For no particular reason and in no particular order:The Fountainhead - This book is required reading for architects simply because, besides Mike Brady and Michael Graves, Howard Roark is the most famous fictional architect in popular culture. I've meant to read it for many years, and I knew the basic plot from countless literary and conversational references, but when I dropped it into a conversation ac couple weeks ago with new a client, a library director, I figured I'd better be able back up my bullshit. Fortunately, the book chock full of bullshit, and I haven't even gotten to Roark's infamous monologue. I just want to strangle every single character in the book, and I'm now more convinced that ever that Rand's version of modernism is every bit as emotionally driven as the Beaux Arts movement she criticizes. Seriously, what is rational about building a house with a flat roof in the North East? Unless constant leaks and excessive heat gain serve are the desired function. No, Rationalism is just as obsessed with style over substance as any other philosophy with the possible exception of post-modernism. It should more aptly be called "Rationalizationism." History comes with a lot of baggage, but it also has a lot to teach us about how to keep the fucking water out.
Cops - Not only do they continue to beat people up for no reason, but on my way to work this morning a Valley squad car tailgated me. I noticed his lights were not on, but I pulled over anyway. He flew past and started tailgating the guy in front of me. No lights, no siren, nothing. When we got to the 45mph construction zone he didn't slow down a beat and blew right on through. By this point he was well outside his jurisdiction and obviously wasn't in pursuit of anyone. Oh well, by giving people more reasons to not respect them, they continue to erode their authority.
Passport Services - I really don't need to explain why they suck, but I still recommend that you get one soon if you haven't already.
Red Wing Shoes - I love my boots, they've served me well these last 2+ years, and I expect that they will last at least that much longer. Which is why when the soles wore through on my old Chucks, and I discovered that Converse are now made in Nike sweat shops and have switched from double wall canvas to a single wall synthetic, I decided to go with a known quantity and ordered up some Red Wing athletic oxfords. I had looked into No Sweat and Blackspot shoes, but I have no idea how sturdy they really are. I'm all for making a social statement, but not at the cost of my feet. However, when the 'Wings arrived, I opened the box to discover that they too are made in China. I'm not against buying Chinese products per se--I don't mind where stuff comes from if the quality and workers' conditions are good, but China's track record has not been exactly stellar on either front. I'm debating whether to return them, but I don't know if I can find anything better. In the meantime, does anyone out there have any suggestions for quality shoes? I take my feet very seriously.
4 comments:
It's my understanding that New Balance is still made in the US. I haven't owned a pair since jr. high. But it's something you could find locally and try on.
and here I thought Red Wings were made in Minnesota!
The leather boots still are made in Minnesota by UFCW workers, but their shoe line is now Chinese.
i'm still trying to figure out, about a decade after reading the book, how it is that Ayn thinks that her ultimate hero consummating his perfect love via rape is at all a good thing.
But then again i also happen to be of the belief that the best critique of Rand's work came at the end of the South Park episode "Chickenlover," a book which convinced officer Barbrady that reading "totally sucks ass."
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