A geologist explores the intersection between his own field and myths around the world.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Robert Frost’s Commonly Misinterpreted “The Road Not Taken”
Give a popular poem a more careful reading and learn about the decision it may have driven Frost’s good friend to make.
Writing the future: A timeline of science fiction literature
Check out this interactive timeline of science fiction literature, from Jonathan Swift and Mary Shelley to Douglas Adams and Octavia Butler.
Saying yes to the world: Writer Anthony Doerr in Houston
English professor Doni Wilson reflects on a literary event in which author Anthony Doerr read from his short story “The Deep” and discussed his passion for life and the natural world.
William Carlos Williams
Read this biography of poet William Carlos Williams. Click “read this poet’s poems” to explore his work.
George Washington’s letter to Jewish community becomes musical call to action
An historic letter written by George Washington is the inspiration for a cantata recently performed at a Jewish congregation in Philadelphia. Read why the creators of the musical piece found the document to still be relevant and important.
Celebrate Our Mother Tongues
Educator and former U.S. Foreign Service officer Chris Livaccari discusses how Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” inspired him to examine his own family’s use of language.
One third of parents avoid reading children scary stories, study finds
A recent survey found that many parents avoid exposing their children to frightening stories and characters. Read to find out why some people think parents should let their kids read scary books.
Dunsinane: An Interview with the Playwright
Read about a recent sequel to Macbeth, based not only on Shakespeare’s tragedy but also on the historical record.
Rick Riordan: Mythology for middle school
In this short video, the author of novels based in Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies discusses why mythology and middle school are a perfect fit.
10 Ways Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
Learn about a few of the ways in which you quote Shakespeare every day, without even knowing it!
Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy
One way we find common ground with others is by imagining ourselves in their circumstances. Reading novels and stories that put us into a character’s thoughts can develop our ability to make connections in the real world.
Beyond Grief and Grievance
Poet and essayist Philip Metres argues that in attempt to use poetry to heal after tragedy, poets should be careful not to fall into cliché or exploitation.
Edgar Allan Poe–Cosmologist?
In this blog post, literary scholar René van Slooten argues that Poe was ahead of his time in scientific thought.
Why You Should Be Reading Wislawa Szymborska
Vogue magazine book critic Megan O’Grady explains why Wislawa Szymborska’s poetry has been meaningful in her life.
‘Writing Was Always an Act of Losing Control’: An Interview with Etgar Keret
Get this Israeli author’s perspective on how writing has helped him connect with others from around the globe.
Retellings of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ranked
Shakespeare’s great tragedy of love has been performed countless times, and each new generation gets its own film version of the play. Here is one critic’s opinion of which movie versions stand out.
What Can Magicians Teach Us about the Brain?
Neuroscience informs magicians’ techniques or magicians’ knowledge informs neuroscience. Well, it can work both ways according to this article. Scientists could have a lot to learn about cognitive processes…if magicians are willing to let them in on their secrets!
Navigating Without the Crutch of Technology
You are lost! How do you find your way? Reach for your cellphone and turn on GPS! John Huth, author of The Lost Art of Finding Our Way thinks we should allow ourselves to get lost once in a while to create a better connection with our environment. Click on the link within this article to watch a video clip of John Huth’s view on navigation without maps.
Humans of New York and the Cavalier Consumption of Others
In this column, writer and critic Vinson Cunningham compares the work of Humans of New York photographer Brandon Stanton to earlier documentarians such as Jacob Riis.