What’s work without a weekend? Get an overview of the evolving idea of the weekend, over time and around the world.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Cross-border life in Juárez, El Paso: Work, family—and long waits
A border between countries can symbolize a separation between cultures, but residents of the world’s largest urban border region get to enjoy the best that both nations have to offer.
The Real Reason That Going to the Doctor Gives You Anxiety
Even if you’re not part of the 3 percent of the population considered to have iatrophobia—the fear of doctors—you may get nervous thinking about your annual checkup. Here are some ways to manage that fear.
FEMA 101 — How It All Works
Anytime there’s a disaster in the United States, you’re sure to hear the acronym FEMA. Find out what this government agency does—and doesn’t—do.
Is Your Dog Manipulating You?
There’s a very good reason why people refer to a persuasive facial expression as “puppy dog eyes.” Read about one dog owner’s experiences with canine communication.
Incredible: How One Couple Saved 50 Children from the Nazis
As tensions in Europe grew before the United States entered World War II, one well-off American couple decided to take action. Learn about the challenges and dangers they faced to rescue 50 Jewish children from the Nazis.
A war of independence that divided American colonies
Over two centuries removed from the American Revolution, it’s easy to forget that colonists had to make a choice—stick with British rule or fight for independence?
Why ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ Is Still the Scariest Story of All Time
On the occasion of a new film adaptation of W.W. Jacobs’s classic tale, a reviewer digs into what makes this “be careful what you wish for” lesson so memorable.
Students explore fashion, promote self expression through clothing
Read about how a high school student turned her interest in fashion into a club that helps students express themselves.
Here’s the Science Behind the World’s Rarest and Weirdest Phobias
While it makes sense that people would fear heights or venomous creatures, some phobias seem downright bizarre.
8 Job Skills You Should Have
When you’re thinking about starting your first job, you might be worried that you don’t have the skills you need. But some of the most-wanted skills employers look for are ones you can develop now.
Ground-breaking support system creates a win-win for medically-trained immigrants, Minnesota
Find out how a group of immigrants from all over the world are working to overcome the obstacles that would prevent them from contributing meaningfully to their new home.
Walt Whitman and the Civil War
The poet Walt Whitman wrote extensively about the Civil War, although he did not fight in it. Find out what he was doing during those five pivotal years.
Extreme Events
Find out about the range of recent extreme weather events worldwide.
U.S. Drivers Are Distracted More Than Half the Time They’re Behind the Wheel
Cellphones are clearly a distraction for teen drivers, but they’re only part of the problem.
How can we stop the Holocaust from happening again?
Historian Laurence Rees asks readers to consider the warnings of the Holocaust and how his insights might apply in the 21st century.
How fairy tales have stood the test of time
There’s definitely one of the tales of the Brothers Grimm that you’ve never heard, because it was developed using artificial intelligence after analyzing their works. Find out what that’s all about and why stories about princesses and shepherds still capture us.
Just how smart is an octopus?
If you think an octopus is just a weird, creepy sea creature, think again. An octopus is as intelligent as a dog!
Professional Students: Benefits and Risks of Working While in High School
It may seem like you’re a long way away from being able to have a job, but it’s not too early to start considering whether you should work when you’re in high school.
What horror movies do to your brain
Even though you know that what you’re seeing onscreen isn’t real, your brain can react to a horror movie as though it is.