Culture & Traditions

Many American shows have gained an almost cult-like following abroad, thanks in part to the Internet and satellite technology. So which ones are the most popular? We highlight 10 of them here.

By John Perritano

Some real-life crime stories are sensational enough to get their own fictional treatment on television. Ladies and gentlemen, the stories you are about to read are true -- and the names are, too.

By Jane McGrath

Countless films and TV shows have used the courtroom to capitalize on the climactic moments and sensational elements of the justice system. But how accurate are those depictions of legal procedure?

By Jane McGrath

There is certainly no denying the appeal of forensic investigation TV shows. But there's also no denying these shows employ sloppy, even criminal, investigation techniques and often use tools and technology that would never fly in the real world.

By Chris Warren

TV shows like "CSI," "Bones" and "Law and Order" could all-but help criminals figure out better ways to pull off their misdeeds without getting caught. But does watching the show really make a criminal better at, well, being a criminal?

By Chris Warren

Some TV relationships are simply too good to be true. Whatever it is that makes many well-known TV relationships seem improbable, we can't help but tune in, week after week, rerun after rerun, especially when it involves any of these 10.

By Beth Brindle

Admit it: You tune in for the twists and turns of "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Bachelor(ette)" as though your own fate hangs in the balance. So has this obsession with TV affected our real-life relationships?

By Beth Brindle

Thanks to the steady march of technology and the advent of HD, home theaters are more affordable than ever. But how do you transform your media room into a home theater that captures the essence of the real thing?

By Wesley Fenlon

With theater-to-DVD turnarounds taking only a few months, and services like Netflix providing inexpensive ways to watch movies at home, the movie and theater industries have had to adapt to the rapid evolution of television technology that has put the movie-going model in danger. So could the TV eventually kill the movies?

By Wesley Fenlon

The invention of the DVD changed the media industry in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades earlier -- from the way media is produced and marketed to the way it generates revenue. What are some other effects of DVDs on the film industry?

If you only know about nuns through movies and television, then you might think that all nuns wield rulers while singing, dancing and flying. In reality, nuns have set themselves apart from the world to lead a more spiritual life, one with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

By Molly Edmonds

Today's version of marriage looks very different from the unions enjoyed by our ancestors. For most of human history, marriage was more akin to a business deal between men, and the bride in question had very few rights or other options. So how did marriage become associated with love?

By Molly Edmonds

Sure, someone can quit smoking. But if that person still yearns to light up a cigarette every day for the rest of his life, has he really changed? What does it take to alter behavior?

By Charles W. Bryant

Getting your first tattoo is a rite of passage. But before you get your guitar gently inked on your bicep, it's important to do your research and know what you're getting into. Here are 10 tips for the tattoo virgin.

By Emilie Sennebogen

The oldest examples of tattooing yet found were discovered on a corpse dating back to 3300 BC. Learn about this and more in this history of tattooing.

By Meghan E. Smith

The L.A. Ink posse is counting down the top five mistakes people make when getting a tattoo. Get their advice for what not to do the next time you get a tattoo.

Religious worship can serious and somber, but it can also be joyous and celebratory -- in the correct context, of course. Here are 10 deities, like that infamous Dionysus, who command their followers to party.

By Josh Clark

Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the whole year ... unless your man totally drops the ball. What's so hard to remember about picking up a dozen red roses and a bottle of wine on the way home from the office? Here's what he doesn't want you to know.

By Chris Obenschain

The table is cleared and everybody's full, so gather around because we've found the 10 best Thanksgiving movies to watch with friends and family this November.

By Laurie L. Dove & Suzie Dundas

Does waving your arms around while you talk affect how people perceive your words? Yes, it does. In fact, you may not need to "choose your words" at all.

By Charles W. Bryant

Traditionally, men have served as the breadwinner for a family while women governed the domestic sphere. But have the tables turned? And is the recession behind it?

By Molly Edmonds

Dreadlocks have been worn for thousands of years and in countries across the globe. Anyone with any hair texture (and a lot of patience) can grow them. Find out more about the hairstyle and the people who wear it.

By Matt Sailor & Yves Jeffcoat

Economists have long argued that women play a key role in lifting a nation out of poverty, yet the traditions and religions in the developing world have often blocked their progress. How do we break the cycle and find the path to gender equality?

By Molly Edmonds

Since ancient times, people have turned to courageous, larger-than-life champions as sources of inspiration. And even in today's more cynical culture, we still seek them out. Why?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Since ancient times, societies and nations have depended upon those willing to go to war. In the 21th century, we still do. How have warriors evolved and why do we look up to them?

By Patrick J. Kiger