More than a million people lined the streets of New York City for the 82nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, organizers said, while 50 million more watched on television. The parade had 44 balloons, 28 floats, 10 marching bands and performances by Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, James Taylor and the Radio City Rockettes. New to the revelry were "Toy Story" astronaut Buzz Lightyear, Dr. Seuss' elephant Horton and a five-story Smurf. ...more

November 28, 2008

Fear and uncertainty bring people together. Whereas Americans seem to be too competitive to share joy on any grand level, we have an amazing capacity for empathy during shared moments of pain. ...more

October 22, 2008

"Meet Dave." Or don't. Eddie Murphy doesn't particularly seem to care one way or the other. ...more

July 13, 2008

Trains, which played critical roles in America's move westward, were of special significance to an estimated 200,000 children in 19th century New York City. ...more

January 27, 2008