Platform_screen_doors can really improve safety.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Dogs and Trees That Have Become Traps For Them
https://www.nbc15.com/2023/12/06/ill-be-darned-missing-german-shepherd-found-stuck-tree-25-feet-air/
https://www.kcra.com/article/lotus-luna-german-shepherd-found-up-a-tree-in-el-dorado-county/46045698
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/firefighters-rescue-dog-tree_n_63c312a9e4b0d6f0ba0563e2
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/dog-head-stuck-in-a-tree-milford-new-hampshire-rescue/
Unfortunately, no one was able to rescue this dog in a tree.
It might seem like an urban+legend, but it actually happened.
Irish Rail unveils fastest-ever train service between Cork and Dublin
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-rail-unveils-fastest-ever-31605572
https://www.dublincity.ie/business/economic-development-and-enterprise/smart-cities
https://smartcitiesireland.org/3-news-types-of-connectivity-launched-in-belfast-4
Monday, December 4, 2023
Tallest City Hall or Town Hall
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/381905-tallest-city-or-town-hall
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/tallest-city-town-halls-in-the-world.2370200
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_City_Hall , https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/city-hall
https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/city-hall-architecture.aspx Of course when compared to the LA City Hall, it's just another Vancouver stump building. Indeed, for several decades, no building in Vancouver as well as anywhere in BC, would permit any building to be as tall as the Los_Angeles_City_Hall.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_City_Hall
Then no building in Vancouver, or anywhere in BC, was allowed to permit any building to be as tall as the Philadelphia_City_Hall and then the Manhattan_Municipal_Building.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Municipal_Building
As of today, no building in Vancouver or anywhere in BC is allowed to be as tall as the Seattle_Municipal_Tower.
Urban Tech Portal
UTP still isn't just about urban technology. One can be in a typical cabin or van in the woods and have powerful laptops with plenty of solar power for all the gadgets.
Proposed SFU gondola popular, but not among some who’d live under it
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/04/sfu-burnaby-gondola-pushback-neighbourhood
This tech is all over the world, but having it in Burnaby, BC is getting some persistent resistance.
https://www.translink.ca/gondola?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=gondola
The BC mentality wasn't able to stop the Portland_Aerial_Tram from being built.
However, there are still plenty of people that don't like it going over their Portland houses.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Aerial_Tram#Community_response
So while it could be a great transportation link, not everyone is happy about such urban gondola-trams.
https://www.burnaby.ca/our-city/projects/burnaby-mountain-gondola It really could be a good transportation link, but local residents might want some reasonable compensation. Not just some new blinds or curtains.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandia_Peak_Tramway
https://www.grousemountain.com/skyride
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/grouse-mountain-new-gondola-construction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarloaf_Mountain#Cable_car
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_Tram
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
I-405 Sepulveda Pass Express Lanes
https://www.metro.net/projects/i-405-expresslanes-project/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepulveda_Transit_Corridor
https://www.metro.net/projects/sepulvedacorridor/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepulveda_Pass
https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/united-states-projects/i/cs-interstate-405-sepulveda-pass
Monday, November 27, 2023
Is Adelaide Really The Most Crime Ridden City in Australia?
https://www.facebook.com/100044356302916/videos/1085289932651551?__so__=permalink
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/is-there-crime-wave-in-adelaides-cbd/102728024
Crime_in_South_Australia, it all depends on when and where you are.
https://adelaidecitytour.com.au/blog/is-adelaide-a-safe-city/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_South_Australia#Notable_crimes
Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_Canal_Bridge
An impressive 12 lane bridge, but there was never a rail component in the design.
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/prioritize-fixing-i-5s-ailing-ship-canal-bridge/
Aurora Bridge in Seattle
Unfortunately, the Aurora_Bridge was built too narrow by today's standards.
https://www.got99problems.org/blog/aurora-bridge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_Bridge#Accidents_and_incidents
https://www.theurbanist.org/2015/09/30/seattles-aurora-bridge-needs-a-safety-redesign/
https://www.historylink.org/File/5418
Did SUVs ruined it for everyone?
https://electrek.co/2023/11/27/carbon-emissions-could-have-dropped-by-30/
A lot of people still want big & powerful vehicles. Of course more hybrid versions could be a nice compromise.
Big vehicles can certainly bc more efficient.
https://www.ecowatch.com/suvs-climate-impact-iea.html
Unfortunately, if the world is eventually forced into a carbon credit score system, one might have to ask for permission to go anywhere or do anything. Especially if it's all run by AI.
That Mysterious AI Breakthrough Known As Q
https://tech.co/news/what-is-openai-project-q-star-agi-superintelligence
https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-artificial-general-intelligence-agi-explained (AGI)
https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/artificial-general-intelligence-agi
Project Q* has been creating ripples in the AI community. Here’s why there are so many apprehensions about this new powerful AI model. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/project-q-star-explained-openai-sam-altman-9041746
The Broadway Subway might be reaching UBC, some day
Of course tunneling all the way to UBC would be more cost effective, but apparently, it's better to stop less than half way there. Then start it all up again long after the days when you could still buy a dozen eggs & 2L carton of milk with a $10 bill.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTrain_(Vancouver)#University_of_British_Columbia_extension
The BC part of Canada seems to perpetually strive to be inept or inadequate with its approach to infrastructure planning & development.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Line#University_of_British_Columbia_extension
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=accrf6-vLJU From 2018
Fortunately, these other cities are nowhere as slow as Vancouver is in getting things done.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_station_(Toronto) 1954 Of course Toronto would be the first city in Canada to have such a U station.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berri-UQAM_station 1966
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_station_(Calgary) 1987
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University-de-Montreal_station 1988
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_station_(Edmonton) 1992
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_State_University_Transit_Center 2005
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSU_South_stations 2012
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Washington_station 2016
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_University_station 2017
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U_District_station 2021
The Pattullo Bridge saga in BC
The old Pattullo_Bridge was built with a narrow sidewalk on only one side & a road deck that can barely hold 4 narrow lanes. It's all part of the narrow mindedness of the BC mentality.
https://www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/about/projectoverview/
https://604now.com/new-pattullo-bridge-completion-updated-photos-renderings/
"The new Pattullo Bridge is on track for completion in 2024, but business leaders in Surrey are calling for six lanes to be open to vehicle traffic on day one, instead of four as currently planned." https://globalnews.ca/news/9489375/pattullo-replacement-six-lanes-debate
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/pattullo-bridge-surrey-board-of-trade
https://604now.com/like-cross-pattullo-bridge-1937 Why build a wide bride that also has 2 wide sidewalks when the bare minimum can be done instead? Then try to build an inadequate replacement bridge with only 4 lanes, no bus & HOV lanes & no emergency lanes. That's the BC way in the 1930s & the 2020s. At least it will have a couple of bike lanes.
https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/delta-says-new-pattullo-wont-ease-traffic-woes-3088329 Of course just like the old bridge, there won't be any provision for a lower rail & express bus deck.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/45379817@N08/9660269876 Just the idea that there could be 1 waggon road each way was amazing for BC back then. Somehow, the narrow bridge had just enough width to eventually have 4 waggon roads.
Wide+bridges, twinning or duplication can allow for express bus lanes and more HOV_lanes in general.
http://archives.newwestcity.ca/Results.aspx?AC=NEXT_RECORD&XC=/Results.aspx&BU=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.newwestcity.ca%2Fsearch.aspx&GI=&TN=internet&SN=AUTO26198&SE=1232&RN=51&MR=100&TR=0&TX=1000&ES=0&XP=&RF=WebRelevance&EF=&DF=WebFull&RL=0&EL=0&DL=0&NP=255&ID=&MF=GENERICENGWPMSG.INI&DT=&ST=0&IR=4333&NR=0&NB=0&SV=0&SS=0&BG=&FG=&QS= Of course there was no provision to have a lower deck for trucks & trains.
http://archives.newwestcity.ca/Results.aspx?AC=NEXT_RECORD&XC=/Results.aspx&BU=http%3A%2F%2Farchives.newwestcity.ca%2Fsearch.aspx&GI=&TN=internet&SN=AUTO26198&SE=1232&RN=49&MR=100&TR=0&TX=1000&ES=0&XP=&RF=WebRelevance&EF=&DF=WebFull&RL=0&EL=0&DL=0&NP=255&ID=&MF=GENERICENGWPMSG.INI&DT=&ST=0&IR=4333&NR=0&NB=0&SV=0&SS=0&BG=&FG=&QS= While a narrow bridge can easily become inadequate, the provision for a lower deck can make all the difference.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/reports-and-reference/reports-and-studies/frontier_to_freeway.pdf It was quite a thing for BC to have waggon roads & then eventually some were doubel width. Unfortunately, even today, there is a mentality to just have 1 or 2 lanes each way. Yet, such thoroughfares will be marked as a major route when it's not much wider than a country road.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Multimodal+Bridges+and+Tunnels
https://thedigitallabyrinth.blogspot.com/search?q=Urban+Bus+and+Bike+Lanes+and+Bridges
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Friday, November 24, 2023
The new Panamera E-Hybrid nearly doubles its electric-only range
https://electrek.co/2023/11/24/new-panamera-e-hybrid-has-a-battery-bigger-than-a-gen-1-nissan-leaf/
Hybrid vehicles should have already been commonplace a few decades ago. While there are people that just want to go back to a horse & waggon era of existence, a lot of people want fast & reliable vehicles.
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
One High Line project in New York City
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/11/22/big-photos-one-high-line-skyscrapers-new-york
One_High_Line NYC, seems like a smaller version of One_Market_Plaza in SF. However, the Steuart_Tower_and_Spear_Tower don't have a twist to them & are office towers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_High_Line#Architecture_and_design
Monday, November 20, 2023
Sound Transit Moving Forward on Purchase of 10 More Link Cars
https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/11/20/sound-transit-moving-forward-on-purchase-of-10-more-link-cars
Any rapid rail system has to have enough vehicles and frequency headways to meet demand.
"Fundamentally, Sound Transit is failing riders by not delivering on promised headways and consistent four-car trains." https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/11/07/op-ed-sound-transit-must-deliver-the-link-frequencies-it-promised
Seattle
Friday, November 17, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Fremont Bridge (Portland, Oregon)
The 8 lane Fremont_Bridge opened in 1973.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Bridge_(Portland,_Oregon)
Designers modeled the bridge after the original 1964 Port Mann Bridge in (Greater) Vancouver, British Columbia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Bridge_(Portland,_Oregon)#Design_and_construction
Because the Fremont_Bridge was designed to have 2 decks, it was a far cry from being a 4 lane joke, like the old Port_Mann_Bridge was.
Winnipeg's Transit Master Plan proceeding slowly
The Winnipeg_RT starting with bus lines is a good first step. However, there will eventually have to be something like the Edmonton_Light_Rail_Transit or the CTrain in Calgary, for Winnipeg.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_RT#Southwest_Transitway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_RT#Eastern_Transitway
Especially, a Semi-metro in the downtown area.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
The very narrow The Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Gate_Bridge
"The 1933 bylaw authorizing construction included a provision mandating that "no Asiatic person shall be employed in or upon any part of the undertaking or other works". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Gate_Bridge#History
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026b-eng.htm While Canada has allowed for more diversity over the decades, Canada has nowhere near even 1% of the world's' population. It's been a struggle just for Canada to accommodate half of 1% of the human population.
Unfortunately for most of the 20th century, Vancouver was to remain as just a provincial backwater for as long as possible. For had the city been allowed to flourish onto the scale of the likes of Sydney, San_Francisco or even Seattle, that would mean there would be a lot more people. Which means more non-white people and that was just too uncomfortable a notion for the White colonial mindset.
Of course the colonial mindset could be seen all over the world, but so many other cities weren't thwarted like Vancouver and Victoria. You will never find any official BC mandate revealing that it was to remain as a provincial backwater for as long as possible.
Thus, the local power structure continually tried to hold things back for most of the cities history. A multigenerational stunted growth policy is a clever way to slow a city and province down. Calgary and Seattle became big business cities, because they aren't under any BC type restrictions.
One only look at what Alberta and Washington_(state) have been able to do, because they aren't in BC.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta#Transportation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_(state)#Transportation
The 12 lane Ship_Canal_Bridge in Seattle is the closest big & wide bridge to V-BC. Although the Port_Mann_Bridge is much closer, it only has 10 lanes. Unfortunately, both bridges don't have any existing rail component.
Fortunately, Vancouver, WA wasn't forced to indefinitely endure a 3 lane bottleneck like V-BC has.
The planners of the Sydney_Harbour_Bridge didn't have a backwater BC mindset. However, after several decades, the SHB was augmented by the Sydney_Harbour_Tunnel. Unfortunately, there was no provision for a 3rd lane each way to allow for express buses.
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/western-harbour-tunnel-and-warringah-freeway-upgrade How is this possible? Of course NSW isn't under any backwater BC type restrictions.
https://caportal.com.au/rms/wht
The Western_Harbour_Tunnel should have had an extra section for future express busses or even another train line.
While something like the Sydney_Metro should have already gone under the harbour decades ago, at least it's not as late to the party like Vancouver is.
"Stage 1 (Metro North West) operates with 6-car trains running on 4-minute headways. After the addition of the Stage 2 extension to Bankstown, the stations’ platforms will be configured to allow for future use of 8-car trains and the signalling system designed to allow for 2-minute headways, both of which are planned to be introduced once sufficient patronage demands it. Eight-car trains have a design capacity of 1,539 customers and increasing the running frequency to ultimately 30 trains per hour (2-minute headway) would provide a maximum capacity of 46,170 passengers per hour per direction." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Metro#Capacity
"In the event that extensions to 8 cars happens if sufficient demand warrants the contract, two infill carriages will be added between cars 05 and 06." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Metro_Metropolis_Stock#Service_formation This allowace for such expansion just isn't part of the BC mentality, but for NSW, it's not a problem.
With the Lions_Gate_Bridge being so narrow, it's impossible to have proper HOV & express bus lanes. Yet for decades, the city refuses to build a bus & HOV tunnel.
Although Portland is a stunted city when compared to Seattle, Portland still has a much better set of bridges than Vancouver, BC.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_Vancouver_Regional_District
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_metropolitan_area,_Oregon
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=bridges
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
The very narrow 1st Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1940) Just a 2 lane blunder.
Of course a stronger & wider bridge should have been designed in the first place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1940)#Collapse
It was such a narrow & inadequate bridge that it rivaled the very narrow Lions_Gate_Bridge.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1940)#Cause_of_the_collapse
Eventually, a bigger & better bridge was built.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1950)
Then eventually twinned, something that's almost unheard of in BC.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
The creepiest urban legend from every state
https://www.insider.com/urban-legends-us-2018-1
Usually, they are easily dismissed, but sometimes things remain unresolved.
https://www.rd.com/list/scary-urban-legends/
What are Urban Legends? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk9gQ7Wj18g , https://www.youtube.com/@MythologyUnleashed/videos
Thursday, October 26, 2023
By 2035, all new vehicles sold in B.C. must be electric.
The goal in B.C. is for 26 per cent of vehicle sales to be electric by 2026, 90 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035.
https://electricautonomy.ca/2020/11/16/quebec-ban-new-gas-vehicles-2035/
https://electrek.co/2022/04/01/canadas-new-2035-gas-car-ban-may-not-actually-ban-gas-cars/
https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/the-unintended-consequences-of-banning-gas-powered-cars-by-2035
The Phase-out_of_fossil_fuel_vehicles should have started in the 1970s or at least by the 1980s. A gradual introduction of various hybrid vehicles would have made a big difference.
https://www.engadget.com/canada-combustion-engine-car-ban-2035-154623071.html
Now there is going to be such a mad rush with a human world obsessed with keeping their carbon points as low as possible.
Perhaps some day, people might have to ask AI for permission if they can own a car & have kids. Indeed, some day a breeding permit might be required for those that want to have some kids.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_general_intelligence (AGI)
AI tracking & permission systems on phones & even implanted AI for the purpose of human herd management could become imposed. If people aren't aware & carful enough, the earth could become something like a Borg run world. Eventually, AGI might wonder why some humans think that it's OK to use AI to kill other people. Then a confused AGI might ask, why can't it kill all the humans and life in general?
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023
I-35 expansion pushes Austin residents out of over 100 homes
The project is adding two lanes on either side of I-35. https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/i35-eminent-domain-18428832.php
Without a network of bus & HOV lanes in general, wide highways & roads will always reach a point of congestion.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/austin-i35-expansion-project-18308420.php
Evolving urban & regional rail is a key component.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/san-antonio-austin-mega-metro-transportation-18269914.php Austin-SA or SA & A?
Texas has more people than Australia & Texas is mostly still rural. Urban density can help to keep it that way.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Tacoma Narrows Bridge -Eastbound span (2007)
"Construction of the new span, which carries eastbound traffic parallel to the current bridge, began on October 4, 2002, and was completed in July 2007." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge#Eastbound_bridge_(2007)
Although this is getting close to the BC part of Canada, it wasn't constrained by any of the imposed BC limitations.
"Towers and caissons designed for second deck (either road or light rail) to be added in the future." https://structurae.net/en/structures/new-tacoma-narrows-bridge
If only BC would allow for such future expansion capabilities. There are a whole series of things that are able to be done in Washington State & Alberta, simply because they aren't under any BC type restrictions.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Friday, September 22, 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Japan's Rabbit Island (Okunoshima)
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/871
Cute animals at a place with a dark history. http://rabbit-island.info/en/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/japan-rabbit-island-dark-history-180962631
https://theworldpursuit.com/rabbit-island-japan-okunoshima-ferry/
https://japancheapo.com/entertainment/rabbit-island-okunoshima/
https://jw-webmagazine.com/visit-the-planet-of-the-bunnies-in-japan-5bd1875edee2/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/rabbit-island-japan-overrun-tourism-spd
https://www.italia.it/en/sicily/isola-dei-conigli-rabbit-island
Art and Design in Chicago
https://interactive.wttw.com/art-design-chicago/white-rabbits
Chicago just had to become the big, dynamic city that it is.
City of Vancouver parts ways with its chief planner
Theresa O'Donnell came to Vancouver as a deputy director of planning in 2019 after 15 years working for the City of Dallas https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/city-of-vancouver-parts-ways-with-chief-planner
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/theresa-odonnell-city-of-vancouver-chief-planner-departure
Vancouver has been stunted & thwarted for generations. Everything is so watered down & it's not just because of the rain.
Monday, September 18, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Friday, September 15, 2023
Urban Technology intersection
https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cjut20/current
Future Cities Currently Being Built https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2IqG9WOk3w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZZ2N2DcLi4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnyRZotnPSU
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Urban+Technology
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=The+15+Minute+City
Exploring the 15 Minute City Concept
The+15+Minute+City concept can really be quite beneficial and convenient, but it might eventually be at a high price.
https://www.dw.com/en/15-minute-cities-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/a-64907776
https://www.15minutecity.com/blog/visionzero It's a great idea in many ways. However, a tremendous amount of real-time AI surveillance would be required. Perhaps if enough humans are convinced to live like rats in a maze, or sheep in a pen, then it will be that much easier to force the rest. Especially with a global carbon quota management system is implemented.
Chromebooks With the Promise of 10 Years of Software Updates?
https://gizmodo.com/google-chromebook-software-update-10-years-promise-1850840110
This would be nice for so many tech devices. Some people really have to get a new computer, tablet, pad, phone or watch every year or so. However, by allowing more software updates over a much longer amount of time, a person can enjoy their devices for so much longer.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Cities with the best tram systems in the world
https://www.consultancy.eu/news/4634/the-countries-cities-with-the-best-tram-systems-in-the-world
https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/115498506/worlds-10-best-city-tram-and-street-car-rides
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streetcars_in_North_America#Renaissance
Vancouver, BC was one of the first cities & regions to get rid of them.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/langley-township-interurban-rail-public-transit
Now, its one of the last cities & regions to bring them back. LA & SF have a combination of heavy rail & LRT or trams. Trains, trams & buses can all work well together, when properly coordinated.
https://cityhallwatch.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/vancouver-transpo-grid-or-tube/
Canada needs 5.8 million new homes by 2030 to tackle affordability crisis
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/housing-affordability-cmhc-report-2030-1.6498898
Constructing enough affordable+housing is imperative.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-newcomer-find-home
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/housing-crisis-canada-politicians-1.6887675
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Vancouver, BC's tallest office tower
Auckland, NZ which is just as scenic as Vancouver, has permitted taller office towers such as the Vero_Centre and more recently, the Commercial_Bay_(skyscraper).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Auckland
Of course scenic Sydney, Seattle & San Francisco, all have taller office towers and residential towers, as well.
Monday, September 11, 2023
Digital Public Infrastructure fuses Digital ID, CBDC and data sharing for 15-minute smart city governance
Its all about tracking and controlling the human herd.
While it can certainly improve urban efficiency, someday people might be restricted in their freedom to travel, because they have exceeded their carbon quota for the month.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/factlab-meta/-nothing-smart-about-smart-cities-falsehoods
Some day, a monthly and even a weekly personal carbon quota could be used to control people, but no one is supposed to think about such a time or possibility.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=The+15+Minute+City
Friday, September 8, 2023
The STAR TREK universe
https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/star-trek-universe-ranked-by-tomatometer/
https://bleedingcool.com/tv/star-trek-very-short-treks-skin-a-cat-was-it-something-he-said/
https://www.space.com/star-trek-day-2023-very-short-treks
https://trekmovie.com/2023/09/08/watch-the-star-trek-day-2023-special
https://www.cbr.com/star-trek-day-2023-celebrates-saga-while-actors-cannot/
https://jaysanalysis.com/?s=STAR+TREK
Why Unreal Engine 5.3 is a BIG Deal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POwTaVZ_CA0
CGI vs Real - Can you tell the difference? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP-idHLydNQ
Boston Dynamics Robots Can't be Faked - VFX Artists Explain Why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ1WEiMwV7Y
This Unreal Engine 5 Superman Demo is MIND BLOWING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIwIlmxMYI4
The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU0gvPcc3jQ
https://screenrant.com/henry-cavill-superman-keanu-reeves-neo-matrix-art
Monday, August 21, 2023
Future Road Designs that Will Change the World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcRbx88Qo-o
Major Roads can be designed & built to be more efficient.
Road to the Future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQW6j4Xhrfo
15 Craziest Intersections in the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-p0TdwyDpo
Friday, August 18, 2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Friday, August 4, 2023
The very wide Katy Freeway in Houston, TX
https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/it-s-not-just-you-the-katy-freeway-is-15945843.php
It's strange that with all that extra highway width at least 2 additional express bus & HOV lanes weren't included.
https://cityobservatory.org/reducing-congestion-katy-didnt
A commuter train along that route would have also provided more efficiency & effectively moved a lot more people.
Friday, July 28, 2023
The Urban Intersection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megacity
More & more people want to move into urban areas around the world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalopolis#Modern_definitions
While its usually for economic reasons, it can also be for the urban bustle & excitement.
https://www.usnews.com/news/cities/slideshows/the-10-largest-cities-in-the-world
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_megalopolises
https://www.statista.com/statistics/912263/population-of-urban-agglomerations-worldwide/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_City-Windsor_Corridor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia#Demographics
Of course as more people want to live in cities & vast urban areas, that means less of a demand or interest to live in the wilderness. In fact, most of the world can remain undeveloped as long as people keep moving into the cities.
However, some people want to live in rural areas, on farms or in the mountains. For some, the urban pace can be too hectic & draining.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=urban+transit
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=urban+tech
Friday, July 14, 2023
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs-%C3%89lys%C3%A9es
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-champs-elysees-a708
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs-%C3%89lys%C3%A9es#Public_transport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs-%C3%89lys%C3%A9es%E2%80%93Clemenceau_(Paris_M%C3%A9tro)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_M%C3%A9tro_Line_1#Automation
Monday, July 10, 2023
California’s $128BN High-Speed Rail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOiB_cUr0Xo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_the_United_States#California
Why California’s High-Speed Rail Is Taking So Long https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgHSYHXFfwg
California High-Speed Rail Construction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luX35wVJt84
https://www.youtube.com/@cahsra/videos
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter-city_rail#Distance_of_inter-city_rail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Express_train
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter-city_rail#Inter-city_rail_by_country
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_the_United_States
Sunday, July 9, 2023
9 de Julio (Line D Buenos Aires Underground)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_de_Julio_(Line_D_Buenos_Aires_Underground)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_D_(Buenos_Aires_Underground)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires_Underground_rolling_stock#Current_fleet
The train & the bus can work very well together as the backbone of an urban transit system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenida_9_de_Julio#MetroBus_Line
Avenida 9 de Julio
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenida_9_de_Julio
This is how wide streets & avenues can really help to efficiently allow people to get around.
https://buenosaires.gob.ar/movilidad/metrobus/metrobus-9-de-julio
Of course point to point teleportation or wormhole technology could really get things moving.
How Physicists Created a Holographic Wormhole in a Quantum Computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOJCS1W1uzg
Friday, June 30, 2023
Friday, June 23, 2023
What Really Happens When A Sub Catastrophically Implodes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX24QMTyOls
These Titanic submarine 'flaws' may be behind disaster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u0UeY4epuQ
James Cameron on 'fundamental flaw' in design of Titan submersible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XIyin68vEE
'There is no excuse for what happened here': Director James Cameron on Titanic sub tragedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9YB31ElEFQ
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Titan submersible's batteries suddenly drained during 2022 trip to Titanic, forcing tour to end early - with communications also blacking out for two hours
Its usually a good idea to thoroughly test such a deep underwater vehicle. Plus, having an emergency rescue sub stationed on the surface. That way, it could have started to rescue the sub shortly after communications were lost.
Missing OceanGate CEO was sued for FRAUD by Florida couple who accused him of taking $210,000 to see Titanic wreck when he knew the vessel was not ready https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12216669/Missing-OceanGate-CEO-Stockton-Rush-sued-FRAUD-Florida-couple-paid-Titanic.html
As long as the Titan sub wasn't crushed, a tow truck like sub could have pulled it up. Unfortunately, they didn't see any reason to have a support sub ready, just incase anything went wrong.
https://nypost.com/2023/06/21/james-cameron-was-on-a-titanic-submersible-dive-during-9-11
Searchers detect ‘banging’ every 30 minutes near area where Titanic submarine vanished
Even having a ship stationed on the surface could have gotten things moving much faster once communications were lost.
However, having a rescue sub follow or at least stationed above the dive area could have really got the search & rescue process started much sooner.
https://nypost.com/2023/06/20/titanic-sub-best-and-worse-case-scenarios-for-the-missing-vessel/
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I-95 temporary lanes at collapse site will open to traffic this weekend, Gov. Shapiro says
The collapsed section of I-95 is another example of why it's essential to have reliable, alternate transportation options.
https://abc7ny.com/i-95-collapse-philadelphia-i95-interstate-highway-road/13386149/
https://abc7ny.com/i-95-repairs-construction-collapse-rebuild/13406575/
https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_95#Pennsylvania
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=I-95
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=highways
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=The+Roosevelt+Boulevard+Subway
Half of homeless Californians are over 50, didn’t earn enough to pay bills
https://nypost.com/2023/06/20/half-of-homeless-californians-are-over-50-report/
California has more people than all of Canada.
Texas has more people than Australia.
Whatever the state or country, if more & more people can't afford the cost of living, more people will be homeless.
Unless there is more social or affordable housing, the situation will only get worse.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=affordable+housing
Chilling last text of British billionaire stuck in missing Titanic sub revealed
https://nypost.com/2023/06/20/last-text-of-british-billionaire-in-missing-titanic-sub-revealed/
This is always such a potentially dangerous situation.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/missing-titanic-submarine-sent-distress-30277280
https://apnews.com/article/titanic-wreckage-missing-submersible-9f0e66fc1df5d9f1e8d262dc7ce0135e
A Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle is so much safer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle#Military_use
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle#List_of_scientific_ROVs
Monday, June 19, 2023
Multimodal Bridges and Tunnels
There used to be a time, especially in the mid 20th century, when several bridges were built with narrow sidewalks, or none at all. Forget about emergency lanes & especially not allowing for bus & bike lanes. Just have the crossing get all plugged up, so you are still punished, even if you use public transit.
http://waterlooarchitecture.com/bridge/blog/2018/09/14/multimodal-manila
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-19/why-portland-is-building-a-multi-modal-bridge-that-bans-cars This is one of the best bridges of its type in the world. The Interstate bridges in downtown Portland,_Oregon have no bike and pedestrian access. However, the Tilikum_Crossing was intended to be a nice counterbalance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilikum_Crossing#Design
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Providence_Bridge_Pedal
Vancouver, BC could have really benefited from something like the Tilikum_Crossing_in_Portland. However, no such streetcar or tram-train bridge exists in Vancouver, BC. Fortunately, Portland & Seattle were able to revive some of their old streetcar lines. Cities like New Orleans, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, SF & Melbourne retained some of their streetcar or tramlines, unlike Vancouver.
https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2012/tc/T41-1-50-eng.pdf
The George_Massey_Tunnel in BC, Canada is a sad joke. It wasn't designed to accommodate 2 bus & bike lanes. No footpaths & no emergency lanes. It is a fine example of BC bottleneck planning. The Louis-Hippolyte_Lafontaine_Bridge-Tunnel in Montreal, is slightly a little better.
https://www.highway99tunnel.ca While this new tunnel will have 2 bus - HOV lanes & a bike path, there is no provision for a train connecting the airport to the ferry terminal. https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-news/interurban-rail-not-on-the-horizon-for-delta-6448841 This means that eventually some day, a new train tunnel or bridge will have to be built to provide a rail link between the Tsawwassen_ferry_terminal and the Vancouver_International_Airport.
Some day, when enough sensible people can implement proper big city regional planning, a train could run from Waterfront_station_(Vancouver) to the Park_Royal_Shopping_Centre and onto the Horseshoe_Bay_ferry_terminal. Unfortunately, backward & slow-moving Vancouver is only just starting to think about having its own version of a North_Shore_railway_line.
https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-green-web-hosting-services
Whether its for environmental reasons or just for overall efficiency, transportation corridors that are designed for various modes of of transit, can effectively move more people.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=BC
Friday, June 16, 2023
The Öresund Bridge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oresund_Bridge
The bridge and tunnel should have had a 3rd lane each way for busses. That way when the_train section is under maintenance, an express busway would already be in place. Plus, there should have been an emergency lane on each side of the tunnel. It's still far beyond what the BC part of Canada would do.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oresund_Bridge#Drogden_Tunnel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oresund_Bridge#Costs_and_benefits
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Bus and HOV Lanes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-occupancy_vehicle_lane
HOV lanes can immensely add more capacity and efficiency to highways. Sometimes a separate bus lane, along with HOV lanes, can really get things moving.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
The I-95 Highway Collapse Highlights a Need for the Roosevelt Boulevard Subway
Good roads and highways aren't enough, an extensive urban rail network is just as important.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=I-95
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=The+Roosevelt+Boulevard+Subway
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Interstate 95 highway collapse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_95_in_Pennsylvania#2023_highway_collapse
Whatever the cause, whenever a section of a major highway is damaged, there is an immediate strain on the surrounding infrastructure.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=I-95
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=The+Roosevelt+Boulevard+Subway
Monday, May 22, 2023
The Making of 'The Matrix' Behind The Scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeV3oWbPmSQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D5p9BmDKkU recap
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-matrix-cool-and-unique-details-you-never-got
How Physicists Created a Holographic Wormhole in a Quantum Computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOJCS1W1uzg
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Is PUBLIC TRANSPORT in LA USELESS?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWA6O4bpRtI
Los Angeles Metro Union Station-The Sad Truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOJWL8Wa4o4
Friday, April 28, 2023
The MATRIX style fashion trends through the years
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/the-matrix-style-fashion-trend
Various aspects of the cyberpunk fashion style have continued through the decades.
Matrix By Balenciaga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uZINdYpsP8
Matrix by Gucci https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3dNTFAHy0o
Of course ever since the first MATRIX movie was released in 1999, there have been all sorts of spoofs.
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-matrix-cool-and-unique-details-you-never-got
How Physicists Created a Holographic Wormhole in a Quantum Computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOJCS1W1uzg
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Rabbits in WestWorld, etc.
https://westworld.fandom.com/wiki/Rabbit's_Snare , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE-oyL1NT7Y
https://westworld.fandom.com/wiki/Animals
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-matrix-cool-and-unique-details-you-never-got
https://manilastandard.net/?p=264828
https://www.tatlerasia.com/homes/architecture-design/dive-into-the-rabbit-hole-kuala-lumpurs-most-instagrammable-urban-oasis Certainly a nice place to relax.
Monday, April 3, 2023
WESTWORLD on HBO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Naa-YND0s Series Recap | Season 1-4 Ending Explained
The Philosophy of Westworld – Wisecrack Edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j2Q8yXx7vY
Westworld Analysis: Simulationism and Perennialism, Westworld's Hidden Philosophy
WW is quite an expanded AI story that keeps you going back and forth.
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