Culture & Society



Mark Twain, great American writer

The Curious, and Continuing, Appeal of Mark Twain in China

Source: The New York Times

In most Chinese classrooms, students learned about Mark Twain, a famously American author. Twain’s satirical short story, “Running for Governor,” was used to reinforce anti-Western, anti-capitalist views. As you read this article, be sure to take a look at the short story referenced.




Statue of Liberty

Immigration Explorer

Source: The New York Times

The vast majority of Americans can trace their roots to another country. This interactive map from The New York Times makes it easy to see where and when different groups settled in the United States. Use the pull-down menu in the upper left corner to select a national group, then move the arrow on the timeline to see how many people entered the United States during each decade.



Working Together

10 Worst Things to Donate After a Disaster

Source: How Stuff Works

When disaster strikes, many of us want to help as quickly as we can! We personally load boxes full of clothes, blankets, medicine, and even teddy bears, and then we ship them off to organizations helping survivors. Are there better ways for us to help? Read this article about things to do—and not to do—to truly help out after a disaster.


The Tribute in Light shines over the Manhattan skyline in commemoration of the anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11/01

9/11 Memorial

Source: National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Though paralyzing and devastating to the nation, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, also served to unite its citizens. Ten years later, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened to the public. At this site, you can learn about the design and construction of the memorial, access a webcam to view it, take a virtual tour, and explore the museum’s collections.


Detail from a stained glass window of two men, one wearing a crown

James I on the Divine Right of Kings

Source: The National Archives (UK)

King James I of England was a proponent of the divine right of kings: the idea that a king’s power came directly from God. This idea is key to several of Shakespeare’s plays, including Macbeth, and was delineated in a speech the king gave to Parliament in 1609. This site provides the original text, a transcript, and an audio recording.