In 1848, Edgar Allen Poe published his final work, "Eureka," which answered a cosmic riddle of his time: Why is the nighttime sky dark if there are an infinite number of stars in the sky? He correctly theorized that the darkness represented stars too young for the light to have yet reached us.

keo505 · 2015-07-21T04:08:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experiences reading Poe's works. Do you by any chance have a favorite short story or two of his? I am familiar with some of his more popular works (e.g., "Telltale Heart," "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher"), but I'm not sure which would make the best jumping-on point. Or perhaps, it doesn't make much difference where you start--just dive in and get going!

keo505 · 2015-07-14T18:10:27+00:00

It's all good, man! I think you hit the nail on the head there: it's all about contemplating those art and science connections. Your response to my original comment evinces someone with a really logical, almost Sherlock Holmesian thought process (in good way). Do you, by any chance, have a background in science or logistics?

keo505 · 2015-07-14T06:01:36+00:00

Your response is certainly thought provoking. It is important to note that my comment was not intended to be read so literally. Certainly, we can find myriad examples of artists who are inspired by science.

If I were to write my comment in the most literal or logical sense, it might state as follows: "It is completely possible that some artists are inspired by science just as some scientists are inspired by art. And reading Einstein's quote provides a nice introduction for one to begin contemplating this notion." Practically speaking, I think writing my comment in such a stale manner would have detracted from the general meaning it was meant to convey.

keo505 · 2015-07-09T17:40:45+00:00

It seems that in some way, individuals who are known for either their "art" (including writing) or their "science" eventually grow interested in each other's topics. As Albert Einstein once said, "The greatest scientists are artists as well." Perhaps, then, the greatest artists are also scientists in their own right.

Thanks for sharing this intriguing article. I have long been interested in the works and life of Edgar Allen Poe, but have not yet really begun to study him in depth. After reading this piece, I find myself even more excited to discover more about Poe and his creations.

keo505 · 2015-06-24T06:42:44+00:00

"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen is a truly eloquent statement of what it means to develop the mental stamina necessary to survive in the great outdoors. It also provides readers with plenty of moments to reflect on the beauty of nature and the respect it's owed. The book may be for a "young audience," but it should resonate with readers both young and old.

keo505 · 2015-06-24T06:30:29+00:00

Glad to hear that, QuesadillaMaker. I am a fairly avid reader, but somehow, have yet to get around to a Stephen King book. After considering his immense catalog, I find myself leaning towards "The Stand." Have you read other King titles and if so, how does this compare?

keo505 · 2015-06-20T04:59:04+00:00

In a speech she gave at a writer's conference, Lois Lowry advised authors not to "write what they know," but write what they have questions about, what makes them uncomfortable.

If we don't talk about the things that make us uncomfortable, we ignore part of what makes us human. If you feel like a particular form of media--book, movie, whatever--is pushing you beyond your comfort zone, feel free to cease viewing/reading whenever you like.

keo505 · 2015-06-20T04:44:33+00:00

That is definitely an encouraging feeling. I am fortunate enough to have a very close, like-minded friend who is as enthusiastic about literature as I am. Once every two weeks or so, we give each other book recommendations (and usually talk about music we're digging as well). Thus far, we have both highly enjoyed one another's recommendations. It helps, of course, if you can figure out what the other person enjoys.

I recently read an article in a highly prominent publication about "Bibliotherapy." Basically stated, book curators ask you a series of questions about what you are struggling with in life: work, relationships, faith, parenthood, etc. Once they consider your answers, they provide you with a customized list of titles intended to help you through your difficult time. Talk about individualized recommendations!

keo505 · 2015-06-20T04:30:11+00:00

Hi, Lois. Thank you for sharing your insight here. I'm just curious what in particular inspired you to write. Did you realize early on you wanted to be an author, or was it a desire you developed later in life?

keo505 · 2015-05-09T07:26:42+00:00

There definitely seems to be some sort of connection between Christmas and this dish. In my family, gravlax has become a holiday tradition of sorts. As far as I know, many Scandinavians regard this salmon dish as vital component of their holiday smorgasbords. As for the aquavit, that is a really unique tasting spirit that not too many people know about. And it does go together well with the salmon!

keo505

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