Thirty ultra-orthodox rabbis in Jerusalem have issued a ban on using the internet. In fact, they rule, “the computer should not be used for entertainment at all.” However, those “whose livelihood depends on it” are allowed access to the Internet in the workplace, with “the responsibility not to let others use it.” – Wired
Blog
GOVERNMENT ISSUE
Singapore government buys $600,000 Guadignini violin to promote young Singaporean violinists. Violin is loaned for three years to those chosen, with a possible three-year renewal. – Singapore Straits Times
TECH PROBLEMS PLAGUE NEW COVENT GARDEN
Tuesday’s much-anticipated opening night staging of Birtwistle’s “Gawain,” was interrupted 20 minutes into the performance when a stage manager came out to announce that a number of pieces of equipment were not working properly, and request a 30-minute recess to try and wrestle it back to order. “What was striking was the brazenness with which the young stage manager interrupted the singers and orchestra and the matter-of-factness with which he announced that Covent Garden’s much-vaunted new technology had failed yet again.” – BBC Music Magazine
THE SCIENCE OF ART
Until recently picture conservation has been a somewhat sensual, hands-on and almost medieval craft. No longer. New scientific methods unlock secrets. “When Rembrandt painted white preparatory ground on his canvases, little did he realise that some 350 years later a scientist would be interested in the tiny fossils it contained.” – Financial Times
FORGET TV, WHAT ABOUT BOOKS?
Just as TV networks have come in for criticism for not representing more minorities, publishing has similar problems. Just why are there so few African-American book agents? – New York Times
WILL SHE REMEMBER US WHEN?
Teenage singing sensation Charlotte Church was one of Britain’s most talked-about, highest-paid stars (earning about £6 million) in 1999. Now she’s abruptly fired her manager, the one who discovered her and helped make her a star. Legal action commences. – BBC
RAGTIME STAR SUES
Alton Fitzgerald White, the lead actor in Broadway’s “Ragtime,” has sued New York City and its police department, alleging that he was illegally arrested and strip-searched last July because he is black. – Boston Herald (AP)
“SURVIVOR”
Some 6000 people answered CBS’ call for participants for the real-life “Gilligan’s Island” game show. Who would want to be dropped on an island to survive the elements and each other? The show is being described as MTV’s “The Real World” meets “Lord of the Flies,” and this week 50 of those still in contention met to try and impress producers. – Philadelphia Inquirer 01/12/00
INVESTMENT STAKE
A recent change in British tax law may prove a windfall for arts groups. Donate fast-rising internet stock and save on the tax bill. This could revolutionize arts funding in the UK, writes Norman Lebrecht. – The Telegraph (UK)
GETTING AHOLD OF MODERN DANCE
“The story of western dance is in part a tale of squabbled-over dichotomies: virtuosity vs. expressiveness, dance that emphasizes mute narrative vs. dance that presents itself as movement and form.” Today one can see (and appreciate) it all. – Village Voice