This is an exerpt from an Estonian grade 1 nature (loodus/teadus) workbook. The assignment, part of the chapter marked sügis (fall), was to cut out the names of the various seened (mushrooms) and match them with the correct picture. If 7 year-old first graders in Eesti can identify them, so should the rest of us.
Photo: Riina Kindlam

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Published: December 03 2013

On the evening of Nov. 5th. 2013, METSATÖLL stormed onto the stage at the recently opened west side, venue: Stage 48 [on 48th St. between 11th & 12th Aves.] and planted their thoroughly developed, precise, organic, pagan-souled, ethno-metal [or "folk-metal," as it is more commonly referred to] assault, then attendees; not relenting or leaving until their crunching and shouting was, well & truly, done and they had brought joy, force and pride to the masses on site.

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Published: November 29 2013

Members of the Estonian Society of Central Florida congratulate Sarasota Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Anu Tali after the launch of the 2013-14 Masterworks season, November 10, 2013. Front row: Lisa A. Mets, Monika Orumaa Craig, Väino Aare, Anu Tali, Leena Aare, Kersti Linask. Back row: Erkki Taada, Ingrid Shipotofsky, Tiit Treude.

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Published: November 29 2013

Neeme Järvi conducting Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Choir at Avery Fisher Hall. Photo: Facebook/ Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts © Kevin Yatarola

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Published: November 29 2013

PHOTO: The Müra/karu (Rambunctious Bears) cub scouts of Tormi/linnu lipkond (Storm Bird troop), Rävala malev (Tallinn area) were getting ready for mardipäev, St. Martin's Day or Martinmas at the Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum or Open Air Museum (Pioneer Village) last weekend. This included learning riddles and songs, making masks and eating the appropriate fare including kuke/supp or rooster soup with klimbid (dumplings).   Photo: Riina Kindlam

If you're into saving money, resources and the environment and if you love downsizing, upcycling and do-it-yourself'ing, then mardipäev in Estonia is your perfect alternative to the spend-fest that Hallowe'en has largely become in the West.

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Published: November 22 2013

Cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto led by Estonian Symphony conductor Neeme Järvi at the Soka center in Aliso Viejo. Photo: Barbara Davidson / LA Times / November 3, 2013)

The L.A. Times Music review: Conductor Neeme Järvi evokes the resonant power of nature in an Estonian National Symphony performance at the Soka center by Mark Swed.

Estonian is a language dominated by overlong phonetic sounds.

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Published: November 22 2013

October 31st is like any other regular fall day in Estonia. No spooking or skeletons to be seen. But a few days later, on November 2nd hingede/päev, or "souls day" is quietly observed. People visit the graves (haud, pl. hauad) of their loved ones where they place candles, while many light candles at home, often putting them in the window as an indication to the spirits of forefathers and -mothers that they are remembered and awaited home. Many reflective concerts take place, such as the one advertised here at Jaani kirik.  Photo: Riina Kindlam

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Published: November 13 2013

Kristiina Ehin's book 1001 Winters has been shortlisted for the Poetry Society Popescu Prize. The Popescu Prize is given every two years to the best book of European poetry translated into English. Kristiina's book The Drums of Silence won the Popescu Prize in 2007.

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Published: November 13 2013