Confessions of a C.P.

Constructed 1956

Designed by Peter F. Tillmann with help from W.G. Davis

This building was one of the first Curtain Wall style buildings to be built in London.  This system shifted the main support to a center core system, allowing for lighter materials to be “hung” on the framework.  Architects could choose from glass, concrete and aluminum for the exterior features.  New design elements could…

DOUBLE BASS FOR SALE

A very good read.

International Womens Day was this past March.  I happen to be downtown during a very interesting exchange between a pair of street preachers, and a passionate young lady.

I have seen this pair before.  When I usually run into their particular brand of preaching, it’s generally in the downtown core.  They tend to err on the side of “Everyone is going to hell”, but more often than not, this anger is directed at women.  Today, though, they were a bit further north on Richmond, on a church corner, that happens to be a hub for transit passengers transferring buses.  I was headed back to the car, but decided to stroll a slightly different path back.  It was about 3 in the afternoon, I was loaded up with my Nikon FG, and a roll of Kodak Gold 400.**  The scene had already started when I arrived.

There isn’t much to say about the incident itself.  A lot of yelling, lots of stares.  In the end, the two preachers began to sing, loudly and forcefully.  I suspect that this is the last ditch attempt to avoid actually listening, or letting others get through to the crowd.  (Read “Animal Farm”.)

This sort of behaviour is half fascinating, half disgusting.  What has happened to these people?  Is it upbringing?  Was it something more recent?  And why women?  Religion seems to hate women.

  If you know these two, or have any insight into this sort of lifestyle, I encourage you to leave a message.  I’d love to hear about your run ins with street preachers.

    **(When I originally told this story, I lamented having the film camera, rather than the digital.  I’d like to recant that now, though.  I like to think the lack of “unlimited” shots really played a factor in what shots I took, and how I took them.  I’m certainly not the first person to have said the same about using film, but it hold true.  Slows you down, makes you think about the shot.  See?  Makes you wait.) 

  I’ve been doing a fair amount of street shooting lately.  I do tend to gravitate towards architecture, so my first instinct is always a Neil Young tune.  Downtown London is quite charming, and while I don’t use the word charming very often, it seems to fit.  It’s a mix of old and new buildings, brand new facades three doors away from a vacant and forgotten storefront.

It’s busy;  There is…

This man is a good friend, and an even better Chef. Another great read!

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