"All the world's a stage," penned Shakespeare, though we arguably have the ancient Greeks to thank for theatre as we know and enjoy it today. No two symbols stand out in the genre quite like the famous contrasting masks representing the two notable sides of theatre and life: comedy and tragedy. Named for the two Greek muses, Thalia was the...
The skull carries countless symbolic meanings and associations, from macabre reminders of our mortality to membership in secret, subterranean societies. For thousands of years humans have feared, admired, and utilized the human skull in both art and worship. Few things send a more defiant message than the famed flaming skull, made prominent in the 20th century as a way to...
Not too long ago vinyl records were considered a thing of the past, earlier relics of a musical era that slipped seamlessly into sleeker designs via compact discs, online streaming, and portable devices. These days, however, 45s are worth their weight in gold; considered by many to be a superior way of listening to the music you love, it's no...
More than just a funny creature from Down Under, the kangaroo has long been regarded with respect and awe amongst aboriginal tribes, as well as in shamanic symbolism. And while you may be considering the lighter side of tattoo art where this creature's concerned, it's worth taking a closer look at Australia's most recognized mascot. Many believe the kangaroo to...
Music is man's oldest form of expression, and arguably the one trend that shows no signs of slowing down or losing relevance. Music is what moves us, body and soul, and no matter where your tastes fall on the spectrum or what part of the world you reside in, we're all zoning out under our headphones. It's no wonder DJs,...
Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs of all time, in both England and on an international scale, with 64 trophy wins and 13 championships alone since 1992. With an overwhelming fan base and repeatedly packed stadiums, the team's legacy has long been cemented. Naturally, what better way to show one's unwavering pride than...
One of the most famous--and famously notorious--figures in ancient Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a creature described by the Roman poet Ovid as being: "Part man and part bull;" the accursed offspring of a treacherous Cretan king's wife and sacred bull. Cast into the center of a labyrinth engineered by the famed duo Icarus and Daedalus, the Minotaur would eventually...
Considered to be one of the superior examples of the art of gaming, Metal Gear's roots are founded in themes of artificial intelligence, environmentalism, censorship, war, and genetic engineering, all set against a cinematic backdrop. The namesake bipedal tank is truly a force to be reckoned with, and each incarnation presents a new feat of brainpower and dexterity on behalf...
Having just celebrated its 20th birthday, the Crash Bandicoot video game phenomenon has staked its place in the gamer hall of fame. The adventures of Crash and his crew on Wumpa Island were more than just the stuff of childhood nostalgia, but arguably the gateway into gaming culture for many. The video game and subsequent genre extensions make for some...
"You can never step into the same river; for new waters are always flowing on to you," penned Heraclitus of Ephesus. Once associated with the ancient cycle and sacred rhythms of fertility, rivers have since gone on to symbolize ongoing progression of life and man's journey to greater waters. A representation of the flow of time and unavoidable transitions we...