Spirit Christmas: Why Pop-Up Retail Stores Are Successful

A cartoon image of a jack-o-lantern wearing a Santa hat

You’ve heard of Spirit Halloween, but have you heard about Spirit Christmas? How does the pop-up retail store model work? Each fall, Spirit Halloween stores emerge from retail’s graveyard, transforming abandoned storefronts into spooky wonderlands and becoming the unlikely success story of America’s evolving retail landscape. This year, the company expanded and opened its first Spirit Christmas stores. Here’s a look at the history of seasonal stores and Spirit Halloween’s business model.

Accommodation for Autism: Devon Price’s Recommendations

A male doctor with a white coat and beard talking with a female patient with brown hair illustrates accommodation for autism

What does a truly accommodating society look like for Autistic individuals? How can we create systemic changes that benefit everyone, regardless of neurotype? In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores vital accommodations for Autism and broader societal changes needed to create a more inclusive world. From legal protections to universal design principles, Price presents a comprehensive vision for transforming how we approach neurodiversity. Keep reading to discover practical solutions that could reshape society to better serve everyone.

What Is Autism Masking? Devon Price on Its Meaning & Dangers

A woman holding a mask over one half of her face illustrates the question, "What is autism masking?"

What is Autism masking? Why do Autistic people often feel the need to blend in with those around them? In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores what Autism masking means and how it impacts Autistic individuals. This common coping mechanism involves suppressing natural behaviors and adopting neurotypical traits to fit in with society’s expectations. Keep reading to discover what Autism masking is and the potential harms associated with it.

Medical and Social Models of Disability: Which Is Better?

A handicap parking space illustrates the difference between the medical and social models of disability

What’s the difference between viewing disability as a medical issue versus a social construct? How can changing our perspective on disability create a more inclusive world? In Unmasking Autism, Devon Price explores the medical and social models of disability, revealing how our understanding of conditions such as Autism shapes societal responses and individual experiences. The contrast between these approaches highlights the difference between seeking “cures” and creating genuine accommodation. Keep reading to learn about the medical and social models of disability and why shifting our perspective could transform lives.

Irresistible by Adam Alter: Book Overview and Takeaways

A man reading a book on his desk with his laptop open

Are you spending too much time on your devices? What’s Irresistible by Adam Alter about? In Irresistible, Adam Alter discusses the rise of technology addiction and how you can identify it. To counteract this, he suggests several techniques for combating technology addiction and fostering a healthier relationship with digital devices. Read below for a brief overview of Irresistible.

Daniel Dennett: Memes Are Units of Cultural Transmission

A vintage image of a man singing the blues in a club illustrates cultural memes and memetic evolution

What drives the evolution of human culture? How do ideas spread and transform across generations? According to Daniel Dennett, memes are the cultural equivalent of genes. Like genes in biological evolution, memes are units of culture that replicate, mutate, and compete for survival in the realm of human ideas and behaviors. Continue reading to explore how memetic evolution shapes our societies, from the evolution of music genres to the development of scientific knowledge.

The Impact of Evolution on Society: Daniel Dennett’s Take

A bearded man with eyeglasses looking up at the stars over the mountains illustrates the impact of evolution on society

What role has evolution played in reshaping our understanding of purpose and meaning? How has Darwin’s theory transformed our view of human existence? From challenging religious beliefs to redefining our place in the universe, evolutionary theory has revolutionized human thought. The concept extends far beyond biology, touching everything from philosophy to our understanding of time and consciousness. Keep reading to get Daniel Dennett’s take on the impact of evolution on society from his book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea.

The Importance of Seeing People as Individuals vs. People

A man walking alone beside a crowd, representing individuals vs. people

Why do people deserve to be seen as individuals? How can you stop relying on stereotypes to judge someone? David Brooks claims that to really know another person, you first have to see them as an individual. Unlike a collective group of people, individuals have a unique set of life experiences, characteristics, motivations, and goals. Here’s why you should start looking at people as individuals vs. people you can’t tell apart.

Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal: Book Overview

A woman sitting on a floral couch and reading a book

What does it mean to be “normal”? What role does trauma play in your health? What is the biopsychosocial model of health? In The Myth of Normal, physician and trauma expert Gabor Maté writes that much of what society labels as abnormal behavior, mental illness, or dysfunction actually represents normal responses to adverse life experiences. He advocates a trauma-informed perspective that addresses the root psychological and social causes of what we label as illness. Continue reading for an overview of Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal.

Everyone Has Value: Here’s How to Remind Them

Three people showing that everyone has value, wearing gold medals

Does everyone have value? How can you recognize someone’s worth to make them feel loved? To get to know someone deeply, you must recognize each person’s great worth as a human being. David Brooks emphasizes that this is crucial even when you’ve just met a person or expect to never see them again. Take a look at how you should remind someone that they’re worthy.