Tangent

Is there any reason why midwives and nurses—who would allow women greater control over their reproductive life—shouldn't perform abortions?

Understanding physics is like catching up with a soap opera: very complicated. Thankfully, there are trailers to keep us up to date.

The ancient Romans consulted Virgil for big decisions, by opening The Aeneid at random and interpreting the passage. If it worked for the Romans, it can work for a columnist eating sandwiches at her sister's apartment.

Degrowth economists argue that perpetual growth is unsustainable—therefore, we'd better contract the economy on purpose. And while this may seem unthinkable to some, it's a lot less loony—or dire—than we might assume.

What's the difference between an assault to the eardrums and a treat for them? The answer is a matter of aesthetics, yes, but also time and distance.

For those concerned with etiquette, there's nothing more nerve-wracking than an extended stay at a friend's house. How does one earn their keep? The answer, perhaps: write the hosts a poem.

The book you're reading, or the literary figure you currently idolize, can colour your life as you live it. And this can create problems.

While there are compelling arguments on both sides of the age-old debate, there's a good reason for preferring one to the other, and it doesn't have much to do with science.

The Catholic church is ready for aliens, theologically speaking. But extraterrestrials could mean bad news for more than just religious doctrine, and there's a chance they'll be nothing like we expect.