The wrath of the harpies

“Harpy” has long been used as a derogatory term for aggressive women, but what was a harpy was in the first place?

Making peace in the culture wars

A.C. Grayling’s new book Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars sees the renowned philosopher wading into the ethical minefields of “woke” activism, cancellation, and conservative backlash.

Musicoterapia

An innovative Edith Cowan University research project is using the power of music and storytelling to support the wellbeing of older Italian migrants, including those living with dementia.

The Alchemy of Myth: Reading Jordan Peterson’s “Maps of Meaning”

Jordan Peterson’s first book, Maps of Meaning, explores the psychological and social reasons that people across different cultures and epochs produce myths and stories with similar structures but is just as interesting for its insights into the mind of one of the most important and prolific public intellectuals of the 21st century.

A brief history of hot cross buns

Hot cross buns appear in your local supermarket on boxing day, but the tasty bun has long been associated with Easter, and perhaps dates back long before.

Trueish TV

Apple Cider Vinegar is part of a trend of ‘true-ish’ TV shows which may be ‘based’ on true events, but take extreme liberties with their source material.

The west is red

Far from making America “great again” Donald Trump’s presidency threatens to transform the USA into the Western counterpart of the authoritarian states it once took pride in opposing.

The ship of dreams

“The Ship of Dreams,” offers a poetic allegory about pride, hubris and the inevitable price that nature will demand from those with an inflated sense of power and invincibility.

10 complete unknowns

The Oscars were once the highlight of the cultural calendar, and while their importance has diminished as the entertainment industry has changed, this year’s ceremony will still garner some attention.

Remembering Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman, an acting titan of 1970s and ‘80s Hollywood with more than 80 screen credits to his name, has died at 95.

Sing together

Australia’s reputation as a singing nation has never quite matched countries like Estonia or Wales, where communal singing is an essential part of national identity, but reviving this proud old traditional can only unite a society at risk of breaking apart.

The joys of literary journeys

The best way to travel the world can be with the help of a few good books from the comfort of one’s armchair.