Category Archives: Livable Cities

Can Aquaponics Fix Our Food Systems?

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I’m working on my final project for my Master’s program.  All of my research has been on the failings and opportunities of global food systems.  This last effort is attempting to look at the opportunities of shifting a significant portion of soil-based agriculture to aquaponic systems which would be situated in urban settings.  (Aquaponics is the marriage of aquaculture, also known as fish farming, with hydroponics.)  Aquaponic systems bring numerous benefits by cycling nutrients in closed loop system that mimics a natural ecosystem.  Please take a look at the mind map below and share your thoughts in the comments.  Let me have it if you think I’ve made a leap too far, or I’ve left off an important idea.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you have as well as the goal is to put together a paper that has legs.  (What’s the point otherwise?)

Please do share a thought or a question, I’d greatly appreciate it! 🙂

-Chris

Can Aquaponics Fix Our Food Systems?

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David Frum: We Need a Federal Agent in…

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As an ardent supporter of ratcheting up absurd ideas to shed light on their flaws, I had to pass on these posts from David Frum’s Twitter feed.  I believe this is what you call winning the internet.

My favorite.

Smoking (Like Climate Change) is Actually Really Bad for You

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Image by: Sudipto_Sarkar

I received a request to share this infographic with my dear readers.  I’m sure you’re all aware of the horrors, but I thought it was well done and am all for promoting the cessation and elimination of the practice.

Nursing Your Lungs
Created by: www.OnlineNursingPrograms.com

Stratified Beaches, Courtesy of BP?

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We dug a hole at the beach today and found stratified layers of black matter between the sand. All of the dark layers were within 6 to 12 inches of the surface and we did not find any  similar discolorations  below that depth. (The hole went down at least 2 and 1/2 feet.) What do you think? Was this part of the gift that keeps on giving from BP’s Macondo Well? If so, what kind of dangers might this residue pose?
Dangers and damages aside, gulf residents still have gorgeous sunsets to enjoy, but at what cost? (Another distributive justice dilemma.)

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Unless…

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We just returned from watching The Lorax which was a big hit for our crew.  We frequently read two of Dr. Seuss’ books (among others), The Lorax and The Bippolo Seed, to our boys.  Both books act as cautionary tales which warn against the dangers of wanton greed.  We’ll see how the lessons will take with the boys, but I’m hoping it will help put them on a good path.

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed”. -Mahatma Gandhi Continue reading →