Posts Tagged ‘holidays’

DailyLit Readers Had a Literary Halloween

In our Question of the Week before Halloween we asked if you’ve ever dressed as a literary character for Halloween (or would like to) and encouraged you to send us pictures if you had. Here are two of our readers who took the plunge:

Here’s Asparagusqueen as a very dapper Edgar Allan Poe (check out the Raven in her arms):

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and emilyyoung–complete with fake nose-ring–as the edgy Lisbeth Salander from Steig Larsson’s The Girl Who Played with Fire:

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Thanks for sending in the photos! Hope you–and all our readers–had a happy Halloween.

Happy Veteran’s Day

Today we thank our service men and women for their bravery and sacrifice. It’s because of them that we can live freely and safe from harm. Soldiers have been making life possible for thousands of years–the most famous veteran of them all might be, as this New York Times article suggests, Odysseus from Homer’s Odyssey. After a long fight in the Trojan War, Odysseus longs for his home, Ithaca, and his wife Penelope. That promise of family and love, peace, and home sustain Odysseus through his long, arduous journey back. And it’s the promise of those things–for all of us–that soldiers fight for today. Thank you.

Political Lit

It’s Election Day here in the United States, and although we’re not electing a new president this year, it’s still a big day for Americans. After all, one of the sparks that started the Revolutionary War was the colonists’ demand that there be “no taxation without representation.” And our representatives, of course, represent our votes.

So it’s a perfect day to revisit those Founding Fathers–and others–with our free Wikipedia Tour of the Presidents of the United States. From Washington to Obama these are the men who’ve made America what it is today. Go beyond the names you memorized in school and learn about the people who have been president.

Question of the Week #32: Guilty Pleasures

Welcome back to the real world after the long weekend! Ease into the work week with our Question of the Week.

The lazy days of summer (including those of a holiday weekend) often see us abandoning our best literary intentions. What are your guilty reading pleasures? Head to our Question of the Week forum to share your secrets.

Happy Fourth of July!

The long holiday weekend is just about to begin, and we’d like to wish all of our readers a Happy 4th of July! If you’re feeling patriotic–or if it rains and you’re stuck inside–check out our collection of America’s Greatest Hits, which includes the Declaration of Independence and other inspiring words from some of this country’s most storied leaders. You can also tell us who your favorite American author is or share your pick for the “Great American Novel” in our forums. Or, if you need some ideas for your backyard party, we’ve got yummy free recipes for you in Emeril at the Grill. Enjoy! (And be safe! Remember, Moms take away fireworks for a reason.)