Education
Great minds lead to great solutions. Our education section features solutions and innovations directed at strengthening educational systems around the world.
How teen playwrights are changing the narrative of gun violence in America
American students, raised in the shadow of repeated school shootings, are not just witnesses to a grim reality but active participants in reshaping the narrative. Following the Parkland school tragedy in 2018, theater aficionado turned activist Michael Cotey developed "Enough! Plays to End Gun Read More...
35 years later: Tracy Chapman is first Black woman to win CMA Song of the Year
Tracy Chapman makes history at the Country Music Awards (CMAs), becoming the first Black woman to win the coveted Song of the Year award with her timeless song, "Fast Car." The unfading allure of "Fast Car" "Fast Car," which was published in 1988, has weathered the test of time, becoming an Read More...
Unlocking the treasure trove: your guide to second-hand furniture shopping online
Venturing into the world of second-hand furniture is not only a treasure hunt but a sustainable way to furnish your space without breaking the bank. Whether you want to give your findings a modern facelift or keep their vintage charm, online thrift shopping is the way to go. Lindi Vanderschaaf, a Read More...
Extra-long films are on the rise: here's why the intermission should be reinstated
As "Barbenheimer" (the fun portmanteau of Barbie and Oppenheimer) took the world by storm earlier this year, it illustrated the growing difficulty of sustaining long movie runs. With Oppenheimer clocking in at a whopping three hours, it became clear that we needed a way to deal with epic-length Read More...
6 significant ways dog ownership improves human health, happiness, and longevity
Dog owners will attest that their lives have changed tremendously thanks to the arrival of their four-legged buddies. For many people, dogs are more than just pets; they are significant allies in the search for health and vitality. A healthy heart's best friend Dogs are known to provide joy, but Read More...
Art preserves endangered flora in Himalayas—where conservation and culture collide
"In 2002, I was returning to Kalimpong in the eastern Himalaya region of India, and I found numerous trees had been cut down for a dam on the Teesta River at Kalijhora," recalls Hemlata Pradhan, an artist who had just completed her Master's in natural history illustration in London. This shocking Read More...
Protecting ourselves and our children from overexposure to images of war and violence
At a time when our media feeds are rife with distressing images and heartbreaking news, it is critical to learn how to shield ourselves and our children from the overwhelming emotional toll. Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a renowned trauma psychiatrist and researcher, has dedicated his career to assisting Read More...
Combatting visual misinformation: an everyday user's guide for times of conflict
In times of war and conflict, the digital landscape becomes flooded with images and stories. However, many of these images are fraudulent or modified, making it difficult to tell fact from fiction. As regular people, we must assume ethical responsibility for the content we consume and distribute as Read More...
Samhain ─ Inside the pagan traditions of Halloween’s ancient precursor
Editors Note: We're dusting off our Halloween history Optimist View to honor the day! “The magic of Samhain is that of endless possibility. Since we return to the beginning, we can begin anew in any way we wish.” ~ Michael Furie BY Marvin Lanes Haunted houses, scary movies, and terrifying Read More...
How We Rock the Spectrum creates inclusive play spaces for neurodivergent kids
Tiera Turner faced a predicament that many parents of neurodivergent children can relate to when her first son was diagnosed with autism in 2019. She couldn't find a place where her child could be himself without having to apologize or explain himself. Turner has two sons with autism and has Read More...