Category Archives: literature

“Just Mercy” Will Rip Your Heart to Shreds

Posted on June 11, 2018 by

In all my years, I have never read a more disturbing, yet compelling book. The injustice and inhumanity described in Just Mercy will literally rip your heart to shreds and bring tears to your eyes. Just Mercy must be made … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, art, book reviews, books, charities, civics, Civil Rights, civility, culture, diversity, history, human rights, humanity, inclusiveness, injustice, literature, politics, poverty, reading, social equity, Statistics, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Tasty Slice of “Tibetan Peach Pie”

Posted on June 1, 2018 by

If you want to read a book that will put a smile on your face and have you chuckling throughout, then serve yourself up a hearty and tasty slice of Tibetan Peach Pie by author Tom Robbins. Subtitled A True Account … Continue reading →

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Favorite dystopian literature and films – update #3

Posted on January 11, 2018 by

Dystopian literature is my favorite genre of fiction and dystopian films are one of my top choices in cinema. Below, I have listed my favorite classic (25 years or older) and modern (less 25 years old) dystopian stories. They are … Continue reading →

Posted in art, book reviews, books, Communications, culture, family, feminism, film, fun, futurism, history, human rights, humanity, literature, movies, pictures, Science, Science fiction, technology, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Driving and striving to survive a broken ‘Merica

Posted on January 6, 2018 by

I will never, ever look at a recreational vehicle, van, motor home, or campground the same way again. Not since reading Jessica Bruder’s engrossing, informative, and heartbreaking new book entitled Nomadland. I have long imagined, envied, and eagerly anticipated my … Continue reading →

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Favorites of 2017

Posted on December 27, 2017 by

One of my New Years resolutions for 2017 was to read more classic literature and watch classic films I have missed in the past. As you can see form this list, I have accomplished that, partially in thanks to TCM … Continue reading →

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Fictional cities of dystopia – Updated

Posted on October 22, 2017 by

Often, dystopian tales involve the entire planet, particular nations, or recognizable cities like New York, Los Angeles, or London. However, a fair number of them are centered in a fictional city or town. The list below identifies those cities, along … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, art, books, Cities, culture, film, geography, infrastructure, literature, movies, place names, skylines, skyscrapers, spatial design, Television, writing | Leave a comment

Poets of the pavement – local places with Poet Laureates

Posted on July 23, 2017 by

The list below identifies those cities, towns, villages, townships, shires, and counties which have a designated or appointed poet laureate.  It is meant to include only those with an active poet laureate position or which are searching for someone to … Continue reading →

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A physical Brexit with Iberian flair

Posted on July 4, 2017 by

Imagine, if you will, a place known as Iberia, a peninsula consisting of two great nations (Portugal and Spain). One day, for no apparent reason or cause, this geographic feature abruptly adopts a mind and a course of its own … Continue reading →

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“A Handmaid’s Tale” – Is fiction becoming reality?

Posted on May 22, 2017 by

Though written 32 years ago, the dystopian theocratic society described in Margaret Atwood’s striking novel bears an uncanny likeness to what is (and has been for some time) being preached and advocated by far-right political and religious zealots in our … Continue reading →

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The MOST important urban planning book of our time

Posted on February 11, 2017 by

I realize that the title of this post is a bold and perhaps controversial statement to make, but I truly believe that the definitive and thought-provoking publication by Salvatore Settis entitled, If Venice Dies, is the most important urban planning book … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, architecture, art, book reviews, books, branding, business, cities, civics, civility, commerce, consumerism, culture, demographics, density, economic development, entertainment, environment, Europe, geography, government, historic preservation, history, Housing, infrastructure, land use, literature, placemaking, planning, product design, recreation, revitalization, shipping, skylines, skyscrapers, spatial design, sprawl, Statistics, sustainability, topography, tourism, transportation, Travel, urban planning, writing, zoning | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments