“And if it be said, that continual success is a proof that a man wisely knows his powers,—it is only to be added, that, in that case, he knows them to be small.” Herman Melville, ... read more
The Science of Well-Being | Coursera
Chocolate is older than we had thought
Why are sales of fiction declining?
A Russian scientist working in Antarctica is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a colleague for telling him the endings of books he wanted to read
The world’s Scrabble champion in French cannot speak French (NYT)
21st CENTURY RELATIONSHIPS: Woman who had sex with 20 ghosts is now engaged to a spirit
In London, A Beloved Independent Cinema Decides Not To Hand Over Control To A Commercial Theatre Group
The Phoenix Cinema has been run by a trust since 1912 (when it was the East Finchley Picturedrome), but the board was ready to sell to Curzon until protests by staff and patrons, including directors Mike Leigh and Ken Loach and actor Michael Palin, convinced it that wasn't going to work. …[Read More]
Berlin’s Independent Artists Want The City’s Cultural Funding To Be Less Institutional
Ninety-five percent of the cultural budget goes towards funding big institutions—operas, theatres, and art collections—whereas the independent scene receives the remaining 5 percent for individual projects and grants. The forty to fifty thousand independent cultural workers in the city have recently demanded for this imbalance to be changed. Artists’ political engagement is often the catalyst for a strong and diverse urban democracy, and it is therefore important to understand why and how they get engaged in politics. … Read More
David Garrick, The Man Who Made Acting A Respectable Profession
He was skilled at charming his way into the circles of the great and good, and he built himself a riverside mansion for entertaining them. He was also admired for the high standards he expected of himself, his colleagues, and the operations of his theater. As Samuel Johnson once said of him, "Garrick has made a player a higher man. He lives rather as a prince than an actor." … Read More
The complete guide to cycling to work Quartz: “Cycling to work is often faster and cheaper than taking public transport, and, for the desk-bound among us, an opportunity for some fresh air and exercise at the start and end of the day. Cities around the world are making themselves more bike-friendly—but to benefit from that public investment, you need to get on your bike. Still, many of us remain daunted by the prospect of negotiating roads busy with motorists and pedestrians, avoiding potholes, and trying not to inhale fumes—not to mention the risk of not making it to the office in one piece. With a little planning and preparation, the commute on two wheels can be a safe alternative to the rush-hour subway (and a whole lot more fun, too). As Londoners and bike commuters, here’s our guide on how to do it right..”
*Crisis of confidence: a black dog stalks the public service
Alarming new research has revealed the black dog stalking the public services of Australia as their unique professional obligations are afforded less respect than in the past.
A minority government would not mean the government would fall - but it would make governing more difficult.
Joseph Stiglitz: 'America should be a warning to other countries'
In the lead-up to his Australian visit, the renowned economist warns of the triple threat of rising inequality, the undermining of democracy and climate change.
The complete guide to cycling to work Quartz: “Cycling to work is often faster and cheaper than taking public transport, and, for the desk-bound among us, an opportunity for some fresh air and exercise at the start and end of the day. Cities around the world are making themselves more bike-friendly—but to benefit from that public investment, you need to get on your bike. Still, many of us remain daunted by the prospect of negotiating roads busy with motorists and pedestrians, avoiding potholes, and trying not to inhale fumes—not to mention the risk of not making it to the office in one piece. With a little planning and preparation, the commute on two wheels can be a safe alternative to the rush-hour subway (and a whole lot more fun, too). As Londoners and bike commuters, here’s our guide on how to do it right..”
Ride the City also has route-planning maps for a variety of cities across the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, and handful of other countries. Type in your start point and finish point, and it’ll offer you a safer and more pleasant route by bike…”
*Crisis of confidence: a black dog stalks the public service
Peter
Shergold
Alarming new research has revealed the black dog stalking the public services of Australia as their unique professional obligations are afforded less respect than in the past.
What is a hung parliament and how would it affect the passage of legislation?
Anne
Twomey
A minority government would not mean the government would fall - but it would make governing more difficult.
Joseph Stiglitz: 'America should be a warning to other countries'
Gareth
Hutchens in The Guardian
In the lead-up to his Australian visit, the renowned economist warns of the triple threat of rising inequality, the undermining of democracy and climate change.