Dec 25 2023
As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to indulge in its merriment than by immersing oneself in the melodic charm of jazz, particularly the timeless tunes of Oscar Peterson. His soulful renditions of classic Christmas songs resonate with warmth, evoking nostalgic memories of past holiday seasons while creating new ones. One cannot talk …
Dec 24 2023
The aluminum Christmas tree is a unique cultural artifact that embodies a certain era of American history. Born out of the Space Age fascination with new materials and technologies, the aluminum Christmas tree was a symbol of modernity and progress. Its journey from a novelty item to a piece of nostalgia is a fascinating story …
Dec 19 2023
Considered one of the pivotal figures in the 1960s folk revival, Phil Ochs was born on this day December 19, 1940. His music, deeply rooted in social and political commentary, served as a beacon of hope and resistance amidst the turmoil and upheaval of his time. Ochs was more than just a singer-songwriter; he was …
Dec 18 2023
The LAX Theme Building, an iconic structure in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has undergone a remarkable transformation from a symbol of retro futurism to a cultural icon, eventually gaining the status of a Historic-Cultural Monument. With its distinctive spaceship-like appearance, the Theme Building has been an integral part of LAX since its construction …
Dec 15 2023
Chihiro Iwasaki, born on December 15, 1918, is celebrated as one of Japan’s most beloved and influential illustrators. Her artistic prowess and unique ability to depict the innocence and joy of childhood have made her work instantly recognizable and cherished by many generations. This piece serves as a tribute to her remarkable contributions to the …
Dec 12 2023
Born Yewubdar Gebru on December 12, 1923, Ethiopian pianist, composer, and nun Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou is known for her free-spirited piano playing of compositions where notes flit with ease up and down pentatonic (five-note) scales. Her playing is heartfelt and instinctive, skillfully moving around the keyboard without a hitch. The scales heard in much of her music are representative …
Dec 06 2023
For generations, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has delighted audiences with his bright red nose and heartwarming tale of acceptance. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this beloved Christmas character? Enter Rankin-Bass, the production company that brought Rudolph to life and transformed him from a misfit into an icon. Through a combination of …
Dec 03 2023
Born on this day December 3, 1940 in Ogden, Utah, Kenneth McGowan is a celebrated figure in the realm of photography, known for his unique artistic approach that combines technical mastery with a distinctively creative vision. He has carved out a niche for himself by consistently producing work that transcends the mundane and captures the extraordinary …
Nov 26 2023
Norbert Schwontkowski was an accomplished German artist, renowned for his distinct approach to painting. Born in Bremen, Germany in 1949, Schwontkowski developed an artistic style that was deeply rooted in the exploration of the human condition, often translating this into atmospheric landscapes and introspective scenes. His works are imbued with a sense of melancholy and …
Nov 22 2023
Hailed as a magnum opus, Andrei Rublev is an emblematic film that has left a profound impact on cinema. This is a film not just to be watched, but to be experienced. Its hypnotic visuals, philosophical musings, and the exploration of the human condition are as mesmerizing as they are thought-provoking. The film, directed by …
