571. 50% That Guy (that would be me) presents: Bad Design of the Week.

I'm going to come right out and say it: I'm That Guy.

No, not That Guy--even though I am friendly, and myself, enjoy being the object of flirty remarks (within the bounds of good taste)-- but rather, I'm That Guy, the Guy who doesn't watch TV.

I don't believe I have a superior attitude about my particular TV aversion, because actually I feel a little defensive about it. For one, I'm too cheap to pay for cable. For two, my two most challenging "flaws" are laziness and being unmotivated to do anything about it. I just don't do things unless I want to or there is a good reason for it. (Fortunately, my "flaws" haven't given me too much grief, but past significant others would say otherwise.)

Having a TV connected to cable has proven to be a distraction when it comes to doing things I rather not do, but do anyway, because it is reasonable to do so. For example, I tend to let the dishes pile up a bit in the sink before I wash them, because I dislike washing the dishes, rather than doing the prudent thing and washing them immediately after use--or even the same day that they were used. (I felt less lazy when I had a dishwasher, because it's easy to toss dirty dishes in the dishwasher, and smart to let the dishwasher get full before turning it on so that you don't waste energy or water. My new place doesn't have a dishwasher, darn it!)

And I really don't have an opinion for those who choose to spend hours in front of the TV. I'm a firm believer in the phrase "to each his own." I know what's best for me (or I continue to learn and adjust as necessary), and I trust that you know what's best for you (as long as it doesn't involve deliberate harm to yourself or to others--for which my conscience might require me to speak up or otherwise intervene).

Where am I going with this?

Oh, yes. I remember.

Since I am 50% That Guy, I rent the TV shows I'm interested in. I simply love Six Feet Under, watching the X-Files again, 24 Hours, and West Wing is on my list.

The other day, I finally rented Battlestar Galactica. I've started with the mini series. Several friends highly recommended it, and I believe that I've read only Good Things about the show here and here. (Am I remembering correctly, Mike and Sara?) Hearing the excitement in a fellow Goblin's voice over the phone a couple of weeks ago cinched the deal. I made the leap!

So, when I stumbled upon this photo on my computer--just taken a couple of weeks ago in San Francisco--I knew there was a Good Reason why I had taken it:

Congratulations, Ugly Building Facade,
you are this week's Bad Design of the Week!

I originally took the photo because it reminded me of a Storm Trooper. However, after watching Battlestar Gallactica, I'm convinced that this character below was instead inspiration for the ugly facade:

Cylons!

I hereby award all Ugly Building Facades the Bad Design of the Week award. I believe architecture should aspire to inspire, rather than inspire fear. Congratulations!