Tag Archives: People

‘Wild’ film prompts surge in interest in Pacific Crest Trail

In the film Wild, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir and starring Reese Witherspoon, a woman rediscovers herself as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone. It has inspired others to attempt the journey.

Alexander Hamilton: The nation’s founding blogger

Before the signing of the Constitution, Federalists and anti-Federalists each wrote a series of essays debating its key points. As the primary author of the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton’s opinions are still regarded today.

Studies in Scale: Excerpts from The Gorgeous Nothings

Jen Bervin talks about how she was inspired by the physical nature of Emily Dickinson’s poems when putting together The Gorgeous Nothings, her recent collection of work by the poet. Scroll to the bottom of the article to see examples of the poems, which were written on envelopes.

What Unites These States?

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Phillip Caputo drove across the country, from Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska, in search of common ground. Discover what he learned from his experience about what unites Americans.

10 Inspiring Stories of Everyday Heroes

Anyone can become a hero, no matter how ordinary his or her beginnings may have been. Learn about ten regular people with the dedication and drive to accomplish heroic deeds.

Feeling powerless increases the weight of the world . . . literally

A sense of powerlessness may make you feel unhappy, but it also has documented physical effects. Here are the results of a study that shows one way a feeling of powerlessness affects your perception of the world in a measurable way.

Local girl collects shoes, makes a world of difference

Teen Emma Rider is on a quest to bring clean water to developing countries. To reach this goal, she has been collecting shoes, new and used, for her project, Quenching Souls. Read about the work she put into her project to help people around the world.

4 Steps to Making Better Decisions

If you have an important decision to make, these four steps might help you. The most important step might be the last one listed here.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

In 1833, Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed the brutality of slavery on her first trip to the South. What she saw changed her and led to her writing her famous anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in 1852. Listen to a discussion about her legacy here.

Why do some of us love to be scared?

Are you a Thrillseeker? New research shows people differ in their chemical response to thrilling situations. Read about why some of us enjoy being scared, while others don’t.

Home? Teen Refugees and Immigrants Explore Their Tucson

Read about, and view some of the material from, this exhibit in which student refugees and immigrants in Tuscon, AZ, explore the concept of home.

Richard Branson on Taking Risks

Entrepreneur Richard Branson explains how he has improved his businesses through competition and record-setting pursuits, including an attempt to fly around the world in a balloon.

Personality Matters More Than Intelligence at School

An Australian psychologist conducted a study on how personality and academic performance are linked and found some surprising answers.

When Their Workday Ends, More Fathers Are Heading Into the Kitchen

While women still spend more hours in the kitchen than men on average, a growing number of working fathers are preparing meals.

The Tank Man

In 1989, many Chinese citizens participated in nonviolent protests favoring a change to democracy. The Chinese government quickly used its military power to put a stop to the protests. The iconic image that exemplifies this brief era is of a lone man confronting a long line of army tanks in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. This Frontline documentary explores the Tank Man’s impact and legacy.

CEOs say how you treat a waiter can predict a lot about character

Most of us have experienced being treated as if we were less important than others, because of our age or social status or some other factor. But the people who make hiring decisions for some companies have taken notice, finding that how a job seeker treats those in service positions accurately reflects his or her character.

Helping Fellow Plane Crash Survivors Has Changed My Life

In 1985, George Lamson Jr. was the sole survivor of a plane crash. Read about the difficulties he experienced as a sole survivor, and watch videos in which four other sole survivors share their stories.

Volunteer Program Helps Lincoln Middle-Schoolers Prepare for Their Futures

Eighth grade is not too soon to think about college and career. High school will prepare you for both. Read how this middle school helps students focus on future planning for high school and beyond.