Khipu, a system of record-keeping invented by the Inca Empire, uses a series of knots tied into fiber to record information. Learn more about khipus and what they can tell us about Incan society.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
150 years of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, overlooked icon of Black classical music
Though countless music fans around the world celebrate the work of composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, there are still many who have never heard of him. Learn about his impressive music career and the movement to keep his legacy alive.
Dude, the history behind the word dude is wild
| You’ve probably heard the word “dude” hundreds of times, but have you ever wondered about its origin? |
Self-taught pianist makes mark at graduation
| Lights, camera, action! Imagine turning your bedroom into a concert stage and teaching yourself to play piano. Meet Ana Castillo, a senior from San Antonio who did just that. |
WNBA Players Make a Statement with “Pay Us What You Owe Us” Shirts
With three words across their shirts, players called out a big issue in sports: fair pay. WNBA players chose not to be silenced, and made their message loud and clear on the courts.
‘Voices of Women’ exhibit honors local suffrage movement
| Deciding what to do with your future wasn’t so easy for women over 100 years ago. Learn about the women who refused to accept that, choosing to organize, march, and change history instead. |
The Legend of Halloween
Halloween is a celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding this festival of frights by clicking this link.
Ireland: The Home of Halloween Traditions
The historical roots of Halloween date back to the Celtic celebration of Samwain (pronounced “sow-in” or “sah-win”). In modern times, Ireland plays host to some of the largest Halloween parties in the world, including a massive three-day festival in Derry and a Púca Festival in the towns of Trim and Athboy (a púca, or pooka, is a mischievous, shapeshifting spirit). Follow this link to learn more.
Students learning English perform Shakespeare play
Deciphering Shakespeare can be challenging for readers at all levels. However, these students are mastering English language skills by preforming an entire Shakespeare play!
Marian Anderson and the Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
Learn how the voice of Marian Anderson made a lasting impact in the history of music and Civil Rights.
What Helped Me Succeed as an International Student? A Mentor Who Believed in Me
Mentoring can be a huge benefit to anyone embarking on a new journey. Learn how getting a mentor, and later becoming a mentor, positively impacted this student’s life.
Why Lego Isn’t (Just) a Toy Company
Twenty-five years ago, Lego was losing $300-million annually and nearly went bankrupt. Plagued by a history of rigid, inflexible control, Lego refused to do partnerships, tried to stop fan creators, had a toy line consumers felt was stale and out-of-date, and was facing unprecedented competition for the attention of their users due to more modern toys—like home video game systems.
It wouldn’t stay that way.
Watch this video to learn how Lego finally learned to listen to its fans, signed its first partnerships, won over adults, innovated its products, and expanded its empire into TV, movies, video games, comic books, theme parks, and more—allowing it to rapidly become the biggest-selling, most profitable toy company on the entire planet.
Write your story, change history
People don’t need to be old to make history. In this talk, Brad Meltzer encourages young people to change the world by following three simple principles.
Why a Free Media Means a Free Society
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. That essential freedom provides a powerful check to protect our democracy.
What if everyone on Earth spoke the same language?
Did you know about 6,909 distinct languages are spoken worldwide? However, some experts predict that half of current languages will be gone by 2100. So, what is the future of language? Are we headed toward a world where everyone speaks the same language?
How do children choose a best friend?
How important is it to have a best friend? This article explains the health benefits of having close relationships with others. It also points out some interesting differences in cultural expectations related to friendship.
Evolutionary psychology explains why haunted houses creep us out
An old and dilapidated house being reclaimed by greenery. Creaky floorboards and shifting walls that seem to groan. Intimidating exterior looming in the darkness. All possible elements of a “haunted house,” but what exactly do we find so scary? Read on to discover a psychologist’s take on the subject.
10 Steps To Conquering Information Overload
Learn about a few ways people can de-clutter their minds at work.
Why Myths Still Matter: Hercules and His 12 Healing Labors
Explore the plot and significance of a popular Greek myth.
Work exposes timber floor ‘stood on by Shakespeare’
The floor of St George’s Guildhall, strolled on by actors and theatergoers for centuries, reveals information about how people in Shakespeare’s day spent their time at the theater.