IKEA Puts On Opera In London Store

“The show, titled Flatpack, offers answers to questions such as ‘Why is my bookcase called Billy?’ ‘What is domestic harmony?’ and ‘What do our homes have to say about us?’ … Four classical singers, a cellist, a pianist, an accordionist and four percussionists, plus a cast of actors and dancers – many dressed in traditional Ikea yellow and blue  – are performing the opera in front of an unsuspecting audience for four nights only.”

Canadian, American Poets Win $50,000 Griffin Prize

“A Rhode Island academic described as ‘America’s most original daring and scary poet’ won the 2009 Griffin Prize for international poetry at a ceremony in Toronto Wednesday night.” C.D. Wright snagged the award for her “Rising, Falling, Hovering.” “Toronto poet A.F. Moritz won the prize awarded annually to a Canadian poet for his work The Sentinel.”

Foundations Adjust Giving To Help Better In Hard Times

“Some foundations have decided to increase the amount they dispense each year, even though that may trigger a higher excise tax. Others are allocating their grants to support nonprofit groups’ operating costs, when they have traditionally supported only program expenses.” A significant minority, including the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, are renegotiating grant agreements.