Why Movie Westerns Are An Enduring Genre

An important reason for the survival of the Western is that it has proved to be unusually adaptable to changing times and sensibilities. Younger filmmakers continue to find fresh ways to make their traditional plots reflect modern attitudes and concerns, and younger viewers continue to embrace the genre with the same relish as did their parents and grandparents. – Commentary

What It Costs To Have Fun (Ticket Prices Across Arts, Sports, Spectacle)

A comparison of price data across entertainment categories throws up a few surprises. Those who claim that a night at the opera is only for the elite should know that attending a top-of-the-range gig is nearly as pricey: an average opera ticket in London costs £81 ($103), compared with a global average of $96 for the 50 most-lucrative music tours. And the Royal Opera House in London boasts that 30% of its seats go for £35 or under – but good luck finding that sort of deal for Bruce Springsteen or Jennifer Lopez. – 1843 Magazine

‘Born 30 Years Too Early And 100 Years Too Late’: Edward Gorey, Granddaddy Of Kiddie Gothic

“[Consider] the debt owed him by the graphic-novel author Neil Gaiman, the cartoonist Alison Bechdel, the filmmaker Tim Burton, and any other fantasist who loiters in the dark gardens of childhood. ‘When I was first writing A Series of Unfortunate Events,’ remembers Daniel Handler, the author of the Lemony Snicket series, ‘I was wandering around everywhere saying, ‘I am a complete rip-off of Edward Gorey,’ and everyone said, ‘Who’s that?’ Now everyone says, ‘That’s right; you are a complete rip-off of Edward Gorey!”” — The Atlantic

Accusers Of Director Bryan Singer Come Forward With Allegations Of Teen Sexual Abuse

“Almost from the moment his star began to rise, Singer, who is now 53, has been trailed by allegations of sexual misconduct. … We spent 12 months investigating various lawsuits and allegations against Singer. In total, we spoke with more than 50 sources, including four men who have never before told their stories to reporters.” (In response, Singer has called this article a “homophobic smear piece.”) — The Atlantic