It may have taken a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to direct the general public’s attention to automobile use and how it affects everything from the environment to obesity. But some people study it—and how to change that habit and its impacts on energy consumption, air quality, climate, physical activity and more—every day.

A study featured in the summer issue of the Journal of the American Planning Association, and released in advance this week, aims to make decisions easier for those charged with designing and building cities that use less carbon in the future.

“There has been more research on the effect of community design on the amount people drive, walk, and use transit than any other subject in urban planning,” said Reid Ewing, professor of city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah, and co-author of the analysis. “We have attempted to make sense out of the varied findings, and arm planners and policy makers with numbers they can use to justify compact development, mixed use, interconnected streets, accessible transit, and other smart growth measures.”

Research Overview

The researchers performed a meta-analysis of some 200 built environment and travel studies conducted since 1996, in order to measure the magnitude of relationships that influence a person’s travel choices. The statistical technique is a systematic way of combining data from many studies on a given topic to allow common threads to emerge, and also to calculate meaningful averages. The conclusions can then be applied with confidence by planners, policy makers and other professionals working to enhance physical, social and mental health of America’s communities.

Results and Conclusions

Travel variables are generally inelastic with respect to change in measures of the built environment. Of the environmental variables considered here, none has a weighted average travel elasticity of absolute magnitude greater than 0.39, and most are much less. Still, the combined effect of several such variables on travel could be quite large. Consistent with prior work, we find that vehicle miles traveled is most strongly related to measures of accessibility to destinations and secondarily to street network design variables.

Walking is most strongly related to measures of land use diversity, intersection density, and the number of destinations within walking distance. Bus and train use are equally related to proximity to transit and street network design variables, with land use diversity a secondary factor. Surprisingly, it found the find population and job densities to be only weakly associated with travel behavior once these other variables are controlled.

Soapbox Suggestions

• Make all drive-thru illegal
• All automobile GPS gadgets must have an option to eliminate left turns.
• All Employees must offer incentive for car pooling or taking public transportation.
• Make it illegal for parents to drive their children to school when public or school transportation is available.
• Make it illegal for student to drive to school when public or school transportation is available.
• Those who must have fast food should be able to call ahead and pre-pay an order for pick up.  You can do that with any restaurant, why not fast food?
• The United States has to use railways as a way of transporting.  No trucks can transport over 150 miles.
• Reopen all the freight only train tracks to passenger trains.  It is time for bring back the train. The United States has limited passenger tracks but the reality is there is more than triple tracks available for more passenger routes.
• Make it illegal for deliveries between 8:00 am and 20:00 (8:00 pm), irrelevant of the time zone.
• Anyone working a five-day work week must either take public transportation for the 5th day or carpool.
• Start a four-day work week (10 hours days).
• All schools must offer extended hours. (this will allow for the four-day work week for parents)
• Commuter lots must be mandatory for all public transportation.  In Ashland, WI there is public transportation, but no commuter lots.
• Put a “miles traveled” on any item in a store.  This includes food, clothing, electronics and so on . . . If the product is manufactured in the US but parts are not . . . this must all be included detailed information.
• Put the speed limit back to 55 mph on all highways throughout the US with stricter fines for those going 60+ mph, doubled for any truck or automobile with a hitched item.
• Instead of police sitting on the side of the highway, use speeding cameras.  Leave the police to actual emergencies.
• All US automobiles must have a 55 mpg rating by 2012. All other countries have at least that much, why not the US?
• Have a state car tax . . . the less mpg the higher the tax.  Any automobile with 45+ mpg doesn’t have to pay the tax.
• Internet surcharge for all online purchases.
• Retail purchases locally (under 100 miles) get a 1% discount.

If you can’t get it locally do you really need it? The process of a lifestyle change has to start with a simple question . . . what is important to you?  What kind of life do you want? If you have children the only investment should be shoes while the rest of the clothes should be from thrift stores.

If you want to invest and build a portfolio invest in local mutual funds, state funds or even your local city funds. You invest where you live, the returns are more consistent and not relying on any national interest rate.

Stop going to the Mall.

Carpool, public transportation, walk, or bike.  Those in less milder weather (rain, snow, sleet) think about a four day work week, telecommuting, going to one income (take this quiz) or even taking a job close to home (walking distance preferred) or telecommuting position.

The United States has to get out of the “just because I can” attitude. Just because you can buy a huge truck doesn’t mean you should. Just because you can drive yourself to school, doesn’t mean you should.  Just because you it is easier to sit your fat ass in your car and order a hamburger with a diet coke doesn’t mean you should.

The reason the United States has economic problems is due to laziness, greed and unwillingness to see the big picture.  Just because you are told you can afford a home — doesn’t mean you should own a home.  There are more homes for sale than there are qualified buyers . . . that says something.  It is a reflection of the American people are so isolated to their own community that entitlement is more important than the community itself.

Just because you see it on Amazon for $10.00 cheaper than the main street retail shop doesn’t mean you should buy it online.  Buying online doesn’t make a community – it makes you irrelevant to those around you.  The United States has lost the true American spirit.

The American spirit is not patriotism or chanting USA! at the Olympics.  The American spirit has always been about the “I want a better life”.  Better is not bigger, more expensive or hiding behind a keyboard.  The”better life” is about being part of a community, family, and actually being more than just an individual.

Until the United States changes its attitude about what is really important . . . it will never overcome the greed, corrupt politician or death of main street.   The United States needs to not reinvent itself but get back to the big picture.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of you teaming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

The United States is no longer free but a slave to commercialism, capitalistic politics and their automobile.  The best form of economy is self sustaining and the most powerful is a strong local economy.

Home Energy Monitor Reduce Your Impact Earth Day The California Cooler Build a 60 Watt Solar Panel Start a Community Garden Composting Energy Efficient Home Design Ride Your Bike in Style Solar Water Heater Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Energy Saving Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Pallet Compost Bin Rain Water Collector

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Movies are a big deal in my household, very big deal.  All movies are broken down into five categories:

• See it in regular movie theater
• See it in IMAX (4.5 hours drive)
• Netflix or rent It
• Buy It
• Skip It

Movies Search

Since we do not have television (cable, DTV nor satilitte) so we are not influenced by over commercialization.  We do watch content online, which means that we do have limited commercials announcing movies, but the rule goes “too much advertising” means it is either costing too much to fail or it just sucks.  So the question remains, how do we find about movies?

• IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/)
• TWOP (http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/)
• Variety (http://www.variety.com/)
• Empire Magazine (http://www.empireonline.com/)
• G4TV (http://g4tv.com/wii)

Where Do We Watch

We have a local theater, six blocks away, that show the latest six films.  Since we live in a small town we are limited in our picks. One hour and twenty minutes we have access to more movies. The only problem is that “one night only showings” are always in the middle of the week, so we have to skip some great film. But the biggest city with independent films, IMAX movies and more current films is four and a half hours drive. Lucky for us we have a small (540 sq ft) co-op apartment located in the cities. Why would we drive almost three hours (RT) to see a movie?  The biggest reason have been the two RiffTrax live screenings second has always been IMAX movies while last on the list is incorporating visiting family with a movie.

At home, we have a 9′ screen, a ceiling projector, 7.1 surround sound system (only using 5.1), Roku, Wii, Classic XBox, Windows XP with VPN, DVD player and very comfortable seating (thanks Tommy).  We have create our own home cinema and we love our slowly growing DVD collection.

Blu-Ray Won, So What

The high-definition movie disc battle between HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc can be traced all the way back to 2000, when companies began experimenting with using new blue lasers in optical disc systems.  It was a long road for Blu-Ray, but it as if nothing happened at all and we are now back to DVD vs Blu-Ray.  What is the biggest feature, the pop-up menu, which allows you to access the menu functions while the movie continues playing — wow. Some have picture-in-picture video commentary and there was supposed to be Blu-ray players which to download special content via DVD.

It is said the video and audio have better quality, but that is only true if you have the latest and greatest technology to support the new functions.  Which means for most people there will be no change.  You have to invest at least $1500 for a decent screen and another $500 for sound system; forgot at least $150-$200 for a good Blu-ray player.

After all that investment Hollywood doesn’t have your back. The prices of limited Blu-ray movies don’t make it worth buying (3 times the price of a regular DVD), only option is renting.   Also, forget taking the movie on the road, unless you invest another $150 for a portable Blu-ray player.  It is not like you can take it on vacation to play it on standard computers or mini-vans (for the record we own a Jetta TDI).

Regular DVDs Are Worth The Effort

When a DVD is put out quickly is a good sign that the DVD will be crappy.   Basically it will be theatrical release on a disc vs a DVD experience. What would make us buy a DVD when you can easily rent it or download it (legally or illegally)?  Here are a few reasons we end up buying the DVDs.

1. Director’s Cut – movies are spliced and cut in the name of profit. The executives take away the vision of the Director for the sake of time and money.  Getting the director’s cut is the only way to watch a film, as it was fully intended.  Most people just accept the film as-is, but so much is missing.
2. Director’s Commentary – commentary especially from director and writer’s point of view.  Why this shot? What was your plan here? Why did you keep this shot instead of a different angle?
3. Actor’s Commentary – this is a great insight of movies and the actor’s mind. This commentary has to be on a different track than the Director’s, unless it is a comedy.
4. Spoofs – The best DVDs have a spoof track.
5. Making Of – Great movies that use CGI are worth watching how it was made, sometimes.  But only worth it if is a documentary in itself, not some lame actor walking around the set, talking to the programmer and pretend he/she is everyone’s bud.
6. Pop-Up Trivia – this is sort of like “Pop-up Video” from VH1, but it has slowly made it to DVDs.  It shows the entire movie with Pop-up trivia or quirky information.
7. Closed Captioning CC – this is a must have for most movies. No, I am not deaf but any film buff will tell you that the CC is a huge help even with English speaking films and musicals.  You do not get CC from Amazon, Netflix or any other streaming options.
8. Watchable – There are movies that are just full of substance that you can’t help watching it over and over again.
9. Limited – Some movies are just not for rent or available in the US.  The only way to get them is via DVD overseas.

But all these extras are available on a regular DVD so why would I rent or buy a more expensive Blu-ray DVD?  There has to be something that stands out, and not a digital copy (all kinds of shrinking software is available free/commercial).  Why should I invest in a Blue-ray player and spend almost twice the amount for a Blu-ray?

What Would Make Me Buy Blu-ray

Blu-ray DVD cost considerably more than regular DVDs and do not offer much of a difference in DVD package. There might be a bit more extra commentary and an ever so worthless digital copy, but on a whole Blu-ray doesn’t bring much to the table.  There has to be that “Wow” factor that has me dig deep into my pockets and buy the Blu-ray.  Here are suggestions:

Multiple Versions on One

All on one Blu-ray package have the Director’s Cut, theatrical release and extended edition.  For example; “Lord of the Rings” trilogy should have both the theatrical release and extended edition.  I should not have to buy two products of the same movie.

Regular DVD Included

Forget the digital copy, actually put a regular DVD in the package. Some distributors have started, but it has to be a standard with all Blu-ray movies.

Complete Series

Any season/episode program released on Blu-ray should not limit to a single season/episode.  For example; “Corner Gas” is no longer in production and the regular DVD is split up into each season, but the Blu-ray should have all season 1-6.   There is no reason someone would want just one season on Blu-ray and it is ridiculous to “spread” distribution.  The “Disney vault” is stupid and bad business practice, do don’t start it with Blu-ray releases.

RiffTrax Commentary

What is RiffTrax? RiffTrax are downloadable audio commentaries featuring comedian Michael J. Nelson heckling (or riffing) films in the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000, a TV show in which Nelson was the head writer, and later the host. The RiffTrax are sold online and delivered by digital download. RiffTrax commentaries must be synchronized at the start of the movie using a cue and it is not always perfect. Here’s a sample from Star Trek:

Standard Options

Any Blu-ray distribution must meet, minimally these five things on each Blu-ray release:

• Theatrical Release **
• Director’s Cut
• Director’s Commentary
• Main Actor’s Commentary
• Entertaining Commentary (pop-up or triva)
• Documentary on CGI, Location, Pre-Production and/or Post Production
• Extended Edition

** Regular DVDs should not have anything else except the theatrical release. If it has anything except the movie, why should I buy the Blu-ray?

Bottom Line

If you want me to buy Blu-ray DVDs then make sure there is a real difference in content between a regular DVD and a Blu-ray.  Right now, I just see a few extras that a Blu-ray DVD would have compared to a regular DVD. For example: “Star Trek”:

Tell me why should I buy the Blu-ray? Why should I get a Blu-ray player, invest in a new television set, new sound system? There really isn’t anything extra on the Blu-ray I couldn’t find online. If the regular DVD had only the theaterical release or Blu-ray had the Rifftrax Star Trek I would be first in line. Until then, I will be sticking with my regular DVD player and invest in a region free player.
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AT&T has failed the United States citizens again.

700 Mhz

The 700 mhz spectrum, once owned by broadcasters used for analog television, was now open to take the first steps in creating a national wifi.

Google had eyes on the 700 mhz with free national wifi for the entire United States (read more . . .).  All geeks, including myself, would want nothing more than to travel route 66 with our laptops having internet access the entire way.

But, the bidding was won by AT&T.  AT&T will use the spectrum for its planned broadcast video service and other two-way communications. In other words, AT&T has missed the boat in reaching an entire nation via technology.

Even if AT&T would have charge $10/month for national wifi as a foundation for a stronger, faster and better systems.  To build an infrastructure that reaches from border to border seems to be only a corporation’s dream if profit is undeniably visible and viable.

Can you make money having a national wifi? Yes.  Imagine an entire system connected to consumers needs.  Think GPS on steroids.   But AT&T has limited vision and this will hurt them, hoarding the 700 mhz for such a specific limited profit without the building infrastructure will only lead AT&T into one avenue . . . becoming a minor player in wireless/cellular service.

AT&T Waste Money in Court to Keep Truth

Verizon put out a couple commmericals, “Map for that”, which shows the limited 3G network of AT&T.  Wait? What?

Didn’t AT&T didn’t just win 700 mhz?  Wouldn’t that give them the basis for an intrastructure for a national 3G network?  You think.

What did AT&T do with the 700 mhz? Nothing.

AT&T has pledged in the past to introduce the 4G Network in 2010 but, the US will not see the first phase of trials until 2011. with commercial services available 2012.

What is keeping AT&T floating?  Is the iPhone their main product? Pity. Rumor has it that the 4G iPhone is coming to Verizon in 2010.

How does AT&T react to the Verizon “Map for that” commercial? AT&T takes Verizon to court.

“AT&T doesn’t argue that the maps are incorrect in terms of showing its 3G coverage. But it says that Verizon is misleading customers by implying that they cannot use their phones or access the mobile Web when they aren’t in 3G coverage areas. The reality is that customers can make phone calls and access the Internet from their phones using the company’s slower EDGE or GPR networks.

Verizon argues its advertisements are simply pointing out the fact that AT&T has not invested enough in upgrading its network to handle increased traffic from smartphone devices, such as the Apple iPhone.” (read more . . .)

Again, AT&T fails their clients by spending money on a stupid court case instead of spending it on their wifi systems.

Please Stop Using the Phone For Surfing

AT&T wants you to spend over $3500 for their phones (2 year plan, unlimited data, and cell phone), but don’t want you to use it for anything more than a phone. AT&T begs customers/clients to stop using their network for data traffic (read more . . .).

No iPhone For You!

Anyone in New York, Seinfeld‘s city, no more iPhone.  AT&T has stopped selling iPhone to New Yorkers (read more . . .). No reason mentioned, but “AT&T may be trying to ease congestion on its network in the wake of the holidays, when many consumers who received iPhones as gifts would start using the devices at the same time“.

I wonder what would happen if all iPhone users wanted to use their cell phone at the same time, let’s say during business hours?  The answer: outages.  These AT&T outages happen all over the United States on a continuous basis (search news . . .) (search web . . .).

AT&T Future

Put your sunglasses down, AT&T future isn’t bright.  AT&T is stumbling in the wrong direction.  The first step was to hold down that 700 mhz and now there isn’t infrastructure to support their products.  Doesn’t look good.

My personal suggestion: AT&T should open the 700 mhz to a national wifi and make money with a kick ass location based service search engine. Once that structure is in place make it better, invest in the infrastructure.

“AT&T, a wireless providor. A company barely alive. Citizens, we can rebuild AT&T. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world’s first national wifi. AT&T will be that company. Better than it was before. Better, stronger, faster.”

AT&T — what do you got to lose? Go for it!  You already have the logo, why not go for the technology and profit?  Anything less is just failing the US citizens.Similar Posts:

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I took great care into choosing the right products for my daily needs.  The Fuji S8100 takes great pictures while the Nokia N810 is for extreme casual use with uploading to social networking sites.

Which cost more? Nokia N810.

Results

I submitted my photo taken of St. Anne’s College, Oxford University, Oxford, UK for the Schmap Oxford Guide, which was approved.  I did not upload any of my pictures from the Fuji S8100, only those from my Nokia N810.

I uploaded to Flickr via email and automatically posted to my personal Twitter account.  You can see the original on Flickr.

Which would you choose?

It goes to show you, that quality camera isn’t actually needed to produce web based material, especially for mobile apps.

iPhone App

Just visit www.schmap.com on your iPhone, iPod touch or Nokia to browse the full range of Schmap City Guides, integrated dynamically with photos, maps and reviews. You can go right into iTunes and download the app.

Schmap City Guides and Schmap Local Search come to life on the iPhone with this unique Rotate ‘n Map feature – just turn your iPhone sideways to see places on a map; scroll a list and the map dynamically updates.

Choose from 100 worldwide cities then browse reviews and photos for sights and attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, parks, theatres, galleries, museums and more! Maps are just a turn away with our unique “Rotate ‘n Map” feature.

Search locally for banks coffee shops, dentists, florists, golf courses, hair-dressers, restaurants – anything, anywhere. Scroll through results, call with a click, or just turn your iPhone sideways to see these on a map!