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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 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 How The Big Lebowski's Dude is schooling us all in the ways of the Zen. Its all in the abiding.

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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 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 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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January 14, 2013 Just when we were patting ourselves on the back for avoiding the end of the world, the folks at The Edge offer more than 150 reasons to worry this year. Commentator Tania Lombrozo identifies some common areas of concern.

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January 14, 2013 There are many theories about where the expression comes from — among them square-riggers with three masts, the amount of cloth in the queen's bridal train, the Shroud of Turin, and a prodigiously well-endowed Scotsman who gets his kilt caught in a door.

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January 14, 2013 Though former MI5 director Stella Rimington knows better than anyone that Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love is not a realistic portrayal of life in the intelligence services, she still loves this tale of sex and violence. Which is your favorite Bond book? Tell us in the comments.

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January 14, 2013 Vice President Joe Biden has promised to deliver recommendations on limiting gun violence to President Obama this week. Steve Kelley questions whether new laws are necessary, while Clay Bennett sees one unintended result: increased gun sales.

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