Why did the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have to issue a press release denying the existence of mermaids? Animal Planet is to blame.
Tag: 06.29.12
The Motion Picture Academy Diversifies – A Little
The Motion Picture Academy invited 176 new members to join – and more of them than usual were people of color and international actors or directors. Will Oscars voting change?
What’s The (Next Big) Idea For Flourishing Philosophy Clubs?
“Philosophy today has moved a long way from that stereotype of the lonely thinker. Its practice is becoming ever more communal. As well as attending discussion circles, salons, debating clubs, literary-philosophical societies and events from the likes of TED, 5×15, the School of Life and Intelligence Squared, people are gathering in philosophy clubs, Socrates cafés, Enlightenment cafés, even ‘death cafés’ (for those who want to reflect together on mortality). Music festivals, too, such as Latitude and Bestival have their own ‘ideas tents’ – yes, philosophy is one of the new rock ‘n’ rolls. But how can the current wave of philosophical clubs ensure they are more than a fashionable trend?”
Stolen Dalà Painting Returned From Europe – By Express Mail
Someone sent an email to the Venus Over Manhattan gallery, from which the painting was stolen June 19, with an express mail tracking number. “Postal inspectors intercepted it at Kennedy International Airport before it was sorted for delivery.”
British Music, Arts Magazine The Word Announces Final Issue
“Set up in 2003, the magazine took a high-brow look at music and culture whilst trying not to sound stuffy or pretentious.” But circulation dropped, and the July issue will be its last.
Mourning The Word As It Closes Down
“This is a sad, bad day for journalism. The Word was a music magazine that burst its banks to cover pop culture, and life, in general. It was smart, funny, original and tremendously human.”
Completely Colorblind Man Makes Art Via A Seventh – Cyborg – Sense
“Neil Harbisson can only see shades of grey. So his prosthetic eyepiece, which he calls an ‘eyeborg’, interprets the colours for him and translates them into sound.”
What Makes A YouTube Star
“YouTube’s homegrown stars tend to be self-starters. They understand the intimacy of the platform in a way most Hollywood A-listers don’t. YouTube is not just television on a computer, and YouTubers, whether established or aspiring, are their own breed.”
UK Broadcasters’ Spending On Arts Programming Fell 39 Percent In Five Years
“The media regulator said in its annual public service broadcasting report that total spend on arts and classical music content – including original programming and content that was acquired – decreased from £72 million in 2006, to £44 million in 2011.”
Study: Scotland’s Creative Industries Generate £3.2Billion For Economy
“The sector directly employed some 84,000 people in 2010. The study defines the sector with a total of 16 different industries, from software and electronic publishing to the performing arts.”