23 minutes on Venus: the hellish voyage of Venera 7.
Spending less than half an hour on the surface of Venus would give Dante Alighieri a run for his money.
Sean Munger
All that sizzles: a geohistory of the great American steak houses.
The great American steak houses are about a lot more than just good steak. They tell a key part of the American story.
The Great Daylight Fireball of 1972.
This famous photo depicts an earth-grazing meteor, a comparatively rare event.
The day after Hiroshima.
Let's stop arguing about an unchangeable decision made in 1945. What are we going to do about today's existential problem, global warming?
A late summer reflection on history, climate and the world.
Here's what I'm working on, writing and thinking about in August 2023.
Historic Painting: "Home from Sea" by Arthur Hughes, 1862.
This beautiful painting shows many of the characteristics I love about 19th century art.
The July Crisis of 1914: How the world lost control.
The crowned heads and diplomats of Europe thought they were in control--just as our modern day leaders do.