In Tacoma Washington, police were alarmed by hooligans who were hangingout at the public transit center. So they’ve begun piping in classical music to get them to leave. “By playing classical music, Pierce Transit and the TPD hope to create an unpleasant environment for criminals and gangster-wannabes.”
Tag: 07.30.07
Robert Ludlum, Publishing From Beyond The Grave
“Robert Ludlum died six years ago, but that has done nothing to slow the release of books published under the name of the actor-turned-novelist who specialized in thrillers built on a foundation of paranoia. Twelve Ludlum books have been released since his death, with a 13th due out in September. The business is deployed now as a kind of film studio, presenting books completed by others or new ones written using his name.”
The Bolshoi – Back To Good Times
It wasn’t so long ago that the Bolshoi Ballet was in difficulty. “To the relief of ballet lovers worldwide, the Bolshoi has refused to disappear. And thanks to a dramatic infusion of money from newly wealthy Russians and foreign well-wishers, it has probably never been in better financial health.”
A Notorious Forger Goes Back To Work
“Ten months ago, Robert Thwaites was jailed for two years for audacious frauds that stunned and embarrassed the art world. Desperate for money, the jobbing artist created paintings and passed them off as the work of John Anster Fitzgerald (circa 1823-1906), who conjured visions of a fairyland full of menacing spirits. Released on licence but under strict supervision, he is painting once more in the style of Fitzgerald. But, older, thinner and greyer, he said he now hoped to use his skills and the additional notoriety to create a legitimate career.’
Art Of The Game (Yes It Is)
“Critics and gamers have long bickered over whether games are a form of art, on par with traditional genres like painting, poetry or novels. But now a new generation of artists are neatly inverting this debate — by making art about their experiences inside games.”
Thousands Lineup For American Idol Auditions
Auditions began in Qualcom Stadium in San Diego Monday. “A publicist for the show said 12,000 people showed up for their chance at stardom. Would-be contestants began lining up at 3 a.m. They had already spent hours in line over the weekend waiting to register for wristbands to get into the tryouts: neon yellow for singers, slate gray for supporters.”
Theatre Stars Worry About Old Vic
Stars of the English stage are voicing concern over the impending 16-month closure of Bristol’s Old Vic Theatre. “Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Stewart, Alan Rickman, Simon Curtis, Sir Derek Jacobi and Emma Thompson are among 120 signatories. It warns the Old Vic Theatre Company could ‘fade away’ while the theatre is closed for a £7m revamp.”
Barcelona Residents Protest Funding Woody Allen
“Barcelona’s city hall is providing one million euros (£673,200) and the Catalan Regional Government half a million – 10% of the film’s budget. While some officials see this as an investment, local taxpayers are not convinced.”
The Newsroom Of The Future?
No, it’s not the New York Times’ new building. The two-year-old Bloomberg newsroom is, writes Paul Goldberger, “a dazzling work environment tucked inside a refined but conventional skyscraper, designed by Cesar Pelli. Bloomberg, working with Studios Architecture and the design firm Pentagram, has produced a workspace that could not have existed ten years ago.
New Atlanta Theatre Fitted With Rare Wood (Endangered?)
Atlanta’s new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre opens in September. But is the building being fitted with wood from endangered species? “The Cobb center’s makoré wood comes from a dwindling number of trees unique to West African rain forests. Several international conservation organizations include the tree on threatened species lists and issue warnings of possible extinction. Makoré is not, however, on watch lists influenced by the U.S. timber lobby.”