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Book Review: “The World Republic of Letters” — A Literary Demolition Derby

August 12, 2005
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An intriguingly speculative study argues that the history of world literature boils down to a power struggle between outsiders and insiders.

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Arts Commentary: Classical Musical Chairs

August 9, 2005
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The controversy over the appointment of a woman to become the conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra boils down to issues of power and gender. By Mark Kroll It’s been a tough year for conductors. In February, David Miller was in southern France conducting “Don Giovanni” with his Bulgarian orchestra when French police burst in…

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Film Review: Spin Crazy

August 8, 2005
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The critically acclaimed documentary “Rize” claims to be about a new form of hip hop dancing, called “krumping,” that transcends commercialism. By Debra Cash The commercial calculation of MTV, smoggy and as near at hand as central LA, lurks in the margins of the new critically admired hip hop dance documentary, “Rize.” The film examines…

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Music Review: The Folk Rock Boys

August 2, 2005
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Frank Black of the Pixies and bad boy Ryan Adams have put out new albums that, at their mellow best, skillfully substitute pedal steel for screams. By Danielle Dreilinger The 2005 Newport Folk Festival made an unusual decision when it came time to pick their Saturday headliner: seminal indie-rock band the Pixies, famous for the…

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Book Review: Orhan Pamuk’s Memories — Istanbul the Melancholic

July 27, 2005
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By Vincent Czyz In his latest book, acclaimed writer Orhan Pamuk has penned an intriguing memoir that focuses on his relationship with Istanbul, the city in which he has always lived. Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk. Knopf. Ottoman poets were fond of referring to Istanbul, then known to the world as Constantinople,…

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The Aunties of Uncle Earl

July 20, 2005
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Despite the fame of Alison Krauss, women bluegrass performers have been rare. The arrival of the all-female quintet Uncle Earl suggests things are going to change.

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Bound to be Beautiful

July 19, 2005
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For some contemporary artists, the traditional idea of the book as paper and ink is up for grabs as was shown at a conference at Wellesley College

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Cosmic Cloak and Dagger

July 11, 2005
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Spanish literary phenomenon Javier Marias has come up with a spy novel that is more concerned with a theoretical investigation of truth, trust, and betrayal than with cloak and dagger spying.

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Dance Review: Danish Treat

June 29, 2005
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A festival dedicated to 19th century choreographer August Bournonville packed a wallop.

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Book Review: Clones R Us

June 22, 2005
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Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel explores a future that’s already happened. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro. (Knopf) By Liza Weisstuch In the popular imagination, science fiction novels are supposed to be set in the future, anywhere from two years ahead to centuries. Often, these stories ruminate on how the latest technology changes humanity and…

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