Éire Über Alles
An Irish American writer reflects on his visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland, and his discussions with Gerry Adams and Rory Carroll about the Troubles, Kneecap, a United Ireland, and more…
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Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening
As we celebrate this Christmas season filled with hope and renewal marked by Notre Dame’s reopening, I like to remember also: This Christmas in Paris is not merely about celebration but also about reflection on love—both divine and human—
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Paris Je T’Aime | A Lifelong Love Affair with the City of Lights
So, what is it about Paris that keeps me coming back time and again?
Why Paris and not another lovely European capital city? Well, like other Francophiles, and like those outlined so well in David McCullough’s epic book, The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris, the lure of this dazzling, creative, energetic and gorgeous city…
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Film Review | Jesse Owens, the Movie “RACE” and the Impact on the 2024 Olympic Games
Jesse Owens was an African American track athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His story is significant because, in 1936, Europe was on the brink of World War II. Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, hosted the Berlin Olympics with the intent of showcasing its ideology of Aryan racial superiority. However, the Games became notable for challenging this propaganda. Jesse Owens’ victories directly contradicted Nazi racial theories and highlighted the absurdity of racial discrimination.
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Exhibit Review | HIP-HOP AMERICA: The Mixtape Exhibit, Grammy Museum, L.A.
Hip Hop? It’s the very essence of being a renegade, a cultural revolution born from the raw artistic expression of DJs and MCs back in the day in New York’s park of Sedgwick and Cedar. They were all about bending words, crafting wild sounds with whatever was at hand. The GRAMMY Museum has curated the “Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit” to dive into this journey, showcasing how a 50-year legacy of curiosity has pushed not just the music but the whole hip hop culture forward.
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Person of Note | The Mack Robinson Legacy: Defying the Odds in Life and at the Olympics
In 1936 at the Olympic Games, the odds were heavily stacked against Black athletes. Many were questioned about why they would agree to compete in a country that was racist toward them while representing another racist country. Yet, those 18 Black athletes knew that they would defy the status quo. By participating in these Olympic Games, they personified the idea of “taking up space,” and understood the lasting impact their presence would have for generations to come.
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Signals from the Homeland
Currently based in San Diego, am I actually going to visit Paul’s Meat Market in Mamou for boudin balls or chicken leg quarters? Do I really need anything from Alario Brothers Marine Hardware in Golden Meadow? Do I need to know the weather in Morgan City? The answer is definitely no, but these signals from distant stations sonically transport me back to Louisiana.
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12 Notable Pop Culture Anniversaries Happening in 2024
It is a brand new year and while most people are looking to shed some undesired weight, eat more salads at lunch and participate in Dry January, I’ve been investigating which pop culture moments and releases are celebrating anniversaries in 2024. Here is a list of twelve significant snapshots from every month that are celebrating anniversaries.
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Based in Paris | Visiting the Exhibitions at Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine
The special exposition; the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris from builders to restorers; the interactivity of the architectural collections attracts curious youngsters; invites immersion into time travel and exposes ‘virtual reality’ in the expositions.
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Media Review | Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur
Overall, Dear Mama offers a rich and compelling portrayal of Tupac’s life, showcasing his artistic genius, the influences that molded him, and the profound impact he continues to have on music and culture. Whether you’re a fan or seeking to learn more about this iconic figure, this documentary is a must-watch.
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Hollywood Walk of Fame | Tupac Shakur’s Legacy Honored
Shakur’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a fitting tribute to his life and his work. It is a reminder of his impact on popular culture, and it is a testament to his lasting legacy.
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Film Review | Till, Starring Danielle Deadwyler and Jalyn Hall
Being ignorant of Emmett’s experience, I was horrified by the story. It overfilled my senses with the global collective of the beyond-painful memories of the historical records of oppression and abuses perpetrated by humans. It easily could have pushed me into a ‘useless emotional state,’ yet I was surprisingly and thankfully impressed by the film’s excellence as an art form.
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