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.
Arts & Entertainment
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.
Gordon Parks exhibit offers intimate glimpse into segregation-era life for African Americans
Source: The Conversation
In 1950, just before the Civil Rights movement, Gordon Parks took a series of photographs of Fort Scott, Kansas, his hometown, for Life magazine. Now on display in an exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, art lecturer Toni Pepe Den reviews the images.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Funny Civil War
Source: The New York Times
In the second year of the Civil War, Nathaniel Hawthorne published an article in Atlantic Monthly outlining his unconventional views on the war. American Studies professor Cynthia Wachtell offers her opinion about the piece.
Faulkner of Oil Country: Rick Bass Talks New Novel
Source: The Daily Beast
Author Rick Bass discusses the inspirations for his stories and novels.