A brief history of the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop
Since crowds first began gathering in Times Square to commemorate New Year’s Eve over a century ago, it has been a ritual to flock to midtown’s brightly lit chaos to ring in new beginnings. At 11:59 p.m. a dazzling ball…
The mysterious New York nanny who helped shape 20th-century street photography
For much of her life, Vivian Maier was something of a mystery. Her photographic talent went largely unrecognized because she kept her work a secret from most of the people who knew her, including the New York and Chicago families…
A brief history of sunglasses, from Ancient Rome to Hollywood
Sunglasses, or dark glasses, have always guarded against strong sunlight, but is there more to “shades” than we think? The pupils of our eyes are delicate and react immediately to strong lights. Protecting them against light — even the brilliance…
London approves plan for joint-tallest tower in Western Europe
The City of London financial district has approved plans for a 73-floor skyscraper that will match in height Western Europe’s tallest tower a mile to the south, in a sign that city planners are still betting on the office market despite the…
Thieves blow up museum door and steal ancient artifacts, including 2,500-year-old gold helmet
Thieves have stolen four ancient artifacts, including an approximately 2,500-year-old gold helmet, after using explosives to break into a museum in the Netherlands. The daring heist took place at Drents Museum in Assen during the early hours of Saturday morning,…
Grammy nominations preview: An album of the year race that’s impossible to predict and more
Finish up that espresso, grab your pink cowboy hat and buckle up for what’s shaping up to be ladies night at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan are behind…
LA restaurateur Marissa Hermer launches food delivery service to feed families displaced by wildfires
“(If) you don’t know what you’re gonna do, lean into the things that you do know — and I know how to cook dinner,” says Los Angeles restaurateur Marissa Hermer. If there’s one thing Marissa Hermer knows how to do,…