It represented the future when it was first switched on early in the century. By mid-century it signalled decline more than it did excitement… – The Atlantic
Tag: 04.27.19
Netflix’s “Woke” Tweets Versus Its Corporate Decisions
Netflix’s Twitter feed talks like it’s a person, making comments and observations, and trying to be your best friend. It’s a tough act to pull off… – Washington Post
So, You Think You Can Write An Apolitical Novel?
Scottish crime writer Denise Mina says it’s not possible. “I think a lot of people are wanting to run, to get the fuck out of here, so I wanted to write a really engaging world for them to be in.” – The Guardian (UK)
White Nationalists Swarm Author At Politics And Prose
“A handful of self-proclaimed white nationalists interrupted an appearance by an author at the Politics and Prose bookstore in Northwest Washington on Saturday afternoon, chanted ‘This land is our land’ and then exited to a chorus of loud boos.” – The Washington Post
Why Does Hollywood Hate Pop Music, And Pop Stars?
The hated pop stars are, of course, almost all women. And, by the way, “isn’t there an inherent irony in cinema offering a ‘serious’ take on mass culture while seeking commercial gain? Few of these tales manage to communicate what still makes pop music so appealing and popular.” – The Guardian (UK)
Writing Activists Back Into History, Through Fiction
Bernardine Evaristo co-founded Britain’s Theatre of Black Women in the 1980s, and she’s not shy about using her experience in a new novel – or the experiences and lives of other Black British women through history. “It’s very important to know the alternatives to mainstream history, as we’re not represented in it. To discover how deep our roots are is important. Those of us who are older are living history, and I feel we have a duty to share it.” – The Guardian (UK)
Recent Listening: Jason Palmer’s Rhyme and Reason
“Trumpeter Jason Palmer made it clear with his substantial tone, wide range and flexibility that he had the potential to become one of the new century’s outstanding trumpeters” – and now he has. – Doug Ramsey
Why Does Country Music Have Such A Race Problem?
So … Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” is sitting at number one in the UK – and in the US, but despite its utter yeehaw-ness, not on the country charts because Billboard claimed it didn’t “embrace enough elements of today’s country music.” Riiiiight. The genre has a bit of an issue with Black musicians (and other musicians of color), and women of any race as well. “The gravity of this discrimination really hits home when you consider that country is the biggest radio format in the US.” – The Guardian (UK)
A 1615 Bible, Stolen From Pittsburgh Library Two Decades Ago, Is Recovered In The Netherlands
And yes, it was an inside job: “The Bible was among hundreds of rare books, maps and other items, worth about $8 million in total, that the authorities have said were stolen by the archivist in charge of the collection over nearly 20 years.” – The New York Times
Man Shouts Spoilers At Crowd Waiting To See Avengers: Endgame, And Then They Beat Him Up
Well, the directors did ask people not to spoil the movie. (Obviously, the answer is not violence, but it does indicate the seriousness with which audience members treat spoilers for movies like this one.) – Deadline