Why are people often naturally afraid of heights? Why are some more fearful than others? This article explains what acrophobia is and how sensible fear of heights is.
Author Archives: Marianne Rafter
Top 8 Special Animals in Greek Mythology
These mythological creatures are not your usual pets. Find out about a three-headed dog, a chimera, and other strange animals that appeared in ancient Greek tales.
Why Are People So Afraid of Sharks?
Many people are terrified of sharks even though an actual encounter with one is extremely unlikely. Read about the risks of meeting one of these fearful predators.
Eight female authors your class should know for the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Emma”
Like Mark Twain, Jane Austen wrote tales that made her one of the most popular writers in her day. Find out what other female authors became popular in their day and some little-known facts about each one.
What Does It Mean to Cross the Rubicon?
Whether or not to cross the Rubicon was a decision that Roman governor Julius Caesar had to make. Watch the video to find out why his decision was momentous.
The First Writings
Voices from the past are still heard today in ancient writing. Learn why archaeologists changed their minds about the origins of writing after discovering tiny tablets in an Egyptian tomb.
What Will Really Happen When San Andreas Unleashes the Big One?
Blockbuster disaster movies show major destruction of skyscrapers, dams, and bridges, courtesy of special effects studios. Find out what experts predict will actually happen during a major California quake.
Horse Domestication Happened Across Eurasia, Study Shows
Humans have used horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture for thousands of years. Experts are still trying to find out when and where this special bond started.
Gladwell on GPS: David Was No Underdog
In this video interview, author Malcolm Gladwell explains why he believes that in the Bible story of David and Goliath, David was not the underdog facing a fearful situation.
Order to the Chaos of Life: Isabel Allende on Writing
Chilean American author Isabel Allende answers the question why writers write. Read why she shows up every day to make her voice heard.
A Life Lived in a Rapidly Changing World: Samuel L. Clemens, 1835 – 1910
Author Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain. Find out about why and how his work shaped his literary life.
Why Air Force Cadets Ought to Study Philosophy
An admiral realized that the Air Force Academy studies in STEM subjects should be balanced with humanities courses. Find out why the Academy thinks these courses will help young people as they grow into adulthood and face present-day challenges.
What Is Diffusion of Responsibility?
As an adult, you are responsible for your actions. However, when people are in a group, they don’t always take responsibility for taking action. Read about why this occurs and what decisions a person must make, especially in an emergency.
Odysseus’ Ship
In 1988, an ancient ship was found in the sea near the coast of southern Sicily. Learn how scientists and scholars decided that this old vessel could possibly be of the same time period as one of Odysseus’ ships.
Flight 93
On September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 decided to fight their plane’s hijackers rather than let them keep control of the plane. Read about how their decision changed what might have happened.
Cave Paintings and Artifacts
The ideas of people who lived tens of thousands of years ago are preserved in cave paintings. Read what art historians speculate cave dwellers were trying to communicate.
About Pet and Disaster Safety
Pets need your help in a disaster, from a heat wave to a flood. Read what you can do to help your dog, cat, horse, or other pet. Look for the Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist also.
Mystery of Anne Frank’s informer revealed by Dutch author
A newly published book adds another suspect to the list of people who might have betrayed the Frank family.