Perspectives (KQED)

Once his daughter called him ‘Papa’ and thought he hung the moon. Now, Lane Parker has made the inevitable transition to ‘Bro.’ When my daughter was younger, she was always asking questions: Papa, why is the sky blue? What’s that bird? Where’s that water going? And I always had the answers. Fast forward — all … Continue reading From Papa to Bro →

Paul Staley says the line dividing the public and private spheres changes throughout history.

Swathi Ram visits her family in India and discovers a way of life that is both inspiring and a reminder to be grateful for her opportunities.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau laments Trump Administration changes to the Endangered Species Act regulations.

Teacher David Ellison used to get frustrated by students’ indifference to their future. Then someone reminded him he’s not God.

Summer is when it sizzles but Richard Swerdlow is positively shivering.

The world is sometimes divided into so-called developed and developing nations. Anees Chamarty contemplates the difference between her native and adopted countries.

Every former Cub Scout remembers the Pinewood Derby, but Michael Ellis’ memories are none too warm.

Last spring, scandal opened a conversation about privilege and entry to elite universities. YR Media’s Sierra Fang-Horvath discusses legacy in the Ivy League.

Marilyn Englander has taught both adult and young students and has noticed big differences in their approaches to learning.

Jason Tengco had little appreciation for his Filipino heritage until a single quote piqued his interest.

To bake the perfect loaf of sourdough, Peter Andrus had to let go of comfortable habits.

Hank Smith struggles to live up to the simple words from his autistic son.

Deidre Green describes the reunion of two long-separated and aging sisters.

When Joan Tornow’s computer can’t be fixed she finds that obsolescence isn’t just planned, it’s in a hurry.

Next time you order fast food, think about the workers who prepare and bring it to you. Young Alex Lu says he’s learned important lessons from his co-workers.

All gardens are terrific to Dan Gluesenkamp but a native plant garden is something special.

Ducks seem to glide effortless across a lake while paddling furiously below the surface. High achieving medical students like Arifeen Rahman know what that's like.

In the micro-geology of a patch of seashore, Ray Pestrong sees the immense scale of geology at work.

The older Richard Friedlander gets the smaller his world gets, and he’s just fine with that.