Some people are naturally more willing to give their time, help, or money to strangers. But how can we measure generosity across countries? Washington, D.C.–based analytics firm Gallup conducts annual polls in 146 countries to rank civic engagement worldwide. Gallup interviews about 1,000 adults aged 15 and older in each country and builds a civic … Read more

Some people are naturally more willing to give their time, help or money to strangers. Gallup, an analytics firm based in Washington, D.C., surveys 146 countries each year to measure generosity worldwide. Interviewing around 1,000 adults aged 15 and older in each country, Gallup produces a civic engagement index based on three actions within the … Read more

The stock market is full of surprises. Predicting which stocks will soar and which will fall is impossible, so investors must accept a degree of volatility. Historically, markets produce more gains than losses, but when major downturns occur—as in 2008, when the S&P 500 fell about 37%—recoveries can take years. A company’s share price moves … Read more

The stock market is full of surprises. Predicting which stocks will soar and which will collapse is impossible; volatility is inevitable. Historically, markets show more gains than losses, but when downturns occur—like in 2008 when the S&P 500 fell 37%—it can take years to recover. A stock’s value can be influenced by many factors: shifts … Read more

Comic books adapted into films and television series are nothing new. Marvel is one of the dominant forces that routinely turns its most famous comic book storylines into big-screen and small-screen productions (the other major player being DC Comics). Over the years Marvel’s output has ranged from massive hits like Spider-Man (2002) and Spider-Man 2 … Read more

Comic book adaptations for film and television are nothing new, and Marvel stands as one of the two dominant comic-book publishers consistently turning popular storylines into big-screen and small-screen productions (the other being DC Comics). Over the years Marvel has seen huge successes—like Spider-Man (2002) and Spider-Man 2 (2004)—as well as notable flops such as … Read more

Some businesses truly are ubiquitous. Fast-food chains, hotel groups and major coffee brands have built immense physical footprints, producing some of the most recognizable products and storefronts worldwide. Many of these long-established companies have maintained their core brands and traditions for decades while expanding through franchising or company ownership. Franchises make up a large share … Read more

Some businesses truly are everywhere. Fast-food chains, hotel groups and major coffee brands have built massive physical footprints and highly recognizable products. Many of these long-established companies have maintained their brands and traditions for decades while expanding across regions and continents. Much of this list consists of franchised businesses. In the United States alone, more … Read more

Humanity has brewed alcoholic beverages since ancient times. Egyptians produced wine and beer for daily use around 4000 B.C., and by the Middle Ages in Europe many people drank ale or beer every day. Several modern breweries and vineyards began as monastic operations where monks crafted high-quality beer and wine both for their own consumption … Read more

Humans have brewed alcoholic beverages since antiquity. The Egyptians were producing wine and beer for daily use as early as 4000 B.C., and by the Middle Ages many Europeans routinely drank ale or beer with their meals. Several modern wineries, breweries and distilleries trace their origins to monasteries where monks perfected recipes for high-quality beer, … Read more