Showing posts with label economic collapse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic collapse. Show all posts

Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World Review

Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World
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Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World ReviewI was impressed by the straightforward way Patrick Condon presents his arguments. This is a book that is easily accessible to anyone - no need to be an expert in climate change, urban design, transportation or development issues. There is enough hard data and references to make a convincing case without overwhelming a reader not intimately familiar with the points presented.
I was pleased that the emphasis to transform urban structure was based on transportation systems - the streetcar and the interconnected road system. From personal experience working on large scale master planned projects I had become convinced of the need for effective, efficient public transit and road networks if truly sustainable communities are to be achieved so it is compelling to see an historical North American urban form (the streetcar city) analyzed and demonstrated as a solution to current and future issues. In combination Condon's proposal addresses greenhouse gas production, scarce land availability, affordable housing, diverse housing mix, neighbourhood employment, excessive VMT.
Imbedded in this approach are two essential points ' ease of transit access and continuous corridor development. Condon convincingly argues that the streetcar city works because it operates at human scale and provides what people want in close proximity ' the retail, commercial, entertainment and business base located along the transit corridors. While the 5 minute walk has been generally accepted for nodal based urban development approaches Condon demonstrates how continuous corridor development provides greater utility for this concept. It matches our basic physical capability, addresses our consumer and employment needs and provides convenience that supercedes private auto use.
Condon's proposal addresses the hierarchy of public to private spaces from the street to the private home identified by Jane Jacobs through a simple, pragmatic approach ' the historical Vancouver city block, lane and small lot land arrangement. The key characteristics of street oriented housing, lane based parking and multiple housing type possibilities is also shown to address the need for diverse, affordable housing that can support a range of family types and incomes.
Finally, Condon does a good job a presenting the value and critical importance of designing with respect to watershed function. As the effects of climate change increase this point cannot be overemphasized.
By providing a comparison to 50 years of urban change between 1950 and 2000 and the potential for equally significant but enhanced urban change by 2050 Condon offers a vision of an achievable sustainable future.
This book would be an excellent primer for government officials, staff, design professionals and concerned citizens who are struggling with finding a direction for city development that addresses the multiple, interrelated, complex issues we face. While it is primarily a design based approach it is clear that it has the flexibility and adaptive qualities necessary to complement, and integrate with, a robust community planning process. Real potential for community building exists in this approach - something that is a fundamental component of successful sustainable cities.Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World Overview

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Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure Review

Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure
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Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure ReviewBroke, the latest release by Beck, is a surprisingly entertaining text to
be sure. It's engaging, easy to read and designed as an unapologetic
agenda...Beck style. It's also packed full of information that is sure to
create a "teachable moment" among even the most vocal opponent. As a college instructor and business writer, Beck is one of the personalities that tends to draw a lot of attention and followers/critics; for that reason I attempt to stay somewhat up to date with what he/others are doing however, I'm not a "fan" of Beck per se. Although I consider him in the realm of "entertainer" rather than serious economic or political leadership, Beck has done a very real service with the publication of this book if for no other reason than the historical and educational value of the first 2/3 of the book. Also, despite the fact that this is an early review of the book (versus my own personal opinion and/or agenda), please note that this is a verified purchase unlike others. If you want to debate the pro's and con's of the "agenda", the tea party, republicans vs democrats, liberals versus conservatives etc...this is NOT that review.
Basics About the Book
First of all, this is a 400 pages of facts, figures, charts, explanations,
history, examples and action-steps. It contains plenty of resources, ample
visual impact and a clear concise style that encourages the reader to
continue reading. This is the hardcover version with dust-jacket and I'm
happy to say that it was well designed for maximum readability and
audience appeal. Whether you are the type that sits down and reads 400
pages at once or just likes to browse a bit here and there, this book will
work equally well. Plenty of conversation with oodles of tidbits and
factoids.
Who Should Read
Beck Critics - Those that dislike Glenn Beck will not be disappointed - he
provides plenty of fuel to fire-up even the most reserved of his critics.
In fact, even hard core Beck advocates are likely to take issue with a few
items here and there due to "spin" so commonly used by Beck when
interpreting information and data. Like the old adage, there are lies,
d-mnded lies and statistics...the cited data is often used for/against
both sides of a debate, definitions are distorted to the benefit of both
sides and the usual chicanery is alive and well throughout the book. Yes,
I cringed at times but let's face it, that is a daily event for most
Americans that haven't already tuned out entirely. Critics of Beck will
find ample opportunity to criticize the details, the proposed plan of
action and even the man himself. However, there is a good chance that even
the most critical opponent of Beck will actually learn something from this
book! It is interesting and packed full of relevant historical detail as
well as food for thought.
Beck Fans - If you enjoy Beck, this may be his best book to date. It's
packed with information and is unapologetic in the proposed agenda set
forth. It's funny. It's informative. It's entertaining. It's educational.
Without a doubt you will want to buy a copy for yourself, a couple to loan
out to friends and at least one to keep on hand for naysayers and critics.
Unless they are so closed to anything other than their very own agenda,
every thinking person is likely to find something of interest in this
book. Yes, there is slant or angle but that is true of every "side". What
does come through (quite clearly) is the position taken by Beck and his
supporters as well as the reasons and rationale. Agree or disagree, it's
worth reading.
Teens & Those New to Politics, Economics, Tax Issues etc. - Anyone with an
open mind is likely to enjoy this book even if you don't agree...or
actually disagree...with Beck and his conclusions. This would be a great
tool for teens, home schooler and others that would like to initiate an
open conversation about what it taking place (or not) in this nation. The
historical perspective alone is well written, filled with facts and open
enough to spur endless debate.
What is Covered
With over 400 pages packed to the brim, this book provides a big bang for
the buck! It's roughly divided into three parts:
Part I - Part I begins with ancient history, the foundation of this
nation, monetary policy of Hoover, FDR, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush II and
now Obama.
Part II - Covers the crime of the century, the cover up and "the murder
weapon".
Part III - The Plan. This is Becks' call for action, response to critics
and his understanding of the role religion, government, family etc plays
in shaping our nation.
Citations, Resources etc...Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure Overview

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