If a statue cast in Rome 2,000 years ago is discovered in Greece, Cyprus or Turkey, would it belong to one of those states, or would Italians have a claim over Roman antiquities on the ground that they share a culture — whatever that may mean — with ancient Romans? - The New York Times
The State Department introduced 11 global music ambassadors who are charged with bridging cultural divides through poetry and melody at a time when the chasm separating Americans from each other and their neighbors abroad seems wider than ever. - Washington Post (MSN)
If Zemeckis can achieve that effect in Here, how long can it be before such de-ageing is as common as using hair dye and make-up to knock a few years off an actor's apparent age? - BBC
Steven Monte talks about Ariosto's Orlando furioso, finding an equivalent to the original's eight-liner rhyme scheme in relatively rhyme-poor English, and the episode he chose to translate, a character's voyage to the moon. - Asymptote
After 19 days of release, the animated sequel has grossed $469.3 million in North America and $545.5 million internationally for a worldwide tally of $1.015 billion. It’s one of 11 animated films to join the billion-dollar club (eight of which are Disney titles), and it’s the fastest animated release to do so. - Variety
"Gradually, then all at once, the NDA became enmeshed in every part of our lives. … No one can say how many are signed every day because NDAs often prohibit even the acknowledgment of their existence, but lawyers attest that (it) is now one of the most commonly signed contracts." - The Cut
After the museum initially failed to recognize the Jewish founders of the industry in 2021, this year the exhibit aimed at righting this lapse managed to insult and offend instead of making amends. - The Wrap
"While scientific studies have confirmed that older men do indeed dance differently to their younger counterparts – and this may have evolved as a way of signalling their declining biological fitness – experts argue that dad dancing should be celebrated, not slated, for the numerous benefits it can bring." - The Guardian
The painting surpassed its $400,000–$600,000 pre-auction estimate, and has now increased in value by more than 1,650 percent since it was first auctioned in 2001. - ARTnews
"They came, they listened, and barely a bark was heard — something that can usually go safely unremarked at a Philadelphia Orchestra concert. But for Saturday’s matinee, in addition to a couple of thousand fans of patriotic music, the orchestra drew eight puppies (training to be guide dogs.)" - The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
Roadies are fundamental workers in the fulfilment of live music events and concert tours. They are much more than “humpers” who haul road cases and equipment in and out of venues and festivals. - The Conversation
"Someone with a very powerful estate ... has settled a tax debt worth millions of euros, … partly by donating more than 200 engravings by Francisco de Goya as well as 87 other works of art — among them, Aurelio Arteta’s outstanding anti-war manifesto Triptych of War." - El País in English
Said producer/host Fiona Ritchie in a note to listeners, "When I’m asked what I like least about my work, there’s only ever been one answer: the relentless weekly deadlines! Now I want to continue to develop my other interests, including perhaps creating radio moments with more breathing space in-between." - NPR
"Directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon have been taken into police custody for questioning on accusations of sexual assault made against them by actress and director Judith Godrèche, … (who) unleashed a fresh #MeToo wave in France this year after (speaking) out about her own experiences of sexual abuse within the (industry)." - Deadline
The state had allocated almost $58 million in funding toward Centre Pompidou x Jersey City, which was originally expected to open late this year or in 2025. Officials changed their minds after projections indicated that the museum would have an annual operating deficit of $19 million. - Artnet
