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Wednesday, March 29th

Immigration Bill
Guess it's time for another attack on immigrants who came in later than most white immigrant ancestors:

..."[A] draconian bill already passed by the House of Representatives, would legalize witch-hunts of undocumented workers, by reclassifying them as felons; their employers would be subject to a year or more in prison and punitive fines; as would even church and nonprofit organizations who offer succor to them."

Even manages to give the wannabee fascists a chance to throw good-hearted folks in jail for the crime of compassion! Nice package deal for the neo-conmen. (Who just lost one of their chief propagandists, Francis Fukuyama of "End of History" fame; he's left them in disgust.)

Read Robert Scheer's eloquent statement on the immigration issuse at TruthDig.

Read more about Fukuyama's defection at the NYT.

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 03.29.06 @ 07:24PST

Sunday, March 26th

Lost Train Stations

A couple times a week I walk into a bland post office along Federal Street in front of Allegheny Center Mall. Having a conversation with a friend one day about this place we live in, the northern part of Pittsburgh that used to be the city of Allegheny he questioned why the place has never really come alive again. "It lost its downtown, for one thing, ' I said. "You're right," he agreed. "There's no downtown anymore. It's fragmented."

Allegheny Center was the site of the center of the City of Allegheny. There are still a few buildings remaining, trapped inside a traffic circle. The design itself was pretty 21st-century when you think about it. There are apartment buildings, office buildings and retail. It's not unlike some of the "mixed-use" developments built today. The problem is it was cut off from the rest of the city (and the rest of the city by it) by the traffic circle.

But I digress. I was going to talk about beautiful and lost train stations--particularly ones with clock towers. One of these was on the site of the current uninspiring Post Office. Even though Allegheny became part of Pittsburgh in 1906, the post mark you can see here still says "Allegheny, PA" in 1909. At the top you can see N.S. for "North Side," what the old city of Allegheny is unfortunately called now. Not only has Allegheny lost most of its downtown buildings like this one, it's lost its identity. Instead of being though of as part of Pittsburgh, its still thought of as a foreign place that used to be a separate city. No other group of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are lumped together in a bland category that doesn't exist except to describe the cluster of unmentionable neighborhoods of old Allegheny. (can you tell I become irritated by this?)

Anyway, I've not researched much about the architecture of this building. It has a resemblance to a station still existing in Richmond, VA.

The other lost station is Grand Central Station in Chicago. Once on a train I was talking about train stations with someone. If you mention Grand Central Station in Chicago, you're likely to get into an argument with someone insisting Grand Central Station is in New York. "No," I respond, "that's Grand Central Terminal."

Grand Central Station was designed by Salon S. Beman for a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Beman, who doesn't seem to make many lists of great architects these days (though I am quite fond of his work) also designed the company town of Pullman outside Chicago. A humorous reference was located on a Wikipedia search for Beman. "Pullman's (George) architect Solon S. Beman was said to be so proud of his creation (Pullman, IL) that he asked George Pullman if the neighborhood could be named for himself. Pullman responded to the effect, 'sure, we'll take the first half of my name, and the second half of yours.'"

Chicago's Central Station was razed in 1971. Little used even in the glory days of passenger railroad travel, Chicago's Grand Central could have been, at this point, admired by more nostalgic historian types than it ever was by railroad passengers.

Anyway, the first time I came upon a photograph of it I felt an immediate attraction. It took a few weeks, but I was heartbroken to learn that no part of it survived into the 21st Century.

If you're looking for great clock tower architecture, while Akron doesn't have a train station, there are numerous clock towers. They are built into the tire factories of Goodyear, Firestone and Bridgestone. Making a train and getting to work on time, however, doesn't quite have the same appeal.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.26.06 @ 06:00PST

Wednesday, March 22nd

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Elevator
The ingenuity of one man helped to change the very shape of America's cities and indeed, those of the whole world. It was on this day in 1857 that Elisha Otis installed the first safety elevator in a building in New York City. His invention guaranteed the safety of passengers if the hoisting cable of an elevator broke. Within a short time, architects began to design taller and taller buildings. To show how important elevators are, these devices now lift the equivalent of the entire world's population once every 72 hours. Making and installing elevators and escalators is a nearly 2-billion dollar a year business in the U.S., providing jobs for some 88-hundred people. Source: U.S. Census.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.22.06 @ 05:39PST

Tuesday, March 21st

Manhattan West? Well, Maybe a Little Bit....
Los Aneles continues its transformation into a grown-up town with new developments centered around the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine and the adjacent Metro stop. Here's a quote from a recent LA Times article:

Hollywood and Vine, the once-storied intersection that had degenerated into a home to panhandlers, prostitutes and drug dealers, soon could become home to an entirely different crowd: some of Los Angeles' most well-heeled glitterati.

Developers hope their planned $1.2-billion construction of more than 2,000 upscale condominiums and apartments, along with a new ritzy W Hotel and other attractions, will make the spot a Los Angeles rarity — a neighborhood like parts of Manhattan, with residents and nightlife.

While it wll be a long time before LA develops the pervasive energy of Manhattan, which is not limited to a few square blocks centered on two subway stations, this is still a big step forward to its becoming a city where life takes place in common spaces as well as inside malls and living rooms.

Link: At Home in Tinseltown (Link will move to pay-to-view archive by April 2006.)

Richard Risemberg (rrisemberg@newcolonist.com), on 03.21.06 @ 09:10PST

Thursday, March 16th

Quote Generator
Check out our new quote generator at the top. Refresh your page for a refreshing quote! If you have a quote you think would compliment the others, email it

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.16.06 @ 15:34PST

My New Years Resolution
by Joseph Kane

It wasn't about losing weight. It was about doing something, anything that was new and out of the ordinary. You see its easy to become predictable and ordinary. Well this year was going to be different. This was the year I was finally going to learn to play the guitar and shed those thirty pounds that had become attached to my mid section. I would even learn another language. By God I was going to do things this year that would make a difference, cause a stir, and make my friends, and my kids take notice.

My plan was to jog the length of Penns Landing for fourty days. I had picked forty days from a story in the bible. Those of you who haven't been to Penns Landing its one of Philadelphia's well kept secrets. Its Located along the Delaware River, just North of Washington Avenue and Columbus blvd.. Its the same river George Washington crossed to beat the pants out of the British in the war of 1776. Well actually the Hashings, but that's another story. Penns landing offers plenty of parking which in and of its self is special considering the difficulty finding parking in Philadelphia. The view of the river and the fresh breeze coupled with the flat terrain make for an easy run or bike ride. An added plus was the security that Penns landing afforded, it was a perfect fit...Parking , view, security, and fun.

Day one I arrived early, it was still dark and the sun hadn't kissed the sky yet. I would start at the Chart House Restaurant which I remembered with fondness from many excellent diners.
It sat along the rivers edge and afforded romantic views of river life for diners to enjoy.
Only a few short steps and you were greeted by the “Spirit of Philadelphia” a modern vessel which afforded all of the amenities to those more daring who wished to cruise upon the waters of the Delaware while being pampered with dancing and fine cuisine. But the real land mark that took your imagination to far off places was the famous floating restaurant and historic ship the”Musalu”which catered to all the pleasures of the gentry along with offering great Sunday brunch specials. I hadn't even broken into a jog and I was already hungry.

As I moved along the pathway the sea gulls greeted me with a cheer and off across the Delaware along the Jersey side I could see the siluate of the Battle ship New Jersey. I made a mental note to take a trip across in the ferry and visit her this summer. As my journey proceeded Northward I passed several vessels with stories of their own. There was the World War 11 submarine “Bacuna” which had operated in wolf packs in the South Pacific during the war. Lying not twenty paces from her was the Flag ship of Admiral Dewey from yet another long ago war. They both now were part of the Penns Landing Nautical museum which made for yet another reason to visit this part of the City. The museum building housed many and varied displays along with a gift shop and catering for corporate events.

The air was cool and I was making good time as the sun peeked up from its sleep affording me with a pink crimson delight. In the back of my mind I remembered the sailors saying. 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight, red sky in the morning, sailors warning.” A head of me was the only other person that I had seen on my first run. He was a short swat man pulling a crate with wheels, he was poorly dressed and had but one arm and garnered an eye patch, his head he covered with a seamen s wool cap. Thoughts of black beard and treasure Island raised through my head as I slowly gained on him. It was a delight to find that the Blue Cross Blue Shield ice skating ring had been moved and was now located adjacent to the nautical museum. I loved the thought of skating alone and welcoming the morning but this would be another day.

The “Pirate” which I referred to the one arm one eyed man had gained on me and I was determined to catch him and strike up a conversation if it pleased him. After a bit I ran along side and took the opportunity to blister a greeting, “Good morning” “Eye that it is Captain”, was his curt but friendly reply.” She looks like were going to be getting a bit of weather.”he continued. After a bit I learned that he was a volunteer crew member on the tall ship Gazela which was docked at the far Northern end of the Penns Landing docks. It was a real tall ship, which had been used to fish in the grand banks out in the north Atlantic when men of steal sailed wooden ships; and I was cordially invited to visit plus if I wished I could become a crew member and sail this summer. I had found it and on my first day. No longer would I watch life I would live it. I crossed the gang plank of fear and boarded the ship along side “the Pirate.”

I am a free lance writer who has written on various subjects of interest from playing pool, acquiring and fixing city owned dollar houses, to sailing solo around the world.

In the past I have worked in the Real Estate, travel and dental fields. Orginally born in Philadelphia I left the city after High School to travel and play professional Tennis.

I lost my arm at the tender age of two via a bus accident but had the tremendous support of two great parents who taught me that anything is possible.

I presently run a construction/handyman company and hold a contractors license. With my many activities I lost one eye via a construction accident so you see the story is as much about Philadelphia as it is the people who make up this great city.

I thank you for the opportunity to submit my little article and in closing would like to mention that indeed I am a real crew member on the Tall Ship Gazela located at Penns Landing Philadelphia.

Live full,

Joseph P. Kane

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.16.06 @ 15:11PST

Monday, March 13th

Indianapolis Recaptures Title Of Most-Affordable Major Housing Market At Year-End 2005
Indianapolis, Ind., was the nation's most affordable major housing market for a second consecutive quarter at year-end 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released recently.

Meanwhile, higher interest rates and rising home prices caused nationwide housing affordability to slip for a fourth consecutive quarter to its lowest level on HOI record.

"The latest HOI shows that only 41 percent of new and existing homes that were sold during the final quarter of 2005 were affordable to families earning the national median income," said David Pressly, NAHB president and a home builder from Statesville, N.C. "This is down from 43.2 percent of homes sold in the third quarter and 52 percent of homes sold in the final quarter of 2004."

Pressly noted that the housing affordability situation should improve as mortgage rates peak later this year and home price appreciation decelerates from the record rates of the last several years to a more normal pace. "This will give incomes a chance to catch up."

In the nation's most affordable major housing market of Indianapolis, Ind., 88.7 percent of new and existing homes that were sold in the fourth quarter were affordable to households earning the area's median income of $64,000. The median sales price of all Indianapolis homes sold in that time frame was $120,000. Also near the top of the list for affordable major metros were Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa., followed by Detroit-Litonia-Dearborn, Mich.; Grand Rapids-Wyoming, Mich.; and Dayton, Ohio, in that order.

Midwestern metros also dominated the list of the most affordable small housing markets with under 500,000 people. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa-Ill. was tops, followed by the metro areas of Cumberland, Md.-W.Va.; Lima, Ohio; Mansfield, Ohio; and Lansing-East Lansing, Mich.

At the bottom of the affordability scale was Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., where just 2.3 percent of homes sold in the fourth quarter were affordable to families earning the area's median household income of $54,500. The median price of all homes sold in that area was an even $500,000. And as usual, the bottom of the affordability scale was dominated by large California cities, including Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, and Stockton. New York-White Plains-Wayne, N.Y.-N.J. rounded out the list of the five least-affordable major housing markets.

Among cities smaller than 500,000 people, Merced, Calif., was lowest on the list and the second least affordable market overall. Other small cities in the unaffordable column included Modesto, Salinas, Santa Barbara-Santa Maria, and Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.
Please visit www.nahb.org for tables, historic data and details.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Due to recent changes in the way that the federal government defines metropolitan statistical areas, some metros previously ranked by the HOI may have been absorbed into other metros and not have their own individual rankings. To find out where each city included in the HOI now falls, visit www.nahb.org/hoi and click on "New Metropolitan Statistical Area Definitions."

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.13.06 @ 09:25PST

Wednesday, March 8th

Melting Glaciers Diminished Gulf Stream, Cooled Western Europe, During Last Ice Age
At the end of the last Ice Age --11.5 to 13 thousand years ago -- the north Atlantic deep water circulation system that drives the Gulf Stream may have shut down because of melting glaciers that added freshwater into the north Atlantic Ocean over several hundred years, confirm researchers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s paleoclimate program.

"For the first time, we have shown that realistic additions of glacial meltwater into the north Atlantic would have shut down north Atlantic deep water production over a period of a few hundred years, if the initial ocean circulation was somewhat weaker than that of today," said David Rind, lead author of the study and a senior climate researcher at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The study appears in the current issue of Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres.

While the study finds that freshwater input could slow the Gulf Stream, it would not stop it entirely. That's because the stream is partially pushed by winds. As a result, the model shows the reduced Gulf Stream would transport only about half as much heat northward, thereby cooling western Europe.

"This discovery illustrates the importance of a systems approach to research-studying the interactions among land, ocean, and atmospheric processes-to understand the complex behavior of Earth's climate," said James Yoder, director of NSF's division of ocean sciences. "But we still have much to learn before we can explain the rapid climate changes that have apparently occurred over the past few thousand years, and what those changes can tell us about what may happen in the future."

The computer model simulations of ocean and atmosphere processes used in this study imply that a similar phenomenon has the potential to occur in the future due to freshwater additions from increased rain and snow caused by global climate change.

When Rind and his colleagues entered into their model realistic estimates of freshwater from melting glaciers, they found the north Atlantic circulation stopped completely after some 300 years. When the model was adjusted to make the circulation weaker than it is today, cessation of the Gulf Stream took only 150-200 years, matching current estimates based on paleo-climate records.

When the Gulf Stream moves warm surface water from the equator north through the Atlantic, the water cools, gets saltier due to evaporation and becomes very dense. By the time it approaches the coast of Newfoundland, or further northeast in the Norwegian Sea, it becomes dense enough to sink. This process is called overturning. The dense water then slowly travels through the deep water southward into the Southern Hemisphere, with the return flow to the north occurring at the surface.

But when freshwater gets mixed with the salty water in the north Atlantic, it makes the water less dense and slows the overturning process and the ocean circulation.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.08.06 @ 18:37PST

Diversity Spreads Out
A new report by the Brookings Institution reveals that many major metropolitan areas lost white population since 2000; blacks are accelerating in their migration south and many suburbs are increasingly diverse. Read the Report

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.08.06 @ 15:02PST

Saturday, March 4th

Moving in from the Praries

Humans aren't the only ones moving in from the hinterlands. While boomers are buying up downtown condo's, coyote's are also busy making the city home. In fact, according to a recent Smithsonian article the dogs are having a good time of it living as long as their rural counterparts. In fact, the only major landmass in the Eastern U.S. where a Coyote hasn't been seen is on Long Island (although they've been spotted trying to get there).

Chicago may be the city with the most coyote; and as with many things there's good and bad to the trend. Coyote's can harm pets and even small children, but they also help keep other species populations like squirrels and Canadian Geese under control.

Eric Miller (editor@newcolonist.com), on 03.04.06 @ 11:25PST