We now live longer, happier, healthier lives, are vastly less likely to die a violent death or to face persecution for our religious beliefs, skin color or sexual orientation.

FORBES: The Dark Side of Technology

He had let him die with that cold desperate expression in his face.

FORBES: Santa Arrived Too Late

Everyone understands that in a competitive economy, businesses face an ultimatum: maximize efficiency or die.

FORBES: The Virtue Of Employee Layoffs

It found dementia patients in hospital were more likely to face longer stays, be readmitted and die there.

BBC: Health and care system 'struggling with dementia'

Then you look at her and smile a smile your dissembling face will remember until the day you die.

NEWYORKER: Alma

While the Republican-led House has voted to repeal the law, that effort is expected to die in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and in any case would face President Obama's veto pen.

WSJ: Judge Rejects Health Law

The movement largely grew out of opposition to U.K. membership of the euro, a do-or-die struggle to preserve the U.K.'s independence in the face of what was seen as an inevitable step towards political union.

WSJ: Cameron Main Threat to Britain In Europe

And just in time: America's baby-boomers are having to face up to their own mortality as they reach their 50s and watch their parents die.

ECONOMIST: Doctor-assisted suicide

Die-hards can spend up to 15 hours climbing the glacier's almost vertical north face, but moderate hikers prefer this wind-whipped, 90-minute scramble, where the spectacular views more than compensate for any burning thighs.

BBC: The perfect trip: The Canadian Rockies