30.05.2021 14:30 Date: May 31, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 107th birthday of Japanese composer Akira Ifukube—a prodigious talent in classical music and cinematic film scores widely known for his work on the original soundtrack for the “Godzilla” movies of the 1950s. Akira Ifukube was born on this day in 1914 in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan, into a distinguished family lineage that traces its origins back to at least the 7th-century. A passionate listener of European musical scores as a teenager, he aspired to intertwine his deep-rooted national identity into original compositions, an idea further solidified after listening to Russian composer Stravinsky’s 1913 emotive orchestral piece “The Rite of Spring” at 14 years old. In 1935, Akira left home to study forestry at Hokkaido University, where he wrote ”Japanese Rhapsody,” his first original orchestral number. Following a brief stint as a forestry officer and lumber processor, he chose to pursue music composition full time. In 1947, he released the first of his more than 250 film scores that he produced over the next half-century. The height of his film score career came in 1954 when he wrote the soundtrack for “Godzilla,” whose signature roar he created by taking a resin-covered leather glove and dragging it against the loose string of a double bass. Outside of his lifelong work as a composer, Akira served as president of the Tokyo College of Music starting in 1976 and published a 1,000-page book on theory entitled “Orchestration.” The Japanese government honored his lifetime achievements with both the Order of Culture and the Order of the Sacred Treasure. Happy birthday, Akira Ifukube! Location: , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , , ,
30.05.2021 06:15 Date: May 30, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , , , , ,
30.05.2021 06:15 Date: May 30, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Croatia’s Statehood Day, known locally as Dan državnosti. Each year on May 30, the European country celebrates its declaration of independence, which was announced on this day in 1991. Statehood Day traditions typically center around speeches given out by local dignitaries and parades in Jelačić Square, a historic location in the heart of the country’s capital of Zagreb. Gala concerts with choirs and symphonies are held in front of Croatia’s National Theatre, while memorial wreaths are laid at local landmarks by state leaders to honor those that fought for freedom. As the past is honored by government officials, so too are the hopes for a Croatian future that continues to lead as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and the continued pursuit of a better society for all its citizens. Happy Statehood Day, Croatia! Location: Tags: , , , ,
30.05.2021 06:15 Date: May 30, 2021 Location: Tags: , , ,
28.05.2021 06:46 Date: May 28, 2021 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Belgium-based guest artist , celebrates Portuguese physician and activist Carolina Beatriz Ângelo, who dedicated her life to the fight for the equal treatment of women and children. On this day in 1911, Ângelo found a loophole in Portuguese law that enabled her to cast her vote in the year’s elections of the Constituent Assembly, becoming the first female voter in the history of Portugal. Born in Guarda, Portugal, on April 6, 1878, Carolina Beatriz Ângelo went on to receive her doctorate with a specialization in gynecology at the Lisbon Medical-Surgical School. Earnest and determined, she became the first woman to perform surgery at Lisbon’s São José Hospital, breaking down gender barriers with each cut and stitch. The impact of her historic accomplishments was not limited to just the operating room. In 1906, she worked alongside the Portuguese Committee of the French Association, the first of many groups Ângelo collaborated with to help build a better Portugal. The following year, Ângelo joined forces with the Portuguese Group of Feminist Studies, where she worked closely with renowned figures of the nation’s burgeoning movement for gender equality. Her efforts to improve society peaked in 1911 when she founded the Portuguese Association of Feminist Propaganda, a key force in the fight for rights of Portuguese women and children. That same year, Ângelo became the first woman to vote in the Portuguese parliamentary election. Although women’s suffrage wasn’t granted in Portugal until decades later, Ângelo’s formidable legacy of advocating for equality is felt at Portuguese ballot boxes to this day. Thank you, Carolina Beatriz Ângelo, for the great strides you’ve made for a more equitable future. Guest Artist Q&A with Fatinha Ramos Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Belgium-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. Absolutely, because as an illustrator I feel I have a moral responsibility to address political and social issues in my artwork. The subject matter is essential for me, I must believe in it, feel it and be touched by it, in order to create an impact with my images. Illustrating with a cause, believing in the topic is so important for me. And this was the case. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. I was immediately excited about this. Carolina Beatriz Ângelo made history, and is an example of a suffragist fighting for the right of vote for women. It was an honor for me to make an illustration about her, related to my home country too. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. The inspiration came mainly from old photos of her, and doing research about her life. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. Carolina Beatriz Ângelo was the only woman voting in that year, opening the doors years later for women being able to vote. This is why other women are also in the illustration trying to catch the ballots. I hope that by looking back on history that people see the value of what other people had to suffer and fight in order to open the doors for us. Voting in so many countries is nowadays undervalued, and actually is a basic right. I hope her story and my illustration can inspire people to have more respect for being able to vote and inspire other people to give a voice to those who need to be heard. Early drafts of the Doodle below Location: Tags: , , , ,
27.05.2021 06:46 Date: May 27, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , , , , ,
27.05.2021 06:46 Date: May 27, 2021 Location: Tags: , , ,
26.05.2021 06:45 Date: May 26, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , , , , ,
26.05.2021 06:45 Date: May 26, 2021 Each year on May 26, Georgians both at home and abroad celebrate the anniversary of the day the nation declared independence to establish the Democratic Republic of Georgia. Today’s Doodle celebrates this historic milestone by depicting the nation’s red-and-white crossed flag waving proudly in the wind. Georgian history and culture are commemorated with events both public and private. In the nation’s capital of Tbilisi, an oath-taking ceremony begins the holiday’s official observances followed by speeches from national figures in honor of Georgian freedom. Friends and family celebrate with traditional Georgian feasts known locally as supra. These meals are led with toasts by the Tamada to the nation of Georgia, typically followed by honoring one of the most honored guests in the room. Georgian hospitality is world-renowned, as hosts ensure that their guests' cups are never empty. So here’s a toast to freedom—Happy Independence Day, Georgia! Location: Tags: , , , ,
25.05.2021 22:45 Date: May 26, 2021 Go behind-the-scenes of today’s Doodle below! Today’s interactive game Doodle celebrates swing dancing and the Savoy Ballroom—an iconic Swing Era dance hall that thrived from the 1920s to 50s in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. On this day in 2002, Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, two of members of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, unveiled a commemorative plaque where its entrance once stood. The Savoy Ballroom made history as one of the first racially integrated public spaces in United States when it opened its doors with a no-discrimination policy in 1926. In the early 20th century, Harlem housed a predominantly Black community, including those who migrated from other parts of the U.S. and the Caribbean. This community’s impact was prevalent throughout Harlem, as the neighborhood thrived as a site for creativity and culture—and the home of the Savoy Ballroom. Albeit a white-owned institution, the Black community of Harlem made the Savoy the cultural heartbeat of the neighborhood and an epicenter of innovation for swing dance and music worldwide. The Savoy’s ballroom awaited guests up two marble staircases on the second floor, featuring a 10,000-square foot mahogany and maple dance floor that was a city block long. The glamorous dance hall sparkled as a hub of jazz and jive. The Savoy’s twin bandstands hosted seamless live music as many of the world’s acclaimed jazz musicians—including the likes of Chick Webb, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald—trumpeted out the soundtrack for thousands of dancers each night . In step with the big band energy, patrons powered the nightclub with the electricity of ever-evolving swing dance styles. The Charleston, the Big Apple, and in later years the Mambo, were among dances enjoyed at the Savoy, but the most popular was the vivacious Lindy Hop, which was born and bred in the ballroom. The Lindy Hop is characterized by a swinging rhythmic connection between partners, a flurry of acrobatic air steps in the performance version, and footwork that contributed to one of the Savoy’s signature nicknames: “The Home of Happy Feet.” With the synergistic life forces of jazz dance and music, the Savoy Ballroom shined as a melting pot of Harlem nightlife during a time of racial segregation for the next three decades. In 1958, the Savoy Ballroom closed its doors for good but its international impact is still felt to this day. At its historic location in between 140th and 141st Street on New York City’s Lenox Avenue, a commemorative plaque honors the Ballroom and its legacy as a home of cultural innovation. Here’s to all the memories swingin’ at the Savoy! Early sketches and concepts from the making of the Doodle Swing Dancing and Savoy Ballroom Doodle Team Doodle Team Art | Nate Swinehart, Kevin Laughlin Engineering | Conner Lane, Stephanie Gu, Jacob Howcroft, Audrey Lovan and David Lu UX Design | Anthony Irwin Producers | Colin Duffy & Greg Capuano Marketing | Perla Campos, Sierra Menzies Business Affairs & Partnerships | Madeline Belliveau Music Legal Manager | Joy Edgar Doodle Team Leads | Jessica Yu, Brian Kaas, Tom Tabanao Thanks to all of our project collaborators! The Spirit Moves | , Dancetime Publications | and Sugar Sullivan Rik Panganiban And a special thank you to the Frankie Manning Foundation for their work preserving the history of the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, and for their support for this project. Music Credits Bei Mir Bist Du Schon Performed by Janis Siegel Courtesy of Hollywood Records, Inc. “Bei Mir Bust Du Schoen” Written by Sammy Cahn, Sholom Secunda Cahn Music Company/ Williamson Music Company By arrangement with Concord “BEI MIR BIST DU SCHON ” By Jacob Jacobs, Sholom Sholem Secunda, Sammy Cahn, and Saul Chaplin WC Music Corp. obo itself and Estate of Sheldon Secunda “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” Performed by Ella Fitzgerald Courtesy of Verve Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” from “Shall We Dance” Words and Music by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin Copyright © 1937 Nokawi Music / Frankie G. Songs / Ira Gershwin Music Nokawi Music administered in the United States by Steve Peter Music . Frankie G. Songs administered by Downtown Music Publishing. Ira Gershwin Music administered by WB Music Corp. Used by Permission. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin Published by Frankie G. Songs c/o Downtown Music Publishing “LET'S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF” By Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin Chappell & Co. Inc. and Warner Geo Met Ric Music obo Ira Gershwin Music Careless Whisper feat. Robyn Adele Anderson & Dave Koz by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox “CARELESS WHISPER” By George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley WC Music Corp. obo Warner Chappell MLM Limited and Wham Music Limited “Solid As A Rock” Performed by Ella Fitzgerald Courtesy of Verve Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises “SOLID AS A ROCK” Words by Bob Hilliard Music by Dave Mann Used with permission from Bourne Co. www.bournemusic.com ASCAP Solid As A Rock Written by Bob Hilliard and Dave Mann Courtesy of Better Half Music Company and RYTVOC, Inc. Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
25.05.2021 06:00 Date: May 17, 2021 Today’s Doodle pays tribute to Norway Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai, a national holiday observed on the anniversary of the signing of the modern constitution. Whether you’re within Norwegian borders or an expat living abroad, national pride is celebrated by Norwegians everywhere. In 1833 Norway’s national poet Henrik Wergeland held a public address to the country, and from this occasion forward, May 17 has been celebrated as a national day. In 1870, the holiday became more focused around children based on an initiative led by the author of Norway’s national anthem, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. Even though people of all ages celebrate Constitution Day, children continue to be the center of attention of today’s holiday. The Norwegian flag, depicted in the Doodle artwork, will be seen flying across the country. A blue Nordic cross outlined in white against a red background of the flag reflects the Scandinavian country’s history and pride. Gratulerer med dagen, Norge! Location: Tags:
25.05.2021 06:00 Date: May 16, 2021 Location: Tags:
25.05.2021 06:00 Date: May 25, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Jordan’s Independence Day, known locally as Eid al-Istiklaal. On this day 75 years ago, the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan officially declared its sovereignty. Today’s celebrations are traditionally marked with grand shows of fireworks, official events attended by local leaders, and the playing of the national anthem heard throughout the country. The Jordanian flag, depicted waving proudly in the Doodle artwork, is displayed across the nation—from government buildings to private homes—as a symbol of national pride. Independence Day is viewed by many as a chance to honor all of the sacrifices made that cleared the path for the sovereign Jordan of today. It is also a time of recognition for future generations of Jordanians that continue to represent the great nation as a leader of peace and tolerance, both within its borders and around the world. Happy Independence Day, Jordan! Location: Tags: , , , ,
25.05.2021 06:00 Date: May 23, 2021 The Obelisk of Buenos Aires towers over Argentina as a symbol of national pride. Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Buenos Aires-based guest artists Carolina Silvero and Juan Elizalde of , celebrates this historic monument, which was inaugurated on this day in 1936 in honor of four centuries since Buenos Aires’ foundation. Built in just 31 days from blocks of white Córdoba stone, the monument juts into the skyline where the Argentinian flag was first hoisted above Buenos Aires in 1536. Designed by illustrious Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch, each of the four shafts of the Obelisk signifies critical moments of Buenos Aires history: the city’s foundation in 1536 and again in 1580, the first celebration of the Argentinian flag in 1812, and the induction of Buenos Aires as the nation’s capital in 1880. But the strategic location of the monument carries much more than just historical significance. The Obelisk also stands at the intersection of two of the capital’s iconic streets: Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio. Underneath the landmark, three of the city’s underground metro lines converge, making it a magnetic meet-up spot for the sprawling Argentine megalopolis. While today’s Doodle artwork scales down the monument, you can enjoy a view of the over 200-foot tall Obelisk from many parts of the Argentine capital. Guest Artist Q&A with Carolina Silvero and Juan Elizalde Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Buenos Aires-based guest artists Carolina Silvero and Juan Elizalde of . Below, they share their thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. When first approached, we liked the challenge of showing an everyday icon of Buenos Aires in our style and technique and to see how we could convey it in a fun way. Also, it's always nice to see a Doodle making a local reference! Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. We were so happy to have been commissioned this project! We love when Google changes its logo to a Doodle so it's an honor. At the same time it feels like a responsibility, as it will be seen by a lot of people during this day. And a joy because of that also! Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. We took different approaches to show the Obelisk and what it means for different people. Ultimately, the idea that stuck was the Obelisk as a center and as a meeting point with the city around it, trying also to catch its rhythm. We took a whimsical approach and made it somewhat cartoonish to have fun making and assembling the cars. As everything is made with paper, there were several steps from start to finish to get to the final illustration. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. As we did some research about the Obelisk when planning this Doodle and learned a few nice details about it, we hope maybe this illustration sparks the same to some people so they’ll learn about it too. For people living in Buenos Aires it is really an everyday landmark, but not many know much about it. Check out some behind-the-scenes photos for today’s 3D paper sculpture Doodle Step 1: Develop concept sketches ~ Step 2: Test rendering with 3-D software ~ Step 3: Build and photograph paper sculpture Location: Tags: , , , , ,
25.05.2021 06:00 Date: May 15, 2021 Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
