“The development of general anaesthesia has transformed surgery from a horrific ordeal into a gentle slumber. It is one of the commonest medical procedures in the world, yet we still don’t know how the drugs work. Perhaps this isn’t surprising: we still don’t understand consciousness, so how can we comprehend its disappearance?”
Tag: 11.29.11
Why Wills Need Copy Editors: Two Israeli Orchestras Fight Over $1M Bequest
Dr. Kurt Nassau, a gemologist and tech executive, bequeathed his estate to “the Israel Symphony Orchestra.” Strictly speaking, there is no such group. So the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion are in a New Jersey court, each claiming to be the intended beneficiary.
Coming Soon: Occupy Broadway
“Theater performers and artists in New York are planning to descend on the Times Square area on Friday for a 24-hour occupation that they are describing as ‘a form of creative resistance.’ The occupation is expected to feature continuous free performances from some noted downtown New York artists.”
Publishers Weekly Names ‘Worst Book Ever’
“In 1987, The Book Services Ltd published a slim, 144-page cookbook called Microwave for One … a book whose title and cover is so rife with sadness that one almost has the urge to brush the invisible tears from [author Sonia] Allison’s face as she leans over her microwave and her food spread.”
The Great Global Art Fraud Scheme
“Thousands of art and antiques dealers, fair organisers and auction houses have been targeted in a global extortion scam that involves victims being subjected to months – and even years – of threatening demands for money.”
UNESCO Lists Endangered Cultural Traditions
“Mexican mariachi music, Chinese shadow puppetry and poetic duelling from Cyprus were among the cultural traditions which have been identified by the United Nations as in need of protection.”
A New Culture War Brewing In Canada?
“After the witch hunt against the CBC, who’s next? Museums, obviously. And then what? Theatres and publishers who receive grants from the government? Every TV show produced in Canada with the help of taxpayer money?”
Esa-Pekka Salonen Wins Prestigious Grawemeyer Award For New Music
“A farewell to Los Angeles, the concerto was completed and premiered in 2009 during Salonen’s emotional final weeks as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It has since been played around the world.”
Charlotte Church Testifies That “Press Lies” Have Wrecked Her Career
“I’ve been made a caricature for so long, and this person portrayed in the tabloids really isn’t me,” she told the committee in calm, measured tones. “It’s not the person I am, and it’s had a massive impact on my career. As an artist, I find it hard to be taken seriously because my credibility has been blown to bits.”
National Study: Alarming Drop In Theatre Subscriptions
“Between 2006 and 2010, the report (released Monday) says, national subscription income dropped by an eye-catching 15.1%. Some 14% fewer subscription tickets were sold and the closely watched subscriber base dropped by 15%.”