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Weekend Reads - 171013

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In this edition we have another eclectic collection of articles that you can read during your down time over the weekend, or whenever you wish. From articles about dragons, poetry, dwarf planets, space fish, Blade Runner and Sherlock Holmes predicting the future, there's something for everyone.

Grab your favourite beverage and start with my latest article: Discover | Off Rock by Kieran Shea




Dragons are old. As old as us. Arguably, a dragon first appears in the Epic of Gilgamesh, widely regarded as the oldest work of literature in existence, circa 2100 BC. His name was Humbaba the Terrible, the guardian of the gods, whose ‘look is death’


Publisher and philanthropist William Sieghart has many strings to his bow: he is the force behind the Forward poetry prize, a philanthropist who has set up charities to help the homeless and mediate in the Middle East. He is chairman of the Somerset House Trust, was commissioned by the government to review libraries and is a pusher – in the best sense – of poetry. He has come up with The Poetry Pharmacy, for every affliction – loneliness, love, low self-esteem, lethargy – he prescribes a poem. The Poetry Pharmacy can, he hopes, be consulted as the Victorians might a herbalist and be kept for use in emergencies


Scientists have discovered a ring system around the dwarf planet Haumea. Earlier this year, Haumea passed between Earth and a distant star, allowing planetary scientists to get a better idea of the dwarf planet's shape and size. The new findings were announced today (Oct. 11) in the journal Nature


Life in space is hard on the human body. The lack of gravity's pull can quickly take its toll—bone density declines, muscles deteriorate and more. But compared to a fish, humans have it pretty easy.

Twenty-nineteen came early for this film lover. As a 12-year-old, I was not among those who saw Blade Runner when it first opened in 1982. (Given that the film was 27th at the box office that year, not many were.) But within a few years, the film had become a staple of my adolescent viewing, thanks in part to CityTV’s habit of airing it in the Toronto market every New Year’s Eve. We’re one year closer to the future, it seemed to be saying: Get ready.

Remember Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century? Probably not — but it demands your respect.



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