Sad to learn that former New York Senator and U.N. ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan passed away today. Considered “one of the nation’s best thinkers among politicians since Lincoln” Moynihan was also a tireless advocate of good urban design.
From Metropolis magazine:
To Moynihan, getting things built (and built well) is all part of the job and the responsible exercise of power in a democratic society. He often quotes Thomas Jefferson’s dictum that “design activity and political thought are indivisible.” As if on cue, he offers this quotation as a response when I ask him to explain how and why architecture has played so prominent a role in his political career. Then, with a professorial gesture–chin up and drawn in, eyeglasses tilting forward on cheeks that can still be called cherubic–he launches into another of his favorite related topics: the history of Washington, D.C., in particular Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s ambitious city plan, which famously built symbols of the democratic experiment into the layout of the streets and major buildings. “The idea of Washington,” Moynihan points out, “was an architectural idea, a design idea.” Continue reading…
Read Fast Company article “The Architecture of Hope”
March 26th, 2003
In the tradition of Gandhi, Thoreau, and Dr. Martin Luther King, South Austin’s graffiti artists are escalating their unique form of civil disobedience.
“I actually kind of struggle with it,” admits one tagger. 
“I mean, taxpayer dollars used to ‘buff’ my pieces could be spent on a better mass transit system or to house the homeless, but I will no longer be ignored. I’ve got something to say, yo.”
His message? “Vomit.” The oversized, colorful letters have been spray-painted on various urban surfaces south of the river: utility boxes, street posts, stop signs, overpasses, and run-down buildings.
“The first time I saw the artwork I put down the cell phone and eased the car to the curb,” acknowleged motorist Emilia Garc
March 25th, 2003
As you know, there are several hundred journalists “embedded” with the troops in Iraq. I’m trying to compile a list of some of the diaries, photo journals, and weblogs that these journalists are producing. In particular, I’m looking for accounts of interactions with Iraqi civilians and soldiers as well as stories about our troops (who they are, what they are experiencing, etc. ) The following coverage was found on CyberJournalist.net. If you know of any excellent sites please mention them via adding a comment.
PilotOnline, Gregg Ramshaw, Gideon Yago, Christian Science Monitor dispatches, Poynter.org, ArmyFamilyJournal, Navy Spouse, Bridge to the Front, Dana Kaye
March 22nd, 2003
With 20% more rootin’ tootin’, this year’s Cowboy Breakfast was a success, partner! Hard to believe that hundreds of anti-war demonstrators marched under a hovering police helicopter (the rally resulted in 50 arrests and liberal use of pepper spray, I understand), about a block away last night. Voted “Best Place To Rustle Up Some Grub” by the Austin Chronicle, the breakfast was the place to see and be seen among the cowboy set. We enjoyed free sausage, egg biscuits, Krispy Kremes, and the company of a bevo. If lil’ rascals in ten gallon hats don’t put a smile on your face, you’re in trouble.
March 21st, 2003
This sexist Iraqi dissident named Mohammad can’t get a simple answer from a “chirping bird.” (will open audio file)
March 19th, 2003
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