New Chemical History

Wired: Culture

Jargon Watch: Synthia, Teabonics, Flash Crash

author: Jonathon Keats-{ts '2010-09-03 11:00:00'}

Learn the nickname for the first synthetic organism and a derisive term for ungrammatical Tea Party signs.

Alt Text: Make a Nasty World Nice With Virtual Rewards

author: Lore Sjöberg-{ts '2010-09-03 11:00:00'}

Using Foursquare to stamp out sexually transmitted diseases is just the beginning of a brave new war on bothersome reality. Just think of all the amazing problems we can solve with the proper mix of badges, exclusive offers and unbridled optimism.

Molecular Pantry: Ingredients From the Kitchen of the Future

author: Wired.com-{ts '2010-09-03 04:00:00'}

See what your food could be composed of in the most future-forward kitchens.

'Earth One' Reboots Superman's Roots for the iGeneration

author: Scott Thill-{ts '2010-09-02 17:00:00'}

Superman is a surly noob searching for reality in the digital age in J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis' update of the superhero's origin story. Who knew the Man of Steel would miss the musty Daily Planet more than the rest of us?

Best Sci-Fi Books for Kick-Starting Your Brain Fry

author: io9-{ts '2010-09-01 22:52:00'}

Want to start reading some science fiction, but aren't sure where to begin? This introductory sci-fi literature syllabus is just for you.

Sink a Putt

author: How-To Wiki-{ts '2010-09-01 21:15:00'}

While it can take a mere one or two strokes to hit the green, every golfer knows the torture of a four or five-putt adventure once they get there. So whether you're trying to get your golf game back on track or trying to become a Putt-putt superstar, head for the practice green.

Ugly Vegas Carpets Want You to Keep Playing

author: Pete Brook-{ts '2010-09-01 17:30:00'}

A photo series on Las Vegas casino carpets shows how eye-rending the environments there really are.

Found: The Future of Playgrounds

author: Aaron Rowe-{ts '2010-09-01 11:00:00'}

A bungee jungle gym! A 10-g merry-go-round! A rocket swing! It's 2024, and this is no ordinary playground (just make sure you sign the waiver on your way in).

Found Photoshop Contest: Retirement Homes of the Future

author: Wired Magazine-{ts '2010-09-01 11:00:00'}

As all the baby boomers age (dare we say it!?), they must be considering what retirement homes will look like a decade from now. But what about many decades from now? Will nursebots and flying Rascals be a part of the plan?

For Photo-Geek Eyes Only: Famous Developer Trays

author: Pete Brook-{ts '2010-08-31 19:34:00'}

John Cyr has been sending letters, putting his foot in doors and hounding famous photogs. It's all to secure some quiet time with an empty tray and pay homage to the age-old art silver gelatin printing and its unsung, shallow-dish heroes.