Author: James Dorman

IQ is a way to test and measure the intelligence of an individual. Gather enough IQ data, and you can get a value for the IQ of a whole community — like an entire state, say. If we compare the IQ scores of one state against the other, we can rank different states to see who has the highest and lowest IQ. If you’re curious to see where your state ranks, then read on. What Is the IQ Test? Source: Scott Graham/Unsplash Before seeing where your state ranks, it’s useful to understand more about what IQ is. IQ, or intelligence…

Read More

In what sounds like part of the plot of a horror movie, the Vatican has released guidelines for investigating the supernatural. In a document published by the Catholic Church, they describe in detail how to properly carry out the discernment of any alleged supernatural phenomena that are reported. What Is In the Document Source: Grant Whitty/Unsplash The published document, which has been translated into seven languages, addresses how the Church should go about investigating supernatural occurrences. It goes into detail on specifically how events that “seem to exceed the bounds of ordinary experiences, presenting themselves as being supernatural in origin”…

Read More

Social media allows people to project a distorted, idealized view of their “real” lives. It’s common for online influencers to post about their luxurious lifestyles. However, China is cracking down on this “wealth-flaunting” behavior. The accounts of multiple users known for posting content of this kind have been blocked as part of a crackdown by the Chinese government on conspicuous displays of wealth. What Is ‘Wealth-Flaunting’? Source: Shane/Unsplash “Wealth-flaunting” is exactly what it sounds like — displaying and showing off how affluent you are for the admiration of others. Anyone who revs their engine at a stoplight so people will…

Read More

Professor Stephen Hawking was one of the most renowned scientific minds in history. He also had a significant presence in the media and culture.  He was no stranger to tackling big questions and ideas. His take on the question as to whether or not God exists is logical and scientific, as you might expect, and fairly straightforward. The World’s Most Famous Scientist Source: Wikimedia Commons Stephen Hawking was one of the most renowned astrophysicists of his time. He imparted valuable scientific knowledge during his career and shared his insights and warnings regarding the future of science. He was also one…

Read More

California is synonymous with the glitz and glamor of the movie business. But there seems to be an exodus of stars away from the hills of Hollywood to new pastures.  People working in many industries, but notably the movie business, are leaving California and relocating to new states. Nevada is a popular destination. Mark Wahlberg’s Move to Nevada Source: Rhea Wahlberg/Instagram Mark Wahlberg is one notable big-name actor to trade California for Nevada, uprooting his whole family and making a new home. He outlined his reasons for doing so in an interview with People. He sees Nevada as a place…

Read More

Tipping at the checkout is nothing new for American shoppers. If you see a touch-screen device at checkout, you can pretty much bet money on being asked if you’d like to leave a tip. But customers are now being prompted to tip, even if they have had zero interaction with an employee. Self-Checkouts and Tipping Prompts Source: Onesix/Unsplash It appears that shoppers aren’t free from tipping pressures, even if they’ve done all the work themselves. Tipping screens are becoming a common part of using self-checkout machines. An article from the Wall Street Journal noted that customers who ring themselves up,…

Read More

In the words of State Senator Steven Bradford, the state of California bears a responsibility to atone for historic injustices against black Californians. The California Senate advanced a set of ambitious reparation proposals to try and do just that.  Included in the proposal is legislation to create an agency to assist Black families in researching their lineage. This research would confirm their eligibility for future restitutions. Generational Debt Source: Tingey Injury Law Firm/Unsplash Sen. Bradford has said, “If you can inherit generational wealth, you can inherit generational debt.” He sees these reparation measures as simply paying a debt that is…

Read More