A History of Gender Identity: The Norms & Challenges to Them

Activists with signs that say "#tradwife" and "PRIDE" illustrate the history of gender identity

What role has history played in shaping our understanding of gender? How have different societies approached gender identity throughout time? The history of gender identity reveals fascinating variations across cultures and eras, from strict binary systems to more fluid interpretations. Modern perspectives on gender expression emerged from centuries of evolution in social thought, scientific research, and cultural movements. Keep reading to explore how ancient civilizations, revolutionary thinkers, and contemporary society have contributed to our understanding of gender identity and expression.

Do Animals Feel Pain? Here’s What Scientists Know (Ed Yong)

A frog on a lily pad illustrates the question, "Do animals feel pain?"

What happens in an animal’s body when it encounters something harmful? Do animals feel pain? How do different species process pain? Ed Yong’s book An Immense World explores the complex question of whether and how animals feel pain. From naked mole rats that don’t react to acid to fish that show signs of distress after injury, the animal kingdom presents a wide range of responses to potentially harmful stimuli. Keep reading to discover the surprising science behind how different creatures experience pain and what this means for our ethical treatment of animals.

Gender Fluidity in History: Nonconformity in Ancient & Modern Times

The deity Ishtar with masculine and feminine traits illustrates gender fluidity in history

What does it mean to be gender-fluid in today’s world? How have different cultures throughout history viewed and accepted diverse gender identities? Gender expression and identity have evolved significantly across time and cultures. From ancient Mesopotamian deities to modern social movements, the concept of gender fluidity has shaped societies in fascinating ways. Keep reading to explore gender fluidity in history and discover how past perspectives continue to influence our modern understanding of gender identity and expression.

The Sense of Touch in Animals: 3 Ways They’re Not Like Humans

A harbor seal swimming under the water illustrates the sense of touch in animals

What mysterious ways do animals experience touch beyond direct contact? How do creatures from wasps to elephants use touch to survive and thrive? Ed Yong’s fascinating book An Immense World reveals how the sense of touch in animals extends far beyond what humans can imagine. From detecting vibrations in the ground to sensing distortions in water, animals use remarkable methods to perceive their environment and connect with others. Keep reading to discover the extraordinary touch abilities that help creatures navigate their world, find food, escape danger, and build relationships.

The Sense of Hearing in Animals: How They Hear What We Can’t

Two whales swimming in the ocean near the surface of the water illustrate the sense of hearing in animals

What makes hearing different from our other senses? How do animals use sound in ways humans can’t even imagine? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores the remarkable sense of hearing in animals, revealing capabilities far beyond human perception. From birds detecting subtle variations in song to whales mapping ocean floors with sound, the animal kingdom showcases extraordinary auditory abilities that help creatures survive and thrive. Keep reading to discover fascinating examples of how animals perceive sound and learn how their unique abilities are helping scientists develop better solutions for human hearing problems.

Ramaswamy & Musk’s $2 Trillion Budget Cut: Can It Be Done?

Split image with Elon Musk in front of an American flag and Vivek Ramaswamy speaking at a Trump/Vance campaign event

What would it take to slash $2 trillion from the U.S. federal budget? Can Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy actually achieve this ambitious goal? The proposed Department of Government Efficiency, led by Musk and Ramaswamy, aims to cut 30% of federal spending through agency consolidation, workforce reduction, and regulatory streamlining. While Ramaswamy and Musk’s $2 trillion target seems staggering, their track records provide some hope. Read on to discover why experts are divided on this bold plan to reshape US government spending.

How Animals See Color and Light: 7 Amazing Facts (Ed Yong)

A rabbit looking at rainbow illustrates how how animals see color and light

What makes a mountain lion’s vision so different from a human’s? How do scientists know whether animals can see colors and which ones they detect? Ed Yong’s An Immense World reveals fascinating details about how animals see color and light. From deep-sea creatures that navigate in darkness to birds that can spot prey from a mile away, the animal kingdom showcases an incredible range of visual abilities that differ dramatically from human perception. Keep reading to discover the remarkable ways animals perceive their world through sight, and how evolution has shaped these diverse visual capabilities.

The Incredible Sense of Taste in Animals: More Than Just Tongues

A bee on a lavender-colored flower illustrates the sense of taste in animals

What makes the sense of taste different from our other senses? How do various animals experience taste differently from humans? In Ed Yong’s fascinating book An Immense World, we discover surprising facts about the sense of taste in animals. From bees tasting with their feet to catfish having taste buds all over their bodies, the animal kingdom’s relationship with taste is far more diverse than most people realize. Keep reading to explore the remarkable ways different creatures experience flavors and how their taste abilities help them survive.

The Presidential Power of the Pardon: A Dramatic Shift Over Time

The Presidential Power of the Pardon: A Dramatic Shift Over Time

Why did America’s founders give presidents such broad pardon powers? How has the presidential power of the pardon evolved from a tool of justice to an instrument of political favor? The story of presidential pardons in America reveals a dramatic shift from their original purpose of promoting national unity and showing mercy to their modern use as political weapons. From George Washington’s pardons after the Whiskey Rebellion to Joe Biden’s unprecedented pardon of his son, these executive decisions have shaped American history in profound ways. Keep reading to explore the fascinating transformation of America’s most sweeping executive power and its

Matt Abrahams’s Think Faster, Talk Smarter: Book Overview

A young woman with long dark hair and a backpack looking at a book in a bookstore

What’s holding you back from speaking confidently in unexpected situations? How can you transform anxiety into an asset during impromptu conversations? Matt Abrahams’s Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot has strategies to help anyone communicate more effectively under pressure. You can develop skills to organize thoughts quickly, manage emotions, and connect authentically with others. Keep reading to discover proven techniques that will boost your confidence and transform the way you communicate in spontaneous situations.