Barometer – 5 September 2013

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?

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?

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?

Sources: UN, US Census Bureau