When day-to-day life grinds along in its own way for each of us, it can feel like we’re rolling through in the muddled-up middle. No clear definition, not much stark contrast. But slow down and look a little closer, and it’s apparent that life is full of extremes.
A theme of extremes runs through this annual special issue— consider it the Everything Worth Knowing section on life at the edge. You may know quite a bit about some of these environments, yet discover new details. You may learn a whole lot about others. Either way, expect the romp through these pages to bring life out of that muddled middle and into sharp focus.