Is there any more dismally contrived local landscape than the campus of Southern Connecticut State University? Its scattering of hermit trees appear incapable of rising beyond the height of a shrub, ...

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The Church publishes the Monitor ...

Have you ever wondered who invented the pencil? Or what led to the creation of the swimming pool? Object Lessons is a beautifully designed book series—published by Bloomsbury Academic—that explores ...

Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The Monday after Daylight Savings Time starts is a drag. Students nod ...

One of my favorite books of all time is “Oranges” by John McPhee. When I tell people this, they ask me what it’s about. “Oranges,” I say. “No, seriously; what’s it about?” “Oranges.” This is when they ...

Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. As a kid, I remember reading an issue of MAD magazine with a feature on ...