“Rather than conceiving them under a rubric of disciplines, we are developing the ‘big idea’ that the enterprise entire is the study of the different ways that human beings have chosen or been able to live their lives as human beings.”
Month: October 2015
Sesame Street’s First Autistic Character Is A Big Deal, Yes – But Maybe Not For The Reasons You Think
Inclusiveness? Teaching kids to accept difference? Sesame Street has always done that. “Put simply: in 2015, everyone has heard of autism. Sesame Street did not have to do much explaining about why Julia is different (and the same), and why she was joining the cast.” This was not always the case …
Parents, This Is Why Not To Push Your Kids To Become Child Prodigy Musicians
“‘For every ten students, one will attempt suicide, one will become mentally ill, two will become alcoholics, two will slam doors and jettison the violin out the window, three will work as violinists, and perhaps one will become a soloist.’ For aspiring violinists and their parents – including Wagner herself – those are not good chances. Why would anyone choose that kind of life?”
Oregon’s Salem Chamber Orchestra Cancels All Concerts, Considers Bankruptcy
“Salem Chamber Orchestra has canceled the three remaining concerts of its 2015-2016 season. The board came to this decision during the past week and is seeking legal counsel to discuss a potential bankruptcy. Teresa Cox, interim executive director, could not confirm whether the 31-year-old nonprofit is dissolving.”
Buried Treasure: 3,500-Year-Old Tomb, Complete With Gold And Precious Stones, Found Intact In Greece
“The warrior’s grave belongs to a time and place that give it special significance. He was buried around 1500 B.C., next to the site on Pylos on which, many years later, arose the palace of Nestor, a large administrative center that was destroyed in 1180 B.C., about the same time as Homer’s Troy. The palace was part of the Mycenaean civilization; from its ashes, classical Greek culture arose several centuries later.”
Delusions Of Candor: How Gore Vidal Fooled Us (And Himself)
“In the course of more than half a century, his quips, aphorisms, insults, and punch lines amounted to a self-portrait, airbrushed so as to highlight his favorite warts: Olympian detachment, patrician hauteur. It was an act, a put-on – perhaps the most effective double bluff in the history of literary P.R.”
There Are Those Who Think Snoopy Ruined ‘Peanuts’ – Here’s Why They’re Wrong
Yes, it seems Charlie Brown’s beagle really irked some folks. (Daniel Mendelsohn: “[He’s] so self-involved, he doesn’t even realize he’s not human.” Sarah Boxer begs to differ: “Snoopy may be shallow in his way, but he’s also deep, and in the end deeply alone, as deeply alone as Charlie Brown is. Grand though his flights are, many of them end with his realizing that he’s tired and cold and lonely and that it’s suppertime.”
Confessions Of A White Writer Who Used A Latino Pen Name
“I’ve been struggling with ‘coming out’ for a long time. I didn’t know how. I considered quietly disappearing, which is easier to do online than it is in real life. But disappearing isn’t owning up to what I’ve done, and this issue is bigger than I am. A friend suggested that I do the opposite of disappear – make a public statement. Here’s my best attempt.”
Should Literary Journals Charge Writers Just To Read Their Work? (No)
“Publications are increasingly charging fees to consider submissions – a practice that’s bad for the writing community at every level.”
John Cameron Mitchell’s Journey From Reaganite To Punk Queen
“As Hedwig prepares a national tour, its creator talks with our editors about the show’s genesis, ’90s New York, and socialist project management.”