There’s not much I can say about Papo & Yo’s cathartic nature and striking visual storytelling from a critical standpoint that hasn’t already seen ink many times over. Neither another glowing review, nor, for that matter, a score — no matter how high — properly articulate my thoughts and feelings…

To celebrate the first day of the year, this poem celebrates the things we don’t see. The things beneath our feet, out of sight, far from mind. The things we don’t appreciate, but that appreciate all. May this be a year of abundance of appreciation for the little things. Steady…

Cinematography is defined broadly as the art of making motion pictures — this can be a little misleading. By this definition, everyone involved with a film would be a cinematographer, as they are also taking part in the making of a motion picture. The role of a cinematographer is often…

China’s history is best described by the cyclical nature of its separating, coalescing, and splintering, all leading to the rise and fall of dynasties and traditions over the ages. For more than 200 years, from 475–221 BCE, China’s lands and people were divided during the Warring States Period. At the…

A year ago, I lost my mother. It was a dark and pensive period for me, but through my reflection I came across a poem I had written a few years prior. I had lost my mother before she was gone; but, perhaps, she was lost to herself as well. …

“People are different from the place they live. No matter what flag flies above the buildings, good people everywhere are good people — who love to fish.” — Drew Scanlon Culture is defined as the ideas, customs, and social behaviors of a particular people or society, and is represented through…

“We will start the bidding at ten dollars,” echoed the voice of a distant auctioneer as I hastily entered the community center’s main auditorium. …

Today saw the first hint of a sunlight beyond the overcast horizon. With grandeur, ceremony, and lavish words, the first seeds of tomorrow were planted; and, through the wide lens of my daughter’s eyes promise was clear. Today, hope glimmered and glistened in the cold morning light. …

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is one of the most recognizable literary works of the twentieth century. A striking commentary on American classism and the frivolity of the “Roaring” 1920’s, as well as a premonition of a world-wide economic depression borne of covetous behavioral patterns, seedless spending, and the…