Shining examples
The ‘Walkie Talkie’, a new tower block in Fenchurch Street, was blamed for partially melting the interior of a Jaguar parked in a spot where the sun’s rays are focused by the building’s concave exterior. Other buildings with the same problem:
— Vdara Hotel, Las Vegas. In 2010 a guest complained that he felt his head burning as he swam in the pool. Others claim the rays have melted plastic cups.
— Museum Tower, Dallas. Blamed for ruining a work by James Turrell in the adjoining Nasher Sculpture Center, as well as burning plants in the building.
— Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles. Blamed for an unpleasant glare in nearby apartment blocks — as well as raising the temperature in several hotspots in streets to 71°C. The problem has been eased by lightly sanding the glass.
A question of trust
A government health adviser has warned doctors that, after the Mid Staffs scandal, they risked becoming as unpopular as bankers. What percentage of the public trust our professions?
| United Kingdom | |
| Doctors | 80% |
| Teachers | 69% |
| Lawyers | 35% |
| Bankers | 11% |
| Journalists | 7% |
| Politicians | 7% |
| United States | |
| Doctors | 70% |
| Teachers | 53% |
| Lawyers | 19% |
| Bankers | 28% |
| Journalists | 24% |
| Politicians | 10% |
Source: Which?/Gallup
Sporting chances
Gareth Bale took a step towards becoming the world’s highest-paid footballer when he was sold to Real Madrid for £85 million, with a reported salary of £15 million. Which sports pay their stars best?
| Highest paid stars in 2012 | |
| Golf (Tiger Woods) | £52m |
| Tennis (Roger Federer) | £47m |
| Basketball (Kobe Bryant) | £41m |
| American Football (Drew Brees) | £34m |
| Football (David Beckham) | £31m |
Source: Forbes
Flight of fancy
Former footballer Vinnie Jones says he will emigrate to Las Vegas because Britain has too many immigrants. Is he making a logical decision?
| % of population born abroad | |
| US | 13% |
| Germany | 12% |
| France | 10% |
| UK | 8.9% |
| Japan | 1.5% |
| Las Vegas | 22% |
Sources: UN, US Census Bureau
Got something to add? Join the discussion and comment below.
You might disagree with half of it, but you’ll enjoy reading all of it. Try your first month for free, then just $2 a week for the remainder of your first year.
