Q. ‘If music be the food of love, play on.’ So says Shakespeare’s Orsino in ‘Twelfth Night.’ ‘O, it came o’er my ear like the sweet sound, That breathes upon a bank of violets, Stealing and giving odor…’ What are some renowned paintings that capture melodic woo? . A. Along

Q. Restaurants and online shops spend a great deal of time word-smithing their food offerings. Are the waves of artisanal chocolate running down a ‘slope’ or a ‘bank’ of ice-cream? But can the way our food is described affect our taste experience? A. Yes. Yes it can. Imagine you are

Q. In Agatha Christie’s 1922 The Secret Adversary, Sir James Peel Edgerton has some pointed advice for Miss Prudence Cowley –  ‘known to her intimate friends for some mysterious reasons as “Tuppence.” Sir James’ nugget? “Great mistake to say too much. Remember that. Never tell all you know – not

Q. The 2024 Summer Olympics are coming. Start date: July 26th. Parisians are bracing for an athlete and tourist onslaught. Can visiting couples still declare their forever love by clamping their initials-engraved padlocks on Paris’ Pont des Arts Bridge? . A. Short answer: no. “The romantic gestures cause long-term heritage

Q. Mrs. Hodgepodge nearly did it. Her cabbage jelly was almost the best at the fair – second place – but it didn’t win. ‘Close, but no cigar.’ It’s a phrase we’ll throw out there without thinking, but where does it originate? . A. ‘Close, but no cigar’ is said

Q. Ever a man of secrets and intrigue, Prince (1958-2016) wasn’t one to go on and on about his musical inspirations. What’s an example of a Prince Rogers Nelson song where we do have some background story? . A. In an interview on The Current radio, Prince’s New Power Generation

Q. Dinner is done. Your main stomach may be full, but your dessert stomach is very much still open for business. Which sweet treat will bring you the most delight? Which desserts do people crave most? . A. Last year, One Poll and Nothing Bundt asked this sweet question of

Q. It’s a good day – so grateful. Time to turn the music up loud and dance,  perhaps with the curtains closed. What’s your first song choice for this private dance party?  What’s that song you put on when you want to either revel in your good mood or fast

Q. Happy Mother’s Day Weekend to all you amazing Mothers, and to those celebrating their Mums in person, at a distance, or in memorium. ♥ How have artists captured their mothers in portraits over the centuries? . . A. Albrecht Durer. Portrait of Barbara. The Artist’s Mother.  1490 . Rembrandt

Q. Think about some of your favourite trips. Where were you? How did you feel? What makes certain journeys so special to those who wander? . A. Our best trips often leave vivid sense memories – sounds, smells, tastes, colours. Those with extraordinary skill, like artist Georgia O’Keefe (1887-1986), can