Word: ersatz
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...that postmodernism has abandoned its original sense of humor in favor of just-so classicism, it is Eisenman who is left to build in the architectural jokes: the disintegrating ersatz archway and cartoony castellated brick towers around the perimeter of Wexner (alluding to an old armory on the site that was razed in 1958); the curious floor-to-chest-height windows in the top-floor offices; the short, folly stairway that goes nowhere; or the boatlike carbuncle on top of the building with no practical function whatsoever...
...nations have held or are scheduled to hold free elections in 1989. For the first time in memory, there is reason to hope that the doddering Communist Party boss in his shapeless dark suit may be as much an anachronism as the strutting military strongman with his chestful of ersatz ribbons...
...that successful design has turned bland and safe. The best new buildings and products are lively and provocative even as they avoid ideological purity. The compelling modernism of the moment is lush, dreamy and concerned with appropriateness, not big, inhumane and cookie-cutter corporate; successful ersatz-old-fashioned buildings are lately tough and even somber, not merely quaint and pleasant. Hybrids abound, and modesty is a virtue. Tod Williams and Billie Tsien's Long Island pool house, for example, combines industrial materials and delicate details. The Clayton County (Ga.) Library delivers a high concept with a relatively low budget...
...close-up and impersonal direction clangs like the chains on Marley's ghost. And because, 4 1/2 years after his last star turn in a movie comedy (Ghostbusters), Murray remains a roguish delight to watch. As sham friendly as the guy who cheated off you in high school, as ersatz hip as a Vegas lounge singer, Murray lets the movie hang agreeably loose. Nobody tried for a masterpiece here; most people should have a good time...
...Ersatz Emotion Commotion. Neither Bush nor Dukakis is known for volcanic temperament, so it is safe to assume that all outbursts are concocted by a drama coach. The problem is that feigned passion plays well on television and is apt to be endlessly repeated on the post-debate newscasts. The solution: if the candidates get mad, the scorecard gets even. Deduct 5 points for each angry response, 10 if the candidate refers to his family...