Vincent van Gogh's long, miserable road to fame
Adults Art Creativity HistoryVan Gogh's travels informed the works we revere today.
Binging with Babish: Game of Thrones
Adults Creativity FoodThis weekend we're welcoming back the show that has the monopoly on lurid violence, epic battles, and wholly unnecessary nudity: Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin's ability to describe the crunching of a skull is rivalled only by his ability to describe the crunching of a pastry, so it's only fitting that this sexy saga is home to some serious food porn. I'm a main character in this show, so my life is decidedly in danger this week.
How does fracking work? - Mia Nacamulli
Adults Global Warming Nature TechnologyDeep underground lie stores of once-inaccessible natural gas. There's a technology, called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," that can extract this natural gas, potentially powering us for decades to come. So how does fracking work and why is it a source of such heated controversy? Mia Nacamulli explains the ins and outs of fracking.
Why We Only Learn When We Repeat
Adults Human PsychologyOur education system is based on the idea that we can learn things once, and that they'll then stay in our minds throughout our lives. That's far too optimistic. Our brains are like sieves. If anything is going to remain in them, we need regular reminders of what really matters. Fascinatingly, religions always understood that.
The Dangers of the Good Child
Adults Human Psychology SocietyGood children don't cause problems; they always do what others expect. They seem to be on track. But there are real problems with people who never have a chance to be a little bad.
Superblocks: How Barcelona is taking city streets back from cars
Adults Cities Global Warming TransportationModern cities are designed for cars. But the city of Barcelona is testing out an urban design trick that can give cities back to pedestrians.
What to Do About Being Clumsy
Adults Psychology Relationships SocietyBeing clumsy is one of the most humiliating of scenarios. We need to learn to make friends with our 'inner idiot'.
Why people think they see ghosts
Adults Psychology SpiritualityEven though there is no scientific evidence that ghosts exist, you may not be crazy if you see one.
Pay-It-Forward Pizza | Rosa's Fresh Pizza // 60 Second Docs
Adults Food Personal Finance SocietyAt Rosa's Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pies aren't just for paying customers. In a pay-it-forward pizza initiative that began three years ago, people who lunch at the neighborhood pizzeria can donate a dollar and provide a slice for homeless people who otherwise can't afford it, using a system of Post-It notes to keep track of slices that can be redeemed. So far, says owner Mason Wartman, the community has given away more than 150,000 free slices -- plus an immeasurable amount of dignity -- to the homeless.
LITERATURE - George Orwell
Adults Books Creativity HistoryGeorge Orwell is the most famous English language writer of the 20th century, the author of Animal Farm and 1984. What was he trying to tell us and what is his genius?
How to spot a misleading graph - Lea Gaslowitz
Adults Visual Design WorkWhen they're used well, graphs can help us intuitively grasp complex data. But as visual software has enabled more usage of graphs throughout all media, it has also made them easier to use in a careless or dishonest way - and as it turns out, there are plenty of ways graphs can mislead and outright manipulate. Lea Gaslowitz shares some things to look out for.
Off-Road Kid | World Off-Road Championship Series // 60 Second Docs
Adults Sports Transportation10-year-old Austin Thompson isn't an average kid -- he's also a top competitor in the World Off Road Championship Series, racing in 170 class events. With his younger sister as his co-pilot and support from his cheering parents at every race, Austin's family believe it takes a shared effort to succeed in competitive off-roading -- and in life.
How ancient Romans made stronger concrete than today
Adults Cities Construction HistoryMany structures built by ancient Romans around 2,000 years ago are still standing, and some are still in excellent condition. Over the last decade, researchers have come discover the Romans' secret concrete recipe that has maintained so many of its now-ancient buildings.
Why there are twice as many solar jobs as coal jobs
Adults Global Warming Technology WorkAmerica is changing how it gets its energy, and coal is losing out.
Binging with Babish: Tomate du Saltambique from The West Wing
Adults Creativity FoodPresident Josiah Bartlet, apart from being a charismatic and noble leader of these United States, had a real thing for food. Be it the Butterball turkey hotline or pumpkin soup with cheese gnocchi, the man knew both good policy and food. If only he weren't a figment of Aaron Sorkin's imagination, much like this interpretation of Alain Passard's dessert tomato.
The Problem With Perfectionism
Adults Human PsychologyWe aim for perfection without a correct idea of what perfection might demand from us. To strengthen our resolve, we need to improve our picture of what sacrifices any achievement will demand.
Who Lives At The Bottom Of The Mariana Trench?
Adults Animals Environment NatureCreepy Monsters At The Bottom Of The Mariana Trench.