Tolkien reminds us how to be a hero, how to take risks, how to be a good man or woman — or elf, dwarf, or hobbit.

A hard, critical look at “Imagine,” the song that — sadly and improperly — personifies John Lennon’s legacy for far too many people.

Though actors have portrayed the 16th president some 300 times – no two Abes are the same. We seem to depict Lincolns who suit our times. What does that say about us?

The parentless child is a classic literary archetype. But why do we as readers find orphan stories so universally appealing?

Move over “gerrymander.” Step aside “scofflaw.” Our resident wordsmith investigates the claim that “canoodling” originated on the banks of the Charles River.

If not for a new star-studded film, the election may have come and gone with almost no mention of the issue that matters most: education reform.

When FOX-25 posted an image of the Os Gemeos mural in Dewey Square and asked, “What does this look like to you?” was it reporting on public outrage — or inciting it?

Thanks to the likes of Lady Gaga and “Fifty Shades of Grey,” S&M is making a comeback — but at what cost? Caryl Rivers examines the effects.

Perhaps nothing is more revealing than the home we keep. The art, the books, even the dish towels we choose can be very telling. But, asks Cheryl Katz, what happens when everyone has exactly the same stuff?

Morally ambiguous. Sharp witted. Absurdist. Surprising. And unpredictable. Before a crackdown in 1934, commentator Betsy Sherman says a frisky and creative energy reigned supreme in Tinseltown.

For many writers, Ray Bradbury was the spiritual father they always wished they’d had. Alice Hoffman pays tribute to the late author, who would have been 92 on Aug. 22.

In her long career as an editor and language columnist, Jan Freeman says one question remains as baffling as ever: Why do people love their language peeves so dearly?

Music writer Steve Morse says quintessential Southern rocker Gregg Allman is a survivor in more ways than one.

In Moscow, the trial against three young punk rockers looks more like the Soviet Union than the “new Russia.” Joshua Rubenstein on the Pussy Riot controversy.

Alice Hoffman on why the development of “fictional” characters often tells us more about the writer — than the character.

A recent dust-up at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles raises questions about what makes a museum successful. Jill Medvedow asks, what should we measure and count?

Historic Boston was built of brick, a legacy that gave way in the ’60s to the so-called Brutalist style – and now to big, boring boxes. But, Renee Loth wonders, is there a better way?

Move over “gerrymander.” Step aside “scofflaw.” Our resident wordsmith investigates the claim that “canoodling” originated on the banks of the Charles River.

The parentless child is a classic literary archetype. But why do we as readers find orphan stories so universally appealing?

The decision to bring J.J. Abrams on board to direct the new “Star Wars” movie was cause for much rejoicing. But can he reboot our imaginations? Our innocence?

Movies win Oscars based on box office success, critical response, and the precursor awards. Right? Yes and no. There are other, more surprising, factors at play.

Perhaps nothing is more revealing than the home we keep. The art, the books, even the dish towels we choose can be very telling. But, asks Cheryl Katz, what happens when everyone has exactly the same stuff?

When people share live art experiences, they come together to be present with each other, to identify with points of view that are different from their own, to feel empathy, and to consider issues in a multi-layered and complex way.

Picking through some of 2012′s most celebrated movies, says Aaron Beatty, is a troubling trip back. Three films stand out as bellwethers of the year’s disappointments.

When FOX-25 posted an image of the Os Gemeos mural in Dewey Square and asked, “What does this look like to you?” was it reporting on public outrage — or inciting it?

Though actors have portrayed the 16th president some 300 times – no two Abes are the same. We seem to depict Lincolns who suit our times. What does that say about us?

Alice Hoffman on why the development of “fictional” characters often tells us more about the writer — than the character.

A recent dust-up at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles raises questions about what makes a museum successful. Jill Medvedow asks, what should we measure and count?

In her long career as an editor and language columnist, Jan Freeman says one question remains as baffling as ever: Why do people love their language peeves so dearly?

Morally ambiguous. Sharp witted. Absurdist. Surprising. And unpredictable. Before a crackdown in 1934, commentator Betsy Sherman says a frisky and creative energy reigned supreme in Tinseltown.

For many writers, Ray Bradbury was the spiritual father they always wished they’d had. Alice Hoffman pays tribute to the late author, who would have been 92 on Aug. 22.

In Moscow, the trial against three young punk rockers looks more like the Soviet Union than the “new Russia.” Joshua Rubenstein on the Pussy Riot controversy.