Sustainable Energy, Urban Revitalization, and Jane Jacobs

The first part of the broadcast is of interest relative to Illinois energy issues, etc., and the brownfield issues in and around Syracuse. Governor George Pataki wants a quarter of New York State's electricity to come from renewable sources by the year 2013.. Is that possible -- and where will the power come from?

The second part concerns common issues on revitalization of urban areas, issues of sprawl, and reasons for re-populating "downtowns". How can aging towns remake themselves for the better, while protecting or improving air, water, and living conditions for the people who live there?

I'm slowly re-reading Jane Jacob's "Death and Life of Great American Cities". The above Science Friday discussions echo a lot of her themes and memes.

Brew Your Own Ethanol & Biodiesel

Heard an interview on WKMS (public radio) regarding Dogwood Energy's home brew plans for ethanol.

Interesting - is there an In Situ trend *finally* emerging? I had hoped for InSitu by the mid 90s... Of course, I'll beg for any data that proves my conjecture.

NB - my vote is not for corn based ethanol given what I understand are current production economics. But, things change.

Small Business Issues from National Federation Of Independent Business

The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's largest small-business advocacy group representing the consensus views of its 600,000 members in DC and all 50 state capitals.

Interesting perspective on the needs of small businesses and related policy issues at The NFIB Small Business Policy Guide. The site has numerous white papers. My eyes glaze over.

NPR Justice Talking: Whose Internet Is It?

Interesting discussion at NPR's Justice Talking.

Straw men a-plenty regarding municipal networks, WiFi, and etc. Good review material for folks who are going to go into policy conversations. Sort of broadband kata.

Scribble Scribble - Illinois Broadband Meeting Notes

Been in read/write/edit/repeat for a couple of weeks. But I did find these Meeting Minutes on Illinois Broadband Planning from September 2005. Not "movie of the week" material... but feeling blog guilt for my lack of posts.