Literature and Poetry
Shakespeare and Sexting: Reconsidering Penalties for Teen Sexual Activity
More than 20 years ago, when Russell Foster was 19 and his girlfriend Amber was 15, Montana's laws tore them apart, sending Russell to prison for four years for having sex with a minor.Hoping to spare other young couples severe consequences, the Fosters pushed for a bill the Montana Legislature passed last month that would reduce the penalties for teens caught engaging in consensual sexual activity. The measure also would expand the age range covered by the state’s existing Romeo and Juliet law. more »
Roz Chast: Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?
"With a particular New York Jewish sensibility, Chast's humor of complaint offers us all a chance to laugh at the often stressful and absurd world around us. She is an important social satirist who, like so many other Jewish humorists, has helped to shape our culture, and with her moving and honest memoir, she shows us how deeply she can touch our hearts as well." A substantial number of illustrations Chast created for 101 Two-letter Words, a book of two-letter words allowed in the game of Scrabble also appear in the exhibition: an eye-patch-wearing pirate parrot for the word AR and a jar of Grandma Yetta’s Gefilte Fish for OY. more »
Home Fires, Season Two and the Future of the Series
The final episode of the ITV series was watched by 5.5 millions viewers [In Britain]. News of the series' cancellation inspired fans to launch a Bring Back Home Fires campaign, which generated national press coverage and secured nearly 40,000 signatures on an online petition. Only last week Home Fires topped a Radio Times poll asking which canceled TV show viewers most wanted back. In response to overwhelming demand from fans of the series, Bonnier Zaffre is delighted to be taking this compelling story forward in novel form. more »
Ferida Wolff's Backyard: Daffodils and Spring; Squirrels - Enough Already!
Ferida Wolff writes: Friendships come and go and some hang around regardless of the different seasons of life. I am grateful for my perennial garden that is there for me year after year, sharing its bounty, and I value my friendships that flower so beautifully in my heart.
Daffodils and Spring
The mini daffodils were peeking out of the earth in our backyard, teasing the big daffies beside them to open up and greet the day. They are always a sweet next reminder after the crocuses that Spring is peeking thro… more »