Microsoft Bankrolls Challenger To Google Books Settlement

“Last October, Google settled the lawsuit brought against it by book publishers and authors concerning its massive book-scanning project. … The only obstacle remaining for the settlement to take effect is final court approval.” It’s unsurprising that one interested party that’s “nudging its way into the settlement is an internet-issues-oriented group from New York Law School. But what does raise an eyebrow is the source of New York Law’s funding on this matter: Microsoft.”

Booker Judges Give Back, Sort Of, Planting Oaks In Essex

“Booker Prize judges have planted an avenue of oak trees in a symbolic gesture over felled timber used to produce books entered for the prize. The group, led by Michael Portillo – chair of last year’s panel, planted 13 saplings in a woodland site in Essex. They mark the ‘Booker Dozen’ – the 13 titles long-listed for the prestigious award every year.”

Suddenly Secretive: MPAA Won’t Reveal Spending Numbers

“Reversing a longstanding practice, the Motion Picture Association of America won’t disclose the average amount of money that studios spent on making and marketing movies last year.” Speculation is “that the reversal came about as a result of pressure from … studio bosses, who are never eager to cast a spotlight on how much they spend, particularly during a time of recession and layoffs.”

Hollywood Is An Economic Driver, MPAA Head Says

“While other American industries look for cover during the economic crisis, Motion Picture Assn. of America chair-CEO Dan Glickman believes the thriving worldwide box office makes the U.S. film biz a powerful growth engine. Glickman had plenty of positive stats to rattle off during his annual state-of-the-industry address at exhib confab ShoWest thanks to the current surge in moviegoing.”

Dancing The Financial Crisis

“In the face of an abysmal economy, Momentum Dance Company this week [at the Miami Dance Festival] offers a sign-of-the-times performance with a humorous bent: Obamanomics takes on Fannie and Freddie Mac, golden parachutes, budget stretching and belt-tightening. Audience participation is encouraged.”

R. Crumb Redraws The Book Of Genesis

The underground comics superstar has finished his long-awaited take on the first book of the Good Book. “My problem was, how am I going to draw God? Should I just draw him as a light in the sky that has dialogue balloons coming out from it? Then I had this dream. God came to me in this dream, only for a split second, but I saw very clearly what he looked like.”