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Thoreau

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PBS’s Thoreau Doc Courts Today’s Relevance With A-List Narration
culture17 days ago

PBS’s Thoreau Doc Courts Today’s Relevance With A-List Narration

A three-part PBS documentary revisits Henry David Thoreau beyond Walden, featuring narration by George Clooney and Jeff Goldblum voicing Thoreau, with appearances by Meryl Streep, Ted Danson and others. Guided by Don Henley and Ken Burns, it expands Thoreau’s story to his abolitionism, teaching, and influence on civil rights, while weaving in contemporary environmental commentary. Filmed around Walden Pond over seven years, the film uses Thoreau’s words alongside present-day interviews to draw connections to today. It premieres March 30 on PBS.

Oxford Declares 'Brain Rot' as 2024's Word of the Year
culture1 year ago

Oxford Declares 'Brain Rot' as 2024's Word of the Year

"Brain rot," a term originally used by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, has been named Oxford's Word of 2024, reflecting concerns about the impact of excessive social media consumption on mental health. The term's resurgence highlights a cultural anxiety about balancing online engagement with real-world experiences, resonating particularly with younger generations. Thoreau's original use critiqued societal habits that stifle curiosity and wonder, a sentiment echoed in today's digital age.