“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.”
Month: November 2014
Here’s What Happens When You And Your Colleague Play Conjoined Twins
As Emily Padgett and Erin Davie have played Daisy and Violet Hilton in Side Show – in San Diego, D.C. and now on Broadway – “they find they often say the same word at the same time, or move in the same way, or arrive at rehearsal dressed alike. Crew members call them by the wrong names daily.”
Why You Should Never Quit Reading A Novel Midway Through
Juliet Lapidos makes the case for why it’s good for you – maybe even important – to finish that book.
Chili Kamikazes: Doomed Orchestra Eats Ghost Peppers While Playing; Video Goes Viral
“In a ‘Jackass goes classical” video, the musicians [of the Danish National Chamber Orchestra] pause after the famously histrionic opening bars of Jacob Gade’s Tango Jalousie to pop the outrageously fiery peppers into their mouths. … Quite why they agreed to the painful challenge is unclear although the fact the orchestra is being disbanded this month after 75 years may have been a factor.”
More Pressure On Arts Council England To Spread Funding Beyond London
“The [House of] Commons culture, media and sport select committee highlights a truth which has long been generally acknowledged: the capital gets a disproportionately high share of cash, whether lottery or grant-in-aid, from Arts Council England.”
More Arts Funding For The Provinces? Why, That’s Just “Glib London-Bashing” (Sh** Boris Johnson Says)
Quoth the Lord Mayor: “London is one of the great world cities for culture, attracting visitors in the millions which helps generate billions the economy of the whole country. Sacrificing this particular golden goose for a bit of glib London-bashing will do little to improve cultural provision in the regions and would be an act of sabotage for one of our country’s greatest assets.”
Christopher Barron To Leave As Head Of Birmingham Royal Ballet
“We have created a record number of new ballets, grown Birmingham Royal Ballet’s access to UK and overseas audiences and deepened the company’s relationship with the communities of Birmingham and other cities it visits. Significantly, we have ridden the economic storm.”
Hollywood Filmmakers Fall In Love With Drones
“Under the new rules, drones can be used only on sets that are closed to the public and cannot be operated at night. Operators must have private pilot certificates, keep the drones within their line of sight and below an altitude of 400 feet.”
Prominent Russian Actor Critical Of Putin Found Dead
“The actor was a part of Putin opposition group United Civil Front, took part in many street demonstrations and often penned blog posts with a passionate message toward Putin and his supporters.”
The New Hollywood Assistants (Millennials Breaking The Mold)
“The image earned by decades of tradition — that of the well-groomed, highly educated automaton living to serve an abusive boss’ every whim in exchange for an invitation into the industry club — has given way to a new breed of assistant: gentler, more self-involved and not necessarily motivated by such time-honored enticements as money, fast cars and power.”