Vessel

We were lucky enough to get tickets to the Vessel - an MC Escher-like structure - in Hudson Yards back when it opened in March 2019. 

Oddly, it had only been open two weeks, but we got our timed tickets and climbed and climbed. 

What we didn't do was jump. 

And it seems we might some of the few who haven't. 

Ok - a slight exaggeration. But at least four people, including a 14 year old, have jumped to their deaths since the Vessel opened to the public. And apparently, other architects had warned the designer and builder of this probability at least three years prior. 

At the beginning of the year, the NYC attraction closed for months due to the other three suicides. The 14 year old took his life at the end of July, two months after the site reopened - that allegedly had new safety measures. The Vessel is now currently closed. 

Part of those safety measures if having a buddy. No one could come alone. And now there is a $10 entrance fee, which I dare say, make me chuckle a bit. 

I mean, if someone is really intent of killing themselves, I don't think the idea of parting with a sawbuck is going to be the thing that makes them go....."huhhhh.......better not.......".  And for the record, the 14 year old was with his family - so the buddy thing did not work, and they were still out 10 bucks. 

Yes, I am being flip. 

Architecture might provide opportunity, but it's not the impetus. If not the Vessel, then jumping in front of the F train might have been scenario #2.  

On the 8th - and top - floor of my work parking garage there are vague signs on calling for help if you feel distressed. It doesn't mention jumping, but it's inferred.  Floors 5, 6 and 7 have no such signs, and it's just as easy to jump from there and I'm not physicist, but I'm thinking the fall from there is no less lethal. 

Sign, nets and phones placed on the Golden Gate Bridge. I don't know if those cut down on people jumping - and if so, by how much - or if it's just a liability loophole for the city.  I think if people have the notion, they'll find the means. 

The bigger issue, we as a country has, is mental health resources. Lack of. And lack of access to. It is so prevalent and such a stigma that it just seems to perpetuate itself until there is seemingly no alternative - other than killing oneself or taking out a bunch of strangers with a semi-automatic rifle. 

I enjoyed my time at the Vessel. It wasn't an outstanding experience. I wouldn't even classify it as great art, but it was present and it intrigued me. 

I'm 100% certain I will never experience this again. Either it will be closed, dismantled or modified so much for safety it won't be what it was in the first place. 

I get it, and yet I don't. 

Song by: Nine Inch Nails

Paris is Burning

I am not an emotional person - unless it has to do with doggies or kitties. I'm just not.

Of course I feel bad about a landmark like Notre Dame going up in flames, but more about the architecture and history than what it is....or was, assuming they can save any of it.

I have no emotion for a building. Or at least that one. I think I kind of did for the twin towers. 18 years has clouded my memories.

When we were in Paris, going to (let alone into) Notre Dame wasn't even on our list to see. We walked near it, saw no line and shrugged, "why not?".  And it was free.

How do I say this nicely?   It's a church.

That's it.

Lots of carved wood and religious iconography. It's not quite, you've seen one cathedral, you've seen 'em all kind of thing, but it's not too far from that either.

I've been in churches. Truth be told, I was bored early on. And me being bored was way better than the photo ops that were doing on there.  People with their arms stretched out with a rosary dangling from their hand, so a friend could catch a picture of them from behind. 

Artsy. Fartsy. And sacrilegious.

Faux Worship.  I love it, though I hated it.

I didn't care to be in there for the right reasons. Folks like that were there for the wrong ones.

I will say this - I totally missed knowing you could go up and look at the gargoyles. THAT I would have done.  Looking at a rose window or a dead Jesus didn't do much for me.

Oh - and the loss of / in the fire:  part of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. 

Really?

As 710 said:  can I see their Certificate of Authenticity?   No shit.


I'm sure it was devastating to watch burn. I'm also guessing, if it were construction related, that the company doing repairs don't have enough insurance to cover this damage.

I did find it interesting that Notre Dame has more visitors per year than the Eiffel Tower.  I wouldn't have thought that - but don't discount the power of 'free'.  Or a bunch of people who are afraid of heights.

The thing with something like this is: it's not really gone.  It will be immortalized in another fashion, and that's not a bad thing.  Things change. It's the nature of it all, and it's rarely pretty when it happens.



Song by: St. Vincent