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Patterns are that which allow us to understand our surroundings. They give objects meaning by enabling us to recognize similarities and identify difference; to discern, say, a cat from a blade of grass (The patterns I am discussing here are less about the general ability of recognition more about dominant patterns which enable me to discuss the function of patterns, though the concept of pattern usage is not limited to these alone).
 The watershed of the Mississippi River. Patterns carry meaning and, if we pay attention, indicate particular functions. Throughout the world there are several types of distinct patterns which reoccur at various scales, from the cosmic to the microscopic. We will discuss two of them. Continue reading Patterns and Design
Juliette | April 27th, 2010
I confess to a rare problem – gynekinetophobia, or the fear of women falling on me – but this is a rather mild illness compared with many affluent suburbanites, who have developed an almost total zoophobia, or fear of anything that moves. It is, as any traveler can confirm, a complaint best developed in the affluent North America, and seems to be part of the blue toilet dyes, air fresheners, lots of paper tissues, and two showers a day.
It is very difficult, almost taboo, to talk of using rabbits, quail, pigs, poultry, or cows in city farms or urban gardens in the United States. They are commonplace city farm animals in England, and are ordinary village animals in Asia. Australians feel no repulsion towards them, and the edible guinea-pig lives comfortably in the homes of South Americans. But in the USA, no!
I LOVE it!!! #1 Bill is pretty funny! #2 This is SO true. I know that there are pockets and people in Pittsburgh who are working against this statement and I personally really like chickens and think city chicks are rather cool. I will say though, that mainstream….thinks chickens in the city, in your backyard is just crazy! And a total turn off to Permaculture. I had not really made the connection until recently when every time I talked about permaculture someone would ask me about chickens! “Well, do you have to have chickens?” “Now permaculutre, thats with the chickens, right?” And in thinking about different crowds/ groups in Pittsburgh, I know for sure permaculture would be lost on the first mention of chickens. Its so strange to me…. #1 because I personally dont automatically link permaculture to chickens and #2 because most of the people who think it below them to raise their own chickens would eat the meat of a hen raised in a factory farm. I just dont know how this makes sense. Thanks Bill for pointing the finger at us!! Its true… we are a country afraid of chickens!
Juliette | April 26th, 2010
Immoral governments tolerate desertification and land salting, concreted highways and city sprawl, which take more good land permanently out of like production than the loss of territory to a conqueror. Immorality of this nature is termed “progress” and “growth” to confuse the ignorant and to supplant local self-reliance for the temporary ends of centralized power.
Its a powerful statement. I plan on sharing my thoughts on this later…. wanted to get it out there first!
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