🌍 Culture

• 🎈The Red Balloon

  A reflection on the iconic short film "The Red Balloon," its themes, and cultural impact.

• 😂Tolstoy on world-changing

  I've been enjoying a quite funny article about Tolstoy in the latest Harper's.

• 🕌Untitled, by Manuel Guerzoni

  An exploration of beauty in architecture, contrasting the elegance of the Taj Mahal with the simplicity of utilitarian design.

• 📚Suggesting unsuggestions

  An exploration of the value of seeking out diverse reading experiences rather than sticking to familiar genres and preferences.

• 🏆Cape Canaveral, by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

  Reflecting on the sweetness of victory, even from the sidelines.

• 📹¿Por qué ser Carmelita Descalza?

  A unique strategy by a historic convent in Spain to attract new novices through social media. The Barefoot Carmelite nuns of Ecija have turned to YouTube to share their way of life in a modern way.

• 👑Every man a king

  Wu Tingfang shares a compelling perspective on the title of the American president, advocating for a change to "Emperor" to elevate the position and reflect its true significance.

• 📚We speak volumes

  From Penelope Lively's _Moon Tiger_, a reflection on the nature of language and memory.

• 🎨Getting back to making

  Reflecting on the challenges of balancing creation and curation, Gina Trapani shares her journey with Lifehacker and the motivations behind her desire to return to making.

• 🏭Blast furnaces, photos by Bernd and Hilla Becher

  I've been captivated by the Bechers' industrial photography, particularly their portrayal of blast furnaces that appear both alien and contemplative.

• 🎤Hair Salon, Lhasa, Tibet, by Adam Dean

  A captivating look at the life of a KTV hostess preparing for a night shift in Lhasa, China, where entertainment often masks deeper societal issues.

• 🖼️Jacob’s Dream (detail), by José de Ribera

  Exploring the intricate details of José de Ribera's "Jacob's Dream" through gigapixel scans at the Museo del Prado reveals the beauty of this masterful work.

• 🍹Two worlds, one club

  An immersive installation art piece blends contemporary UK and Congolese cultures, featuring distinct environments where patrons can traverse freely between them.

• 🕊️Idol Worship, by Laura Keeble

  An intriguing installation titled "Idol Worship" by Laura Keeble at the North Road Cemetery in Southend, UK.

• 🎸In search of the Easy Fret

  Exploring the impact of Guitar Hero on real guitar manufacturers and the call for easier-to-play instruments.

• 🌧️Lazy futures

  A critical look at the limitations of dystopian fiction's vision for the future, questioning its lack of hope and action.

• ✨The Rosa Parks of blogs

  I love this sort of list-making

• 🌉Electronic Superhighway - Continental U.S., by Nam June Paik

  The Mississippi River shines with a nostalgic glow, reminiscent of a historic superhighway. "[Electronic Superhighway

• 🎨Visitors and collectors

  From a new study, insights into the parallels between viewing and purchasing art, revealing that both experiences can provide similar satisfactions.

• 🧱Off H Siddiah Road, Bangalore, India

  A thought-provoking reflection on the juxtaposition of old and new, captured in this photo featuring old bricks and minimalist graffiti, offering a glimpse into urban evolution.

• 🌐The Web before the Web was the Web

  Exploring the parallels between urban life and online communities, this excerpt draws intriguing comparisons between the vibrancy of New York City and the Internet.

• 🗺️Tundra quilt, by Leah Evans

  A beautiful representation of our landscapes, this quilt captures the essence of estuaries and agricultural fields, reminiscent of Gerard Manley Hopkins' vivid imagery.

• 🌭Ben’s Chili Bowl, by Christian Tribastone

  I was drawn to this charming painting of the iconic D.C. eatery, Ben's Chili Bowl, which holds a special place in the history of U Street's vibrant cultural scene.

• 🎨Mr. Rogers goes to Washington

  Reflecting on the timeless message of Fred Rogers and the role of art in cultural change.

• 🕴️Dude descending a staircase

  A fascinating glimpse into the life of artist Marcel Duchamp captured in a multiple exposure image, reminiscent of his iconic work, “Nude Descending a Staircase.”

• 🐱AsLOLn

  Combining LOLCat humor with Narnian whimsy in a delightful mashup.

• 🎭One hand, one heart, two tongues

  A discussion on the bilingual revival of _West Side Story_ and its efforts to redress cultural biases.

• 🏆Golden idol fails to deliver on promise, again

  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has secured a legal victory over the heirs of Mary Pickford regarding the sale of her Oscar statuette.

• 😺The MagnifiCat (srsly)

  An exploration of the cultural implications of the LOLCat Bible Translation Project, considering its balance between humor and reverence.

• 🎨Franklin’s Footpath, by Gene Davis, 1972

  Celebrating the vibrant artistry of Gene Davis, known for his iconic striped color paintings.

• 🌳Nabokov on the translator’s art

  An exploration of the complexities of translation through Nabokov's vivid metaphor.

• 🕌A xerox on the face of eternity

  A reflection on the stories surrounding iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and their designers, alongside a contemporary debate about architectural copyright.

• 🔄Accept, fuse, rehabilitate

  Quoting Walt Whitman.

• 🎨Ontbijtje, by Robert Amesbury

  I had the joy of witnessing Rob's artistic journey as he melds old Dutch traditions with contemporary visual culture.

• 🎥This old webcam

  Exploring how artisans can share their craft while attracting more work.

• ✍️Copies

  A celebration of beautifully handcrafted French signage, showcasing its unique charm and artistry.

• ⚖️The tiniest culture war

  An exploration of the polarized perceptions surrounding nanotechnology and its societal implications.

• 🌀Spiritual Shopper

  Quoting Kathleen Norris on the mishmash of religious experiences devoid of depth and context.

• 📝Wallpaper

  A fascinating look at how a gas station in Adrian, Texas transformed restroom graffiti into a positive and creative community expression.

• 📚On the migration of books

  Orhan Pamuk reflects on the meaningful connection between his reading journey and his father's library, evoking thoughts on the books we cherish and share.

• 🎶The birthplace of the blues

  Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn collaborates with Malian bluesman Ali Fakra Toure in the vibrant setting of Timbuktu.

• 🎭Network ≠ community

  Exploring the nuanced impact of recommender systems on cultural diversity and individual experiences.

• 📚If you offer it, they will come

  Reflecting on the resurgence of literary interest, John Parker examines the appeal of classic literature amidst modern cultural critiques.

• 🖨️The Ghost of a Printing Press, photo by Chris Norris

  Exploring the remnants of a once-magnificent printing press, Chris Norris captures a piece of history in this photograph.

• 🌿Spice souk, Deira Creek, Dubai

  I appreciate the ungrounded spices in this display, showcasing their natural form.

• 🎭Follies

  Reflecting on the cultural impact of Florenz Ziegfeld and his legacy in entertainment.

• 🎨Remember (I was torn between), by Jay Kelly

  Southern California artist Jay Kelly creates uplifting and beautiful collages that meld various artistic styles into cohesive works.

• 🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 1!

  A vivid account of the tumultuous reaction to the first public performance of the noise orchestra in Milan in 1914.

• 🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 3!

  William Carlos Williams reflects on George Antheil's "Ballet Mechanique" and its impact on experiencing the noise of life.

• 🎶Now That’s What I Call Not Music 2!

  An exploration of audience reactions to Edgard Varèse's "Hyperprism" and the dichotomy between concept and substance in modern sound compositions.