I am fascinated by the thought of the Liberal Democrats stimulating Green Economy investment in new sustainable rail links, one of which appears in some news items, a re-investment in the Penrith to Keswick Railway line.

Having recently walked and cycled this really beautiful stretch, I find it hard to imagine the loss of such an iconic walk and more importantly very bright green transport route. The number of people using this combination of old rail route and elevated timber walkways is quite substantial, particularly at weekends. There are walkers, coast to coasters, cyclists, mountain bikers, climbers and coach parties, even kayaks and canoes daring the white-water route down the River Greta: all seemingly using merely Sandwich and Kit-Kat power, not a bit of petrol or electric juice in sight. I can't think that a rail line is going to overcome the enjoyment and vitality that has already converted many to the greenest option of all, it might be perceived as a backwards step.

I would, however, like to see park and ride scheme established at locations such as Penrith and Kendal and the creation of a Renewable Energy dependant National Park Bus scheme; this would be very very welcome and establish the LDNP as one very cool green travelling tourist place to be.

Classy Political Move

No matter what your persuasion or your views on subsidised state healthcare you have to admire the political courage shown by Obama in his brave stance on USA's healthcare reform bill.

It seems the ill informed prejudicial minority haven't thought out the full implication for the USA economy of this grandest and brilliant of plans. The 'Redneck Gun Toting' voters that so willingly vote to trash Iraq at great tax payers expense and loss of life, don't see the positives of Obama's wisdom. If only their anger was trained to focus on Wall Street where the greatest thefts have occurred.

With 32million American people poorly for in the privatised system, what a clever way of finding localised money in a national network of rejuvenated healthcare expenditure.

Presumably spending on new infrastructure, building programmes, training, contracts, services through thousands of localised expenditure programmes will have a great effect on ensuring local investment and stimulation on service demand. The legacy has the potential to be long lasting and have great social equality credibility.

When over critical middle America sees the money flowing their way, they may yet realise the merit of the plan. When the impoverished out of work numbers reduce,with the created employment they will have less to waive wagging fingers at, and when their Granny's & Grand Pappys start getting older and in need of these same services, with reduced pension plan payments, they might actually appreciate its caring benefits also.

Are we brave enough for a Kapoor?

World reknowned artist, Anish Kapoor, offers excitement, movement and asks questions, everytime a new piece of his work is unveiled to an awaiting public in all parts of the globe. Some would have him a genius, some a good publicist and others just resent his talent and success. I'm in the former category and would love Birmingham to embrace his abilities. Trying to focus on the future, when the current looks bleak takes a little good art occasionally to distract and offer hope. Surely, it has to be so much more satisfying and rewarding than having to watch and pay for the marginal skills of another drastically overpaid athlete confess to to his marital indiscretions in a tabloid newspaper.

http://www.anishkapoor.com/

Matterdale & Patterdale

As part of some consultancy work for the YHA, this was my privileged 'office view' this morning, staring across the end of Matterdale Church towards the fells around Ullswater. Some days you get some really rotten places to go for your work - this wasn't one of them and I am jolly lucky man. Not so the fate of Patterdale Youth Hostel, which despite being a great/terrible example of 1960's architecture (depending on view point) with a cool retro- 1970's makeover is as effective as a colander in fending off an Asian Monsoon. The Manager Warden, Dave and his Partner Charlotte, could not have made me more welcome, but they are truly battling the elements in keeping the Patterdale YHA watertight, prayers for good weather are more effective than blobs of new bitumen and buckets. I wish them all luck and fortune.

Brum: When will we learn and incorporate the lessons of success?

Birmingham has in the last 20 years invested hugely in a commendable comprehensive regeneration programme that has transformed the City................again. Birmingham has achieved this in the past eras of 1890’s under Chamberlain and famously in the 1960’s but it doesn’t seem always to be able to create sustainable efforts for the people of Birmingham after the initial celebration and euphoria of change, as all too often we feel a sense and feeling of embarrassment and apology for our efforts.

With the original Bullring and Ring Road, the Birmingham Central Library and Spaghetti Junction, we seem to have created a world reputation for producing iconic failures. Maybe I’m being harsh in respect of Spaghetti Junction; everyone around the world knows of it but groans when caught up in it at rush hour!

The latest wave of investment in the City has created projects inspire initial optimism and include the New Bull Ring Shopping Centre that replaces the old one, Millennium Point, and Centenary Square that plays host to the International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall, Repertory theatre and the soon to be replacement Birmingham Central Library. All commendable projects that have function and encourage a positive image and reputation for the City of Birmingham. But critically, have they the lasting quality and do they spread a reputation that lasts beyond the first few years and after the initial champagne reception opening parties of those involved?

A true iconic success that Birmingham can claim great pride in is the Classic Greek styled Town Hall, rejuvenated and rekindled brilliantly, after a period of uncertainty, in new opulent splendour. There isn’t a true Brummie that hasn’t seen their favourite band, orchestra, music ensemble or performer in this natural performing home that instils a sense of passionate and lasting nostalgia when attending a performance there. Even with the current trend of rekindled retro music road trips such for those of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s groups, who can’t claim a little... ‘Aah but I remember when I saw so and so, back here in....and they were brilliant’. The question was it the performance or was it the venue that is revered, who can say but I’m sure it is a relevant combination of both elements and it is just as true for the performers also. The warmth, intimacy and quality of its memory last, much more so I’m afraid, than a night say, at a steel shed at the NEC!

The true constant ingredient that works for Birmingham Town Hall is the rule of Classicism. Its Greek design origins with Doric columns, quality stone materials and more decorative arts and craft interior and fabulous natural light forms in its generous windows and pipe organ is the stuff of legends and great civic pride. We, as Brummies, feel no sense of shame in its preservation what so ever, we absolutely love and cherish it.

Is that principle intact with the Old Bull Ring compared to its stylish replacement? What are the repercussions and problems for the sad removal and demolition of the purpose of The Longbridge Car Factory and its substitute Business Park? Also, how are we going to feel in future about The Public arts project in West Bromwich? These are difficult questions but ones that Birmingham needs to answer now, before repeating its most common mistake so quickly.

The Birmingham Central Library never worked and was criticised for years and years far more than its celebration and we are now introducing the removal and replacement in a new £200m + design. That is what Birmingham appears to do traditionally; we create a supposed icon and then we are eternally embarrassed by it, make apologies and gradually make a project around its removal and replacement. We call it regeneration and declare it in our best interests, uncertain of its true impact and longevity. This is such a terrific shame as the one thing that Birmingham can be proud of is the skill and ability of its civic leaders and the city’s professionals to deliver. Counsellors Dick Knowles and Albert Bore & the people that have served under their necessary leadership have actually delivered projects, in partnership with others, by finding the right locations, re utilised redundant land, secured all the necessary funding and invested a great deal of effort, time and time and again. Birmingham has shown that it can achieve change, but, can we do so, whilst learning the secrets of long term successes also?

There are known rules of design and Classicism that work and exist in public and iconic architecture throughout the world. The best known is that of the triangle. We all know and can immediately understand and identify the lasting qualities of world famous buildings such as the Pyramids in Egypt, The Sydney Opera House with its predominant sail shapes and The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Even Liverpool with its catholic cathedral or ‘Paddy’s Wigwam!’ subscribe to the triangle shape. All of these buildings and use the strong shape to create simple design memory in the human conscience that is remembered. The square and the box are ubiquitous shapes prevalent in almost every structure man creates, the triangle as a structure is more expensive and less versatile, but boy does it last and work to great effect! You just have to think of the design appeal of a traditional pitched triangle roof against a bland flat roof to know that this simple rule works in domestic buildings. One is opulent and pleasing, the other cheaper and less satisfying.

Certain in the knowledge that under these very very challenging times of economic uncertainty, public projects and design budgets will have to be hard fought for in respect of funding and deliverability. The very act of their investment creates localised employment and economic benefit for those associated with it, which is absolutely vital to a City trying to find its way in the current world impacting recession.

Therefore, knowing the importance of such decisions, will the current crop of City Fathers and public servants seek to ensure quality in its thinking and maximise its long term effect? Will they refer to the good design rules of classicism, debate the iconic shape that will last and by default avoid Birmingham and its people having to apologise in future for its failed efforts? She is a truly beautiful City with good honest people at its core that are largely and wrongfully dismissed by the UK as a mediocre place occupied by perceived simpletons that should be apologetic. This is not what this City should aspire to, we, Brum, deserve and should ensure greater. What better way of doing so than making good quality design decisions that ultimately empower local people with civic pride, by instilling belief in the value of civic projects, that in themselves ensure the City of Birmingham’s rightful place in history with a premier and iconic identity.

Phillip Raskin gets Moody

This artist re-creates the wonder of the North West Highland Islands of Scotland beautifully. Clouds over Colonsay is a particular favourite. The seas and land peninsulas merge as to be indistinguishable, which is much a reflection of the geography as the weather that envelopes the landscape, the water, the spray, the bog, the elements that are land, those that are foreshores; are all intermingled and represent the ever changing dynamic that in truth they really are.

A map can, by contrast can be so static and representative of only a moment in time. Philip's paintings bring alive the reality of the live moment.

Remarkable Talent in Glass

http://www.lukejerram.com/projects/glass_microbiology

An Impressive Family Award

TODAY: Kanu Hawaii has honoured the singer Jack and his wife Kim Johnson with a "Kuleana Award"! "Kuleana Awards" are given to individuals who have inspired change in others and in their community through their own demonstrations of Kuleana (Kuleana being the Hawaiian value of personal responsibility and accountability).

"As a team, Jack and Kim model stewardship, compassion, and living lightly on the earth. They live a simple lifestyle, eat from their own garden, and devote lots of quality time to their children and their North Shore community. Jack's music has introduced people around the world to island values of environmental stewardship and aloha, and profits from his tours support local and global environmental work. Kim has worked tirelessly to build the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation into a local institution that is committed, as she is, to positive, empowering approaches that educate keiki and build a more eco-conscious community."

Any suggestions for the terminolgy that might be used for a comparable characters deserving of a Brummie award: an HP Saucerer, A B***dy Bostin our kid' or perhaps my personal fave the more exotic 'Eez Oiroight e' is' Award

Funny Old Antique

A man goes to the BBC Antiques Roadshow with a selection of precious items, left to him by his great aunt. He reveals to the antiques expert, Hilary Kaye, a very battered old violin case with an old instrument inside. He also has a very random looking modern art painting in vivid bright colours of a reclining nude.

"Gosh" says Hilary Kaye, "what we have here is something incredibly rare and by very well known collectible artists of their time. A possible Picasso original and a Stradivarius"........Wooooohoooo go the increasingly interested assembled crowd.

"Are they worth much?" asks the bewildered man. "Oh shouldn't think so" informs Hilary, ...Picasso was a pretty crappy carpenter and Stradivarius was a really shocking painter!!"

Losing One's Virginity

A hearty hello from the office window of the averagely informed.