Investigating Urban Legends

Viral urban legends, David O'Reilly's Mountain Game, the moon's two faces and more in our weekly look at the web

A recent paper in the British Journal of Psychology takes a scientific look at why urban legends are so culturally successful. In short, findings suggest the stories are so easily perpetuated due to the way human intelligence and memory has evolved over time—our brains have grown to learn, remember and transmit valuable (mis)information that may be useful for survival within a given environment. Seems reasonable …

How High Can Low Art Go

Viral urban legends, David O'Reilly's Mountain Game, the moon's two faces and more in our weekly look at the web

Musician and artist Brian Eno once said it best: “high art” is, by definition, exclusionary. That understanding, coupled with his diverse body of artistic work—which is often deemed “low art” despite being shown at some of the most prestigious galleries around the world—led MoMA’s curator Kirk Varnedoe to invite Eno as the keynote speaker for “High and Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture” back in …

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Ebony

A simple tweak in hue gives the already legendary Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman a brilliant new attitude. Ebony veneer and supple black MCL leather make this design classic as stunning as it is comfortable.