“Writers such as James Boyle are developing a theory of copyright which argues that “the commons of the mind” should be freed to liberate a moribund society. Open networks, runs the argument, will immediately have a positive effect on our culture. Indeed, it is now feasible that the copyright conventions by which publishers live and die will soon have the contemporary relevance of a papyrus.”
Tag: 01.09.11
The Top Ten Composers Of All Time?
“So if you were to try to compile a list of the 10 greatest composers in history, how would you go about it? For me the resulting list would not be the point. But the process of coming up with such a list might be clarifying and instructive, as well as exasperating and fun.”
Linguists Choose “App” As Word Of The Year
“App, which means “an application program for a phone or computer or other electronic device,” was proposed not because it is particularly new or groundbreaking, but because it came into its own and crossed into the wider culture in 2010.”
A New Opera Company For Virginia
“Peter Mark, whose contract as artistic director of the Virginia Opera was terminated in November by unanimous vote of the board’s executive committee, is taking his revenge. At a press conference this afternoon, before an audience of people who expressed their support for him by e-mail after his ouster, he is announcing the creation of a new Lyric Opera of Virginia.”
Ailing Fullerton Light Opera Gets An Angel Producer
“In an agreement approved this week, 3D will finance and produce Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s entire 2011 season at Fullerton High School’s Plummer Auditorium. The company will assume FCLO’s $570,000 obligation to subscribers by accepting its tickets to the season’s musicals without charging additional fees.”
Smaller Architecture (But Better Architecture?)
“While the lousy economy has forced cities to lower their sights, it has provided clarity about what really matters. The smart places are investing their limited disposable income in low-cost, high-impact projects that improve the quality of life for people who actually live in them.”
The Era Of Performing Arts Centers
“If the 1970s saw an increase in performing arts organizations, the 1990s and 2000s have seen a notable increase in places built to house them. The boom is reflected nowhere better than in the Washington area, which – economic crises be cursed – has seen at least nine arts centers open since 2000.”
Of NPR, Firings And Hasty Decisions
“The outcome [of the Juan Williams firing] has left just about everyone unhappy and brought a heap of unwanted attention to NPR, just as Republicans in Congress are looking for places to slash the federal budget.”
Egypt Threatens To Take Back Central Park Obelisk
“The Egyptian government official charged with protecting his country’s ancient monuments is threatening to take back an iconic obelisk in Central Park unless New York City takes steps to restore it.”
Report – KCET/PBS Negotiations Went Down To The Wire
“According to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity, by the end of negotiations, the amount that KCET and PBS differed on was only $750,000, a sum that could plausibly have been raised in a single pledge drive.”