The Economics of Terrorist Groups
Last month, btw published news of “cultural vandalism” committed by the Islamic State (which is variously referred to as IS, ISIS, and ISIL). The extremist group appeared to have destroyed ancient artifacts in the Middle East because the objects were viewed as religiously offensive. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that ISIS has been […]
Anne Frank: The Enduring Power of a Single Voice
Maybe you have read Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl. If so, you will know that it chronicles the lives of the Franks, an upper-middle class Jewish family who fled Germany for Amsterdam. They went into hiding to avoid capture by the Nazi’s, who were forcing the Jews into concentration camps where many were […]
Remembering the “Forgotten War”
The Korean War, which took place between 1950 and 1953, is significantly less known compared to other wars that involved the United States, like World War II and the Vietnam War. It is sometimes called the “Forgotten War.” July 27 marks the 61st anniversary of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, so, let’s shed some […]
Making a Difference 67 Minutes at a Time
Last December, btw reported on the death of world leader Nelson Mandela and the impact his legacy will surely have for generations to come. July 18 (the date of his birth) will mark the 4th annual Nelson Mandela International Day. This commemoration began as a proposed resolution brought before the General Assembly of sixty-fourth session of the […]
Pranks a Lot!
Have you ever pulled off a really good practical joke or totally fallen for a flat-out hoax? What is it about a prank that is so satisfying to the prankster and catches the prankee off guard nearly every time? With a designated day marked for such shenanigans you’d think we’d be less gullible and more […]
Understanding Apartheid
Last week, btw reported on the death of Nelson Mandela. He was a prominent world leader and South Africa’s first black president. But he is perhaps best known for his fight to successfully end apartheid in his country. So What Is It? South Africa has a long history of racial tension going back to its […]
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013
Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday. Mandela was one of the most significant political and social leaders of the late 20th century. As a political activist, Mandela led social protests in South Africa against that nation’s apartheid policy of racial segregation. For his actions, Mandela was jailed by the South African government. He spent 27 years […]
A Look at Magnificent Libraries
Going back to their earliest days–2600 B.C.E.–libraries have been many things to many people. For some, they are institutions of learning and a place to acquire knowledge. For others, they are sanctuaries, safe havens, community gathering spaces or architectural marvels. Even today, in an age where the printed word is challenged by digital content, libraries […]
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
The end of war can be cause for celebration. The acknowledgement of victory and the joy of the thought of returning home to loved ones is cause to remember. Edward George Honey, a World War I veteran and journalist living in London at that war’s end also believed it was cause for a respectful silence. […]
Remembering Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher was the prime minister of Great Britain from 1979-1990. She is considered one of the most influential people of the 20th century, even though opinions of her can vary widely from person to person. She died at age 87 after having a stroke on April 8th. She was nicknamed “The Iron Lady” because […]