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January 18, 2013 The fact is: we find it easy to attribute mind to what looks and acts like a human being and we find it almost impossible to attribute mind to what does not.

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January 18, 2013 Since the cyclist admitted to doping, he has been likened by many news agencies to a hero from Greek tragedy. The ancient Greeks themselves, however, would probably disagree.

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January 18, 2013 In his interview with Oprah Winfrey, Lance Armstrong admitted to doping throughout much of his cycling career. Mike Luckovich questions the cyclist's motives and candor, while David Fitzsimmons thinks Armstrong's confession will have little impact where it really counts.

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January 18, 2013 A big boxing match usually features two guys, thick with muscle, who know how to bob, weave and use their fists. This bout has two fighters who can't make fists because they don't have hands. What they have are necks. Long necks.

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January 17, 2013 In his new book, Jared Diamond explores how hunters and gatherers, herders and farmers live in small-scale societies — and urges the rest of us to learn from their practices. Commentator Barbara J. King ponders why the book is making her tribe — anthropologists — so mad.

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January 17, 2013 President Obama has unveiled a list of executive actions to curb gun violence. Lisa Benson sees it as a direct assault on the Second Amendment, while Jimmy Margulies thinks congressional opposition to gun control legislation leaves the president with little choice.

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January 16, 2013 If you are up in space looking down on America west of the Mississippi, one of the brightest patches of light at night is on the Great Plains in North Dakota. It's not a city, not a town, not a military installation. What is it?

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January 16, 2013 I found liberation on the shelves and my favorite technical bookstore, an adventure that has everything in common with all the other kinds of geekdom, nerdisms and obsession that can — and should — unite us all.

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January 16, 2013 President Obama asked Congress to raise the debt limit to cover past spending commitments, stating, "We are not a deadbeat nation." Jimmy Margulies wonders if the president can stand his ground, while David Fitzsimmons offers a dismal diagnosis.

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January 16, 2013 Enthusiasm for sport can be a convenient cover to excuse the worst in us, says Frank Deford, because concussions for young men are the price of our love for football.

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January 16, 2013 It may not be as sexy as farro, as healthy as quinoa or as versatile as oats. But barley has a lot more going for it than being malted for beer or being dumped in a soup. Its versatility shines in salads, soup — even risotto.

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January 15, 2013 In a breathtaking video, astronauts talk of the Overview Effect: how their vision of the Earth — and our role in its future — changed once they saw it from space. It's high time we take their views seriously and act as a species to preserve our future.

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January 15, 2013 President Obama continues to roll out his cabinet picks for his second administration. Jeff Darcy wonders whether Jack Lew, nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, is too prepared to follow the President's lead, while Mike Luckovich thinks the president is heading pale-male into his second term.

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