Human beings have been telling tales for a very, very long time. Check out this site to learn about four tales you may never have heard before, the stories of the Queen of Sheba, Shangri-La, King Arthur, and Jason and the Argonauts.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Folk singer, activist Pete Seeger dies at 94
Pete Seeger used his music to protest and advocate for his beliefs—from the importance of cleaning up the Hudson River to fighting against Hitler. Read this article to learn more about the life of this music legend.
The Road Back: Frost’s Letters Could Soften a Battered Image
Harvard University and Robert Frost’s estate have partnered to release letters from the poet. These letters show a more balanced, generous person than has previously been portrayed to the public.
Where opera & abolitionist heroine Harriet Tubman meet
When composer Nkeiru Okoye was a young girl, her mother shared stories about Harriet Tubman. Now, Okoye is paying tribute to Tubman with a folk opera that shows audiences Tubman’s life, both in slavery and in freedom.
3D movie reveals hidden dimensions of universe
With advances in digital and microscopic imagery, a new film entitled “Mysteries of the Unseen World” is showing viewers everyday items from perspectives their eyes would never allow them to see. Watch this interview with Louie Schwartzberg, the film’s director, to learn more.
Eliza Griswold on the Importance of Taking Risks
A young writer explains how she left a comfortable job to become a freelance journalist who would fly into hotspots on a moment’s notice.
Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?
Ever wondered why some people love scary stories, frightening movies, and haunted houses? In this article, “scare specialist” Dr. Margee Kerr talks about the reasons some people enjoy being scared.
Top 5 Influences on Regional Cooking in the United States
Do you like Tex-Mex, Hawaiian, or Creole food? Check out this article about how other cultures’ cuisines have impacted food in the United States.
The Top 10 Horror Stories
Stephen Jones, editor and writer, lists the top ten horror stories he would include in an anthology of the genre. Check out the list to see if you have read these scary tales.
Mixtape of the Revolution
Protest songs often document or even fuel the desire for political change. This New York Times article examines the importance of music in the revolutions of the Arab Spring.
Hemingway on War and Its Aftermath
Although best know for his fiction, Ernest Hemingway was also a war correspondent and a Red Cross ambulance driver. Read this article from the National Archives to find out how Hemingway’s wartime experiences influenced his writing.
Eric Whitacre: A Virtual Choir 2,000 Voices Strong
Eric Whitacre is the creator and conductor of the virtual choir, a network of YouTube-connected singers from around the world who came together to create a virtual choir. Watch this video to hear their story and their magical music.
Fairy-Tale Adaptations: It’s Ever After, All Right
Adaptations of fairy-tales are nothing new, but a few years ago, they started popping up on prime time television. What would the Brothers Grimm have thought? Check out this report to see what’s going on—and why.
Spinning Horror Into Gold
Jason Blum is making movies that bring in billions of dollars. Read the article and watch the video clip to learn more about how Jason’s love of scary movies in making him rich.
Miami Museum Celebrates the Art of a Crossroads
Miami is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. The new Perez Art Museum Miami strives to celebrate and showcase that diversity and all the unique perspectives that come with it.
Bioluminescent Art: Beautiful Bacteria Glow in the Dark
Changes that happen in nature can be a source of surprising art. In this article, Anna Norris discusses how microbiology and visual design merge to create a new art form.
Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, New York City
In 1852–1853, artist Johannes Adam Simon Ortel painted Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, New York City, a work depicting an event that took place shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How did the era in which Ortel lived and painted affect Ortel’s depiction? Visit this site to view Ortel’s painting and learn the answer.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You
You’ve probably watched a Kid President speech or two before, but did you know that he has something to say about Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”? Watch this video to hear Kid President’s opinions about the decisions we face. Can we all really choose to become “awesome”?
The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company
The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company poses this question: “If Shakespeare were alive, would he be a rapper?” Exlore the site to find out about this exciting theater company.
Sweet Sorrow
The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the most famous theater companies in the world. Neil Bartlett, director of a 2008 production of Romeo and Juliet, ponders why the play is still so popular with audiences. After you read the article, browse the site to find out more about the RSC and about their many productions of Romeo and Juliet.