Why are people often naturally afraid of heights? Why are some more fearful than others? This article explains what acrophobia is and how sensible fear of heights is.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Top 8 Special Animals in Greek Mythology
These mythological creatures are not your usual pets. Find out about a three-headed dog, a chimera, and other strange animals that appeared in ancient Greek tales.
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.
Conversing With the World: The Poet in Society
Read about the role of protest and political poetry throughout American history.
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.
The Psychology Behind Superhero Origin Stories
Why is it that in every superhero story, the hero never springs fully-formed into action? What’s so important about knowing why each superhero has the special powers he or she does?
Modern ‘Macbeth’ spills blood in the kitchen
Among the many resettings of Shakepeare’s powerful exploration of ambition at all costs is a BBC version set in the kitchen of a modern high-end restaurant. How well does a tale of medieval regicide translate to 21st-century TV chef wars? Find out in this review.
Eight female authors your class should know for the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Emma”
Like Mark Twain, Jane Austen wrote tales that made her one of the most popular writers in her day. Find out what other female authors became popular in their day and some little-known facts about each one.
Hollywood Horror: The Evolution of the Horror Movie Poster
How were movies advertised before the internet existed? This article looks at the important role that movie posters played in spreading the word about the latest, scariest horror movie.
Escher’s gravity-defying waterfall
M. C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist specializing in woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs inspired by mathematical principles. “Waterfall” is a lithograph first printed in October 1961 creating an optical illusion which Escher was famous for. Select the link in the article to see the original lithograph and more of Escher’s amazing work.
Modernism
Read about the history of modernism in literature.
Just A Few Important Words About The Declaration Of Independence
Stephen Lucas, a professor of humanities, analyzes the language of the Declaration of Independence.
Does Fiction Have the Power to Sway Politics?
Two writers argue that works of fiction can trigger political change, sometimes directly, but more often, indirectly. Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle, is one example.
In The Shadow Of Kafka: David Baddiel explores “The Metamorphosis” for new BBC radio series
Franz Kafka’s novella “The Metamorphosis” baffled readers when it first appeared in print a century ago. A new radio series explores its continuing influence.
Secrets Behind the Sidewalk: How 3D Sidewalk Art Is Made
Julian Beever and other 3D sidewalk artists use perspective to their advantage to help them fool the eyes of viewers. Learn about the techniques that create such convincing illusions.
Brain scans gauge horror flick fear factor
Film producer Peter Katz experiments with the use of brain scans to find out just how scary his movies are. Do you think that using medical science in this way interferes with the art of making horror movies?
Lincoln and Douglass Shared Uncommon Bond
In this interview, John Stauffer, author of the book Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham LIncoln, discusses the two men’s friendship and their mutual respect for each other.
Why the Story of Cinderella Endures and Resonates
The story of Cinderella has been told for centuries. James Deutsch, a professor of folklore, explains why Americans are particularly drawn to the tale.
Why we quoth ‘The Raven’ evermore
Editor Ron Charles critiques a new book about Edgar Allan Poe and ponders over the writer’s popularity with audiences and his scorn from academics.