My 3-year-old has been playing in her room by herself for an hour. I’m beginning to worry she is up to no good: Is she “decorating” her walls with a Sharpie or perhaps systematically pulling out tufts ...

In chapter 51 of his textbook, Sammonicus advises that any patient suffering from a fever should be given a piece of papyrus, at the top of which is written the magical word ABRACADABRA. Beneath that ...

About five years ago, I published a book called Magic Words. "A whole book?" some wondered. "Why can't you just give me a list?" Because the words aren't where the real magic lies. And yet, the media ...

Words are powerful things, particularly when we know how to wield them right. From the ancient “kismet” that signaled in-group belonging to the “Hey Google” of today, humanity has long understood that ...