All Culture
Empty nest, full heart: My adventures in cat-sittingWhen my kids flew the coop, I turned to cats. It turns out caring for cats is a lot like parenting adolescents.
‘Robot Dreams’ review: This animated delight explores friendship and lossWhen an animated film is invested with the full range of feeling, the result is “Robot Dreams.” The movie is a tribute to the beauty and frailty of friendship, our critic writes.
California’s desert bloom comes alive on nature’s scheduleFor the intrepid willing to chase down the desert blossoms, an endless carpet of yellow goldfields is the reward.
First LookDOJ sues Live Nation for muscling out competition in ticket salesThe U.S. Department of Justice announced an antitrust lawsuit against the entertainment company Live Nation. Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation in 2010, has been blamed for inflated ticket prices by both consumers and artists.
First LookRubs, ribs, and remoulade: Chefs show off their BBQ chops in MemphisThe World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis hosts teams from Mexico to New Zealand – all united by a shared love of the southern town's distinct BBQ style, which brings out a fuller flavor in the pork with dry rubs and sauces.
‘Butterfly in the Sky’ review: LeVar Burton soars in ‘Reading Rainbow’ doc“Reading Rainbow” remains a touchstone for generations of American children. But as a new documentary shows, it – and host LeVar Burton – means so much more than nostalgia.
A potato masher, didgeridoo, and, uh, six vacuums. Why I rescue trash.Rescuing, repairing, and reusing abandoned items is a lost art and a boon to the environment. It can also spark unexpected adventures.
First LookOnce a ‘bedroom pop’ crooner, Billie Eilish is wide awake on her latest albumA once-in-a-generation performer, Billie Eilish rewrites the rules yet again on “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” her ambitious third release. It’s a project meant to be enjoyed in full, rich with sonic depth and emotional maturity.
First LookHalf of this taco stand’s area is the grill. It just earned a Michelin star.El Califa de León is one of the smallest restaurants ever to receive a coveted Michelin star. But what it lacks in area, it makes up for in flavor: no one can get enough of its beef tacos, made the same way since the stand opened in 1968.
The Sami people bring on spring – with reindeer and sleighsFor the Sami, spring isn’t announced by green sprouts or the chirps of birds. Instead, they sing folk songs around a fire and race reindeer.
First LookNemo, Eurovision’s first nonbinary winner, gets a hero’s welcome in SwitzerlandEurovision has long been embraced as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s competition struck a particular victory for acceptance, crowning the contest’s first nonbinary winner with an eclectic anthem about being true to oneself.
A love letter to lilacs and the joys of fleeting pleasureThe mission to capture my lilac’s fleeting scent was a flop. What I gained instead was far greater: a reminder to be present during its brief season.
First LookIn war-torn Haiti, Vodou draws thousands seeking comfort, protection from gangsAs gang violence grips their country, the ancient tradition of Vodou is experiencing a resurgence among Haitians. Followers find links in the religious practice to the nation’s history of resistance and endurance.
Behind the verse: Six Monitor poets share why they write poetryIt’s no secret that poetry is one of the least lucrative forms of writing. So what keeps poets returning to write poems? We asked six contributors where they draw their inspiration.
A ‘one-way ticket’ through the Harlem RenaissanceAn exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art includes more than 160 works of art – and exudes dignity in its timeless celebration of Black life.
First LookMamma Mia! Here we go again. Eurovision wraps up in Sweden with pomp and protests.Eurovision’s 2024 competition is bringing flashy and theatrical pop music to Malmo, Sweden. It’s also bringing thousands of protesters who are criticizing Israel’s participation in the contest.
In cleaning up my corner of the world, I reclaimed my trust in othersAs we stooped down to pick up litter, my neighbors and I rose above our partisan differences.
NBA playoffs without Curry? James? Durant? A new guard rises in basketball.For the first time in 15 seasons, the second round of the NBA playoffs will be without the familiar trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Gardening lessons: Planting hope and harvesting peace of mindGardening was a central part of my grandma’s life. Her pleasures were simple: She found a storehouse of riches in her backyard garden.
Why Ugandan farmers gladly grow crops for chimpsWith encouragement from the Jane Goodall Institute, Ugandan farmers are playing an important role in lessening tensions between people and chimps.
