Pinyin, the spelling system that Zhou and a Communist Party committee developed in the 1950s, revolutionized the learning of Chinese – and not only for foreigners. The illiteracy in China was nearly 85% before pinyin was introduced; it’s now in the low single digits. What’s surprising, given the time and place, was that Zhou had a past as a Wall Street banker and economist.
Author: Matthew Westphal
Chicago Is Neglecting Its Biggest Cultural Export: The Blues, Says Business Magazine
“Though Chicago dwarfs New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis in population and economic might, a weekend in any of those places drives home the missed opportunities back home. All three [of those] cities have museums dedicated to telling the music’s story; tours and branded districts where people can walk in the footsteps of legends; airports, parks and streets named in their honor, life-size statues for tourist selfies; and, of course, an abundance of live music clubs that all three cities actively help promote throughout the year.” Except for the clubs, Chicago has none of that.
Dealers Sue Getty Museum Over Antiquities Deal That Never Actually Happened
Geneva-based Phoenix Ancient Art “is seeking $77 million in damages, claiming that through years of ‘hard work, professional judgement, and extensive knowledge regarding antiquities,’ it devised a plan under which the Getty could acquire a [private] collection of antiquities.” That plan was never executed.
The Hermitage, Archaeologists, And Drones Create 3D Model Of Palmyra
“The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has joined forces with a Russian archaeological institute to build an interactive virtual model of Palmyra, as reports emerged today that Islamic State militants have destroyed the ancient city’s amphitheatre and four pillared gates.”
New York’s New Second Avenue Subway Has Already Become A Culture Destination
“There are several contenders for coolest neighborhood in New York, but the Upper East Side is usually not one of them.”
Watch Justin Peck And Robbie Fairchild Dance Through A Subway Station
As a teaser for his new ballet, The Times Are Racing, Peck has made a video with himself and Fairchild jeté-ing, sashaying, tapping (in tennis shoes), and sliding down the bannisters of the 34th Street-Javits Center station in Manhattan.
After Only Five Months, Director Of Museum Of Arts And Design Resigns
“Current political events compel me to turn my attention to pressing needs in the cultural sector,” said Jorge Daniel Veneciano in a statement.
Top Posts From AJBlogs 01.19.17
Killing NEA, NEH And PBS Is Just Collateral Damage In The Commodification Of American Values
So it begins. … Zeroing out the culture budgets isn’t about money; together, the NEA, NEH and PBS account for barely 0.02 percent of the federal budget. Neither is it about art the Trumpsters think is offensive or artists they don’t like. … read more
AJBlog: diacritical | Douglas McLennan Published 2017-01-20
What to stand for
I haven’t been able to assemble many words since November, so I’m grateful for those who have. On the one hand, thoughtful rhetoric and reasoned language seem increasingly discounted and disdained as core values. On the other, … read more
AJBlog: The Artful Manager Published 2017-01-19
Stumped by Trump: MoMA’s Lowry Walks “Fine Line” Between “Asserting Values” & Being Partisan
I opened up a can of worms at the Museum of Modern Art’s press breakfast yesterday, when I asked the first question after the director’s and curators’ presentation about upcoming exhibitions: … read more
AJBlog: CultureGrrl Published 2017-01-19
Is This Going To Be The First Blockbuster Audiobook?
George Saunders’s Lincoln in the Bardo has 166 different characters, and for the audio version, he wanted to have each on them voiced by a different performer. Amazingly, Penguin Random House agreed – and you should see the astounding cast they’ve assembled. (includes video)
The Stories We Tell Ourselves And What They Reveal (Whether We Want To Admit It Or Not)
“We tell stories that make us seem adventurous, or funny, or strong” – or virtuous or stoic or oppressed. “We tell stories that make our lives seem interesting. And we tell these stories not only to others, but also to ourselves. … If we reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves, both to others and to ourselves, we may well find out things about who we are that complicate the view we would prefer to be identified with. Why might this matter? Here is one reason.”