“Altogether the researchers found that a name’s pronounceability, regardless of length or seeming foreignness, mattered most in determining likability. Ease of pronunciation accounted for about 40 percent of off-the-cuff likability.”
Tag: 02.24.12
In Praise Of Barney Rosset And The Forbidden Books He Brought Us
“He published the books that nobody else would, because they were too risqué or too avant-garde (often that meant the same thing) or too unprofitable, and his imprint, Grove Press, quickly became a badge of coolness and sophistication. … To a considerable extent the dirty books made the arty ones possible, and Mr. Rosset wasn’t the least abashed about it.”
‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ To Head Queensland Ballet
Li Cunxin ” was born in poverty in China, became a world ballet star, segued into stockbroking, wrote a best-selling memoir, took on a sideline in motivational speaking and, as of yesterday, is artistic director-elect of Queensland Ballet.”
Met Opera Adopts Dynamic Ticket Pricing
“Following Broadway’s record-breaking success with flexible ticket pricing, the Metropolitan Opera will adopt a new pricing system next season, boosting the cost of the most sought-after seats and lowering the cheapest ticket price to $20 from $25.”
Latest Endangered Folk Dance Tradition: Marching Aussie Lifeguards
“In Australia, a national tradition is under threat. On summer weekends, members of elite squads head to the beach. Standing like guards outside Buckingham Palace, participants parade up and down, barefoot on the sand, practicing a pageant that mixes the pomp of military ceremony with Baywatch.”