Franco Zeffirelli

Now the Met's "Tosca" is being broadcast as part of PBS' "Great Performances" series (it airs on KQED-HD at 9 p.m. Wednesday), so the rest of us can form our own judgments. Read More

Designed by architect Wallace Harrison, who was also responsible for Rockefeller Center and the United Nations complex, the Met's Lincoln Center theater is one of New York City's grandest spaces, with 32 Swarovski crystal chandeliers; beautiful wood paneling, all from one titanic rosewood tree; a gold-leaf ceiling; maroon, maroon everywhere; and, for the best acoustics, no right angles anywhere. Read More

It is heartening to read that there appears to be a cross-party agreement to build new council housing ( Report , 23 November). Read More

For local lovers of New York's Metropolitan Opera, a few satellite blips, dropped sound, even moments when the screen went black were minor inconveniences on a recent Saturday afternoon. Read More

Art Quilts There are two shows of both local and national talent rooted in tradition at the Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College, 244 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg, now through Jan. 10. Read More

Nov. 17, E. Shaver Bookseller, 326 Bull St. Christopher Scott will sign his new novel, "Choke Point." Read More