USA can has arts?

I found this on a blog I follow, and I think it's important (so you should, too) -- especially in this economic crisis which makes it so difficult to make a living as an artist. I'll just quote copperbadge, since he says it so well:

"Got this in the mail from my mentor this morning -- knock yourselves out, kids:

Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this, and the country needs the arts -- now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.

http://www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html

If you like music, theatre, good television drama, museums, sculptures in parks, fiction, beautiful architecture, or having a country with a soul, sign it!"

Also, a fascinating article from 19 January's Newsweek that explores the potential future of the arts under the Obama administration: "Will Act For Food." I don't necessarily agree with everything Mr. McCarter has to say, but it's still good reading.

*** Recipes: to try

Because the internet showed these things to me and they sound wonderful. Even if I might have to purchase things in order to make them.

( Spicy Peanut Butter Soup )

and!

( No-Knead Bread )