The Benefits of Optimism Are Real
Source: The Atlantic
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.
Arts & Entertainment
The guitarist who saved hundreds of people on a sinking cruise liner
Source: BBC
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’?
Source: History Channel
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
Source: The Guardian
Learn about this incredible author’s commitment to representation and justice through storytelling.
Why is Being Scared so Fun?
Source: TED-Ed
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)
Source: Live Science
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
Source: How Stuff 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
Source: Smithsonian
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
Source: Smithsonian
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
Source: PBS
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.