In the final big awards before the Oscars, bookies have tipped the odds toward 12 Years A Slave.
Archives for February 16, 2014
The U.S. Is Weak On Public Intellectuals. Why Not Turn To Universities?
“It’s not just that America has marginalized some of its sharpest minds. They have also marginalized themselves.”
What Has ‘Riverdance’ Done For (Or To) Irish Dance?
“In this exuberant subculture, a centuries-old practice has evolved into a tightly regulated hybrid of art, sport and beauty pageant for which many dancers, regardless of their heritage, train with the drive of professional athletes.”
Star Of ‘Juno’ And ‘Inception’ Comes Out For Valentine’s Day
“‘I am here today because I am gay,’ the 26-year-old actress from Halifax said in an emotional speech at the Time to THRIVE conference in Las Vegas. ‘Maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time.'”
Internet Trolls Are Actually Pretty Terrible People (Shocker!)
They often show all of the traits of the “Dark Tetrad: Machiavellianism (willingness to manipulate and deceive others), narcissism (egotism and self-obsession), psychopathy (the lack of remorse and empathy), and sadism (pleasure in the suffering of others).”
Can Theatre Audiences Handle Poetry Onstage?
“Poetry doesn’t have such a great reputation in the theatre, although I reckon that’s changing. Even 17th-century rhyming couplets can be made to sound wonderfully conversational and witty in great translations.” And, well, Shakespeare.
Comparing Netflix To Its British Rivals
Yes, Netflix has rivals, especially outside of the U.S. – some long-established, some new but with big current-run movie advantages. But which is best?
John Henson, Son Of Muppets Inventor Jim Henson, Dies At 48
“John Henson sometimes performed as Sweetums, a large, hairy Muppet who towered over other puppets and humans.”
Where Do TV Shows Get Their (Often Mediocre) Art?
“TV art is headed in the right direction, but it’s been flattened. The failure of these fabricated art objects to be neither valid nor completely ridiculous means that most of the comedy comes from outside the art.”
Facebook Knows More About When You’re Falling In Love Than You Do
Check out the hard numbers: “The number of wall posts climbs and climbs—until it tumbles when things become official.”