naturescienceart.org
Curiosity is under-emphasized in the classroom, but research shows that it is one of the strongest markers of academic success.The power of curiosity to contribute not only to high achievement, but also to a fulfilling existence, cannot be emphasized enough. … more »
John Parulis
This one stood out in particular- "Local planning and zoning tilts the playing field in favor of a local builder, his pickup truck and dog," the co-founder and senior strategist at one home building enterprise told us. "They're the ones who are out having a beer or two with the head of the planning board or the town supervisor ....." … more »
BU.Edu
In 2014, scientists found a new kind of of “stone” on the beaches of Hawaii. It was made of sand, organic debris, volcanic rock, all swirled together with melted plastic. So they proposed the name “plastiglomerate.” … more »
Jorge Silva / Reuters
Some things are just worth stopping for and appreciating. A collection of images of unusual, intriguing, and beautiful trees and forests around the world, from Madagascar to Poland, Scotland to Hong Kong, the United States, and more … more »
OMA
100 years ago, company towns were models of modernity and a way for companies to control their workforce and their lives by offering housing, services and a lot more - all of which could be lost if they lost their job. Sadly, company towns are no different today in our world of high student debt and corporate indentured servitude. … more »
University of California
Getting old in America isn’t what it used to be. In a worldwide study, the U.S. fell to No. 17 (down three spots from last year) in the Natixis Global Asset Management Global Retirement Index. The index ranks 43 mainly developed countries on their ability to offer its citizens a secure retirement. … more »
SMART
The stark reality is trains are heavily subsidized transportation for the few who ride them. It is very expensive. It is paid for by a steadily shrinking hard working middle class and increasingly by those below the middle class through income taxes, sales taxes, special taxes, bond payments, fees, and more. … more »
waitingforthecircus.com
Free-form attention is what the brain defaults to when it’s off-task. It happens when the brain is in what scientists call the resting state. In the 1990s, neuropsychologists began to delve into free-form attention and found that it has many benefits, including for children’s learning and their brain development. … more »
CalPERS
This is an important column by Steven Greenhut outlining what we will undoubtedly be hearing from all of our elected officials. Although the increased investment earnings from CalPERS and MCERA is good news, it's important to keep an eye on the reaction to those gains by our elected officials. … more »
USS Turner Joy.org
Government officials starting wars without justification is a timely issue to ponder. Was the Gulf of Tonkin incident was a made up story used by McNamara and Lyndon Johnson to justify US entering into the Vietnam War? It appears that US Navy Ships had the historic "sea battle" with schools of fish. … more »
