For most Americans, childcare is among their highest household expense. In fact, in the 40 years between the 1970s and the 2000s per child spending on childcare increased by a staggering 2000 percent. Yup. You read that right. The reasons are several, but have a lot to do with the growing number of women in this period who entered the workforce, requiring families to pay others to watch their children. Yet it’s also getting more and more expensive in this country while the quality, overall, is not likewise improving. That’s why some argue that nationally-funded pre-K programs are so essential. But, despite evidence that government spending on children in their first five years of life accrues material and financial benefits to society as a whole – not to mention the significant benefits to the children themselves – there is, of course, debate. And, as we watch our childcare bills grow, still no federal program.
Whales are cool. Among the 41 species of whales, one – the blue whale – is the largest creature to have ever lived. Yes, bigger than any dinosaur. If that wasn’t enough, turns out, whales might also be key to preventing a climate disaster. That’s because they absorb so much of the carbon that is responsible for warming the planet. It even remains in their bodies, on the bottom of the sea floor, after they die. The International Monetary Fund estimates each whale is worth about $2 million because of these carbon absorbing properties. And researchers have predicted that if we can bring whale populations back up to pre-industrial levels, it would be “the equivalent of planting four Amazon rainforests.” That would entail growing the population from about 1.3 million whales back to 4 million or 5 million. Not a simple task. But the pay off could potentially save us all.
The holiday season is here. You’ve survived Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the many extensions of the sales associated with those days. If you’re sort of over buying any more stuff, check out this guide to experiences you can givepeople on your gift list this year instead.
If you’re not over buying more stuff, then this list of warm-weather gear might be for you. And we do mean warm quite literally. Each item here is heated.
We obviously love wool and think it’s pretty magical. Well,here’s one more use that just further proves our point. An ideal holiday gift for the adventure-seekers in your life who happen to spend a lot of time on their feet.
