M. C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist specializing in woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs inspired by mathematical principles. “Waterfall” is a lithograph first printed in October 1961 creating an optical illusion which Escher was famous for. Select the link in the article to see the original lithograph and more of Escher’s amazing work.
Colorful products overshadow our logical, sensible brain when purchasing. And, marketers strategically use color to guide us in a particular direction. This study from The Ohio State University covers some interesting points on how our brains treat color versus black and white objects.
In England and Wales there are 170,000 known young carers under the age of 18, who provide care for a family member or friend. However, it’s believed that the real figure is more in the region of 700,000! Read about one carer–Sarah Thomas, now 18–who has been looking after both her parents since she can remember.
In this video footage broadcast in 1995, Nelson Mandela talks about how he identified with Anne Frank’s situation through reading her diary while imprisoned on Robben Island.
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.
This article from a Charleston, South Carolina, newspaper outlines conflicting views on the Confederate flag.
Laughter serves an important social function, helping us form bonds with others. Learn more in this TED Talk by neuroscientist and comedian Sophie Scott.
Part of the dramatic tension in Romeo & Juliet is that the audience can predict negative consequences for the title characters’ rash decisions. Why don’t they stop and think instead of jumping to conclusions? Partly because their teenaged brains are still in the process of developing, not ready for life-and-death choices.
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.
Many teens enjoy tinkering with simple robots, but a 14-year-old in Ohio has turned this fun hobby into a mission to help others.
