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Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Stark images of Shackleton’s struggle
One hundred years ago, a journey of exploration turned into a prison made of ice. Newly digitized photos bring the ordeal to life.
The Silent Era of Horror Movies
Almost from the beginning of film, there have been movies made to frighten viewers. Learn about and watch some classics of the genre.
About Our Antagonisms
Two cultural psychologists have found that differences among cultures often come down to how we view ourselves—as individuals or as part of a group.
James Thurber Lost Most of His Eyesight to a Tragic Childhood Accident
Writer and cartoonist James Thurber was once the most popular humorist in America. To reach that peak, the author of “The Macbeth Murder Mystery” had to overcome considerable hardship.
Think Like a Child
It may feel like you’re constantly being told to grow up or act more mature, but what if one secret to success requires you to go backward instead?
The Value of Doing Nothing
Working hard certainly matters to achieving success, but so does (strategically) doing nothing.
Top 10 Civil War Innovations: Slide Show
One overlooked positive aspect of the deadly Civil War was the large number of inventions and innovations the conflict spurred.
In Midwest, Bringing Back Native Prairies Yard by Yard
A hundred and fifty years ago, much of the middle of the North American continent was a vast grassland. Bit by bit, some residents of the area today are working to restore what once was.
Book Review: Ghosts of Revolution
Former political prisoner Shahla Talebi was held by both the Shah of Iran’s regime and the post-revolution Islamic Republic. Read a review of her harrowing memoir.
Countrymen: The Untold Story of How Denmark’s Jews Escaped the Nazis—review
In contrast to Anne Frank’s experience in the Netherlands, most Jewish people in Denmark were able to escape the Nazis. Learn about why Denmark was different.
Reel Life: The mesmerizing saga of “56 Up”
In the early 1960s, a young filmmaker named Michael Apted worked on a television documentary about how a group of seven-year-olds from different classes viewed their lives. “7 Up” was followed by “14 Up,” “21 Up,” and so on, checking in with the same group of subjects every seven years. Apted’s extraordinary look at ordinary lives continues with “56 Up.”
SETI Reborn: The New Search for Intelligent Life
Perhaps the most ambitious and far-flung quest humans have yet undertaken—the search for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe—recently received renewed support. It’s no science fiction tale.
Van Gogh and the decision that changed art history
Vincent Van Gogh turned his failure as a rural preacher into the art that makes him revered as an innovator today.
5 Ways to Maintain Lifelong Friendships
How can you make sure that the strong friendships you form in high school will last as the years pass?
“I Was a Nazi, and Here’s Why”
In 1964, a former Nazi published a book-length letter to a Jewish schoolmate, detailing how she became a Nazi and apologizing for the wrongs she had perpetrated in the service of Hitler.
Einstein’s gravitational waves ‘seen’ from black holes
In a breakthrough being compared to the first time Galileo looked through a telescope, researchers have recently detected gravitational waves that originated over a billion light-years from Earth. Learn about this new way of looking at the universe.
Pont des Arts love locks removed after Parisians lose affection for eyesore
Paris may be popularly considered the City of Love, but its residents have had enough of one expression of it: Tons of padlocks attached to bridges over the Seine River symbolizing romantic commitment have become an ugly safety hazard.
Three Clergymen, Three Faiths, One Relationship
Religious differences don’t have to be either glossed over or insurmountable, as three “interfaith amigos” demonstrate in discussions across the country.
“Macbeth” Movie Review
Every director approaches Shakespeare’s work in his or her own way. Find out how well the latest film adaptation of the Scottish play works.