Early December "Articles of Interest:" NEW Digital Divide; Books by Their Covers; Crystal Bridges Museum; I Love Rock & Roll; 100 Notable Books for 2011; & Caring Gifts for the Holidays.

Monday, 5 December 2011

Greetings Upper School Community:

Here is early December’s edition of “Articles of Interest” for your reading enjoyment.

Susan Crawford uses Black Friday and Cyber Monday to depict what she terms “The New Digital Divide,” namely the growing telecommunications gap between high-speed wired versus restricted wireless access to the Internet.  The author raises intriguing connections to future social and economic factors. 

With the growing popularity of e-readers, Julie Bosman’s article “Selling Old-Style Books by Their Gilded Covers” presents the importance of texture, style, and cover art in marketing books.  Apparently, we should now also judge a book by its cover! 

The opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas has brought much publicity.  Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, thanks to generous philanthropic support, notably associated with Walmart, admission to the museum is free to the public!  With over 1,000 pieces representing American art from 1650-2011, it sounds like an intriguing destination. 

The up-coming vote for 2012 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Janet Morrissey’s article “Battle of the Bands (and Egos) For the Rock Hall of Fame” details the potential impact on music sales and future reunion tours.  Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Beastie Boys, The Cure, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, bands I fondly recall seeing/hearing in concert, are on this year’s ballot!

The annual New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year is published in the Sunday 4 December issue.  Alas, again, too many exciting new books; too little time.

And with his caring eye focused on the approaching holiday seasons, Nicholas Kristof (2009 Dayton Literary Peace Prize recipient for Lifetime Achievement) mentions some worthy organizations in his Op-Ed column “Gifts That Say You Care.”

I look forward to seeing you at an up-coming MVS event.  With sincere regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School