culture

Tintin, Popeye, Hemingway, and Ravel Lose Copyright Protection in the U.S.

Every January 1, thousands of books, films, songs, musical pieces, artworks, and comic characters—95 years old—lose their copyright protection in the U.S. This means they can now be freely copied, shared, reproduced, or adapted, without paying a cent in royalties. The Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University’s law school ...

Joseph Tarrab, Art Critic and Chronicler of Beirut, Has Passed Away

A journalist, writer, theater enthusiast, and art critic, Joseph Tarrab’s career spanned decades, resulting in a remarkable body of books and articles. Bestowed the title of Officer of the Order by Henri Le Breton, cultural advisor and director of the French Institute of Lebanon, on behalf of French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti, his ...

Paris, a Shining Star of New Year’s Eve 2024

Closing a year defined by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French capital brought together over a million people on the Champs-Élysées. Beneath a sparkling winter sky, Paris shone brighter than ever, delivering an unforgettable spectacle. The festivities began with a sumptuous performance by the dancers of the Moulin Rouge, ...

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

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 ...

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 ...