Stories

Is It Really Possible To Map The Odyssey?

The ancient Greek polymath Eratosthenes, who was the first person to measure the circumference of the Earth, disputed that the Odyssey had anything to do with geography. He said: “You will find the scene of the wanderings of Odysseus when you find the cobbler who sewed up the bag of the winds.” - The Conversation

The Fault Lines Of PEN America’s Support Of Free Speech

PEN America currently sits on a widening fault line, one that divides old-school liberalism, which treats the right to speak as more important than any particular ideology, from a surging and fiercely ideological left that sees Israel and Zionism as its enemy. - The Atlantic

Survey: Americans Support AI Companies Transferring Half Their Stock To A Public Fund

According to a new national survey of 1,690 adults from research firm Verasight, 69% said they support “forcing” AI firms to transfer half their stock to a public sovereign wealth fund that would, in theory, pour AI profits back into the economy and even provide direct payments to Americans. - Fast Company

Music Industry Proposes Labels For AI-Use

The labels are simple icons that distinguish between those that are “AI-generated” and “AI-assisted,” but they are designed to be adopted by digital music services, distributors and others. The track labeling is voluntary. - Deadline

Danny Elfman: What Classical Music Is Missing

“In too much classical modern contemporary music, there’s just sound,” he said. “Nothing sticks. You're not giving the audience anything to hold on to. It’s just a lot of sound, a lot of orchestration.” - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Netflix Considering Adding Live Channels

To bolster engagement, executives at the company have recently discussed adding live channels that would continuously stream certain programs, or shows and films from a certain genre, according to people familiar with the matter. - The Wall Street Journal

12 US States Sue To Challenge Paramount/Warner Deal

A coalition of 12 Democratic states including California, New York and Washington filed a lawsuit Monday to block Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the most serious legal challenge to date for one of the biggest media deals in history. - The New York Times

How The University Of North Texas Censored An Art Exhibition

Initially, the administrators discussed removing some of the pieces from the show. But then the provost texted that he wanted to take down the entire exhibition instead. Michael McPherson wrote, "I think it'll be easier to manage any barking from our friends in Austin." - NPR

The Private Concierges Of Rome (Culture On Demand)

The secret to the company’s success lies in its network of “partners”—museums and churches and palazzi, but also artists and photographers and scholars. Each has something special to offer if they can be persuaded to provide it.  - The Atlantic

Yo-Yo Ma Is Just One Of Many Musicians Performing Along The Los Angeles River These Days

The river has “been neglected, trashed and often forgotten over time, myriad governmental and nonprofit groups have been working for years to restore habitat. … And recently, creatives and activists, who dream of transforming it into a hospitable greenway, have been hosting arts events.” - Los Angeles Times (MSN)

Sam Neill, Beloved New Zealand Actor Known For Jurassic Park And The Piano, Has Died At 78

The actor was a warm internet presence and a proud producer of wine from his vineyard. “At 11, he changed his name to Sam, taking inspiration from characters in Western movies. It was, he added, ‘probably the best decision I made in my life.’” - The New York Times

At Long Last, John Constable’s Most Famous Painting Is On View In Suffolk

“The famous work depicts a rural scene near the River Stour in Flatford, but it was actually painted in Constable's London studio.” - BBC

Learning How To Fake-Punch, Fake-Fall, And Fake-Go Up In Flames, On Camera

“The best side of a stunt always has to face the lens: The trajectory of a feigned punch, a few degrees off, can look fake to viewers.” - The New York Times

Why Debates Over Free Speech Can Lead To So Much Fury

“The free speech wars of recent years are not just about rules – they’re about what it means to be a good person.” - The Guardian (UK)

This Nonreligious Choir Draws Crowds In The Bay Area

Big crowds for a church venue, anyway - and a lot of participants. “The choir is full of these intense, amazing, freaky, kooky people, and the community that I've been able to fall into and build has just been a game changer.” - San Francisco Chronicle

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