Read about the life and influence of Thomas Paine, whose writing helped shape the United States.
Author Archives: Anita Hacker
Where the Buffalo No Longer Roamed
While the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad connected the East coast and the West coast, it also led to the further decrease of the Native American population, as well as that of buffalo herds.
Revenge and the people who seek it
Psychologists study what leads people to seek revenge and how they feel after undertaking vengeful acts.
Stephen Crane
This biography of author Stephen Crane includes an analysis of some of his work. Click the “Poems, Articles, & More” tab to read some of his poetry.
Error of Century? Balboa Park With No Statue of Balboa
Historian Helen Otfield argues that a statue of Vasco Núñez de Balboa should be erected in San Diego’s Balboa Park, and she provides some history of the Spanish explorer.
Walt Whitman’s war
Self-published in 1865 and then consolidated into other volumes of poetry, Walt Whitman’s Drum-Taps, a collection of 69 poems, is now seeing new life 150 years later.
Book Nook: The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough
Historian and best-selling author David McCullough discusses his new book, The Wright Brothers, with Book Nook podcast host Vick Mickunas.
Conversing With the World: The Poet in Society
Read about the role of protest and political poetry throughout American history.
How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain
In a recent study, researchers found that walking in a natural setting improved participants’ moods and states of mind.
Tinker v. Des Moines (393 U.S. 503, 1969)
Read this brief history of the Tinker v. Des Moines ICSD case, in which the Supreme Court ruled that students have the right to protected free speech under the First Amendment.
Remembering the fight for women’s rights: Suffragists at Seneca Falls laid groundwork for others in the struggle for equality
The first convention for women’s rights in the United States took place in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. Writer Michael Sainato remembers the people who met there and highlights the influence they had on those that followed.
Phillis Wheatley
American Colonial poet Phillis Wheatley was brought from Africa to the United States as a child. Though a slave, she was taught to read and write and became a renowned poet for a time.
‘Map: Collected and Last Poems,’ by Wislawa Szymborska
Read this review of a recent collection of poetry by Wislawa Szymborska.
Target to move away from gender-based signs
Responding to criticism that gender-based signs are unnecessary, Target stores will start to remove them in toy and bedding departments.
The Gold Rush of 1849
In the middle of the 19th century, the California Gold Rush transformed the country.
Jamestown Unearthed: Historic Jamestowne Opens Hands-On Archaeology to Guests
A new exhibit on Jamestown Island allows visitors to sift through archeological artifacts themselves and to view 3D printer technology that archeologists use to replicate the artifacts.
Modernism
Read about the history of modernism in literature.
How a bunch of government space geeks at NASA won the internet
Read how NASA has successfully built a social media campaign and reignited interest in space programs.
Emma Watson calls on men to help fight gender inequality: ‘It’s your issue too’
During a speech to launch the UN “HeForShe” campaign, actress Emma Watson argued that men play a major part in achieving gender equality.
Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence
Stephen Lucas, a professor of humanities, analyzes the language of the Declaration of Independence.