We debunk the dangerous myth that lightning never strikes water. Explore the electrifying science of how and why lightning is attracted to lakes and oceans, and learn the life-saving facts you need to know to stay safe during a storm.
Henry Ford’s “Secret to Success”: Unlocking Your Destiny or Dangerously Outdated Advice?
A deep dive into Henry Ford’s famous quote: “The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.” We deconstruct the meaning of purpose, destiny, and the hard work of “doing it” in the modern world. Is this the ultimate blueprint for a successful life? Read our in-depth analysis, vocabulary and grammar lessons, and more.
The Only Constant is Change: Why This Ancient Proverb is the Key to Modern Life
Explore the profound meaning of “the only constant is change.” From the philosophy of Heraclitus to modern science and psychology, discover why embracing this paradox is crucial for resilience, growth, and navigating our fast-paced world.
The Axeman of New Orleans: The Unsolved Mystery of the Killer Who Demanded Jazz
Delve into the chilling, unsolved case of the Axeman of New Orleans, a serial killer who terrorized the city from 1918-1919. Explore the macabre crimes, the infamous letter from “Hell,” and the bizarre night the city played jazz to survive. Was he a man, a demon, or a myth?
Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed: The Real Reason You Prefer One Hand
Ever wonder why 90% of people are right-handed? It’s not just chance. We dive into the science of handedness, from your brain’s wiring and your family’s DNA to the surprising moment this preference is set—long before you’re even born.
Joan of Arc: The Teenager Who Commanded Armies and Saved France
Discover the incredible true story of Joan of Arc, the illiterate farm girl who heard divine voices, led the French army to victory, crowned a king, and was burned at the stake as a heretic—all by the age of 19. A timeless tale of faith, courage, and unwavering conviction.
Neptune: The Secrets of the Solar System’s Wildest, Windiest World
Dive deep into the mysteries of Neptune, the brilliant blue ice giant. Discover its supersonic winds, ephemeral storms like the Great Dark Spot, its captured moon Triton, and why this beautiful behemoth challenges everything we thought we knew about how planets are made.
From Knowledge to Action: Why Environmental Education is Key to a Sustainable Future
Discover how environmental education is more than just nature walks. It’s a vital tool for creating a sustainable future by fostering ecological intelligence, active stewardship, and critical thinking for a healthier planet.
Remote Work Revolution: The Benefits, Challenges, and Future of the Home Office
Is remote work a dream come true or a logistical nightmare? We dive deep into the pros and cons, from the flexibility and cost savings of working from home to the hidden dangers of burnout and proximity bias. Explore the future of work in our comprehensive guide.
Why Laughter is a Serious Weapon: The Power of Humor and Satire in Literature
Explore how authors from Mark Twain to Jonathan Swift have used humor and satire as powerful tools for social critique. Learn the difference between a simple joke and a jester’s gambit in our deep dive into the serious business of literary comedy.
Recent Posts
The Story of Literature EP2 | Echoes of Olympus: The Greek and Roman Foundations
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
The Story of Literature EP1 | The First Scribes: Tales from the Fertile Crescent
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Author Reflection | Listening Comprehension Practice
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.
The Narrative Thread: Are You the Author or the Character?
This piece explores the art of finding meaning in life by viewing our existence through the lens of a story. Delve into philosophical nuggets on free will, destiny, and memory to question whether you’re the author or the character in your own epic.
Is Your Favorite TV Show Literature? Redefining Storytelling in the 21st Century
Challenge the traditional definition of literature. Explore the literary merits of graphic novels like Maus, prestige TV like The Sopranos, and cinematic video games like The Last of Us.
The Question a Story Leaves in Its Wake
How do stories change us? Go beyond plot summaries and character analysis with a guide to reflective reading, exploring the deep, personal questions that great narratives ask of you, long after the final page is turned.