Woe The Canadian Film Industry

“Our national film industry is not in the greatest of shape at the moment, even in Quebec where the distinct society has forged a distinct film culture. The Canadian dollar is no longer the bargain it once was, the lingering affects of SARS still haunts Toronto, and American states are much more aggressive about offering tax incentives to convince their homegrown filmmakers to stay home. Worse still is the indifference by Canadians towards their own films.”

Modern(ism) Revision(ism)

“A century ago, Modernism with a capital M was the movement that gripped the public imagination. It promised a machine-made utopia of freestanding high-rises surrounded by green parks and wide-open parkways, where drivers could tool speedily along. But the towers soon became slums; the highways backed up, and Modernism became the house style for corporate America. The same folks who promised to free us from domestic drudgery instead applied their talents to designing cubicles for wage slaves. So much for utopia. Now, Modernism is again having its moment, and the revisionists are out in force.”

Borders To Get Out Of The UK

The bookseller said it would concentrate on its buiness in the US. “The group said it had hired the investment bank Merrill Lynch to explore alternatives for its 71 stores in the UK. It also plans to get rid of its businesses in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The announcement follows HMV’s decision last week to close 30 of its Waterstone’s book chain.”

The Figurative Painters Who Stayed With It

“In May 1961, some brash young figurative painters threw down the gauntlet to the modern art establishment. Today, several of those artists are still friends and still painting together, teaching a once-a-week figure painting class that has been going in some form since the late 1950s. And now, after years out in the cold, the Painting Group, as they call themselves, is having a modest comeback.”

Amateur Ballet (It Does Exist)

“Amateur ballet dancing is not so easy. Yet a substratum of dedicated — even fanatical — amateurs does exist. They give small recitals at studios or work with teachers to create a dance and have it videotaped. Others who become advanced take part in small-town “Nutcracker” performances. Many women and men become dedicated class-takers, often mingling in open classes with professional dancers.”