Culture

World Celebrated New Year, UK Faced Weather Disruptions
World Celebrated New Year, UK Faced Weather Disruptions

Around the world, every country geared up to welcome the new year with its own distinct customs and celebrations. From the dazzling fireworks in Sydney to the lively parties in New York, cities prepared for a vibrant display of tradition and festivity. In places like Paris, where the Eiffel Tower lighted up the night sky, and in Cape Town, where ...

Rediscovering Mont Blanc: A Timeless Treat for Festive Gatherings
Rediscovering Mont Blanc: A Timeless Treat for Festive Gatherings

Mont Blanc is a cornerstone of French patisserie. This iconic cake takes its name from the majestic Alpine peak, its conical shape and snow-like topping echoing the mountain’s eternal snows. Mont Blanc: A Dessert of History and Symbolism While its exact origins remain unclear, they are thought to lie somewhere between France and Italy, two ...

Vienna, Venice and Berlin: Musical Nationalism in New Year's Concerts
SpotlightVienna, Venice and Berlin: Musical Nationalism in New Year's Concerts

The arrival of the new year is heralded by global festivities, with New Year's concerts at the forefront. These events, featuring renowned orchestras and conductors, have become key annual celebrations for music enthusiasts, offering a melodic exploration of Europe's rich musical heritage while ushering in a sense of joy and hope for the coming ...

As Year Ends, Power Couple Brangelina Close Their Chapter
As Year Ends, Power Couple Brangelina Close Their Chapter

Famed actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie signed their divorce settlement on Monday, as reported by People Magazine. This agreement brings a pivotal moment to their eight-year-long legal saga, a case that has captivated global audiences. Angelina Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, confirmed the settlement, stating that Jolie is “focused on ...

This is Beirut's 'Walk of Fame:' They Left Us in 2024
This is Beirut's 'Walk of Fame:' They Left Us in 2024

This is Beirut presents its Walk of Fame dedicated to iconic figures from the artistic and cultural world who passed away in 2024. From Hussein Madi to Olivia Hussey, including Donald Sutherland and Alain Delon, this selection, far from exhaustive, pays tribute to individuals whose talent and legacy marked this painful year. Hussein Madi (88) ...

Nigeria’s Iconic Calabar Carnival Dazzles with Culture Showcase
Nigeria’s Iconic Calabar Carnival Dazzles with Culture Showcase

Revellers dressed in glitzy, colorful costumes danced down the streets of Calabar, southern Nigeria, this weekend as giant speakers blasted Afrobeats for one of West Africa's most renowned carnivals. Every December, the celebration draws nearly two million partygoers to the capital of Cross River state, organizers said. Calabar Carnival, known ...

Disney’s Mufasa and Sonic Compete for Box Office Glory
Disney’s Mufasa and Sonic Compete for Box Office Glory

The legendary Mufasa, father of Simba from The Lion King, and the famous blue hedgehog Sonic are competing for the top spot at the North American box office this Christmas week, according to Sunday estimates from Exhibitor Relations. The animated films by entertainment giants Disney and Paramount have dominated the U.S. and Canadian box office ...

UNESCO Spotlights Rubab as Afghanistan’s Symbol of Resilience
UNESCO Spotlights Rubab as Afghanistan’s Symbol of Resilience

Wood shavings littered the floor of Sakhi's cramped workshop in the Afghan city of Herat as another rubab, the national musical instrument of his homeland, took shape under his deft hands. Sakhi has crafted two rubabs a month for decades, and he refuses to set down his tools even as a Taliban crackdown strangles music in Afghanistan. "I know only ...

Olivia Hussey, the Star of Shakespearean Hollywood
PortraitOlivia Hussey, the Star of Shakespearean Hollywood

Olivia Hussey, forever remembered as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 masterpiece, passed away at the age of 73 on Friday, December 27, 2024, in her California home, surrounded by her loved ones. Her passing marks the end of an era in cinematic history, as her portrayal of Shakespeare’s heroine resonated deeply with generations of viewers ...

2025 TV Lineup: Fresh Narratives and Legendary Talent
2025 TV Lineup: Fresh Narratives and Legendary Talent

In 2025, several series promise to captivate viewers with innovative plots, iconic film figures, and eclectic fictional universes. While some works extend the legacy of classics, others explore new themes, far from the beaten path, blending history and fiction. Among the most anticipated productions are Merteuil, a reimagining of Les Liaisons ...

Seeing Life in Different Colors: The 2025 Eyewear Trends
Seeing Life in Different Colors: The 2025 Eyewear Trends

The 2025 eyewear trends revolutionize fashion with bold colors, eco-conscious designs and advanced technology. Glasses are no longer mere accessories—they are statements of individuality and style, merging functionality with cutting-edge aesthetics. A Splash of Color: Red, Purple, Brown and Green Color is making a powerful statement in 2025, ...

Camille Claudel and Rodin: Artistic Genius in 'The Mature Age'
PortraitCamille Claudel and Rodin: Artistic Genius in 'The Mature Age'

A collaborator and muse of sculptor Auguste Rodin, as well as the sister of poet, writer and diplomat Paul Claudel, Camille Claudel made her mark on the Art Nouveau movement with a style that blended realism and impressionism. Her life was later brought to light in the book A Woman, Camille Claudel by Anne Delbée and the film Camille Claudel, ...