Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Jack London Biography

In this biography, learn how Jack London’s adventurous life inspired his novels and stories.

Re-imagining Shakespeare’s plays in virtual reality game

It’s not likely that you think of Shakespeare and video games at the same time, but that may be about to change!

Why we’ll always be obsessed with – and afraid of – monsters

Read one author’s take on our “age of fear” and the rise of the zombie.

The Benefits of Optimism Are Real

In this article, Emily Esfahani Smith examines two films, Silver Linings Playbook and Life of Pi, to delve into the relationship between optimism and resilience.

The guitarist who saved hundreds of people on a sinking cruise liner

Heroes can often come in unexpected forms. Read about how this musician’s act of courage prevented an accident from becoming a tragedy.

What Inspired ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’?

Some legends are ancient, but others have risen more recently. Read the history and inspiration of one of America’s first–and most enduring–ghost stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Malorie Blackman’s ‘dynamic imaginary worlds’ win her the PEN Pinter prize

Learn about this incredible author’s commitment to representation and justice through storytelling.

Why is Being Scared so Fun?

Every year in America, nearly 30 million people visit haunted houses and horror movies bring in over half a billion dollars at the theater. Why do people like to be scared? Watch this video with Margee Kerr about the biology and psychology of being scared—and why being scared can be a good thing.

The Most Amazing Optical Illusions (and How They Work)

Thanks to modern neuroscience, we can understand the brain processes that take place we encounter some visual illusions. Explore this collection of popular illusions and find out how they work.

How Cliff Diving Works

Sometimes it’s best to avoid something you’re afraid of, especially if it’s dangerous. Visit this site to learn about one of the world’s most dangerous sports, cliff diving. Discover some of the sport’s basics, its most famous locations, and why it’s a good idea never to attempt it.

How America’s Leading Science Fiction Authors Are Shaping Your Future

Writer Eileen Gunn explores the pessimistic or optimistic views of science fiction authors and how their stories influence real scientists.

The (Still) Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s death is an unsolved mystery. This article present nine theories for the demise of this famous American writer.

A Conversation with Sir Patrick Stewart

In 2010, a modern version of The Tragedy of Macbeth appeared on PBS’s Great Performances. The star of that groundbreaking production, Sir Patrick Stewart, discusses the choices he and director Rupert Goold made to bring Shakespeare’s work to life on the small screen.

New Study Analyzes Heavy Metal Dancing

What is the relationship between mosh pits and nature? The answers to that question might surprise you! Two graduate students (who just so happen to be heavy-metal fans) are studying mosh pits to learn about particulate patterns and animal flocking behavior.

Professor Says He Has Solved a Mystery Over a Slave’s Novel

Gregg Hecimovich, a professor of English in South Carolina, may have successfully identified the woman who wrote The Bondwoman’s Narrative. The novel is thought to be the first written by an African-American woman. Until now, no one knew the author’s true identity.