Watch Suddenly, a film by Lewis Allen (starring Frank Sinatra)
Suddenly, a film by Lewis Allen
Three gunmen plot to kill the President, and take a family hostage. Starring Frank Sinatra and Sterling Haden (Browse our Movie Archive)
Month: April 2016
Ancient skeleton mosaic entreats us to enjoy life
A 2,400-year-old mosaic featuring a reclining skeleton entreats viewers, originally in the dining room of a wealthy Graeco-Roman home near the Turkish-Syrian border, to “be cheerful, enjoy your life.” Skeleton motifs were popular in the ancient world, and one was also found in the ruins of Pompeii.
It’s unlikely that the ancient people who commissioned this piece of art found it frightening. Perhaps it served as an entertaining, though also sobering, memento mori, reminding them that life is short?
Learn more about this ancient skeleton-themed mosaic (Science Alert)
Photo: Science Alert / Andalou Agency
Musical Performance: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
Musical Performance: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
April 25, 2016 • “The band’s punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and harmonica solos instantly demand attention.” (NPR)
Photo: NPR (screen capture)
Watch coverage of the North Eastern Presidential Primaries
Watch coverage of the North Eastern Presidential Primaries
The Democratic and Republican candidates battle for supremacy in the North Eastern states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland. Both Trump and Clinton enjoyed big wins: Trump wins 5 states, and Clinton 3, strengthening their leads in the race for delegates.
Prince’s 1999 Larry King Interview
Watch Prince’s informative 1999 interview with Larry King on CNN, in which he discusses his controversial name change, his life as an artist, and more. With the passing of the legendary performer this interview is a must-see for one and all. (CNN / Youtube)
Musical Performance: Julia Holter
Musical Performance: Julia Holter
April 22, 2016 • “The most minute details become a grandiose spectacle in Holter’s cosmic cabaret.” (NPR)
Musical performance: Sufjan Stevens Live At Coachella
Bill Nye on Climate Change and Politics
Bill Nye, the Cornell-trained engineer and beloved popularizer of Science, gets serious about climate change, and the politics that exacerbate the problem, endangering our planet.
The science educator doesn’t mince words. He sites climate change denial as a serious issue, spear-headed by big-name republican politicians, especially the three Republican Candidates currently running for President. Nye believes climate change is now a partisan issue because the conservatives readily accept money from the fossil fuel industry.
And since politics is all about survival, Nye feels millennial voters are key to changing the status quo: to garner their votes conservatives may change their tune regarding climate change in years to come.
Bill Nye rose to fame as the host of the popular television show “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” He continues to further his career in science education as the current head of The Planetary Society.
Learn more about Bill Nye’s thoughts on the politics of climate change (CNN)
Photo: CNN (screen capture)
Happy Passover 2016
The team at Face Activities wishes our members a happy Passover with family and friends. We hope our members enjoy this time, and find following the holiday’s ancient traditions both beneficial and inspiring. Every year Jewish families celebrate this holiday. What makes Passover in 2016 particularly relevant and special?
“Why is this Passover different from any other? Because the story that the Jewish holiday commemorates — the exodus of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom — resonates more strongly than ever in a world embroiled in a refugee crisis that encompasses approximately 60 million people, the highest number ever recorded, according to United Nations statistics…” (NPR)
Learn more about the context of Passover 2016 (NPR)
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 via wikipedia
Prince, 57, found dead in his home
Beloved Pop music icon Prince, 57, died today. The legendary musician was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Minnesota home, Paisley Park Studios, on Tuesday. There’s currently an ongoing investigation.
Born Prince Rogers Nelson, he won legions of devoted fans across generations, and was at the height of his popularity and artistic influence in the 1980s, exemplified by his 1984 hit “When doves cry,” and his beloved major motion picture event, “Purple Rain.” He’s known for pioneering the highly sensual “Minneapolis Style” and for fighting for artistic freedom within the music industry.
Like David Bowie, who died earlier this year, Prince is one of those rare performers whose career and persona has inspired great respect and devotion among fans, which spreads to those who don’t even listen to his music. His gravitas and passion for his art are clear to observers of modern popular culture. And he will be missed.
Learn more about Prince’s tragic death (CNN)
Photo: Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) / via Wikipedia
