I Do Not Like Mondays

Ever seen a steam-powered clock? Here’s one in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, doing its thing, as seen and heard on a trip in August 2016.

There are only a handful of clocks like this in the world, and this one in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood was made in 1977 and is said to be the first ever. The plaque on the clock, which was designed and built by Raymond Saunders, says its componentry weighs more than two tons.

Why build it? “For the enjoyment of everyone,” the clock says. It’s a novelty that’s meant to catch your interest, and it does exactly that for many passers-by.

The video above is a special and unique recording of this attraction. Use headphones to experience it if you can, because in shooting the video, I used binaural microphones, which I carry in my equipment bag and use occasionally. I’m glad I did this time.

With a binaural recording of this type, you use your own ears as part of the recording equipment, with mics placed inside your ears picking up the sound. So this is how I heard the sound myself, and such a recording has more distinct left-right separation and can feel as though you are there in person.

So check out this clock and what it does. This was at 2 p.m.; every quarter hour, it sounds the Westminster chimes (same as Big Ben sounds/plays, which you’ll likely recognize), and its large whistle sounds on the hour, which you can see in the video. The photo above shows the clock’s insides as we passed by one evening we were there.

Vancouver is special. From my travels, I have favorite cities that remind me of different eras — Rome, Italy is my favorite city of antiquity, for example. Edinburgh, Scotland is my pick for medieval city, particularly the Royal Mile that seems carved from stone, and my favorite present-day city thus far is San Diego, California.

Vancouver is now on my list, but it might even be my city of the future, since it’s so forward-leaning and thoughtful in various designs and attractions you’ll find.

Content © Aaron G. Marsh