In the era of the Internet, a framework that analyzed the benefits to consumers primarily through the metric of cost was no longer realistic, because, among other reasons, companies could use huge amounts of data to fine-tune what they charged particular shoppers for particular items. - The New Yorker
David Zucker: "We saw what was out there at the time, Woody Allen and Mel Brooks, and they were great, and we thought we could do that and be as funny." Jerry Zucker: "We were too naïve to know we couldn't get any of that stuff." - Salon
“I’m guessing most of the men who say they think about it all of the time are probably white, cis men. And it’s no coincidence, because the Roman Empire is one of the most patriarchal and hierarchical societies that has ever existed. It is the epitome, the pinnacle of white cis gender masculinity.” - The Conversation
"In general, Noseda is a servant of the ‘big idea’ – overarching themes that unify a series of concerts, galvanise audiences, empower musicians and attract donors." - Gramophone
Maybe AI will just amplify what’s best about humans. Maybe AI will become a buoyant tribute band for our entire species. Maybe AI will be a delight—and a force humans will be content to lose to. We’ll go down in peace. We really liked working with you, robots, and are happy you are winning. - Wired
"The structure is the latest iteration of Ban's Paper Log House model, which he developed as a quick-to-construct and affordable shelter for victims of natural disasters. … It is to be rolled out in Morocco following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake on 8 September." - Dezeen
For decades hip-hop artists have used their power as popular culture stars to influence the political sphere. As academics have begun to take notice of the power of hip-hop to inspire youth and impact social change, more and more research on the history and power of hip-hop has developed. - The Conversation
She said she was motivated to create what she calls a "safe space" for young Black dancers because "when she was a child, teachers and assistants all but punished her for not fitting the traditional ballerina mould, as if she was using her race as some kind of rebellion." - Reuters
Early eighteenth-century readers cannot necessarily have been secure in their ability to understand the books they read, and they were not necessarily encouraged to feel secure. - Lapham's Quarterly
In an overhaul of its priorities last month, Arts Council of Wales (the national funder) eliminated its entire £1.6 million annual grant to the principality's main English-language theatre. "If this funding decision stands," warns the company's management, "Wales will lose National Theatre Wales in six months’ time." - The Stage
"British greeting card company Full Colour Black and its owner Andrew Gallagher have filed a libel claim against anonymous artist Banksy in the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court over an Instagram post the British artist made in November 2022." The lawsuit could potentially require him to be named. - Artnet
"Pushkin Industries is laying off over 30% of its staff and shaking up its leadership team as the broader podcast industry continues to recalibrate after years of expensive deals and over-ambitious growth plans." - MSN (Bloomberg)
"Claire Rice, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois, ... is asking (Mayor) Johnson to tap the city’s corporate fund for nearly 35% of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events’ $81 million annual budget, an unprecedented move for a department traditionally funded primarily by other sources." - Crain's Chicago Business
He went from self-publishing a renegade gay-oriented opera fanzine, mimeographed and distributed by hand to — under the identity La Cieca — operating what The New York Times called "the most essential blog in opera," as well as reviewing more formally for several magazines and the New York Post and Observer. - OperaWire
