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A bit of this, a bit of that on a chilly winter's day:

Were you also amused by the week's Facebook mini-scandal, in which the site announced it plans to keep all your stuff forever, whether you remain a user or not? They seem to be reconsidering after the outcry, but still. I'm no copyright lawyer, but doesn't any media site always get to keep using the content on its servers, whether it says so or not? Just asking. Remember this handy tip, kids: Bongs and cameras don't mix!

Here's another tip: Run, don't walk, to see the new special exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute, a stunning glass show by sculptor William Morris. You've never seen anything like the way he blends the art of native cultures from across the globe, and the magical properties he draws from glass. It opens this weekend. Go.

While you're there, pause with the perfectly rendered landscapes of Robert Whitmore, a Dayton artist who worked in the 1920s and painted scenes around Yellow Springs. His lovely, rarely seen work is on temporary exhibition.

Speaking of the DAI, it gave Dayton's favorite artist — at least, I think we can call him that — Willis "Bing" Davis, the Pamela P. Houk Award for Excellence in Art Education. When he accepted, Davis shared a few words of wisdom from his mother, who raised six children.

"She told us two things: First, to reach high, and reach back. She also taught us that wherever we went, we should walk with dust on our shoes." By that, he said, she meant that they should always carry with them the legacy and memory of the past and the people who have made them what they are.

I always learn something from that guy.

Speaking of learning something new, I recently started tuning into the eclectic program "Kaleidoscope" on WYSO-FM, hosted by Juliet Fromholt. She plays just about anything, from Goldfrapp to Tom Waits — a cool modern playlist with local bands and key altrockish oldies tossed in. It's on 91.3 from 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays; I make it a point to listen every week.

Speaking of music, I'm still trying to figure out what I think of the new Bruce Springsteen album, "Working on a Dream"; people keep asking me, and I keep being evasive. I know I don't dislike it, though I do hate the first song. I also know I am not likely to end up appreciating it nearly as much as I love "Magic," his last album. I think angry, desolate Bruce is always more interesting than happy, upbeat Bruce — true of most art and artists, I guess.

It isn't quite time for the Wright State Arts Gala, so it must not be spring yet.

Speaking of WSU, I attended "Doc Night" a few weeks ago, where documentaries by juniors in the university's film program are shown. It was smart, engaging, thought-provoking work with a fine finish. Talented artists, all.

Speaking of good films, I say let's just go ahead and give the Best Picture Oscar to "Slumdog Millionaire" by default. I know "The Reader" is well-acted, but we've done Nazi war crimes before, thank you. The whole premise of "Benjamin Button" irritates me. "Milk"? OK, but biopics win easily, all the time. "Frost/Nixon" unites two obnoxious narcissists, so they can be narcissistically obnoxious together. But "Slumdog"? Hey, it's about time America really meets India, don't you think?

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2165 or rrollins@DaytonDaily

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