The Art at 81 St-MNH Prepares You For a Deep Dive Into Nature

The NYC subway’s arts program decorated this station with art that celebrates the world-famous museum.

by Rich Watson 

For over a century and a half, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has educated audiences on the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the universe.

Located on Central Park West in Manhattan, its subway station at West 81 Street reflects its mission with a stunning array of mosaic and relief art.

Five TEERRRRIIFFIICCC Traits of Spiders Learned From “Charlotte’s Web”

The idio-idio-idiosyncrasies of spiders are highlighted in this children’s book by the New Yorker journalist.

by Rich Watson 

E.B. White was one of the first writers for The New Yorker before he ventured into children’s literature. His book Charlotte’s Web has become a twentieth-century classic tale of friendship.

It also made a heroic figure out of a misunderstood and often feared creature: the common household spider.

The Real Dorothy From “The Wizard of Oz” Was Only Five Months Old

The inspiration for the literary character never lived long enough to even walk.

by Rich Watson 

L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has lead to an evergreen merchandise blitz based on iconic characters, one of the most celebrated motion pictures ever made, and a permanent residence in American culture.

Before all that, though, it was nothing more than a tribute to a relative’s infant child, who died way too soon.