Pacific Standard » Culture

The Top Ten Reasons to go to Mindshare

Michael Fitzgerald — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:13:57 +0000

Be warned—you will experience deep feelings of innovation inadequacy when you behold the creative ferment on display.

The Top Ten Reasons to go to Mindshare On Pacific Standard -

The More Fox News You Watch, the Less You Know

Vince Beiser — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:33:39 +0000

The More Fox News You Watch, the Less You Know On Pacific Standard -

Pop Music Getting Sadder and Sadder

Tom Jacobs — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:49:03 +0000

New research finds Top 40 hits increasingly convey a complex mix of feelings, which may be good for art but bad for cheer.

Pop Music Getting Sadder and Sadder On Pacific Standard -

Kidding Yourself Is No Laughing Matter

Tom Jacobs — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:51:17 +0000

New research finds people who deny their darker impulses laugh less frequently.

Kidding Yourself Is No Laughing Matter On Pacific Standard -

Robot Deathmatch

Michael Fitzgerald and Matt Skenazy — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:12 +0000

In the minor leagues of the tech world, homemade robots duke it out in the bowels of the San Mateo fairgrounds.

Robot Deathmatch On Pacific Standard -

The Book of Mormon: A Biography

Wade Clark Roof — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:00:02 +0000

Wade Clark Roof, a professor of religion and society at the University of California, Santa Barbara, reviews Paul C. Gutjahr's new book.

The Book of Mormon: A Biography On Pacific Standard -

Comic Con on the Couch: Analyzing Superheroes

Spencer Ackerman — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:20:29 +0000

While "The Avengers" storms movie theaters nationwide, Robin Rosenberg delves into the inner psyche's of the main characters — and the people who dress like them.

Comic Con on the Couch: Analyzing Superheroes On Pacific Standard -

R.I.P. Traditional Marriage

Maria Streshinsky — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:25:11 +0000

What the fading of traditional marriage tells us about our growing class divide.

R.I.P. Traditional Marriage On Pacific Standard -

The L.A. Riots: What Difference Does 20 Years Make?

Vince Beiser — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:46:13 +0000

The L.A. Riots: What Difference Does 20 Years Make? On Pacific Standard -

Making Music Together Increases Kids’ Empathy

Tom Jacobs — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:44:00 +0000

New research from the U.K. suggests certain types of group music-making can help kids develop empathy

Making Music Together Increases Kids’ Empathy On Pacific Standard -

Paul Theroux on What’s Really Wrong With Africa

Maria Streshinsky — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:18:38 +0000

Travel writer Paul Theroux on why his latest book, "The Lower River", looks at the damage done by nongovernmental organizations in Africa.

Paul Theroux on What’s Really Wrong With Africa On Pacific Standard -

Is Facebook Stunting Your Child’s Growth?

Clifford Nass — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:09:43 +0000

A sociologist says social media damages tweens’ emotional intelligence – with potentially serious consequences.

Is Facebook Stunting Your Child’s Growth? On Pacific Standard -

China’s Urban Immigrants: A Diet of Bitterness

Maura Elizabeth Cunningham — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:48:28 +0000

A handful of new books, both academic and popular, explore the complexities of China’s rural-to-urban migration.

China’s Urban Immigrants: A Diet of Bitterness On Pacific Standard -

Tattooed, Pierced, and Plastered

Tom Jacobs — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:00:12 +0000

French researchers find young people with both a tattoo and a piercing drink more during a night out at the local bar.

Tattooed, Pierced, and Plastered On Pacific Standard -

Why Thomas Kinkade’s Art Touched So Many

Tom Jacobs — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Thomas Kinkade, the best-selling “Painter of Light,” has never enjoyed the academic scrutiny accorded other homespun artists — until now.

Why Thomas Kinkade’s Art Touched So Many On Pacific Standard -