All Arts & Culture
In New Orleans, making music from hurricane leftoversThe outdoor arts exhibition Music Box Village, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, offers a model of post-hurricane resilience in New Orleans.
鈥楯oker鈥� furor: Do disturbing stories have a place in today鈥檚 unsettling world?The Monitor鈥檚 culture writer and its film critic discuss the new Joker origin story.聽What does backlash portend for movies that push boundaries?
In a WordIt is the queen鈥檚 prerogative to grant a prorogationWhat does it mean when newspapers say Boris Johnson prorogued聽Parliament, and why did his actions set off a constitutional crisis?
Making good look good: Films that transcend stereotypesCan goodness shine as brightly as badness in movies? Several films buck stereotypes and counterbalance a sea of dark new offerings like 鈥楯oker.鈥櫬�
In a WordPoking holes in pretentiousness with 鈥榟ighfalutin鈥�There are plenty of words that can be used to poke fun at pretentiousness. Let鈥檚 take a look at the wonderful聽highfalutin,聽hoity-toity, and聽la-di-da!
First LookEmmy Awards: Inspired speeches on equal pay and diversity2019 Emmy Awards: A look at the key moments and speeches at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards.
In a WordSemicolons Part 2: When to use themWe use many punctuation marks intuitively. Periods, for example, land at the end of sentences without any problem.聽But semicolons? Not so easy.
Please touch the fine art: Museums embrace a hands-on approachMuseums and artists are collaborating with visually impaired individuals to create multisensory exhibits that go beyond sight.聽
A Muslim woman comic walks into a bar: Changing perceptions through jokesMuslim women are entering the comedy scene, using jokes to bust stereotypes and foster understanding.聽
Hitler as an imaginary friend? 鈥楯ojo Rabbit鈥� and the state of satire.Is political satire possible today? A film critic reflects on that after seeing 鈥淛ojo Rabbit,鈥� the latest from writer-director聽Taika Waititi.聽
Toronto International Film Festival: My dinner with Isabelle HuppertPeter Rainer's Toronto International Film Festival highlights included the performances of Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce in 'The Two Popes.'
In a WordGetting the skinny on the semicolonThe semicolon can inspire strong emotions. Kurt Vonnegut said 鈥淎ll they do is show you鈥檝e been to college,鈥� and George Orwell detested them.
Ken Burns on why he lassos stereotypes in 鈥楥ountry Music鈥�Ken Burns鈥� latest series focuses on the origins of country music and the diverse and eclectic performers who shaped it.
More women are playing sports. Why is no one watching?Only 4% of sports coverage is devoted to women athletes. New initiatives are aimed at drawing more attention to competitions, and to wooing fans.聽聽
Why I waited to watch 'Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood'I'm not the first to see Quentin Tarantino鈥檚 love letter to an idealized Hollywood. Why I've learned to wait before watching.聽
Jay-Z and the NFL: Business as usual, or a path to social change?Critics of Jay-Z鈥檚 partnership with the NFL focus on how former quarterback Colin Kaepernick was slighted. Is there another way to look at the deal?聽
In a WordAvoiding the pitfalls of 鈥榩lease鈥�Many Scandinavians frown on tipping, and they鈥檙e not too keen on聽please or聽thanks聽(as English-speakers think of them) either.
鈥榃histling changed my life:鈥� The competitive world of rockstar whistlersMore than 60 competitive whistlers gathered outside Los Angeles for the biennial Masters of Musical Whistling international festival and competition.
In a WordThe role of 鈥榶ou鈥檙e welcome鈥� in polite societyWhat 鈥測ou鈥檙e welcome鈥� means is less important than what it does.聽Even small favors can create a feeling of obligation on the part of the recipient.
More gray hair on screen: Hollywood鈥檚 subtle shift on ageHollywood is not known for embracing actors beyond a certain age. But does a flurry of new offerings with seasoned stars suggest a changing view?
