All Culture
In Pictures: Where sculpture meets mini golfIn Minnesota, Bruce Stillman finds a creative solution to low attendance at his sculpture garden and shows that if you build something fun, the people will come.
Field of teens: Despite the bickering, a surprise winI built a baseball diamond on my farm to encourage camaraderie among my nephews. Nothing quite went as planned, but one got a lesson in honesty.
First LookBerlin museum displays transparency alongside pillaged artifactsA Berlin museum opening this week includes explanations of how some displayed items will soon return to Nigeria. The German curators worked closely with experts from regions where many of the objects originated to place their acquisition in context.
Viola Davis shines in true story of elite female fighting force“The Woman King” explores African history rarely seen in film. Its deep dive into a fierce, female fighting force replaces stereotypical depictions of Black characters with dignified ones.
Coming-of-age: Messy, beautiful, and real in ‘Growing Up’A showrunner for the new Disney+ series, “Growing Up,” shares her thoughts on telling new coming-of-age stories, and the importance of opening up about our vulnerabilities.
In a WordColorful stories of acronyms are often falseNo, “golf” does not mean “gentlemen only; ladies forbidden.” Rather, its dry etymology leads us back to the Middle Dutch word “colf” or “colve.”
Tales from either side of the tillTwo essayists reflect on the humanity and serendipity springing from – of all places – the lingering, long wait at the checkout line.
In a WordNeed just the right word? Why German probably has it.Given the relative freedom of compounding and metaphorical extension, German speakers can manufacture a word for nearly anything they want.
Flops and wobbles: How paddleboarding taught me to be a kid againIn a burst of optimism, I bought an inflatable paddleboard and headed for a lake deep in the Maine woods, out of sight of potential critics.
From ‘Reservation Dogs’ to ‘Prey,’ Native people expand their portrayalA shift is underway in Hollywood, one that gives Indigenous people an opportunity to shed the sidekick or villain image for more culturally accurate representations.
In the starring role of my dreamsIt’s five minutes till curtain: Can I learn the song lyrics in time? Wait a minute – I can’t sing!
In a WordWhy we send ‘congratulations’ but not ‘congratulation’Some grammarians put "congratulations" on the list of "pluralia tantum," words that occur only in plural, like belongings, leftovers, and trousers.
From Middle-earth to Westeros: How fall shows build worlds – and bridgesSci-fi and fantasy programs are abundant now. What new views are they offering on conflict and cooperation?
Inner dialogues: How songwriter Cass McCombs moves forwardWith the arrival of his 10th album, “Heartmind,” acclaimed songwriter Cass McCombs discusses what inspires him to progress.
The curse of cursive: Why Dave and I need forensics for our cookwareOur moms were masters of the Palmer Method, sending the same graceful cursive gazelles loping across the page. Now, how do we tell the difference?
In a WordTaking a ‘safari’ through Swahili-inspired words"Safari," one of Swahili’s best-known contribution to English, has Arabic roots – a result of close ties between Oman and the Tanzanian coast.
I discover my own, new way to playReturning to piano as an adult, I struggled with pieces I’d mastered in my youth. Then I set a new goal.
First LookIn Massachusetts, Native Americans call for respect from local museumMembers of the Wampanoag tribe are calling for the boycott of the popular living history museum, Plimoth Patuxet. They say the museum, which interprets Pilgrim and Native American life from the early 17th century, has failed to create a “bi-cultural museum.”
Gun rights vs. music festivals: How do you keep people safe?Many gun owners feel safer carrying guns. But the Music Midtown festival canceled instead of allowing firearms. It speaks to shifting views of safety.
In a Word‘If’ brings us into the realm of possibilitiesThinking and talking about possibilities and imagined futures is essential to the way we humans navigate our lives.
