It was just weeks ago when I thought about changing the title of my monthly archive and now, here it is. I’m also thinking about changing the format of the post a bit with the following elements: Title/ link, short summary, and what I think about it.

Before I give you the articles, you might want to check out my review of Josie Jaffrey’s novel, The Gilded King. I put more effort into it because of the quality of work. Anyway, let’s get it on with this month’s articles:

Why ‘star walking’ is the outdoor activity we need right now (NatGeo)

What is it about: The article shares what star walking is, the benefits it entails and the places one can visit to

What I think about it: As a night-sky enthusiast, I don’t need to be persuaded to look at the night sky. It’s just a shame that since I live in the city, my night sky viewing is heavily affected by the light pollution. Going to the mountains or to the beach where I could see a big expanse of sky is overwhelming, I can cry.

Learning to code ‘will seriously change your life’ (BBC)

What is it about: The title says it all.

What I think about it: My introduction to computer programming in high school wasn’t enough. Working as a business analyst has reinforced the idea that coding can open more doors for creativity. I don’t deny that having an extensive and intensive knowledge in computer programming can lead to fat paychecks, but better than this is the idea that a person who has a vision and coding skills can create a product, a program or a platform, tweak and improve it, and watch his vision come to life.

The hidden toilet humour in a Titian masterpiece (BBC)

What is it about: Farting in art or farting as an art.

What I think about it: I wonder since there is such a thing called overreading, there might be a thing called ‘overinterpretation’? This is only an assumption and I’d rather search for articles about stars and planets than verify this analysis of a Titian atmosphere. It was fun enough to read and my brain needed tickling. Also, I think my best friend would appreciate the humor.

The School of Athens: A detail hidden in a masterpiece (BBC)

What is it about: An inkpot. Lol

What I think about it: How I missed this article in September 2020 and never included it in my archive was baffling to me. Truth be told, I appreciate this article more than the previous one because how it was written makes me understand art easier (please note that the previously recommended article and this one was written by the same person). Paintings in general hold my attention but for a minute: my eyes are drawn to them like a moth drawn to a fire or like any other person who finds an object worthy of attention. However, I don’t spend as much time looking at the details and symbols in it as a curator would. It helps when I read an interpretation and analysis that won’t baffle or confuse me otherwise I’d rather stick to just looking at the painting.

Thinkers may think different thoughts, but their robes look remarkably the same.

Kelly Grovier, 2020

The ‘star-fiend’ who unlocked the Universe (BBC)

What is it about: A woman worth knowing, a certified star, Henrietta Swan Leavitt was one of Harvards old “computers” who laid the foundation for the discovery of cepheids and the law that governs the computation of the age and expansion of the universe.

What I think about it: What I found endearing was Leavitt had kept that passion for astronomy, whether it was purely out of routine or genuine interest for the stars even before women’s contribution to Science was recognized. By the salary a “computer” had that time, it was definitely a menial labor. I couldn’t even put myself in her shoes. Of course, I’d do anything to be part of a breakthrough in astronomy but in 1895-1900, I’d prefer to have a better paying job and take up astronomy as an interest or a hobby. Henrietta Swan Leavitt was truly remarkable.

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Those are the articles that struck my fancy in March. For now, I’m thinking of sticking to this format. What did you read this month?