Parents in some Arab countries now insist that their children be educated in English or French. Teachers fret about “Facebook Arabic” (i.e., using the Latin alphabet online). Yet “Arabic is, after all, the language of 300 million people, a language of literature and culture, politics and scholarship.” The problem is that, “[in] a very basic sense, there is no such thing as Arabic.”
Tag: 08.13.10
The Science Of Solving Rubik’s Cube
“An international team of researchers using computer time lent to them by Google has found every way the popular Rubik’s Cube puzzle can be solved, and showed it can always be solved in 20 moves or less.”
The Value Of A Name In Art (Why Does It Matter?)
“Why is a set of photos worth millions if they were shot by Ansel Adams, and next to nothing if the photographer depressing the plunger was a nobody? After all, the images remain the same.”
Who Makes What On TV
“While the salary for a lead has been $150,000 to $200,000 per episode in recent years, most deals for stars of new series were between $75,000 and $125,000. “No one broke the bank on anything this year,” says one former studio head.”
The Fight Over Authentication Of Ansel Adams Negatives
The case of the “lost” Ansel Adams negatives that purportedly are worth $200 million has turned into a public argument between Rick Norsigian, who found them at a Fresno garage sale 10 years ago, and the great photographer’s family and former associates and leading art-photography dealers, who deny that Adams took them.
The Humbling Responsibility Of Good Criticism
Approached the wrong way criticism is an inherently arrogant and narcissistic pursuit, yet what I’m left with, increasingly, is how humbling it is. It’s hard to get a review right for yourself, let alone for anyone reading it later. It’s even harder to be an artist worth writing and reading about, because so much conspires against even an inspired artist’s bravest efforts.
Why Best Architecture Lists Suck
“As starchitects have attained the fame of rock stars and Hollywood celebrities in recent decades, what harm is there in having them enlighten the body politic about today’s most smashing architectural icons?” Here’s why.
Detroit’s Workers In Diego Rivera’s Murals
“The complexity of this mural effort cannot be overstated, and began with the commission from Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son, who was a leading arts patron as well as Ford Motor Co.’s head.”
The World Of Art In A Building
“Arlington County plans to open the Artisphere, an expansive cultural center, in October. It will include three art galleries, two theaters and a 4,000-square-foot ballroom.”
The Restrictive World Of Big-Name Author Appearances
“If it’s a big name in showbusiness, or a former politician with a controversial past, then you’ll probably have to wear a wristband and leave your mobile phone at the door.”