Mar 14 2023
Many animals have come to be associated with tiki over the years, and here are some of the most prominent ones, how they became part of tiki culture, and a look at some of Hawaii’s most interesting animals. The Toucan When we think of the Toucan bird, we think of Tiki. In fact, these birds …
Mar 08 2023
When psychologist Kris Kelvin travels to the space station that is orbiting the oceanic planet Solaris to investigate the psychological unrest of the skeleton crew of three working there, he soon finds himself having the same mental difficulties. But let’s go back a little, when Solaris begins in an idyllic countryside scene, where Kris Kelvin visits …
Mar 01 2023
The 1973 animation Fox and Rabbit (Лиса и заяц) was Yuri Norstein’s debut as an exclusive director. In keeping with Norstein’s most beloved animation techniques, it is made with wonderful cut-outs and has that signature Norstein earthy feel, brimming with folksy forest animals and seasonal motifs. Based on a Russian folk tale, it is the …
Feb 22 2023
Made in 1971, The Battle of Kerzhenets is based on the mythical underwater city of Kitezh. According to legend, the Russian town “Little Kitezh” was built on the Volga River in the early 13th century. The Mongols had been invading nearby territories during this time, and when they reached Kitezh they started to attack the citizens, but …
Feb 19 2023
Happy birthday to composer Shigeru Umebayashi, famous for his exceptional film scores, especially the song “Yumeji’s Theme” for Yumeji (1991) which was also used in the film In the Mood for Love (2000), and his music for House of Flying Daggers (2004). Umebayashi was born on this day February 19, 1951 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
Feb 05 2023
“There it is, Wendy! Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning.” Peter Pan Today is the birthday of the Disney classic, Peter Pan, released February 5th, 1953. The movie was based on the work Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up by J. M. Barrie. Barrie’s Peter Pan was first released …
Jan 22 2023
Route 66, often referred to as the Mother Road or the Main Street of America, is a historic highway that stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Established in 1926, this iconic road played a significant role in the development of the United States, particularly during the Great Depression and the post-World War II …
Jan 15 2023
American abstract sculptor and printmaker Lee Bontecou was born on this day January 15, 1931 in Providence, Rhode Island. Bontecou was raised in New York and Nova Scotia, and spent much of her youth studying art. From 1952-1955, she studied at the Art Students League in New York with sculptor William Zorach, Morris Kantor, and …
Jan 14 2023
Legendary portrait and fashion photographer Cecil Beaton was born on January 14, 1904, in the Hampstead area of London, England. With an eye for beauty, he also excelled at interior design, and was an Oscar-winning stage and costume designer, and a sparkling writer. Beaton captured stunning, intimate portraits of his subjects, many of whom were his friends. Here’s a …
Jan 07 2023
Often referred to as “a poetic photographer,” Roloff Beny was a passionate world traveler, and spent much of his life traveling and photographing the places and people he met there. The Canadian travel photographer and painter was born on this day January 7, 1924 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Beny was an international photographer, but …