“Knowledge itself is power.” –Francis Bacon, British philosopher and author Reading and writing are foundational skills with which everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or future ambitions, must be equipped. Here we’ll look at how literacy is linked to an individual’s socioeconomic status and potential, as well as statistics that support these connections. These Literacy…
Paperless paychecks have been around since the 1970s, allowing employers to electronically transfer wages into employees’ accounts on payday. Direct deposit, or ACH (Automated Clearing House), saves the time and effort of rushing to a brick-and-mortar bank location and waiting in line to deposit a check before the bank closes. It’s an early example of…
When we consider a healthcare professional’s role in the patient experience, we might be inclined to picture a patient-facing individual such as a nurse or a patient care technician. These professionals have an incalculably beneficial effect on patients’ health and well-being. But apart from having the proper skills and disposition required to do their jobs…
Most Americans celebrate July 4th as the day the U.S. won its independence from Britain. But millions also recognize a second Independence Day, Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans in Texas finally learned they were free. In this article, we explore the powerful history behind Juneteenth and how it…
The English language has been the foundation of countless works of art and literature throughout the ages and across the world. Often a work of literature will inspire the creation of a work in another art form, be it sculpture, painting, theater, music, film, architecture, dance, or photography—just one of the fascinating ways art and…
Steam, electricity, and automated machines have underpinned fundamental shifts in how people live and work, and each has been the driver behind its own industrial revolution. But while their lasting impact has been substantial, none of these revolutions have been “smart.” That changed with Industry 4.0. As the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Industry 4.0 has introduced…
While many skills are crucial to us as human beings, mastering a language is perhaps the most fundamental. It provides a framework for the communication skills that students will use throughout their lives. Learning a second language has also been proven beneficial, and bilingual individuals enjoy some unique opportunities and advantages. Whether you’re currently a…
Astute business decisions play a central role in bringing a business back from the brink, whether that predicament is due to bankruptcy or scandal. Here we’ll look at a few celebrated businesses and brands that were once in serious trouble but have come back to thrive. We’ll conclude with a discussion of the skills necessary…
Technology is harnessed to promote efficiency, accuracy, and accountability in all manner of professions. But even as it introduces new benefits, it can bring a variety of new concerns and controversies. Such is certainly true of the recent technological advances in policing. Here we’ll discuss a few types of technology used in the modern criminal…
A former U.S. president. A renowned advocate for racial equality and justice. A popular “sex doctor.” A Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback. What do they all have in common? All were sociology majors, and they all have names we remember due to their stature and achievements. Here we’re going to highlight some influential people who majored…