Stories

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

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)

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

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

“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

“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)

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

The state legislators “are calling for Gov. Gavin Newsom to exempt the state’s film and TV production incentive program from a recently approved cap on corporate tax credits.” - Los Angeles Times (MSN)

“On average, Disney has waited 27 years before remaking one of its animated classics as a live-action movie.” Just one problem: They’re out of animated classics to remake. - The New York Times

A painter from Manchester, who focused on the working class, isn’t necessarily what Londoners think. “What we’re hoping to do is actually to bust a few myths. … wasn’t just an industrial painter. He certainly wasn’t naive or isolated.” - The Guardian (UK)

Can genAI art or writing ever, ever be more than mid? - Glasstire

Remember Amazon buying Goodreads, anyone? “The app has become a beloved platform and community for young movie enthusiasts, and is most popular with audiences ages 18 to 35.” - The Guardian (UK)

“We are making real trade-offs as we shift to communication through short-form video, and maybe it will be worth it, but we certainly are losing a lot.” - NPR

How can we tell? Well, a lot of ways. One grim statistic: “Gambling has become a more common leisure activity than reading a book.” - The Atlantic

Last week’s New Yorker has a rather intense article on the uselessness of BookTok for real book discussion. This woman begs to differ. - BBC