20sGirl

Has anyone in this forum read this book by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Jeff Speck? I recently found it at the library and it's a fascinating read (actually, I'm still reading it). They assess sprawl's costs to society and show how unsustainable it really is. If you read it, what did you think? I'm not a city planner or architect, etc... so I would be interested in the builder/planner/architect...perspective.

I'm going to make a guess and say that the issue here is not what you drive but how wastefully you live your life?... The one who burns up gallons of a natural resource solely to stroke his/her ego is the person who deserves critique. On the other hand, people are people - there have been shows of wealth and status since the beginning of humanity. In the middle ages, the church actually had to step in and say enough is enough (regarding clothing and jewelry). However, some of the finest landmarks in the world were built out of vanity (NOT including Tillman's follies- Ha!). So, it's just an age old display of human nature that will probably never change. Also, the car you drive is a reflection of the image you want to project to others. Thus, if you drive an SUV, you'll be seen as sporty or adventurous or a concerned mom... Same rings true if you drive a small, fuel-efficient car. You project an image of environmentalism or minimalism or, in my case, just plain old cheapness...

The onion rings are where it's at baby! And don't forget the Krystal pups and corn pups! (Although, I don't think they can beat JCI for a good, greasy hot dog with plenty-o-onions.)

You know what that means don't you?... We need to widen the Loop! 36 lanes of 80 mile per hour bliss! Heat island? What heat island?

Ooo, juicy stuff. Yeah, too many choices is definitely a problem. That's what we get for living in the information age, eh? I think certain types of people like alot of choices, but it confuses the hell out of me. Then, once I make a selection, I start the second-guessing. Also, when you see or hear news from the world everyday, you'd swear the world was ending. (I always have to remind my mother-in-law that the world is not, in fact, ending. They had floods, wars and murderers since the beginning of time, you just didn't hear about them when they occurred on the other side of the world). Anyway, you would think that the open market would take care of these problems by weeding out the inferior products... but somehow they survive, and sometimes even overtake the superior product. Which brings us to marketing. It's not really suvival of the fittest, it's survival of the best marketing strategy. It takes alot of energy to weed through all the crap to find the best item. They even have a whole magazine devoted to just that. (Consumer Reports) Perhaps that's why many of us are just so tired and stressed. Maybe we'll have an Arts and Crafts revival when people get sick of all the cheap, manufactured junk, just like they did 130 years ago. One can only hope.

"You obviously are not a Sienfeld fan" ...not that there's anything wrong with that...

That cracks me up! I guess she got tired of hearing them argue. Snickers said "I think that "mass behavior" is cyclical....when it goes to far to one extreme, events will force it back towards the other extreme." That comment gives me hope because I think it is true. I also completely agree that you need to do what you love instead of what pays the most. (Think of all those lucky souls out there who love being brain surgeons and corporate lawyers...) It is all too easy to get sucked up into "the American dream" of having it all. I had it all and realized that I didn't really want it all. So, I had a massive garage sale on eBay, donated what didn't sell, I'm working project-to-project (instead of being tied down to some corporation) and I really love it. It's so nice to have empty rooms in the house that I no longer need to clean. (I know it sounds wasteful but I really can't afford to move.) As far as TVs go, one is more than enough to me- especially when you see what they show during the daytime.

The Chronicle this morning said we're getting Krystal Burgers here in Houston. (For those not familiar, Krystals are similar to White Castles in that they are small, square burgers.) Their onion rings are SO GOOD!

I like the Texas Lottery jingle...Jackpot...Jackpot... It's a catchy little tune.

That would really be a shame because I haven't been very impressed with either of the new HEBs (Gessner @ Kempwood; Beltway 8 @ Beechnut??) Neither can measure up to Central Market. The only other store that comes close, in terms of hard-to-find international foods, is Fiesta- the one on on I10 and Blalock(?) I'm not very good with remembering street names.

True, it is a stereotype. I am defining "American lifestyle" as what I see in mainstream America- namely television programs, news, advertising and other media and what I experience in my own life. I worked downtown for a number of years and rarely saw people who looked content. Most looked very stressed and tired. I would hear conversations in the elevators about who got the least amount of sleep last night and who logged the most hours during the weekend and how busy they are all the time. People looked tired, not happy. I knew (and still know) so many people who are taking prescription medicine to control their depression. It's almost normal to have a psychotherapist. Shopping is also a big part of the American lifestyle. Many things today are made to be disposable. Planned obsolescence is a reality meant to encourage more consumer activity. Even our president was urging the American population to go shopping to support the American way of life. Our whole economic system is based upon growth. Not maintenance, but growth. Houses are being built bigger these days, even though families are smaller. Big SUVs and trucks are popular. Food portions are out of control, which brings me to: The majority of Americans do have some sort of weight problem. The last figures I heard were approx. 1/3 obese, 1/3 overweight and 1/3 normal. Those may have changed. Sugar infiltrates just about everything in the grocery stores. Our meats are loaded with antibiotics, hormones and pesticides. Come to think of it, so are our fruits and vegetables. If you can afford organic, you have an advantage. In Europe, for example, they have stringent rules about these things. Look at the average American's sugar consumption compared to just about any other nation on the planet. I'm willing to bet the American's will be much higher every time. I, too, married into an immigrant family. While they are glad to have the ability to earn a living to meet their basic needs (which is why they are here), they also notice big differences in the quality of life on a human scale (not just economic scale). The people here are financially secure (even the poor have TVs, housing, etc.) but they are not necessarily happy. I fear that you are the exception, not the rule. It is very easy to lose your way in this society, especially if you don't have the land, equipment or skill to grow/raise your own food (much less the stomach to actually slaughter your own food). I also know many people who live in small towns and rural communities. They fall victim to advertising just as much as my city friends. I don't think obesity and mass consumption are just city problems. Some of the thinnest people I've seen live in New York. They are thin because they walk everywhere. People in small towns also care about image and status. Small towns have rich and poor sides of town. They have good schools and bad schools. They have teenagers carrying cell phones and wearing the latest fashions. Most folks in small towns get excited when they hear that Walmart or Target or Foley's, etc. is going to build a new store near them. People in small towns buy new cars, new houses, new clothes, new computers- just like city people do. Most people do have to make a special effort to get enough exercise in their daily life. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but it takes special effort, whereas in other cultures it comes more easily. You can't just coast along in the mainstream, you have to consciously make your life what you want it to be. Don't get me wrong- I love my country but I'm afraid for the health of our nation if we don't change some things soon. I enjoy hearing your feedback- most people don't like talking about this stuff.

Do you have an interest in volunteering for the Yates Community Archaeology Program? Volunteer opportunities Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (11:30 - 12:30 lunch), till mid-December (except for Saturday Sept 25, morning only). We meet at the Yates House at 1314 Andrews. Some of us work in that yard, some under the Pullum House across the street, and some in our (air conditioned!) lab in the Yates House. If you would like to participate, or if you know others that might, you will be most welcome! They supply ice water, and they also have a few extra trowels if you don't have your own. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and wear shoes with closed toes (not sandals). Shorts are fine, but if you want to wear a halter top, bring a t-shirt or something to cover up more if needed. For more info, contact Carol McDavid of Yates Community Archaeology Program mcdavid@publicarchaeology.org http://www.webarchaeology.com

I ask this question out of curiosity. It seems that America is having alot of health problems. Americans are obese and depressed. Is this inherent in the American lifestyle? Why is it so hard for Americans to be healthy when we have the best medical technology and facilities and more access to healthy food than most other nations. Why are so many Americans on Prozac and other mood-altering drugs? Why are people so stressed out all the time? Is this what the American dream has become? Or, is the American dream something entirely different but we, as a nation, are too lazy or disfunctional to make it work?

Where did you hear the rumour? A reliable source? That would be fantastic if we got a Central market out here!

I HATE those Sonic ads! Those guys irritate the ____ out of me. I mean, this guy is willing to eat a sandwich with a pair of pants in it?!?!

MORE condos? Are people actually moving into all this new construction? I can't imagine, with the economy the way it is, that these things are getting filled. Am I wrong? It seems there is an abundance of new housing. Can people actually afford these residences?

I meant "Burger King" of course.

Anybody seen the new Nurger King breakfast sandwich commercial? "Eatin' breakfast with the king." CREEPY!!

Father Amco. Like I would actually buy insurance from a guy who looks like he'd break my legs if I miss a payment.

Thanks for the welcome Talbot! UL- We rented a condo at this place called "The Dunes". It's on Lantana St. (or Dr.).

Dream- Why is your signature dedicated to Montrose 1100?

Roxy Music circa 1974, 1970's David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust, PJ Harvey, Siouxsie & the Banshees (80's NOT 90's), Duran Duran (I admit it.), Pink Floyd, Air, Iggy Pop, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Jam, Bauhaus...you know...oldies. I would love to broaden my horizons with some new (but GOOD) music- I just don't have the time to seek it out. (But now I've got a whole list from Montrose 1100 to check out) Although, the library has been very handy in letting me check out new music without committing to buy. But I would never illegally burn anything. Sorry but radio here sucks. I guess the Rice station (91.7) is OK and KPFT can be good at times. I'm somewhat of a commie so I enjoy their talk shows and sometimes they play pretty good world music. They used to play really good Texas music (not country) but they don't anymore. I just can't get into the pop music of today- it all sounds so manufactured. It could be generational, I'm sure my parents thought my music was ____ too.

By jove, I think I've got it! Port Aransas sunset: One of many piers at the beach: Large military helicopter hovering over beach. I wish I could've gotten a closer shot- it was quite impressive!

I only just recently saw this beautiful cathedral on Woodway near Sage the other day. It is absolutely beautiful! I didn't think they built stuff like this anymore. Just wanted to share if you haven't seen it. I don't know how to post photos so here's a link to the website with a few interior photos. http://www.stmartinsepiscopal.org/photos/archive-c.jpg http://www.stmartinsepiscopal.org/2004-fol.htm

Houston from Above <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Looking at this, you can immediately tell where Memorial is