Rollercoasters, haunted houses, scary movies — we enjoy being scared, but have you ever wondered why? Some scientists think being scared is good for us!
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Why Black Panther’s representation matters, according to the cast
If tales of superheroes serve to inspire us and reflect what we value, they should represent all of us. Hear from the director and cast of the blockbuster movie.
This ASL interpreter steals the show at rap concerts
Until recently, the self-expression afforded by rap and hip-hop performances was unavailable to deaf audiences. With energetic and expressive sign language interpreters taking the stage along with the artists, that is changing.
A Poet Who Pushed (and Recycled) the Envelope
In this article, we learn about a new book, The Gorgeous Nothings, that showcases bits of poetry written on envelopes by Emily Dickinson. Be sure to enlarge the images to take a look at Dickinson’s manuscripts.
Woman On Street Attacked By Giant Snail, It Seems
The artist Julian Beever uses perspective to create amazing sidewalk art that looks three-dimensional—as long as you look at it from the right angle.
Can Museums and Other Institutions Keep up With Digital Culture?
In a rapidly-changing digital world, traditional cultural institutions like symphonies and museums are struggling to remain relevant. Find out how some are trying to keep up.
Shakespeare’s Sources for Macbeth
Where did Shakespeare get his ideas? This essay by Amanda Mabillard analyzes the sources and motivations underlying Shakespeare’s writing of The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Edgar Allan Poe – Mini Biography
Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy continues to pervade American culture to this day. His work and ideas not only helped to create an entire genre of literature but also changed the way many Americans thought and spoke about the human psyche. Watch this short biography of one of America’s most influential Dark Romantics.
Magnified photos expose the secret beauty of sand grains
Dr. Gary Greenberg uses high-quality microscopes to magnify and photograph grains of sand from beaches all over the world. Read this brief article to learn more. Make sure to click the link to view his spectacular images.
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry in the United States, and the third woman to do so, regardless of race. Learn more about the life of this native of Senegal who was captured and enslaved at the age of eight.
Emily Dickinson Collection
Experience the Emily Dickinson Collection at Amherst College. Explore photos of the poet’s handwritten poems and letters.
Animation basics: The optical illusion of motion
This video explains how a human characteristic called ‘persistence of vision’ is the key to motion in animation.
Anne Frank: 10 beautiful quotes from The Diary of a Young Girl
This article appeared in January on Holocaust Memorial Day 2015, whose theme was “keep the memory alive.” Every time someone reads Anne Frank’s diary, that is what happens. What is your favorite quote from Anne Frank’s diary?
Zombie Neuroscience: Inside the Brains of the Walking Dead
What goes on inside the mind of a zombie? Two neuroscientists who are also avid zombie fans speculate about why zombies behave and act as they do. Based on their knowledge of the brain they explore some interesting reasons for their slow shuffle and poor coordination!
Fractal Patterns in Nature and Art Are Aesthetically Pleasing and Stress-Reducing
The patterns that appear in nature not only inspire art, but have health benefits as well.
Stitch by stitch, a brief history of knitting and activism
Learn about the significance of textiles and knitting in protest movements throughout history, and how people continue to use the craft to fight for causes they believe in.
A storytelling pilgrimage inspired by “The Canterbury Tales”
Inspired by The Canterbury Tales, a non-profit organization in England brings together volunteers and refugees who share their personal journeys on a five-day trek. Their goal is to create empathy through storytelling.
Review: Girls Just Wanna Play ‘Mac Beth’
Click here to read a review of a 2019 adaptation of Macbeth that features an all-female cast and imagines how teenage schoolgirls might choose to perform Shakespeare’s play.
Why Cultural Appropriation Isn’t Cool
We live in a multicultural society, so we enjoy food, music, and fashion from many backgrounds. But when is it sharing, and when is it stealing?
What Impact Do We Have On Our Environment? An Arlington Art Installation Makes Us Think About Our Presence
Artist Freedom Baird’s new outdoor exhibit in Arlington, Massachusetts, encourages viewers to consider the connection between humans, consumption, and nature.