Founded in the 11th century, England’s Exeter Cathedral is famed for its stunning features — including its medieval astronomical clock, a working replica of the solar system as it was understood at the time. But the building also boasts another ancient wonder: a cat door that may be among the world’s oldest. Cut into the […]
Paris may have the honor of hosting the 2024 Olympics, but one of France’s smaller locales is getting in on the action as well. In Menton on the French Riviera, revelers are welcoming the upcoming Summer Games through a 90-year-old tradition: the Lemon Festival. Fête du Citron, as it’s called in French, was launched in […]
For kids, being told to “go to your room” can feel like the utmost punishment. As adults, on the other hand, getting the chance to unwind in our own space seems more like a well-deserved reward. Environments have the power to positively influence mental health, so ensuring our bedrooms are places that bring us joy can be an important step in increasing overall wellness
The 2024 World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on self-reported happiness levels, has been released. Its publication was timed to coincide with the U.N.’s International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on March 20. And — drum roll, please — Finland was named the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year. To arrive at their […]
For centuries, women across the globe have been shattering glass ceilings in various arenas, paving the way for those following in their footsteps — both literally and figuratively. Case in point: Mount Everest. As of December 2023, 799 women have reached its summit. But before 1975, that number was zero. It wasn’t until Junko Tabei […]
This article was updated on 1/6/25. You’ve undoubtedly heard terms like millennial, boomer, and Gen Z used in conversation: Nicknames referring to the various generations have become pervasive in the modern vernacular — but exactly who belongs to which cohort isn’t always clear. According to the Pew Research Center, categorizing people into various generations provides a means […]
You may have heard of a practice called “Swedish death cleaning” — a name that’s both intriguing yet fairly straightforward. Perhaps one of the more succinct and accurate summaries of the concept comes by way of comedic actor Amy Poehler’s narration in this amusing trailer for the TV series The Gentle Art of Swedish Death […]
In a time when expansion and development are in full force around the globe — from buildings to cities and scientific advancements — many have been taught that “bigger is better.” But we’d argue that’s not always the case: Sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages. To show the beauty of little […]
There’s something magical about discovering a new word that speaks to you — one you’d underline in a book or pause and rewind after hearing on TV and maybe start sprinkling into conversation. Sometimes these words are wildly relatable and end up going viral on social media (think: bed rotting). Other times a new-to-you phrase […]
Student loan debt and the rising cost of secondary education can be major issues for college enrollees. So one Kentucky institution stands out for a long-held policy that, these days, could actually be considered novel. Welcome to Berea College, one of the few schools in America that don’t require students to pay tuition. That isn’t […]
Finding a hobby you love can change your life — and for some, that can even mean changing careers. The list below features individuals who turned things they love to do in their free time, from perfecting pastries to playing video games, into successful, full-time professions. While a few channeled their passions early in life, […]
“Can Art Change the World?” That’s the name of the nonprofit French photographer and collagist JR set up to empower communities through art and education. It’s also a question the 41-year-old — whose provocative black-and-white street installations grace buildings across the globe — continually addresses in his work. JR is a social activist; the winner […]