Fusing live art, social equity, and planning

I had the pleasure to attend the Michigan Association of Planning’s (MAP) Spring Institute today (May 23rd). My hat’s off to MAP and its entire staff/directors/committees on a terrific series of programs on social equity.

One of the most unusual and useful aspects about the conference was how live art was actively blended into the program with graphic illustrations of each presentation prepared by Ronna Alexander as the presentation was actually taking place. Her images brought new life and dimension each presentation in a way that many of us had never experienced before, while also pinpointing the key points made by the speakers.

Below are a series of photographs of her amazing work from today’s Spring Institute – posted on this site with her permission. My thanks to Ronna for allowing them to be posted.

Ronna Alexander

Graphic illustration as it is under construction.

 

Let’s go fly a kite!

Source: mackite.com

I had the opportunity to attend the 25^th Annual Great Lakes Kite Festival this past Sunday afternoon (May 19th) on the sandy beaches of Grand Haven, Michigan. The near perfect weather had huge crowds at the beach and many were also enjoying the amazing aerial acrobatics taking place above them. I would highly recommend attending a kite festival near you or if you are in West Michigan, check out future editions of the Great Lakes Kite Festival. Below are a few photos I took at this inspiring and “uplifting’ event. The current header for this blog is also from the festival. Enjoy!

Ecomodal transportation hubs

San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal (2015) – Source: urbika.com

This post summarizes several ideas that could be employed to facilitate the establishment of sustainable transportation hubs where intermodal cross-movement between multiple green (or active) transportation options takes place with ease. In a nutshell, these facilities are described by using the term “Ecomodal Hub.”  Strategically placed on a brownfield, adaptable, or vacant site within the urban area, it is believed such hubs would establish the necessary infrastructure and coordination to accelerate the conversion of more commuters from single-occupant automobiles to clean and green commuting alternatives.

At the heart of the Ecomodal Hub would be a solar-powered and/or green-roofed hub station for commuters/travelers who are transferring between transportation options to wait and relax in a safe, environmentally efficient, and sheltered environment. Most Ecomodal Hubs would not need to be as enormous or complex as San Francisco’s  Transbay Terminal which is shown in the photo above. Much smaller and less expensive and less complex versions could be developed in cities of varying size. In some instances a vacant parcel or parking lot could easily be transformed into an Ecomodal Hub given the right parameters.

The building’s interior would have appropriate conveniences such as seating, free wi-fi and computer/laptop recharging sites, restrooms, changing/shower facilities, ATM, coffee shop/snack bar/newsstand, storage lockers, security, ticket terminals, intermodal arrival/departure display monitors, and similar resources. Outside of the hub station would be a solar-lighted/heated transit/intercity bus shelter for each direction of the adjacent route(s); a minimum of six sheltered solar-powered EV charging/plug-in stations; sheltered bicycle parking racks; a quick-fix bicycle service station; a taxicab stand; and a minimum of 50 carpool/vanpool parking spaces.

Alternative energy vehicles shall be given priority parking locations along with those for the disabled nearest the hub station. Throughout the site, appropriate and native landscaping would be utilized for cooling/shade in the summer months and to deflect winter winds whenever practical. Recycling and waste containers will be located throughout the interior and exterior of the site and all exterior lighting would be solar-powered, as well. Gray water from the hub station will be used for the trees and plantings.

For those cities fortunate enough to have commuter rail or light rail, every attempt should be made to link the Ecomodal Hub to a railroad passenger station. Otherwise, it should be situated in close proximity. Ecomodal Hubs should also be located adjacent to or very close to important transit routes and major bicycle commuting corridors/trails.

Any other thoughts and ideas on this topic are most welcome. Thanks!

“Jetson’s cool” EV charging service stations

Source: postcarbon.org

At the bottom of this post are several conceptual designs for EV (electric vehicle) charging stations. Needless to say, many resemble something out of the futuristic 1960s cartoon series, The Jetsons. Each has its own unique twist on the concept of a service center designed specifically for recharging electric vehicles. This urban planner will not be at all surprised to see such facilities popping up at an intersection or interchange near you soon, especially in Europe and America’s West Coast where the most early adopters of this amazing technology reside.

I particularly like the fact that most of the designs shown below employ solar power for generating the electricity. Such facilities would hardly be clean and green if their primary power source was a coal-fired power plant.

I am a bit surprised (and very pleased) that none of the Big Oil players have not dipped their toes into this realm (at least here in the states), but that may change over time. To this eco-dude, the longer they stay out of this niche, the better.

My hope is the bulk of the profits will not come from the electricity for recharging, but instead from the conveniences sold and/or repair services. If swap-out rechargeable batteries become the norm, then a fair share of the profits may come from that service, as well. Either way, EV charging service stations are a new land use that planners will need to start formulating and/or updating codes to properly address.

Tesla design – Source: ukerc.ac.uk

Source: green.autoblog.com

Source: knoxnews.com

Source: knoxnews.com

Source: inhabit.com

Source: green.autoblog.com

Source: ecofriend.com

Greetings from Amalgam, USA!

Source: betterworldbooks.com

Any of you who are Bill Bryson fans will know what I am referring to in the blog post title. In his engaging book, The Lost Continent, author Bill Bryson wanders about 38 of the United States in search of the idyllic community so often captured in our collective minds. While Mr. Bryson grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, he had been living in England for many years. This book offered him a chance to relive and re-experience many of his childhood memories, while also making new ones.

During his journey, Mr. Bryson quickly discovered that not one single community contains all the best parts of Americana, despite efforts in Dislandia and other “manufactured” places to do so. Instead the idyllic American community was a sum of the best parts of many places across the country. Below, is a list Mr. Bryson’s favorite communities, portions of which compose his perfect community of Amalgam.

• Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Chestertown, Maryland
• Columbus, Mississippi
• Cooperstown, New York
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Pella, Iowa
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Savannah, Georgia
• Storm Lake, Iowa
• Traverse City, Michigan

Source: flickriver.com

Two EPic EPs by Kitten

Source: clichemag.com

While attending the Joy Formidable concert several Monday’s ago, one of the opening acts, Kitten, put on such a stellar and energetic performance that I bought a copy of each of their two EPs, entitled Sunday School and Cut it Out. Both are tremendous mini-albums, the first containing five tracks and the second containing six. Out of the 11 song discography, only one song didn’t ring well with me – “Kitten With a Whip.”

Here is the list of my five favorite tracks from the two EPs:

• “Kill the Light”
• “Christina”
• “Cut it Out”
• “Chinatown”
• “G#”

At $5.00 each, both of these EPs are a great deal. Based on these releases and the set played here at The Loft, I am very much looking forward to hearing and buying Kitten’s debut full-length album which is due to be released soon. Check this band out, they are definitely going places.

Airmail dAIRdevils – one ‘first-class’ read

Source: amazon.com

Most of us have become accustomed to the benefits of overnight air delivery of mail, packages, and freight in the past three or four decades. The onset of corporate giants like Fedex and UPS have made these services largely routine. However, when I was a kid, it was still a special treat to receive a letter with an air mail stamp affixed to it. Furthermore, it was only 95 years ago when the United States Post Office first initiated its groundbreaking service of providing air mail delivery between Washington and New York City. This momentous event took place on May 15, 1918 – a mere 15 years after the Wright Brothers inaugural flight at Kitty Hawk. The book, Mavericks of the Sky, by Barry Rosenberg and Catharine Macaulay details this amazing story in superb and “first-class” fashion.

Source: mavericksofthesky.com/the-air-mail-pilots/

Mavericks of the Sky is one of those books that is soooo enjoyable that you hate to put down and wish you never had to finish reading it. From takeoff right through the entire flight until landing, the book grabs your attention and never, ever let’s go. In many parts it is a white-knuckle trip as you are worried about what may happen to these aviation heroes and heroine when you turn to the next page. Each and every one of them are remarkable pioneers and brave daredevils who deserve lasting kudos for their tremendous efforts. Sadly, a number of them made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts by paying with their lives. It’s no wonder the group was also known as “The Suicide Club.”

Source: mavericksofthesky.com/mavericks-of-the-sky-as-a-feature-film/

What intrigued me most about this book is that it documents in very rich and well-crafted detail a part of aviation history that I (and probably many others) had never heard of or read before. That, in itself, lends a rare aura of exclusivity to Mavericks of the Sky that makes it even a more special read  – almost like discovering a completely new thread of human history.

My congratulations to the authors on their excellent work. Personally, I feel this book should have won many awards for great historical writing, as it introduces us to those brave flyers and visionaries who challenged treacherous and hazardous conditions, both on the ground and in the air, to inaugurate an entirely new form of mail service.  Hats off especially to the “dAIRdevils” who risked life and limb on a daily basis as Mavericks of the Sky.

“Bad” can be good

Source: badbrewing.com

I recently made a short trip south to a newer craft brewer located in the Ingham County seat of Mason, Michigan. The Bad Brewing Company opened in mid-2012 in a handsome historic building just off Courthouse Square. I’ll be honest from the start and say that I think the brewery’s name is a “bad” choice and something more enticing or thought-provoking could have and should have been chosen – something like Sycamore Creek Brewing, Mason Esker Brewing, or Courthouse Square Brewing. It also seems to me that you put yourself at a branding and advertising disadvantage right away by calling yourself “bad.”

However, beyond my quibbling with the name, the building interior has been tastefully renovated and restored with a very pleasing décor that successfully showcases the original brick work. While the brewery does not serve meals and is one of the smaller brewing establishments I have visited (maximum capacity of 49), they have a steady local clientele, serve some snacks, and allow guest to bring in their take-out meals from the nearby restaurants to enjoy at the brewery while nursing one of their beers (exactly what we did – deli sandwiches from The Vault).

One of my favorite features of the Bad Brewing Company is the way the taps are connected to a beer barrel placed atop the bar (see photo). With all the breweries, brewpubs, pubs, and bars I have visited in my quest for great craft beers, this is the first time I had seen such an intriguing and creative design. Well done! In addition, the staff is very friendly and there is a variety of crafted beers to choose from that should satisfy most taste buds.

Next time you are in Mid-Michigan, try following the road less traveled to the Bad Brewing Company in Mason. The brewery’s chosen name belies its status as quite a nice addition to Michigan’s growing plethora of craft brewers.

A transcendental trip to Oberon

Source: bellsbeer.com

The aura of Oberon has attained near-mythical proportions in its home state of Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes Region. To many (present company included), this seasonal craft beer brewed by Bell’s Brewery of Kalamazoo comes as close to a perfect blend as can be found on this orbiting big blue sphere. As Alison and I were going to be in Kalamazoo this past Saturday anyhow, one simply could not forego a journey to the birthplace of outer Earth’s most splendid liquid creation.

Bell’s is divided up into two locations, the brewery is located just east of the city, while the general store and eccentric café are occupy a finely adapted and refurbished former auto service garage in Kalamazoo’s trendy Downtown/East End business district. On this particular Saturday, we chose to alight at the general store, where this author was totally entranced by the variety of Oberon delights available for sale and then added a tidy sum to his monthly credit card bill.  No one ever said Shangri-La  was free. Either way, it really didn’t matter because I was mesmerized by the opportunity to visit what is arguably a beer lover’s national shrine.  Judging by the difficulty finding a parking space and the variety of license plates seen, I was not alone in this transcendental quest for beer brewing Nirvana.

If you are ever wandering along Interstate 94 between Detroit and Chicago, or U.S. 131 between Grand Rapids and Elkhart, be sure to escape the mundane concrete behemoth long enough to partake of some soulful bohemian cleansing found only in the sweet city of boiling waters (Kalamazoo). It is most definitely a spiritual experience.

A big ROAR and PURRfection

The Joy Formidable

Still trying to regain my hearing, as last night’s concert in Lansing by The Joy Formidable was simply awesome. The title of the band’s first full length CD, The Big Roar was so aptly named as they just stoked up The Loft big time – I wouldn’t be surprised if residents of Holt and Grand Ledge could hear the blazing guitars and pounding drums some 10 miles away. Loud does not adequately describe this show – earsplitting comes closest.

Ritzy Bryan of The Joy Formidable

The Joy Formidable put on a blistering 90 minute set filled with a terrific playlist from both of their full-length CDs that varied from soft and tender (Silent Treatment) to eardrum popping rock that Ozzy and Slash would be proud of. Personal favorites during the show were Tendons, Silent Treatment, Wolf’s Law, and Whirring. I also greatly enjoyed Ritzy Bryan’s repartee with the audience.  Best of all, after their encore concluded, I got a chance to shake hands with Ritzy and Rhydian, and high-five Justin as they departed from the stage. Way cool!

A solo moment for Rhydian

Topping off the terrific show by The Joy Formidable were two opening acts, RIBS and KITTEN. RIBS was on their first tour and put on an entertaining 30 minute set, though the lyrics were kind of hard to hear.

KITTEN performing last night in Lansing

Meanwhile, KITTEN absolutely shredded The Loft, leaving no prisoners in their wake. Lead singer Chloe Chaidez commands your attention immediately, as she dances, prances, and head-bangs across the stage and into the audience like no performer I have ever seen, except Steven Tyler.  She (age 17) and her fellow band mates (all of whom are 21 and younger) are definitive rock superstars in the making. Chloe’s stage presence is downright bewitching as her ardent fervor grabs you from the first moment and emphatically declares, “you’re mine!”

Chloe Chaidez – Source: noisy.vice.com

Wow is about the only word that adequately describes KITTEN’s performance – that and the fact that there was a very, very long line of people waiting to buy merchandise after their set.  Each and every song during KITTEN’s 45 minute performance was flawless, with powerful lyrics, superior guitars, pounding drums, and dynamic keyboards. Included during their show was a near perfect cover of Prince’s Purple Rain.  KITTEN may be the band’s name, but they’re hardly soft and furry – instead, this band is “furocious” with razor-sharp claws scratching out infectious guitar riffs.

KITTEN – Source: facebook.com

If you get a chance to see The Joy Formidable live, do! If one of the opening acts is KITTEN, be sure to catch them too, because you will be a witness to rock n’ roll history. Great show – this is what great rock and roll is about folks – intense, spellbinding, fun, raw, and real – nonstop energy all the way. Whew!!!