Editor’s Note: This book excerpt has been reorganized to fit the needs of the article. Evolution of Our Understanding of Memory Collapse of a Banquet Hall Many current principles used to strengthen our memories can be traced back hundreds or even thousands of years. And although I don’t think it’s necessary to learn everything some of…

A talented high school art teacher has produced an enormous, 40-foot (12-meter) patriotic military mural for an Iowa state park as a tribute to the nation’s brave veterans. Dave Schaeffer, 43, of Blue Grass, Iowa, teaches art to ninth through twelfth grades at Davenport West High School in his hometown of Davenport. He was approached by…

A man with autism and dyslexia has turned his fascination for the microscopic world into miniature works of art, inspiring others to look more closely at both the world around them and the unique potential of each and every one of us. Dr. Willard Wigan MBE, 65, grew up in Birmingham, England, where he lives…

Roaring waves and mewing ocean birds penetrate the pre-dawn darkness. Nick Selway, who has lived here in Hawaii for 14 years, parks and enters before the gate opens. He then walks 20 minutes down to the shore where the water is warm—around 80 degrees. His goal is to photograph the magic of a sunrise shining…

In a massively ambitious renovation, a British man has transformed an abandoned water tower from the 1940s into a unique luxury home worth millions. The concrete water tower, which was built in the 1940s, is situated at Clovelly Cross, about 15 minutes from the port town of Bideford in southwest England. It was decommissioned in…

It was a match made in Heaven. Patrick Acton loved working with his hands—and matchsticks were cheap to come by. These two were paired together thanks to long winters in Iowa during the 1970s; and what began as a hobby crafting old country barns and churches out of matchsticks launched Acton to worldwide fame. His…

Two self-taught artists from Australia have found their creative outlet in crafting furniture and art out of living trees. Through planning and patience, they make art that evolves over time, with the utmost respect for nature. An incredible “living chair” that took nine years to finish has put the couple on the map. Peter Cook,…

A lifelong swimmer and surfer from California has captured the beauty and power of the ocean through his long career, and his reverence for water radiates from his art. Fine art photographer Aaron Chang, 66, lives in Carlsbad, California. He started competitive swimming at the age of 7 and surfing at 9. He credits the…

An elderly car enthusiast’s astonishing collection of 230 rare classic cars has been discovered by a Dutch auction house, and the lot, including European and American cars collectively worth millions, is soon to be sold at auction. One particular, “undeniably stylish and sophisticated” sports car from the 1950s is expected to fetch in excess of…

A bizarre stone house built between four granite boulders, conceived of by a couple in the 1970s as a unique mountain getaway, has earned a fanbase for its weird, intriguing features. Casa do Penedo, meaning “house of stone,” is located at 2,600 feet of elevation in the Fafe Mountains of Serra da Lameira, Portugal. It…