Some of the words and phrases we use everyday were invented by Shakespeare! Learn about the history of these words and the plays that debuted them.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Artist M.C. Escher Spent a Lifetime Distorting Perspective
M.C. Escher was a Dutch graphic designer known for his innovative optical illusions, impossible drawings, and transforming tessellations, or interlocking tiles that slowly morphed from images like squares to fish to birds and back again. This video is from an exhibition of Escher’s art, which is no longer on display, but it nicely summarizes both his distinctive style and his continuing impact on popular culture.
The Joy and Misery of Hunting for Video Game Trophies
Many modern video games include a list of achievements that players can earn as they play. These trophies often reward the player for taking actions beyond the normal plot or path of the basic story. For some, achievements reward creative gameplay, add replayability, and encourage exploration. For others, they are annoying, repetitive distractions that artificially make a game seem bigger or more complex than it is. What do you think? Do achievements make games feel more or less enjoyable?
150 years of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, overlooked icon of Black classical music
Though countless music fans around the world celebrate the work of composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, there are still many who have never heard of him. Learn about his impressive music career and the movement to keep his legacy alive.
Self-taught pianist makes mark at graduation
| Lights, camera, action! Imagine turning your bedroom into a concert stage and teaching yourself to play piano. Meet Ana Castillo, a senior from San Antonio who did just that. |
The Legend of Halloween
Halloween is a celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding this festival of frights by clicking this link.
Ireland: The Home of Halloween Traditions
The historical roots of Halloween date back to the Celtic celebration of Samwain (pronounced “sow-in” or “sah-win”). In modern times, Ireland plays host to some of the largest Halloween parties in the world, including a massive three-day festival in Derry and a Púca Festival in the towns of Trim and Athboy (a púca, or pooka, is a mischievous, shapeshifting spirit). Follow this link to learn more.
Music in the Revolutionary War
This article describes how music was used to signal and entertain soldiers during the American Revolution, including General Washington himself.
Students learning English perform Shakespeare play
Deciphering Shakespeare can be challenging for readers at all levels. However, these students are mastering English language skills by preforming an entire Shakespeare play!
How realistic are movie dinosaurs?
Many of us love the Jurassic Park movies, including real-life paleontologist Matt Lamanna. Listen, or read the transcript, to learn from a dino expert which details are scientific fact, and which ones are pure movie magic.
Marian Anderson and the Concert at the Lincoln Memorial
Learn how the voice of Marian Anderson made a lasting impact in the history of music and Civil Rights.
Why Lego Isn’t (Just) a Toy Company
Twenty-five years ago, Lego was losing $300-million annually and nearly went bankrupt. Plagued by a history of rigid, inflexible control, Lego refused to do partnerships, tried to stop fan creators, had a toy line consumers felt was stale and out-of-date, and was facing unprecedented competition for the attention of their users due to more modern toys—like home video game systems.
It wouldn’t stay that way.
Watch this video to learn how Lego finally learned to listen to its fans, signed its first partnerships, won over adults, innovated its products, and expanded its empire into TV, movies, video games, comic books, theme parks, and more—allowing it to rapidly become the biggest-selling, most profitable toy company on the entire planet.
Work exposes timber floor ‘stood on by Shakespeare’
The floor of St George’s Guildhall, strolled on by actors and theatergoers for centuries, reveals information about how people in Shakespeare’s day spent their time at the theater.
Understanding Arabic Music
Music is an essential part of life and culture around the world. Learn about Arabic music and what makes it unique.
Anne Frank’s hidden home, now in Manhattan
This exhibit recreates the Annex where Anne Frank took refuge and wrote down her thoughts, introducing her story to a new generation of readers.
Viral AI-made art trends are making artists even more worried about their futures
| More and more people are using AI programs to generate images quickly and cheaply, sparking a heated debate about the value of human creativity versus machine-made art. |
Rare Copy of Famous Shakespeare Love Poem Found
Could one of the world’s most celebrated love poems actually be about politics? A discovery, made in the depths of the Oxford library, sheds light on the history behind Sonnet 116.
What Happened to the Real Von Trapp Family from The Sound of Music?
Many people have heard of the 1965 hit film “The Sound of Music.” However, most don’t know the story of the real von Trapp family, or how they came to America.
The Brutalist honours my family’s hardships and loss, says actor Adrien Brody
Find out how starring in “The Brutalist” allows actor Adrien Brody to connect with his own family history.
Moana 2’s’ Auliʻi Cravalho’s multicultural heritage reflects Hawaii’s rich history
| Moana is back for another adventure, but this time, the story goes beyond the ocean; it’s a celebration of multicultural heritage and Hawaiian history. Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice behind Moana, is using her platform to highlight the rich cultures that inspired the beloved character. |