Zhang Yimou is revered in the West as one of China’s greatest filmmakers. But his name is still inseparable from that of Gong Li, his partner for eight years and the star of the cycle of six Zhang films. Most were historical dramas with strong political undertones. Now that the pair has split, Zhang’s last two films have none of the lush sense of historical sweep we associate with his name, and you couldn’t imagine Gong Li playing in either of them. – The Age (Melbourne)
Tag: 07.06.00
THE 411 OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
That E. Ethelbert Miller is a major mover in the African American literary world is undeniable. That he is considered by many to be an outstanding poet is indisputable. “I can’t think of an African American writer whose life I haven’t affected.” So why is Howard University – his alma mater – going out of its way to ignore him? – Washington Post
THE 411 OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE
That E. Ethelbert Miller is a major mover in the African American literary world is undeniable. That he is considered by many to be an outstanding poet is indisputable. “I can’t think of an African American writer whose life I haven’t affected.” So why is Howard University – his alma mater – going out of its way to ignore him? – Washington Post
THE SEARCH FOR KHAN
A Chicago attorney who has spent more than 40 years studying Genghis Khan, “claims to have found in an ancient book a vital clue that will take him to the tomb’s location” and will lead a team to look for it. The whereabouts of the Khan’s final resting place somewhere in Mongolia has been an enduring mystery. – Discovery
NO PAIN, NO GAIN?
Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence Small is in the middle of two more controversies – over the closing of a popular Woody Guthrie folk music exhibition, and over the possible confiscation of $16 million in research funds. In office only six months, Small has been controversial himself as he attempts a thorough shakeup of the institution. – Chicago Tribune
MUSEUM TAKES RISK, LOSES
After the heirs of one of its patrons decided to sell a Picasso to another buyer, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art sued the family for $18 million. Now a judge has thrown out the museum’s claim (and other donors and potential donors have got to be feeling a creeping chill). – San Francisco Chronicle
ART FOR ALL THE PEOPLE
On the tenth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Museum of American History stages an exhibition complete with aids for those with disabilities. “The exhibit includes a telecaptioner for TV, a note-taker for the blind that uses the Braille alphabet, a CD for access to the Internet and two kiosks with computer monitors.” – Times of India (AP)
COMPETING RIGHTS
The hottest issue in the music business right now is how to protect recordings from being pirated. Music rights organization BMI announces a new international pact to track royalties, but ASCAP has its own international deal. Why don’t they work together? – Wired
OLDER BUT LESS CLASSICAL
“Ten years ago shoppers over age 35 purchased just 29 percent of records, according to the RIAA. By 1999 that number had jumped to 44 percent, good for $6 billion worth of music sales. Yet despite this unique chance to market to a wave of music-buying adults who, according to one recent survey, buy an average of 20 CDs each every year, sales indicators suggest these 30-, 40- and even 50-something parents remain cool to jazz and classical.” – Salon
TWYLA THARP’S NEW COMPANY
Tired of the administrative and financial burdens, twelve years ago Twyla Tharp dissolved her dance company and took to the road freelancing. Now she’s back with a new company. – New York Times