https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/john-cusack-amazon-utopia-question
The mad scientist with a global plan of utopia.
https://utopiatv.fandom.com/wiki/Mr._Rabbit
https://utopiatv.fandom.com/wiki/Janus
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
How John Cusack became sci-fi TV's next great villain in UTOPIA
Globally prominent technology centers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_technology_centers#Globally_prominent_clusters
Despite more people working from home, there is still a need for various tech offices & factories...
https://siteselection.com/issues/2024/jan/24-for-24.cfm
https://www.sovtech.com/blog/worlds-biggest-tech-hubs
https://www.fullstackacademy.com/blog/top-cities-for-tech-roles
https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/best-cities-for-tech-jobs
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/biggest-tech-talent-hubs-in-us-canada/
https://dealroom.co/guides/top-tech-ecosystems
Hardware, because it's not just about software. Unfortunately, automation will gradually continue to reduce jobs for people.
Monday, February 19, 2024
Vancouver faces hotel shortage ahead of 2026 World Cup
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-hotel-shortage-2026-world-cup-1.7117696
The city has failed in attracting many more hotels over the decades.
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/09/08/vancouver-hotels-shortage-city-councillor/
With so many strict & extremely limiting building restrictions, Vancouver has made it tougher for more hotels to set up shop in the city. A 30-40 story hotel with 30-40 condominium floors above that would provide a great incentive for more hotels to be built.
Unfortunately, there has been a strong, KEEP VANCOUVER SMALL agenda for several decades.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/seattle-vancover-tourism-infrastructure-facilities-economy-strengths Fortunatly, Seattle isn't under any of the Vancouver type restrictions & limitations.
www.seattletimes.com/business/as-seattle-area-keeps-building-hotels-there-soon-may-be-too-much-room-at-the-inn If only BC had such an issue, but it's the total opposite in Vancouver.
https://www.costar.com/article/1967732614/seattle-experiences-influx-of-hotel-rooms-in-construction
"As of 2022, Metro Vancouver has a hotel supply of 23,292 rooms across 163 properties, including 13,290 rooms in 78 properties within the City of Vancouver." https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/metro-vancouver-hotel-supply-shortage-demand
- Hotel rooms available in Downtown Seattle: 14,861
- Hotel rooms available in King County: 43,490
https://visitseattle.org/press/press-kit/seattle-facts
Seattle like Calgary, Toronto & Montreal, have a think big & plan ahead mentality, which Vancouver continues to avoid.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Paris in the Twentieth Century and Alphaville
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_in_the_Twentieth_Century It was written in 1863 & set in the year 1960. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_in_the_Twentieth_Century#Predictions_for_1960
In the early 1860s, JV wrote about 300 m towers in a future Paris. However, it would take until the 1880s for Paris to have its first 1000 foot tower.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emile_Nouguier#Contribution_to_the_Eiffel_Tower
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Koechlin#Major_designs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sauvestre#Career
Alphaville was released in 1965 & is a cautionary story about the totalitarian Alpha 60, a sentient computer system running the city. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphaville_(film)#Production
Smart cities might not be such a bright idea https://www.ft.com/content/9039f4de-cec8-11e7-947e-f1ea5435bcc7
The Eiffel_Tower isn't just a symbolic icon for Paris, but France, overall. It will always be known as the first 100 m tower in France.
| Height | |
|---|---|
| Architectural | 300 m (984 ft)[1] |
| Tip | 330 m (1,083 ft) |
| Top floor | 276 m (906 ft)[1] |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower#History
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/explore , https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/explore/top
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument/key-figures
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower#Transport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower#Taller_structures
Open AI's SECRET AGI Breakthrough Has Everyone STUNNED! (SORAS Secret Breakthrough!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xv6uSeXbJ4
AGI Before 2026? Sam Altman & Max Tegmark on Humanity's Greatest Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFQvL3KVaOQ
What Is Q*? The Leaked AGI BREAKTHROUGH That Almost Killed OpenAI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6E41eXStsU
Intelligent Thinking About Artificial Intelligence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caepEUi2IZ4
Jaron Lanier Looks into AI's Future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8vU9QtcMZw
The Post Building in downtown Vancouver
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/the-post-vancouver-amazon-loblaws-city-market-quadreal
Once again something that might be considered to be huge in Vancouver is average or a small size in many other cities.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/the-post-amazon-vancouver-redevelopment-construction-update
https://storeys.com/quadreal-graeme-scott-the-post-vancouver-heritage-revitalization-amazon/
The Chicago ‘L’ Train
https://interactive.wttw.com/chicago-by-l/sidetracks/history-l
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_L
https://interactive.wttw.com/chicago-by-l/sidetracks/how-cta-map-got-its-colors
https://www.transitchicago.com/rpm/
https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/may-2019/once-and-for-all-is-it-the-chicago-el-el-l-or-l
Of course Paris & several other cities have elevated metro train lines, as well.
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/visit/bir-hakeim-station-closed
Canadians mad that feds will no longer fund road expansion projects for cars
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadians-mad-feds-not-funding-road-expansion-for-cars
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoroutes_of_Quebec#History
https://www.montrealroads.com/roads/montreal-island/
https://dailyhive.com/montreal/canadians-mad-feds-not-funding-road-expansion-for-cars
https://mobilitymontreal.gouv.qc.ca/network-condition/traffic/
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1143950/kilometres-autoroutes-quebec-troisieme-lien
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU0USZnglAs
https://www.quebecurbain.qc.ca/2010/08/30/le-reseau-demesure-dautoroutes-inachevees-de-quebec/
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Some of the best bike paths around the world
https://www.bookmundi.com/ng/best-bike-trails-around-the-world
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/most-scenic-bike-routes-in-the-world
https://www.exploreworldwide.ca/blog/most-picturesque-cycle-routes
https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/best-bike-rides-in-the-world/
https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/what-are-best-bike-commuting-cities-country/
https://factual-consulting.com/biking-to-work-most-beautiful-urban-bike-lanes
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-sfu-burnaby-cycling-connection-route-project
"Despite having some of the best bicycling infrastructure in Canada, Vancouver has a relatively low 2021 City Ratings score of 47, meaning it still has a way to go when it comes to improving safety and access." https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/five-great-canadian-bike-cities
https://bikehub.ca/about-us/news/10-great-bike-commuting-routes-in-metro-vancouver
New Westminster, BC
Unfortunately, the little river city of New+Westminster never saw itself as having the same potential as Portland, Oregon. NW eventually went from being a backwater BC capital to becoming part of the Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area. Unlike Portland, it has always been reluctant towards having wide train & road bridges.
The SkyBridge should have been multimodal like the fantastic Tilikum+Crossing in Portland.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/pattullo-bridge-surrey-board-of-trade Of course the new PB won't have a furture provision for bus & rail on a 2nd deck.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Evolution of the Toronto Subway 1954-2030s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRpRxT9s--I
How to Fix Toronto’s (Mostly) Useless Subway Line: The Sheppard Subway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv0oWk_OVok
Why Toronto Removed a Subway Line... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvwmiSU7zLY
No Federal funding for new roads in Canada?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxFAmoOUoYw
Canada’s environment minister ignites uproar with comments about funding new roads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZCN5tmnNz8
How Toronto Got Addicted to Cars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkO-DttA9ew
Transperth and WA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transperth Unlike the BC approach, WA allows for longer trains, as well as many lanes. Why just have a 3 coach train when you can have a train consisting of 6 carriages?
Perth, Calgary & Seattle, 8 lanes & 2 tracks, but not in Greater Vancouver.
| Train length | 72.42 m (237 ft 73⁄16 in)[1] |
|---|---|
| Car length |
|
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transperth_B-series_train Of course a 3 car train might be alright during the slow hours of the day, but a 6 car train makes all the difference. A 475 foot long train is getting close to the length of a 152 m or 500 foot long Montreal Metro train. Unfortunately, the Vancouver & BC approach is all about limited capacity & congestive planning.
Bellevue, WA - Eastside Link light rail set to open in April
https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/transportation/projects/east-link-light-rail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Line_(Sound_Transit) , https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/get-ready-new-link-service-eastside-next-spring
https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/east-link-extension
https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/08/11/the-east-link-light-rail-starter-line-is-officially-a-go/
https://www.mercerisland.gov/community/page/light-rail-east-link
Seattle, Calgary & Perth, 8 lanes & 2 tracks, but not in Greater Vancouver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Line_(Sound_Transit)#Route
Grade Separation for trains is always the best option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aADuNDv7Wc But sometimes things are done to cut the cost of a rail line down.
Why You Shouldn't Put Light Rail in Tunnels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-9sLvdqcJY
Greater Seattle is able to do so much more, simply because its not under a Vancouver & BC lack of vision perspective.
Memorial Drive (Calgary)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Drive_(Calgary)
Calgary, Seattle & Perth, 8 lanes & 2 tracks, but not in Greater Vancouver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_Calgary#Organization
Evolution of the Vancouver SkyTrain 1985-2035
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3kzHlQQSeg
The Surrey-Langley Skytrain segment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx5GBKjiw2c
Just because it's considered light rail, there still should have been a provision to easily have 152 m stations, like with the Montreal Metro stations. Instead, the first 2 lines only can handle 80 m trains & the C Line has a ridiculous 50 M station maximum. This, not properly building for the future agenda, is utterly foolish & inept. In spite of many cities opting for long trains & wide bridges, the BC approach is to provide half sized infrastructure for a half-assed approach to things. Nevertheless, there is still the potential to upgrade it to eventually becoming like a proper big city metro train system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_Line_(SkyTrain)#Capacity_upgrades
This is one of the best examples of BC bottleneck planning so far. The SkyBridge_for_SkyTrain should have had at least 3 tracks, not just 2 & only a maintenance track. The old inadequate 4 lane Pattullo_Bridge has only 1 narrow sidewalk & no bike or bus lanes. Thus, the Skybridge should have had 2 bike lanes & 2 footpaths. There also should have been 2 bus lanes, because when the train shuts down for maintenance or an emergency, a 24hr busway there is vital. The narrow SkyBridge really should have had a provision for a 2nd level, but that would go against the multigenerational congestive planning agenda of BC.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skybridge_(TransLink)
If the very narrow & inept old Patullo-Bridge had much better foundations, it could have become a great foot & bike+bridge, once its replacement opened. Unfortunately, even the new Pattullo_Bridge is already set to be a modern example of BC bottleneck planning. While it will at least have a bike & footpath on both sides, it will open without any proper bus & HOV lanes.
Even if the Expo_Line_(SkyTrain) was somehow open for 24hrs, there would still be the occasional emergency situation requiring the train bridge to close. Yet, even the new 4 lane Pattullo-Bridge will open without any bus, HOV lanes or emergency lanes. Thus, it will become another fine example of BC bottleneck planning.
The new Pattullo-Bridge should open with 6 lanes & a provision to have at least 8 lanes. This would not only allow for 2 general lanes each way, but a bus & HOV lane each way & a truck lane each way. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/pattullo-bridge-surrey-board-of-trade
Of course there also should have been a provision for a lower or upper deck, which could provide additional bus & train capacity. Unfortunately, it will start out as another 4 lane backward BC bridge.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Brisbane and Perth vs. Halifax and Vancouver
Australia: Brisbane and Perth have already surpassed Halifax and Vancouver, in some key ways. (This is still a very roughed out or incomplete post.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane#Infrastructure
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_River_Rail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges A 12 lane crossing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Brisbane
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Airport_railway_station,_Brisbane
A 146_m Brisbane train is so much better than a 50 to 80 m Vancouver train.
| Train length | 146.17 m (479 ft 7 in)[1] |
|---|---|
| Car length |
|
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Generation_Rollingstock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth#Transport
"Transperth B-series trains, three cars in length, operate on the Airport line every 12 minutes during peak and every 15 minutes outside peak and on weekends. All Airport line branch stations are fully accessible and have 150-metre (490 ft) long platforms, long enough for a six-car train. Train lengths are limited by most Midland and Fremantle line stations, which have platforms only 100 metres (330 ft) long. The installation of communications-based train control by 2027 will allow frequencies to increase and planned platform lengthening will allow train lengths to increase." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_line,_Perth
Fortunately, Perth chose not to Vancoverize their train & road system plans. Thus, the Perth Airport line can eventually have 150m long stations. Of course Vancouver opted to take the congestive planning approach. Indeed, why have 150m long Canada Line stations when 50m short stations are more appropriately symbolic?
"Unlike Bombardier ART trains, the Hyundai Rotem trains will not be operated as longer four- or six-car trains. Through inserting a middle "C" car at the articulated joint between two end cars, available capacity will be similar to a four-car Mark II or a six-car Mark I train. The Canada Line's station platforms are expandable to 50 m (164 ft 1 in) in length to accommodate these future three-car trains; the five busiest stations are already 50 m (164 ft 1 in) in length. The Canada Line has a designed future capacity of 15,000 pphpd when operating three-car trains at two-minute headways." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTrain_(Vancouver)_rolling_stock#Canada_Line_fleet
- Fleet of: 32 two-car train sets
- Train length: 41 m (134 ft 6 in) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Line#Canada_Line_Hyundai_Rotem_specifications
The Catheter Line should have been designed with the capability to eventually have 152m long stations, as is the case with the Montreal Metro & the TTC Subway stations. But that would be planning for the future & be against the congestive Vancouver & BC planning approach. By not allowing the provision for 152m stations, that will ensure some financial drainage in the future.
This view of the Vancouver_Airport_Skytrain_Station almost shows what a 4 car train would look like, but it's actually just two, 2 car trains on a single track. The YVR-Airport_station is so short & narrow, but it fits right in with the small town planning approach for Greater Vancouver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTrain_(Vancouver)#Future_expansion Unfortunately, the first 2 SkyTrain lines were designed to only have 80m stations. It remains to be seen if someday the stations might be extended to at least 150m. Despite budgetary limitations, the Catheter Line should have been designed to eventually have 150m stations. Unfortunately, it remains as a 50 m joke.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Canada+vs.+Australia
Canada vs. Australia which is a more modern country in terms of infrastructure?
https://www.quora.com/Canada-or-Australia-which-is-a-more-modern-country-in-terms-of-infrastructure-and-technology# Well, that depends upon who you ask, of course.
https://www.quora.com/Why-doesn-t-Australia-have-infrastructure-like-other-countries Whether you are in the outback, the desert or the bush, the roads will be narrow. One expects Greater Melbourne & Sydney to have an impressive level of infrastructure. Just like Toronto & Montreal have the most infrastructure in Canada. Followed by Calgary & Edmonton.
Halifax,_Nova_Scotia is a long ways off from ever becoming a big city like Montreal or Boston. Its very slow growth compared to those cities. In many ways, Vancouver, BC remains as a stunted or thwarted city, due to so many building restrictions & congestive planning initiatives. Thus, it isn't allowed to rival some of the things that are permitted in Seattle, WA & Perth WA.
Its amazing to see what Brisbane & Perth have been able to do, simply because they aren't in Canada & its not just because of the weather. Indeed, no city in Atlantic Canada or in BC has been able to rival some of the things that Brisbane & Perth have been able to do.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/guilbeault-no-new-roads-1.7114867
https://globalnews.ca/news/10293868/environment-minister-road-funding
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-14/canada-tackles-infrastructure-issues-at-council-level/4819274 Even by 2013, Australia was starting to rival or exceed what Canada was able to do.
"When it comes to a comparison of economic performance, Australia comes out ahead of Canada." https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/should-australia-be-more-canada
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Canada+vs.+Australia
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Melbourne trains above and underground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2DqHcqTK9I
Melbourne's Secret Underground World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjQkWn9z8o
For such a long time, Melbourne never had an official subway or metro like Toronto or Montreal.
Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project Explained - Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG8k-SPDQEk
The Metro Tunnel is one of Australia's largest public transport infrastructure projects in recent memory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRB6hH_b_Ck
A look at Victoria's regional rail fleet operated by V/line. V/line operates an extensive network centered around Melbourne, using a variety of diesel locomotive hauled trains and DMUs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CB_nqHmFJE
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Canada+vs.+Australia
Sydney Transit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMQiMOKnJWY
https://www.youtube.com/@sydneytrainsvlogs/videos
Sydney Australia Walking Tour - George Street Evening Rush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRg1gJi6yqc trams...
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/historic-3-minute-metro-journey-under-sydney-harbour , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5nbhuGG6LU
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/first-metro-train-travels-under-sydney-harbour/index.html
Sydney had the beginnings of a subway decades before Toronto & Montreal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_railway_station , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtNfBLHj4E8
| Opened | 20 December 1926 |
|---|
"Designed by John Bradfield in the Inter-War Stripped Classical architectural style,[1] the station comprises two platforms, each 158.5 metres (520 ft) long by 3.8 metres (12 ft) wide, under an arch with span 14.6 metres (48 ft). Museum's signage and cream tiling with maroon highlights are reminiscent of a typical London Underground tube station of the era, however its layout of central tracks under a grand arch are more in keeping with older stations of the Paris Métro. Until the construction of the Airport Line in the 1990s, it was the only underground station in Sydney without an island platform." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_railway_station#Design
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_station_(Toronto)
| Opened | February 28, 1963 |
|---|---|
| Rebuilt | April 2008 |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_station_(Toronto)#Connection_to_Line_2_Bloor%E2%80%93Danforth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_1_Yonge-University
| Opened | March 30, 1954 |
|---|
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_1_Yonge-University#Opening
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Canada+vs.+Australia
The Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts in Vancouver, BC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReDPLxaTwjI
If properly strengthened, they might have been able to last into the 2070s.
Monday, February 12, 2024
Large fire breaks out at Sweden's biggest amusement park
https://www.dw.com/en/large-fire-breaks-out-at-swedens-biggest-amusement-park/a-68236412
https://apnews.com/article/sweden-fire-amusement-park-goteborg-8020f041fe706812af49bb3df6125c2b
https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/12/fire-breaks-out-at-one-of-swedens-largest-water-parks
The Abraham Lincoln Bridge, JFK Bridge and the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges
"The Abraham Lincoln Bridge is a six-lane, single-deck cable-stayed bridge carrying northbound Interstate 65 across the Ohio River..." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln_Bridge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln_Bridge#History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_Memorial_Bridge 6 lanes
Such a 12 lane river crossing always has the potential for bus & HOV_lanes.
The Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges also form a 12 lane crossing.
https://nacto.org/docs/usdg/tcrp_rpt_90_case_studies_volume_1_levinson.pdf
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/867273/best-bridges-in-brisbane
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - HOV METROPOLIS?
https://trid.trb.org/view/721772
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/special
https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp90v1_cs/Brisbane.pdf
Even though it would provide proper bus & HOV lanes, Vancouver is one of the most reluctant cities about allowing bridge duplication or twinning. Thus, everything is funneled into absurdly narrow bridges.
The old Fraser_Street_Bridge was never replaced with a bus & bike bridge. The Oak_Street_Bridge, Knight_Street_Bridge & the Arthur_Laing_Bridge are classic 4 lane Vancouver chokepoints. Unless new HOV & bus bridges are built, these 3 bridges will remain quintessential bottlenecks. The ridiculously narrow Lions_Gate_Bridge is a three lane joke. There should have been a bus, HOV & train tunnel built around there decades ago.
The Second_Narrows_Crossing is also too narrow to accommodate proper bus & HOV lanes. Thus, any new parallel train bridge should also have bus & HOV lanes. Otherwise, it will just become another SkyTrain-bridge.
Unlike stubborn Vancouver, Montreal was able to build the new Champlain_Bridge. Indeed, the New_Champlain_Bridge has 4 lanes each way & 2 train tracks in the middle.
Such is the gatekeeper mentality of Vancouver, a city that wants to perpetually excel in congestive transportation planning. Fortunately, this thwarting Vancouver mentality hasn't spread to most other cities around the world.
Saturday, February 10, 2024
This Australian Town is so Hot, That 80 Percent of the Residents Live Underground, its Coober Pedy
https://ancientoriginsmagazine.com/coober-pedy-australian-town-so-hot-80-percent-live-underground
Living underground to avoid direct sunlight makes a lot of sense in a sweltering climate.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230803-the-town-where-people-live-underground
https://earthlymission.com/coober-pedy-australian-town-built-underground-extreme-heat/
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-strange-underground-homes-in-the-coober-pedy-desert-australia , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFA-OB-nJ_I
https://www.vietnam.vn/en/con-nguoi-co-the-song-duoi-long-dat-hay-khong/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derinkuyu_underground_city
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220810-derinkuyu-turkeys-underground-city-of-20000-people
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaymakli_Underground_City
As more places heat up, earth-sheltered-homes will become more popular.
Of course some parts of Canada & Alaska get so cold, that its safer to just remain inside.
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Canada+vs.+Australia
Friday, February 9, 2024
Similarities between Chicago and Toronto
https://versus.com/en/chicago-vs-toronto , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56SCacQEkb4
Of course both are big cities on the edge of big lakes & have cold winters & hot summers.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/connected-lakes-exploring-shared-dna-toronto-chicago-george-khalife
https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/g4o2i7/im_always_bewildered_by_the_similarity_between/
http://www.chicagosistercities.com/sister-cities/toronto-canada/
Toronto breaks 86-year temperature record as unseasonable warmth hits
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/warm-ontario-february-1.7110466 Any time there is a winter day above freezing in Canada, that's great. https://globalnews.ca/news/10284210/toronto-weather-february-9-2024-warm-record However, to have a winter night well above freezing is just as good. Unfortunately, the freezing nights & days will be returning soon.
The same goes for Chicago, but with fewer freezing days.
Vancouver Broadway-Commercial Safeway Redevelopment
https://storeys.com/westbank-crombie-broadway-commercial-safeway/
A lot of people or just a small extremely vocal few, want Vancouver to just be a provincial backwater for as long as possible. The NIMBY crowd just can't fathom any BC city & urban region to eventually be on the scale of Montreal or Seattle.
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Seattle will host 6 matches in 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a U.S. game at Lumen Field
https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/article285076122.html
Big events cost big money, but can reap huge benefits.
https://www.lumenfield.com/venue-info-news/fifa-world-cup-26-tm-seattle-match-schedule-announcement
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/seattle-to-host-6-world-cup-matches-1-team-usa-game
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_2026_FIFA_World_Cup_bid#United_States
Some People Leaving Canada to move to the USA
https://dailyhive.com/toronto/given-up-canada-move-to-usa
So many places around the world are expensive now. During the winter, Canada is all about cold & crappy weather, as is the Northern US. The Southern US, Australia & NZ, usually don't get anything like the crappy, cold Canadian winters. Even the cold rain in Vancouver isn't that fun.
The Sun_Belt keeps growing, because a lot of people like to live in a warmer climate.
Of course some immigrants from warmer climates will leave Canada after experiencing some winters.
5 ways to get from Calgary to Vancouver by plane, bus, train or car
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Calgary/Vancouver-BC-Canada Travelling anywher in Canada during the winter is the worst time of the year.
https://dailyhive.com/canada/difficult-ubc-student-flies-class-expensive-rent
https://destinationlesstravel.com/drive-from-calgary-to-vancouver
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/how-bc-affords-cost-of-living
https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=UBC+student+flying+from+Calgary+to+Vancouver
Metro Vancouver's major skyscraper projects
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/metro-vancouver-skyscraper-tower-projects
So many other cities are allowed to build on a much grander scale, simply because they aren't under Vancouver type imposed restrictions. As stubborn Vancouver maintains its various limitations, it is unable to thwart the Greater_Vancouver Area or Regional_District. Thus, most of the big stuff will be built beyond the small city limits of Vancouver.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Oakridge and Brentwood Shopping Centres in BC, Canada
https://viewpointvancouver.ca/2012/08/28/compare-and-contrast-the-evolution-of-the-shopping-centre/
Of course The_Amazing_Brentwood in Burnaby was allowed to be on a grander scale, simply because its not within the Vancouver city limits.
UBC student flying from Calgary to Vancouver to avoid the high rent
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/ubc-student-flying-commute-calgary-vancouver
Almost every city is expensive now. However, Calgary like Seattle, has been allowed to become a big city.
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/ubc-student-commutes-from-calgary-cheaper-than-paying-vancouver-rent-1.6759116
Little Vancouver remains as a backward, congested mess.
Cost of Living in Australia
At least Australia has better weather than Canada & the Northern US, especially this time of the year.
Do you want to pass out from the heat, or would you rather freeze to death?
https://www.moon.com/travel/planning/comparing-cost-living-australia-vs-us So much has changed since 2016.
Capital Line, Edmonton LRT
The Capital_Line, especially the downtown section, was built to a much higher standard than what Vancouver, BC would eventually get around to building.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_LRT#Rolling_stock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexity_Freedom#Edmonton
"In 1962, Canadian Bechtel Ltd. was commissioned to develop a plan for Edmonton's rapid transit system. Construction began in 1974 with a budget of $65 million.[9] Edmonton became the first city in North America with a metropolitan population of less than one million to build a modern light rail system.[10] The population was just over 445,000 when construction started on the route in 1974.[11] It also became the first city in Western Canada to operate a rapid transit system. Testing of the new line started in 1977 with regular service starting April 22, 1978, in time for the 1978 Commonwealth Games." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton_LRT#History
Camping in Alaska at -23 Degrees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgxjW1lZjw
A desire to get way out into the freezing wilderness is quite an adventure.
Driving an Old Ford Truck to the Arctic Ocean in -60F/-51C https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8DWxmOJUg8
Exploring Chukotka - the most remote Russian region https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR8H4qCzsTo
Edmonton airport shuttle from downtown deemed too expensive
https://globalnews.ca/news/10277600/edmonton-airport-shuttle-too-expensive/
https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/edmonton-international-airport
https://flyeia.com/parking-transportation/747-bus/
https://flyeia.com/parking-transportation/buses-shuttles/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_Park_station_(Edmonton)#Century_Park_Transit_Centre
Toronto, Montreal, Calgary & the 2 car YVR joke that is Vancouver, BC, all got built before a rail transit line to the Edmonton Airport. Of course an airport express bus is always a good start, but eventually there should be a train to the Edmonton airport.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Saddledome in Calgary...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotiabank_Saddledome
Of course having enough functioning washrooms is always a top priority.
https://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/venue
Some fans from Edmonton over the years, have occasionally depicted the Saddledome as a giant toilet.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Calgary/comments/g99f2q/city_council_to_repurpose_saddledome_in_memoriam/
https://www.reddit.com/r/CalgaryFlames/comments/11g65vd/washrooms_at_the_saddledome/
https://flamesnation.ca/news/the-good-and-bad-of-the-saddledome
https://twitter.com/isuckatpicking/status/1526264718725287937
https://venuecoalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Calgary-AB-Saddledome-Tech-Pack.pdf
https://globalnews.ca/news/9649603/calgary-event-centre-update-april-25-2023/
https://twitter.com/FOS/status/1651228942517301251
https://globalnews.ca/news/10007181/update-calgary-flames-arena-deal/
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/good-question-stadium-bathrooms/
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/new-york-islanders--new-arena-will-feature-more-restrooms-per-pe
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/sports/baseball/13potty.html
Intuit Dome
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California#Professional_sports
https://www.nba.com/clippers/intuitdomeevents
It's not to be called the Toilet-Dome.
You can never have enough toilets, it seems.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39322484/clippers-host-2026-all-star-game-new-intuit-dome
https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/clippers-steve-ballmer-toilets-intuit-dome
https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/03/08/clippers-steve-ballmer-toilets-new-arena
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/good-question-stadium-bathrooms/
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/sports/baseball/13potty.html
More Lanes...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHZwOAIect4
Why Traffic Is So Bad In Los Angeles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S76lKWeU_xc
What Caused World's Worst 60 Mile Traffic Jam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuoQPG8LrMU
Why Cities Are Banning Cars Around The World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCSkNiyYv8g
Why America Is Tearing Down some of its Highways https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXp4rVZFTVs
Monday, February 5, 2024
Why this year’s Super Bowl is all about the bathrooms
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/03/business/why-this-super-bowl-is-all-about-the-bathrooms/index.html
https://medium.com/nycwater/the-big-flush-on-super-bowl-sunday-e0050699fa1b
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/626828
https://news.arizona.edu/story/super-bowls-super-flush-just-super-myth
A Man pushed onto the tracks at Oxford Circus in London
https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/05/king-charles-diagnosed-form-cancer-20229277/?ico=top-stories_home_top
Platform_screen_doors are more important than ever.
Platform_screen_doors immensely improves safety at such train stations.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-68203989
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_screen_doors#Use
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)