columns Section Header

Columns

The Latest



Bad Old Days


Author A.J. Jacobs breaks down why you should be thankful you’re celebrating Halloween today and not in eras past.
A.J. Jacobs|
The nostrils of our ancestors were constantly assaulted by unimaginable odors. Here are six reasons that you should be happy you and your nose in modern times. 
A.J. Jacobs|
Online dating and swiping on Tinder have nothing on romance in the past, which was often humiliating, dangerous, and exhausting.
A.J. Jacobs|
It wasn’t always the most wonderful time of the year. In centuries past, Christmas was often violent, scary, and disgusting. So for all those Grinches who are skeptical of today’s Yuletide customs, be thankful you weren’t alive centuries ago.
A.J. Jacobs|
Physical education in centuries past was sadistic, sexist, and just plain bizarre. Be grateful you never had to experience these P.E. nightmares.
A.J. Jacobs|
Today's amusement parks have long lines, loud rides, and obnoxious patrons—but amusement parks of yore were far worse. They were bloody, sexist, racist, and basically a hellish mess.
A.J. Jacobs|
Yes, beach trips today mean sand everywhere. But beachgoers in the past had to endure much worse than just sand.
A.J. Jacobs|

History Vs.


Greatest Escapes


Survival Tactics


The movies make it look easy. But if the future of our world depended on it, could you successfully work to disarm a nuclear bomb?
Mike Rampton|
What’s worse: Lava or ash? And what are these rocks plummeting from the sky? Volcanologist Dr. Janine Krippner shared her tips for how to escape an erupting volcano.
Mike Rampton|
Sharks rarely attack humans, and not all shark encounters are fatal. Still, some of these strategies could help you avoid becoming chum.
Jake Rossen|