Public Transit and Why a Zebra?
I’ve wondered for a few years now while contemplating being car-less, and now being car-less if it would be possible to travel to and from multiple cities via public transit. It turns out it is! Evan Siroky has assembled various routes to prove the point. You got to love the efforts people make to share points on just how realistic transportation is without a car.
This oil spill is incredibly awful, but in terms of its effect on the planet vs. our total consumption and demand for oil have. It does’t even come close. You may argue the point that man made climate change is a hoax, and this is just the natural cycle. Fine, I’m not going to argue that with anyone because I am not an expert. There are scientist and people seeing it first hand that are better suited to do so. But for what it is worth the difference I see between man made development vs. a balanced ecosystem is visually disturbing to me. If it weren’t for my student loans I would surly kiss this capitalistic resource hogging world behind, and live with less out on the road.
Ok, back on topic. I really like this idea of public transit being used to travel great distances. Think about it, I could get on Trimet then connect with other regional transit systems and in a matter of hours I am in Seattle. It may not be as convenient, but there is nothing convenient about sitting in your car all alone unable to share the experience with other people. We are social animals, and while some of the people you may encounter on the bus aren’t the type of people you want to buddy up to. If more people ditched their cars the chances are better that you could meet someone new on your commute to — for example, Seattle.
This is just another idea that a better planned urban area, that focuses resources on transit of the foot, pedal, and mass-transit systems could go a long way towards developing stronger communities. So what am I missing? I’m not sure human beings; despite our social nature are ready for that close of a community. Some people just don’t want to change, don’t want to listen, and don’t want to give up on what they have come to believe is the American Dream. I wish it were different. My inner hippy mellow is being harshend, haha.
California just banned plastic bags. Oregon, are you listening? Safeway, you are the worst offender. My Safeway store doesn’t even offer paper. So if I forget my reusable bag, I have to take plastic. Boo!
Oh, check out this great audio visual bliss of five New York neighborhoods captured in their full glory. No inserted outside music, just a great ambient soundtrack and neighborhood blips. Sources: Architects Newspaper Blog and Urban Omnibus
Daniel, stop being such a gloating flower power dude and show us a cool house. Ok, here you go.
This is the JD House. It is located in the forest of Mar Azul, in the Argentinian province of Buenos Aires. Minus the Zebra skin on the ground, I really love this. The Architecture is so inspiring. I also like the minimalism of the interior. Sure it could use some art and a bit of color, but that is really those personal touches that are made by the inhabitant. Here, have a look.
Sources: Contemporist and BAK Architects
Oil, Greed, and Distractions
I have kept my opinions on the Gulf oil spill to myself. Mostly for the reason that there are more knowledgeable figures to take on this sad, sad topic. And with ignorance I can focus on the weighing problems in my life. But this catastrophic baloney that is happening outside of my selfish world has pissed me off enough to say something. I mean that’s what blogs are for, right? Haha.
These greedy oil tycoons and lobbyist controlled politicians with their thumbs up their butts need to step aside from their agendas, and deal with this HUGE problem. I know efforts are being made were made, and it was successful at stopping the flow, but it’s not enough. It is not just this spill. It is their inability to control technology, due to greed and status whoring.
Then there is this guy, who is too smart for Washington. Thank you Dennis Kucinich. Though once again, you have proven that these morons in Washington have too much dirty money in their ears to hear you. Sadly though, much of this falls on people like me. I and others like me demand for products that do more to sustain our oil addiction.
I don’t drive anymore, and I try to limit the amount of energy I consume. I am however not doing enough to demand for better sources of energy, better technology and better food production/packaging practices. We are simply victims of our own ignorance. Mother Nature — we are not worthy.
Treehugger.com has some images to help calm some anger, with satire. Which is different than Sarah Palin’s definition. /rant
Now for my daily distraction. Sports! This is a promo for the Portland Timbers MLS 2011 crest design. The Timbers will unveil the crest on June 12 — in a friendly against England. Great production, and I am very excited for the future of Portland Football. Thanks to Dropping Timber and PortlandMLS2011 for showing me this.
This fantastic boardwalk is located on the Benidorm Seafront in Spain . Designed by Office of Architecture in Barcelona. I can only imagine how the air flows through these elegant curves. The design reminds me of a wind sock. I’ll have to add this to my list of places to see someday. Found on Archdaily and Abitare.
