The Bridge of San Luis Rey, published in 1927, is a novel by Thornton Wilder that tells the story of five people who die when a rope bridge in Peru collapses. The narrative follows Brother Juniper, a Franciscan friar who seeks to understand the divine plan behind their deaths. Through this tragic event, Wilder explores themes of fate, purpose, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1928 and remains one of Wilder's most acclaimed works.
Sam Kean's "The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons" explores the history of neuroscience through captivating case studies. The book delves into fascinating stories of brain injuries and their impact, revealing how our understanding of the brain has evolved. Kean masterfully weaves together historical context, scientific discoveries, and personal narratives, making complex neurological concepts accessible to a wide audience. The book highlights the importance of case studies in advancing our knowledge of the brain and its functions. It challenges readers to reconsider the limitations of current neuroimaging techniques and appreciate the enduring value of observing real-world cases.
This is a segment we first aired back in 2011. In it, we hear a story of a very different kind of lost and found. Alan Lundgard, a college art student, fell in love with a fellow art student, Emilie Gossiaux. Nine months after Alan and Emilie made it official, Emilie's mom, Susan Gossiaux, received a terrible phone call from Alan. Together, Susan and Alan tell Jad and Robert about the devastating fork in the road that left Emilie lost in a netherworld, and how Alan found her again.
Then, at the end of the episode, and a full decade later, we catch up with Emilie and talk about her art, her heart, a dog named London, and the movie The Fifth Element.
EPISODE CITATIONS -
Exhibitions: Emilie L. Gossiaux - Other-Worlding (https://queensmuseum.org/exhibition/other-worlding/) at the Queen’s County Museum, through April, 7th, 2024.
Video: A video of Emilie Gossiaux painting with the BrainPort (https://youtu.be/1xYi9oZMVWI?si=kDBtRlVE62g9AI0V)
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