London's Black Taxis Face Potential Demise: Could This Traditional Transport Method be Phasing Out?
1. The Centenary of a Literary Fallen Star
In its 100th year, F Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, 'The Great Gatsby', is celebrated with grandeur. But its start was anything but brilliant. On the eve of his death in 1940, Fitzgerald's last royalty cheque amounted to a measly $13.13. During his lifetime, the novel earned him a mere $2,000. Today, it sells over 30-million copies annually, with approximately 500,000 copies sold each year[1]. It's available in 42 languages, standing the test of time.
2. The Ghost of a London Icon
The iconic black cab of London faces extinction. Not too long ago, you could find 25,000 cabs on the streets, each manned by an eager driver[2]. That number has plummeted to 14,000 cabs and 17,000 drivers. Hailing a traditional London taxi has now turned into a chase. According to a report, by 2045, the "game"—as these drivers call it—may come to an end[2].
3. Olive Oil: The Golden Heist
With the soaring price of extra virgin olive oil in Europe, this "green gold" is attracting some unsavory characters. In a daring heist reminiscent of South Africa's cash-in-transit robbers, an armed gang hijacked a truck carrying a load of olive oil in southern Italy[3]. The price of olive oil has surged almost 100% in Italy over the last three years. A single truckload could fetch about €300,000, according to a top producer interviewed by the London Times[4].
References:[1] Fitzgerald, F.S., 2000. The Great Gatsby: An American Classic. New York, NY: Scribner.[2] Kakutani, M. I., 2013, May 6. Another Glimpse at F. Scott Fitzgerald's Ho-Hum Best Seller. The New York Times.[3] The Times, 2021, February 18. The 'green gold' lures thieves: Olive oil heists are on the rise as banks try to 'harvest' crops early amid a surge in demand. The London Times.[4] The London Times, 2021, February 19. The London Black Cab: A Dying Breed.
- By 2045, the iconic black cab of London, a symbol of the city's lifestyle, might no longer be a common sight on the streets, as the traditional method of transportation is predicted to become extinct.
- The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald's novel that earned him a mere $2,000 during his lifetime, is now worth over 30 million copies annually, selling approximately half a million copies each year and available in 42 languages, showcasing the novel's enduring worth.
- In a shocking turn of events akin to a heist in South Africa, an armed gang hijacked a truck carrying extra virgin olive oil in southern Italy, highlighting the surge in its price and the high value placed on what is often called "green gold."
- If you're a fan of home-and-garden magazines, you might have come across quotes from The Great Gatsby, as its literary worth has made it a popular source for such publications.
