“For much of the last century, educators and many scientists believed that children could not learn math at all before the age of five, that their brains simply were not ready. But recent research has turned that assumption on its head — that, and a host of other conventional wisdom about geometry, reading, language and self-control in class.”
Tag: 12.20.09
Boom In Boston Nutcracker Box Office Fuels Scalpers
“Boston Ballet has seen a boom in “Nutcracker” sales this season. It has sold 64,821 tickets so far for the production, which runs through Dec. 27. That’s 10,000 more than last year at this time. But success has come at a cost. Online ticket brokers have been snapping up Opera House seats, leaving patrons with little choice but to pay as much as three times face value for a ticket.”
Vanvcouver Symphony Refuses To Mime Performance At Opening Ceremonies
“Vancouver’s Olympic organizing committee has apologized for putting the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra “in a difficult position” after asking other musicians to mime its work during the 2010 Games opening ceremonies.”
The Downside Of Top 10 Year End Lists
The basic rationale makes perfect sense, of course: No one can read or see or listen to or think about everything, thus we critics rush into the room and wave our arms over our heads and shout, “Stand back, everyone, we’ve got this covered! Listen up!” Another part of me, though, fiercely and irrationally despises the “Best” lists that appear at year’s end.
2009: Contemporary Art Sales Declined 75 Percent
“Annual sales of contemporary art slumped 75 percent at the two largest auction houses’ evening sales in 2009 after they abandoned price guarantees to sellers. Worldwide auction sales of contemporary art grew more than eightfold between 2003 and 2007, according to French database Artprice.”
Washington DC Shows Serious Renewal Of Choral Activity
“If volunteer choruses are serving as a canary in the coal mine, the air appears to be better than we thought. Because if old choruses are closing, new ones are springing up to replace them — with far smaller budgets and more flexible organizations.”
Tipping Point For E-Books?
“Is the e-book reader about to experience its iPod moment of explosion? Not this Christmas, but perhaps next, the universally popular present may be one of the competing models.”
Broadway Theatre Cleaners Agree To New Contract
“The new deal will improve health-care coverage for roughly 240 workers employed at more than 30 shows in the theater district. The pact also calls for pay raises, which will begin in the second year of the agreement, and a better pension package.”
The State Of Seattle Theatre, 2009 Edition
“The stage bounty of 2009 is a vibrant reminder: A scene this rich in excellent local actors and other stage artists, with droves of avid theatergoers, is worth patronizing, protecting and investing in.”
Why The Movie Industry Is A Mess
“The last decade has witnessed the studios’ gradual and nearly complete abandonment of the adult audience. You may or may not trust anyone over 30, but the reality is that getting people in that age group into movie theaters on a regular basis has become too herculean a task for Hollywood to attempt on a regular basis.”