Beating out JK Rowling, it’s Roald Dahl, he of Charlie’s Chocolate Factory and the Giant Peach, in a poll for World Book Day. – BBC
Blog
FOOTBALL FAN AND ROLLERCOASTER FANATIC
Dmitri Shostakovich was both of these. But a new book adds gasoline to the controversy of whether the Soviet composer was a government stooge or brave artist. – The Observer (UK)
A LIBERALIZING EFFECT
Britain’s Poet Laureate Andrew Motion reflects on the power of poetry. Just because he’s the government poet doesn’t mean he has to be a stooge. – The Guardian
FORGET MY MTV
Digital technology is turning all corners of the entertainment world upside down. Music, radio, books, movies – all are being reborn out of new technologies and new ways of making and getting product to market. – Boston Globe
POWER OF POETRY
The Israeli minister of education decided last week to add the poetry of a Palestinian to the school curriculum. Sure, they’re love poems, but “loving” is the last word to describe the political row that’s erupted. – Salon
THE WAR IN PICTURES
In Hanoi an exhibition of photographs from 135 photojournalists – from both sides – who died in Vietnam during the war. – Detroit Free Press (AP)
RETURN TO SENDER
If Ronald Lauder has his way, he will be responsible for the return of thousands of works of art to the heirs of Holocaust victims from whom they were seized. Yet in the two years since he formed his Commission of Art Recovery to achieve this, Lauder’s crusade has been mired in conflict. – The Art Newspaper
THE NEXT SHARK
Dealer Jay Jopling helped bring the world Damien Hirst’s pickled shark, as well as a generation of British artists. Now he’s got new plans for an aesthetic revolution. – The Telegraph (UK)
“HEART OF THE CITY”
After decades of dreams and empty promises, the Greek culture minister says that building an opera house for Athens is a priority of the government. – Athens News
CULTURAL MANIPULATION?
Critics charge that a Malaysian broadcaster is airing too many foreign programs and that by watching, young Malaysians will lose their sense of patriotism and national identity. They want the government to impose content restrictions to boost Malay content. – The Star (Malaysia)