The atheist firebrand and author of The God Delusion “will write a book aimed at youngsters where he will discuss whether stories like the successful JK Rowling series have a ‘pernicious’ effect on children… [Dawkins] says he intends to look at the effects of ‘bringing children up to believe in spells and wizards’.”
Tag: 10.25.08
Having Vanquished Religion, Richard Dawkins Turns
Bayreuth Festival Makes Rare Overseas Trip – To Abu Dhabi
Last weekend Christian Thielemann conducted Bayreuth’s orchestra and soloists in Act I of Die Walküre in a very rare appearance by the company outside Europe. The concert was a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to make itself into the cultural capital of the Persian Gulf.
Theatre Free For All
There may not be free lunch, but last week, all across the country, there was free theater. More than 600 non-profit theaters in 120 cities offered a Free Night of Theater, to hook new audiences.
Jordanian Writer Charged With Blasphemy
“A Jordanian writer was charged this week with insulting Islam after incorporating verses of the Koran into a book of love poetry, Grace like a Shadow, that he printed in June without government approval, his lawyer said.”
Surprise: Hollywood Feeling The Recession
“In past downturns, Hollywood earned a reputation for being “recession-proof” as U.S. consumers’ movie spending kept growing steadily. This time, the industry is coming off three years of nearly flat spending, and there are cracks in its armor: Home video sales slipped this month as consumer confidence fell again amid rising unemployment and a crashing stock market.”
The Philosophical Explanation Of Humor
While there can be laughter without humour – tickling, embarrassment, nitrous oxide and vengeful exultation have been known to bring it forth – there cannot be humour without laughter. That, at any rate, is what contemporary philosophers think.