Bike branding has changed a lot since my Raleigh Lenton of 1953...
I don't think anyone would have owned a bike with all that writing all over every available inch. Much has changed, not just in bikes but with people and how they are prepared to be seen by others. There was a sort of peak of consumer vulgarity in the 80s when people bought expensive track suits with logos on the chest and down one leg; from being absolutely ubiquitous, they have vanished without trace - at least in my neck of the woods. Dear God, does anyone remember those women in power suits, with all those vast shoulder pads? Ghastly!
Photographers who travelled a lot used to festoon their camera bags and straps with flight stickers and swing tickets etc. and I was no different in that respect: I probably rustled when I walked along with the thing over my shoulder; the strap certainly fluttered a lot and might have had the quack science benefit of scaring off mosquitoes. Cringewothy today. Or at least it makes me laugh at myself. I still own that box-like leather case but the swing tickets have long left the straps. It's never used; just another memory I don't want to - can't - put into the bin. Maybe it has a bearing on my technique of recent years of never having more than one camera and one lens with me when I venture out?
A contemporary thing that amuses me: I have worn Levi jeans, it seems, for ever; the last time I went to buy a pair they could only offer the very narrow-legged ones (not leggings) that look okay on some women but I think a bit doubtful on men. Funnily enough, as I'm pretty thin - and getting thinner - it's hard to tell whether they are narrow or not, so that's all right then. Maybe when I pop they can make do with a long pencil box? Save a lot of money and a bit of forest.
Which makes me wonder about coffins: I can get the fact that one serves a purpose in burials, but what about cremation? Do they burn the box too or is it recycled? That would make a lot of sense and save money for the clients (if they knew): coffin rentals might be the new way after recent events. I wouldn't mind very much.
;-)
