I really enjoy having comments. Sorry, I haven't been able to wade into the conversation myself. Until things normalize around here, I only have time to write the posts.
And not much time for even a post tonight, so instead I'll throw out a few links and quick thoughts.
In my previous post, Kathie asked what are some examples of pro-family policies that Kerry should be pursuing? Good question. That's my next big project. In the meantime, take a look at the advocacy platform from Mothers & More and Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights.
The lack of sensible suburban planning has long been an interest of mine. Good discuss in the comment section here about that. I have a theory that academic snobbery about suburbia is partly to blame. Why does every university have an urban planning department and an urban policy institute, but nothing about suburbia? This omission is especially glaring since most people, and most voters, live suburbs. Anyway, check out this planned suburban community in Florida that is based on the idea of the small town.
Why have Doc Martens faded from fashion? A short skirt, black tights, and Docs are always good. I've been trying to get my hands on their Mary Janes and been unsuccessful. Even the shoe stores on West 8th Street let me down. I guess I'm still trapped in the styles of the late 80s. Well, I'm not as bad as my husband who longs for the return of skinny ties with piano keyboards from the early 80s.
I've long been a fan of Duany Plater-Zyberk and have happily watched them reinterpret the idea of community. Several small cities here in South Florida have successfully redeveloped their downtowns following their lead.
For a look at a small town "Don't," visit Celebration, Disney's weirdly sterile ghosttown.
http://www.celebrationfl.com/
Posted by: Lynne | August 10, 2004 at 02:47 AM
Your husband could always get a mullet if he longs for the 80's. :o)
Donna
Posted by: Donna Boucher | August 10, 2004 at 09:39 AM
Hi Laura good to have you back. And good to have comments.
But I'm confused. Why not just buy them from the site? (if you know your UK shoe size, which is usually, roughly, 1 size below your US shoe size)
Posted by: harry | August 10, 2004 at 10:01 AM
Okay I saw Doc Martens in a mall here in Boise Idaho yesterday. Maybe that means we are hopelessly behind the times. My 13 year old is salivating over Converse tennis shoes and Vans. Why didn't I save my Vans for her, speaking of the 80's.
There are two planned community subdivisions here. So far though they haven't gotten much retail beyond a coffee shop and hair salons though. No where to employ many or buy real food. I do like the concept though. But thats why I live close to downtown, in a house built in the 60's. I am close to the grocery store and everything else. However, my trade off is I live on a noisy street. Its worth it to me. I hate the subdivisions that streets don't go anywhere, cul de sacs might be nice to live on, but they are hell to try to get anywhere. Plus there is the Garrison Keillor line- suburbia where they cut the trees down and name the streets after them. My uncle lives on Lodgepole, without a pine in sight.
Posted by: Lisa | August 10, 2004 at 10:58 AM
Ah, another thing I miss about Europe ... Even when you live in the 'burbs, you can usually walk to a pub or two and a small grocery store -- even if it is a Local Shop in a Decent Town. Oh well ... just hope your American 'burb has sidewalks!
Posted by: Another Damned Medievalist | August 10, 2004 at 01:33 PM
Dang -- I tried to post a good link for the Local shop, and the code didn't take. ???
Local Shop
or maybe http://www.totalleagueofgentlemen.co.uk/edward_decenttown.wav
Sorry for the extra stuff ...
Posted by: Another Damned Medievalist | August 10, 2004 at 01:38 PM
It would be interesting to look mre closely at the issues facing families. Right now, the campaign is all about the dirty tricks (Swifties) and terror alerts and less about how policies affecting families might change.
And what about some of the other wedge issues? Look what the CDC has been up to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/content_guidelines/default.htm . Have we forgotten to discuss how this administration has whittled away at so many of our personal freedoms and censored so much important information in the name of "morality"?
Posted by: Wendy | August 10, 2004 at 02:34 PM
If you know your size, you can buy Doc Martens mary janes on Ebay.
Posted by: Shamhat | August 10, 2004 at 05:52 PM
My husband is quite miffed by today's long tennis shorts and swim trunks. In HIS day, men wore short-shorts on the courts and showed off their legs and he thinks this generation's male modesty is for sissies.
Posted by: bee | August 10, 2004 at 06:30 PM
I don't think it's really about modesty. I think it's more about homophobia.
Posted by: fling93 | August 11, 2004 at 07:09 PM