Topics

Oct

Grand Openings

by Joyce McGreevy on October 9, 2018

A facade in Hobbiton, New Zealand evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

What’s behind doors and windows? In Hobbiton, New Zealand, that’s a trick question!
© Joyce McGreevy

A Cross-Cultural Tour of Doors and Windows Around the World

With more than 12 million posts and counting, doors and windows around the world are among the most shared objects on Instagram. Clearly, doors can be adorable and windows wonderful. But beyond pretty pictures, what cross-cultural stories do doors and windows tell?

A window in Lismore, Ireland evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

In Lismore, Ireland, a medieval window has been silent witness to both
Sir Walter Raleigh and John F. Kennedy.
© Joyce McGreevy

A facade in Zagreb, Croatia evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

In Zagreb, Croatia, a post-Civil War window showcases the city’s renaissance.
© Joyce McGreevy Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 2 Comments

Crossing Cultures/Cultural Symbols/The World's Art & Design/Worldwide Sites

Oct

A Secret World of Discovery

by Meredith Mullins on October 1, 2018

Colorful historical scene from a Costa Rican banknote, showing the cultural heritage and traditions of a country. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

What can we learn from this work of art?
Image photo by Meredith Mullins

Cultural Heritage and Traditions Revealed

Countries reveal their cultural heritage and traditions through art, dress, storytelling, history, heroes, architecture, monuments, museums, language, music, products, and leaders.

They are also proud to present their natural treasures such as flora, fauna, and other gifts of nature.

Great wall of China on Chinese banknote, showing cultural heritage and traditions of China. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Natural and human-made treasures
Image photo by Meredith Mullins

What do these two images have in common? Read more...

Meredith Mullins 5 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Worldwide Sites

Sep

Wild and Woolly Wordplay

by Joyce McGreevy on September 24, 2018

A red panda in Wellington, New Zealand reminds the writer that animal idioms continues to influence everyday language. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Animal Idioms Around the World

Animal idioms have burrowed into everyday wordplay since Moses was a pup. It doesn’t take a fisheye lens to get the picture. Animal words prowl the planet.

You don’t have to be a bookworm or wear a deerstalker hat to ferret out examples. A simple mouse click ponies up swarms of animal buzzwords.

Fledgling Phrases

Animal idioms are cross-cultural and nest in every language. Some are as timeless as a phoenix rising from the ashes. Others are newly hatched. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 1 Comment

Nature Discovery/Proverbs & Sayings/Worldwide Sites

World Views: