Julie Wolfthorn, born Julie Wolf on January 8, 1864, in Thorn, West Prussia (now Toruń, Poland), was the youngest of five children in a Jewish family. Her birthplace held such significance for her that she incorporated it into her surname, becoming Julie Wolfthorn. Tragically, her father passed away shortly before her birth, and her mother died when Julie was just six years old. Following these losses, she and her sisters were raised by their grandmother, who relocated the family to Berlin in 1883.
Continue reading «Don’t forget us!»—Artist Julie WolfthornThe Enigmatic Beauty of Flow: A Feline Journey Through Life and Nature
Flow (2024), an independent animated fantasy adventure film directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, is a breathtaking exploration of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of connection. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a catastrophic flood, the film follows the journey of a solitary black shorthair cat as it navigates the remnants of a submerged civilization. Forced to abandon its lone-wolf existence, the cat reluctantly joins a diverse group of animals—a capybara, a Labrador Retriever, a ring-tailed lemur, and a secretarybird—as they embark on a perilous voyage aboard a sailboat in search of safety and hope.
Continue reading The Enigmatic Beauty of Flow: A Feline Journey Through Life and NatureThe Emotional Journey of Wildcat: A Tale of Healing and Redemption
Wildcat, a 2022 documentary directed by Trevor Frost and Melissa Lesh, is a deeply moving film that explores the intersection of human trauma, wildlife conservation, and the transformative power of connection. The film follows the story of Harry Turner, a young British veteran struggling with severe PTSD, as he embarks on a journey to the Peruvian Amazon to rehabilitate an orphaned ocelot named Keanu. What begins as a mission to save a wild animal becomes a profound exploration of healing, resilience, and the bonds that unite humans and nature.
Continue reading The Emotional Journey of Wildcat: A Tale of Healing and RedemptionThe Enchanting World of Kedi: A Celebration of Cats and Humanity
Kedi, a 2016 Turkish documentary directed by Ceyda Torun, is not just a film about cats; it is a heartfelt exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and animals, set against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul. The film offers a unique perspective on the city’s street cats, who roam freely through its bustling streets, markets, and homes, becoming an integral part of its cultural and social fabric. Through stunning cinematography and intimate storytelling, Kedi captures the essence of these feline creatures while revealing profound truths about humanity, community, and coexistence.
Continue reading The Enchanting World of Kedi: A Celebration of Cats and HumanityHumanity Isn’t Ready Yet: Why Colonizing Mars is Pure Science Fiction
«Misdirection. False signals. Spreading confusion. This is the Tao of deception.» David Ignatius
There have been some pretty wild ideas throughout American history, some of which were dreamt up by presidents who were ahead of their time or, at times, just completely out there.
Continue reading Humanity Isn’t Ready Yet: Why Colonizing Mars is Pure Science FictionThe 10 Greatest Episodes of The Sopranos
Tony Soprano orders a round of delicious onion rings for the family at a diner with red leatherette booths. Meadow isn’t there yet—still struggling to park her car, despite a trillion attempts. It’s supposed to be a nice evening, even for Anthony Junior, whose perpetual depression has him contemplating a future as a «helicopter pilot for Donald Trump.»
Then, in an instant, the screen fades to black. Just a few seconds, but too long to fade to the next scene. Finally, the darkness leads to the end credits. The curtain fell—because everything had been told.
Continue reading The 10 Greatest Episodes of The SopranosWhen the Corn Was Threshed the Thalysia Was Celebrated
In ancient Greek culture, Thalysia was a harvest festival held in honor of the god Apollo, typically celebrated during the month of Pyanepsion, which corresponds roughly to October or November in the modern Gregorian calendar.
Continue reading When the Corn Was Threshed the Thalysia Was CelebratedScents of the Bible
Incense has played a significant role in spirituality and mysticism since ancient times, often used to facilitate prayer, meditation, and altered states of consciousness. Its pervasive presence in both religious and secular rituals highlights its importance in creating an atmosphere conducive to spiritual experiences. This ancient tradition is reflected in literature, film, and religious practices, where incense is often a key element in the exploration of perception, mysticism, and the boundaries of human experience.
Continue reading Scents of the Bible«Far in the crimsoning east, wakeful Dawn threw wide the shining doors of her rose-filled chamber.»

The Gates of Dawn, Wikimedia, Public Domain.
Herbert James Draper (1864–1920) was an English artist renowned for his works in the Pre-Raphaelite style, blending mythological themes with highly detailed, emotive depictions of the human figure. One of his most celebrated works, The Gates of Dawn (1900), exemplifies his characteristic luminous and ethereal quality.
Continue reading «Far in the crimsoning east, wakeful Dawn threw wide the shining doors of her rose-filled chamber.»Hohenzollernküchlein—A Little Known Pastry
The House of Hohenzollern is one of the most prominent royal families in European history, with origins dating back to the medieval era. The family, which emerged in the 11th century in what is now Germany, rose to prominence within the Holy Roman Empire. The family name is derived from Hohenzollern Castle, their ancestral seat, located atop the 855-meter-high Hohenzollern Mountain in Swabia.
Continue reading Hohenzollernküchlein—A Little Known Pastry