On the Radar Screen

Given my interest in urban planning, it is shameful that I have yet to read this book hailed by many interested in the development of cities as an essential tome; as a seminal text of the New Urbanism movement. According to critics and pundits, the observations and predictions within The Death and Life of Great American Cities were prophetic. I'll have to check it out. Anyone out there who has read this?

The Design of Cities is a discussion of city planning principles dating from ancient Athens to modern Brasilia and is also considered an essential text. I must admit that my principal interest in it would be his discussion of Philadelphia. Edmund Bacon was the principal city planner who converted and developed Philadelphia throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s -- with mixed results.

Always wanted to get this DVD but always found some odd excuse not to get it at the moment. I could go on and on about the riddle of how Tarkovsky can manage to communicate philosophical and mystical themes without too much dialogue, but that would be a bit much and contrary to the spirit of his films. Watching Nostalghia provides the same phenomenological qualities as spending a long time watching rain and fog do their thing on a craggy, mossy landscape. Doesn't that sound like fun?

By the way, I decided to provide a public service for all of you who have a difficult time figuring out what gifts to give me -- a link to my Amazon Wish List. This is part of my quest to increase epistemic clarity for all.

| Project for Public Spaces | Eric's Amazon Wish List |