Korea's Petroglyphs Recognized by UNESCO: 6,000-year-old rock carvings inscribed on the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan, South Korea, have been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, marking the country's 17th entry on the list. The petroglyphs feature realistic depictions showcasing the artistic sensibility of prehistoric humans and are considered a significant cultural treasure.
The author experienced a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, which provided a serene escape from the chaos outside. The ceremony, led by a monk from the Myoshinji sect, was a masterclass in ritual and mindfulness, with every gesture infused with purpose and meaning. The host explained that the full ceremony takes two hours, but the condensed version they offered was still deeply immersive. The author was struck by the attention to detail, including the selection of seasonal flowers and sweets, which reflected the context of the time and day. The tea itself was intensely bitter yet complex, and the slow pace created an internal clearing for reflection. The experience was not just a performance but a practice that has continued for centuries, offering a glimpse into Japan's philosophical approach to life and the concept of "ma" – negative space charged with possibility.
Liam Gallagher's Oasis Reunion Tour at Risk of Collapse
7.12.25
Fans are worried that a reunion of Oasis could be short-lived due to the ongoing feud between Liam and Noel Gallagher. The brothers, aged 52 and 58 respectively, have a history of controversy, including their infamous split in 2009. Despite Liam's vow to stay sober during the tour, fans fear for its success as bookies are taking bets on cancellations.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Showcases Ancient Pearling History
7.12.25
The Louvre Abu Dhabi will feature exhibits on ancient pearling, Islamic art's finest manuscripts, and a recreation of an ancient Magan Boat. The museum's design by Lord Norman Foster incorporates falconry-inspired steel structures, reflecting Emirati culture, and is built with sustainable design principles.
Lowe's is launching a formal program for creators, with 17,000 members already part of its network from beta testing that began in late 2023. The goal is to expand to 50,000 creators over the next three years, marking Lowe's first large-scale initiative with a structured approach.
Meredith Beck Celebrates Oscar Hammerstein's Legacy
7.12.25
Meredith Beck, a theater artist from Doylestown, Bucks County, performed iconic songs by Oscar Hammerstein, including "South Pacific" and "The Sound of Music", sharing insights into their history. She revealed that her appreciation for musical theater history developed later in life, as she grew up in the area where Hammerstein was born and raised. Beck also mentioned that Stephen Sondheim was mentored by Hammerstein, while Lin-Manuel Miranda often references Sondheim's work.
Murray Sanders' 'Live Aid Relived' Captures Iconic Moments
7.12.25
Murray Sanders, a photographer, has published a book titled "Live Aid Relived" featuring previously unseen photos from the iconic charity concert in 1985. The book includes a foreword by Sir Brian May and words by royal biographer Robert Hardman, with over 230 photographs capturing the energy of the event. The concert, which brought together rock legends such as Freddie Mercury, Bryan Ferry, and David Bowie, was attended by thousands at Wembley Stadium in London, where the crowd arrived early to secure a spot on the grassy area known as Wembley Way.
Murujuga Rock Art Wins UNESCO World Heritage Status
7.12.25
The Murujuga Rock Art in Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, becoming Australia's 21st site on the list. The decision comes after a 20-year campaign by Indigenous leaders to protect the landscape, which features petroglyphs dating back at least 45,000 years. However, concerns over environmental damage from industrial emissions and nearby mining developments have been raised, with UNESCO approval seen as a significant victory for Indigenous culture and heritage in Australia.
Oasis Rocks Manchester's Heaton Park: The British rock band made their highly anticipated return to Manchester after a 16-year hiatus with five sold-out gigs at Heaton Park, performing in front of an estimated 400,000 fans. The shows kicked off with