Right after Saddam Hussein was toppled, a flurry of new newspapers and magazines began publication in Iraq. But last week the US threatened to “fine or close down any newspapers that incite violence or endanger the security of coalition troops or any ethnic or religious group. The Americans defend their decision and consider it necessary for keeping Iraq safe and free of violence. They say the new papers lack responsibility and professionalism, and that they fabricate information. For example, one paper accused a coalition soldier of raping a woman and wrote that troops can see women naked through their night vision goggles.”
Tag: 07.01.03
Bookforum’s Makeover
Bookforum magazine has relaunched with a new high-minded editor. Eric Banks is “an extremely smart and informed editor who we thought would re-emphasize Bookforum’s coverage of scholarly and art books.” And Bookforum? “Bookforum is one of those high-minded enterprises whose bills are paid by a wealthy benefactor—in this case, the profitable Artforum. Total circulation for Bookforum is about 40,000, with about 10,000 copies sold on the newsstand and about 30,000 subscriptions. (Bookforum is sent free to all Artforum subscribers.)”
The New Collectible: CD’s
Vinyl records have been collectors’ items for years. But CDs? “Although a few die-hard vinyl specialists will complain bitterly about the fact, the silver disc has now established a significant place within the collectors’ arena. A large number of collectable CD albums and singles are included in the listings, and while their values cannot compete in general with those of the most collectable vinyl items, the fact they are there at all is a demonstration of the way which the market for collectable recorded music is continuing to develop.”
File-Traders Fight Back
So the recording industry is going to track down music downloaders and sue them? Not for long. Software developers have been working away to make users of the file-sharing services anonymous… “Any technology that allows people to communicate is a step in the right direction,” Soto said. “This isn’t just about exchanging music, this is about the right to create technology and enjoy the right to privacy.”
Minister Of Culture Takes Time Off To Play Concerts
Brazil’s minister of Culture is Gilberto Gil – a big music star. But he’s taking a month off from his ministry job to go on tour in Europe boost his income. “The 60-year-old recording artist earns $2,900 (£1,700) a month in his government post but says this is not enough to maintain his standard of living.”
The First English Book To Top The French Best-Seller List
For the first time ever, an English book has topped the French best-seller lists. Yes, it’s Harry Potter, and the French version doesn’t come out until December. But “this did not stop more than 16,000 copies in English flying off the shelves in France, where it topped sales for all categories, not just children’s listings.”
London Theatre In The Political Trenches
London’s theatres and playwrights are actively involved in political commentary, leading criticism of contemporary political leaders. There is “an acceptance of plays and playwrights as vital participants in a national dialogue, something Americans may well marvel at. And it’s not just contemporary playwrights whose voices speak from the opinion pages. An editorial cartoon in The Daily Telegraph showed a brooding Mr. Blair with the caption: ‘For God’s sake, let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings. . . .’ That’s Shakespeare of course…”
Remembering Kate Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn was “admired not only by audiences but by her peers as well as critics. Her four best actress Oscars are an academy record for a performer, as are her 12 best actress nominations. And when the Manchester Guardian polled critics around the world a few years back to name the best ever on screen, she not only handily won the actress category but got more votes than the male acting winner as well.”