Alyssa A. L. James

Over the past three years, my husband Mark and I have taken several trips abroad. One thing we love doing on our travels is visiting markets—they are the perfect places to mingle with the locals and bring home a handmade or pre-loved gift that serves as a reminder of the experience.

If you’ve ever considered yourself “bad at gifts,” you’re not alone. In fact, it’s science. Humans simply have a hard time predicting other people’s preferences. That’s why it’s even more meaningful when you give that perfectly thoughtful present.

Even young Harlemites will tell you they still remember a time when the 3-train cleared out after 96th street. While Harlem has changed before their eyes, the neighbourhood’s history is more resonant than ever. Today you can feast at some of Manhattan’s best restaurants, sip craft beer and cocktails, and learn about the best of Black culture and history. Even in a short visit it’s easy to see why they call it Harlem World.

We’re still on a high from rolling up our sleeves, and put together a list of the best flicks to cosy up with this weekend to get in the sushi spirit. Cosy up on your couch and get ready to watch one of these mouth-watering films — you might want to have your favourite London sushi spot on speed dial.

No season divides opinion quite like winter does. On the one hand, we get holiday cheer, cosy scarves, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. On the other, it’s short days, chilly apartments, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. However you feel about winter, it’s true that it brings unique physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the world, it’s tough to make a new place your home. But what even is home? The various metaphors and proverbs that attempt to explain home illustrate that it isn’t necessarily a place. Rather, it’s a feeling we build or create with people, objects, and experiences. In short, home starts with you.

Say what you will about McDonald’s, but as a cultural anthropologist, one of the things I respect most about their brand is the international menu concept. From maple and bacon poutine in Canada and gazpacho in Spain to India’s McPaneer Royale, McDonald’s knows how to give the people what they want. And how do they give a global brand local appeal? By gaining a deep understanding of the consumers in every market they plan to enter.

Besançon is the laid-back capital of the Franche-Comté region. A wander through ‘La Boucle’—the old town nestled in the loop of the river Doubs—uncovers ancient houses, 17th century Spanish-style stone mansions, monuments to Victor Hugo, and the architectural gift of King Louis XIV and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Vauban’s Citadel.
Borderlands are often places of transition and Besançon is no exception. The city combines Roman ruins, French culinary heritage, Spanish touches, and the emerald g...

What is market analysis? And how can it help you grow your brand and identify market needs? Get the lowdown with our market analysis cheat sheet. Now grab a coffee.

Just 50 minutes from Split by ferry, Brač is an island with beautiful pebble beaches and delightful villages, tall mountains and Aleppo pine forests. People also come to take part in adventure sports against the island’s natural backdrop. Unlike its neighbouring island Hvar, Brač (pronounced ‘Brahtch’) is mainly populated by local Croatians, so the island has retained much of its traditional character.

A Q & A with Cathy Haynes on creativity.

While researching ways to feel more connected in a society where 45% of people report feeling lonely, authenticity emerged as a common strategy for combating loneliness. When there’s an gap between what you’re delivering to others and how you’re actually experiencing life, loneliness and insecurity are sure to follow. Why? Well, when you’re not showing people the real you, you can’t be sure the person is choosing you.

For some, the decision to start their own business comes from realising that their heart isn’t in their job. For others, it comes down to a desire for flexibility, autonomy, or to do something that matters to you. It’s personal. So how do you know whether this path is for you?

A lot of people define Likert scales as questionnaires where you choose among five- or seven-point scales, such as Strongly Agree—Strongly Disagree. But I strongly disagree—those are Likert-type responses.

Tips for writing survey questions