International Museum Day: Top Five London Museums

1. The British Museum

2. The Science Museum

3. The Tate Gallery (Tate Modern+Tate Britain)

4. The Victoria and Albert Museum

5. The National Gallery

(For further information visit London Museum Guide, A to Z of London Museums, The London Tourism Guide and London Museums and Galleries)

Great songs: Here's Where The Story Ends

The Sundays - Here's Where The Story Ends (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, 1990)

People I know, places I go, make me feel tongue-tied
I can see how people look down, they're on the inside
here's where the story ends
people I see, weary of me showing my good side
I can see how people look down, I'm on the outside
here's where the story ends
ooh here's where the story ends

It's that little souvenir of a terrible year
which makes my eyes feel sore
oh I never should have said, the books that you read
were all I loved you for
it's that little souvenir of a terrible year
which makes me wonder why
and it's the memories of your shed that make me turn red
surprise, surprise, surprise

Crazy I know, places I go
make me feel so tired
I can see how people look down
I'm on the outside
oh here's where the story ends
ooh here's where the story ends

It's that little souvenir of a terrible year
which makes my eyes feel sore
and who ever would've thought the books that you brought
were all I loved you for
oh the devil in me said, go down to the shed
I know where I belong
but the only thing I ever really wanted to say
was wrong, was wrong, was wrong

It's that little souvenir of a colourful year
which makes me smile inside
so I cynically, cynically say, the world is that way
surprise, surprise, surprise, surprise, surprise

Here's where the story ends
ooh here's where the story ends

Homecoming Scotland 2009

In 2009 Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of its national poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796). Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a country-wide programme of over 300 events and activities that, from Burns' Night (25 January) to St Andrew’s Day (30 November), will show Scotland's great contributions to the world. Click here for more information.

This is an advert featuring Dougie MacLean’s classic song ‘Caledonia’, the song chosen to celebrate the event, not just because of the lyrics, but also because it’s a well loved anthem for many Scots. It is sung by well-known Scottish actors, sports people and musicians. (In order of appearance -Amy MacDonald, Chris Hoy, Brian Cox, Sam Torrance, Eddi Reader, Kelly Brown and Thom Evans, Sandi Thom, Sir Sean Connery and Lulu)

Lyrics (Full song):

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days, I've been afraid that I might drift away.
I've been tellin' stories; singing songs
That make me think about where I've come from
That's the reason why I seem so far away today.

Let me tell you that I love you
And I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm goin' home

But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had.

I have moved and I've kept on movin',
Proved the points that I needed provin',
I've lost the friends that I needed losin';
Found others on the way.

I've kissed the girls and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes, there's no denying
I've traveled hard sometimes with conscience flyin'
Somewhere in the wind.

Let me tell you that I love you
And I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm goin' home

But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had.

Let me tell you that I love you
And I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm goin' home.

But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had.

WWF's Earth Hour 2009

At 8.30pm on 28 March 2009, people around the world will be taking part in Earth Hour 2009, switching off their lights for 60 minutes to support international action on climate change. It is an easy way for you to help. More information here.

Masters of Photography: Walker Evans (1903-1975)

Roadside Store Between Tuscaloosa and Greensboro, Alabama (1936)

Walker Evans (November 3, 1903 – April 10, 1975) was an American photographer best known for his work documenting the effects of the Great Depression. He said that his goal as a photographer was to make pictures that are "literate, authoritative, transcendent". Many of his works are in the permanent collections of museums, and have been the subject of retrospectives at such institutions as The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Go on reading here.

For a selection of his best photographs, click here.

Visit Graphia to learn more about masters of photography and technical aspects of this art.

And The Oscar Goes To ...

A Poem

But I Can't

Time will say nothing but I told you so,
Time only knows the price we have to pay;
If I could tell you I would let you know.

If we should weep when clowns put on their show,
If we should stumble when musicians play,
Time will say nothing but I told you so.

There are no fortunes to be told, although,
Because I love you more than I can say,
If I could tell you I would let you know.

The winds must come from somewhere when they blow,
There must be reasons why the leaves decay;
Time will say nothing but I told you so.

Perhaps the roses really want to grow,
The vision seriously intends to stay;
If I could tell you I would let you know.

Suppose the lions all get up and go,
And the brooks and soldiers run away;
Will Time say nothing but I told you so?
If I could tell you I would let you know.

WH Auden

Greatest movie scenes: Some Like It Hot

This is the memorable final scene from Some Like It Hot (1959), one of the best comedy films ever made, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.

Osgood: I called Mama. She was so happy she cried. She wants you to have her wedding gown. It's white lace.
Daphne: Yeah, Osgood. I can't get married in your mother's dress. Ha ha. That-she and I, we are not built the same way.
Osgood: We can have it altered.
Daphne: Aw no you don't! Osgood, I'm gonna level with you. We can't get married at all.
Osgood: Why not?
Daphne: Well, in the first place, I'm not a natural blonde.
Osgood: Doesn't matter.
Daphne: I smoke. I smoke all the time.
Osgood: I don't care.
Daphne: Well, I have a terrible past. For three years now, I've been living with a saxophone player.
Osgood: I forgive you.
Daphne: I can never have children.
Osgood: We can adopt some.
Jerry-Daphne: But you don't understand, Osgood. Uh, I'm a man.
Osgood: Well, nobody's perfect.

Happy New Year!!

From London ...

... and from New York.

Merry Christmas!!

Twilight Mania!

Based on the first book in Stephenie Meyer's bestselling saga, the film Twilight has become a teen phenomenon, attracting legions of devoted fans and breaking box office records in its opening weekend in the USA. The modern day love story between young Bella Swan and dazzling vampire Edward Cullen has turned Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson into overnight superstars.

Watch one of the key scenes in the film:

Twilight's Soundtrack also ruled the charts, and it has already sold more than 160, 000 copies since its release on November 4th. This is one of the songs included in the CD: Decode, by Paramore.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 60th Anniversary

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948 at Palais de Chaillot, Paris. The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and consists of 30 articles that represent the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled. Read the whole text here.

Women in Art

How many paintings and artists can you identify on this video created by Philip Scott Johnson?



Someone has already done the hard work (answers here).

For more videos by Philip Scott Johnson, click here.

Have some fun and check your knowledge of art here and learn more about art history here.

Greatest Movie Lines: Blade Runner

Roy: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the darkness at Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain. Time to die."

From the film Blade Runner,one of the most emblematic science fiction movies of all time, based on the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, directed by Ridley Scott, with a soundtrack composed by Vangelis.

Happy Halloween!

NARRATOR: 'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story that you are about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun.

This Is Halloween

SHADOW: Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
SIAMESE SHADOW: Come with us and you will see
This, our town of Halloween
PUMPKIN PATCH CHORUS: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
GHOSTS: This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright
It's our town, everybody scream
In this town of Halloween
CREATURE UNDER BED: I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red
MAN UNDER THE STAIRS: I am the one hiding under your stairs
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair
CORPSE CHORUS: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
VAMPIRES: In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
MAYOR: In this town, don't we love it now?
Everybody's waiting for the next surprise
CORPSE CHORUS: Round that corner, man hiding in the trash can
Something's waiting now to pounce, and how you'll scream
HARLEQUIN DEMON, WEREWOLF, AND MELTING MAN: Scream! This is Halloween
Red 'n' black, slimy green
WEREWOLF: Aren't you scared?
WITCHES: Well, that's just fine
Say it once, say it twice
Take the chance and roll the dice
Ride with the moon in the dead of night
HANGING TREE: Everybody scream, everybody scream
HANGED MEN: In our town of Halloween
CLOWN: I am the clown with the tear-away face
Here in a flash and gone without a trace
SECOND GHOUL: I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?"
I am the wind blowing through your hair
OOGIE BOOGIE SHADOW: I am the shadow on the moon at night
Filling your dreams to the brim with fright
CORPSE CHORUS: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
CHILD CORPSE TRIO: Tender lumplings everywhere
Life's no fun without a good scare
PARENT CORPSES: That's our job, but we're not mean
In our town of Halloween
CORPSE CHORUS: In this town
MAYOR: Don't we love it now?
MAYOR WITH CORPSE CHORUS: Everyone's waiting for the next surprise
CORPSE CHORUS: Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back
And scream like a banshee
Make you jump out of your skin
This is Halloween, everybody scream
Won't ya please make way for a very special guy
Our man Jack is king of the pumpkin patch
Everyone hail to the Pumpkin King now
EVERYONE: This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
CORPSE CHILD TRIO: In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
EVERYONE: La la-la la, Halloween! Halloween!

From Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

NASA's 50th Anniversary

This year marks the Golden Anniversary of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an agency of the US government which was established on July 29, 1958, and began operations on October 1st. As part of the celebration of 50 years of technological innovations and scientific discoveries, NASA has developed a special website that offers a collection of images, videos and interactive features, including a tour exploring NASA’s past, present and future.

NASA also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo Program with a tribute to the Apollo missions.

(Music: "Apollo 13" - Opening)

You can play fun games and learn about space at NASA Kids’ Club and find more educational videos and activities here and here.

A Tribute to Paul Newman (1925-2008)

Hollywood legend Paul Newman died last week at his home in Connecticut at the age of 83, after a long battle with cancer. Actor, director and producer, he starred in more than fifty films during an extraordinary career that spanned five decades.

Watch a look back on Newman's career:

More information on his life and career here and here.


These are some of Paul Newman's greatest movie moments:

Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (1969)

The Sting (1973)

The Color of Money (1986)

Visit "Newman's Own Inventory: 10 unmissable Paul Newman films", by The A.V. Club for more scenes and reviews of his best films.

Celebrating Autumn

Music: Duffy

The 23-year-old Welsh singer Aimee Anne Duffy, known professionally as Duffy, is the latest British soul star, following Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone. Her debut album, Rockferry, was released in March and the single Mercy went straight to number one on download sales. Her new single, Warwick Avenue, is released next Monday (26th May).

Warwick Avenue
When I get to Warwick Avenue
Meet me by the entrance of the tube
We can talk things over a little time
Promise me you won't stand by the light
When I get to Warwick Avenue
Please drop the past and be true
Don't think we're okay just because I'm here
You hurt me bad but I won't shed a tear
I'm leaving you for the last time, baby
You think you're loving but you don't love me
I've been confused out of my mind lately
You think you're loving but I want to be free
Baby, you've hurt me
When I get to Warwick Avenue
We'll spend an hour but no more than two
Our only chance to speak once more
I showed you the answers, now here's the door
When I get to Warwick Avenue
I'll tell you baby that we're through
I'm leaving you for the last time, baby
You think you're loving but you don't love me
I've been confused out of my mind lately
You think you're loving but you don't love me
I want to be free
Baby, you've hurt me
All the days spent together
I wish for better
But I didn't want the train to come
Now it's departed
I'm broken hearted
Seems like we never started
All those days spent together
When I wished for better
And I didn't want the train to come
You think you're loving but you don't love me
I want to be free
Baby, you've hurt me
You don't love me
I want to be free
Baby, you've hurt me

Mercy
Yeah Yeah Yeah (x4)
I love you
But I gotta stay true
My morals got me on my knees
I'm begging please stop playing games
I don't know what this is
'Cause you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
I said release me
Now you think that I
Will be something on the side
But you got to understand
That I need a man
Who can take my hand yes I do
I don't know what this is
But you got me good
Just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
But you do it well
I'm under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
You got me begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me
I said you'd better release yeah yeah
I'm begging you for mercy
Yes why won't you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
You got me begging
You got me begging
You got me begging
Mercy, why won't you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me yeah yeah
You got me begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
Why won't you release me yeah yeah
Break it down
Begging you for mercy
You got me begging
Begging you for mercy
You got me begging

Greatest Film Scenes: "Casablanca"

The classic and much-loved Casablanca, a 1942 Warner Brothers film directed by Michael Curtiz, won three Academy Awards - including Best Picture - and it is considered one of the best films ever made. With a wartime romantic story focused on lost love, honour and self-sacrifice, a superb musical score and unforgettable characters, the film has some of the most memorable lines of dialogue and scenes of all time.

Rick: Louis, have your man go with Mr Laszlo and take care of his luggage.
Renault: Certainly, Rick. Anything you say ... Find Mr Laszlo's luggage and put it on the plane.
Orderly: Yes, sir. This way, please.
Rick: If you don't mind, you fill in the names. That will make it even more official.
Renault: You think of everything, don't you?
Rick: And the names are Mr and Mrs Victor Laszlo.
Ilsa: But, why my name, Richard?
Rick: Because you're getting on that plane.
Ilsa: I don't understand. What about you?
Rick: I'm staying here with him 'til the plane gets safely away.
Ilsa: No, Richard. No. What has happened to you? Last night we said ...
Rick: Last night we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. Well, I've done a lot of it since then, and it all adds up to one thing: you're getting on that plane with Victor where you belong.
Ilsa: But, Richard, no, I... I...
Rick: Now, you've got to listen to me! You have any idea what you'd have to look forward to if you stayed here? Nine chances out of ten, we'd both wind up in a concentration camp. Isn't that true, Louis?
Renault: I'm afraid Major Strasser would insist.
Ilsa: You're saying this only to make me go.
Rick: I'm saying it because it's true. Inside of us, we both know you belong with Victor. You're part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If that plane leaves the ground and you're not with him, you'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
Ilsa: But what about us?
Rick: We'll always have Paris. We didn't have, we, we'd lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night.
Ilsa: When I said I would never leave you.
Rick: And you never will. But I've got a job to do, too. Where I'm going, you can't follow. What I've got to do, you can't be any part of. Ilsa, I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that. Now, now... Here's looking at you kid.

Renault: It might be a good idea for you to disappear from Casablanca for a while. There's a Free French garrison over at Brazzaville. I could be induced to arrange a passage.
Rick: My letter of transit? I could use a trip. But it doesn't make any difference about our bet. You still owe me ten thousand francs.
Renault: And that ten thousand francs should pay our expenses.
Rick: Our expenses?... Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


One of the lines most closely associated with the film—"Play it again, Sam"—is, however, a misquotation.

Ilsa: Play it once, Sam, for old times' sake.
Sam: I don't know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.
Ilsa: Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By.'
Sam: Why, I can't remember it, Miss Ilsa. I'm a little rusty on it.
Ilsa: I'll hum it for you ... Sing it, Sam.

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss
A sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply
As Time Goes By
And when two lovers woo
They still say 'I love you'
On that you can rely
No matter what the future brings
As Time Goes By

Rick: Sam, I thought I told you never to play...