Taking a dip into the icy sea on New Year’s Day has become quite a worldwide tradition. But, doctors advise that taking the plunge is literally not for the faint-hearted!
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
15 striking photos from the best wildlife photographers of the year
Take a look at some stunning and captivating imagery from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 Awards in Britain. The captions provide some descriptive background to each image.
Some Reflections on ‘My Year of No Shopping’
You might be surprised by what you will find stashed away in cabinets and cupboards! Ann Patchett discovered the effect of shopping for only essential items for a whole year. And, this article is a reflection by another writer on Anne’s essay. How do you think you might feel about taking on such a frugal challenge?
Double-Bind: Three Women of the Harlem Renaissance
Among the more well-known male writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance existed women who also deserve to be recognized. Read about three writers whose work reflected being both black and female.
Dads who do chores bolster daughters’ aspirations
In a recent study, researchers at the University of British Columbia found that daughters who see their fathers contribute to household chores are more likely to have higher career aspirations.
High and Inside: Morality and Revenge in Baseball
If a baseball pitcher on Team A intentionally hits a batter on Team B, is it acceptable for the pitcher on Team B later to retaliate by hitting an unrelated batter on Team A? Why? Or why not? This article examines the nature of revenge in baseball.
People prefer electric shocks to time alone with thoughts
A University of Virginia study found that people prefer not to spend time alone without distractions. This article describes the measures people will take to avoid their own company.
The Challenges and Opportunites of 21st Century Muckracking
In part of its 21st Century Muckrakers series, Nieman Reports, a foundation that seeks to advance the standards of journalism, outlines the obstacles and advantages of contemporary investigative reporting.
Edward Curtis: Photographing the North American Indian
Nineteenth-century photographer Edward Curtis was known for his images of Native Americans. Watch this video that details the Smithsonian Institute’s recent acquisition of more than 700 of Curtis’s images.
Fail Better
In this online version of the Fail Better exhibition, you can explore discoveries, inventions, and ideas that failed. The exhibition looks at the importance of these failures in leading to success.
Common 19th-Century Arguments Against Women’s Suffrage, Neatly Refuted
Take a look at this pamphlet from 1866. In it the author gives common arguments against affording women the right to vote and then refutes each one.
Why Street Protests Don’t Work
In this column, Moisés Naím argues that in order to effect change, a movement needs more than a large crowd inspired to gather by social media.
Should I let my child take more risks?
Parents understandably want to protect their children from harm. But should they loosen the reins?
Our privacy is for sale, we have to accept that. But what’s the price tag?
Computer programs gather information about people based on every web site, news article, or item that they view or buy online. Using algorithms, computers can form a picture of each person’s personality better than a friend or family member. Read what you should know about protecting yourself and your privacy.
Welcome to the World’s Nicest Prison
Is the purpose of prison to punish or to reform? John D. Sutter highlights a controversial Norwegian prison that doesn’t feel like a prison at all—because its aim is not taking away freedom but instead creating good neighbors.
Relationships Are More Important than Ambition
Imagine your classmates twenty years from now: Who will be happier—the friend who becomes a high-powered entrepreneur with a car to match, or the friend who chooses a modest lifestyle with time for friends and family? Learn why some people are more ambitious than others and whether ambition can make them happy.
The Orchestra Playing for Peace
The World Orchestra for Peace brings together the best musicians from around the world to play in the spirit of peace and unity, even if that means the musicians are from warring countries. Learn about this remarkable group, and watch a video of its performance in Jerusalem.
The U.S. Constitution Needs You
September 17 of every year is observed as Constitution Day. However, not many Americans have read the important document that outlines our freedoms. Read this article to find out how to make the Constitution relevant to your life.
To Gossip or Not to Gossip: That Is the Question
Some recent studies have shown that human beings are actually hard-wired to gossip, and that gossip serves a social function in helping us bond with others. But do the negative consequences of gossip outweigh the positive ones?
Are we in control of our own decisions?
When you decide to buy something, are you sure it’s a good choice? Watch Dan Ariely explain how we may not be as in control of our own decisions as we think.