Stanford researchers find a single question could be the key to changing someone's mind

Curiosity goes a lot further than we might think.

By Annie Reneau

The diversity of humanity means people won't always see eye to eye, and psychology tells us that people tend to double down when their views are challenged. When people are so deeply entrenched in their own perspectives they're refusing to entertain other viewpoints, what do we do?

Frequently, what we do falls into the "understandable but ineffective" category. When we disagree with someone because their opinion is based on falsehoods or inaccurate information, we may try to pound them with facts and statistics. Unfortunately, research shows that generally doesn't work. We might try to find different ways to explain our stance using logic and reasoning, but that rarely makes a dent, either. So often, we're left wondering how on Earth this person arrived at their perspective, especially if they reject facts and logic.

According to Stanford researchers, turning that wondering into an actual question might be the key.

A single mom from Michigan shared 5 frugal tips for keeping her home warm during brutal winters

"We had a 100+ year old house with terrible insulation."

By Emily Shiffer

Finding ways to stay warm during the winter is never easy, especially with rising energy costs. Now more than ever, keeping heating bills low is crucial.

On Reddit, a user shared frugal advice from their single mom about keeping a home warm during brutal Michigan winters on a tight budget.

"I currently live and grew up in mid Michigan with a very frugal single mother of 3 kids," user KookyUnderstanding65 explained. "We had a 100+ year old house with terrible insulation. We learned a few tricks for staying warm on a budget over the years. ... It was tough for a while, but we always made it through."

A new month, a new book. ♥️📚

Help name a newborn Asian elephant calf!

A new trunkload of joy has arrived at Smithsonian's National Zoo! Born overnight on Feb. 2 at 1:15 a.m. to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh, this little calf is the first to arrive at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years.

Even better, you get to be part of her baby naming. Cast a vote here for your favorite name by making a gift of $5 or more. Every dollar contributed is a vote for your favorite name and directly supports Asian elephant care and conservation.

Elderly rescue dog can't stop putting random items in his bed, keeping his family entertained

"He has stolen a lamp, framed poster art, a cooler. He took a teapot."

By Jacalyn Wetzel

Not all dogs are created equal. Some don't get the best start in life and end up in situations where they need rescuing. That was the case for an elderly golden retriever named Duke, who had been returned to a rescue so many times that he was nearly labeled unadoptable. His "bad dog" reputation wasn't due to aggression or destructive behavior. Instead, some might say Duke simply has sticky paws.

The golden retriever is something of a canine kleptomaniac, constantly stealing objects from around the house only to put them in his dog bed. He's not eating them, burying them, or even playing with them. Duke is a collector of sorts, a trait his previous owners couldn't get used to. But his current owner, Cathy Hoyt, understands the pup's strange behavior and rolls with it.