Modernity Along The River Trail

To say the least, modern art and architecture do not rate highly on my list of favorite things.  However, from time to time they do make for good photos.  On my walk along the River Trail Saturday, I shot some photos of the Lansing Center and the "Inspiration" sculpture near the City Market.  The photo of the Lansing Center above shows what I can only describe as buttresses, though I do not think they actually serve that purpose.  I think they look like a row of mailbox flags.  The photo of the sculpture called "Inspiration" below shows the twisted polished stainless steel against the blue sky.  From a distance it looks like a Jesus fish upright on its tail, which I doubt was the sculptor's intention.  The sculpture reportedly cost $225,000, but thankfully local charitable groups footed the bill and not the taxpayers.  One wonders how much good that sum of money could have done actually helping people in need.

Oranges and Lemons

Whilst wandering around downtown Lansing the other day, I popped into the City Market.  One of the vendors had baskets with oranges and lemons, which always makes me think of the old English nursery rhyme that plays a key role in one of my favorite books, Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Oranges and lemons,
Say the bells of St. Clement's.

You owe me five farthings,
Say the bells of St. Martin's.

When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey.

When I grow rich,
Say the bells of Shoreditch.

When will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.

I do not know,
Says the great bell of Bow.

Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!