Topic: University of Dayton

For Jews and Christians, a holiday 'season of rapprochement'

The Hanukkah and Christmas holidays coincide amid a season of Jewish and Christian bridge-building, as evidenced, in part, by a recent surprise bestseller on Amazon.

Should 'bromance' really be in the dictionary? Merriam-Webster thinks so.

Merriam-Webster has included 'bromance' and 'fist bump' among 150 other new words in its new collegiate dictionary. The words are a compendium of American culture, linguists say.

How could Virginia quake be felt in Canada and crack the Washington Monument?

Rocks of the East Coast conduct earthquakes much better than rocks in the West. It means a moderate quake in rural Virginia can travel far and damage the Washington Monument.

Harry Potter is just like ... what? Five leading templates for comparison.

Harry Potter fans just know they love the record-breaking series of books. But everyone from academics to mythologists, classicists to historians, and literary critics to, well, geeks have a special “template” they perceive at the heart of the tale.

From positing Albus Dumbledore as the infamous Richard III to taking us aloft the scaly back of St. George’s dragon, here are five of our top takes on what’s going on behind the scenes in the Harry Potter narratives.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2': The bookend of a generation

Since 1997, the adventures of Harry Potter have not only entertained, but also shaped the morals and attitudes of a generation. Will Harry Potter's impact remain afloat after tomorrow's release of the final movie, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2'?

Al Qaeda on the ropes? Little Arab outrage over Osama bin Laden's death.

Osama bin Laden's death stirred little open anger in the Arab world – a sign to some experts that, in the 'battle of competing narratives,' US pro-democracy rhetoric is trumping Al Qaeda terror.

Derailed? Third GOP governor rejects Obama high-speed rail plan.

Gov. Rick Scott of Florida declines $2 billion of federal money in deciding not to build a Orlando-to-Tampa high-speed rail line. Two other governors have made similar moves. It suggests a rocky road ahead for Obama's $53 billion rail plan in the Republican House.

'Harry Potter' real-world appeal: quidditch leagues and rock cake recipes

The parallel universe of the Harry Potter books has launched real-life offshoots: A quidditch league is among the most visible, but the books' values are inspiring many others.

Riding shotgun: Lee Friedlander photographs from the car

Distinctive Lee Friedlander photos open a window on America's deep car culture.

A character not listed in TV dramas: The city itself

As 'Law & Order: Los Angeles' ramps up, the role cities play in storytelling is seen in the tone, shaping of other characters, and cultural backdrop.

Tapping Dumbledore's wisdom

A new campaign asks 'What would Dumbledore do?' as the latest 'Harry Potter' movie hits the screens.

Teacher training: what's the best way?

Some policymakers say the focus needs to be on improving traditional education schools, while others are advocates of so-called alternative models, which can speed up entry into the profession.

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Pakistan's contradictory faces

In a country rife with extremism I saw civilized culture and a triumphant human spirit.

Pope begins a 'teaching' trip to U.S.

Preaching universal values at the UN, Benedict will urge followers to strengthen their Catholic identity.

And the Oscar nominees are ... a bit on the dark side

The films leading the race tended to be long on grandeur and bleak in outlook. Is it a reflection of America's mood?