Rich BarlowCognoscenti contributorRich Barlow writes for BU Today, Boston University's news website.Recently publishedHorror movies are like fine art — the best ones endureWhile some may see the horror genre as silly or low-brow schlock, jump scares shouting “boo!” writes Rich Barlow, they disregard the fact that strumming fear, like guitars, separates maestros...CognoscentiOct 27, 2023It's time to end religious exemptions for vaccinations in Mass.Proposed legislation in Mass. would eliminate exemptions from vaccination for students on religious grounds. No major religion prohibits vaccination, writes Rich Barlow, and these exemptions risk the health of some...CognoscentiOct 16, 2023Mass. is getting a new seal and motto — and you can help decide Massachusetts is designing a new state seal and motto, and Rich Barlow hopes his fellow residents will take the time to vote. A commission overseeing the redesign will make its...CognoscentiSep 5, 2023Zen and the art of lawn maintenanceA "reel mower" may conjure images from the 1950s, but the environmental imperatives of the 21st century have enhanced, not diminished, the virtues of this humble landscaping device, writes Rich...CognoscentiAug 23, 2023What Mass. can learn about saving the planet — from New JerseyNew Jersey’s million-acre Pinelands offers powerful lessons in salvaging biodiversity, writes Rich Barlow. CognoscentiJul 17, 2023AdvertisementI drove my Mazda Miata for 13 years. Then life intervened Life takes many of us from two-seaters, road trips and impromptu nights out to family cars, playdates and college funds. This is called growing up, writes Rich Barlow. It brings...CognoscentiJul 7, 2023In praise of a meatless Easter and Passover — and any other day, tooIn the fight against corporate animal cruelty and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, individuals aren’t powerless, writes Rich Barlow, as he plans his menu for Vegan Easter. CognoscentiApr 4, 2023Lincoln struggled with depression. What we can learn from it todayThis Presidents Day arrives amid a pandemic of deteriorating mental health among young people, writes Rich Barlow. Lincoln’s coping strategies offer a light in the dark of fear and sorrow.CognoscentiFeb 20, 2023Do what you love — even if you’re bad at itIn this season of New Year’s resolutions, writes Rich Barlow, there’s pleasure – and relief – to be found in the space between reaching for your best and reaching for...CognoscentiJan 10, 2023‘Tell me those aren’t real candles’: my combustible Christmas treeRich Barlow’s suggestion for a holiday reminiscent of simpler times? “Instead of stringing electric lights on your tree, light it with burning candles.” Hear him out. CognoscentiDec 19, 2022Next Page
Horror movies are like fine art — the best ones endureWhile some may see the horror genre as silly or low-brow schlock, jump scares shouting “boo!” writes Rich Barlow, they disregard the fact that strumming fear, like guitars, separates maestros...CognoscentiOct 27, 2023
It's time to end religious exemptions for vaccinations in Mass.Proposed legislation in Mass. would eliminate exemptions from vaccination for students on religious grounds. No major religion prohibits vaccination, writes Rich Barlow, and these exemptions risk the health of some...CognoscentiOct 16, 2023
Mass. is getting a new seal and motto — and you can help decide Massachusetts is designing a new state seal and motto, and Rich Barlow hopes his fellow residents will take the time to vote. A commission overseeing the redesign will make its...CognoscentiSep 5, 2023
Zen and the art of lawn maintenanceA "reel mower" may conjure images from the 1950s, but the environmental imperatives of the 21st century have enhanced, not diminished, the virtues of this humble landscaping device, writes Rich...CognoscentiAug 23, 2023
What Mass. can learn about saving the planet — from New JerseyNew Jersey’s million-acre Pinelands offers powerful lessons in salvaging biodiversity, writes Rich Barlow. CognoscentiJul 17, 2023
I drove my Mazda Miata for 13 years. Then life intervened Life takes many of us from two-seaters, road trips and impromptu nights out to family cars, playdates and college funds. This is called growing up, writes Rich Barlow. It brings...CognoscentiJul 7, 2023
In praise of a meatless Easter and Passover — and any other day, tooIn the fight against corporate animal cruelty and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, individuals aren’t powerless, writes Rich Barlow, as he plans his menu for Vegan Easter. CognoscentiApr 4, 2023
Lincoln struggled with depression. What we can learn from it todayThis Presidents Day arrives amid a pandemic of deteriorating mental health among young people, writes Rich Barlow. Lincoln’s coping strategies offer a light in the dark of fear and sorrow.CognoscentiFeb 20, 2023
Do what you love — even if you’re bad at itIn this season of New Year’s resolutions, writes Rich Barlow, there’s pleasure – and relief – to be found in the space between reaching for your best and reaching for...CognoscentiJan 10, 2023
‘Tell me those aren’t real candles’: my combustible Christmas treeRich Barlow’s suggestion for a holiday reminiscent of simpler times? “Instead of stringing electric lights on your tree, light it with burning candles.” Hear him out. CognoscentiDec 19, 2022
