(bbc) The ancient city of Babylon - in modern-day Iraq - has engendered a rich legacy in art and thought, from great paintings to contemporary film and music. Next month, the British Museum brings together such works of imagination with archaeological treasures - to try to reveal the reality behind the legends. The exhibition will look at famous myths and stories - including the Tower of Babel, the Hanging Gardens, and King Nebuchadnezzar's madness. (view source to see slideshow) . .  More...

(nyt) Jim Helman said he was skeptical 10 years ago when a city official suggested that residents of his racially divided neighborhood work together to paint a mural with the theme of racial unity. “I failed to see how some silly mural was going to create equality and justice,” said Mr. Helman, 62, a community organizer and retired nightclub owner. But in a series of community meetings, his doubts evaporated as black and white residents began to work together, first on the composition of the mural and then on a variety of neighborhood issues like trash collection and street repair. The mural, titled “The Peace Wall” and depicting a dozen hands of different ethnicities overlaying one another on a sky-blue background, is a product of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.  More...

(lat) From Soviet realism with a twist to portraits of American rap stars might seem something of a leap -- but not necessarily for Alexander Melamid. The Russian-born artist has often been interested in creating more than a bit of political havoc. Known for decades for work that was both bold commentary and incisive satire, Melamid and his creative partner, Vitaly Komar, were renowned as conceptual art rebels in Soviet Russia and were also considered to be the architects of the Soviet Realist Pop Art movement. But in 2003, Melamid parted ways not just with Komar but also, it seemed, with the international scene. As it happened, Melamid had simply turned another creative corner.  More...

This is just a newsflash that the stage play about Domestic Violence within the church and on the college campus is coming to Brown Memorial Baptist Church on 10/17/08 at 7pm. New Playwright Dana Burnett will debut Play and host premiere party that will feature secret celebrity guests, DV advocates and the cast. Premiere Tickets will be $20-Adults,$15-Seniors and $10-Children. Play will then be at the Producers Club Theater in Manhattan on 44th between 8th and 9th. Oct 24,25,26,Nov 1st and 2nd.  More...

(Orlando sent) U. S. citizens and residents of Latin American, Caribbean and Spanish descent have made huge contributions to American society and culture. It's proper to honor those achievements on the National Mall in Washington, D. C.  More...

(wapo) There's electricity in the air. Sarah Vaughan is in the room. So is Lionel Hampton, Bessie Smith and Ray Charles. Present is Willie Mays. So are Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Jessie Owens and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.  More...