“Stories can be a way for humans to feel that we have control over the world. They allow people to see patterns where there is chaos, meaning where there is randomness. … But why start telling stories in the first place? Their usefulness in understanding others is one reason, but another theory is that storytelling could be an evolutionary mechanism that helped keep our ancestors alive.”
Tag: 11.02.14
What’s With The Surge In Jazz-Bashing?
“Jazz doesn’t get much coverage in the mainstream media, and hasn’t for many years. But something strange has happened during the last four months. Over a period of just a few weeks, a host of high profile periodicals have published smug, scornful dismissals of the music. Is this just coincidence, or has something changed in the cultural dialogue?”
Another Way Of Thinking About Attention Deficit Disorder
“From the standpoint of teachers, parents and the world at large, the problem with people with A.D.H.D. looks like a lack of focus and attention and impulsive behavior. But if you have the “illness,” the real problem is that, to your brain, the world that you live in essentially feels not very interesting.”
Jon Stewart Makes A Movie About Iranian Prison Torture
In a Q&A, the fake-news superstar talks about writing and directing his first feature film (“I’m pretty sure that’s a Guild rule, that as the director, they have to listen to you. As long as your beret is on at 45 degrees.”), the rumors about hosting Meet the Press, and what The Daily Show can and can’t accomplish.
“Macbeth” Yanked From Turkish State Theater After Gov’t Officials Actually See The Play
A group of officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism attended the production in Ankara last Tuesday and reportedly stalked out without applauding; the play was promptly replaced on the schedule. Last month the now-former director of Turkey’s State Theaters resigned, complaining of censorship by the Culture Ministry.
Do You Know How To Read Poetry?
“6. If you don’t know a word, look it up or die.”
Training Paramedics, Nurses, And Doctors In Dance (And Theatre … And Mime)
“Dance could help nursing staff create a better environment for patients. ‘Someone said to me once, 60% of our communication is non-verbal, so being aware of your physical presence, how you move and carry yourself and the energy you give out can set the tone in a ward.'”
Top Posts From AJBlogs 11.02.14
The “Strange Fruit” Radio Drama
AJBlog: RiffTides Published 2014-11-02
You can’t spell culture without “cult”
AJBlog: Life’s A Pitch Published 2014-11-02
Is European Arts Funding Doomed?
AJBlog: CultureCrash Published 2014-10-31
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That Time A Singer Found A Spider Living In Her Ear (You Might Want To Remove Your Earbuds Now)
“The singer said she had been bothered by a rustling sound in her ear and went to the doctor, who used a micro-vacuum cleaner to remove the creature.”
Ten Years On, Theo Van Gogh’s Murder Still Haunts The Netherlands
A decade ago Sunday, the filmmaker, media figure and right-wing provocateur was shot and had his throat slit by a young Moroccan Dutchman who claimed he was defending the name of Allah. “In this tidy country of 17 million, which prides itself on tolerance, the murder opened a raw and polarizing debate … which is still raging.”