July 13, 2003

In article in the Toronto Star uses the example of the MPH Entertainment lawsuit over its share of the profits from the hit film My Big Fat Greek Wedding to introduce a story on Hollywood accounting in which the industry claims that most or all films lose money. In the case of My Big Fat Greek Wedding which grossed $600 million from worldwide box office receipts with a shooting cost of $5 million the producers are claiming a loss of $20 million to date. While this accounting does seem out of line the article takes a look at the large costs and uncertain revenue for movies and the importance of getting a share of revenue, not profits. 11:04:39 PM

The New York Times reports that Palestinians attacked a leading Palestinian political scientist when he prepared to announce a "striking finding from a regionwide survey of Palestinian refugees: Only a small minority of them would insist on exercising a "right of return" to Israel as part of a peace agreement." The protestors believe that these findings uncut the general Palestinian position that nothing short of the return of all refugees and their descendants – about four million people to Israel is acceptable. No Jewish political party in Israel accepts that, as it would destroy Israel’s Jewish nature. 10:19:37 PM