How the Chili Dog Transcended America's Divisions
The national dish is really a fusion of immigrant fare. An Object Lesson
Object Lessons
Articles published in partnership with Object Lessons
How New Orleans's Favorite Mardi Gras Cocktail Was Saved From Extinction
No one knows why Ojen became so popular in the city, but it has long been the party liqueur of choice. An Object Lesson.
The Hidden History of the Laundry Chute
Stains, smells, secrets, thieves, dead bodies, and even a radioactive towel have all found their way down one. An Object Lesson.
What Killed the Pay Phone?
It was more than mobile phones. An Object Lesson.
The Heirloom Art of the Sewing Machine
Even after automation, sewing remains a craft that’s passed down through generations. An Object Lesson.
The Camera Technology That Turned Films Into Stories
A modest invention that prevented celluloid from tearing helped make modern cinema. An Object Lesson.
A Short History of the Tomboy
With roots in race and gender discord, has the “tomboy” label worn out its welcome? An Object Lesson.
The Social Advantage of Pockets
Who can use a pocket, and what it can carry, has historically depended on the person doing the pocketing. An Object Lesson.
Will Humans Run Out of Fertilizer?
It helped people spread and multiply. Now critics worry it's destroying the planet. An Object Lesson.
Tar Balls, the Beach's Fossil-Fuel Flowers
Globs of black goo occur on beaches both naturally from ocean seeps and artificially from oil spills. An Object Lesson.