Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment

An Interview with Poet Patricia Smith

Patricia Smith harnesses the power of words in her work. In this interview, read about why Smith feels that poetry—especially when spoken aloud—has the power to change not only attitudes but also people’s lives.

Ai Weiwei Alcatraz tour: Legos, protest songs and prison cells

Although detained in China for being critical of the Chinese government, Ai Weiwei still manages to create art supporting human rights and free speech. Read this photo essay about a visit to Alcatraz, a former military prison, and view Weiwei’s art made of Legos that speaks up for people from around the world who were imprisoned or exiled from their countries.

Why Are Dragons Important in Chinese Culture?

According to Chinese myths, dragons and humans lived side by side at one time. Learn why dragons are said to be protectors.

Edith Wharton’s World

In this brief biography, guest curators Eleanor Dwight and
Viola Hopkins Winner share details of the life of Edith Wharton.

Property Brothers: Living the Dream

Selling hangers and buying a house for a $250 down-payment were two important decisions for the Property Brothers. They offer suggestions about how to make other decisions in your life.

Lovecraft tribute still haunting on a beautiful spring day

In Providence, Rhode Island, birthplace of H.P. Lovecraft, horror fans gather at Ladd Observatory each year to pay tribute to “the father of modern horror fiction.”

Immigration, Migration, Identity at Center Stage in 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., highlights the cultural diversity of American communities. Read to learn more about this colorful event that brings many cultures together in the nation’s capital.

Extraordinary Artist Stephen Wiltshire Sees Cities Once, Draws Detailed Panoramas From Memory

Artist Stephen Wiltshire is know around the world for his detailed panoramas of cities drawn from memory. Read this article to find out how his autism may help him focus his brain to produce such extraordinarily detailed works. Then click on the link to view a slideshow of his drawings.

How Roller Coasters Work: Roller Coaster Components

Most people have seen or ridden a roller-coaster, and either fear riding one or like the ride. So you think you know how a roller coaster works? Compare what you know with what this article tells you.

Navajos share stories about their past, the world

In Phoenix, Arizona, a new program allows people to learn about Navajo traditions and stories. Children and their families hear traditional Navajo stories that help them learn more about their roots.

Dual Axis Illusion named the Best Illusion of 2019

Optical illusions are fun to look at, but did you know there’s an annual competition for creating new illusions? Check out a recent winner.

Colson Whitehead’s ‘Underground Railroad’ Is a Literal Train to Freedom

In this Fresh Air interview, author Colson Whitehead talks about how he re-imagined the escape from enslavement.

How we showed Homer’s Odyssey is not pure fiction, with a little help from Facebook

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey may seem like pure fiction, but social media tools reveal that they’re at least partly based in fact.

How the Hidden Sounds of Horror Movie Soundtracks Freak You Out

Sometimes when you’re watching a scary movie, you feel dread even though nothing you see is terrifying. Learn how movie soundtracks can manipulate our emotions.

9 Legends of American Folklore

Folktales show us a lot about who we once were and still are. Check out these descriptions of nine classic characters from American folklore: Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Sally Ann Thunder, Johnny Appleseed, Mike Fink, Pecos Bill, Geronimo, and Old Stormalong. Why were they so famous? Why are they still famous today?

Shakespeare in lockdown: Did he write King Lear in plague quarantine?

One silver lining of shelter-in-place orders is that they might give rise to creativity. Learn more about a popular idea that sets the bar high.

Katy Perry, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, and others share what they wish they’d known as a teenager

Check out this link to learn what advice some of the most famous and successful people in the world have for teenagers.

Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Ambition

Abraham Lincoln once wrote, “I think nothing equals Macbeth.” Learn about how Shakespeare’s dramatic exploration of ambition may have affected how Lincoln acted on his own ambition.