Blogging the Slow-Motion Revolution: An Interview with China’s Huang Qi
Source: The New York Review of Books NYR Blog
In this interview, learn about the challenges faced by the man who started China’s first human-rights website.
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Mark Bezos: A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter
Source: TED
When ordered to “save” a pair of shoes from a fire, volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos felt terribly disappointed. After all, he had wanted to be a hero. Find out why he now thinks that we all should decide to get out there—and save the shoes.
Why We Protest
Source: Psychology Today
Learn about crowd psychology and the nature of protests by examining the Occupy Wall Street movement.
How Can Women Gain Influence in Hollywood?
Source: The New York Times
Did you know that only one female director has ever won an Academy Award? Why are there so few women making movies? And what should we do about it? Explore the opinions of eight different writers.
Women’s Athletics a Battle for Respect
Source: CNN
Though women have been breaking gender barriers for decades, the playing fields still aren’t level. Read about Lisa Leslie’s fight to gain support for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and other women’s professional sports.
The Changing Definition of African-American
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Many consider the label “African-American” to describe people who are descended from slaves that were brought to the United States against their will, forced into slavery, and eventually emancipated. Countless African immigrants do not identify with this narrative, though they find themselves associated with it. What does it mean to be African-American and for whom is it an accurate label?
Inside the Teenage Brain
Source: Frontline/PBS
Adolescence is a time of great change. Learn more about the changes your brain is undergoing and the effects of those changes.
Discovery Rekindles Wish for a Journey to the Stars
Source: The New York Times
What would it be like to travel to another solar system? Former astronaut Mae Jemison, along with an organization called Icarus Interstellar, recently won a large government grant to create a business plan for interstellar travel. How soon might we be traveling to the sun’s nearest neighbor? Read this article to find out.
The Coldest Journey
Source: The Coldest Journey
Adventurers have been exploring unknown parts of the world for centuries, but there is still one challenge unmet: crossing Antarctica in the winter. Sir Ranulph Fiennes has put together a team (and some fancy technology) to do just that. Read about this journey that many think is impossible, and browse the site to learn more about the expedition.
Teen Refugee: Prince Charming Is Dead
Source: CNN
A 14-year-old refugee from Syria to Lebanon, Cayanne speaks candidly about what it felt like to have her childhood stolen by war. Read her story, and watch the video of her interview.