What Happened to the Real Von Trapp Family from The Sound of Music?
Source: People
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.
Arts & Entertainment
The Brutalist honours my family’s hardships and loss, says actor Adrien Brody
Source: BBC
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
Source: NBC News
| 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. |
What Scares a Master of Fear?
Source: New York Times (NYT)
R.L. Stine, the award-winning and best-selling author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street series of books (as well as many episodes of their respective spin-off TV shows), writes an essay answering the questions that he gets asked the most: “What scares you? What are you afraid of?”
Rebuilding the Globe
Source: Britannica
The reconstructed Globe Theatre, completed in the 1990’s serves as a living tool to explore how Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed and experienced.
‘Wicked’ star Marissa Bode calls out ‘harmful’ ableist comments about her character’s disability
Source: NBC
After delivering an outstanding performance in the “Wicked” movie, actor Marissa Bode addressed ableist comments that many people with disabilities face every day.
In Victorian England, Ghost Stories Were a Beloved Christmas Tradition
Source: Mental Floss
“Christmas traditions are abundant, from hanging stockings to leaving milk and cookies out for Santa. They’re all fairly wholesome, too. But in Victorian England, Christmas was an opportunity to exchange gruesome stories of ghosts, evil spirits, and people gone mad.”
30 New Year’s Superstitions to Bring You Good Luck in 2025
Source: Country Living
If you’re looking for a few extra ways to cultivate good fortune for 2025, check out this list of New Year’s Eve superstitions that includes customs from across the globe. Make like the Danes and jump off a chair, wake to see the run rise like they do in Japan, or eat twelve grapes (no more, no less) at midnight, just as they do in Spain. This list will give you many good ideas for your celebrations!
“Yankee Doodle” – Traditional: History of an American folk song
Source: Live About
British soldiers sang “Yankee Doodle” to mock the Americans, who eventually turned the song into a source of pride and anthem of their own.
Beowulf Is Back!
Source: The Atlantic
The daring exploits of a legendary hero have captured human imagination for centuries. Read about why Beowulf stays with us.