Pictured: Emma Drennen as Bel-Imperia pursued by Revenge. Photos by Kimberly Reilly

Revenge. It’s a theme with a long and storied history that continues to dig its gripping hooks into contemporary media. Although the revenge stories of today have certainly been updated to fit the times, they are as old as time–or, at least, as old as 1582 (approximately) when The Spanish Tragedy was written by Thomas Kyd.

Photo courtesy of Villanova Theatre

On Friday, April 12, I had the pleasure of seeing Villanova Theatre‘s final production of its 2023-2024 season, The Spanish Tragedy, which I’d highly recommend seeing for the production’s closing weekend, from April 18-21.

Before classic revenge tales like Shakespeare’s Hamlet and modern revenge flicks like John Wick and Promising Young Woman, there was The Spanish Tragedy. The Spanish Tragedy follows courtier Hieronimo as he is stricken with grief and anger after the unjust murder of his son. Alongside the determined Bel-Imperia, the pair go down an intricate and unyielding path of bloody vengeance–and I definitely mean bloody.

My thoughts after seeing the play: The Spanish Tragedy is an enrapturing tale of revenge, madness, love, and grief. Through the compelling narrative, superb art direction, and outstanding performances, it invokes feelings of righteous indignation and morally grey satisfaction, as you root for Hieronimo and Bel-Imperia’s vengeance.

The Spanish Tragedy is truly a must-watch. Despite its bloody and tragic subject matter, it still manages to sneak in comedy and not feel overly heavy. In what I can describe only as being an Elizabethan era reality show, the 2-and-a-half hour runtime seemed to fly by–no watch-checking, no passing thoughts. It’s a truly spectacular–and I mean, it certainly succeeds in creating a spectacle that’s hard to peel your eyes away from–way for Villanova Theatre to finish the season.

Want to hear from the Dramaturg? Browse the production’s Dramaturgy website for a glimpse into the history of The Spanish Tragedy and its playwright, the show’s themes, content information, and more.

To find prompts to encourage further discussion or contemplation after the show, check out the education guide.

If you’re interested in exploring the The Spanish Tragedy academically with other scholars and theatre enthusiasts, consider attending the The Spanish Tragedy Symposium 2024 on April 19-20. More information, including a schedule of events and registration information, can be found here.

If you want some behind the scenes insights from someone involved in the production, read GA Rebecca’s blog.

Tickets for The Spanish Tragedy are available for purchase here.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou wrote, “Life is going to give you just what you put in it. Put your whole heart in everything you do, and pray, then you just wait.”

Life’s what you make it—yes, technically I’m also quoting Hannah Montana, but it’s poignant. If we don’t put in the effort and the heart, the outcome will rarely astound us.

Yet, when you put your heart and soul into what you’re passionate about, you might be surprised by how much you can achieve. So, don’t be afraid to put your heart into what you do. You might just end up reaping the benefits.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 15

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Multifaith Prayer Room, St. Rita’s Hall | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, April 16

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, April 17

2024 St. Catherine of Siena Research Award Symposium | 10-11:30 a.m. | Room 205 | Free & Open to the Public

Overdose Reversal Training | 12-1:30 p.m. | Room 132, Driscoll Hall | Free & Open to Students, Faculty, & Staff

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Africana Studies Presents the Annual Ida B. Wells Lecture | 5 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Villanova Community

Thursday, April 18

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 12-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Spring 2024 Digital Seeds Speaker Series: Mapping the Margins: Gay Travel Guides & the Promise of Digital History | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

Friday, April 19

2024 Concept Recognition Ceremony | 2-3:30 p.m. | Connelly Center Cinema (Panel) & Grad Center Student Lounge, Vasey Hall (Reception) | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Livestream Here

Sunday, April 21

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Tina Dawson on Unsplash

Tomorrow, April 16, is National Librarians Day, a day celebrating librarians (which we’ve got plenty of here at Falvey). Of course, we’d like to celebrate our wonderful librarians and all the wonderful work they do to facilitate quality scholarship at Villanova. It’s also prime time for paper writing right now, so if you want to take advantage of Falvey’s invaluable resources, you can find our subject librarians here.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or just like fruit), Wednesday, April 17 is National Banana Day. Bananas are a surprisingly divisive fruit, with debates not only about liking them altogether but also when to eat them—when they’re greenish, bright yellow, or more brown. Personally, I like them yellow with brown speckles. Regardless of your preferences, if you’re a fan of this potassium-rich fruit, enjoy a banana today, or, if you’re in the mood for baking, make some banana bread or banana nut muffins.

Sunday, April 21, is National Tea Day. Tea is a very versatile drink with countless options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a cold glass of sweet tea for a pick-me-up on a hot day or a warm cup of chamomile tea to help yourself relax after a stressful day. If you’re a tea drinker, today’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. A disclaimer that this column is intended for reflection and entertainment (not for academic research, for example), and infuses scholarly content as possible.

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

This week, April 7-13, is National Library Week, a week dedicated to appreciating what libraries do for communities. Whether it’s a university library like Falvey or a public library, libraries are absolutely vital for our communities to learn, research, create, and gather. They provide books, yes, but also technology, expert librarians, digital resources, and so much more. Even the physical spaces provide people with accessible spaces, whether it’s to work on homework, meet with peers, or curl up with a good book.

In celebration of National Library Week, this weekend’s recs are all about libraries.

If you have 2 minutes…and want to stay up-to-date on Library news and events, subscribe to our newsletter. More details here.

If you have 10 minutes…and want to read about a current problem many libraries across the country are experiencing, read this article about the increase in book bans.

Bonus: for more information on banned books, including the 10 most challenged books of 2023, check out the American Library Associations’ Banned & Challenged Books page.

If you have 15 minutes…and want to learn about how libraries are building and bettering communities, listen to this TED Talk. Not only are the books and academic resources that libraries provide vital, libraries also serve as accessible, safe spaces and community hubs for people to gather, create, and learn.

Bonus: if you want to see some of the things Falvey patrons had to say about what they loved about the Library, check out this “Curious Cat” blog post.

If you have 1 hour and 38 minutes…and want to watch a movie that makes you want to go to the library, watch Matilda, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. I might be biased because this is one of my favorite movies, but this movie shows how important libraries can be for providing safe spaces and, of course, lots of books. (You can also stream the musical movie version of Matilda on Netflix).

Bonus: check out my “Libraries Go to Hollywood” blog post about the library in Matilda.

If you have 1 hour and 45 minutes…and want to watch a movie with a fun library twist, watch Ghostbusters (1984), available to stream for free through Sling TV.

If you have 5 hours…and like mystery novels, read Agatha Christie’s The Body in the Library, available at Falvey. It might be a private library, but it still counts.

Bonus: if you want to read another library-centric book, read Ruth Ozeki’s The Book of Form and Emptiness, available at Falvey.

If you want to celebrate Falvey Hall becoming a hub for Villanova’s academic resources and scholarship as the University’s Library, swing by our 75th Anniversary celebration on Monday, April 22 from 1-3 p.m. on the Falvey Hall Patio for some sweet treats and festivities. More details can be found here. 

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Giver, Lois Lowry wrote, “Memories are forever.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! You might be at the point of the semester where you’re flooded with papers and exams—and those are certainly crucial—but it’s also important to remember that making time to enjoy yourself and make some good memories is also essential.

So, in between your studying and writing, spend time with your friends and do the things you want to do. The memories you make will last a lifetime.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 8

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Multifaith Prayer Room, St. Rita’s Hall | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, April 9

Scholarship@Villanova Event: Ed Sion, PhD | 3-4 p.m. | Room 205 | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday April 10

Copyright and Your Thesis or Dissertation (Virtual Workshop) | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Intended for Graduate Students | Register Here

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, April 11

Spring 2024 Digital Seeds Speaker Series: Leveraging Large Language Models to Unveil Seventeenth-Century Books of Secrets | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 12-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday April 14

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Marcela Rogante on Unsplash

If you have any pets, Thursday, April 11, is National Pet Day. I hope you’re able to cherish some time with your pets today, but if they’re back home, I hope some cute pictures and videos will hold you over until you’re able to reunite at the end of the semester. If you’re more of a plant person, Saturday, April 13, is International Plant Appreciation Day.

Friday, April 12, is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, a grilled cheese is a great and versatile option, as it can be paired with tons of additions, like tomato soup, ham, bacon, fig jam (if you’re really feeling fancy), or your favorite type of bread.

If you need an excuse to goof off a little, Sunday, April 14, is International Moment of Laughter Day. I know it’s the end of the semester and basically prime time for stress, but letting a little joy and laughter into your life is vital. So, take some time today to watch a funny movie, spend time with your friends, or even scroll on TikTok.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. A disclaimer that this column is intended for reflection and entertainment (not for academic research, for example), and infuses scholarly content as possible.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

It’s officially April, which marks the beginning of National Poetry Month, a month dedicated to the art of poetry–whether it be writing, reading, performing, or studying it. Poetry is an art form whose end product can look and sound a nearly endless possibility of different ways, but its meanings often resonate with us, even for generations. It can also be deeply personal, feeling a certain allegiance to the poets whose words speak to you, whether it be Poe, Shakespeare, Plath, or Angelou. In celebration of National Poetry Month, this Weekend’s Recs will take a dive into the world of poetry, poems, and the poets who create them.

If you have 3 minutes…and like the political commentary of slam poetry, watch the “Lost Voices” slam poem. It may have gone viral a few years ago, but it continues to be relevant today.

If you have 12 minutes…and are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, listen to late actor Christopher Lee’s narration of “The Raven.” Not only is this poem arguably one of the most iconic of all time, Christopher Lee’s distinctive voice really brings the poem to life.

Bonus: if you want to explore the poetic works of Poe, read this collection of his poetry.

If you have 16 minutes…and like TED Talks, watch this talk by Pages Matam, who blends typical TED-talk-style lecturing about how poetry can offer a unique opportunity to use your voice with interspersed spoken word poetry.

If you have 25 minutes…and want to read academic work on one of the most popular forms of poetry today, read this article about the poetry of modern hip-hop.

If you have 1 hour and 26 minutes…and want to learn more about Poe, watch “Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive” from PBS’s American Masters, available to stream online through Falvey.

If you have 1 hour and 43 minutes…and like the poets of the Beat movement, watch Kill Your Darlings, available to stream online through Falvey. This dark academia film follows the two early Beat poets Allen Ginsburg and Lucien Carr during their time at Columbia University, and like other works in the dark academia sub-genre, it involves murder, romance, and poetry.

If you have 2 hours and 5 minutes…and are a fan of Emily Dickinson, watch A Quiet Passion, available to stream for free on Pluto. Starring Cynthia Nixon, this biopic follows Dickinson from childhood to her death.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels

Bonus: if you have Apple TV, and want a more comedic and creative take–including her obsession with death–on Emily Dickinson’s life, watch the Dickinson series, starring Hailee Steinfeld. You can also read a collection of Emily Dickinson’s poems here.

If you have 4 hours…and like quick-reads, read Dead Poet’s Society, available in our Popular Reading Collection. The book was actually written after the classic movie starring Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke (among others), but the book is still largely a love letter to poetry.

If you have 8 hours…and want to take a dive into the study of poetry, read Poetry by John Strachan, available online through Falvey.

Bonus: if you want to check out books of poetry for some inspiration, browse Falvey’s collection.

For more library resources on poetry, check out the Poetry Subject Guide.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In his sonnet “On the Grasshopper and Cricket,” John Keats wrote, “The poetry of earth is never dead.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! I hope you’re all enjoying the break! The weather might not be the ideal spring weather many of us are longing for, but I hope you were still able to breathe some fresh air, soak in some vitamin D, and enjoy the weekend.

And just think, it might be cool and rainy now, but in a few short weeks, all the flowers will bloom and everything will come alive once again. So, be grateful for the rain and the poetry it’s writing.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Tuesday, April 2

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, April 3

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

2024 Literary Fest Event: Carolyn Forché | 7 p.m. | Driscoll Hall Auditorium | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public

Thursday, April 4

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 12-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday, April 7

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash

If you want to get some fresh air and take a break, Wednesday, Apr. 3 is National Walking Day. Walking is not only a great and relatively low-impact activity, but it’s also great for your mental health. So, whether you prefer to get your steps in on a treadmill or in the outdoors, you can celebrate by taking a walk. Even a short 15-minute walk could help you clear your head and feel refreshed.

If you want to partake in some more self-care, National Self-Care Day is this Friday, Apr. 5. Whether your best self-care takes the form of getting some extra hours of sleep, spending some quality time with a friend, going to the gym, or watching a comfort movie, Friday is a great opportunity to give yourself the TLC you deserve.

Friday is also National Dandelion Day. These little yellow flowers might be considered stubborn weeds to some, but they do remind us that springtime weather is right around the corner. If you’re longing for sunny days and warm weather right now, just look for the dandelions blooming.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Creative Act: A Way of Being, Rick Rubin wrote, “The imagination has no limits. The physical world does. The work exists in both.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Easter break is right around the corner, making it the perfect time to take some time for yourself and refresh your mind. We’re at that point in the semester when burnout is setting in, with workloads increasing and papers and exams starting to pile up.

To put forth your best work and to end the semester feeling proud of yourself, take some time to prioritize self-care and doing things that make you happy over break. Then, come back refreshed with an imagination ready to take on the rest of the semester and make your wildest ideas a reality.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 25

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Multifaith Prayer Room, St. Rita’s Hall | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, March 26

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

For any breakfast food fans, Monday, Mar. 25, is International Waffle Day. Waffles are an easily customizable breakfast food option with a host of different toppings and additions to chose from—strawberries and a little whipped cream is my personal favorite. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, pull out your waffle maker or head to a local diner and enjoy some waffles.

Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash

Tuesday, Mar. 26 is Solitude Day. School might still be in session, but it’s still a good time to fit some me-time into your schedule. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a therapeutic walk, or cooking your favorite meal, you can celebrate the day by making some time for yourself.

As the break might have clued you in, Easter is this Sunday, Mar. 31. It might be a Catholic holiday, but I think it’s also just a great excuse to spend some time with your family and to eat some of your favorite candy. Personally, my favorite candy to enjoy on Easter are Robin Eggs, which are basically Whoppers covered in a pastel-colored candy coating. Enjoy your break!

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. A disclaimer that this column is intended for reflection and entertainment (not for academic research, for example), and infuses scholarly content as possible.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

It’s Shakespeare Week, a week dedicated to celebrating and engaging with the works of playwright and poet William Shakespeare. Of course,  Shakespeare’s famed works live on as people continue to read, perform, and analyze them over 400 years after his death, but they have also inspired a plethora of adaptations and retellings that have been modernized for new audiences today to enjoy.

Just recently, Much Ado About Nothing received a retelling in the 2023 rom-com Anyone But You, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Even the now iconic The Lion King is an adaptation of Hamlet. So, in celebrating of Shakespeare Week, here are some modern adaptations and retellings (and some might even surprise you).

If you have 5 minutes…and want to test your Shakespeare knowledge, take this quick quiz, released in celebration of the recent 400-year anniversary of the First Folio, a historic collection of Shakespeare’s works that might have otherwise been lost to history.

If you have 19 minutes…and like Youtube video essays, watch this video discussing how the 1990s and 2000s trend of Shakespeare retellings re-popularized Shakespeare among young people.

Bonus: For a more scholarly take, read this ebook on marketing “The Bard” to Hollywood during the same era.

If you have 37 minutes…and like feminist analyses, watch this video essay on how 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s the Man represent feminism and gender.

Bonus: To see an academic’s take on this subject, read this essay from Borrowers and Lenders: The Journal of Shakespeare and Appropriation.

Photo by malavika on Unsplash

If you have 1 hour and 37 minutes…and want to feel a little nostalgic, watch 10 Things I Hate About You, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. This beloved late 90s rom-com starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger is actually a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew.

If you have 1 hour and 45 minutes…and like Shakespeare’s comedies, watch She’s the Man, available to stream for free on Pluto. If you’ve read or seen Twelfth Night, you might not be surprised that She’s the Man is an updated (and somehow even more outlandish) retelling.

Bonus: if you want to watch an adaptation more faithful to the source material, watch 1996’s Twelfth Night, available to stream online through Falvey.

If you have 1 hour and 51 minutes…and prefer Shakespeare’s tragedies, watch Hamlet, the 2000s modernized retelling starring Ethan Hawke set in New York City, available to stream online through Falvey.

If you have 2 hours and 41 minutes…and are a fan of David Tennant, watch him and Catherine Tate star in a filmed production of Much Ado About Nothing, available to stream online through Falvey. It might technically be more of a theatrical production rather than an adaptation, but it stars two recognizable film actors, so I’m including it.

Bonus: If you want to check out any more filmed theatrical productions of works by playwrights like Shakespeare and beyond, browse our Digital Theatre+ subscription library.

If you have 6 hours…and like Shakespeare’s dramedy The Tempest, read Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood. Yes, the Margaret Atwood wrote a Shakespeare adaptation in 2016. Not a traditional retelling, Atwood weaves the Shakespeare’s original work into the plot, following actor Felix as he seeks revenge for having his theatrical dreams crushed.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins wrote, “What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Tomorrow officially marks the first day of spring. Spring is a time of hope and rebirth. It’s a time to come alive again after a bleak winter.

With daylight savings giving us a little more sunshine in our day and the start of spring, things are starting to look a little brighter. I hope you’re all able to enjoy a little more time outside in the sun in the coming weeks—even if the Pennsylvania weather is fickle.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 18

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Multifaith Prayer Room, St. Rita’s Hall | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, March 19

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, March 20

But Is It Fair Use? A Copyright Discussion and Q&A (Virtual Workshop) | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students | Register Here

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, March 21

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 12-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday, March 24

Center for Speaking and Presentation/The Learners’ Studio | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Mak on Unsplash

Today, Mar. 18, marks the beginning of Shakespeare Week, a week dedicated to celebrating and examining the famed playwright and author William Shakespeare. With works like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, if you want to celebrate this week, you can browse Falvey’s collection of Shakespearean works here.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, tomorrow, Mar. 19, is National Chocolate Caramel Day. If you’re a fan of this classic flavor combination, your options to celebrate are practically endless—Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Squares, Rolos, and Milk Duds, to name just a few.

To all the astrology believers, Astrology Day is this Wednesday, Mar. 20. Personally, while I’m not a steadfast believer, I do think that astrology is sometimes right on the money and overall harmlessly fun. So, whether you like to read your horoscope, look at your friend’s birth charts, or guess people’s sun signs, Wednesday is your excuse to enjoy astrology. You can also browse Falvey’s collection of astrology books, articles, and other resources here.

Fittingly during the first week of spring, Thursday, Mar. 21, is National Flower Day. Although flowers are just starting to bloom, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. If you have a green thumb and some outdoor space, plant your favorite flowers (bonus points if they’re native plants). If you want to share your appreciation to someone special in your life, gift them a bouquet of flowers. If you want to read some floral literature, check out former GA Ethan’s May Flowers blog.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Photo by Viacom International Inc. on Wikimedia Commons

With the release of the live-action Netflix Original adaptation a few weeks ago, it’s safe to say that the Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) fandom is having a resurgence. Originally airing on Nickelodeon in 2005, ATLA has become a highly acclaimed cult classic (or, at this point, just a classic). Although its status as an anime is debatable—I’d personally say that it’s more of a gateway show to actual anime—the show has been credited as introducing a new audience of American children to anime. The series has also been praised for capturing intense emotional and political themes in a show made for children—though it’s definitely a show that is enjoyable at all ages.

If you have 10 minutes…and haven’t seen the Netflix Original yet, read this review. It’s largely received mixed reviews, though they do skew positive. In my opinion, while the casting is amazing (and it’s overall 10x better than the 2010 live action movie), the pacing and some of the characterizations were a bit off.

If you have 15 minutes…and like the original, read this New York Times essay about ATLA and its de-centering of whiteness.

Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon

If you have 25 minutes…and want read some academic work on ATLA, read “The Blending of Bending: How We Engage with the World of Avatar: The Last Airbender through Memes,” available online through Falvey. Inspired by ATLA memes during the pandemic, this article does a deep dive into ATLA, its fandom, and its memes.

If you have 1 hour and 32 minutes…and are a fan of Prince Zuko’s character arc, watch this deep dive video essay on his character’s psychology.

If you have 7 hours and 17 minutes…and haven’t already watched it, watch the first season of the live action series. It might not be perfect (or surpass the original), but it does have some bright spots—it’s visually stunning, the effects are great, including the bending, and Dallas James Liu really stands out as Prince Zuko.

Bonus: it almost goes without saying, but if you want to watch (or re-watch) arguably one of the best “children’s” shows of all time, watch the original animated series, also available on Netflix. If you don’t believe me, look at its glowing scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you have a free weekend…and want to explore more ATLA lore, read the books in the Avatar Kyoshi duology—The Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi—available online through Falvey.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.