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Articles by Jayne Ross
"The Jester's Magma" - The American Scholar
At last month’s poetry practice, Coach Lehman encouraged everyone to write a poem using the title of a book, play, or movie already in existence. I said that the poem didn’t need to have anything to do with the work whose title you have appropriated. Among my suggestions were War and Peace, The Immoralist, Persuasion, Light in August, or All About Eve.
Michael Jackson Illustrated
A few months ago, one of our team members, Matt Blank, launched a new site called MJ Illustrated. It’s a digital art project offering a fresh, creative lens on the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. Through a wide range of visual styles, the artwork pays tribute to Michael with deep admiration, respect, and love. Each piece is a celebration of Michael’s impact, inviting fans to celebrate him in a new, visually expressive way. The goal is simple: to share a new piece of artwork every day.
The American Scholar: All Dolled Up -
Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl by Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks, Feiwel & Friends, 256 pp., $28.99 “Since the beginning of time—since the first little girl ever existed—there have been dolls.” So proclaims Helen Mirren in the opening scene of Greta Gerwig’s summer blockbuster, Barbie. “But the dolls were always and forever baby dolls,” she says—that is, until Barbie came along.
Remembering Lady Snowblood - The American Scholar
Meiko Kaji in Lady Snowblood, 1973 (Everett Collection) Director Toshiya Fujita’s 1973 revenge thriller, Lady Snowblood, which turns 50 this year, has the distinction of being one of the few Japanese exploitation movies archived in the Criterion Collection.
Remembering Pianist William Kapell - The American Scholar
—Claudia Cassidy, remembering the pianist William Kapell in the Chicago Tribune, October 30, 1953. Kapell was born a century ago and, during an all too short career, was revered for his virtuosic, lyrical, insightful performances. In this photo, Kapell rehearses with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in 1947, at the now-defunct Lewisohn Stadium.
In the Frame of the Father - The American Scholar
In 1981, when Darrel Ellis (1958–1992) was a young artist in search of a style, he received a present that would change his life: an extensive archive of photographic negatives that had belonged to the father he’d never known. Thomas Ellis, a postal clerk and former U.S. Marine, was killed by two off-duty police officers in 1958, when his wife was pregnant with Darrel.
Remembering George Walker - The American Scholar
I have always been inclined to downplay the importance of inspiration, a notion typically entertained by laypersons in the creation of any art. The sudden illuminating flash as a compelling impetus to create has seldom appeared in my consciousness. Nevertheless, I can imagine that there are artists who do experience this mystical stimulus, a perception realized through sight, sound, or thinking that can trigger a strong response.
Writing in the Wings - The American Scholar
Hernán Piñera (Flickr/hernanpc) Six years ago, playwright Dan O’Brien’s wife, actress Jessica St. Clair, discovered a cancerous lump on her breast. Shortly after, O’Brien was diagnosed with colon cancer. Did they both get sick, they wondered, because they had lived so close to the World Trade Center on and after 9/11? In the tumultuous years that followed, O’Brien turned to what he knew best: writing.
TV's Founding Mothers - The American Scholar
Pianist, singer, and actress Hazel Scott, who briefly hosted her own TV variety show.
Ramona the Pest, Cleary the Friend - The American Scholar
Wikimedia Commons Just as generations of children read Little Women and proclaim themselves to be one of the March sisters—most of them, naturally, wanting to be feisty, rebellious Jo—scores of young readers have found themselves in the late, inimitable Beverly Cleary’s books, little girls in particular recognizing a kindred spirit in spunky heroine Ramona Quimby. My younger self was not so easily charmed by Ramona—at least, not at first.
The Word—and Weird—of God - The American Scholar
alex.ch (Flickr/alex-photos) Besides being the most-read book of all time, the Bible may also be the most studied, most revised, most picked-apart—and least understood. Religious studies professor Kristen Swenson argues that both taking the text at face value or dismissing it outright are surefire ways to miss out on what makes it so wonderfully weird.
Second-Class Students No More - The American Scholar
A scene from the Allen Building takeover at Duke University in 1969 (Flickr/Duke University Archives) As antiwar and civil rights protests swept through the country in the 1960s, college and university students often organized protests not only against worldwide injustices, but also against their schools’ administrations.
Filling in the Blanks - The American Scholar
Flickr/vazovsky For at least 13 years, school all but consumes most of a child’s life. Between classes, homework, exams, college applications, field trips, sports, and clubs, the importance of the K-12 school environment to a student’s future success seems inarguable. But in reality, as Douglas B. Downey contends in his latest book, How Schools Really Matter, school is only a small part of a child’s life. Children spend far more time out of school than they do in it.
A Writer by Nature - The American Scholar
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (Flickr/maritimeaquarium) Acclaimed poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil endured a somewhat rootless childhood, moving from state to state, at times having a difficult time fitting in. Yet one thing remained constant through the years: her curiosity about the natural world. Her latest book, World of Wonders, is a collection of intensely lyrical essays exploring the myriad lessons that nature can teach us. One of those pieces, “Comb Jelly,” is excerpted below.
Home Is Where the HOA Is - The American Scholar
s.yume (Flickr/syume) The American suburbs have often been subject to ridicule, whether from bored teenagers desperate to leave them or city dwellers happy to inhabit cramped apartments for the allure, energy, and amenities of downtown. Yet the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a wave of new suburbanites, many of them coming from major cities in search of greener pastures—or at least back yards.
Tolerance in a Dark Place - The American Scholar
Chicago's 16th Annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, June 1985. Seven years later, Ross Slotten would become one of the doctors on the front lines of the city's ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. (Alan Light/Wikimedia Commons) In 1992, physician Ross A. Slotten became one of the doctors on the front lines of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago, where he saw firsthand the havoc the disease wreaked on his patients and the contempt it bred for them outside hospital walls.
A Lifetime in Verse - The American Scholar
Gail Mazur is a poet and activist who has published six acclaimed poetry collections and founded the Blacksmith House Poetry Series in Harvard Square. Her seventh and latest book, Land’s End, is a collection of 40-plus years’ worth of poems. Taken together, they represent a moving reflection on Mazur’s past and present—her love of nature, her time with friends both living and gone, and her desire to nurture younger artists. Here is “Rest Stop,” one of her newest poems in the collection.
The American Scholar: Summer Daze -
Richard Walker (Flickr/richardwalkerphotography) The coronavirus pandemic has certainly given new meaning to the word “staycation,” as most of our travel plans have been rendered moot. Fortunately, escaping into a book is hardly a second-rate alternative to the usual summer outing. From illuminating biographies to fast-paced dramas, these eight books can help you break through the stupor of a summer at home.
Father Figures - The American Scholar
Like fathers in the real world, those found in literature are figures of boundless variety. In honor of Father’s Day this Sunday, the Scholar staff has compiled a list of books that depict fatherhood in all its fullness, from tragically strained father-son relationships to tales of redemption and hope. Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev In any list of books about fathers and sons, this masterpiece of 19th-century Russian literature is the most obvious starting point.
Please, Sir, I Want Some More - The American Scholar
Charles Dickens, a century and a half since his death, remains one of the greatest authors of the Victorian, or any, era. Many students, upon encountering his novels in high school or college, continue to love them long after leaving the classroom. The Scholar staff, meanwhile, is pretty evenly split—there are Dickens devotees, and those who somehow have not read him yet. So, consider the following brief list of five memorable scenes merely a humble beginning.
11 Culinary Books with Words to Savor - The American Scholar
Marco Verch (Flickr/verchmarco) Weeks of quarantine have forced even the most inexperienced home cooks to put their skills to the test, as evidenced by near-empty grocery store shelves across the country. Here at the Scholar, we’re revisiting our favorite food writers, finding solace in their reminders that anyone can cook good food— and that good prose is the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
10 Classic Books for Cooped-Up Kids - The American Scholar
Jeremy Hiebert (Flickr/jeremyhiebert) Quarantining with little ones (or preteens threatening to act like little ones) surely has its ups and downs, but thankfully, the boredom-busting power of good books remains evergreen. Whether you’re nine years old or 90, few things bring more comfort than a good children’s book.
The Virginia Tech Union: A behind-the-scenes look
On Wednesday, May 1, in the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom, a light shone through the impending finals-week clouds: free massages, smoothies and flavored oxygen were available to students as part of the Virginia Tech Union’s annual Relaxation Station event. Making it all happen were the Virginia Tech Union’s hardworking student leaders.
Goodbye grads: Senior year is not too late to get involved
When I first arrived at Virginia Tech, I spent much of my time here trying to avoid it. Unlike many maroon-and-orange-crazed Hokies, Virginia Tech was not my first choice college. A love of Hokie football never ran in my family; I had no desire whatsoever to pursue a degree in STEM. And yet, my senior year of high school, I found myself unexpectedly excited applying to Virginia Tech for a degree in creative writing, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Blacksburg.
40 Countries in One Day: Blacksburg’s 60th Annual International Street Fair
On Sunday, April 28, 40 countries will come together in the Squires parking lot for Blacksburg’s 60th annual International Street Fair. Alright, so there won’t literally be 40 countries squeezed into one parking lot — there will be 40 Virginia Tech student organizations, each representing a different nation — but according to festival organizer Fawna Zwart, anyone attending will feel as though they’ve traveled outside the United States for an afternoon.
Sara Bareilles shines in new album 'Amidst the Chaos'
It’s been 15 years since Sara Bareilles’ warm, rich vocals first melted onto the scene with her intimate debut album, “Careful Confessions,” and six long years since the release of her last full album, “The Blessed Unrest.” Now, at last, she’s back — this time with “Amidst the Chaos,” a well-crafted collection of soothing, soulful ballads, with a few feminist anthems sprinkled in.
From Blacksburg to the Hill: Hokies take On POLITICO
When Colleen Connolly, Lindsay Knight and Rex Willis graduated from Virginia Tech, none of them ever predicted their degrees would lead them to the frontlines of Washington, D.C., media. Then again, the three of them would argue that they aren’t exactly on the frontlines of media — though their television-worthy office building in downtown Arlington would suggest otherwise.
Move-In Day 2.0: Tips for staying on campus as a sophomore
Most freshmen can’t wait to get out of their dorm rooms by the time May rolls around. The prospect of living in an off-campus apartment for the first time is almost too enticing to believe. Still, there are always a rare few who find themselves on campus for another year — some stay on as RAs, while others are bound to a two-year housing contract. And some, like I was, are simply presented with the option to live in a dorm as a sophomore, and they take it. If you’re one of those few, don’t fret.
Are we there yet: Easy day trips outside of Blacksburg
“This is home” is one of Virginia Tech’s most popular mottos. Indeed, it’s fairly easy for Tech students to call the comfortable, spirited town of Blacksburg home for four years. Just as Hokies sometimes get homesick, however, they can also sometimes get sick of Blacksburg. Fortunately, Virginia is full of other wonderful cities to visit, several of which can be traveled to and back from Tech in just one day.
Cleaning out your childhood bedroom: The 5 stages of grief
Well, it’s finally here. Four years in the making, the moment you’ve dreamed of: graduation. You’ll cross that stage, get your diploma, toss your cap into the air and then embark on a brand-new journey full of light and growth and positivity and — Not so fast. It’s still winter break, you’re now deep in the throes of midwinter boredom and you have a daunting task ahead of you: Before you can truly move on to a post-grad life, you should probably clean out your old bedroom.
Mary Poppins returns, with just a spoonful less magic
Courtesy of Tribune News Service The 1964 “Mary Poppins,” largely lauded as Walt Disney’s crowning achievement,comes as close to perfection as any film can in my book. I have cherished it ever since I first watched it as a little girl, and I often consider it the movie that made me love movies. I thus approached the prospect of revisiting Mary’s world in “Mary Poppins Returns” with some level of trepidation, but mostly with cautious excitement.
5 new Christmas albums to have on repeat this month
Each year, nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like Christmas music. And each year, the start of the season brings loads of brand-new Christmas albums from famous artists and rising stars. Here are some of this year’s best. Ingrid Michaelson — “Songs for the Season” “Songs for the Season” strikes the perfect classic holiday tone. I’ve been a fan of Ingrid Michaelson’s bright, folksy sound for years, and her latest release sounds like the musical equivalent of a strand of twinkly Christmas lights.
Netflix’s ‘Private Life’ is a quietly moving gem
To paraphrase Forrest Gump, Netflix Originals are like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re gonna get. The streaming service’s original offerings make up an inconsistent mix, ranging from knockout hits like the widely adored “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” to utter misses, like the critically panned “Insatiable.”Every so often, though, a real gem sneaks in and discreetly joins the ranks of Netflix’s best, as if to extend an unexpected gift to subscribers.
Moss Arts Center showcases the extensive work of artist Jacob Lawrence
After enjoying a seven-week run, an impressive exhibit at the Moss Arts Center will come to a close on Saturday.Titled “History, Labor, Life: The Prints of Jacob Lawrence,” the art exhibit marks the first time that Moss Arts Center has displayed works created by a non-living artist. This is also the first time that Moss Arts Center has housed a traveling exhibit.
‘The Good Place’ season 3 premiere: Forking great
“The Good Place,” NBC’s favorite comedic exploration of the afterlife, is back. And fortunately for us, it’s just as funny, smart and compelling as ever.The season three opener, “Everything is Bonzer!,” picks up right where season two’s finale left off. When we last saw our four anti-heroes, they were in purgatory, faced with the unfortunate revelation that eternal judge Gen (Maya Rudolph, in a very funny guest spot) did not actually have the power to keep them in the Good Place.
This week at The Lyric: “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” is laudable yet lacking
Wide-open skies, mountain vistas and lush forest sound like the ideal makeup for a summer camp. The setting of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” has all three of those things — but none of the innocence of a typical camp. Based on Emily M.
This week at The Lyric: Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’ hits close to home
In one shot of “BlacKkKlansman,” Spike Lee’s retelling of a black detective-turned-Ku Klux Klan infiltrate, a campaign poster for Richard Nixon is shown at the site of a Klan meeting. “Now more than ever,” it reads.Really, the story of “BlacKkKlansman” is relevant now just as much as ever.
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
Silhouette | Home
Silhouette is a semi-annual publication for undergraduate and graduate work from Virginia Tech students in the areas of poetry, prose, photography, art and all
The Best of the Bard - The American Scholar
William Shakespeare, by John Taylor, 1610 (National Portrait Gallery) Our list of Ten Best Sentences didn’t consider poetry, such as the works of William Shakespeare. Here are some of our favorite lines from the bard, whose 450th birthday was April 23. When sorrows come, they come not single spies But in battalions.
Ten Worst Opening Lines - The American Scholar
We’ve all noticed them: first sentences of a novel, either overwrought or just plain embarrassing, that elicit a groan or a smack of the forehead. Here are 10 opening doozies, lines that make it difficult to continue reading. Our highly subjective list includes “worst firsts” from famous and infamous writers.
Ten Best Sentences - The American Scholar
Its vanished trees, the trees that had made way for Gatsby’s house, had once pandered in whispers to the last and greatest of all human dreams; for a transitory enchanted moment man must have held his breath in the presence of this continent, compelled into an aesthetic contemplation he neither understood nor desired, face to face for the last time in history with something commensurate to his capacity for wonder. —F.
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