A new study reports that hierarchical awareness seems to be deeply embedded in the human brain. “If the hierarchy is stable, we seem to ignore those below us but focus on those higher up. If unstable, and we are in danger of losing status, areas of the brain linked to emotions are aroused.”
Tag: 04.23.08
Chicago’s Art Fair Behemoth
Chicago’s Merchandise Mart gathers five art fairs under a single umbrella. “The centerpiece is Art Chicago, a stricken show the Mart took over in 2006 and defibrillated back to life. Last year’s Art Chicago drew more than 42,000 attendees. The 2008 version will have more galleries, art and space. Whether it is as successful for dealers as 2007’s may hinge on the mood for art in a dour world economy.”
Edward Albee At 80
“I’m the author of some 30 plays, and I think only six or seven returned their investment, I have a very bizarre mind, by the way. I can read a book and forget about it. … And 20 years later, a character that I am writing can quote from the book. and I can’t even recall that I read it.”
Folk And Classical Get Together
“What a surprising situation we’re now in, with folk musicians ‘aspiring up’ to bigger forms, and classical composers delving down to ancient roots. Will these two trends meet and mingle somewhere in the middle? Or will they be like ships passing on the sea, dipping their flags to each other before sailing on to some unknown destination?”
The 10 Worst Musicals Of All Time
Dominic Cavendish makes a list…
A Print Version Of Wikipedia?
“German publishing giant Bertelsmann AG said Wednesday it planned to publish a one-volume reference book containing the best of the Germany version of the popular online encyclopedia. The 993-page book will contain approximately 50,000 definitions and 1,000 illustrations and will be priced at about 20 euros.”
Why Our Brains Light Up For Power And Prestige
New “brain-scanning studies suggest that the link between profits and power takes place in the striatum – part of the brain involved in sensing rewards. This provides the biological basis of our everyday experience that personal reputation is felt as reward.”
Cannes Film Lineup Announced
Among the surprises were eleventh-hour additions of “Changeling,” starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Clint Eastwood, and Steven Soderbergh’s two Che Guevara films. The Che films, “The Argentine” and “Guerrilla,”
Blu-Ray Win Not Enough To Revive DVD Sales
“Wholesale DVD revenue worldwide, for theatrical releases only, came in at $25 billion in 2006, dropped to $23.1 billion last year and will further decline to $21.4 billion this year.”
Robot To Conduct Detroit Symphony, Yo-Yo Ma
“The robot will lead the humans in a performance of Frank Sinatra’s Impossible Dream, a song that’s become something of an anthem for Honda.”