Tag Archives: People

The Defiant Ones

Imagine if simply going to school was an act of defiance. For the women in the article, it was. Read the article to learn more about the battles fought for desegregation.

A street magician’s tricks make everyday technology magical and mysterious

Watch this video to see how Doug McKenzie combines street magic with familiar technological items like cellphones.

Roanoke Wasn’t America’s Only Lost Colony

The fate of the lost colony of Roanoke has become the stuff of legend. However, many lesser-known colonies also struggled and failed. Explore the interactive map to learn more.

Last Men of the Revolution

During the Civil War, when photography was a new medium, a minister and amateur historian raced to capture images of the last surviving veterans of the American Revolution.

Daddy Track: The Case for Paternity Leave

Many working parents struggle with developing a strong work-life balance. Some states are beginning to offer extended paternity leave, which could change how fathers—and mothers—balance raising children and having careers.

Peaceful protest is much more effective than violence for toppling dictators

This article and accompanying presentation explore political scientist Erica Chenoweth’s research on how peaceful protest is often much more successful than violence for making changes.

The Fallen Heroes of Human Spaceflight

Since the 1960s, astronauts have risked their lives to explore space. Read about the missions in which men and women were lost.

7 Epic Fails Brought to You by the Genuis Mind of Thomas Edison

Part of Thomas Edison’s ability to succeed came from his willingness to try things that failed. Check out the photo gallery for a slideshow of the failed inventions the article describes.

Advantages of Being Bicultural

Culture and belonging aren’t all or nothing. Learn about the concrete benefits of identifying with two or more cultures.

Pop Culture’s Undying Edgar Allan Poe Obsession

There’s no question that Edgar Allan Poe has made a lasting impression on American popular culture. This article uses the release of a movie about a dangerous obsession with Poe to take a look back at the author’s pop culture legacy.

Stairwell A: The Only Way Out

After a terrorist-piloted plane crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, only one path to safety remained unblocked. Read stories of the survivors who escaped through Stairwell A.

Tiny houses helping with homeless problem in U.S.

Read this article to learn about a number of charitable organizations that are building “tiny homes” to help homeless people. Not only are the homes providing shelter, they are also helping to build a sense of community.

The “Lottery” Letters

The 1948 publication of Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” in The New Yorker magazine inspired subscribers to send a record number of letters, nearly all of them negative. Why all the fuss? Book critic and author Ruth Franklin considers these responses and Jackson’s own reaction to them.

An Animated Adventure, Drawn from Life

Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, became a critically-acclaimed film in 2007. Learn about the creative process behind the depiction of one young woman’s struggle for personal and political freedom.

Hour of Horror Forever Alters American Lives

Winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting, this analysis published on September 12, 2001, discusses how the previous day’s attacks might change day-to-day life in America.

Beyond Brown: Pursuing the Promise

Once upon a time, a seven-year-old girl named Linda Brown walked six blocks to a bus stop and then rode a bus to school, although another school was only seven blocks from her home. Check out this site to learn what happened when she tried to change schools—and succeeded.

But Did You See the Gorilla? The Problem With Inattentional Blindness

Is it possible to look directly at something—and not see it? Yes! Inattentional blindness can occur when you are focusing intently on something in particular and fail to notice other things in your frame of view. Check out this article to learn more.

Tall storeys: Lucinda Grange’s daredevil photography

Lucinda Grange is a photographer with a love of adventure. She scales skyscrapers and monuments to take unbelievable photographers. Check out this photo essay of her work.