Reading Roars!

One week ago, I was having a pub conversation with a friend about the 3 Bs. We weren’t actually at the 3 B’s (I think it was the Allied Arms) - instead the talk centred on what the 3 Bs represented (beer, bulbs and biscuits) and their influence on the town. Thus, we agreed that Huntley & Palmer’s were a significant force and, once we digested that, concurred that beer did add a bit of fizz to the town’s history.

But bulbs? We couldn’t work it out. But now I think I know.

It has to be because of the town’s Christmas lights.  I’m guessing there are thousands of those blue bulbs this year, twinkling in the trees like blue-arsed fireflies. An improvement over last year? If you dig Christmas, then yes. But why blue? Of course, red is harsh, Satanic even, and environmentalists would be up in arms (no pub intended) if the lights were green (green makes a statement - and consider the bulbs’ high energy consumption). But why not a nice golden, er, gold?

Anyway, the psychology of the colour blue is explained by About.com as follows:

Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men. Women tend to buy blue clothing for men because they believe men prefer it.

Is this an attempt to draw male consumers into the town centre? Could be! About.com continues

Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.

A-ha! A surefire way to instill calm in drunken yobs? Maybe!

Can someone shed some light on the matter?