Modernism only works if you have lots of money
Read: Cashel Byron's Profession. George Bernard Shaw was one of my earliest 'must read anything I can find by' authors, but it's been years since I've read any. This is the fabulous story of how the rich, intelligent, independent Lydia falls for Cashel, a magnificent physical specimen with a tough exterior and soft heart. She thinks he has a 'profession', in other words, a proper job, unlike the society wimps who surround her, but he really is a 'professor' of the art of boxing. Why hasn't this been snapped up for a Hollywood remake? I'm picturing Kirsten Dunst as sharp but beautiful Lydia and Heath Ledger as dumb but gentlemanly Cashel.

Watched: back to back, and on paper there's no competition. In the right corner, we have downmarket ITV prime time current affairs programme Anne Widdicombe v. the hoodies", in the left corner we have the cultural haven of BBC Four and a classy programme about a classic of modern architecture". It's a no-brainer. And yet, and yet, and yet... to see in such immediate juxtaposition the grimy council estates designed by modernist architects concerned more with making a statement than providing people with public spaces that feel safe and encourage community, and the same style of architecture where money can ensure the high quality finishes and where the austere building is not forced on the inhabitants but is a deliberate lifestyle choice, reflecting the persona of the architect himself... It must be nice to design these buildings and then retreat to your own remote country estate: do such architects never think that other people do not have that luxury?