On the Reformation's 500th anniversary, remembering Martin Luther's contribution to literacy
May 16, 2017 16:15 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luthers famous 95 Theses, which helped spark the founding of the Reformation and the division of Christianity into Protestantism and Catholicism. The 95 Theses critiqued...
Ten reasons why we should all love cyclists
May 16, 2017 14:00 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
Cyclists globally are much maligned by drivers who may never have thought about the many benefits they provide. In fact, cycling as a form of truly sustainable transport is increasingly the focus of attention by...

After the Olympics: stories from Rio's sex workers
May 13, 2017 03:21 am UTC| Insights & Views Life Economy
The vibrant city of Rio de Janiero has played host to some of the worlds best parties from Carnival, to the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Authorities have spent billions to ready the city, and each time...

Five rational arguments why God (very probably) exists
May 12, 2017 10:52 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
The question of whether a God exists is heating up in the 21st century. According to a Pew survey, the percentage of Americans having no religious affiliation reached 23 percent in 2014. Among such nones, 33 percent said...

Sex, drugs and feminism: for Brazil's female funk singers, the personal is political
May 12, 2017 10:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
At first sight, there is seemingly nothing feminist about Carioca funk, the electronic dance music coming out of Rio de Janeiros poor favelas. Nearly all the songs sung by women are of the sexually explicit, sometimes...

Is it time for the American dream to die?
May 11, 2017 14:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy Life
Commentators tend to agree on two main reasons for the rise and presidential victory of Donald Trump. His defiance of convention at a time when the institutions of democracy were (and still are) in crisis is often...

How the hijab has grown into a fashion industry
May 08, 2017 08:58 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
Nike, the well-known U.S. sportswear company, recently introduced a sports hijab. The reaction to this has been mixed: There are those who are applauding Nike for its inclusiveness of Muslim women who want to cover their...