachers

What parents watch teachers the most? Economic class has a lot to do with report cards.
People praying during Ramadan while a while stands close by

Even Water? Why (And How) Muslims Fast During Ramadan

Ramadan is underway for the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims. This year, Ramadan takes place in the dead of summer, a particularly difficult time to fast. 
Beer Steins Are Raised as the Concord Singers Practice Singing German Songs in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Drinking Problems

How the medical profession has dealt with alcohol throughout the years.