Art and Entertainment

Each year scores of journalists and other writers are threatened, arrested, abused and even murdered for sharing true stories about human rights atrocities through news articles, essays, books and poems. Meet five dissident writers whose lives and struggles will enlighten and inspire.

The revitalization of “Alice in Wonderland” shows the enduring appeal of certain fairy tales, and spotlights modern reincarnations and uses in the classroom.

A documentary revealing Japan's annual dolphin slaughter wins an Oscar for Best Documentary, drawing further attention to a practice both traditional and disturbing.

A new TV series follows celebrities as they trace their family histories, and could prompt greater interest in genealogy and DNA technologies among Americans, including students.

A new HBO film tells the story of Temple Grandin, an uncommonly determined autistic woman whose impact on agricultural techniques defied what experts expected from her life.

The first installment of the serial “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” appeared in a periodical on June 5, 1851. The serial’s popularity was so immense that it was published as a book the following year. A groundbreaking abolitionist work, the book also popularized several inaccurate and offensive black stereotypes.

Salinger died Wednesday of natural causes in his home in Cornish, N.H., where he had lived for the past 50 years, removed from the public eye.

Spain’s proposed ban on late night beauty ads coincides with fashion industry trends touting healthier, more realistic images of women.

Elaborate schemes, priceless treasures, black market deals, undercover sting operations, international investigations and unsolved mysteries: the dramatic nature of art theft gives it a remarkable ability to capture the public’s imagination. Read on to learn about some of the most daring and fascinating art heists from the past 100 years.

The new MTV series debuts tonight, signifying a new direction for the network and an example of Gen Y’s socially conscious leanings.

Many consider Newbery Medal-winning books to be a “gold standard” for quality children’s literature. This year’s selection has met the expectations of many critics that last year questioned whether the award had lost its value.

Challenge and strengthen your brain with simple, free games and exercises on the Web.

Find out why we celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, when the holiday became popular in America, and from where the traditions of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are derived.

Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.

Disney is being praised for featuring a black princess in the new animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” but some critics say the setting and characters reinforce stereotypes.

Amazing Christmas trees, brilliant light displays and lovely holiday decorations attract attention from scores of people across the country because of their beauty, and sometimes because of their excess. FindingDulcinea has located some of the most notable.

Have the incessant buzz of Christmas music and twinkling lights made you want to hit the eggnog? Find solace with these cinematic gems, sure to have you saying “Bah, humbug!” with glee.

During these difficult economic times, it’s tempting to forgo tipping. But it’s important to reward the people that provide valuable services year-round. Fortunately, there are a number of Web sites that help clarify the purpose and process of tipping at the holidays.

Do your parents still have the clay bowl you made for them in second grade? In many homes, it’s the simple, handmade gifts that are most appreciated. Parents aren’t the only ones that appreciate a gift made by hand. Visit the sites below to find ideas for gifts that you can make especially for the ones you love.

"Everybody’s Fine” is a new Robert De Niro film that highlights the joys and challenges of train travel, particularly during the holiday season.

Thousands of bands and singer-songwriters are making names for themselves with or without the help of labels. The Web is instrumental in spreading the word, and blogs, aggregators and multimedia sites are king. We spotlight five music sites that everyone should bookmark, and mention several more worthy contenders.

Director Wes Anderson has garnered a cult-like following of fans taken with his unusual characters and storylines. But adapting Roald Dahl’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” presented Anderson with the challenge of infusing, while not overwhelming, a beloved book with his own artistic sensibilities.

“The Twilight Saga” of books and films has millions of teenage and preteen fans, but its controversial themes have sparked a debate over its place in the classroom.

Today we're going to take a look at some of the more unusual collections online that feature odd food, beloved advertising icons, computers, and more. From the one-man online operations to large budget real life museums. And although many of these museums are full of truthful facts about sometimes odd subjects, today's feature is purely for entertainment value.

Some of the world's most famous pieces of art and photography hang on the walls of museums spread around the corners of the globe. Today, with the aid of a computer, you can virtually tour many of these museums without leaving your home. Check out these fabulous sites that feature the world's best art, photography, architecture, and music.

Children's museums are places of learning and wonder, often with plenty of hands-on activities for the kids. In this feature we profile some of the outstanding children's museums that you can visit with your kids in person, or virtually explore online.

Explore some of the most significant libraries from the ancient and modern world, including the largest, the oldest and the most technologically advanced, as well as those with unique collections, architecture or locations.

As governments, corporations, artists and fans fight over the tenets of music piracy prevention, it is possible to sidestep the legal battle and do things the right way with streaming services, affordable subscription sites and plain old online music stores.

A new Tom Hanks film marks the unveiling of elaborate additions to New Orleans’ National World War II Museum, underscoring the city’s reemergence.

A new Amelia Earhart film hits theaters this weekend, highlighting the American flying icon’s intriguing life and conspiracies about her mysterious disappearance.