Aug 18th, 2011
Life update
Feeling: Fine.
Marveling: At how this 300-square-foot apartment can be transformed into 24 different rooms. I’m frequently reminded that fierce limitations (in this case, geographical) can result in amazing creativity and innovation. (And here’s another variation the same theme.)
Disliking: This story. I heard about this woman a couple of years ago, and again a few months ago when the update was posted. It’s amazing how many people thing she is awesome because she has this massive yarn collection. I know that knitters like to boast about (or bemoan) the size of their stashes, but this seems like a case of hoarding to me. I should point out that I’m not a fan of collecting for collecting’s sake—the “I just had to have it!” thing. On a similar note, I think people like Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, own own so many cars or motorcycles that they actually need entire buildings in Manhattan, no less, to house them are idiots. Yes, there’s the argument that people can spend their money on whatever the hell they want, and to a point I’m on board with that. But this kind of spending just seems so incredibly wasteful, irresponsible, and meaningless. Maybe my opinion of this woman’s spending and hoarding habits is a bit harsh; but by the same token I’d say that people who idolize her are misguided.
Loving: Everything about this playground. And wishing something like that would be possible where we live.
7 Responses to “Life update”
Nice links! I agree with your sentiments on the yarn stash. I’m still trying to whittle mine down. Well said. And I love the apartment in HK — here’s to small living!
I’d have to agree, almost. However, Jay Leno has acquired some rare (some one of a kind) cars that are of historical significance. Yes some of it is wasteful and pointless ( building in Manhattan geez how much did that cost just to house his Porsche colletion? ), but I can give Jay a little bit more slack since he has spent significant amounts of money to ensure that some of these cars don’t become “extinct” as it were. He also has encyclopedic knowledge about every car that he owns. IMHO of course. :-)
Just and addendum. Jerry has the building in Manhattan. Jay’s is in California.
That’s an interesting question, Ken: does the fact that Jay Leno has saved some historically significant cars mitigate his expression of wanton consumerism? I’m not sure. Why not donate the cars (and space for them) to a museum or other public institution so their historical significance can be shared? Also, I’m not convinced that all material culture is worthy of preservation.
Enjoyed your links, especially the transformation of small spaces.
Yep, too much yarn in my opinion.
Hey, why wouldn’t a natural playground be possible around here?
@Beth: Honestly, I think it wouldn’t fly around here because most people are helicopter/overprotective parents and are likely to sue if something goes awry.
This article, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/world/europe/01london.html, seems to combine the “best” of both clever space use and extremely conspicuous consumption.