The NAACP and the major American TV networks are talking about minority representation on TV. “This fall marks the first time in ‘recent memory’ in which there is not a comedy on ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox with an African American lead and that the major networks had failed to honor their commitment to diversity.”
Tag: 09.27.06
End Of An Era – European Kodachrome Processor Shutting Down
“The ritual of shooting a three-minute masterpiece on your Super 8 camera, sending off the film in a little yellow envelope and waiting with barely contained excitement for the ready-to-project reel to drop on to the doormat is over.”
Answering John Heilpern’s Prayer
“Please God, let the season be different from all other seasons. Please don’t let it be dominated by any more revivals, British actors and Eve Ensler. Please get them to bring the price of tickets down and make all welcome at the theater. Please God, let one new, thrilling voice of an unknown playwright be heard throughout the land. Thanks a lot. That’s all for now.” Now one of these prayers has been answered…
Chilling Effect: PBS Bleeps Profanity Out Of Documentaries
“Scenes of war on PBS in which soldiers use profanity have been cut or elaborately avoided in two upcoming Frontline documentaries. According to the journalists and PBS executives responsible, these edits have been made for one reason: fear of the Federal Communications Commission.”
FCC: Link Between Commercials And What Kids Eat?
The FCC is planning a study to see if there’s a relationship between TV commercials and overeating in children. “Judging by the sheer volume of media and advertising that children consume on a daily basis, and given alarming trends in childhood obesity, we’re facing a public health problem that will only get worse unless we take action.”
Jopling Expands His London Gallery
London dealer Jay Jopling is upgrading his iconic White Cube gallery in London wih a $20 million makeover. “The 12,500-square-foot building in Mason’s Yard, resembling a little Whitney Museum, opens on Sept. 29 with an exhibition and sale of works by Mexico’s Gabriel Orozco.”
Twenty-one Hitler Paintings Sold
“The sale yesterday raised more than double the 50,000 pounds expected by the paintings’ Belgian owners. The highest bid was for a painting called ‘The Church of Preux-au-Bois,’ which sold for 10,500 pounds.”
Taking The Safe Road, Or Kneeling Before Terrorists?
Deutsche Oper’s decision to cancel a revival of a 2003 production of Mozart’s Idomeneo for fear that a scene depicting Mohammed would inflame Muslims is proving to be front page news in Germany. “Everywhere the charge Kniefall vor Terroristen – kneeling before terrorists – has cropped up,” and Deutsche Oper director Kirstin Harms has come in for some vicious criticism.
No, It’s Not Adam Sandler In A Dress
Classical music organizations have been looking for ways to broaden their audience for years, but opera companies have frequently been the most reluctant to introduce anything that might offend their notoriously tradition-bound audiences. So this definitely qualifies as news: Pittsburgh Opera has unveiled the Opera Lady, an expert in the form who makes herself available to audiences both at performances and over the internet, answering questions, explaining operatic oddities, and generally trying to make the whole experience more fun.
Chomsky Book Still Riding High After Chavez Plug
The Venezuelan leader held up Noam Chomsky’s book last week at the UN. It soared to No. 1 on Amazon, “and publisher Henry Holt last week announced a new printing of 25,000. On Wednesday, with Chomsky at No. 2 on Amazon, another 25,000 paperback copies were commissioned.”