Sometimes I’m surprised when my college friends from smaller towns than the Springs say something like, “We used to have a Taco Bell, but then it closed down.” A Taco Bell. “A” Taco Bell. As if only having one isn’t itself a tragedy in light of the dozens littering Colorado Springs.

I think that’s part of why “The Disappeared” disturbed me so much last week. That insinuation that there’s some sort of deep, festering truth embedded in American culture from which I remain isolated after having grown in such a suburban area, venturing out just to nearby states like Texas or Oklahoma.

Space exploration is exciting stuff and the sea does have its astounding depth, but it’s like there are these vast reaches of unexplored territory within our nation’s borders. Though a “nation,” to be more accurate, is defined as a group of people with a shared culture and history. I think that’s where the true mystery lies. How different am I from someone in New York? Are they going to beat me up for watching My Little Pony? Do we take for granted all those assumed commonalities “LOL, TRAFFIC IS ANNOYING AND EVERYONE THINKS SO!”, exaggerate their reach? Are there such things a Bostonian experiences on a daily basis that I just wouldn’t “get”? Why the fuck doesn’t Colorado have its own signature food like the Philly cheesesteak? How come wrestling promotions shut down left and right here but thrive in the Northeast?

I have inklings of information for all those questions, but not enough to fully satisfy myself. That’s why I can’t settle down. That’s why so much rides on being successful as a writer and pursuing professional wrestling. I won’t go through life wondering what a genuine Philly cheesesteak tastes like.

                In the United States and Canada, urban sprawl is becoming a matter of increasing concern.  From 1970 to 1990, people who worked in U.S. cities moved farther and farther from urban centers.  The population density of cities in the United States decreased by more than 20 percent as people in cities moved to suburbs and outlying areas.  About 30,000 square miles of rural lands were gobbled up by housing developments.  For example, the population of the city of Chicago decreased during this period from 3.4 million people to 2.8 million.  But the Chicago metropolitan area grew from about 7.0 million persons to 7.3 million.

                Canada is less populated than the United States but faces similar problems in the 1990’s, more than 75 percent of all Canadians lived in urban areas. 

                Sprawl occurs in metropolitan areas that allow unrestricted growth or that have no plans to contain it.  Other factors include the widespread use of automobiles and the building of expressways.  Autos and relatively cheap gasoline enable Americans to drive many miles to and from their jobs.  Despite clogged highways and long commutes, Americans their cars to mass transit.  Expressways provide the means for continued reliance on the automobile.

                Yet, despite sprawl, there are many reasons why Americans have moved to suburbs.  Some people want open spaces or better schools and housing.  Still others want to try to recapture the sense of community they experienced while growing up.  They want their children to know their neighbors and have a backyard in which to play.  Only recently have urban planners started to design big city neighborhoods to give a sense of community, hoping to slow the flight to the suburbs.

                Urban sprawl has a negative impact on the quality of life in many ways.  As suburbs grow, more commuter traffic strains the infrastructure.  Infrastructure consists of the basic facilities, services, and machinery needed for a community to function.  For example, roads and bridges need maintenance.  More cars on the road for more time add to air pollution, too.  Also, sources of water, such as rivers or underground aquifers, become depleted. 

                Urban sprawl also has other costs.  The cost of providing streets, utilities, and other public facilities to suburban communities is often at least 25 per cent higher than for high density residences in a city.  Urban sprawl also separates classes of people.  When those in upper income brackets choose to live in outlying areas, lower income residents often become isolated in inner city areas.

Image via Wikipedia

Solutions to Sprawl

                More and more cities are developing plans for smart growth, which is the efficient use and conservation of land and other resources.  Most often this involves encouraging development close to or inside the limits of existing cities.  Good public transportation systems help to make smart growth possible by cutting down on auto traffic. 

                In 1979, the city of Portland, Oregon, drew a line around itself to create an urban growth boundary.  Building was allowed inside the boundary.  The surrounding green space was off limits to developers.  This decision caused controversy but was paid off.  Portland has contained urban sprawl.

                Since 1961, Vancouver, British Columbia, has seen the population of its metropolitan area double.  The growth of outlying suburbs often took place at the expense of forests, farms, and flood plains.  In 1995, the Greater Vancouver Regional Board adopted a plan to manage growth.  It involved turning suburbs into sustainable communities, that is, communities where residents could live and work.  The same solution was applied to Vancouver’s downtown area, where about 40 percent of its residents no walk to work.  This has cut down on commuting.

                In some metropolitan areas, citizens have banded together to offer their own solutions to urban sprawl.  For example, citizens in Durham, North Carolina, opposed additional commercial development along a congested area of a nearby interstate highway.  They formed CAUSE-Citizens against Urban Sprawl Everywhere.  The organization is working against sprawl through education and political activism.  

Location

Most of us overlook this factor when considering which college/university to enrol. This is very important because the safety of your upcoming few years relies on your decision. For example, if you choose to be enrol into a university located in a rural area far away from home, who will come to your rescue when you faces any emergency? Being in a city doesn’t mean you’re any safer too. Rate of reported cases such as robberies, traffic accidents, snatch thieves are often higher in busy cities compare to rural areas. Henceforth, this factor should be considered carefully before deciding on which college/ university.

Fees

Tuition fees should be reasonable and affordable to ease the burden of your parents. You can always enquire if there is any financial aid provided by the college/university fow low income families or scholarships offered for good academic results. This would also help you in determining your target / goal in your academic result.

Recognition

It is very important that after you’ve graduated, the certification that you’re awarded is recognised in your country, or better if it is internationally recognise. Look at the current status of the previous students of a choosen university/ college. Which company are they working in? A recognised academic institution should have a number of students working in big organisations / listed companies.

Courses offered / Specialty

After all the consideration above, , it would be useless if the course you intend to take is not offered in the chosen college/ university. You can always look through the list of courses offered so that you’ll have a better picture when you’re required to choose a major in the later year. You can also choose a college/ university base on the college/university’s specialty. For example, if you’ve chosen to be in the accountancy field, you should focus more on the colleges / universities that are well known for its profession in the accountancy field.

Decision

Finally, the decision for which should be the chosen college / university lies on you. You can also attend education fairs to enquire and seek advise from the professionals on your doubts. However, always bear in mind of the enrolment dates so that you would not miss it!

GeoDesign

                GeoDesign is a design process that is based off of Ian McHarg’s book “Design With Nature”. The concepts of GeoDesign have been around for decades, but these concepts have more recently been combined with new and more powerful technology, as well as with each other. The improvement and development of new technologies, mainly ArcGIS and ArcSketch, have allowed designers to completely embrace the concepts and the benefits of GeoDesign.

                The main factor of GeoDesign is the integration of analysis and design. New developments in GIS allow designers to input multiple design alternatives into GIS and this subjects each alternatives to a suitability analysis based on the geodata in the map. This allows designers to develop multiple alternatives and to easily analyze each one during the design process, resulting in designs that are tested for suitability throughout the design process. By designing in this manner, we are able to create “science-based” designs, rather than designing a complete site, then adjusting it slightly to fit the existing geography and natural systems. Integration of geographic science with design is crucial when designing places to suit the existing conditions and the natural systems. Geodesign is a process that uses concepts from landscape architecture, environmental studies, geography, and planning to accomplish this overall goal of “science-based” design and fitting seamlessly with natural systems.

                The true power of GeoDesign lies in the ability to test sketches of alternatives extremely fast against a massive amount of data. The development of ArcSketch and CommunityViz allows designers to do many quick sketches of design alternatives and ideas. As soon as an alternative is sketched out using these programs, the computer can immediately test it for suitability based on the data for whatever criteria are the most important. This means that designs can be analyzed throughout the design process, and each part of the design can be analyzed, rather than just certain aspects that were thought of during the actual analysis process.

                GeoDesign has the capacity to radically change how we design. New development plans can be put through this process, making “smart growth smarter”. The new plans will be based on much more accurate data, and designers have access to an incredible amount of data. Potentially the largest benefit is that the new design’s implications and effects on people, natural systems, and on the land are immediately recognized, and adjustments can be made very early in the design process.

“Changing Geography by Design.” Esri – The GIS Software Leader | Mapping Software and Data. ESRI, Oct. 2010. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. <http://www.esri.com/library/ebooks/geodesign.pdf>.

Homeland Security and the FBI have issued an alert for small planes that may be used in attacks on 9/11/11. It is the ten year anniversary of the Twin Tower attack and everyone is on high alert. There are no special issues or positive threats, but everyone should be on alert. Small planes are the most accessible at the moment and can be flown from private airports under radar.

If the planes are loaded with explosives or chemicals for an attack, they can do major damage in a large city or community celebrations. Explosives are the biggest concern at the moment. Any small planes that refuses to identify themselves on 9/11 this year could be in serious trouble. All avenues are being watched in order to protect everyone in this country.

In case of chemical attack, it could cause major damage to cities with large populations and spread quickly across the country. If there is an attack, stay inside and wait for further instruction if you are not in the area. If you are in the area of the attack, leave. Remove yourself and family from the area quickly, but calmly.

Everyone in large cities and small towns need to be aware of unusual activity or requests on the days before and during 9/11. If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, contact your local law enforcement right away. Not only should you be aware of small aircraft, but if you see vehicles, vans or trucks in your area that are not normally there, report them to the authorities and let them investigate the situation.

If there is an attack, power could be out in the area for several days. Be sure to plan for water and food, emergency supplies and lighting. Have a family plan if you must leave and stay together during 9/11 celebration commemorations.

Be prepared to help with evacuation in an emergency or help with an emergency shelter. Providing food, clothing, bedding and stuffed toys for frightened children arriving from outside the area will help to comfort and calm nerves. Be kind and stay alert.

Health experts have concluded that aerobic and other types of exercise lead to better circulation and stronger muscles. And apart from that, new research indicates that exercise may actually delay the ageing process, but, of course, it must be coupled with good habits to maximize its effects. That’s why it’s important to say no to alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

In many towns and cities it’s possible to see hundreds, if not thousands, of people exercising in public parks. Many of these parks have facilities especially for those who want to get fit and stay fit. There may be running tracks for joggers, parallel bars and weights for gymnasts and body-builders, and badminton and tennis courts for those who like racket games. So even if you go to the park alone, you won’t feel lonely  because you will have the opportunity to make new friends and exercise at the same time.

Ideally, one should exercise at least 30 minutes non-stop every day. This could be jogging, cycling or swimming, but before you start doing this it’s important to have a medical check-up to find out what would be the best way to exercise considering your age and lifestyle.

Follow this simple guide: spend ten minutes stretching and warming up to focus properly on the upcoming task. Then jog, cycle or swim for the next twenty minutes. Every week, add a few more minutes to your workout or routine. Go from twenty to twenty-five, twenty-five to thirty and so on. Stop when you’ve reached a comfortable yet challenging level.

Try to compete against your fellow-exercisers or new friends in the park and this will make the whole process much more enjoyable. And, at the same time, it will enable you to determine just how far you can go, and how much you can do, before reaching your limits.

They’re still at it.  But the media just won’t report the commonality in all of these.  These young people are blacks. Why is making the observation considered “politically incorrect”?  It’s the TRUTH! 

A little History on real Flash Mobs First

Flash Mobs started out as a peaceful form of expression, often entertaining and sometimes even artistic. 

But it seems there are some in this world who cannot tolerate such things and have to destroy them for every one simply by misusing a term.  Media  all around the country have taken this term and associated it with something very ugly.

More Accurate Terms

Wilding, Mob Fests or Swarms  are older, more accurate terms for what these teen blacks are doing.  Sometimes these mobs have gang connections and sometimes it’s just ordinary black youth.  I have decided to post some links and see how many I accumulate over the summer.  If any readers here have links to violent white, Asian or Mid-eastern youth groups behaving as badly, feel free to post them in comments.

The Charlie Sykes Show

Sunday, July 10, 2011 -On the Charlie Sykes Show, James T. Harris discusses the recent explosion of black teen mob violence in Milwaukee and across the country.

The first notable incident I found was in Philadelphia, March 2010.

Flashin’ in Philly

Then I heard about “Beat Whitey Night” at the Iowa State Fair in 2010

Des Moines, IA May 2011 – Interview with the Couple

The news reporting is careful not to mention the details because these Junior High students are from the second largest junior high in Iowa and it is comprised of 34.2% blacks, who represent a significant presence in the area of the report.  Since the media refuses to include such things, we are left to do our own research.

Memorial Day 2011

I didn’t really start wondering about this until I heard about a whole series of them popping off this past Memorial Day all around the country.  The media largely ignored the magnitude of it.  Here is a summary of Memorial Day Weekend

(Just Click the links for more information)

Links to a A Few Specific Occurances

Chicago, IL (Memorial Day, 2011)

WLS listeners report “large gangbanger element” at Oak Street and North Avenue beaches 

Peoria, IL (Memorial Day, 2011)

“We’re Gonna Kill All the White People”

Rochester, New York (Memorial Day, 2011) – Violence at the Beach

Nashville, TN (Memorial Day, 2011) – Wave Country

There were more in various places around the country such as Boston, MA; Myrtle Beach, SC;  Miami, FL.  You can read more about the Memorial Day “Flash” mobs at  

Memorial Day Weekend

  A Few Samples of June 2011

Los Angeles, CA June 2011 – City Worker Beaten Up in Vallejo

Washington DC June 25, 2011- Caribbean Night

  St Paul Minnesota (June 18, 2011)50 African Americans Rob Convenience Stores Washington, DC (June 18, 2011)- Du Pont Circle

Columbia, SC (June 28, 2011) 

Curfew after Violent Attack by “teens”

Fourth of July 2011

Then the Fourth of July celebrations rolled around and we were treated to even more unruly mobs around the country.

Milwaukee, WI

Looting, Beatings in Riverwest Barbaric

Peoria, IL.

Fourth of July

Beach in Chicago, IL

A 17 year old Catholic boy tries kindness and is on life support for his trouble. 

UPDATE:  The boy dies 

Ohhhh!   But THIS is not a hate crime. 

Baltimore, MD – Four Year Old Shot at Fireworks Celebration

Others. . . .

 Atlanta, GA (April 2011) – Horde of “teens” attack two on train

  Cleveland Heights, OH – Unruly Crowd at Street Fair

Las Vegas, NV May 2011- Convenience Store

Milwaukee, WI (July 5, 2011)  Responsible Mother Turns in her Teens

(Video of the crime)

July 15, 2011: Attack on Train in New York – click for details

What I find disturbing is how universally the media will not acknowledge what all these stories have in common.  It’s not really fair to the rest of the “teens” in America to be lumped in with this particular subset of society, but that’s how Political-Correctness-Gone-Mad has a negative effect on society.  It is, as far as I can tell, a predominately Black teen activity.

 July 20, 2011 Black Bands Attack Couples in Denver – click for details

July 31, 2011 Luke Easter Park, Cleveland, OH click for details – (The link has removed content regarding the racial nature of this attack since I first published it. Surprise. Surprise)  We learned that it is a black mob thing by reading the comments.  The media does not print such details anymore.  Which is why most people don’t know very much about this phenomenon.

August 4, 2011 Milwaukee State Fair-click for details White people were singled out as targets by young black people as they left the fair.  They were beaten, their cars were beaten and damaged, some were pulled off bikes and many were just terrified.  Reports are still coming in . . .

Many media sources still resist reporting the facts.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Minneapolis,MN (July 9, 2011)

“Teen ” Mob attacked a Mother, her 15 year old daughter over a pair of SUN GLASSES! 

Tampa, FL (Dec 2010)    Marine, Wife Attacked at a Theatre

That’s all I have for now, but I’ll keep searching for more up-to-date stories. Try to remember what “Flash Mobs” started out to be as you hear the media incorrectly label these as such.  Try to pick up on the media’s politically correct buzz words like “youth” and “teen” and yes, even “Flash Mobs”.  Just something else stolen from good people who just wanted to have a little light-hearted fun.

   Dear Neighbor,

             I have an issue that I have been meaning to address for some time, and while I realize that some may consider my grievance minor, I feel that it should be discussed before it develops into a larger problem. Please, understand that I do not wish to be petty, or trivial (as I would not bring this issue to your attention without much thought and consideration as to how you might receive it) but I strongly believe that the topic must be breached in order to restore the sense of communal harmony, and familial bliss that the great citizens of Taylor once enjoyed.

   Let me start by telling you something about myself: One of the reasons I moved to this neighborhood was because (aside from the occasional motorbike or rescue vehicle) it was relatively quiet when compared to most downriver communities, and that allows me to keep a low profile. Keeping a low profile is important to me, as previously I lived in places where the neighboring residents and I had several altercations that did not always end neatly. Keeping a low profile is important to my government work, as well as aid in the protection of my house and properties.

  You must understand that I am sometimes asked to do some rather unsavory things that are best left unsaid, and having said that it should be apparent why I prefer to exit and enter my residence unannounced. All of these things were taken into consideration when I purchased my house, six years before you moved into the house across the street.

  Since that time, we have enjoyed an amiable relationship, where we both come and go as we please, without unnecessary fanfare, until your new addition to the family arrived.

  You may have noticed that your dog breaks into spontaneous fits of barking between 2 and 4 AM, every single morning, which is, coincidentally, the same time I get up and go to work every morning.

  It would be hard not to notice, as the other neighbors turn on their lights and look out their windows, attempting to see the source of commotion, to the purpose of better understanding why your dog bails incessantly every single morning, between 2 and 4.

  Strangely, your dog does not seem to recognize his territory, or respect the fact that I am considerate to enter and leave my domicile quietly, as to not disturb our sleeping neighbors.

  While I understand that animals may be a bit edgy, or easily spooked, upon moving to a new environment, the early morning barking has been going on for over a year now, each morning drawing unnecessary attention to me and my house. Usually well-trained canines grow accustomed to their surroundings, and neighbors, within the span of a few months, but not your dog….oh, no.

   Your neighbors have spent the last year getting up between 2 and 4 AM every morning, patiently waiting for your dog to be better acclimated to its surroundings.

  Your neighbors have been wondering why it is that they cannot seem to sleep through your dogs daily barkothons, while you seem blissfully unaware of the incursion.

     Please, understand that I am trying to be as polite as I possibly can, when I tell you that it is imperative that you put a muzzle on that retarded mutt as soon as possible…

  I am sorry, maybe that was too brash. I have no way of knowing if your dog is retarded, and it is not my wish to cast aspersions on a dumb animal when the problem might lie with its retarded (and well-rested) owner. In either case, it is unproductive: to falsely characterize you or your pet, when the problem may stem from systematic animal abuse or nutritional deficiencies and poor training from a retarded owner…oops, there I go again.

  I guess what I am trying to say is that there are cases where owners beat their dogs senseless, which could explain your dogs retarded behavior, but that would require you to have enough energy to beat your pet in the first place, whereas it is apparent (to all of your neighbors) that you do not possess the energy (or the will) to get out of bed and calm your dog when he/she/it begins it’s morning rants.

  In any case, it is wrong to blame a lesser animal on the grounds of bad breeding, poor training, or abusive owners, even if the animal is retarded.

    It comes to this: I am writing this letter to ask that you get your lazy ass out of bed to shut up your retarded dog.

     Again, I am trying to breach this issue as nicely as possible, with much respect to you and your retarded dog. I understand that kennel dogs, and abused animals can often act erratic, as they are unable to understand right from wrong, as well as the subtle nuances involved with living on a street where most people do not wish to get up at 2 AM, not to mention that the dog’s lack of comprehension may be hampered by the fact that he/she/it is retarded.

  So, what is your excuse?

British Colombia     Victoria

Alberta                   Edmonton

Saskatchewan       Regina

Manitoba               Winnipeg

Ontario                  Toronto

Quebec                  Quebec City

New Brunswick       Fredericton 

Nova Scotia            Halifax

Prince Edward         

Island (PEI)            Charlottetown

Newfoundland

and Labrador          St John’s

Nunavut                  Iqaluit

Northwest 

Territories               Yellow Knife

Yukon                     White Horse

Canadian Capital    Ottawa

                The most direct way, the most obvious form of globalization affecting the environment is the emissions caused by the transporters of goods- airplanes. As they trade with other countries bearing their cargo, they burn large amounts of fuel, effectively spewing out CO2 (carbon dioxide) and NOx (nitrogen oxide). In 1993, aircraft emitted 350 million pounds (350 000 000) of greenhouse gases. If they polluted that much in 1993, how much will they pollute in the industrialized future? As they trade their manufactured goods, will they not help develop countries?

                In short, the definition above means developing countries becoming industrialized, on a global scale, as the money and goods pool outwards from the rich countries.  This is the largest way globalization affects the environment. Aren’t the developed countries the ones who pollute more? With their high demand of fuel, vast amounts of fossil fuels are burned. China will be one of the most well-known examples of this. As China is heading towards the top, it poisoned the air with 1000 million tonnes (2 204 600 000 000 lb.) in 2002. When other countries like India, or Iraq start rising, we will likely see the same thing from them. But air pollution is only a part of the global crisis.

                Furthermore, as they develop, they will no doubt construct new cities, towns, plants etc. They will have to clear away forests to accommodate their urban sprawl. In 2009, there was a 73% decline in forest areas or 7464 km2- about 3 times the size of Luxembourg. On the idea of deforestation, the land itself will also be hurt. Toxic waste will l be stored in landfills, and eventually seep into the ground. Also, the sulphur in the air will likely cause acid rain, which greatly damages the ecosystem in many ways. It can trickle into the earth, and corrode many of the roots and animals there. This shows on the surface in many cases. Acid rain can also fall into water, damaging underwater organisms.

                Likewise, the oceans will be hurt along with the air and land. 14 billion pounds (14 000 000 000 lb.) of garbage is dumped into the ocean each year (obviously by the power-hungry developed countries). The waste corrupts and defiles the water, killing sea life. An ecosystem is fragile, extremely frail, and if a species is eliminated, everything gets affected. The ocean has its own ecosystem, but is not the entire world an ecosystem?      Therefore, everything will be affected by globalization, including the environment.

                There are numerous opinions on globalization. Countries like Britain and America see it as something pushing them ahead of others. Others like Ethiopia and Kenya see it as another problem in their already impoverished lives. The environment, however, sees it one of the greatest causes of its depletion.