Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment

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.

What Are The Dangers Of A Single Story?

In this radio interview, author Chimamanda Adichie discusses the benefits of hearing stories from multiple points of views. Her original TED Talk on the subject is also included.

Jonathan Swift Biography

Jonathan Swift, the 18th-century Irish writer and satirist, worked in many professions and eventually became a man of some influence.

Surprising responses to Hamlet Africa tour

Researchers record the reactions of audiences in Africa to a production of Hamlet by a Shakespeare Globe theater troupe.

Top 10 Scariest Flicks of All Time

What are your scariest movies? Here’s a pick of the top ten scariest movies of all time. See if you agree!

Order to the Chaos of Life: Isabel Allende on Writing

Chilean American author Isabel Allende answers the question why writers write. Read why she shows up every day to make her voice heard.

A Life Lived in a Rapidly Changing World: Samuel L. Clemens, 1835 – 1910

Author Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain. Find out about why and how his work shaped his literary life.

Anna Kendrick’s ‘Indianna Jones’: Should a woman don the fedora for real?

Read about Hollywood’s recent trend of casting women in roles made famous by men, including in the re-make of the 1980s blockbuster Ghostbusters.

Arthur Miller Biography

Read about the life of Arthur Miller, who used his dealings with the House of Un-American Activities Committee as inspiration for The Crucible.

Nellie Bly: Google Doodle’s 1st original song (Karen O) salutes an American original

In the late 1800s, investigative journalist Nellie Bly reported on issues that shed light on people who were disadvantaged and voiceless. Recently Google paid tribute to her by featuring an original song about her contributions as its daily Google Doodle.

Romeo and Juliet: The Sources of the Plot

Shakespeare’s astonishing output of plays didn’t spring from thin air; he drew from a wide array of sources for his plots and characters, including those of the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet.

Circus ‘Families’ Bonded by Daring and Danger

Part of the thrill of watching a circus performance is the inherent danger—what if that trapeze artist or tightrope walker falls? Read about the precautions circus performers take to ensure their safety, and what happens when things go wrong.