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1
Smithsonian Folklife Festival Showcases Vanishing Languages
by VOAvideo 512 views
The U.S. Smithsonian Institution reports that more than 2,500 world languages will disappear by the end of this century. That is why the world's largest museum and research complex dedicated part of its annual folklife festival to shine a light on these languages. Brandon Goldner has more for VOA from Washington.
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2
Maryland Community Becomes Patron of the Arts
by VOAvideo 271 views
Artists would like to devote all their effort on their craft, but the need to make money often forces them to focus on creating works that can be sold. VOA's June Soh has the story of a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that has become a patron of the arts, and the community hopes its burgeoning patronage will give local artists creative freedom. VOA's Carol Pearson narrates.
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3
Aspen Ideas Festival Inspires, Engages, Promotes Debate
by VOAvideo 79 views
Every summer, some of the most interesting thinkers, leaders and artists in the U.S. gather to share ideas in Aspen, Colorado. It's called the the Aspen Ideas festival. It is an incubator of creativity which attracts the best and the brightest in manhy fields -- from across the United States and around the world to the small (western U.S.) town of Aspen, Colorado, known for its great natural beauty. VOA's Vivian Chakarian reports.
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4
Mandela's Madiba Dance Remains Popular in Johannesburg
by VOAvideo 321 views
Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, is well known around the globe for his determination in fighting the oppressive apartheid system in his home country. However, the 94-year-old was a charmer and dancer, as well. His dancing style, today known as the Madiba dance, is still popular on the streets of Johannesburg. Thuso Khumalo has more for VOA.
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5
Roland Emmerich Blows Up The White House, Again
by VOAvideo 390 views
Filmmaker Roland Emmerich, known for his 1996 blockbuster, Independence Day, is now tackling the destruction of the White House and an impending nuclear attack by terrorists. The film, wildly entertaining with action sequences, brisk dialogue and a heart-rending father-daughter relationship at its core, is reminiscent of 1980s and 90s action hits without today's darkness. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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6
Smithsonian Genome Exhibit Unlocks 21st Century Science of Life
by VOAvideo 524 views
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington celebrates two scientific milestones: The 10th anniversary of the completion of the human genome project, the first blueprint of the human body, and the 60th anniversary of the discovery of DNA's double helix which laid the foundation for understanding how our genetic information is encoded and copied. We join VOA's Rosanne Skirble on a tour through Genome: Unlocking Life's Code, to learn more about our genetic selves.
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7
Asian Americans Break Stereotypes through Urban Dance
by VOAvideo 196 views
Hip hop culture expressed through music and dance is often associated with the black and Latino cultures in the United States. The youth of these cultures may have started hip hop more than 40 years ago in urban New York, but it has now become mainstream, with Asian Americans finding a prominent place in hip hop or urban dance. Elizabeth Lee reports from southern California.
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8
Obstacles, Perks of Movie Co-productions in China
by VOAvideo 281 views
China's movie industry is set to surpass Hollywood by revenues in just a handful of years. Much of the progress comes from relying on the world's biggest audiences, as well as on government efforts to spur investment and protect its industry. With China being noticed by many within the American movie business, VOA takes a look at how the country is managing this growing industry, and how easy it is for foreigners to get in.
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9
Keeping the Tradition of the Soap Box Derby Alive
by VOAvideo 223 views
The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in the U.S. state of Ohio in the early 1930s. Since then, millions of children have gotten behind the wheel of a home-made, motor-less (gravity powered) car as it races downhill. And for many, the sport has become a family tradition with multiple generations getting involved. VOA's June Soh introduces us to one of those families. Amy Katz narrates.
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10
Keeping the Tradition of the Soap Box Derby Alive
by VOAvideo 223 views
The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in the U.S. state of Ohio in the early 1930s. Since then, millions of children have gotten behind the wheel of a home-made, motor-less (gravity powered) car as it races downhill. And for many, the sport has become a family tradition with multiple generations getting involved. VOA's June Soh introduces us to one of those families. Amy Katz narrates.
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11
Sopranos Star James Gandolfini Dead at 51
by VOAvideo 669 views
James Gandolfini, the actor known for his tortured portrayal of Italian-American mob boss Tony Soprano in the drama series "The Sopranos," died Wednesday of a heart attack while vacationing in Rome. He was 51 years old. VOA's Brian Padden has more.
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12
Paris Exhibit Captures Mandela's Journey
by VOAvideo 110 views
The fragile health of former South African president Nelson Mandela has been a subject of great concern in recent days. But a new exhibition in Paris takes a step back - looking at Mandela's evolution from political prisoner to one of the world's most beloved and venerated politicians. Produced by the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the show kicks off a year of cultural events in France featuring South Africa. Incidentally, the French capital recently made Mandela an honorary citizen. Lisa Bryant reports for VOA.
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13
Small Illinois Town Gets Boost From New Superman Movie
by VOAvideo 391 views
Since 1938, a red-caped superhero impervious to most earthly pitfalls has captivated the imagination of comic book, television, and movie fans around the world. Superman has become a cultural icon of the United States, and the merchandising and promotion of the character is a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. As VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports, the release of the newest Superman movie, Man of Steel, is helping one small Illinois town cash in on its connection to one of the most beloved comic book heroes of all time.
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14
Volunteers, Organizations Expand Parks and Playgrounds
by VOAvideo 116 views
Public parks are important to urban life, but green spaces and play areas are rare in many cities. Mike O'Sullivan reports from Los Angeles that many organizations and volunteers are trying to change that.
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15
Music Inspires Embattled DC Students
by VOAvideo 137 views
U.S. inner-city schools are plagued by high drop-out rates, crime-infested neighborhoods and underfunded programs. Kid Pan Alley, a creative non-profit that conducts songwriting workshops nationwide, recently visited a school in a tough, Washington D.C. district. VOA's Mark Snowiss shows how the work boosts kids' creativity and self-confidence.
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16
American Soccer Fans Boost US Team, Raise Sport's Profile
by VOAvideo 1,431 views
The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team is getting a boost in its campaign to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil, with wins against Jamaica last week and Panama on Tuesday (June 11). The U.S. men next face Honduras at a qualifier (in Sandy, Utah) in suburban Salt Lake City next Tuesday (June 18). A growing legion of American soccer fans has been supporting the team and have become increasingly organized and visible at bars and stadiums around the country thanks in part to efforts of a non-profit group called the American Outlaws. VOA's Michael Lipin joined the Outlaws at a friendly international earlier this month between the U.S. and Germany in Washington to see how they promote a love for soccer in a country dominated by other professional sports.
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17
Goal-Line Technology Debuts in World Soccer
by VOAvideo 2 views
Goal line technology makes its debut in international football this weekend at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. FIFA, the sport's governing body bowed to international pressure after a missed call in the 2010 World Cup. VOA's Rosanne Skirble reports.
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18
In 'After Earth,' the Planet Takes Revenge
by VOAvideo 595 views
M. Night Shyamalan's new Sci-Fi blockbuster, 'After Earth,' is about life after humans destroy their planet. The story takes place more than 1,000 years into the future and shows what is left of humanity living on a different planet. During a space mission, a father and son crash land on Earth, a luscious, jungle-like planet healed from humans' abuse but hostile to its former children. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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19
Filmmaking Offer Creative Outlet for Disabled
by VOAvideo 157 views
Apple's popular tablet computer, the iPad, has revolutionized and democratized filmmaking, providing a creative and more affordable way for people to express themselves. It has done even more for a group of disabled individuals near Washington DC, as Faiza Elmasry reports. Faith Lapidus narrates.
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20
Little Free Libraries Share Love of Books
by VOAvideo 325 views
Little wooden boxes shaped like birdhouses are popping up on street corners across the United States and around the world. They're not to nurture birds, but brains. Individuals or groups of neighbors create, stock and restock these little libraries for whoever needs a book to read. As Faiza Elmasry tells us, the little free libraries have a mission; sharing the love of reading and building a strong community. Faith Lapidus narrates.
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21
Star Trek Influence Lives Long and Prospers
by VOAvideo 149 views
As the dazzling new sci-fi adventure Star Trek Into Darkness thrills theatergoers, academics, professionals and Star Trek fans alike are once again discussing the iconic franchise's influence on society, science and technology. VOA's Suzanne Presto in Washington has more.
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22
Artist J R Occupies Times Square
by VOAvideo 416 views
From making a name as a street artist in Paris to painting Times Square, the man known as J R has been creating interest and new cityscapes of sorts. VOA's Bernard Shusman reports that this young French artist has used blow ups of portrait photos to let people in South Africa, Israel, and the Palestinian territories express, with pride, who they are. Recently, he came to Manhattan and Times Square, where he did a New York version of his now famous project.
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23
'Reluctant Fundamentalist' Explores Cultural Misconceptions
by VOAvideo 330 views
Indian-born filmmaker Mira Nair has made acclaimed films on multiculturalism: mixed marriages amid racial intolerance and U.S. immigrants grappling with ethnic identity. Her most recent film, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," deals with the mistrust and alienation of a young Pakistani immigrant in the post 9/11 world. VOA's Penelope Poulou reports.
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24
Season of Cambodia' in NYC Showcases Classical, New Arts
by VOAvideo 357 views
Among some two million victims of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s were most of Cambodia's artists. Much of their knowledge was lost with them, since Cambodian culture is still largely oral. But in the last few decades, new generations of Cambodian artists have sought to revive their culture's classical arts and invent new forms. VOA's Carolyn Weaver reports
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25
Youth Orchestra Bridges Worlds of Music
by VOAvideo 169 views
For nearly 60 years, young musicians have gotten help in starting their careers from the Young Musicians Foundation. As VOA's Mike O'Sulivan reports from Los Angeles, the foundation's orchestra is a bridge between the worlds of amateur and professional musicians.
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26
Songwriter Looks Back at Rock'n'Roll Repertoire
by VOAvideo 173 views
The songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was at the birth of rock and roll. Among other hits, the duo wrote the Elvis Presley hit "Hound Dog" and the rhythm and blues classic "Kansas City," recorded by dozens of artists. Jerry Leiber died in 2011, but Mike Stoller is still composing in Los Angeles, and he spoke with Mike O'Sullivan about the team's legacy.
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27
Artist/Musician Invents Easy-to-Play Instrument
by VOAvideo 301 views
The annual Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C., is the most prestigious show of its kind in the U.S. - and one of the most difficult for artists to get into. This year, more than 120 craft artists working in 12 different media - from furniture to glass and wearable art - displayed their work in the historic National Building Museum. VOA's Julie Taboh spoke with one of the artists, Bob McNally, who considers himself both an artist and a musician. He invented the instrument he calls a Strumstick.
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28
New Documentary Explores Aluminum's 'Dark Side'
by VOAvideo 645 views
Aluminum is everywhere. From airplanes to cooking pans, this versatile, light-weight metal has been around for generations. And its many benefits have made life easier and more convenient for millions of people. But a new documentary portrays what the filmmaker describes as the "dark side" of aluminum. VOA's Julie Taboh attended the movie's world premiere at a Washington film festival and has this report.
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29
Russians, Americans Build Musical Bridges
by VOAvideo 215 views
In recent months, U.S.-Russian relations hit their lowest level since the end of the Soviet Union. Now, Americans and Russians are resorting to an old Cold War strategy: building bridges through music. James Brooke reports from Moscow.
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30
Cambodia's Trauma, Rebirth Reflected in Khmer Sculptor's Work at Met
by VOAvideo 293 views
In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge murdered some two million Cambodians and sacked the country's cultural treasure, attempting to exterminate all art, knowledge and religion.The struggle by Cambodians to recover from that terror is embodied in the revival of the arts in that nation. Sculptor Sopheap Pich is one among many Cambodian artists whose work has flowered in recent years. Carolyn Weaver report.
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31
Bob Marley's Music Inspires Children's Play
by VOAvideo 2,825 views
The musical "Three Little Birds" combines the music of Reggae legend Bob Marley and a story by his daughter, Cedella. The title of the play, and book on which it's based, come from one of Marley's most popular songs. VOA's Julie Taboh attended a sold-out performance in Glen Echo, Maryland and has this report.
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32
Comic Book Convention Brings Superheroes and Super Fans
by VOAvideo 377 views
Comic book conventions, which originally showcased comic books, cartoons, science fiction and related popular arts, have grown into pop culture events in major U.S. cities. Recently one such convention was held in Washington and drew thousands of visitors. As VOA's June Soh tells us, some comic fans take the fun seriously.
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33
President Obama Look-Alike Performs at Washington Events
by VOAvideo 301 views
In some countries, people can be put in jail for impersonating political leaders. But in places where freedom of speech is protected, you may see people mimicking politicians in public or on television. In the Washington area, a man who closely resembles President Barack Obama entertains people at conferences and other events as an Obama look-alike. VOA's Deborah Block caught up with him at one of his performances.
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34
Anti-Immigrant Attacks Spur Florence Artists to Action
by VOAvideo 294 views
The Italian city of Florence is known for its art and beauty. Its immigrant community is less well known. But following a series of racist attacks on African migrants in Florence, a group of artists is highlighting the contribution of foreigners to Florentine culture, past and present. Henry Ridgwell recently visited the city and reports for VOA.
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35
Trance Hypnotizes and Entertains
by VOAvideo 301 views
Trance, a high energy thriller, is the latest opus from Danny Boyle whose films include the award winning Slumdog Millionaire. The film highlights Boyle's versatility but it also carries his signature frantic pacing, dramatic characters and high impact music. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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36
Exhibit at Berlin Jewish Museum Stokes Debate
by VOAvideo 221 views
An exhibit at Berlin's Jewish Museum aims to educate museum-goers about Jews in Germany today. Nearly 180,000 German Jews were killed in the Holocaust, almost the entire community in Germany in the lead up to World War II. Today, the number of Jews in Germany has grown but the percentage of Germany's total population is still miniscule. One display in the show has a Jew sitting in a plexiglass box answering questions about Jews from visitors to the museum. Some critics say the show is degrading, and headline writers have dubbed the exhibit "Jew in a Box." But the show, as Michael Scaturro reports from Berlin, seems less controversial to those visiting the museum.
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37
Study Finds More Women in Independent Films
by VOAvideo 257 views
Independent films made history this year. For the first time, women made half of the U.S. competition dramas at the Sundance Film Festival, the most important venue for American independent films. A recent study on women in American independent films reveals that there are more female content creators in independent films than in big Hollywood movies. But it also finds there are still barriers many women filmmakers face. Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles.
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38
Scientist Performers Make Physics Fun
by VOAvideo 301 views
If you gave school children a choice between going to the circus and studying science, chances are most would choose the circus. That's why some teachers and scientists in Boulder, Colorado, decided to use their skills as circus performers to show their students that science, too, can be fun. From Boulder, Shelley Schlender has more for VOA.
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39
Program Nurtures Young Writers
by VOAvideo 328 views
Children have rich imaginations and they use it to dream up their own stories and plays. Guided by professional writers and playwrights from a group called Writopia Lab, dozens of children around the United States, from New York City to Washington and Los Angeles - are creating new works of fiction. As Faiza Elmasry tell us, the non-profit encourages passionate young writers to imagine, express and get published.
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40
Exhibit Highlights Butterfly's Beauty, Diversity, Value to Ecosystem
by VOAvideo 299 views
As spring makes its slow return to the hemisphere, the Smithsonian Institution's Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., is marking the occasion with one of its most popular exhibits - the Live Butterfly Pavilion. Now in its fifth year, the Pavilion is a warm, lush enclosure filled with beautiful flowering plants, in which visitors interact with hundreds of live butterflies, representing species from around the world. As VOA's Julie Taboh discovered, it's an exhilarating experience.
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41
Film Tells Story of Small-Town Recording Studio
by VOAvideo 409 views
Some of the world's biggest hit records from the 1960s onward came from a recording studio in a little town in northern Alabama called Muscle Shoals. Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and many others recorded there and still do. A new documentary that tells the story of Muscle Shoals recently played at the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, where VOA's Greg Flakus prepared this report.
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42
Video Game is Latest US Diplomacy Tool
by VOAvideo 301 views
The U.S. State Department is using a new kind of public diplomacy to counter extremism. And it's not what you'd expect. Carla Babb has more.
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43
Burmese Skateboarders Lobby for Official Recognition
by VOAvideo 774 views
A small community of skateboarders in Rangoon, who lost their skate park four years ago, has made a film to try to promote their dream of building a replacement. VOA reports on the creative effort to get skateboarding recognized as an official sport in Burma.
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44
Texas Teen Examines the Music of the Backyard
by VOAvideo 290 views
Austin, the capital city of Texas, bills itself as "The Live Music Capital of the World" and supports a vast array of local musical talents. One of the newest singer-songwriters on the scene is William Graham, the 13-year-old son of well-known Austin musician Jon Dee Graham. William made his debut at this year's "South by Southwest" Festival - held in Austin earlier this month. And as VOA's Greg Flakus reports, he is a gifted young man whose interests range from music to engineering.
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45
Late Cherry Blossoms Disappoint Washington Tourists
by VOAvideo 759 views
A spring snowstorm has blanketed the Washington region, complicating life for some commuters and disappointing tourists who were expecting springtime temperatures and cherry blossoms. VOA's Marcus Harton found that some visitors Monday ventured outdoors despite the weather.
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46
Widow of Rock Icon Holly Leads Foundation Mentoring Talent
by VOAvideo 183 views
Thousands of singer-songwriters and musicians were in Austin, Texas, last week for the South by Southwest Festival. Many of them were hoping to advance their careers by finding an agent, a recording contract or at least getting some exposure. Also on hand was the widow of one of the pioneers of rock and roll, Buddy Holly, whose influence continues both in music and through a foundation that helps aspiring young musicians avoid the pitfalls he encountered in the 1950s. VOA's Greg Flakus has the story from Austin.
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47
Tribal Languages, Economic Woes Inspire Nigerian Music
by VOAvideo 179 views
Nigerian bands like Heroes Band International hope to break out of local circuits with pop songs inspired by traditional tribal music. Besides ambitions of stardom and financial security, these musicians say they also hope to use modern entertainment to preserve ancient values and boost the economy. Heather Murdock has more from Abuja.
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48
Rock Musicians 'Carry On' in Pakistan
by VOAvideo 331 views
Pop and rock bands used to play in clubs across Pakistan in the more liberal 1980s, but have largely receded from the public eye. VOA's Sharon Behn catches up with one band that is still playing and reaching out to other musicians, though, in an effort to keep Pakistani rock and roll alive.
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49
African Music, Interactive Media At Texas Festival
by VOAvideo 235 views
The potential market for Internet-based businesses in Africa was showcased at the annual South by Southwest Festival in Texas, along with African films and music. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Austin, participants from the continent touted Africa as the new frontier for interactive media at the recent festival.
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50
German Theater Company Helps Minorities Tell Their Stories
by VOAvideo 183 views
Germany is in the midst of a wide-ranging debate about race, religion, and inclusion of its non-white citizens. Part of that discussion has been whether the media could do more to include people from minority backgrounds. As Michael Scaturro reports from Berlin, one theater company is putting cameras into the hands of young people from Turkish, African, and other backgrounds - to enable them to tell their own stories.
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51
International Performers Flock to Texas Music Festival
by VOAvideo 370 views
The annual South by Southwest Festival wrapped up in Austin, Texas, today. Its music portions has become a showcase for musicians from all over the United States and the world. VOA's Greg Flakus has more.
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52
SXSW Attracts Musicians, Filmmakers From Around the World
by VOAvideo 223 views
The annual South by Southwest Festival is reaching its climax this weekend in Austin, Texas, where tens of thousands of participants and visitors are in the streets with thousands of local people who have just come for the party. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Austin, this is a three-part event that combines serious business and constant entertainment.
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53
Hollywood Heroines Propel Archery Revival
by VOAvideo 177 views
The ancient practice of archery is enjoying renewed popularity thanks to popular movies such as "The Hunger Games" and "Brave." VOA's Faiza Elmasry reports.
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54
Ancient Artifact Considered Oldest Declaration of Human Rights
by VOAvideo 2,452 views
A clay cylinder from the sixth century BCE is making its debut in Washington. Inscribed with messages from King Cyrus the Great of ancient Persia - present-day Iran -- the object is regarded as the world's first declaration of human rights and was an inspiration for democratic reformers going back centuries. VOA reporter Julie Taboh attended its opening in Washington.
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55
YouTube Studios Aim To Increase Viewership
by VOAvideo 276 views
YouTube no longer shows mostly home videos of cute babies and pets. Recently, it opened high tech production studios in London, New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The aim is to improve the quality of what's on YouTube at a time when the Internet is becoming the main source of entertainment for the younger generation in many parts of the world. Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles, the home of YouTube's flagship studio.
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56
Hats Rule at Rodeo Time in Houston
by VOAvideo 674 views
In spite of the old image of long, tall Texans in 10-gallon hats, most people in the Lone Star State do not wear cowboy hats very often. When it's rodeo time in Houston, though, the hats are everywhere. VOA's Greg Flakus reports from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
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57
'War Witch' Is Modern Tale of Horror in Film
by VOAvideo 2,734 views
Kim Nguyen's Oscar-nominated film War Witch, about a 12-year-old girl captured by rebel forces in Sub-Saharan Africa, did not win the coveted statuette. But Komona's tale of survival in war-torn Africa captivated audiences around the world.
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58
Kenyan Political Satire Show Prepares for Elections
by VOAvideo 231 views
The XYZ Show is an enormously popular political satire television show in Kenya. It has a fan base of 8 million viewers per month. The show uses puppets as caricatures of political leaders and to highlight political issues in the country. With Kenya's general elections set for Monday, the program's creators and crew are working overtime to satisfy their audience's craving for a good laugh. Jill Craig reports for VOA from Nairobi.
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59
YouTube Spawns Asian-American Celebrities
by VOAvideo 527 views
From movies and TV shows to songs on the radio, there have been fewer opportunities in traditional media for Asian-American entertainers. But the Internet, especially YouTube, has changed that. Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles, a place that has seen an explosion of Asian-American YouTube celebrities.
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60
Google Doodles Reflect The Company's Culture of Innovation
by VOAvideo 318 views
From a marketing standpoint Google, the enormously profitable Internet search engine, separated itself from the competition early on with its homepage, the iconic Google logo on a blank white screen. The stark design emphasizes the company's view that it's a search engine, not a news or entertainment site. The home page never changes, except for those Doodles, the artistic, sometimes funny, sometimes baffling renderings with the logo hidden within -- that occasionally appear and have become famous. VOA's Brian Padden visited Google's campus in Mountain View, California, near San Francisco, to ask why does Google Doodle?
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61
Harlem Shake Craze Draws Fans Worldwide
by VOAvideo 2,550 views
A YouTube dance phenomenon called the Harlem Shake is drawing a huge Internet audience in the United States and abroad. In the past two weeks, thousands of people have posted short videos of themselves and their friends doing moves to a previously little-known electronic track by a New York DJ. Most of the videos follow a basic formula that has been easy to replicate for fans around the world, including in Washington, as VOA's Michael Lipin found out.
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62
US College Students Recreate Bollywood's Best
by VOAvideo 1,409 views
American audiences love Bollywood cinema. Seventy percent of foreign income for India's movie industry comes from North American theaters. On college campuses across America, competitive Bollywood dance teams hit the stage to perform campy Bollywood movie scenes for prizes and fame. Lonny Shavelson has this report for VOA.
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63
Ultimate Frisbee Attracts All Age Groups, Genders
by VOAvideo 166 views
Ultimate frisbee, which some describe as soccer with a disc, is a co-ed sport that's drawing the interest of people from all age groups. VOA's Arash Arabasadi explains why.
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64
Afghan Youth Orchestra Goes From the Streets of Kabul to Broadway
by VOAvideo 907 views
The Afghan Youth Orchestra, the first orchestra created in Afghanistan in over 30 years, is currently on a tour of the United States. The group is comprised mostly of children who grew up on the streets of Kabul. Now, they are on Broadway. From New York, VOA's Brian Allen has more.
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65
Struggling Publishers Look at India's Thriving Book Market
by VOAvideo 196 views
Despite more people turning to e-books in the digitized world, the printed word is still a first choice for the majority in India. Foreign publishers are increasingly tapping into the South Asian country to take advantage of the world's third largest English-language book market, which, unlike others, is seeing double-digit growth. VOA's Aru Pande has more from the annual book fair in New Delhi.
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66
Korean American Deli Owner Is A Calligrapher
by VOAvideo 453 views
Kwon Myoung-Won from Korea works hard, like many immigrants, running a small business for long hours every day. But he never lost his passion for the calligraphy he began doing as a boy. Although few may know about this art, some of his works are displayed in museums and galleries across the US and around the world. VOA's June Soh visited Kwon's convenience store in the Washington suburbs, where his art flourishes.
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67
London Set For Huge Chinese New Year Celebrations
by VOAvideo 1,054 views
The Chinese community in Britain -- the longest established in Europe -- is building up towards its celebrations for Chinese New Year. Henry Ridgwell visited London's Chinatown to see the preparations -- and to discover what the year of the snake has in store.
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68
China's 'Chunyun' Spring Migration Kicks into High Gear
by VOAvideo 301 views
A massive migration is underway in China as millions make their way home to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family. The annual commute is unlike any other transportation challenge in the world and a once-in-a-year opportunity for many to see family members and their children. VOA's William Ide reports from Beijing that while technology helps some in the journey, there are still too few tickets.
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69
International Writers Converge in Rangoon for Literature Festival
by VOAvideo 373 views
International writers travelled to Rangoon in recent days for Burma's first international literature festival. The three-day Irrawaddy Literary Festival marked the first open exchange of ideas between local and foreign writers in Burma after decades of publishing restrictions and government censorship. VOA has more.
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70
China-Hollywood Connection Changes Movie Business
by VOAvideo 1,229 views
China has become the world's second-largest market for films, after North America, and China's box office revenues are growing by 30 percent a year. The country also is expanding its joint ventures in entertainment, and as VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports, it is changing the way Hollywood does business.
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71
US Officials Criticize 'Zero Dark Thirty' Torture Scenes
by VOAvideo 864 views
Despite five Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty, about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, has generated controversy due to its depiction of harsh interrogation methods. VOA's Penelope Poulou reports.
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72
High School Band Members Excited About Inaugural Parade
by VOAvideo 712 views
The inauguration of a president is a major occasion for most Americans. The preparations for the inauguration are detailed and extensive. And participants from all walks of society -- both military and civilian - spend a lot of time getting ready for the big day. Zheela Noori, of VOA's Afghan Service, tells us about a group of young people who are excited at the prospect of being involved.
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73
US Army Fife and Drum Corps Prepares for Inauguration
by VOAvideo 297 views
Last-minute preparations are being made all accross the Washington, D.C. area for Monday's presidential inauguration, and it's no different at Fort Meyer, located just across the river in Virginia. It's there that one of the more unique inaugural traditions is headquartered: the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. They wear the same outfits as the Continental Army did during the Revolutionary War, including the Tricorn hats and powdered wigs, and will march in front of President Barack Obama, just as they have for past presidents over the last 50 years. VOA's Brian Allen brings us their story, in their own words.
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74
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln Leads with 12 Oscar Nominations
by VOAvideo 319 views
The Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences has announced the Oscar nominees for this year, including nine movies nominated for best picture. The winners are to be announced in a TV broadcast on February 24. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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75
End to Hollywood Film Violence Unlikely
by VOAvideo 685 views
The recent school shootings in Connecticut have again raised questions about the role of violent media in mass shootings. People in Hollywood are asking the same questions, but as Mike O'Sullivan reports, they say that violent action films are a staple in Hollywood and are not likely to disappear anytime soon.
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76
Fireworks Display Lights Up Australia's Sydney Harbor
by VOAvideo 1,242 views
A gigantic fireworks display has lit up Sydney harbor as Australia's east coast and other Pacific nations become the first to welcome the new year.
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77
Nigerians Demand Return of Ancient Art
by VOAvideo 556 views
More than a century ago, as European powers competed for Africa's resources, ancient art treasures from an ancient kingdom were stolen. Heather Murdock reports for VOA from Benin City, Nigeria, that descendants of those who were pillaged want their treasure back.
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'The Impossible' Revisits Devastating 2004 Tsunami
by VOAvideo 2,980 views
Eight years after the Indian Ocean Tsunami claimed 230,000 lives, a new film depicts the trauma and devastation left in its wake. 'The Impossible' is based on a true story of a family of five tourists who were vacationing in Thailand when the wave hit. VOA's Penelope Poulou reports.
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Movie, Game Violence Are Focus in Wake of School Shooting
by VOAvideo 589 views
The recent tragic shootings of 20 young children and seven adults have renewed discussions about gun control in the United States. Many say the availability of guns, however, is not the only factor that could trigger a deadly act. Though the industry disputes it, some experts say films glorifying violence and video games rewarding death can be equally lethal, especially in the hands of people with mental health issues. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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Michelangelo Sculpture Stumps The Experts
by VOAvideo 577 views
Michelangelo is known worldwide as the great Italian Renaissance sculptor. Now, one of his more intriguing works, the David-Apollo, is on loan to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, which has no other Michelangelo in its collection. VOA's Carolyn Presutti intersperses some Michelangelo trivia as she shows us his David-Apollo sculpture.
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81
'Lord of the Rings' Prequel Takes Unexpected Journey
by VOAvideo 641 views
Nine years after the cinematic conclusion of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, academy award winning director Peter Jackson returns with J.R.R. Tolkien's prequel, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. VOA's Penelope Poulou says the 1937 prequel novel has a lighter tone than Tolkien's 1954 trilogy because it represents a more innocent era.
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82
Smithsonian Unveils Sparkling New Attraction
by VOAvideo 458 views
The Hope Diamond has long been the undisputed star of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, but it's being upstaged by a new gem. Visitors vied with media to capture the historic moment as museum director Kirk Johnson unveiled the latest addition to its mineral collection, the Dom Pedro Aquamarine. Susan Logue has more for VOA.
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83
Hollywood Celebrates Holidays in Fine Style
by VOAvideo 240 views
Lights, Camera, Action. Hollywood often puts out its best work to celebrate the holidays and to prepare the stage for the Oscars. From action-packed thrillers, to rich classics, and larger-than-life fables, these films transport audiences for a few hours into far away and fantastical worlds. VOA's Penelope Poulou tells us about them.
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84
South Korea Cashes in on 'Gangnam Style' (VOA On Assignment Dec. 7)
by VOAvideo 28,978 views
The South Korean pop song and music video "Gangnam Style" has gone viral. With hundreds of millions of views on Youtube, Gangnam Style has quickly become the most-viewed web video of all time. And that success has not gone unnoticed by the South Korean tourism industry. VOA Korean Service reporter Jeewon Lee explains.
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Young Violin Maker Keeps Family Tradition Alive
by VOAvideo 862 views
Keeping his family's tradition alive is important to 23-year-old Richard Maxham. VOA's June Soh introduces us to the fifth-generation violin maker whose family started making the instrument more than a century ago
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86
Breathe Carolina Re-releases "Hell is What You Make It'
by VOAvideo 980 views
The duo Kyle Even and David Schmitt created the alternative rock band Breathe Carolina in 2007 and are on the Vans Warped Tour which is heading to London November 10 for the first time. VOA's Larry London caught up with the duo during the music festival's stop in Columbia, Maryland, outside Washington.
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New 007 Movie Reveals Bond's Inner Demons
by VOAvideo 1,812 views
Fifty years after Dr. No, the first James Bond film, 007 is back in action in Skyfall. The latest entry in the Bond franchise, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes, departs from the brawn-and-guns type of secret agent and gravitates towards a character who reveals 007's inner demons. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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After 50 Years, Glass Art Pioneer Still Sparkles
by VOAvideo 463 views
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the studio art glass movement, which transformed glass from being merely functional into art, at times high art. Dale Chihuly is a pioneer of that movement. A new exhibition of his work opened recently at the Virginia museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. VOA's Susan Logue reports.
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Artful Therapy Helps Kids Cope with Cancer
by VOAvideo 273 views
A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating, especially when the patient is a child. But art therapy is making it easier for some patients who go to Georgetown Hospital's Lombardi Cancer Center for treatment. VOA's Susan Logue reports.
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Cloud Atlas: A Tale of Birth, Death and Re-Birth
by VOAvideo 1,502 views
Cloud Atlas by directors Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Andy Wachowski is a cinematic Odyssey based on a novel by British author David Mitchell. The story centers on six stories from the 1800s up to our distant future. The concept of the eternal soul links the vignettes as the characters of one story are reborn into another. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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91
Asian-American Brothers Use Comedy to Attract Voters
by VOAvideo 255 views
Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. But historically, mainstream political campaigns around the country have not given them much attention. With general elections just a few weeks away, two brothers are trying to use comedy to get the attention of potential voters among the Asian American youth. Elizabeth Lee has this report for VOA from Los Angeles.
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Latin Dance Fitness Program Grows in Popularity
by VOAvideo 1,806 views
In recent years, Zumba, the Latin dance fitness program, has surged in popularity across the U.S. The American College of Sports Medicine says the program is one of the hottest fitness trends this year. VOA's June Soh visited a Zumba class to find out why.
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N. Korean Romantic Comedy Screens in S. Korean Film Festival
by VOAvideo 345 views
South Korean audiences have had a rare chance to attend the screening of a North Korean romantic comedy. The movie Comrade Kim Goes Flying was shown twice this week at the Busan International Film Festival. Reporter Jason Strother went to the southern port city to check it out.
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94
Nigerian Musician Raps on Resources
by VOAvideo 350 views
Up-and-coming Nigerian artist "Jeffy J" releases new songs urging young people to fight for justice with their voices, not with guns. The artist asks why Nigeria, a country that could be extremely wealthy, remains dangerous and poor. Heather Murdock caught up with him in Abuja, and let him tell his own story.
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Egyptian Singer Tackles Real, Metaphorical Walls
by VOAvideo 301 views
The Fair Play international music awards honor young musicians for their work exposing corruption and oppression around the world. This year's winner, who will travel to Brazil in November to receive her award, comes from Egypt. VOA's Elizabeth Arrott has more.
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96
Neon Trees Release 'Picture Show'
by VOAvideo 1,508 views
Neon Trees is four member band out of Provo, Utah who made their debut in 2010 with the CD "Habits". Two years later the group has returned with "Picture Show" and continued their success with the hit "Everybody Talks." Lead singer Tyler Glenn who writes most of the music sat down with VOA's Larry London during a recent DC tour stop to talk about the new album.
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Artist Creates Sculptures With A Chainsaw
by VOAvideo 223 views
When you hear the word artist, you usually think of a painter or photographer. But Marty Long creates art in an unusual way. He uses a chainsaw to carve sculptures out of wood. VOA's Deborah Block traveled to the Maryland State Fair to see this accomplished artist demonstrate his craft.
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Vocal Trash Recycles More Than Old Songs
by VOAvideo 248 views
Vocal Trash is an ensemble that performs pop tunes spanning the decades, but songs aren't the only things the group recycles. Playing instruments fashioned from trash cans, water bottles and other items salvaged from the landfill, the group's message is reuse and recycle. VOA's Susan Logue reports.
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99
Europe's "Biggest Street Festival" Rocks London
by VOAvideo 611 views
During a summer dominated by the 2012 Olympics, Europe's largest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival, gave London revellers another thing to smile about on Sunday and Monday. As Selah Hennessy reports, the carnival is an important cultural event -- led by London's West Indian community.
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100
Tractor Pulling Emerges as Popular US Sport
by VOAvideo 256 views
Tractor pulling is pulling in big money in the United States. The object of the contest is to see which machine can drag a weighted sled the farthest. VOA's Mike Osborne reports.
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101
Hollywood Plugs In to Tech Start-Ups
by VOAvideo 370 views
Smart phones and tablets have become so popular that they are now part of everyday life for many people around the world. These devices have also prompted an explosion of mobile applications. Hollywood is plugging into this potentially profitable new technology. Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles to explain how.
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102
Afghan Female Graffiti Artist Subjected to Social Pressure
by VOAvideo 623 views
Young people in Kabul are pushing the boundaries of Afghanistan's conservative society. But they do so at the risk of severe social pressures. VOA's Sharon Behn looks at the hidden world of graffiti artists in Kabul.
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103
Graffiti Artists Paint Beijing
by VOAvideo 258 views
In China's capital, graffiti art is gaining a following among young and fashionable Chinese. Shannon Van Sant reports from Beijing on the small group of artists who use the city's public spaces to express their feelings about their lives and rapidly changing country.]]
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104
Artist Uses Special Skills to Create Wood 'Fan Birds'
by VOAvideo 977 views
Cedar fan birds are not considered fine art but still they require skill and artful hands. These birds carved from wood have deep roots in Europe of the past when men, traveling far from home, sat around at night, carving and telling stories. VOA's Zulima Palacio tells us about Jeff Jacobs, a carpenter, who is now spending more time following his dream.
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105
Monster Trucks Continue to Amaze US Kids, Adults
by VOAvideo 7,322 views
They're big. They're loud. And they make a mess of anything that gets trapped under their monster wheels. Monster Truck rallies have spun from a fringe fan base in the 1970s and 80s, to a major, televised sport with dozens of competitions annually. But to many fans, trucks are only part of the fun. Arash Arabasadi of VOA's Persian News Network, spent a day at the Monster Jam in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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106
Theater Is 'Touching' Experience for Blind
by VOAvideo 201 views
You might wonder why the visually impaired would go to the theater. Many theater companies are reaching out to the blind with special performances which provide description of the action with a radio earpiece that only they can hear. One theater in Baltimore is going one step further as VOA's Susan Logue reports.
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107
Opera Fallujah Shows US Veteran's Inner Battle
by VOAvideo 677 views
The suffering of war is being depicted in a new opera that can be seen on the Internet and may one day be in American opera houses. The production, called Fallujah, is based on the experiences of an American Marine in Iraq. It's sponsored by explore, a division of the Annenberg Foundation, a charity known for funding media projects. VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports
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108
Japanese Robots Besting Humans at Games
by VOAvideo 457 views
A Japanese robot that can outsmart any human at a hand game has been getting global attention. A video of the undefeated robot has garnered more than 3 million views on YouTube since going online at the end of June. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman visited the Tokyo University laboratory where the robot was conceived to find out how it works and to get a glimpse of some of the lab's other cutting-edge creations.
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109
Children Learn to Play Music by Listening
by VOAvideo 292 views
Children can learn to play an instrument before they even start school. That's the philosophy of the Suzuki method of teaching music. The child first learns to play music by hearing it, rather than reading musical notes. VOA's Deborah Block watched the progress of some kids taking violin lessons in Alexandria, Virginia.
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110
Going to Camp to Become a Sports Mascot
by VOAvideo 701 views
Mascots help to get crowds excited at every level of sports competitions - from high schools to professional teams. Companies and organizations also use the costumed characters to present a friendly corporate image. June Soh shows what it takes to bring those furry, comic costumes to life and what it is like being inside them, especially in the sizzling summer heat.
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111
New Spider-Man Movie Stars Andrew Garfield As The Sticky Superhero
by VOAvideo 574 views
Ten years after the Spider-Man movie franchise came to a close, Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man, a high budget reboot of the web-spinning superhero, has opened in theaters nationwide and abroad. The 3D extravaganza cost 230 million dollars to produce and has many wondering whether it has anything more to offer than its predecessor. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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112
Nuts and Bolts of Art in Brooklyn
by VOAvideo 169 views
Brooklyn, New York has become known in recent years as a haven for artists. Many have found a rather unusual patron who encourages their creativity. He also provides them with an unusual space to exhibit their art. VOA correspondent Peter Fedynsky takes us to a very unusual hardware store
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113
African Art Show Offers Celestial Twist
by VOAvideo 219 views
Astronomer Carl Sagan referred to the cosmos as "the greatest of mysteries." Long before space exploration was possible, before we had powerful telescopes to examine the stars and planets; humans have looked to the heavens, searching for answers about what lies beyond. Cultural astronomy is at the heart of a new exhibition at the National Museum of African Art in Washington. VOA's Susan Logue takes a look at "African Cosmos: Stellar Arts."
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114
Iranian-American Rapper Shatters Stereotypes
by VOAvideo 1,476 views
Azad Right is Iranian-American rapper who's out to shatter a number of stereotypes, while freeing the music industry of cultural bias. VOA's Elizabeth Lee reports.
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115
Artist Sells 1,600 Carved Eggshells a Year
by VOAvideo 955 views
Few people, we're sure, have ever seen carved eggshells. These have no relationship to eggs that are painted or decorated with gems or other jewels, like Faberge's famous eggs, which weren't even eggs. One artist in the Washington DC area is delicately sculpting on eggshells. Her eggshells are seen frequently in local art galleries. VOA Zulima Palacio spent time with Tina Kannapel and her cats - mostly NOT walking on eggshells.
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116
Jazz, Hip Hop, Broadway Taught in Bangkok, Beyond
by VOAvideo 150 views
A U.S.-funded arts program is training students in the Middle East and Asia with American style music, theater and dance. The "Yes Academy" strives to build bridges between the U.S. and countries emerging from conflict. As VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from Bangkok, one of their biggest programs is in Iraq.
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117
New Movie Boosts Campaign to Save Polar Bears
by VOAvideo 1,270 views
Few people travel to the Arctic, but it's possible to see it up close without the long journey. Now, a new 3D IMAX movie about the Arctic is opening in the U.S. and, soon, around the world. The movie, directed by Greg MacGillivray, is part of an international campaign to save the polar bears and their home. VOA's Zulima Palacio has the story.
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118
Famous Children's Author Leaves Legacy of Wild Things
by VOAvideo 240 views
Maurice Sendak, one of the most important American children's book authors of the 20th century, has died at the age of 83 of complications from a recent stroke. VOA's Penelope Poulou has an appreciation.
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119
Australian Musical Family Act The McClymonts Set Sights on US
by VOAvideo 1,599 views
The McClymonts are taking Nashville's country music scene by storm. Sam, Brooke, and Mollie McClymont have enjoyed success in their native Australia where they are one of the hottest acts in Australian country music. The trio recently stopped by the VOA studios to talk with Larry London about their music and their plans for the year ahead.
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120
Miro's Political Side on Display
by VOAvideo 243 views
Joan Miro, who died almost 30 years ago, is one of the great European painters of the twentieth century. The Spanish artist is most famous for his whimsical abstractions. But less known is that some of his work was a reaction to the Spanish Civil War, World War Two and General Francisco Franco's 36-year rule that ended in 1975. Now, a large exhibit of Miro's work is at Washington's National Gallery of Art. VOA's Zulima Palacio has a preview.
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121
Circus Train is Home to Traveling Performers
by VOAvideo 1,065 views
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey is America's longest-running circus company. It began performances in the early 1890s. More than a century later, the company maintains many of the traditions of the circus, including traveling by train, which is home to hundreds of performers. VOA's June Soh reports.
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122
Multiplayer Computer Games are Big Business for Small Devices
by VOAvideo 262 views
Millions of people are addicted to playing games on mobile devices, with rivals and teammates spread around the world. A company in Austin, Texas has developed such a game, known as a mobile multiplayer online game, for the Apple iPhone and iPad, basing it on a pen-and-paper game that was popular in the 1970s called Traveller. VOA's Greg Flakus has more from Austin on the attraction of Traveller AR, a game that takes players to the far corners of space on a small screen.
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123
Somali Film Production Company Launches in Nairobi
by VOAvideo 3,077 views
Somalia, with help from its African neighbors, is trying to re-establish a central government in Mogadishu. But since the state's collapses in 1991, many citizens of the country have had to establish roots elsewhere. Roopa Gogineni reports for VOA on a pair of Somalis in Nairobi, who are trying to establish a film company in neighboring Kenya.
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124
Glass Art Evokes Natural Wonders
by VOAvideo 195 views
Glass artist Josh Simpson's fascination with the natural wonders of the universe is evident in his intricate platters, which resemble galaxies, as well as his one-of-a-kind planet-like spheres. Simpson showcased his work at the recent Smithsonian Craft Show. VOA's Julie Taboh reports.
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125
'One Day on Earth' Delivers Global Message
by VOAvideo 396 views
'One Day on Earth,' a film created by Kyle Ruddick and Brandon Littman, documents one day in the life of humanity from every country on the planet. VOA's Penelope Poulou reports more than 15,000 people contributed footage from their ethnic communities and helped to create a global patchwork of universal themes - including birth, love, creativity, war and death - all filmed on the same day, Oct. 10, 2010.
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126
Kenya's 'Slum Drummers' Make Beautiful Music with Scrapped Objects
by VOAvideo 2,590 views
In the informal settlement of Dagoretti in Nairobi, Kenya, a 13-member group called "Slum Drummers" builds drums, xylophones, and other musical instruments out of materials from dumpsites and metal scrap yards. They use their music to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and to stay in school.
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127
EU Youth Orchestra Spreads Passion for Music With American Peers
by VOAvideo 485 views
The European Union Youth Orchestra is on its first American tour in more than 20 years, with concerts in several major U.S. cities and on university campuses through April 24. VOA's Sean Maroney spent time with the orchestra members at their Washington stops and reports on how they are sharing their love of music with their American peers.
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128
Historic Theater With Black History Roots Reopens in Washington
by VOAvideo 271 views
Since 1910, African American entertainers - including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington - have performed at the Howard Theater, even launching their careers there. But since 1980, The Howard, in a traditionally African American neighborhood, has sat in disrepair and was set to be destroyed. But the arts community joined forces to save the building and fully restore its grandeur.
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129
Physicist Hunts Lost da Vinci Mural
by VOAvideo 297 views
In 1505, Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci reportedly produced a large painting, the "Battle of Anghiari," on a wall in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio, but to the naked eye, no such artwork can be seen. One research team has recruited a physicist from the United States' Argonne National Laboratory to shed light on the case of the missing mural.
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130
Iranian-American Musician Mixes Music Styles
by VOAvideo 2,665 views
Austin is the capital of Texas and the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World." In the 1970s, musicians in Austin fused rock 'n roll and country music. Now, Austin is one of America's fastest growing cities and a place where music from around the world comes together. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Austin, Iranian-American musician and songwriter Fared Shafinury is developing another sound, combining Persian classical music and American styles.
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131
Centuries-Old Craft Becomes Modern-day Art
by VOAvideo 255 views
In a scene that would be familiar to generations of artisans from the past, Anthony Corradetti shapes molten glass in the same way glass blowers before him have done for centuries. Working in a Baltimore, Maryland, studio converted from an historic 19th-century foundry building, Corradetti is not making ordinary household items. Instead, he creates works of art. VOA's Madeeha Anwar reports.
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132
Israeli Movie Features Father-Son Rivalry
by VOAvideo 285 views
Footnote, a film by Israeli director Joseph Cedar, deals with the rivalry between two Talmudic scholars. One is withdrawn and has spent his whole life analyzing obscure details in the ancient texts. The other is an extrovert. He sees the texts as windows into the periods when they were written. They are father and son and their tenuous relationship threatens to derail when one is awarded the most prestigious national prize. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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133
Exhibit Explores Artistic Side of Video Games
by VOAvideo 194 views
A groundbreaking exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Art of Video Games, is one of the first exhibitions to explore the artistic side of this popular form of entertainment. VOA's Susan Logue reports.
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134
Children's Classic Gets Hip Hop Update
by VOAvideo 237 views
A children's classic has been updated by a Maryland theater company. Pinocchio, the story of a puppet who becomes a boy, is told in hip hop at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, a few miles from the nation's capital. VOA's Susan Logue reports.]]
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135
'The Bricklayer' Details Iranian Exile Experience on Stage
by VOAvideo 349 views
A new production has opened at the Houston Grand Opera in Texas that tells the story of an Iranian exile family. The work, called The Bricklayer is based on a short story by Houston-based Iranian-American writer Farnoosh Moshiri, who also wrote the libretto for the work. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Houston, the story is one that reflects the experience of many people forced into exile, from Iran and elsewhere.
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136
Cambodian Group Preserves Musical, Cultural DNA
by VOAvideo 294 views
Traditional Cambodian music styles are at risk of disappearing as older musicians die, but some artists and historians trying to save the indigenous sound with help from a cultural preservation group.
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137
Crushed Autos as Art
by VOAvideo 544 views
New York's Guggenheim Museum has turned into something of a junkyard featuring sculptures made of automobile parts by the late American artist John Chamberlain. VOA correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports the artist was known as a rebel who transformed cars into vehicles that transport the imagination.
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138
'The Artist's Silent Power Could Lead Pack
by VOAvideo 596 views
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has nominated nine films for best picture. Of these, only one will make Oscar history. A few are getting buzz for being top contenders, including "The Artist." VOA's Penelope Poulou reports.
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139
Celebrity Photographer Takes New Path in 'Pilgrimage'
by VOAvideo 247 views
A new exhibit of photos by the well-known portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz shows a different side of her. Leibovitz, known for her photos of celebrities, spent two years taking pictures without any people in them. Many are of places in the United States where famous people lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. VOA's Deborah Block tells us more about Pilgrimage, an exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC.
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140
Totem Pole Art Preserves Native American Culture
by VOAvideo 1,049 views
In the mid to late 18th century, missionary schools were opened on Native American reservations in the U.S. The goal was to convert young people to Christianity and immerse them in Western culture. Native languages and culture were discouraged. Over decades, many grew up knowing little about their culture or languages. VOA's Jeff Swicord reports on one Tsimshian tribesman who has dedicated his life to keeping his native culture alive.
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141
Comic Book Heroes Expand Their Reach
by VOAvideo 198 views
Marvel Comics has entertained people for decades with characters like Spiderman, the Hulk and Captain America. But with the growing popularity of video games and Internet entertainment, comic book creators have had to expand the settings and themes of their stories. They are now bringing their characters and stories to various parts of the United States.
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142
Runners Challenge Themselves in Marathons
by VOAvideo 139 views
A day after the US Olympic Marathon trials in Houston this past Saturday, several hundred people took part in other races based on the 42-kilometer Marathon that has been part of the modern Olympics since they began in 1896. There was a half marathon race and less strenuous events for disabled people and children. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Houston, many runners participated as a way of testing their own personal performance.
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143
New Film Explores Life in Modern Tehran
by VOAvideo 4,193 views
"A Separation" by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi pulls the curtain back on life in modern Tehran. The story is about an unhappy marriage, the lack of support in caring for the elderly and a cumbersome bureaucracy wedged between religious custom and legal parameters. The film has been nominated for a Golden Globe in the foreign language category and could even nab an Oscar. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
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144
Jai Alai Struggles to Attract Fans in US
by VOAvideo 2,959 views
Jai Alai might be the fastest ball sport in the world, or the fastest ball sport failing to gather a crowd. It was born in Europe's Basque country and transported to the United States, where, for a time, it was a popular betting sport, especially in Florida. But as Selah Hennessy discovered in Orlando, Florida, jai alai is struggling to bring in the fans, despite the high dangers involved in playing.
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145
In New Orleans, Even Walls Sing
by VOAvideo 239 views
It's called the "Music Box," but it is not a box at all. It's a tiny village. A collection of tiny wooden huts sits on a quiet street in New Orleans, making music all day and all night. Selah Hennessy went to New Orleans to find out what it's all about and to join in the music.
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146
Music Store Sets Beat for Austin Music Scene
by VOAvideo 201 views
Music thrives in Austin, Texas, where the industry brings in around $1 billion to the city every year. Musicians flood the city in droves and nearly every night there are live performances. Over the past three decades, one music store, Waterloo Records, has presided over the growing music scene. Selah Hennessy went there to find out more about Austin's sound.
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147
Quilters Form Bonds As They Stitch Their Stories
by VOAvideo 184 views
Now that winter has arrived in most parts of the United States, many beds are covered with quilts that help to keep people warm at night. Many quilts feature decorative stitching and some are so elaborately decorated that they are never used on beds, but are hung like paintings. VOA's Greg Flakus takes us to the world of quilters in this report from one of the quilt world's most important cities, Houston, and its annual International Quilt Festival.
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148
Conrad Pope Tells Marilyn Monroe Story Through Music
by VOAvideo 1,485 views
The new film "My Week with Marilyn" tells the story of a week in the life of the legendary film star Marilyn Monroe, who in the 1950s was in Britain making a film with the iconic actor Laurence Olivier. Mike O'Sullivan reports that the task of composer Conrad Pope, who wrote the score for the new film, was to capture the era and tell the story in music.
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149
For Haitian Artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, Home is Where the Heart is
by VOAvideo 309 views
Every artist has an inspiration. For some, it's a person. For others, it's a place. VOA's Alex Villarreal spent time with one internationally-known artist whose motherland is his muse.
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150
Tunisia's Musicians Determined to Keep Singing Freely
by VOAvideo 446 views
Before bloggers, Facebookers and Tweeters in Tunisia mobilized the masses for a movement now known as the Arab Spring, there were musicians. They voiced their grievances through an underground music scene. They are determined to sing openly and freely, especially after last week's historic election
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151
American Joins The Bolshoi Ballet as a Premier Dancer
by VOAvideo 4,300 views
An American ballet star has joined the Bolshoi Ballet as what's called a premier dancer. David Hallberg is the first American to achieve such a distinction.
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152
Arab Hip-Hop Artist in London Inspired by Contemporary Events
by VOAvideo 509 views
A Moroccan woman who only discovered her talent as a hip-hop performer when she came to study in London is now at the forefront of this musical genre. Master Mimz delivered her own commentary on the Arab Spring with her song, "Back Down Mubarak." For VOA, Andy Edwards reports on her latest performance in London.
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153
Warhol's Hidden Side Unveiled
by VOAvideo 215 views
One of the 20th Century's most famous American artists is being recognized with two new exhibits on the National Mall. Andy Warhol's life was cut short in 1987, but his work lives on these new exhibits, which show a different side of the artist.
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154
Classical Iranian Music Gets a New Audience
by VOAvideo 9,958 views
Few in the West have heard its authentically Persian sound, but now the classical, Persian stringed instrument known as a kamancheh is being heard in an unlikely place - the mid-western U.S. state of Ohio. An Iranian-American musician is resurrecting the kamancheh's ancient sound - the hard way - and introducing it to a whole new audience.
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155
Titanic Exhibit Brings the Tragic Story to Life
by VOAvideo 7,902 views
When the ocean liner RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, more than 1,500 passengers died. It made headlines as one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in history. The fateful voyage was the backdrop for the blockbuster 1997 movie Titanic. Now the ship's story has come to life in an exhibit at a Las Vegas hotel.
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156
Ahmed Ahmed: Breaching Cultural Barriers With Humor
by VOAvideo 305 views
Egyptian American stand-up comedian Ahmed Ahmed, along with a group of fellow comics, recently toured Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt, where they took their unique brand of humor to thousands of people, predominantly Muslims. While on tour, they did what comics do best -- juxtaposing cultures and religions by tearing wide open, with a good dose of humor, the stereotypes and preconceived notions that exist between them. VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi has this report.
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157
Sam Houston Lives On - In Texas Museum
by VOAvideo 440 views
Sam Houston stands among the towering figures of American history. He governed two states, made his mark on the national stage and yet his name is forever tied to Texas, the state he helped to create. This year, historians are recalling his connection to two anniversaries: Texas's independence, 175 years ago, and the U.S. Civil War, which began in 186. Greg Flakus reports.
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Muslim Comics Draw Laughs by Making Fun of Stereotypes
by VOAvideo 1,876 views
The name of the show says it all. 'Funatical' makes fun of the stereotype of Muslims as religious fanatics. America is a nation of immigrants who have enriched this country's culture, especially the arts, including comedy. Now Muslim American comics are getting into the act.
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In Haitian Town, Artists Honor Dead With Rubble Art
by VOAvideo 8 views
In Haiti, the southern town of Jacmel, one of the country's creative centers, is all about art. Last year's earthquake changed the way Jacmel's artists view their craft. The quake inspired them to tell stories -- but not in the usual way. Ross Velton reports.
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Kenya Hip Hop Artist Remembers His Roots
by VOAvideo 2,461 views
Henry Ohanga, otherwise known as "Octopizzo," is one of Kenya's hottest hip hop artists. He says his most satisfying work is helping fellow youth in Nairobi's so-called "informal settlement" of Kibera to turn away from drugs and crime and instead make a living from their talents. Born and raised in Kibera, Octopizzo started a youth self-help group called "Young, Gifted and Black" to help members develop their singing, dancing, and other abilities. And he has also created a tour company and a business that sells T-shirts and watches to fund the group. Cathy Majtenyi caught up with Octopizzo in Kibera and files this report for VOA.
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Pompeii's Life and Death on View in New York
by VOAvideo 2,887 views
An exhibit at Discovery Times Square in New York presents more than 250 objects found at Pompeii and the nearby resort town of Herculaneum. They include mosaics, sculptures, frescoes, glass and pottery as well as fishhooks, a gladiator's helmet, and women's cosmetic items. There is even a loaf of bread that looks freshly-baked, although it's hard as stone. The perfect preservation of these items seems unlikely, to say the least.
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Kabul Exhibition Displays Newly Excavated Ancient Artifacts
by VOAvideo 1,021 views
U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry announced a $5 million donation to build a new museum to house Afghan treasures that are currently touring the world but have never been publicly displayed in their home country. Archaeologists and Afghan officials hail the exhibit - and a partnership with a yet-to-to-be-named American museum - as a new age for Afghan culture and a way to unite Afghanistan's ethnic groups.
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Art Blooms in Russia Against Grey Political Backdrop
by VOAvideo 290 views
Russia's authoritarian politics may be gray and conservative. But Russia modern art scene is colorful and zany. James Brooke reports from Moscow.
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Artist Uses Light to Enchant Museum-Goers in Houston
by VOAvideo 3,090 views
Kinetic artist Carlos Cruz-Diez was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, but has spent half of his 87 years in Paris. There he developed a worldwide following for works that challenge how we see color. His illusion-filled pieces are now on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, where VOA's Greg Flakus caught up with him.
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South Korea's Public Art is Not for Art's Sake
by VOAvideo 1,078 views
In recent years, South Korean cities have seen sculptures, paintings and all manner of artistic installations sprout like mushrooms, both inside and outside of office buildings. Many critics think the attempt at urban improvement is not a pretty picture.
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Photographer on 15-Year Project to Document America
by VOAvideo 670 views
Washington-based photographer Carol Highsmith has been photographing the American landscape for the past 30 years. Her latest project involves a 50-state tour documenting the cities, towns and countryside of 21st-century America. She is collaborating on the 15-year project with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, to whom she is donating her entire body of work, copyright-free.
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National Pinball Museum Features Lights, Buzzers and a Slice of American History
by VOAvideo 1,084 views
Washington DC is filled with some of America's best known museums and many more less famous ones. Take a look inside one of those lesser-known establishments, and you'll find a place filled with passion, noise, and a speeding silver ball. VOA's Arash Arabasadi has the story.
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Belly Dancing Gets an American Twist
by VOAvideo 1,346 views
'Belly Dancing Super Stars' is a professional belly dancing troupe that has been touring the world hoping to improve the perceptions of this ancient dance form and reinforce its relations with its region of origin. What's more, the group's creator has a background you probably would not expect.
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Passing Down Blues Music Through the Ages
by VOAvideo 2,985 views
Blues music has its roots in America - largely in the Delta regions of the Mississippi River. The music is alive and well for the moment, with many blues festivals and a flourishing museum in the music's home region. But many Mississippi Delta Blues stars are in their 80s, even their 90s. And those who love the music feel it's important to pass it down to a younger generation.
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Artists Attempt to Capture Grand Canyon Grandeur
by VOAvideo 409 views
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States has long been an attraction for painters and photographers, as well. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado river, in northern Arizona, is so vast and so deep that it challenges the skill of artists to represent even a small portion of its grandeur and beauty. Many artists continue to use the landscape and atmosphere of the canyon for their inspiration.
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Making an Album -- the Way it Used to be Done
by VOAvideo 863 views
The Big Band sound -- the kind of jazz popular in the 1930s and '40s -- can still be heard today. Some of the top musicians in Hollywood got together recently to record a new big band album, produced by composer Patrick Williams. The musicians describe it as a labor of love, and VOA's Mike O'Sullivan got a rare opportunity to sit in on the recording
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Kitengela Glass Produces Art Outside Nairobi National Park
by VOAvideo 632 views
At the edge of Nairobi National Park sits Kitengela Glass, where artisans make internationally-renowned vases, goblets, pitchers and other glassworks. They use recycled materials to make their creations and work in a compound where people, animals, trees and art all co-exist.
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Navajo Weavers Carry on Centuries-Old Tradition
by VOAvideo 8,820 views
The Navajo Indians of the southwestern United States have been weaving blankets for hundreds of years. Originally, their primary goal was to make something that would keep them warm. In time, however, people began to appreciate the blankets for their beauty. Suli Yi of VOA's Mandarin Service traveled to Navajo country to learn about the Navajo weavers and their art. It is narrated by Ruth Reader.
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Gypsy Jazz Invades America
by VOAvideo 3,169 views
Some musicians in the United States are bringing a unique style of French music to American audiences. Gypsy jazz, also known by its French name, jazz manouche, dates back to before the Second World War. While already popular in many European countries, diehard American fans can now hear the distinctive sound at specialist clubs in cities across the U.S. Steve Mort reports for VOA from Florida.
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Photographer Explores Machu Picchu's Timeless Beauty
by VOAvideo 550 views
Machu Picchu, or Old Peak, is the name given to the stone ruins of a pre-Columbian Incan city perched high atop the Andean peaks of Peru, more than 2,400 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu had been a symbol of the Incan empire before it fell to 16th-century Spanish invaders. The ancient city was abandoned shortly thereafter and essentially forgotten, covered by a thick forest, until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. In a newly published collection of images, American architectural photographer Mike Torrey captures the wonder and timeless significance of this mystical, historical site. Faiza Elmasry has the story in this report narrated by Deborah Block.
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Museum Honors Artist Who Captured Small Town America
by VOAvideo 220 views
Perhaps no artist of the last century was more popular with more Americans than Norman Rockwell. For many people what made him special was his ability to capture the ordinary events of everyday life and make them special. Today, one of the best places to see his paintings and illustrations is at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Joseph Mok of VOA's Mandarin Service visited the museum and produced this story about the artist who died more than thirty years ago but remains beloved by millions of Americans. The story is narrated by Ruth Reader.
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"Children of War" Documents Rehabilitation of Former Child Soldiers
by VOAvideo 3,180 views
American filmmaker Bryan Single explores the rehabilitation process of former child soldiers in northern Ugandan in his new movie "Children of War." The film premiered recently (Tuesday/November 3) in Washington. Mariama Diallo reports.
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Works of Art From a Dump in San Francisco
by VOAvideo 1,344 views
A disposal company in San Francisco takes trash very seriously. For more than 15 years it has invited selected artists to create works of art out of the trash San Franciscans throw away. The artists are given full access to a studio near the company dump, paid a monthly stipend, and encouraged to create. The only stipulation: 100 percent of what they make has to come from the dump next door. Monaliza Noormohammadi of VOA's Persian News Network talked with two of the artists about their work and about what Americans throw away. The story is narrated by Brian Allen.
