“Surveys consistently find that women read more books than men, especially fiction. Explanations abound, from the biological differences between the male and female brains, to the way that boys and girls are introduced to reading at a young age. One thing is certain: Americans–of either gender–are reading fewer books today than in the past.”
Tag: 09.05.07
Debating Arts Support In Salt Lake City
Candidates for mayor of Salt Lake City had an honest to God discussion about supporting the arts. “Pledges ranged from saving downtown’s Utah Theater to building stronger bonds with the University of Utah to squeezing more cash from the often arts-averse Legislature.”
Fledgling Tulsa Symphony Changes Leaders
The Tulsa Symphony is about to start its second season. But there’s a sudden change of leadership. “The orchestra’s founder, retired neurosurgeon Frank Letcher, resigned his positions as the orchestra’s executive director and chairman Thursday.”
Sotheby’s Plans To Sell Looted Chinese Art
Sotheby’s says it will sell a Qing Dynasty horse head looted from China’s imperial retreat. The piece is valued at $7.7 million. China is objecting. “This is stolen property. It should be returned to the Chinese people through the government, not sold.”
Questioning The Proms’ Last Night Flag-Waving
The traditional last night of the Proms is an orgy of British nationalism. This even though the ethnic makeup of London has changed dramatically in recent decades. “Is our inability to change the Last Night, in the face of the massive cultural developments in the UK in the past 50 years and an ethnically changing population, nostalgia or isolationism?”
Is Theatre Best Outside The Theatre?
Are we even entering an era when theatre buildings will become obsolete and be replaced by “found” spaces?
Walmartopia – Except For Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retailer, has failed to see the funny side of a musical about its global dominance, which began an off-Broadway theatrical run in New York this week.
Watchdog Lobby Says TV Violence, Sex Up
“It found that instances of violence had increased 52.4% since a similar study in 2000-2001 and that sexual content had increased 22.1%. Networks argue that families have many other options for children, given the increasing number of cable and satellite channels and the ability to watch recorded shows on DVDs or digital video recorders.”
Philadelphia Authorizes Lease For Barnes Collection
“Mayor John F. Street signed legislation that authorizes the city to enter into a long-term lease with the Barnes for a site occupied by a juvenile detention facility. That building will be torn down to make way for the Barnes’ new home as soon as its population can be relocated, officials said.”
Pavarotti’s Condition Worsens
“Pavarotti, 71, has been suffering from pancreatic cancer and was released from hospital on 25 August after a series of tests were carried out. He is now being treated at home in the northern city of Modena surrounded by family and friends.”