Category: Arts

What is the difference between cool jazz and smooth jazz? From what I can gather, cool jazz came way before smooth jazz, is more “traditional” and has the usual emphasis on improvisation, while smooth jazz is an offshoot of 80s/90s fusion, lacks improvisation and has a strong pop influence/structure. Who is the best jazz drummer […]

What were the optical refinements used in the Parthenon? Despite appearances, there are few perfectly straight lines or right angles in the Parthenon. The shape of the column shafts, and their slight tilt from the vertical, are said to correct optical distortions so that the building appears to be perfectly regular. … Why are there […]

Why do I have a hard time deciding? Making decisions will always be difficult because it takes time and energy to weigh your options. Things like second-guessing yourself and feeling indecisive are just a part of the process. In many ways, they’re a good thing—a sign that you’re thinking about your choices instead of just […]

What is the art of public speaking? Public speaking (also called oratory or oration) is giving speech face to face to live audience. Traditionally, public speaking was considered to be a part of the art of persuasion. The act can accomplish particular purposes including to inform, to persuade, and to entertain. What are the 5 […]

What was the literary movement in the 1920s? The 1920s saw two major literary movements: The Lost Generation, a group of U.S. expatriates who mostly settled in Paris, and the Harlem Renaissance, an African-American cultural awakening based in New York’s Harlem district. What was the explosion of African American art in the 20’s called? Harlem […]

Do I look better with short or long hair? If it’s less than 2.25 inches, short hair (like a chin-length bob) should look great on you. Over 2.25 inches, a longer cut might be a better option. Should I cut my hair short or not? Discovered by hair icon John Frieda, the rule is simply […]

How did Louis XIV influence ballet? Louis supported and encouraged performances in his court as well as the development of ballet throughout France. Louis XIV was trained by Pierre Beauchamp. The King demonstrated his belief in strong technique when he founded the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661 and made Beauchamp leading ballet master. Who […]

What is the main part of the word called? A reader asks about the terms prefix, root, and suffix, and wonders how to distinguish them in a word. At the most basic level, words are made up of units of meaning called morphemes. A root is a word’s basic part and carries its fundamental meaning. […]

Can water freeze at 2 degrees? Water actually freezes when it gets to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), but the time it takes to get there may be different. If you put both of them in the freezer, the one that started out colder will freeze first. Does water melt or freeze at 0 […]

What does Chonies mean in Spanish? That’s Spanish for “Hello, friends.” Our Word of the Day is chonies. Chonies is an example of English slang that is derived from the Spanish word calzones. Example: Hey G, pull up your pants, your chonies are showing. What is Chones? chones n.pl. underwear, especially undershorts or panties. Also […]