Topic: Genghis Khan

Good Reads: on the politics of language, Genghis Khan, and the Beastie Boys

This week's reading list includes a book review on how we use and abuse language, leadership tips from Genghis Khan, and a tribute to the late hip hop master and peace activist, Adam Yauch. 

Ancient and modern: Iran's lush cuisine

As talk goes nuclear, a journalist gets a taste of the culture.

Encyclopedia of evil: a catalog of history's 100 worst atrocities

Librarian Matthew White discusses 'The Great Big Book of Horrible Things' and his desire to set the record straight. 

Martha Stewart's Chow Chow wins at Westminster dog show

Westminster dog show: Martha Stewart's dog, GK, won its breed Monday. The Westminster dog show has 2,000 dogs and 185 breeds competing in New York.

Cookbook review: 'Food of Life'

'Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies' by Najmieh Batmanglij is a treasured collection of classic Iranian recipes.

How do you pronounce Albert Szent-Gyorgyi?

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, the man honored by today's Google doodle, has a great name. But, well, how do you pronounce it?

Scientists calculate Ghengis Khan's carbon footprint

The 13th- and 14th-century Mongol invasion of Asia decreased global carbon dioxide by less than 0.1 part per million, researchers have found.

Rising food prices and the Fed's shady alibi

The Fed says it's not to blame for rising food costs. But could its money printing be a cause?

Fear of China is overblown

Don't let the hype about China make you fret. Bear these five points in mind.

Vegetarianism takes (tender) root in meat-loving Mongolia

More Mongolians are going vegetarian as people seek healthier diets and restaurateurs seize the initiative. What are they eating?

Key to Afghan crisis: tea and education

Greg Mortenson, author of 'Three Cups of Tea,' says success lies in building trust and schools in rural Afghanistan.

Ten best films: Biopics and classroom acts score high

The Monitor's critic sorts through what he sat through this year.

Homing pigeon faster than Internet? In S. Africa, the answer's yes.

Frustrated by Africa's unreliable service, a business needing to send 4GB of data 50 miles put Winston the pigeon up against the Web – and Winston won.

Is it a result of climate change or something else? Part 2.

A great road trip calls for a great roadcast

Thoughtful, random, and fascinating, roadcasts – like yesteryear's mix tapes – are pitch perfect for all your joyful, pointless wanderings this summer.

US Senate tackles rape as weapon of war

Playwright Eve Ensler and activist John Prendergast will testify about the problem in Congo and Darfur.

Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.

Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees

Nature writer Roger Deakin considers wood as a vital element of life.

The secret literary life of George W. Bush

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

New vinyl to take for a spin, novelist Francine Prose at her best, a hundred hours of 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,' and more.

High-jump champion bug

Kazakhstan beyond Borat

A British journalist offers a colorful look at an ancient land and its people.

Review: 'Mongol'

Epic restores 'good-guy reputation' of Genghis Khan.

Kazakhstan seeks identity on the big screen

The Central Asian nation throws Borat a counterpunch.