“Members of the nation’s newly empowered far right — from grass-roots organizers to federal lawmakers — say their movement would not have risen so far, so fast, without YouTube’s recommendation engine. New research has found they may be correct … [and] a New York Times investigation in Brazil found that, time and again, videos promoted by the site have upended central elements of daily life.” – The New York Times
Tag: 08.11.19
Ballet World Pushes Back Against Arts Council England’s Plan To Fund ‘Relevance’ Over Excellence
As one senior ACE executive put it this spring, “Relevance is becoming the new litmus test. It will no longer be enough to produce high-quality work.” Now many ballet company execs, choreographers, and dancers are trying to convince ACE to drop or modify the plan. One told this paper, “This idea has been dreamt up by people who simply don’t understand reality. They mean well, but they’ll end up putting us out of business.” Few of these figures will speak out publicly, though Matthew Bourne tweeted, “Is giving pleasure not enough anymore?” – The Telegraph (UK)
How They Design The Cards For ‘Magic: The Gathering’
“Mark [Rosewater, head designer,] explains how, once he and his team come up with the creative concept for a particular Magic set, there are lots of other things to think about. They have to figure out not only how that deck works on its own, but also how it fits into a game that has tens of thousands of cards already out there — not to mention all the various ways the massive fan base can play with those cards. The calculations are so complex that they even have a full-time economist on staff.” (podcast) – Slate
In Russia, Stand-Up Comedy Is New. Female Comedians Are Very New — But They’re Catching On
“Slowly at first — but now in increasing numbers — Russian female comics are taking to the stage to challenge the status quo. Embedded in the humor are also serious reckonings on their countrymen’s grip on power, both in the Kremlin and over their personal lives.” – The Washington Post
Metro DC’s National Philharmonic Is Officially Saved From Bankruptcy
“On Saturday afternoon, the orchestra’s board voted unanimously for a transition plan … which calls for the exit of the orchestra’s top leadership [and] brings a temporary close to weeks of tension between the orchestra’s musicians and senior administration.” – The Washington Post
Alvin Ailey Company At 60
“You have to remember you’re taking care of a legacy that has history.” – CBSNews
Borne on the Winds
The gray-haired man standing outside Jacob’s Pillow’s Ted Shawn Theater during intermission is explaining his reaction to Andrea Miller’s Boat to two attentive listeners. The members of her company, Gallim, he says, never stand still! He can’t get over that. – Deborah Jowitt
“Heedlessly Controversial” — Remembering Oscar Levant
That Levant was what he seemed was doubtless a key to his appeal. His authenticity has never appeared more exceptional: no present-day mainstream media personality – not even our President — is as heedlessly controversial as was Levant every time he opened his mouth. – Joe Horowitz
Bob Wilber, RIP
We have learned that the superlative clarinetist and soprano saxophonist Bob Wilber died at his home in England earlier this month. – Doug Ramsey
JD Salinger Joins The Digital Revolution
In an effort to keep his father’s books in front of a new generation of readers, the younger Mr. Salinger is beginning to ease up, gradually lifting a cloud of secrecy that has obscured the life and work of one of America’s most influential and enigmatic writers. – The New York Times