Though the Ancient Greeks didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, their myths are full of romance. Take a leaf out of their book this February 14th (or maybe don’t). 1. Apollo and Daphne: Don’t chase — it’ll work out better for everyone. Virtuous maiden Daphne was wandering around in the wilderness when the sun god Apollo showed…
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Love it or hate it, Bloomsday is the annual day of celebration for James Joyce's polarizing novel Ulysses. It takes place on June 16th each year, to mark the first day of the protagonist Leopold Bloom's journey across Dublin. To mark the occasion some Joyce fans follow the tradition of reading the novel in Edwardian garb—though…
Just for fun: we're celebrating the lives of three poets that were changed this week in history, many years ago, and examining the curious ways one turn of events can change a legacy. Here are three world-altering events from three years in poetic history... "The Raven" Is Born On this day in 1845, Edgar Allen…
As arguably the most important intellectual of his time, Albert Einstein exchanged letters with powerful contemporaries: fellow scientists, heads of state, dignitaries, philosophers. But what most might not know is that he also corresponded with children around the world. That's right--curious children would write and Einstein would reply, even at the height of his career…
It's Halloween! In honor of the creepiest of holidays, why not contemplate your own mortality? GOOD TIMES! Here are ten well-written or interesting conceived final goodbyes from folks (or folks who knew them) who have shuffled off this mortal coil. 1. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) [Gravestone in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon] GOOD FREND FOR IESVS SAKE…
Mark your calendars and make some plans! November 1st is National Author's Day. In 1929, the General Federation of Women's Clubs created the day to honor America's writers; in 1949, the day was officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Congress. The resolution states, in part, that "[b]y celebrating author's day as a nation, we…
Read More "Literary America: Ten Places to Visit for National Author’s Day"
Linguists have unlocked the key to what our ancient ancestors may have sounded like, and it sounds pretty amazing. Did you know that 6,500 years ago English and Farsi were the same language? How's that for world unity. From there, the language morphed into the single descendant of all modern Indo-European languages: PIE (which stands…
Here's a tip: keep some sheep leather and blue gauls handy... Yesterday we brought you the recipes to two authors' favorite meals, so today I give you the recipe to one authoress' writing success: a good leather bound book and a batch of homemade ink. For those Austen enthusiasts feeling particularly crafty, here is the…
