🌍 Culture

• 🎬Filmmakers on filmmakers on filmmaking - La Nuit Américaine Express

  An exploration of François Truffaut's film _Day for Night_ and its influence on Wes Anderson's artistic vision.

• 🌆For one minute please stand

  An invitation to reconsider and engage with our urban spaces through simple steps for transformation.

• 🍃Fig Leaf Wardrobe, by Tord Boontje

  A clever commentary on human creativity and the irony of covering nature's own beauty.

• 🏷️G. SALE

  Impressed by a neighbor's succinct sign, I found a lovely convergence of cultural artifacts while reading John Berger's novel.

• 🌈If it seems wordish, use it

  The creativity of language invites us to embrace innovative word usage without apology.

• 🎨“Portrait of Andries Stilte II”, by Kehinde Wiley

  An exploration of Kehinde Wiley's work, merging historical European art with contemporary African-American identity.

• 📚Surfing Proust - Is nonfiction just easier to read?

  Caroline Langston reflects on the nature of reading in the digital age and shares her insights on the changing landscape of how we engage with literature.

• 🎩Ear to the Ground, by David Van Tiegham

  A captivating performance piece intertwines music and environment, showcasing the talents of David Van Tieghem in an artistic exploration of sound.

• 📜Everything is fascinating - Joseph Mitchell’s patient journalism

  Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Joseph Mitchell and his unique approach to journalism.

• 🎡Playful spaces, by Bruno Taylor

  A young UK designer adds a whimsical touch to urban life with a swing installation at a bus shelter, sparking playful interactions among passersby.

• 📚“Biology

  I find it fascinating to think about the hidden images and stories within the books on my shelves, much like Brian Dettmer's artwork.

• 🏓A long way from the rec room

  A humorous take on the chaotic nature of doubles table tennis from Robert Weintraub.

• 🔥Whiskey Devil, decor crew, Burning Man Center Camp

  Deep in the Nevada desert, Black Rock City prepares for Burning Man 2008 with the pre-Burn tradition of mini-Burning Man ceremonies.

• 🌊Chand Baori (stepwell), India, by Doron

  Here’s a glimpse into the architectural marvel of Chand Baori, a 9th-century stepwell that beautifully illustrates community access to water.

• 🍔Chain mosques

  Exploring how the rise of multi-site mosque chains mirrors the fast-food model, emphasizing accessibility and modern amenities for worshippers.

• 🎨Taggers abhor a vacuum

  The Antonio family tried to combat graffiti by commissioning a mural, but their effort was thwarted by city regulations leading to its removal and the return of taggers.

• 🎭Twenty years experience needed

  Brian Eno reflects on the deep-rooted theatrical traditions and community spirit of Oberammergau.

• 🎭Not in my intellectual back yard

  This piece explores how excessive intellectual property rights can stifle creativity and innovation in various fields.

• 🎨The Lacemaker (detail), by Johannes Vermeer

  Lawrence Weschler beautifully reflects on Vermeer's "The Lacemaker," illuminating its focus on concentration and craft.

• 🤸Children practicing gymnastics, by Qiu Yan

  Exploring the new culture that emerges as children train for the Olympics in China.

• 🌍The claims we make on nature and beauty

  An insightful critique by Rebecca Solnit on the intersection of beauty, nature, and politics in sports, particularly during the Olympics.

• 🗣️ah-SEE-shə

  A linguistic critique on the mispronunciation of "Ossetia" and insights into its cultural and political significance.

• 🧐The problem with critique as a posture

  Quoting Andy Crouch on the strange passivity of a critical attitude.

• 🎨Untitled, by Pasquale Ottaiano

  A reflection on the intriguing interplay between art and the viewer, as captured in a moment of deep contemplation.

• 🤠Your church home on the range

  Cowboy churches blend country charm with spiritual devotion, creating a unique worship experience.

• ✝️The only really effective apologia

  Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger reflects on the true testimonies of Christianity through the lives of saints and the beauty of art instead of mere apologetics.

• 🕊️The wonder (and scandal) of conversion

  An exploration of the complex nature of conversion and identity, illustrated through Jennie Baker's experience with Orthodoxy in England.

• 📺Where have all the dancers gone?

  A reflection on the decline of communal dancing and the rise of televised performances in our culture.

• 🎭Art is not defiled by our efforts

  A profound reflection by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

• 🔥“Blacksmith Shop”, by Czeslaw Milosz

  A reflection on how childhood can connect us to our life's callings, as illustrated in Czeslaw Milosz's evocative poem, "Blacksmith Shop."

• 🎨L.E.S. Artistes, by Santogold

  Exploring the dual interpretations of a song about artistic sacrifice and frustration with superficiality.

• 🏐The only pro game in Cambodia

  An inspiring look at how disabled sports in Cambodia help restore culture in the wake of conflict.

• 😢Part of why we’re holding off, for the moment, on hosting traditional comments on this site

  Reflecting on Rozanov's critique of Herzen and the paradox of emotional impact in literature.

• 🖥️Portfolio | culture-making.com

  As curator and co-creator of the Culture Making website, I developed the initial site architecture and layout in collaboration with Andy Crouch and Yee Design. Geolocation coordinates

• 😂Some classical humor

  Jokes can be tricky to translate, but here's a taste of classical humor from the Philogelos.

• 🏍️Albert Borgmann on motorcycle maintenance

  The implications of advancing technology on our relationship with motorcycles and the care they require.

• 📚An unstoppable commitment to storytelling

  A reflection on why Salman Rushdie's _Midnight's Children_ remains a monumental literary achievement.

• 🎭Txt in contxt

  A reflection on the playful nature of texting and its linguistic creativity, featuring insights from linguistics professor David Crystal.

• 🎶Surreal & the Sound Providers, “The Place to Be”

  Exploring the collaborative spirit of cultural creation, much like we hear in the rhythm of hip-hop.

• 🎶Beyond Bollywood - Shillong’s love affair with western music

  Reflecting the rich musical heritage of Shillong, where rock and gospel blend seamlessly in a unique cultural tapestry.

• 👶You can call me Al

  Reflecting on evolving parental nicknames and the cultural influences behind them.

• 🍖The corned beef plague

  An exploration of obesity trends in the Pacific Islands and beyond.

• 🎨The next Last Supper

  A thought-provoking interpretation of Leonardo's Last Supper explores its themes through modern technology and artistic expression.

• 🎶Mix CD | Connexcellent!

  A unique mix celebrating Connecticut, featuring songs and artists that pay homage to the Nutmeg State.

• 🎶Mix CD | Nuevo manuel de la música cubana y africana

  A personal exploration of Cuban music through a curated mix of _rumba_ and _son_ spanning over a century.

• 🚂Mix CD | Why Are There So Many Songs about Hobos?

  Exploring the complex role of the hobo in American musical culture, I reflect on their portrayal as either a figure to be pitied or envied, ultimately leading to my own hobo-inspired creation, "Hobo Lingo."

• 🗺️Portfolio | Anthropologist

  A striking two-sided business card for an anthropologist delving into Latin American geopolitics.

• 💍Mix CD | The Bridegroom Special

  Celebrating love with a joyous mix of multicultural tunes for a wedding celebration.

• 🎶Mix CD | Planes, Trains and Autorickshaws

  A nostalgic reflection on creating a mix to celebrate the friendships and memories made during a trip to India, filled with inside jokes and cherished music.

• 🤔Theme-park theodicies

  George Saunders' _Pastoralia_ explores the absurdities and deeper truths of modern life through the lens of tragicomedy. Here, a young boy's struggle for identity and acceptance ultimately leads to profound questions about love and worth.