Sir Timothy Clifford is leaving the National Gallery of Scotland a changed place. “Though his flaws are as flamboyant as his talents, he is the most naturally gifted museum man of his generation. He has stamped his own taste and personality on the National Gallery of Scotland so strongly that it is easy to forget what it was like before his arrival.”
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Archaeologist Abducted In Iraq
“A German archaeologist who earned a reputation for bravery after documenting damage to Iraq’s archaeological sites was abducted Friday in Iraq. Susanne Osthoff had been engaged in humanitarian work there.”
In Chicago: Rockettes And A Computer
In New York, the idea of the Rockettes dancing to fake music hurts your teeth. But in Chicago? “Here in the Midwest, the leggy chorus line always has danced to a computer. The music was fake when this show first came to the Rosemont Theatre. Now it’s back after a couple of years. And whadaya know, the music is fake again. The lack of live musicians in a colossal attraction that surely could afford them is an irritation because there’s otherwise a lot to recommend this show as a holiday amusement.”
Some LA Times Arts Writers Departing?
Unofficial names on the list taking buyouts include: movie reviewer Kevin Thomas, theater writer Don Shirley and Calendar writer Elaine Dutka…
Tivo Unveils New Customized Commercials Service
“This new feature will work in much the same way TiVo subscribers create ‘WishLists’ to find programs. But instead of Jimmy Stewart movies or TV shows about baseball, TiVo users would register a profile with the company based on their interests. Then, in a section of the TiVo menu system, they will find ads — short- and longform — based on their interests. Someone in the market for a new car would find ads for cars that someone who isn’t would never see, for instance. ‘What we’ve learned is, TiVo customers want to know about new products and services but on their own time’.”
Sundance Chooses 64 Films
“Sundance, the top U.S. independent film gathering held each January in Utah, placed 16 American dramas and 16 documentaries into a competition that spotlights directors, writers and actors working outside Hollywood. It also made 16 feature films and documentaries eligible for awards in special foreign film categories.”
Canadian Election Imperils Toronto Arts Funding
As the Canadian government falls, Toronto arts groups are wondering about a promised funding plan to complete high-profile arts building projects. “Representatives of the six arts groups involved have been working for months on the top-up proposal. The $96 million of extra funding ($48 million from each of the two governments) would raise the total investment of the two governments in these projects to $328 million.”
Longlist Released For Bad Sex Award
The prize honors the worst literary depictions of sex. Among the 11 contenders for the prize this year are some of the biggest names in literature, including John Updike, Salman Rushdie, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Paul Theroux. Of the four, Theroux’s offering, from Blinding Light, is arguably the most deserving of the prize…
Doran Out At English National Opera
After a rocky two years, Sean Doran is out as director of the English National Opera. “His inexperience was flagrantly exposed as big operas were slotted in with small, causing chaos in the schedules and disgruntlement in the orchestra.”
Doran Out At ENO After Clashes
Sean Doran’s abrupt departure from the English National Opera, follows a tumultuous tenure. “His resignation, which is to take effect immediately, followed rumours of clashes with the ENO’s vice-chairman Vernon Ellis. According to a source at the ENO, following a board meeting three weeks ago Ellis, chairman of consultancy group Accenture, has been taking a “close interest” in the management of the company and has been at the Coliseum most days.”