New Details on Way-Distant 'Moana' Film

Looks like Disney may actually be serious about diversifying its films, if the rumors about its not-as-of-yet-officially-disclosed feature, Moana, are correct. Sources are saying that it's going to center around a young Polynesian explorer and chief's daughter who must help her family, presumably by setting sail (maybe by discovering Hawaii?). The not-necessarily-official concept art is certainly interesting, and the story sounds like a really cool idea (and not just because I just honeymooned in Hawaii!). Also, I guess it doesn't have to involve Hawaii. That's probably me just Americanizing it. If it just straight-up takes place with the Polynesians sans Hawaii, it'll probably be even better. Anyway, don't get too excited yet, because even though it's being directed by the legendary John Musker and Ron Clements, it's not set to hit until 2018, and, as we all know, there's plenty of time for it to get canceled between now and then.

Jhumpa Lahiri on Writing

Jhumpa Lahiri is one of my favorite authors. I'm really looking forward to reading her new book, The Lowland. Below is an interview she gave to the New Yorker on her both mystical and methodical process of writing:



I love how she describes her process of re-working and rewriting, how that the next draft may be worse or may be a little bit better. Sometimes it really is worse, and I feel like people so rarely admit that. It takes a lot more than just the number of drafts to make something great. You can read the rest of the article here.

Eyes on the Stars: A Story Corps' Short

Story Corps' latest animated short is about Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and astronaut who was the second African American to fly in space. Tragically, he passed away during the 1986 Challenger mission at age thirty-five. His brother Carl remembers him in this short, "Eyes on the Stars"



Story Corps, you always make me cry! And yet I'm so much better for having listened...

[via Neatorama]

Facundo the Great

A short and funny story from Story Corps! I'd give you the description, but then I'd give the whole story away. Enjoy!



[via Neatorama]