Smoking pics, Julia Child, etc.

I’ve spent the last few days talking about Indy Fringe. Today, I’m taking a break to look at some arts stories beyond our town’s borders.

–In England, Lynn Barber, author of the memoir “An Education,” withdrew from the Books Now festival because the event organizers refused to print her photograph in the program. Why? Because it featured the writer smoking. I guess they don’t watch “Mad Men” there. Read all about it here and tell me if you think this is a logical public safety step or taking things too far.

–In Abu Dhabi, $27 billion is being spent to create a cultural hot spot, including branches of the Louvre and the Guggenheim. The story is here. Who said Carmel was taking chances with its arts district?

–Julia Child is back on the bestseller list, making me wonder about favorite books that center on food. Do you have any nominees (besides “Green Eggs and Ham”)?

Your thoughts?