Embrace Density
A couple of days ago I read a NYTimes op-ed by Carol Galante called “Now Is the Time to Embrace Density.” Her article describes the housing crisis we face in the US. It has led to huge numbers of homeless people in our large cities. She makes clear the importance of affordable housing, not just in cities but in Westport and similar towns.
Urban sprawl – are these too many houses, too little space?
She says, “. . .this pandemic is reminding us that we need communities where teachers, child- and elder-care workers, nurses, doctors, janitors, construction workers, baristas, tech executives and engineers all share in the prosperity and the comfort of an affordable home.”
This question of affordable housing is a topic we have discussed in TEAM Westport meetings. There were documents explaining the town’s position but I’m now embarrassed to say I don’t remember what is was. I will pay more attention in the future. And I’ll contact the woman who came to TEAM meetings on the topic to see where things stand in the town and the state.
Galante’s first recommendation for towns like ours is that, “We should put an end to zoning policies that restrict building to single-family homes and stop mandating that lots meet large minimum-size requirements, leading to sprawling, sparsely populated neighborhoods.”
Possible design layout?
She says reducing the time needed for building permits is also important. Denser housing would mean workers could live closer to their jobs, reducing the need for travel, and thus helping the environment too. I recommend her last paragraph which describes how solutions could be a win for everyone!
Does your town or city have enough affordable housing? Can your teachers afford to live in your town or near their school?
Galante’s article is part of a series called The America We Need.
Family Fun on Zoom
I shared my screen to show my kids this photo, sent to Mount Holyoke for their virtual graduation parade of alumnae. Can you read my class year after MHC?
Are you familiar with Zoom? I suspect you are. So many meetings today take place on Zoom or other services that offer online gatherings.
Our Unitarian church uses Zoom extensively now. I have board, finance committee, sub-committees, group chats, and Sunday service all on Zoom. The board of UN Women USA also meets by Zoom.
On one of my early church board calls from Nigeria I used my iPad for my Zoom connection. I found that I could choose a background for my picture, so I put myself in front of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Today I set up a Zoom call for family. We had fun with trying out backgrounds and positioning! Nkiru and then Beth figured out how to make a wind seem to be blowing. I couldn’t any of that from my computer. I’ll try the iPad again next and see what I can do!
Corona Virus in Nigeria
As of yesterday Nigeria reported 5445 Covid-19 cases and 171 deaths. I’m sure the number is higher, but maybe not by too much.
As we said this afternoon on our Zoom call, if many more people were dying in Nigeria, we would hear about it! Chinaku said one theory is that the relatively young population is less liable to be infected.
I had my corona test on Tuesday and got the result on Thursday – negative! That’s what I expected. Now I’m waiting for the result of the antibody test I had on Friday. I imagine it will be positive.
Do You Have Alexa?
This is like my first Alexa. The second one is similar but smaller.
Alexa is the voice-activated, artificial intelligence virtual assistant. Kenechi and Mary gave me my first Alexa powered Echo device two years ago. I am a fan! I bought a second smaller Echo to have upstairs.
What do I use it for? I can order things on Amazon with Alexa – that’s pretty amazing and I’ve only done it twice. But I keep my grocery shopping list going all the time, so whenever I use up something or it’s getting low, I just say, “Alexa, add coffee (or whatever I need) to my shopping list.” When I’m at the store, I look up the list on the Alexa app!
Often I ask Alexa to play news or music. Clem had even learned how to ask Alexa to play Mozart!
Last night I enjoyed getting together with my friend Eileen and three others. We discussed Alexa. Laurie and her husband Ed were not fans, being concerned about her listening in or reporting on their conversations.
I shared this story with them this morning by email:
I have a funny follow-up story about my Alexa. This morning I asked Alexa to play classical music on WSHU (our local public radio station). Instead she played WSHU news. I repeated my request, and she again played news. I tried a third time. Then I got angry and said loudly, “Alexa, listen to what I say. Don’t play WSHU news, play music!”
Do you what Alexa said? “Here is information on divorce counseling and the number for a law firm that handles divorce!”
I gave up on music from Alexa and streamed it on my computer!
Tonight I found this online:
“Amazon is adding new capabilities to Alexa just about every day, with more skills and device compatibility. Beginning in 2020, Amazon is rolling out frustration detection features, so Alexa will be able to understand and acknowledge when you’re getting frustrated with her.”
Did she think I wanted a divorce from her?
Are you an Alexa or Google device fan? Or do you have another “virtual assistant?”
