Mention kung-fu movies and the first response will almost always include Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan. And for good reason — those talented actors and martial artists popularized the genre in the US and abroad. But director Lau Kar-leung is widely considered to be the Grandmaster of kung-fu, revolutionizing what a kung-fu film could be and influencing generations of actors and directors. Museum of Modern Art curator La Frances Hui goes deep into the history of kung-fu films and shows what makes Lau Kar-leung so special to the artform.
As far as cellists go, Yo-Yo Ma is quite possibly the GOAT. He started performing for presidents at the age of seven, has been featured on soundtracks like Once Upon a Time in America, The Untouchables, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has earned 18 Grammys, and was named the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities by Obama. Now, Ma is gracing the NPR Tiny desk to perform a series of suites for unaccompanied cello by Johann Sebastian Bach.
A classic trope in books and film is the protagonist meeting the antagonist in a final battle between good and evil. In No Country for Old Men, author Cormac McCarthy and the subsequent film adaptation by the Coen brothers completely subverts the narrative we're familiar with. Lessons From the Screenplay goes into the details of the mechanics the Coen brothers used to keep the audience guessing — and how deliberately leaving out plot points keeps the audience engaged.
Designed in-house and crafted in their family-owned and -operated leather tannery and factories, Moral Code's selection of handcrafted footwear, bags, and accessories is built to last. They're also built ethically as certified by Social Accountability International (SAI) for production and employment practices. During their Cyber Monday, select timeless styles are up to 50% off, making them easy on your conscious and your wallet.
Built to withstand whatever life throws its way, Duer's Live Free Adventure pant is made to navigate city streets or nature trails in this Peat colorway. Crafted from a hybrid twill fabric, they're stretchy, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and given a DWR treatment for water-repellency. These modern cargo-style pants are relaxed through the thigh with a straight leg. Featuring gusseted upper inner thighs, triple-stitched seams, and a reinforced seat. The hems are adjustable for versatility and have both a key ring and zippered cargo pockets for safe storage of essentials.
Combining the moving picture with audio makes film one of the most engaging mediums created by humans. While much of the focus goes to writing, acting, and direction, the score of a film can drive home the emotion of a scene in a way that visuals alone cannot. CineFix breaks down ten of the best film scores in movie history with a few picks that might surprise you.
Another RC Channel has created the ultimate off-road video by filming his Traxxas TRX4 Broncos in super slow-mo. The effect paired with the angle almost makes you feel like your watching a couple a full-size 4x4s shredding the beach. He follows it up by taking his toys to the forest trails of the Pacific Northwest.
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Sneakers don't have to be unsophisticated. Collars & Co.'s CEO Sneaker brings a look fit for the boardroom in a low-top cut and comfortable fit. A premium suede upper is paired with a padded dual-density outsole that can be worn all day with an understated modern style.
Currently, to travel along Norway's coast you'll have to take the E39 highway. The 683-mile route runs from Kristiansand in the south to Trondheim and with its seven different ferry connections, takes about 21 hours to complete. In an attempt to cut the travel in half, the Norwegian government plans to eliminate the need for ferries with increased tunnels and bridges while improving current roadway conditions. The project is estimated to cost 40 billion dollars making it the largest infrastructure project in the country's history.
Jennifer Macalady is a microbiologist exploring Italy's water-filled Frasassi Caves. The conditions in these caves might be similar to the conditions that the first life on Earth began — lightless and dark. Macalady hopes that the microbes she's discovering might hold the secrets to the origin of life, without the ability to harvest energy from the sun.