Louvre heist highlights thorny issue for museums: How to secure art without becoming fortresses
Many museums began reassessing security after the jewelry heist at the Louvre in Paris. Some were also reflecting on the inherent tension in the task of securing art. Museums are meant to welcome people to engage with art and not create distance from it. The Louvre has acknowledged major security lapses. But it has also received messages of solidarity from the art world. Experts highlight the difficulty of securing art in historic buildings not designed as museums. They say the focus is on finding a workable balance between security and accessibility.
French minister vows Louvre anti-intrusion devices after post-heist report finds security lapses
PARIS (AP) — France's culture minister says that the Louvre will install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices in the next two months. The comments on Friday came after authorities faced pressure following the Oct. 19 heist of crown jewels at the museum. The announcement follows a provisional investigation that found a “chronic, structural underestimation” of the risk of theft at the Paris landmark. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has said that alarms worked during the robbery but acknowledged “security gaps." She told the TF1 broadcaster on Friday that “anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices will be installed" on the streets near the Louvre “before the end of the year.”
Disney pulls ABC, ESPN and more from YouTube TV as talks break down
YouTube TV viewers have lost access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after contract talks broke down. Other channels like the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo have also disappeared. YouTube TV announced Thursday that Disney followed through on a threat to suspend its content during negotiations. YouTube claims Disney used the blackout threat to push for higher prices, benefiting its own streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. YouTube TV expressed disappointment and urged Disney to work towards a fair agreement. Subscribers will receive a $20 credit if Disney content remains unavailable for a long time.
Andrew, the civilian formerly known as 'prince,' faces an uncertain future
LONDON (AP) — What is next for the commoner once known as Prince Andrew probably involves moving trucks as he packs up the trappings of his once royal life to move to an isolated private home owned by his brother, King Charles III. The commoner now known as 65-year-old Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was stripped by his brother of his titles and will be forced to vacate his rent-free Royal Lodge mansion near Windsor Castle because of his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew's new home will be on the king’s estate at Sandringham on wind-swept east coast. Despite his downfall, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne.
Music Review: Florence + the Machine's 'Everybody Scream' wrestles with greatness and mortality
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Florence Welch explores her desire for greatness and the constraints she faces as a female artist in Florence + the Machine's sixth album, "Everybody Scream." The album's lead single, "One of the Greats," addresses her grievances about sexism and male entitlement in the music industry, writes The Associated Press' Krysta Fauria. Welch collaborated with Mark Bowen of IDLES, Mitski and Aaron Dessner of The National. The album delves into mysticism and witchcraft, inspired by Welch's recent health challenges. Her raw poetry grapples with mortality and ambition, creating a cohesive and timely release for Halloween.
Giuffre family welcomes Andrew's fall from royal status but wants more action
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has stripped his brother Andrew of his princely title and home amid mounting pressure to address his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The decision aims to protect the monarchy from public disapproval. Andrew is now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He will move from Royal Lodge to a more remote home on the king's Sandringham Estate. The British government supports the king's decision. Andrew surrendered his Duke of York title earlier this month following new allegations. The family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual abuse, praised the move Friday but called for further investigation. Andrew denies all allegations against him.
A solid gold toilet is up for auction with a $10 million starting price
LONDON (AP) — Sotheby’s has announced it will auction a solid gold toilet, a sculpture by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan called “America.” The auction is set for Nov. 18 in New York. The starting price will be based on the value of the gold's weight, currently about $10 million. Cattelan, known for provocative art, created “America” as a satire on excessive wealth. The piece gained fame after a similar version was stolen from England’s Blenheim Palace in 2019. The toilet will be on display at Sotheby’s New York headquarters from Nov. 8, but visitors won’t be able to use it.
How 'Love is Blind' is reshaping global views on love, from Japan to Brazil
Netflix's “Love Is Blind” explores love beyond appearances, with adaptations in various cultures. The show has aired in nine U.S. cities and has international versions in places like Japan and Brazil. Each adaptation reflects local cultural norms, from Japan's reserved approach to Brazil's bold emotions. The show has faced criticism for contestant treatment and diversity issues. Despite this, it continues to resonate globally, showcasing different cultural norms and types of love. Fans are advocating for more diverse representations, including queer and polyamorous love, as the show evolves.
You can thank Elvis for Elvira, Cassandra Peterson says
NEW YORK (AP) — Cassandra Peterson has entertained fans as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, for over four decades. She developed the character in the 1980s after leaving her showgirl career, partly due to advice from Elvis Presley. She eventually became a horror host with a risque signature look that became iconic. Elvira's cult following grew through TV, films and, now, books. Her latest project, “Elvira's Cookbook from Hell,” features spooky recipes and crafts. Peterson regrets not making Elvira's costume more comfortable, as she rarely inhabits the character now.
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