FIGHTING THE DOT-COMMIES

San Francisco’s dotcom companies are hiring guards to protect their offices, which have recently been vandalized by protestors. “The uprising against “dot-commies”, who are blamed by residents for ruining the city’s mellow reputation and artistic heritage, is led by two protest groups, the Yuppie Eradication Project and AARGG! (All Against Ruthless Greedy Gentrification).” – The Telegraph (UK) 10/08/00

A PLAN FOR BUILDINGS THAT MATTER

British Prime Minister Tony Blair called a meeting last week to talk turkey about English architecture. By moving design center stage, he was making the “implicit promise of a new generation of social security offices, barracks, embassies and primary schools that would make Britain a byword for great architecture. It would, so Blair and his advisers blithely promised, have the effect not just of producing good buildings, but also of saving money and producing a healthier, happier society.” – The Observer (UK)

THEMATICALLY SPEAKING…

Earlier this year the Tate (Modern and Britain) arranged the artwork in their galleries thematically rather than in the more traditional chronological order. Curators and critics have been debating the trend of showing art this way, even as more museums adopt the idea. Does it increase understanding or muddy the conversation? – The Telegraph (UK)

SAN JOSE DANCE IS BORN

From the ashes of failure in Cleveland, the Cleveland San Jose Ballet company is reborn this week as a new company in San Jose. “It is the latest and most important chapter in a tale of artistic integrity and civic pride, of all-American optimism and resourcefulness, of triumph. What could have been a major tragedy for dance in the Bay Area – and what in fact was a senseless loss for Cleveland – has been turned into a major victory for American culture.” – San Francisco Chronicle