The Spire of Dublin “gains its power from its engineering, rather than from symbolism. Perhaps that’s what’s wrong with the design for the World Trade Center Memorial–it is relentlessly literal; the two tower footprints, the names of the victims, the inevitable visitor center. (It must be said that this is chiefly the fault of the committee that created the original program.) Wouldn’t it have been better if the memorial had been … uplifting and inspiring, but also mute?”
Tag: 09.10.07
In Battle Vs. Terrorism, Prisoners Lose Religious Texts
“Behind the walls of federal prisons nationwide, chaplains have been quietly carrying out a systematic purge of religious books and materials that were once available to prisoners in chapel libraries.” While titles by C.S. Lewis, for example, make the list of government-approved religious works, it is not a very long list. Some who minister to prisoners “say that an administration that put stock in religion-based approaches to social problems has effectively blocked prisoners’ access to religious and spiritual materials — all in the name of preventing terrorism.”
Didion, Gross To Be Honored At National Book Awards
“Author Joan Didion and NPR host Terry Gross will both be honored on Nov. 14 during the National Book Awards ceremony,” Didion receiving the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and Gross getting the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.
Music Industry Making Peace With Internet Broadcasters?
“The music industry and online broadcasters have been duking it out for months over the royalties that should be paid to record labels and artists, but there are signs that the logjam could break as early as this month.”
Is Theatre Worth The Drive?
“One thing critics share with all theatregoers is the essential fact that they need to get to the venue, since one perk the profession doesn’t stretch to is a chartered limo to ease the journey. As I made my lengthy, elaborate way last week to two destinations, one of which remained out of reach, I had to ask myself how many shows justify the efforts involved these days in getting there, especially for audiences who then have to fork out copious amounts of dosh upon arrival?”
What Happened To Turner Prize Winners
Charlotte Higgins tracks down 22 years of winners and talks to them about their experiences.
Young Frankenstein Draws A Crowd
Despite an astronomic $450 top ticket price, “Young Frankenstein” drew a line stretching down the street on the first day of ticket sales. By midmorning Monday, an estimated 150-200 people were waiting patiently to purchase tickets for “Young Frankenstein,” the Mel Brooks musical, whose box office at the Hilton opened at 10 a.m.
TransAtlantic Ballet
Christopher Wheeldon is “doing something no one else has done: he’s starting the first transatlantic ballet company. With bases in London and New York, it will allow him to divide his time between his home and his adopted home. Having his cake and eating it is how he describes it.”
NY Post Cuts Book Reviews
“Editors have decided to stop running book reviews. Their last, according to their Website, was printed in late July.”
Barnes Chooses Architects For New Home
“The Barnes Foundation has chosen Tod Williams and Billie Tsien to design its new home in downtown Philadelphia. Museum officials said the choice would be announced today.”