In June 2015, a group of academics set out to re-create The Canterbury Tales by walking 80 miles across the North Downs in England and telling the stories of refugees along the way. Their goal was to give a voice to those who are often unheard.
Tag Archives: Current Events
Order vs. Disorder
The world may seem chaotic today, in part due to the failure of the Arab Spring to live up to its great promise. Pulitzer-winning writer Thomas Friedman notes that one cause of this disorder may be inequality of freedom: Many of those who have won freedom from oppression have yet to gain freedom to conduct their lives as they wish.
Why it’s time for South Africa to take down its walls
In recent decades, South Africans who can afford it have erected ever more daunting walls around their homes to keep out crime. One South African writer argues that only removing or lowering the walls will improve the situation.
Mountains and planning lessened punch by Hurricane Patricia
Hurricane Patricia, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the western hemisphere, did remarkably little damage to the Mexican coast where it made landfall. Find out what natural forces caused it to form and to dissipate so rapidly.
Hurricane Katrina: Then and Now
Ten years after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the recovery of New Orleans continues. See the progress from 2005 to 2015 in this photo essay.
Ten Years Without a Hurricane Hit, Is Florida’s Lucky Streak About to End?
Newcomers to Florida might not be prepared to face a hurricane. This news report provides information about important preparations that people should make to deal with this natural disaster.
“Brave Man’s” glass bridge offers vertigo-inducing views
Would you walk across this bridge if it were made of glass? See how some tourists in China are crossing a glass bridge and facing their fear of height in this video.
As pope evokes nation of immigrants, a report shows it’s not reflected in Congress
A study by the Pew Research Center shows a lack of Congressional representatives who are immigrants, and some think that an increase in that number would lead to a better understanding of complex immigration issues.
Beyond Denali: Restoring Native American names
Read about the movement to change the names of national natural sites back to their Native American names.
The heroes of the French train attack have given us all a gift—hope
The passengers who thwarted an armed assailant on a European train didn’t just save dozens of lives. They also inspired hope and action around the world.
Germany’s leap of faith in migrant crisis
With migrants from Syria and other troubled locales flooding into Europe comes an opportunity for one nation to change its image.
Target to move away from gender-based signs
Responding to criticism that gender-based signs are unnecessary, Target stores will start to remove them in toy and bedding departments.
World Press Freedom Index
Freedom of the press is an essential liberty guaranteed in the U.S. by the First Amendment. Use this interactive map to find out how other countries rate.
Teen Entrepreneurs – 11 Important Business Lessons from Teenage Entrepreneurs
From a student who made bio-fuel and used it to drive a teacher’s car to another who developed a wind-powered cell phone charger, get 11 valuable lessons direct from teenage entrepreneurs who participated in Schoolyard Ventures. This Philadelphia-based organization helps high school students become entrepreneurs.
Risks and Challenges
Can you imagine the phenomenal planning, testing, and effort it would take to establish a human settlement on Mars? Mars One gives a brief idea of the risks and challenges involved. The FAQ page answers questions about the potential psychological and physical effects of the mission on astronauts.
How a bunch of government space geeks at NASA won the internet
Read how NASA has successfully built a social media campaign and reignited interest in space programs.
Hong Kong’s ‘Umbrella’ protest: One year on, what has changed?
In the fall of 2014, thousands of protesters took part in the Umbrella Revolution to fight for more democratic representation in Hong Kong. Now, the movement is biding its time and trying to figure out its next move.
Kenya’s running champions walk 800km to break ‘cycle of violence’
In an effort to end raids in which pastoralists kill people and steal livestock, top Kenyan athletes plan to undertake a three-week walk for peace. Funds raised will go toward peace-building programs for youth.
On front porches, some still divided on Confederate flag
This article from a Charleston, South Carolina, newspaper outlines conflicting views on the Confederate flag.
Barrett Brown Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison in Connection with Stratfor Hack
Some consider Barrett Brown, a journalist and activist recently sentenced to five years in prison, a political prisoner. Read the article to decide for yourself.