Latest news with #Rococo
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Commentary: In his quest for cultural dominance, Trump threatens what makes America great
Before members of Congress vote on the budget package that President Trump is about to send them, they might consider watching the adaptation of Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light," which recently concluded on PBS' Masterpiece. In the final episodes, Henry VIII (Damian Lewis), pissed (per usual) that things are not going his way, orders the execution of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Henry will come to regret it, of course, but he is an impetuous and paranoid narcissist, with little sense of history and even less vision. Cromwell's journey to Tower Hill is, in its way, poetic justice. After all, he helped Henry grow the powers of the monarchy, making him head of the Church of England as well as the kingdom, and did not object to using the chopping block to do it. Now PBS, famous for reminding us, through documentaries and series like "Wolf Hall," of the historic pitfalls of power, is facing the axe. Trump has ordered that the Corp. for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies stop public financing for PBS and NPR. Trump has put many things on his chopping block of late, including our system of checks and balances, civil rights, the economy and far too many cultural touchstones. Like Henry VIII and many emperors, he wants not just political power but cultural dominance. Read more: Trump fires Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet Just as the increasingly Rococo White House reflects Trump's Versailles-knockoff style, his ghastly "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order is a disingenuous and authoritarian mandate to remake not just American history but also our arts and letters, sports and media into an endless reflection of his ideological image. In addition to cutting funds for PBS and NPR, Trump has, via executive order, threatened to defund elite universities, including Harvard, that refuse to take government dictation over curriculum and hiring policies. In his rampage to root out 'wokeness,' he has dismantled Voice of America (the country's largest and oldest international broadcaster), personally taken over programming at the Kennedy Center and obliterated the curatorial autonomy of the Smithsonian (on Friday, he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery, which he may or may not be legally able to do, claiming that she was too "partisan"). In order to ensure that a single trans athlete was unable to compete unimpeded in a high school track event, he threatened to withhold federal funds from California (which contributes more than 12% of those funds, making it the largest donor state in the country). Under Elon Musk, Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (a name George Orwell could have coined), has defunded, among other things, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health and the National Park Service. Trump recently suggested that Alcatraz be turned back to a working prison, which, given his draconian immigration policies, forces one to wonder how soon before he decides to replace the Statue of Liberty's torch with a 'do not enter' sign or destroy Lady Liberty altogether as the Nazis did during their fictional takeover of the U.S. in "The Man in the High Castle"? Many of the institutions that Trump now threatens to curtail or destroy have made this country a democratic haven and cultural center for decades. They have looked on the tempests of war, economic turmoil, civil unrest and seesawing politics and remained, as Shakespeare said, an ever-fixed mark, adapting to atmospheric shifts but essentially unchanged. Read more: PBS sues Trump White House over executive order to cut funding Not surprisingly, some of the proposed cuts are being challenged in court by PBS, NPR, Harvard and other besieged institutions. ABC reported in March that the Trump administration had been sued three times for every business day of his presidency. As many have pointed out, his plan to Make America Great Again involves destroying many of the things that made it great in the first place. Which may explain, in part, his consistently poor showing in popularity polls. To be fair, Trump has never been explicit about the antecedent Again. But over the years, he has pointed to the economic boom at the turn of the 20th century and again in the years following World War II as times when the United States was, by his lights, truly great. Many believe that Trump actually hopes to return to the relatively brief Gilded Age, the years between 1870 and 1890 during which captains of industry/robber barons flourished, aided in large part by the expansion of the railroads (at the hands, it must be noted, of Chinese and Irish immigrants). But the actual turn of the century saw the rise of the Progressive Era during which the robber barons turned to philanthropy, funding medical research, libraries, museums and universities; unions and the women's suffrage movement triumphed; and President Theodore Roosevelt enacted his Square Deal, breaking up trusts, avoiding tariffs, protecting consumers and establishing the national parks. In the early 1900s, journalism, the muckrakers, became highly influential, raising awareness about many social ills, including child labor, unsafe working conditions and unsanitary food processing. Read more: NPR and public radio stations sue Trump White House over funding cuts Likewise, during the economic expansion post-WWII, American politics were dominated by liberal Democrats still operating within the ethos of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, including the GI Bill by which a generation of Americans attended college. At Harvard, where enrollment nearly doubled, almost half of the class of 1949 was WWII veterans. So it's odd, to say the least, that Trump would choose to trumpet these particular eras as the benchmarks to which he hopes our country will return even as he attempts to destroy many of the institutions that have their roots in those times. Voice of America was founded during WWII to counter Axis propaganda and continued to bring cultural and political democracy to countries under authoritarian rule. It was so effective that Putin tried to block it. Trump is now shutting it down and plans to advance the pro-Trump One America News Network. The Smithsonian has engaged with many presidents since its establishment in 1846 (the vice president always serves on the Board of Regents), especially both of the Roosevelts. But no one but Trump ever attempted to strip the museum of its independent curatorial process by dictating what should and should not be featured in its many museums. Read more: Trump, '60 Minutes' and corruption allegations put Paramount on edge with sale less certain PBS, NPR and the Kennedy Center are more recent additions, but their aims and presence grow naturally from the kind of federal funding for arts and media prevalent during the Progressive Era and following WWII, when presidential administrations, of both parties, agreed with the founding fathers' belief that democracy requires an informed electorate and Americans are entitled to free expression. Like the Constitution, our iconic cultural institutions can grow to reflect the country they serve, but also like the Constitution, they cannot be threatened or eviscerated at the whim of the president. As they prepare to receive Trump's budget cuts, some Republican members of Congress have already expressed uneasiness over the proposed gutting of PBS. That queasiness should be taken as the symptom of a larger problem — a president should certainly be able to influence American culture, but he cannot be allowed to dismantle it. As they consider their vote, our elected officials might want to reacquaint themselves with the actual history of American greatness. And then they should have a look at 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.' Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
In his quest for cultural dominance, Trump threatens what makes America great
Before members of Congress vote on the budget package that President Trump is about to send them, they might consider watching the adaptation of Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,' which recently concluded on PBS' Masterpiece. In the final episodes, Henry VIII (Damian Lewis), pissed (per usual) that things are not going his way, orders the execution of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Henry will come to regret it, of course, but he is an impetuous and paranoid narcissist, with little sense of history and even less vision. Cromwell's journey to Tower Hill is, in its way, poetic justice. After all, he helped Henry grow the powers of the monarchy, making him head of the Church of England as well as the kingdom, and did not object to using the chopping block to do it. Now PBS, famous for reminding us, through documentaries and series like 'Wolf Hall,' of the historic pitfalls of power, is facing the axe. Trump has ordered that the Corp. for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies stop public financing for PBS and NPR. Trump has put many things on his chopping block of late, including our system of checks and balances, civil rights, the economy and far too many cultural touchstones. Like Henry VIII and many emperors, he wants not just political power but cultural dominance. Just as the increasingly Rococo White House reflects Trump's Versailles-knockoff style, his ghastly 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' executive order is a disingenuous and authoritarian mandate to remake not just American history but also our arts and letters, sports and media into an endless reflection of his ideological image. In addition to cutting funds for PBS and NPR, Trump has, via executive order, threatened to defund elite universities, including Harvard, that refuse to take government dictation over curriculum and hiring policies. In his rampage to root out 'wokeness,' he has dismantled Voice of America (the country's largest and oldest international broadcaster), personally taken over programming at the Kennedy Center and obliterated the curatorial autonomy of the Smithsonian (on Friday, he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery, which he may or may not be legally able to do, claiming that she was too 'partisan'). In order to ensure that a single trans athlete was unable to compete unimpeded in a high school track event, he threatened to withhold federal funds from California (which contributes more than 12% of those funds, making it the largest donor state in the country). Under Elon Musk, Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (a name George Orwell could have coined), has defunded, among other things, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health and the National Park Service. Trump recently suggested that Alcatraz be turned back to a working prison, which, given his draconian immigration policies, forces one to wonder how soon before he decides to replace the Statue of Liberty's torch with a 'do not enter' sign or destroy Lady Liberty altogether as the Nazis did during their fictional takeover of the U.S. in 'The Man in the High Castle'? Many of the institutions that Trump now threatens to curtail or destroy have made this country a democratic haven and cultural center for decades. They have looked on the tempests of war, economic turmoil, civil unrest and seesawing politics and remained, as Shakespeare said, an ever-fixed mark, adapting to atmospheric shifts but essentially unchanged. Not surprisingly, some of the proposed cuts are being challenged in court by PBS, NPR, Harvard and other besieged institutions. ABC reported in March that the Trump administration had been sued three times for every business day of his presidency. As many have pointed out, his plan to Make America Great Again involves destroying many of the things that made it great in the first place. Which may explain, in part, his consistently poor showing in popularity polls. To be fair, Trump has never been explicit about the antecedent Again. But over the years, he has pointed to the economic boom at the turn of the 20th century and again in the years following World War II as times when the United States was, by his lights, truly great. Many believe that Trump actually hopes to return to the relatively brief Gilded Age, the years between 1870 and 1890 during which captains of industry/robber barons flourished, aided in large part by the expansion of the railroads (at the hands, it must be noted, of Chinese and Irish immigrants). But the actual turn of the century saw the rise of the Progressive Era during which the robber barons turned to philanthropy, funding medical research, libraries, museums and universities; unions and the women's suffrage movement triumphed; and President Theodore Roosevelt enacted his Square Deal, breaking up trusts, avoiding tariffs, protecting consumers and establishing the national parks. In the early 1900s, journalism, the muckrakers, became highly influential, raising awareness about many social ills, including child labor, unsafe working conditions and unsanitary food processing. Likewise, during the economic expansion post-WWII, American politics were dominated by liberal Democrats still operating within the ethos of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, including the GI Bill by which a generation of Americans attended college. At Harvard, where enrollment nearly doubled, almost half of the class of 1949 was WWII veterans. So it's odd, to say the least, that Trump would choose to trumpet these particular eras as the benchmarks to which he hopes our country will return even as he attempts to destroy many of the institutions that have their roots in those times. Voice of America was founded during WWII to counter Axis propaganda and continued to bring cultural and political democracy to countries under authoritarian rule. It was so effective that Putin tried to block it. Trump is now shutting it down and plans to advance the pro-Trump One America News Network. The Smithsonian has engaged with many presidents since its establishment in 1846 (the vice president always serves on the Board of Regents), especially both of the Roosevelts. But no one but Trump ever attempted to strip the museum of its independent curatorial process by dictating what should and should not be featured in its many museums. PBS, NPR and the Kennedy Center are more recent additions, but their aims and presence grow naturally from the kind of federal funding for arts and media prevalent during the Progressive Era and following WWII, when presidential administrations, of both parties, agreed with the founding fathers' belief that democracy requires an informed electorate and Americans are entitled to free expression. Like the Constitution, our iconic cultural institutions can grow to reflect the country they serve, but also like the Constitution, they cannot be threatened or eviscerated at the whim of the president. As they prepare to receive Trump's budget cuts, some Republican members of Congress have already expressed uneasiness over the proposed gutting of PBS. That queasiness should be taken as the symptom of a larger problem — a president should certainly be able to influence American culture, but he cannot be allowed to dismantle it. As they consider their vote, our elected officials might want to reacquaint themselves with the actual history of American greatness. And then they should have a look at 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.'
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Time Business News
Top 10 Attractions to See in Munich City
Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria, is a city where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. From fairytale palaces and world-class museums to sprawling parks and vibrant beer gardens, Munich offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying longer, these top 10 attractions will help you discover the heart and soul of Munich City. No visit to Munich is complete without starting at Marienplatz, the city's iconic central square. Surrounded by historic buildings, lively shops, and cozy cafés, Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for centuries. The standout attraction here is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), a neo-Gothic architectural marvel that houses the famous Glockenspiel. Every day at 11 a.m. (and also at noon and 5 p.m. in summer), crowds gather to watch the Glockenspiel's life-sized figurines dance and reenact stories from Munich's past. From here, it's easy to explore nearby sights, including Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt, and numerous shopping streets. Marienplatz is also a great starting point for guided walking tours. Spanning over 900 acres, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the largest urban parks in the world and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It stretches from the city center to the northeastern outskirts, providing a peaceful retreat with meadows, streams, shaded paths, and even a few surprises. Among the most popular features is the Eisbachwelle, a man-made wave where surfers practice year-round—yes, even in winter! Further inside the park, the Chinese Tower beer garden offers a charming spot to enjoy a Bavarian lunch or a cold Maß of beer under the chestnut trees. It's a perfect place for cycling, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the water. If you're fascinated by history and royal life, Nymphenburg Palace is a must-see. This stunning Baroque palace was the summer home of the Bavarian monarchs and remains one of the most beautiful palaces in Germany. Its ornate interiors, opulent halls, and ceiling frescoes are a feast for the eyes. The surrounding gardens are equally impressive, with fountains, sculptures, and hidden pavilions like the Amalienburg—a jewel of Rococo architecture. The on-site museums, including the Marstallmuseum (Royal Carriage Museum) and the porcelain collection, offer further insight into the lavish lifestyle of Bavarian royalty. Just a stone's throw from Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt is Munich's oldest and most famous food market. This open-air market has been serving locals since the early 1800s and continues to be a hub of culinary discovery. Here, you can find everything from fresh fruits and regional cheeses to exotic spices and handcrafted chocolates. Bavarian specialties like Leberkäse, sausages, and pretzels are served hot from food stalls, and there's even a beer garden in the center of the market where you can enjoy local brews alongside your meal. It's an essential stop for food lovers and anyone seeking authentic Munich flavor. The Deutsches Museum is the largest museum of science and technology in the world, and it's a fantastic place for visitors of all ages. Spread across multiple floors, the museum features thousands of exhibits on topics such as astronomy, chemistry, aviation, energy, and communication. Interactive displays make complex concepts easy to understand, and there are special sections for kids with hands-on experiments. Whether you're fascinated by historic aircraft, musical instruments, or space exploration, you'll find something intriguing at every turn. Allocate at least a half-day here—it's easy to lose track of time while exploring. Right in the city center, the Munich Residenz offers an incredible glimpse into the wealth and grandeur of Bavaria's ruling Wittelsbach family. This former royal palace, which evolved over several centuries, is now one of the most significant cultural sites in Munich. The interior rooms, from Renaissance to Rococo to Neoclassical, are beautifully preserved and richly decorated. The Antiquarium, a grand Renaissance banquet hall, is especially awe-inspiring. The Residenz also houses a treasury filled with royal jewels, crowns, and sacred artifacts. Audio guides help you navigate the vast complex and understand the historical context of each section. Car enthusiasts will be in heaven at BMW Welt and the adjacent BMW Museum. BMW Welt is an architectural landmark and interactive showroom where you can see the latest models of BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. It also offers hands-on experiences, exhibitions on mobility, and even the chance to pick up your brand-new BMW if you're a customer. Next door, the BMW Museum takes you on a journey through the company's history, showcasing vintage cars, futuristic prototypes, and innovations in engineering. Both sites are perfect for anyone interested in design, performance, and the future of transportation. Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the Olympiapark is now a beloved recreational and cultural venue. The grounds feature open fields, lakes, concert halls, and sports facilities. The park is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, or attending major events and music festivals. A highlight is the Olympic Tower, which offers panoramic views of Munich and, on clear days, even the Alps. Adventurous visitors can take a guided roof climb or zipline across the Olympic Stadium. It's an energizing and inspiring place to spend an afternoon. Tucked away on a busy shopping street, the Asamkirche (Asam Church) is a small but incredibly ornate Baroque church built by the Asam brothers in the 18th century. Though modest from the outside, the interior is a breathtaking display of stucco, gold leaf, frescoes, and dramatic lighting. Originally constructed as a private chapel, it now stands as one of Munich's finest examples of religious art and design. It's often overlooked by tourists, but it's worth stepping inside to admire its rich detail and spiritual atmosphere. If you're a football fan, the Allianz Arena is a must-visit. Home to FC Bayern Munich, this ultra-modern stadium is known for its striking exterior panels that light up in different colors depending on the event. With a capacity of over 75,000, it's one of the most impressive football stadiums in Europe. Even if there's no match scheduled, you can join a stadium tour to go behind the scenes, visit the players' locker rooms, and explore the FC Bayern Museum. The energy of the arena, combined with its futuristic design, makes it an unforgettable experience for sports lovers. With so many incredible attractions spread throughout the city, getting around easily and comfortably can make all the difference. That's where Munich Chauffeur Service comes in. Whether you're arriving at Munich Airport, planning a full-day sightseeing tour, or heading to one of the city's luxury hotels, their private transportation services ensure you travel in style and comfort. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Vogue
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Cynthia Erivo's Rococo Dandy-Inspired 2025 Met Gala Look Took Over 2,250 Hours to Make
'Working together, we wanted to include very precise couture tailoring—sharp silhouette, strong shoulders,' continues Burton, 'and as the process evolved, we decided to balance this structure; playing with the shape and proportion of the skirt.' It all began with the silhouette. 'With the couture atelier, I took the sliced jacket from the show and moulded it onto her body, balancing the exploded shoulders and slashed neckline with the corset to enhance her waist,' explains Burton. 'I love the juxtaposition of the severity of the tailoring with the softness of the multilayered black tulle skirt, that felt like a cloud. We engineered the embroidery onto the jacket, [bringing the] crystals from the neckline to the low hip. What's amazing about working with Cynthia is her understanding of all these couture techniques.' When considering the 'Tailored for You' theme, Erivo is reflective. 'What I love about this piece is that it isn't obvious in the immediate how it fits with the theme,' she says, 'however, the top half of this piece is Sarah's incredible way of subverting the narrative around suiting…it is completely tailored and the spark that brings me joy.' Erivo points to how the look references both dandies of the Rococo period, with their frills, pantaloons, and ornate adornments, to more modern visions. 'If you take a look at Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint George, and fast forward to Prince, you will notice the similarities: frock coats, bloomers, frills. We have essentially deconstructed the Rococo style of dandyism.' The biggest challenge for the Givenchy team was the construction of the jacket so that it held the sharp, sculpted shape without collapsing—despite being open at the front and back. The corset is traditionally built and fully boned, and Givenchy's couture atelier used age-old couture techniques that evolved into something powerful and modern. It took 950 hours to make the look from the toile to the final result. The embroidery work required over 43,400 Swarovski crystals, and demanded approximately 1,300 hours to achieve by 40 artisans.
Tatler Asia
28-04-2025
- Tatler Asia
Mother's Day 2025: 5 best luxury hotels to stay in Asia, for every type of mum
2. For mums who need a break Above This wellness village is set amidst pristine gardens along (Photo: Instagram / @Rxvwellness) RXV Wellness Village Sampran, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand This wellness village is located just outside Bangkok and set amidst pristine gardens along the Tha Chin River. The village offers a holistic approach to well-being, integrating traditional treatments with modern science. Find various treatment centres within the village, such as the Bor Naam hydrotherapy complex that features vitality pools and infrared saunas as well as the Wellness Clinic where one can receive personalised health assessments. When it comes to food, there's also farm-to-table dining for guests to indulge in nourishing and delectable plates. Our fitspo mums will love this. In case you missed it: The best mother-daughter spa and wellness experiences in Singapore 3. For urban mums Above Janu Tokyo is located in the heart of Azabudai Hills (Photo: Janu Tokyo) Janu Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Mums who thrive on the energy of a city will revel in a stay at Janu Tokyo. In the heart of Azabudai Hills—Tokyo's newest and most dynamic urban village—the property's light-filled rooms and suites offer private balconies and sweeping views of Tokyo Tower. The hotel's design balance elegance and calm, creating a serene sanctuary amid the city's buzz. Beyond its tranquil interiors, Janu Tokyo places you steps away from decadent dining concepts, high-end shopping streets and cultural landmarks. Tatler tip: Elevate mum's experience and have an enchanted evening on a private night cruise. The luxurious yacht takes you across calm waters, allowing you to admire the city's stunning skyline. The journey is also tailored upon request, providing a more personalised experience. 4. For artistic mums Above This boutique hotel is a visual feast (Photo: Instagram / @ Villa Palladio Jaipur, Jaipur, India A visual feast for mums with an artistic soul, this nine-room boutique hotel is inspired by the grandeur of Maharaja's palace and infused with Rococo exuberance. The property is designed to inspire and delight the senses. Each room is uniquely decorated with canopied beds, hand-carved marble and block-printed textiles. The lush rose gardens, Mughal-style pool and whimsical pavilion bar create a dreamlike setting. 5. For adventurous mums Above There's plenty to explore at Nihi Sumba (Photo: Facebook / Nihi Sumba) Nihi Sumba, Sumba, Indonesia Located on the remote Indonesian island of Sumba, Nihi Sumba is a destination like no other. Here, days can be spent horseback riding on the beach, hiking through lush hills or exploring local villages. The resort's all-inclusive philosophy ensures every detail is taken care of, from airport transfers to curated excursions. With its vibrant landscapes and commitment to sustainability, the property is perfect for mums who see travel as a way to discover and connect with the world. Tatler Tip: Looking to try a unique adventure? Head to Nihi's Sandalwood Stables for a Swimming with the Horses experience, where you'll get to explore the clear blue waters with a guide and a four-legged friend.
