Pearl Earring

What is your favourite episode or line from 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'?

Listen to an interview with writer Tracy Chevalier
Watch a music video inspired by the story
Read an interview with Tracy Chevalier

'All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare' (Spinoza)

In 'Against the Machine: Being Human in the Age of the Electronic Mob', Lee Siegel warns us against the uncritical acceptance of internet culture. According to Siegel, accessibility, variety and convenience have taken precedence over reliability and depth. The writer draws our attention to the confusion between information and knowledge and, by quoting Spinoza, suggests we lead a trivial and second-rate existence. To what extent do you agree with these ideas?

Read the first pages of Siegel's book

Listen to an interview with Siegel

Globalisation

Should globalisation be seen as a curse or a boon? In what ways have you been directly affected?

Click here for some general info on the phenomenon

Read an article on Globalisation

Listen to thinkers and experts discuss the different facets of globalisation.

All that glitters is not gold ...

You've probably heard the 'fake' stories about the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. China has resorted to theatrics and doctoring in order to put on a grand show. Is this faking justifiable in the circumstances? Have your say.

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Watch a video about the Opening Ceremony

Style

What constitutes style? Which of these do you find most important -
fashion, attitude, posture, vocabulary ...?
Take a peek at New Yorkers and listen to comments on their style

A change of scene

With the holidays approaching, the vision of a pristine beach or a much-visited tourist spot immediately springs to mind.
Browse these websites, pick your favourite destinations and listen to a podcast. Have a nice trip!
Frommer's podcasts
National Geographic podcasts

'Food has similarities with language. It has its own vocabulary and grammar, if you like.'(Nigella Lawson)

How would you answer the following question posed to chef Nigella Lawson: 'What would be your desert island dish?'
Read the whole interview

">Watch Nigella prepare an old-fashioned choc cake!