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.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
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.
Horror Movies: Why People Love Them
Why do we enjoy horror? Read about the various theories put forward for the popularity of horror movies.
The Psychology of a Horror Movie Fan
Discover the reasons why people say they love horror movies, while others hate them.
Who Was Edmund Pettus?
Just who was Edmund Pettus, and why was the famous bridge in Selma named for him? Find out here.
The Don’s Don: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beowulf translation finally arrives.
Katy Waldman, a correspondant for Slate, reviews J.R.R. Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf, published in 2014.
Edith Wharton Reveals the ‘Deeper Processes’ Behind Her Art
In 1933, author Edith Wharton revealed her writing process in an article published in The Atlantic.
Thoreau’s Walden, Present at the Creation
Listen to the radio piece to learn what inspired Thoreau to live at Walden Pond and what he experienced while he was there.
Odysseus’ Ship
In 1988, an ancient ship was found in the sea near the coast of southern Sicily. Learn how scientists and scholars decided that this old vessel could possibly be of the same time period as one of Odysseus’ ships.
Cave Paintings and Artifacts
The ideas of people who lived tens of thousands of years ago are preserved in cave paintings. Read what art historians speculate cave dwellers were trying to communicate.
World War II in a New ‘Light’: Empathy Found in Surprising Places
Author Anthony Doerr discusses his new award-winning book, All the Light We Cannot See.
Akira Kurosawa: Throne of Blood
The Tragedy of Macbeth has been produced for the stage and screen innumerable times in the past 400 years. Perhaps the most powerful version so far has been an adaptation by famed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Find out how “the Scottish play” translates to an ancient samurai setting.
Film Review: ‘Selma’
The Academy Award-nominated film Selma centers on a key struggle in the American civil rights movement. Read one reviewer’s appraisal of its artistic and narrative achievement.
From World’s Fair to Maker Faire: Isaac Asimov
In 1964, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov made predictions of many technological advancements. Many are here today. Will your work in the future bring more of his visions into our lives?
How the Vikings Worked
Many people have heard of the Viking god Thor and his mighty hammer. But the Vikings worshiped many gods and goddesses, just like the ancient Greeks. Read about their gods, evil giants, Valhalla, and more of their mythology as told in their sagas.
Richmond will fall again for 150th anniversary
Read about a four-day commemoration in Richmond, V.A. which will mark the 150th anniversary of the fall of the Confederacy’s capital on April 3, 1865.
Why we love ghost stories
Author Ilie Ruby recalls the thrills of hearing ghost stories around campfires and explores why it is we are drawn to them.