Learning
Here’s a style I’d never heard of before today: Brutalist architecture, buildings characterized by minimalist construction that showcase the bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. The term originates from the use by pioneer modern architect and painter Le Corbusier, beton brut — raw concrete in French. It has been the subject of heated debate, loved principally by architects and socialists who believe it reflects anti-bourgeoisie. (Facts from Wiki & other sources.) Here’s an example: Kihoku Astronomical Museum, Japan, designed by Takasaki Masaharu, posted at theguardian.com. It looks like something out of a space opera:
I am continually amazed there is still more to learn about WWII. Last night one of the PBS stations ran Secrets of the Dead, a series that usually disappoints me, as it is delves into minutiae, and from which I bail less than halfway through. Both American and German military men used speed, Yanks Benzedrine, Nazis Pervatin. The latter helped drive the Brits from Dunkirk in an operation viewed as one of the greatest in history due to its swiftness and efficiency. Two hundred million doses of methamphetamine were distributed by the Germans over the course of the conflict. As for bennies, “…the drug’s mood-altering effects, as judged by military men… increased confidence and aggression, and elevated morale.” “American troops took between 250 and 500 million Benzedrine tablets, and an estimated 15% of troops were regular users.” The prior two facts were culled from an article at magellantv.com by Kevin Martin. Benzedrine was at first also prescribed for shellshock. For once I watched an entire episode.
Headline from nypost.com: “Something’s rotten: Fossilized vomit found in Denmark dates back 66 million years — prehistoric puke hailed as national treasure.” Cue the bard: “Alas, poor Yorick.” Hamlet, Act V, Scene I. Photo from Google Images, Laurence Olivier in the 1948 screen version:
Menendez sentenced. Will other pols follow? Don’t count on it.
I hope RFK Jr. is not confirmed. He’s been a radical leftist.
Headline from foxnews.com: “Trump’s ultimatum to federal workers: Return to office ‘or be terminated’.” Yay!
For the first time in a while I didn’t feel cold at the Anti-Inflation Book Shop, despite the breeze. My thanks to the gentleman who bought a globe, and to the woman who purchased a package of adult diapers and a paperback in Russian; and to Alex, who chose a Nora Roberts translation in Russian; and to the teen girl who selected two from the Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix; and to my Constant Benefactress, who insisted on paying for an RFK bio despite donating four primo books. I bailed before the wind got nasty. I can hear it whipping and hope it dissipates by showtime tomorrow.
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