Much prettier than a defunct Nazi resort

Block E's redesign is moving forward. The renderings, from RSP architects:

First thought: why can't this be the City Center renovation? It looks like City Center, right down to the notched corner and curvy overhang, to use some highly technical architectural terms. Second: much, much better than the Block E we know and avoid. The Charcoal-and-ice palette is attractive, and likely to age well; Banana Republic has been using those colors for 15 years and people aren't tired of them. They didn't touch the hotel behind it, which still looks like it's about to turn into Optimus Prime.

While we're on the subject of buidlings, Atlas Obscura featured this abandoned complex the other day. It's enormous. Can you guess what it is?

(Photos from wikipedia.)

Details:

It's a Nazi Resort. Of all things.

The story calls the site "Dystopian," and that's not far off. It lacks the bleak crudity of the worst Soviet housing blocks, but it has that chilling quality of Fascist architecture I can't quite describe. Empty grandeur. Monumental soullessness.

TECH Get out the IcyHot if you're using Facebook's new Paper app: it's hell on thumbs.

I've downloaded Paper, and am apprehensive about having One More Thing to check, especially when Facebook's behind it. I'm wondering if they'll migrate what works about Paper to Facebook itself, and come up with something that isn't so hideous and cluttered.

Elsewhere in the world of small glowing rectanges, here's how to be miserable: play Flappy Bird. I played it on my daughter's phone while waiting for takeout. Played it twice. In both cases I hit the first pipe. It's an important moment in your life, because you have a decision to make: do I want to get past the first pipe, or step away now and never go back?

I put it down and have been happier ever since. Now and then I hear a gust of frustration from my daughter's room, and I know it's not math homework. Damned flappy bird.

TWINS, MAX The Dylan Farrow letter has sent people to old Woody Allen interviews and scripts - and correspondence he exchanged with a young girl. New York mag has a letter he wrote to a young fan:

VotD Winter driving reminder: watch your speed.