Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz's estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.

A new way to allow simulated and real robots to take on a life of their own is under development by a German team with colleagues at Edinburgh University.

Danny Seo explains why some appliances are more energy efficient than others, and what to look out for when shopping for upgrades.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs outlines the three greatest challenges to peace our planet will face over the course of the coming years.

Sometimes we all can use a little inspiration. I thought I

A discussion about China with Philip Pan, The Washington Post and Joseph Kahn, The New York Times.

In this prescient 2005 talk, Clay Shirky shows how closed groups and companies will give way to looser networks where small contributors have big roles and fluid cooperation replaces rigid planning.

THE MOST AWESOME OLYMPICS OPENING, EVER!

Derek is a programmer who lost his stage fright by doing more than 1,000 gigs as a circus ring leader. He is also the musician who started CD Baby, the world