“U.S libraries have made the most headway with e-books in libraries, but internationally, the situation remains problematic, according to a new report from the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). … And overall, the situation is not looking good for libraries around the world.”
Author: Matthew Westphal
U.S. Judge Smacks Down Arthur Conan Doyle Estate In Yet Another Copyright Case
“Last year, a federal judge ruled that Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are no longer covered by U.S. copyright law. But, the Conan Doyle Estate continued its litigation – and today, another federal judge issued a blistering statement, saying that the estate might also be violating anti-trust laws.”
Japan’s Saito Kinen Festival Renamed For Seiji Ozawa
The 78-year-old conductor, largely sidelined from performing in recent years by ill health, will continue to serve as the festival’s general director, though the festival orchestra (with which Ozawa has made some of his finest recordings) will keep the Saito Kinen name.
China Builds $320M Facility To Develop Commercial Musical Theater
“The one-million square foot facility, which will include a theater and production facilities and is to be completed by 2017, will develop musicals that can run in Beijing and other cities nationwide, as well as promote the theater industry there.”
Australian Gov’t Orders Review Of Opera Funding
“No-one should be too surprised by the National Opera Review which promises to take a good look at Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera. Governments want to know their money is well spent, and the conservatives have shown that they are not afraid to be radical in their approach to arts funding – and opera in particular.”
Norwegians Just Love Their Really Slow And Boring TV Shows
“The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation has been creating some of the world’s slowest TV – shows like a 7-hour train ride or 18 hours of salmon fishing. Norwegian audiences are loving it. (audio)
Univ. Of Maryland Revives Its Proposal To Rescue Corcoran Gallery
U.Md. president Wallace Loh testified in court that, if the judge should deny permission for the current plan to break up the Corcoran and divide it between the National Gallery of Art and George Washington University, “he would be willing to quickly revive a version of the $46 million Maryland partnership plan that the Corcoran rejected in February.”
Is There A Way To Save The Corcoran Gallery As Is?
“Suggesting that the Corcoran should now entertain the same suitors it previously had reason to reject is probably a nonstarter. Instead of negotiating from weakness, the Corcoran should first focus on how to build on its strengths. Bolstering the board with munificent members is crucial. Notwithstanding his power play, [Wayne] Reynolds is to be thanked for identifying hot prospects.”
What Rembrandt Found In The Rape Of Lucretia That Other Artists Missed
Philip Kennicott: “One [hand] resolutely grasps the dagger, the other is held open, in a pose of futile resistance. And they are very sturdy hands for a woman with a face as young as the Lucretia in this image. Rembrandt’s Lucretia kills herself with the hands of a man. Which makes visual the ugly truth of the story: Her suicide is a final act of male violence.”
Dance’s Top Crimes Of Passion
Inspired by summer heat, Sarah Kaufman selects four of the most compelling hot-headed murders in the dance repertory. (You know all the characters, though the choices may surprise – for instance, Kaufman passes over Martha Graham’s depiction of Medea.)