All Culture
In a WordSpelling games, from Wordle to ‘Wheel of Fortune’Hangman inspired "Wheel of Fortune." And now, our language columnist writes, we have Wordle, perfectly built for the Twitter age.
A treetop view of the mall’s rise and fallMy husband witnessed one of the nation’s first shopping malls being built in the 1960s. But where can towns store their teens now?
First LookIn marvel of persistence, Nadal wins record 21st tennis major title“An amazing champion.” After losing two sets, Rafael Nadal fought back to win the Australian Open, drawing strength from adversity he had faced before.
On Broadway: This musician is in the pits, but far from blueGuitarist Jeffrey Lee Campbell toured with Sting but then had to play weddings. Now a Broadway veteran, he discusses perseverance and wrangling ego.
Kevin Day: Music transformed him. Now he aims to help others.The works of 20-something composer Kevin Day are infused with his experience with perseverance, and a desire to pass that strength along to listeners.
‘March’: Energetic series showcases band culture – and community“March,” a new docuseries on the CW, explores how being a band member at a historically Black university challenges and uplifts students.
A warm memory of a bitter winterAs an American woman, I was a curiosity on the streets of Chuncheon, South Korea, in 1968 and a further surprise at the public bathhouse.
In a WordCan ‘done’ be an emotion like joy and sadness?Since around 2000, and especially since the pandemic, people have increasingly been declaring themselves “done” or “so done.”
In a Word'Pareidolia' and other fancy Greek words for common happeningsPareidolia is an old phenomenon, but the word itself is fairly recent, coined in the 19th century from para- (“beyond”) and eidolon (“image”).
I find plenty of news in old books“I am not much taken by the new books,” Michel de Montaigne declared in the 16th century. I'm carrying that torch into the 21st.
Tackling climate change is art, not just scienceArtists often help people make sense of the world. As climate change impacts daily life, art is more often raising awareness and offering support.
First LookThe New York Philharmonic seeks a new director. Will it be a woman?For nearly two centuries, the New York Philharmonic music directors have been men, but that could soon change. Susanna Mälkki, who made her New York Philharmonic debut in 2015, is a competitive contender for the spot.
In the Cold War’s depths, a glimmer of lightEssayist Peter Bridges had come to Moscow’s U.S. Embassy just prior to the Cuban missile crisis. He found something unexpected in Russia: hope.
First Look‘Be true to yourselves’: Sidney Poitier kept his values on screenSidney Poitier, who launched his on-screen acting career in the 1950s, transformed how Black people were portrayed in films. In addition to his Academy Award- and Oscar-winning performances, Mr. Poitier is remembered for his grace and dignity. He died on Friday at 94.
Oscar contender ‘A Hero’ explores the complexities of doing the right thingShould people be praised for simply doing the right thing? This year’s Oscar contender from Iran, “A Hero,” asks viewers to consider societal labels.
‘The sky doesn’t collapse.’ A filmmaker explores gay life in Kenya.A documentary about a gay couple in Kenya explores universal themes of love and commitment in a repressive society.
In a WordWords of the Year evoke the preoccupations of 2021Words of the year from various dictionaries included: "vax," "perseverance," "allyship," "non-fungible token."
First LookBetty White: A legacy of saucy joy that never grew oldFor decades, comedian Betty White was the hippest TV star around and a role model for how to grow old joyously. She was also a dedicated activist for animal rights.
At the airport, I’m overtaken by graceMy trip had been a disaster, due to my own reticence. And now, who is this man tapping me on my shoulder?
In a WordWhat do you call leftovers and byproducts?Maple syrup bottles often have tiny, basically useless handles – holdovers from the days when syrup was stored in earthenware jugs.
