Was Will Gompertz right when he said the arts had been subsidised to 'no great effect'?

 A cock-eyed view? BBC arts editor Will Gompertz. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi

My Twitter feed this morning was very cross, very cross indeed. My colleague Will Gompertz, arts editor of the BBC, had been on the Today programme talking about arts subsidy. Despite Arts Council England's best efforts since its foundation after the war, he argued, funding for the arts had been "it would appear, to no great effect". Under 8% of the population, he said, go to the ballet, opera, or classical music concerts, according to government figures. Was arts subsidy, pondered the report, really just supporting the tastes of the upper and middle classes? Have institutions such as the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera succeeded in attracting any but the privileged few?

I think – with all respect and a friendly tip of the hat, as ever, to Will – that the picture presented here was too bleak; and incomplete. Hence the irritation of my Twitter pals. The implication (though perhaps not the intention) of the piece was to suggest that classical music, opera and ballet "stood in for" the whole of the arts. That is, of course, a partial picture. It misses out whole swathes of cultural activity. Theatre, galleries, museums. Street theatre, carnival, festivals... whole chunks of stuff supported by the public purse. It didn't mention the incredible work done in the community by arts organisations; or by companies like Clean Break and Streetwise Opera that work with a very particular social purpose in view.

The report was perhaps too a rather incomplete picture of the work of the Royal Opera House. I would not for a moment suggest that its audience on an average night presents an accurate picture of British society, or that it is not a forbidding place in many ways, or there is not work to do: but you don't have to pay £115 to see the ballet; my two-second, random click around on the website threw up £4 tickets for a terrific-sounding evening at the ballet in February (you do have to snap 'em up in advance) – a sum for which you'd struggle to find London cinema tickets. The ROH puts on family performances (tickets £5-£20). Chance to Dance is a scheme that works with schools in Lambeth, Southwark and Thurrock to encourage kids – not the kids of the privileged – to access ballet and enjoy dancing themselves. But enough about the Royal Opera House. The ROH is not the arts in England. It's one arts organisation in England and it shouldn't dominate discussions about funding (I know, I'm doing it...).

"Great art for everyone" – a glib motto for Arts Council England, perhaps. But I'm not sure anyone need be apologetic about the aspiration. Through our schools, through the extraordinary outreach work done by arts organisations, through the committed work of artists and teachers, I don't see why every person (and importantly every child) shouldn't encounter great art. God knows enough people are doing their best to make it happen. And actually, I think it's working.

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Canada blocks Malaysian energy takeover deal

The federal government has blocked a $5.2-billion bid by Malaysia's state-owned oil company Petronas to take over Calgary-based Progress Energy Resources Corp.

In a statement issued late Friday, Industry Minister Christian Paradis said the proposed takeover did not meet Canada's "net benefit test."

"I can confirm that I have sent a notice letter to Petronas indicating that I am not satisfied that the proposed investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada," Paradis said in the statement.

"Due to the strict confidentiality provisions of the [Investment Canada] Act, I cannot comment further on this investment at this time," he said. Petronas now has 30 days to "make any additional representations and submit any further undertakings," the minister said.

"Subsequently, I will either confirm this initial decision or approve the acquisition."

Paradis added his government has a "long-standing reputation for welcoming foreign investment" and "remains committed to maintaining an open climate for investment."

The decision comes as the Conservative government is reviewing China National Offshore Oil Corp.'s proposed $15.1-billion takeover of Calgary-based Nexen Inc. under the act.

On Oct. 11, Paradis extended the government's review of CNOOC's bid by 30 days and said the review period may be extended again.

Petronas and Progress Energy are already partners in an ambitious project to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship from British Columbia.

The proposal now on hold would give Petronas control over Progress Energy's Montney gas shale assets in the foothills of northeast British Columbia, reserves that could feed a planned LNG facility in Prince Rupert, B.C.

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Secret Ladies: 12 Guys You should Not Go out with In 2012.

1. The Guy Who Doesn’t Know What He Wants To Do With His Life Yet.

If he’s still figuring out career stuff, he is most likely not ready to make you a priority in his life. He would if he could (he probably thinks you’re the cat’s pajamas), but he just doesn’t have the multitasking capabilities to do “you” and soul search at the same time. He’s great for a good time but not for much more. If you’re looking for something serious this year, which I'm, he’s not the thing.

2. The Guy You Dated Decades Ago Who Contacts You Out Of The Blue.

It’s good to think that someone from your past is coming back again for second go-round. How rom-com! This fantasy has gotten me in difficulty a lot of a time. Especially considering the staggering number of males from my past who’ve contacted me. Yes, people change. But not that much. Nine instances out of ten, the reason you broke up in the first site still stands. Idea your hat at him, desire him good day and keep on keeping on.

3. The Guy Who Scoffs At You. If he scoffs at anything about you — your taste in books, your clothing selections, your love of musicals, pound the pavement. You deserve to have someone who thinks everything about you is endearing. Well … almost everything. Maybe he hates it when you fart on him. Understandable. But certainly, he should accept the items that are fundamental expressions of you-ness.

4. The Guy Who Is Looking For A Placeholder.

Meaning he’s looking for a girlfriend, ANY girlfriend will do. You needn’t have any special attributes to utilize — just that you’re keen and have a very v*g*na and want him to be your boyfriend. No questions requested. You know you’re involved with one particular of these guys when, after an hour or so, he is looking at you all googley-eyed telling you how amazing you are. He doesn’t even know you and he wants to get serious soon after the first date? I don’t think so.

5. The Guy Who Needs Too Much Attention.

I am a active individual and I just can’t manage someone who goes to pitch a fit if I can’t shoot the s**t him all day with him on Gchat. I have a good deal to give another particular person, just not continually through business several hours. And not to someone who is pressuring me for more attention or seems disappointed by what I can give.

6. The Guy Who Doesn’t Know How To Express Emotion.

I know expressing emotion is usually more hard for some adult men (and women of all ages). Underneath the aloof exterior of the guy who “can’t do mushy gushy” or “doesn’t like conversations about feelings” is a guy who certainly not really discovered some key conversation expertise. I want to teach him how, really I do, I just don’t have the energy any more. I’ve tried in the past with minimal results. Why? I’m not a therapist. And that I don’t want to be, especially not inside a relationship. Aspect of developing up suggests addressing your own issues and shortcomings. I know We have. If he needs added assistance on this location, I advocate legitimate therapy. It functions.

7. The Guy Who Can’t Get It Together To Ask You On A Date.

We have no problem doing the asking if it seems suitable. I know some guys fear rejection really much. I would just desire not to do the asking. I promise, promise, promise, if I am throwing decrease indicators, I am probably fascinated. I will probably say certainly. And if I don’t, I will give you an honest reason as to why I’m saying no. To me, obtaining to question a guy out or plan our date, is often a sign that I will be the 1 steering the ship. I really don’t want to be the 1 in charge all the time. I will take turns being in charge. Yes, I'll. But if he can’t even uncover the courage/ resolve/ wherewithal/ work within just him to try out to make plans with me, and even suggest that we hang out sometime, I don’t see a future of any kind for us.

8. The Guy Who You Only Call When You’re Lonely.

I’m erasing this guy’s number from my cell phone due to the fact I don’t need to have a crutch anymore. If I’m lonely, We've to sit with my loneliness and learn the way to soothe myself. No other human being can fill that void. I won’t use anyone to fill that void the same way I don’t want any person to use me in that way.

9. The Ghoster.

The “ghoster” is the guy you’re dating for a minute who suddenly disappears with no any inkling of an explanation. More frequently than not, he re-materializes from the spirit dating world at some point and wants another chance. Being as that is my really worst pet peeve, I resolve not to give Sir Ghoster another chance. Whatever his reasoning for the ghosting could be — busy, acquired rear together with his ex, was sick, on vacation — it’s irrelevant. It says something about his character that I can’t forget. That, along with a guy who ghosts the moment will ghost again.

10. The Guy Who’s Just Not Doing It For You Sexually.

Sexual chemistry is not usually a solid ten with every single person every single time. From time to time it grows. At times it requires give good results. That is totally OK. But dating a guy who you know you have ZERO sexual attraction to is just a cruel thing to do to the both of you. You may well really adore him and you can continue to adore him … as a good friend. Hold out for someone who excites you. Allow him locate someone who is fired up by him. It’s the good thing to do.

11. The Guy Who Is Not Over His Ex Yet.

You might be the girl of his damn goals, but if he is still mourning another woman, he won’t adore you the way you are meant to be adored. Timing is really a bitch, but it’s a powerful force beyond your control. Move on and if timing is kind to you, he may possibly cross your path again when he’s ready to see you for the amazing specimen that you are.

12. The Guy Who Wants To Perpetually Casually Date But Never Take It Further.

This guy is fine if you’re just looking for a casual date. But as I talked about, I’m not. If you think you are the lady who is going to change Casual Tom’s outlook on love, you are fooling yourself, Sister. Leave Casual Tom to date other women casually whilst you empower yourself by not wasting your time on someone who isn’t up for the task of meeting your needs.

Seduction