Terror of the Hydro-bots

Could this really be one of
New Jersey’s wonders?

While driving along Route 206 in South Jersey on the outskirts of the Pine Barrens, I was deliberating what possibilities might befit the final subject to round out my series on New Jersey’s ‘Seven Wonders.’ Suddenly, off the road I noticed a vision so incongruous I began to doubt my own sanity.

Two stick-like figures appeared to overlook the highway with a tubular pet at their feet. Just who was responsible for this superfluous display and what in the world of artificial intelligence did it all mean?

This pup won't give Boston
Dynamics any reason to worry

Well, aside from the fact that the three objects were assembled from water tanks and stand before Water Resources of New Jersey, a water softening business, little else seems to be known of them. While admittedly curious and unexpected, they wouldn’t exactly cause Philip K. Dick to blush and, frankly, I don’t quite see why they are as moderately famous as they are.

In any case, to compensate for my scarcity of ideas for a seventh wonder, I’ll give an honorable mention to these space-age tin woodsmen instead. Besides, their creative owner was decent enough to offer his services to any of my readers interested in commissioning him to adorn their front yards with his artwork.

What has everyone said to that? So far, all responses have been a resounding, “Tanks, but no tanks.”

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Christopher Robinson

Ivy Gothic

Source: gettyimages

Arguably one of the most inspiring features of Princeton University’s history, image and tradition remains its unique and eccentric architectural statements, evident in its buildings, landscapes and grounds.

Until the end of the 19th Century, the architecture of the school, then called The College of New Jersey, displayed little in the way of thematic consistency. Later, with new funding for remodeling came bold attempts at utilizing classic forms for the representation of wisdom and architectural unity in their imposing structures.

The first of these new buildings were Blair Hall and Little Hall, designed by a Philadelphia firm, Cope and Stewardson. They set into motion the gothic trend that continued with the construction of all subsequent buildings on Princeton’s 500-acre campus, including the Firestone Library.

Source: fineartamerica

Gargoyles, dragons and dinosaurs are some of the trademarks that haunt the hallowed walls and spires of Princeton in styles that are classified as that of modernism, rationalism and deconstructivism.

So next time you’re passing through Nassau Street, step in for a campus stroll and feast your eyes. The marvels within just might provide you with some classic inspiration.

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Christopher Robinson