Every year is turbulent and inherently full of events—births, deaths, war, terror. The rise and fall of leaders. The beginning and end of trends. But 2016 felt particularly disconcerting, and feelings are playing an increasingly important role in shaping reality.
California is at the forefront of the US medical marijuana industry, and weed’s positive impact on the state’s economy has been huge, generating $2.8 billion in 2015, with $6.5 billion annually expected by 2020.
The words we use in our daily lives change a little each year, depending on world events. In 2016, we bravely faced new realities—like the election of a reality TV star to the US presidency—and learned the lexicon required to describe the times.
Late today (Dec. 23), the United Nations Security Council voted on a resolution to end Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. Fourteen of 15 council members were in agreement—only the US abstained. Applause broke out in the room after the draft resolution passed.
Police and dogs in the US have a complicated relationship. On the one hand, canines work for cops, sniffing for drugs and bombs. On the other hand, cops shoot dogs a lot—so much so that even law enforcement publications are asking, “Can police stop killing dogs?“
Marijuana advocates say weed is a natural miracle drug that can relieve pain and much more. But rarely do they advance the argument that marijuana saves lives by preventing traffic accidents. Now they will.
The thoughtful thug scopes out a crime scene in advance, or cases the joint as it’s known colloquially. Usually, it’s considered unwise to return to the scene afterward, at least for people. But for cowbirds, crime is a way of life and what they leave behind is extremely precious—their young.
Notable snowfalls in the Sahara are rare. But the red-hued dunes of the North African desert were sprinkled in white this week, on Dec. 19. The last time it happened was back in 1979.
The subscription box business is big. From socks to sex toys, Americans are signing up for monthly personal care packages of themed, curated goods at a rate that generates an estimated $5 billion dollars annually. Marijuana is a natural fit for this model.
Climate scientists are predicting rough weather for their profession in 2017. US president-elect Donald Trump’s statements on climate change, his appointments to head environmental agencies, and the threatening actions of his transition team all have the nation’s weather professionals on alert and preparing for the worst.
Science tells us that, when it comes to children’s cognitive development, reading on screens is just as effective as reading on paper. But the parent-child relationship benefits more from story time with a paper book than with a tablet, because the interaction is warmer and friendlier.
In the Instagram era, the traditional photo holiday card has become yet another vehicle for parental competition. Carefully staged (but not too staged) family photos grafted onto well-designed templates feature perfectly groomed children beaming up at their parents in adoration and delight. The fonts and backgrounds vary, but the message behind the text tends to be universal: ”This. Year. Was. Awesome.”
This year, my husband and I made a small but unusual change in our lives: We started sleeping on the floor.
If there is one sure sign that the world’s rich are only getting richer, it’s that bag candy—the teen trend of decorating your tote with quirky charms and dolls—is now a thing in high-end adult fashion.
Arianna Huffington can’t stop working. But she’d really like you to try.
Scientists aren’t generally known for their political protests. But like so many things, that’s all changing under the shadow of a looming Trump presidency.
Reindeer do not drive a flying sleigh on Christmas eve. But they may yet deliver great gifts to humans.
Mindfulness—the practice of cultivating awareness and presence—is the business buzz word. Touted as a wellbeing panacea, mindfulness training has been adopted by American institutions of all kinds, from corporations to prisons, schools, and hospitals.
Hanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, is an annual reminder of abundance. For eight days in early winter, families and friends gather around a menorah each night to light candles and chant blessings to commemorate small miracles.
Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration isn’t until next month but protesters are already rearing to go. On Dec. 7, lawyers for a number of activist groups accused the National Parks Service (NPS) of colluding with the committee that organizes the presidential inauguration to thwart rallies in Washington DC.
Parents who want to expose their children to the internet of things should beware of a possible problem: Smart toys can be so clever that they turn into spies on your home. Two internet-connected toys have been called out by international consumer protection groups for turning over data collected from conversations with children to companies without parents’ permission.
Oakland, California is booming. Uber is building its headquarters there and Google is planning a local campus, and this enthusiasm has driven rents so high that alternative living is the only option for artists.
Casual gossips and careful listeners beware! You could get locked up if confidential shop talk is used to inform trades. Even if nothing is exchanged for the tips, sharing secrets is a benefit unto itself, and it’s illegal.
English is rich with linguistic treasures. But it’s missing certain words for sentiments that the events this year generated. While every year has ups and downs, this one was uniquely tiresome from the start.
