Newspaper Commentaries Research Articles

The Nature of Dance Scholarship: The Critic's Task

There might seem no immediate link between the detailed research and careful gathering of information by the dance scholar and the critic's task. If, like me, he writes for daily newspaper, the critic's work often requires hasty exit from the theatre and the production of perhaps 800 words within an hour, or less, of curtain fall words which have to withstand the harsh light of morning though then, like wilis, they fade into nothingness. But there is link, nor merely because certain amount of dance scholarship will necessitate the culling of past notices, just as ephemeral if not as swiftly done as those of the critic today. In them, whatever the faults of judgment, the immediacy of the critic's response is relevant in its aptness to the moment. Dancing of the past lives again for us as we read Gautier or Janin or Geoffroy. The turn of dancer's head, the quick stretch of limb, are suddenly summoned from the depths of time. Casanova (no critic he!) brings Le Grand Dupre before our eyes in Les Fetes Venitiennes; Andre Levinson tells us much about Trefilova; even the lowliest and least informed newspaper commentary evokes the dance-past, as we can see in Nesta MacDonald's collation of press comment in her Diaghilev Observed. The daily critic is offering, as Virgil Thompson observed, a picture of what went on. (So is the caricaturist: the Legat brothers' portraits of Maryinsky Theatre artists, the Chalon caricatures, Thackeray's Taglioni, and Gillray and Rowlandson's French dancers at the King's Theatre, are examples of brilliant and credible reportage). Ideally, he will have sense of history. That awareness of the past reinforcing present opinion is what I admire so greatly in the writing of Andre Levinson, Valerian Svetlov and Andre Schaikevich (all Russian emigres, and bringing rich treasure of St Petersburg scholarship to the West), and in the criticisms of Cyril Beaumont, the exemplar of the scholar critic. It can be appreciated, too, in the

The Newspapers Comments about “Forestry White paper”

The Newspapers Comments about “Forestry White paper”

The Virginal Conception of Jesus in the New Testament

THE VIRGINAL conception of Jesus by Mary has recently become the topic of discussion in American Roman Catholic circles. There have been comments in diocesan newspapers and reports of the dismay of the Mariological Society in the U.S.A., and there have been references to the discussion of this topic in many and varied Roman Catholic circles in Europe, in technical theological periodicals, and in not a few specifically devoted to Mariology. The discussion ranges far at times, involving systematic theologians as well as exegetes, and in at least one instance a national conference of bishops. The issue involves the virginal conception of Jesus, i.e., whether He was historically conceived by Mary who was and remained bodily a virgin in the process, or, in other words, whether He was conceived without the intervention of human seed. It is necessary to be precise about this, because in popular writing and sometimes in Protestant theological treatment or in Roman Catholic discussions in other modern languages the question has been referred to as the Virgin Birth. This mode of reference may be defensible, for it is based on early credal formulas, such as natus ex Maria virgine. But it should be avoided in technical discussions, because it is often ambiguous. The ambiguity comes from a different notion in Catholic tradition which asserts that Mary remained a virgin even at the time of Jesus' birth (i.e., that His birth was miraculous, or caused no rupture of the hymen or other bodily lesions). The notion of the virginal parturition has no basis in Scripture and comes from post-NT and patristic writings; it even acquired status in Mariology. 2 But because of this development it is better to avoid the term

The Englishman in Kansas (review)

184CIVIL WAR HISTORY the Virginia Military Institute faculty. The major portion of the volume , though, is devoted to the General's Civil War campaigns. The final chapter is entitled "Assessment." Stonewall Jackson as Military Commander is good military history written by a capable professional, but unfortunately the reader will find in it little that is new of even controversial. In the valley campaign Jackson "displayed strategic and tactical skill of the highest order . . ." (p. 95) but his "part in the Seven Days' Battles did not match up to the reputation he had gained in the valley (p. 119)." Lee won the Battle of Chancellorsville "thanks to his own skill, and the spectacular genius of his principal lieutenant. ... (p. 202)." To the author Jackson "was more than a Cromwell. It would be fairer, he writes, "to call him an American Napoleon (p. 221)." Interesting illustrations and useful maps do, however, add to the value of the work. John G. Barrett Virginia Military Institute The Englishman in Kansas. By T. H. Gladstone. Introduction by Frederick Law Olmsted. Foreword by James A. Rawley. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1971. Pp. lxvi, 328. $6.50.) Thomas Gladstone, a junior correspondent for the London Times, visited the United States in 1856. Aroused by the mass of contradictory assertions on the Kansas question, Gladstone went to that territory in the midst of its severest battles between pro-slavery and free-state forces and has left us a remarkable set of observations. Gladstone, having grown up in England, was not steeped in the emotionalism of the American quarrel over slavery, but he was far from an impartial observer. Abolition was a cause which many Englishmen had made their own, and the London Times, according to the authoritative history "yielded to none in its hatred of slavery." Indeed preconceptions allowed Times reporter Gladstone to pass the following typical judgment: "Among all the scenes of violence that I witnessed, it is remarkable that the offending parties were invariably on the proslavery side (p. 64)." And there is not a single reference to John Brown. Still Gladstone correctly predicted that Kansas would be a free state. He was also aware that much of the fighting in Kansas, as modem research has confirmed, was more over land, less over slavery and even less over black freedom. His reportage suggests that violent incidents occured with chilling impunity, and his observations make credible the hypothesis that mob action is often carefully planned. Gladstone had a good eye for revealing commentary in local newspapers. For example, he quotes the editor of the Kickapoo Pioneer, who in referring to freestate men, wrote: "Wc know of no better method, than for every man BOOK REVIEWS185 who loves his country and the laws by which he is governed, to . . . kill off this Godforsaken class of humanity." Gladstone's writings are also valuable for their vivid depiction of the "Western way of life." He describes in some detail both rural and urban settings, juxtaposing in each the rough life of the frontier and the dynamism of nascent capitalism. His report on a visit to the Sioux and other observations on Indian tribes, while generally condescending, favorably contrast "savage" existence with the civilization of lawless whites. This reprint of the increasingly rare Englishman in Kansas is a welcome source for students of ante-bellum America. James A. Rawley supplies an adequate forward, but the omission of an index is unfortunate. Gerald Sorin State University of New York, New Paltz Sarmiento's Travels in the United States in 1847. Translation and introductory essay by Michael Aaron Rockland. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1970. Pp. xiii, 330. $9.50.) The publication of this work makes available for the first time a complete English edition of the account of Argentina's Domingo Faustine Sarmiento's first trip to the United States. In his introduction Professor Rockland provides the reader with a very useful summary of Sarmiento's career as writer, revolutionary, educator and political leader, with special emphasis on his relationship with the United States. Sarmiento came to the United States in 1847 as part of a study tour to assist the government of Chile in establishing a modem system of public education...

Online forums, audience participation and modes of political discussion: readers’ comments on the Brazilian presidential election as a case study

The Internet has created new “dialogical spaces”1 where issues of common concern can be discussed, serving to democratize the public sphere. However, some scholars express doubts about the quality of the debates that occur in the online environment, pointing out the fragmentation, the incivility or even the anonymity as major problems that may undermine the expansion of the online public sphere.
 As a potential deliberative section and a civic forum, readers’ comments in newspapers’ websites constitute a locus for public debate and ideas exchange provided by the mainstream media. As a case study, this article intends to assess the quality of audience participation in online news sites, by analysing the readers’ comments in the news about the Brazilian presidential campaign (September-November 2010) in the online versions of two Portuguese newspapers.

Problems in Evaluating Soviet Education

The factors which must be considered for making reasonably valid generalizations about the accomplishments of Soviet education are multiple and complex, a situation which has not limited the flow of reports. Excluding newspaper commentary, about 300 articles, booklets, and books on Soviet education were published in the United States in the post-Sputnik period 1957-1960; perhaps somewhat less, but a substantial number were published in 1960-1963. An uncomfortably large number of these reports appear lacking when measured against standards of adequate development of source materials and valid criteria for evaluation.

The First Ten Years of the Transistor

The technology in which it was to be used was already about 85 years old when Bardeen, Brattain and Shockley discovered the transistor ten years ago, This circumstance has led to an unusual course of development and application, The transistor has affected the technical and commercial growth of electronics and communications more quickly than might have been expected from the somewhat offhand newspaper comments of July 1, 1948. (The news story about the transistor was carried on page 46 in one famous case).

ARE WE LOSING OUT IN NUCLEAR POWER?

Subdivision of Nuclear Technology Formed by ACS Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry CONTROVERSY and strong difference of opinion on most topics are part and parcel of the Washington political scene. The question of whether the United States is losing its commanding position in the development of nuclear power is no exception. Among those who know the facts, there are opposing points of view including, according to newspaper comments, those of members of the Atomic Energy Commission. With experts in disagreement, is it any wonder that the public is confused and disturbed One vocal group insists that the U. S. is falling behind quite rapidly in the international atomic power race and that the Soviets and nations which the Soviets are aiding are outstripping us. Lewis L. Strauss, AEC Chairman, speaking recently at commencement exercises at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, criticized proposals that the Government finance major atomic power plants. He strongly objects to ...

William Faulkner’s Works in Germany to 1940: Translations and Criticism

William Faulkner’s Works in Germany to 1940: Translations and Criticism

The Bradlaugh-Besant trial and the english newspapers

Summary An account is given of comments in contemporary newspapers of the Bradlaugh-Besant trial and the significance of the trial in the development of the birth-control movement is assessed.

Land Settlement in Queensland: A Review

T is gratifying to note that in the period reconstruction and redeployment following the Second World War Australia is not incautiously urging the settlement its empty spaces. The boosters are at it again, to be sure; but this time curbs on their exuberance are not limited to mere handful scientists crying in the wilderness. In the interval between wars Australia has become better informed about the limitations the outback, and this is true both officialdom and the lay public. The reasons? Bitter memories the I920'S and I930's, for one thing. Wider dissemination information about the unoccupied or loosely occupied parts the country, for another. And probably also growing awareness that there is no easy or one track road to national welfare and national security. Government documents, books, magazine articles, newspaper comments, and radio speeches all bear witness to the changing attitude. In illustration we shall here discuss some recent publications in the first category. They relate to Queensland, but in concept and method theyare applicable to other parts the continent. In 1944, Queensland created Bureau Investigation charged with continuously investigating and classifying the state's land and water resources, making recommendations for their development, and reporting on progress. A first technical report deals with the Channel Country the southwest comer the state,' comprising the anastomosed parts the flood plains the Mulligan, Georgina, Diamantina, and Bulloo Rivers and Cooper's Creek, a remarkable natural fattening paddock from which some the finest-quality meat in Australia has been produced. Its development has been handicapped by irregularity seasons and lack transport. Pasturage is dependent on the annual floods, and of the 57 years since 1892, 22 years have given floods so small as to be almost useless ... Five floods have completely inundated the whole flood plain . . . [and] during eight other years ... substantial portion the higher levels the flood plain. The map transportation in eastern Australia from the summary report2 (Fig. I is drawn from it) enables one to appreciate the second handicap. Cattle to be fattened come to the Channel Country from the Northern Territory and northern Queensland; they are sent to the southern states. The distances are great. The general economic setting the Channel Country is shown on the maps land use, actual and potential, accompanying the Fifth Annual Report the Bureau Investigation.3 The maps are in color, on the scale 60 miles to the inch, and they reveal with admirable clarity the essentially pastoral character the state-the narrow, interrupted belt cultivation along the east coast; the broad sheep area roughly between the 5and 20-inch rainfall lines; and the cattle country to the east, north, and south.

The Suppression of Radio and Newspaper Comment on Pending Criminal Trials

The Suppression of Radio and Newspaper Comment on Pending Criminal Trials

The Sullivan Expedition of 1779: Contemporary Newspaper Comment. Part I. Preliminary Correspondence and Raids; Part II. Indian Participants, Broadhead's Expedition, Battle of Chemung; Part III. Battle of Newtown, Genesee--Return; Part IV. The Conclusion and Bibliography

The Sullivan Expedition of 1779: Contemporary Newspaper Comment. Part I. Preliminary Correspondence and Raids; Part II. Indian Participants, Broadhead's Expedition, Battle of Chemung; Part III. Battle of Newtown, Genesee--Return; Part IV. The Conclusion and Bibliography

The Public Service and the Professional Social Scientist

scientists should participate in the public service and the effect of such participation on the quality of the service. Relatively little has been said as to the influence of the public service on the social scientist. It is true, there have been newspaper comments from time to time concerning the necessity of maintaining a spirit of academic detachment or a contact with the realities of social life, but for the most part these comments have been offhand; and there has been little attention given to systematic reflection on the subject. It is proposed, therefore, to consider some of the consequences for the social scientist himself of active participation in the federal, state, and local civil service. The question, briefly put, may be stated, what does the public service do for the social scientist?

The Operation of the Direct Primary in Indiana

direct primary. Newspaper comments following a primary election in Indiana bear witness that the average editor is inclined to condemn the primary on this ground. Light Vote Cast, or Only 50 Per cent Vote, and similar headlines have given the general impression that there is no interest in the primary. Such, however, is not the case. A statistical analysis of Indiana primary returns, from vote for state officers down to the vote in townships and precincts, reveals an astonishing interest in the primary wherever the candidates nominated at such primaries have a chance of success in the election.

The Library World Volume 13 Issue 4

THE Thirty‐third Library Association Conference was distinguished by several features, of which special mention may be made of the social side, the President's address, and the Trans‐Atlantic representatives. On the whole the business side was dull, and to a majority of those present, unproductive. None of the papers possessed novelty or special inspiration, and the discussions were just about the usual level. The attempt to make the meeting important in the public eye was only partially successful, if one may judge by the newspaper comments which accompanied and followed the Conference. Only Dr. Kenyon's vigorous defence of municipal libraries appears to have created interest; and for the time being, at anyrate, he seems to have laid the fiction bogey. His figures showing the work of the municipal libraries seem to have greatly impressed the journalistic community, and for once they realised that the value of these public institutions can only be ascertained by taking into account the whole of their work instead of the operations of a single department. The public meeting held on September 6th, at 8 p.m., was fairly well attended by the citizens of Exeter, and they were entertained by a series' of good addresses by Dr. Jennings of Brighton and others. The Glasgow lay delegate made up for the past reticence of Scottish members by the length and eloquence of his speech. The loss of the American slides rendered a lantern lecture impossible, but Miss Ahern's talk on American library work and ideals made up for what otherwise would have been a great disappointment. Dr. Locke, chief librarian of Toronto, spoke well, and several American librarians also addressed the meeting. Like many of the British members of the L.A., some of them possess the knack of speaking well without saying very much. This apparent paradox will bear thinking over. A paper on “Books and village children” elicited a long discussion but none of the other papers were of great interest. The annual business meeting was a mere torrent of talk, conducted by the same small ring of individuals who inflict their views on every occasion with unfailing regularity. They possess in perfection the art of effective blether which begirls and ends in mere words. To listen in a hot room to these men talking about nothing is an act of heroism for which every auditor deserves the medal of the Royal Humane Society or the Victoria Cross. The delegate to the Brussels Congress was more effective with what he concealed than with what he reported. As remarked above, the knack of saying a lot about a little is not possessed by Americans alone to the exclusion of other nations!