Art and Entertainment

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.

Countless love stories in literature have inspired real-life romance. In this article find links to e-books, book club guides and other resources for exploring some of the most romantic tales in literature, including Jane Austen's "Emma," "The Odyssey" and "Captain Corelli's Mandolin."

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.

On Oct. 6, 1927, “The Jazz Singer” debuted; it was the first full-length film to feature the voices of its actors.

On Aug. 17, 1908, Cohl released the cartoon “Fantasmagorie,” which amazed viewers and instituted a new form of art.

Nationwide, more boys than girls seem to be struggling with reading. Here are five tips from teachers, librarians, authors and literacy strategists to encourage boys to read.

Kids who don’t read in summer are likely to fall behind when school resumes, and these losses summer after summer are cumulative, say experts. Here are seven suggestions to encourage strong reading habits in the summer months, and for years to come.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was instituted after the Civil War to honor war veterans, and was eventually made into a day of remembrance for all who died in service to their country. Today, the holiday is part of the three-day weekend signaling the beginning of summer.

Use these five Web sites to fully understand the significance of Easter, including Lent and Holy Week, and find fun tips for celebrating Easter with kids. The most basic and obscure of Easter facts will be revealed, along with historical context of this fascinating holiday.

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.

The advent of the Internet has seen many people migrating from the library to the Internet to do research, but libraries are undoubtedly still the best option. Fortunately, it’s easy to find libraries with extensive collections on the Web.

Remember those books you wanted to read at school that for some reason didn’t make the teacher’s cut? Or were labeled too “mature”? Here are a few of our favorites.

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

Read on to discover five books for middle school readers that are sure to please.

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.

Economic and environmental concerns have combined to generate more interest in having a green Christmas this year, and experts have plenty of sustainability advice.

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.

Bethlehem is an intriguing destination any time of year, but especially during the Christmas season. The city’s historic churches and squares enchant visitors, while its ancient architecture and meandering footpaths lend a truly old-world atmosphere. Learn about Bethlehem’s most revered spots, and get insight into modern life in Bethlehem.

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.

Luciano Pavarotti, the so-called “King of the High Cs,” brought opera to the masses with his clear, pitch-perfect voice. In a life that began with singing on his parents’ porch as a boy in Italy and led to appearing on the world’s most famous stages, Pavarotti was a performer to his very core.

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.

Back-to-school time is a great time to spotlight all the impressive digital library collections that exist, whether they’re from independent organizations, universities, established public libraries or elsewhere.

A wide variety of books is important for raising a happy reader, but it’s not always easy to have everything kids want to read on hand. In honor of Library Week, findingDulcinea offers advice on taking a trip to the library.

Through a new book and television special, Michael J. Fox is raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease and life with the difficult condition. The Web has many resources to help people understand all aspects of Parkinson’s disease. Find some of the best links here.

A talented writer and musician, Porter took Broadway by storm with his piercing wit. “Anything Goes” and “Kiss Me, Kate” are considered classics and a number of his songs have become standards.

What’s hilarious about graduating college during a recession? The job market probably isn’t, but many graduation speeches have offered audiences a chuckle in years past. Some of them even offered hopeful words about troubled economies! Cheer yourself up with these six funny graduation addresses. They’re guaranteed to be a little more entertaining than the listings on Monster.com.

Paris needs no embellishment, particularly the Paris of Coco Chanel, who rose from rags to the riches of her luxurious suite at the Ritz. The iconic designer is the subject of the new film “Coco Before Chanel.” Learn where Coco slept, strolled and shopped, and create a Paris itinerary recalling her fashionable taste.

Planning a trip to the zoo can be interactive and enjoyable with the right Web resources. We’ve selected sites with animal photos and live video feeds to help you prepare for your real-life visit, and we’ve found information on some of the more intriguing zoos around the world.