Wanted: artist for Centro

Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org

Centro is on a mission.  The parent company of Centro, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, says it is looking for an artist to design a work of art that will be displayed at the new bus transfer hub.  

Centro placed an ad in the Post-Standard and Syracuse.com looking for artists with ideas, but people interested must first prove they are qualified by asking for a "Request for Qualifications Package" from Centro.  Centro says all potential designs must be submitted to Centro no later than 2 p.m. March 29th.  

Centro's director for marketing and communications, Steven Koegel says artwork can help brighten a space and people's moods.  Centro says money for the project will come out of its construction funds.  

The South Salina, South Warren and East Adams Streets hub is set to open in fall of 2011.  

Earthquake moved Chilean city 10 feet

According to recent seismic data, the earthquake that struck Chile near the city of Concepción moved the city 10 feet west towards the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake struck Chile Feb. 27th and was the fifth strongest earthquake ever recorded.  

Besides moving Concepción, data also shows other cities around South American moved as well.  Santiago moved about 11 inches and Buenos Aires moved about 1 inch.

Scientist say they think the quake was caused by a increase in built-up energy between the South American and Nazca tectonic plates.  This is an area where a lot of seismic activity occurs, according to scientists.  

Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org

New York City Opera struggles, but carries on

The New York City Opera announced today plans to cut down to a five production season.  

Among the five performances the company says it plans to produce are Leonard Berstein's "A Quiet Place" and a new opera by Broadway veteran Stephen Schwartz called "Séance on a Wet Afternoon."  Schwartz is best known for his work on "Pippin," "Godspell" and "Wicked."

In addition to the five operas, the company also says it plans to put on five concerts.  

New York City Opera general manager and artistic director George Steel says this year the City Opera used some of its endowment funds to help make up for its constantly increasing deficits, but says it hopes to balance its budget for the first time in years.  

Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org