Thoreau’s Walden, Present at the Creation
Source: NPR
Listen to the radio piece to learn what inspired Thoreau to live at Walden Pond and what he experienced while he was there.
Arts & Entertainment
Odysseus’ Ship
Source: History
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
Source: How Stuff Works
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
Source: NPR
Author Anthony Doerr discusses his new award-winning book, All the Light We Cannot See.
Akira Kurosawa: Throne of Blood
Source: The Guardian
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’
Source: Variety
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
Source: Make Magazine
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
Source: How Stuff Works
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
Source: The Washington Post
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
Source: CNN
Author Ilie Ruby recalls the thrills of hearing ghost stories around campfires and explores why it is we are drawn to them.