Young Man Standing on His Head
From the Feb. 9, 1948 issue of Life magazine:
Young Man Stands on Head Before 48 State Capitols
For years sensitive citizens have loudly deplored the antique ugliness of the country's older state capitols. Now a hardheaded young Chicagoan named John G. Nichols, who appears upside down all over these two pages, has discarded words for drastic action. To illustrate his monumental distaste for the architecture of most state capitols he has managed to have his picture taken standing on his head before all 48 of them... He stood on his head in rain, snow, slush and mud and often had a terrible time getting people to take his picture. "They thought I was crazy," he explains modestly.
For years sensitive citizens have loudly deplored the antique ugliness of the country's older state capitols. Now a hardheaded young Chicagoan named John G. Nichols, who appears upside down all over these two pages, has discarded words for drastic action. To illustrate his monumental distaste for the architecture of most state capitols he has managed to have his picture taken standing on his head before all 48 of them... He stood on his head in rain, snow, slush and mud and often had a terrible time getting people to take his picture. "They thought I was crazy," he explains modestly.
Comments
So like all other things American we should tear down our historical landmarks for what? Something in 50 years that will be considered out of date? Nice.
And what's with the head stands. Obviously it's not helping get any blood to his brain. If this is his form of protest then I don't think the architechtural world is in any danger.
And what's with the head stands. Obviously it's not helping get any blood to his brain. If this is his form of protest then I don't think the architechtural world is in any danger.
Posted by DownCrisis on 02/06/09 at 09:04 AM
The architecture of most State Capitols use neoclassical elements, which was heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture. It may not be the prettiest, but it symbolizes our foundation in the belief of Democracy. Standing on one's head might be a better criticism of the hypocrisy of the people in the buildings, who claim to support democracy, but ignore the requests of their constituents.
Posted by Matt in Florida on 02/06/09 at 09:40 AM
"They thought I was crazy," he explains modestly. No sh1t!?!
But, you know, if we're going to do it, now's the time! There is $900,000,000,000 ready to be launched into the "economy".
But, you know, if we're going to do it, now's the time! There is $900,000,000,000 ready to be launched into the "economy".
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/06/09 at 09:58 AM
Personally I don't find the buildings ugly in the slightest. I do find him stupid though.
Posted by AGFH on 02/06/09 at 10:12 AM
Except that he did that in 1948, when I don't think anyone could have fathomed the concept of 900 billion $$
Posted by Jules in Connecticut on 02/06/09 at 10:16 AM
Jules, I don't think anyone can fathom $900B today!
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/06/09 at 10:35 AM
I'd like to try to fathom $900B. I wouldn't be the least bit decptive with it either. I'd keep as much of it as possible. 😊
Posted by DownCrisis on 02/06/09 at 11:03 AM
$900B at 4% interest would gross you just under $100M per day! You'd be hard pressed to spend that kind of loot. But it would be fun! 😉
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/06/09 at 11:22 AM
Hey Expat,
Where are you putting your money that it is earning 4% interest these days?
Where are you putting your money that it is earning 4% interest these days?
Posted by Matt in Florida on 02/06/09 at 11:42 AM
Matt, he's with the mob. He's invested heavily in human dividends. Most folks don't like going in for this kind of investment thouh, as they can cost an arm and a leg to get out of.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 02/06/09 at 12:37 PM
Actually, we're getting a little over 6% at present. You're just on the wrong side of the pond, Maxx.
Now, this is only for you, Maxx, but if you want to send me $20k or more I'll me most happy to take care of it for you. 😊
Now, this is only for you, Maxx, but if you want to send me $20k or more I'll me most happy to take care of it for you. 😊
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/06/09 at 12:38 PM
Expat - Turn those x's 45 degrees, buddy. That was Matt not Maxx.
Posted by Madd Maxx on 02/06/09 at 12:44 PM
Sorry, does that mean I need not wait up nights for the check to come in?
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/06/09 at 01:20 PM
Oh no, it should be there shortly. The check is in the mail.
Posted by Madd Maxx on 02/06/09 at 01:35 PM
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Category: Architecture | 1940s