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Thursday, January 01, 2026 2:03 PM ET

Christian Science Monitor - Entertainment

Is AI art an oxymoron? From Tilly Norwood to Breaking Rust, 2025 showed hints of future. -- In 2025, AI bands like Breaking Rust managed to top the charts and AI actor Tilly Norwood announced she was ready for her close-up. But if art is easy and anyone can do it, is it still art?

1 day ago

Full hearts, fresh starts: Five writers share their New Year's traditions -- From folding gyoza around the dinner table to beating old pots through the neighborhood, five writers share their favorite year-end traditions.

2 days ago

In a war-weary English town, singing together inspires hope -- Ralph Fiennes leads a stellar cast in "The Choral," about an amateur choir struggling to stay afloat as its male singers head off to fight in the Great War.

8 days ago

Joy to the world! Concocting Christmas cheer, over the years. -- From scavenging gifts for college roommates to mailing Christmas cheer to loved ones, sometimes the sweetest holiday memories are the simplest.

10 days ago

Rob Reiner directed great comedies. He was also a voice for social justice. -- Director Rob Reiner's versatility spanned comedies such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride" to the courtroom drama "A Few Good Men."

12 days ago

Holiday traditions that glow with meaning -- Forget commercialism and stress. Our correspondents share their traditions to tap into the true meaning of Christmas.

13 days ago

The gift of no big gift: The year I thought Christmas would be ruined -- Christmas isn't just about what's under the tree. It's about sharing the joy of the season with loved ones.

13 days ago

The history of snowmen isn't all 'jolly happy.' Here are the Frosty facts. -- A snowman scholar provides the backstory on snow figures through the ages.

14 days ago

Exquisite indies help make 2025 a marquee year at the movies -- Monitor critic Peter Rainer turns the spotlight on the 10 movies that moved him over 2025. They include "Blue Moon," "The Ballad of Wallis Island," and "Train Dreams."

15 days ago

More than I bargained for: My failed adventures in haggling -- From friendly negotiation to fierce haggling, there are those who love the art of bargaining. And then there are those who just plain stink at it.

20 days ago

Rian Johnson Q&A: On faith, 'Knives Out,' and 'Sesame Street' spoofs -- For "Knives Out" series writer and director Rian Johnson, the third outing is not just a locked-room mystery, but an opportunity to examine religious faith.

20 days ago

ESPN honors the legacy of broadcaster Stuart Scott in 'Boo-Yah' documentary -- Author Danyel Smith praises sportscaster Stuart Scott, the subject of an ESPN documentary. She says without him, broadcasting "wouldn't be as diverse, wouldn't be as eloquent, wouldn't be as full of energy."

21 days ago

Australia now bans social media for teens under 16. Will other countries follow? -- As of Dec. 10, no one under 16 is allowed to access Instagram, TikTok, or other social media platforms. Other countries are mulling following Australia's lead.

23 days ago

How a faith-based AI bot is helping one man rewrite retirement -- Some retirees are turning to AI chatbots, including those tailored to their specific faith tradition, for big questions such as the meaning of their life and finding purpose in retirement.

26 days ago