A Lesson in Perseverance: The Huffington Post recently posted an article reminding us all that success does not come easy: in “5 Famous Artists Who Once Faced Rejection,” Madalaine D’Angelo delves into the past failures of El Greco, JMW Turner, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Barnett Newman. El Greco’s paintings were once described as “contemptible and ridiculous” while someone once described Turner’s now-famous painting of a shipwreck as looking like “a tortoiseshell cat having a fit in a platter of tomatoes.” All five artists featured, D’Angelo notes, share in common their breaking of the mold and defying of conventions–standing as wonderful examples to artists everywhere today encountering resistance as they push the envelope and follow their unique creativity.

Permission Lost in Translation: Moscow-based publishing house Algoritm is accused of producing several books by authors around the world for which the authors gave no permission for translation and publication. From journalists Luke Harding and Edward Lucas to U.S.-based Russia expert Donald Jensen, several authors have seen adaptations of their previous works produced in Algoritm’s Project Putin series, comprised of over 20 different titles on various aspects of Russian President Putin and his politics. Algoritm’s director, Sergei Nikolayev, does not seem troubled by the allegations, asserting on more than one occasion that he believes “agreements” can be reached for compensation. Such a non-chalant attitude is surprising, considering the brazen copyright violations the publishing house has committed.

Art Exhibit for All Five Senses: The winning project of the second annual IK Prize at the Tate Britain is the “Tate Sensorium,” an exhibit allowing patrons to experience art in an entirely new way. In the Tate Sensorium, visitors can experience four works, all by 20th century British artists, in a completely immersive way, involving all five senses. The project has hired chocolate maker Paul Young, scent expert Odette Toilette, audio expert Nick Ryan, and theater maker Annette Mees to create the show, as well as turning to the Sussex Computer Human Interaction Lab and the company Ultrahaptics, which helps with the “touch” element. Beginning at the end of August, visitors may experience the gallery in groups of four at a time for the ultimate full-sensory art experience. It will certainly be fascinating to hear accounts of this unique and boundary-pushing experience!

Life in the Asian Youth Orchestra: Founded in 1990 and entering its 26th season, the Asian Youth Orchestra is no joke: the orchestra’s 103 instrumentalists (chosen from over 800 applicants) are between the ages of 17 and 27 and hail from a dozen nations and territories across Asia. To prepare for their season, the musicians will spend three weeks in August rehearsing for nine hours a day and ultimately embark on a tour across China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. By the end of their season, these young musicians will have played for about 20,000 audience members. A fascinating article in the International New York Times allows us to get a glimpse into the fascinating lives and experiences of these amazing and inspiring youths.