In 2011, as Hurricane Irene made landfall in New York City, poet Edward Hirsch learned that his 22-year old son Gabriel had died from a bad drug reaction and subsequent seizure. Later, Hirsch composed “Gabriel,” a book-length elegy poem about his relationship with his son, and his loss.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Egyptian novelist Ahdaf Soueif tells Steve Paulson about the minimal lasting impact of the British occupation of her country, and why she lives and writes in Britain.
Over the next 70 years, sociologists estimate that the number of people living in cities will double. Chris Anderson, curator of the TED conference, introduces our urban future.
“Alif the Unseen” is steeped in an old tradition. It’s a book of magic about a book of magic.
Anne Akiko Meyers tells us about the difference between playing traditional western music and Japanese or other Asian music.
Anne Matthews tells Anne Strainchamps that there’s been an explosion of wildlife in America’s towns and cities.
Another winning entry in our 3 Minute Futures flash fiction contest, this story comes from Michelle Clay in Massachusetts.
A loaf of fluffy white store-bought bread may look innocent -- but conceals a rich political and economic history. Aaron Bobrow-Strain charts the rise and fall of white bread and reveals what's really at stake when we argue about food.
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