One thing I wondered about is the way the sun the other day gave off a very bright light, enhanced a blue sky, yet failed to emit more heat than a candle! If you are built of ten thousand billion nuclear explosions I feel it right to demand a temperature higher than 'just above freezing' when I am out. That nice BBC weather man cheerfully informed his waiting public that next week there "might even be snow." I am glad he did not hear my remark at that moment, anyway it would have been drowned out by the cheering at British Gas headquarters! Being regarded as a pensioner I'mentitledto £200 heating allowance. I can tell you that I am happy for this, especially as this flat faces north so little heat arrives at any time, and writing, reading, or doing anything outwith the 15 tog duvet is an arduous business. With this in mind I am early in bed, laptop on top, noting that the blood has begun to return to my fingers once more. And people say I have it easy? Well yes I do these days.
The financial worry has eased considerably, I am trained in cheap living, and it is possible to do so happily, also my running costs are now low. Not counting heat of course. However I wonder about those who really do struggle. Some fail to buy properly, expect cheap energy while using far too much, leaving lights on all day and the like, and appear not to comprehend the value of money. These are not lazy or selfish folks, just those that cannot shop well. Others have less than me, debts still hanging over them, family and friends that demand constantly, and do without to help others. My mother was a bit like this, although in Scotland she was not allowed to suffer. Food banks will do a roaring business at Christmas.
I wonder also about architects! The fashion today is for an architect with a 'big name' to be employed erecting the tallest structure in the world. To my mind these monstrosities, such as the 'Gherkin' or the 'Shard' are not only ugly but reflect the Genesis verse, "Come let us build a tower that reaches up to heaven, and make a name for ourselves." That is what such creations reflect. These is no requirement for them, little purpose (the Shard is still half empty) and probably far to expensive to run. To build a tall building might be required in places, Edinburgh had ten stories or more in a confined area hundreds of years ago, but those developments worldwide in recent years are merely for show. An 'Empire State Building,' a 'Post Office Tower' (BT to you), or an occasional showpiece is one thing, cities full of them just a mess! The picture I took many years ago to compare the craftsmen who built Leadenhall market and the architect who built the Lloyds Building next to it. One reflect craft, the other plastic! Both may well function properly inside however the outside, which is what most of us see is ugly! I am sure you agree.
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8 comments:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I think there are many among the tall modern towers of today that are quite sleek and beautiful. As in everything, including the buildings of old, some are quite ugly, too.
There is not an umbrella large enough to cover them all...old and new.
My husband used to have lunch in the little caffs in the upper storey of Leadenhall Market when he was working on the Stock Exchange - long before the Big Bang when the big bangsters took over...
He loved the place.
I suppose that I have become a lot older and crankier than I am comfortable with admitting to. For I am not at all impressed with many of the modern designs. Although, there is a fairly large building in London (I think) that I find simply spectacular. The first time I can remember seeing anything of it was while the Olympics were being held there, and it is a building that looks a lot like a really beautiful blue artillery shell to me.
P.S.: I hope you see the comment I left on your "Wondering..." on your The View From Here.
I am very sad that Smthfield market looks to be set to be pulled down, it's one of my favourite buildings. I like the shard because it is a bit unearthly specially in the twilight when it is twinkling with light but the thing I really hate is that hideous cheese grater thing that sets light to nearby objects through focusing the suns rays on them!
I am very sad that Smthfield market looks to be set to be pulled down, it's one of my favourite buildings. I like the shard because it is a bit unearthly specially in the twilight when it is twinkling with light but the thing I really hate is that hideous cheese grater thing that sets light to nearby objects through focusing the suns rays on them!
Lee, No, No, they are all ugly, knock 'em down!
Fly, I bet he did. It would be better then before Thatchers east end market boys took over.
Jerry, I'm with you, but there is a point when it becomes too much! Of course I noted your comment, as always.
Jenny, I am not so concerned with Smithfield, but some of the surrounding buildings were interesting. However once it's gone what will replace it? It certainly will not fit in!
Adullamite...finally, the penny has dropped. If I said black was black, you'd say it was white; and if I said white was white, you'd say it was black...or perhaps red; or green; purple even!
But that's okay...I still know black is black and white gets dirty easily!
Lee, Blue....
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