<br /><small>View Larger Map</small>

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I didn't think about or discover the trip meter until I was well into my trip, I don't have any data for the first fill-up of the tank. But for the second tank I averaged 73 mpg with an average cruising speed of 60 mph.

With only minor incidents I safely arrived in Panama City, Florida. The first 35 miles between Ocala and Gainesville were definitely the most interesting. After Gainesville most of the roads have been straight, flat, an lined with trees. That being said the next 140 miles of the trip go along the Gulf of Mexico from Panama City Beach to Destin, an area lined with white sand and beach resorts.

When I arrived in Panama City I did have some trouble locating a hotel but ended up at Quality Inn with a king bed suite. It's huge! Once in the room all I could think about was washing off the 24 hours of travel. Upon looking in the mirror I realized that I had forgotten one major rule when motorcycling during the summer in a low latitude region: always wear sunscreen or keep your skin covered... Oops.

After 16 long hours on a Greyhound bus I finally arrived in Ocala, Florida where I met Doug from the dealership with my 2007 Aprilia Sportcity 250 ie. The scooter looks great with only slight wear from it's 10,000+ miles.
Since then I have traveled about 45 miles through rolling green hill filled with horse ranches and polo clubs. The SC rolls very smoothly at speed (up to 80 mph) with the stability of a much larger bike.
Right now I'm taking a break at Cracker Barrel to enjoy a nice lunchtime breakfast before hitting the road again as I make my way back to Baton Rouge via Panama City Beach.

So the first assignment in my landscape representation class this semester was a group project. We were tasked with diagramming the main quad on campus. The purpose of the project was to familiarize us with Adobe Illustrator and methods of communicating various qualities of a space. My group of Erin, Riley, Kit, Ahn Jee, and myself collaborated to make these three boards. We received a 98%; best in the class (including graduated students).

            The clock is ticking. This clock is a time bomb of sorts, the only difference being that we can’t determine exactly when time will run out. One thing is certain: modern civilization is destroying the world’s ecological balance and moving us ever closer to an uninhabitable environment. As awareness of this impending doom grows throughout the global community, humankind looks to technology to save it. Unfortunately, technology is no savior. In order for an ecological balance to be restored to Earth, an ideological paradigm shift must occur.

            For decades scientists and researchers around the world have been warning us of the deteriorating ecosystem and its connection to the urbanization of civilization. The scientific community has issued several formal reports including the World Scientists’ “Warning to Humanity” in 1992, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in 2005, and a further condemning report in 2007 from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (Rees, 301). William Rees compiled the following statistics in his 2009 article:

The burden of humanity on the world’s ecosystem and its limited resources is undeniable; however, these issues appear more connected to the concentration of population in urbanized areas. In the article “The Paradox of Urban Environmentalism: Problem and Possibility,” James W. Sheppard lists a number of research-based issues developing in U.S. cities; these include: urban air quality and automobile dependency; urban development sprawl; the multiple costs of commute time; urban heat islands; urban ecological fragmentation and simplification; and pollution and ecological degradation (306-307).  Hodson and Marvin further this argument by stating that city-dwellers are their own victims in that city populations account for just over half of the world population but more than 75% of energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions in addition to disproportionate resource consumption (195-196). The environmental consequences of the human impact on the environment are most easily seen in areas of intense industrialization such as the Rust Belt which are now dealing with an abundance of brownfield sites and contaminated watersheds (Belanger, 92).

In response to the scientific data concerning the destruction of the Earth’s ecosystem, governments have begun to introduce public policy requiring the increased efficiency of consumer goods such as appliances, automobiles, and homes. While these changes do result in better use/resource-consumption ratios, William E. Rees argues that these hybrid SUVs and 6,000-square-foot, energy-efficient homes only enable more consumption. He cites our addition to consumption and mass-delusion in consumer culture as the main contributors to the sustainability problem (304-306). As long as we continue to approach these environmental concerns on an individual level, little progress can be made. According to Rees, policy-makers, planners, and designers must begin to re-conceive cities as whole systems, as “urban eco-regions” (309). Hodson and Marvin echo this argument and propose a “decoupling” from national infrastructure and the construction of self-sustaining, closed cities (201-203).

While many agree that we must adjust the organization of our urbanized areas, one thing stands in direct opposition to this progress - our addiction to the automobile. In his 2006 article, Jason Henderson argues that “secessionist automobility” encourages the production of anti-urban spaces and that an individualist perception leads to a resistance to community developments. He states that people use the car as a way to separate themselves from undesirable environments such as population density, communities of a different racial/ethnic makeup, and any other perceived or real issue (294, 300-301). As long as we remain in our automobiles, no matter how energy-efficient they may be, our cities will remain energy-inefficient and continue to contribute to the collapse of the Earth’s ecosystem.

Our current approach to solving the impending ecological crisis must change. Sheppard sees the problems associated with the urban environment as a result of the ineffective prioritization; the government often places sustainability and society’s ecological impact as secondary rather than primary concerns (309). Rees echoes this argument by stating:

These arguments suggest a top-down modification of civilization. Sheppard goes as far as to say we must apply philosophical methodology to urban environmental issues (309-312).

Although technology alone cannot stop the stop the destruction of the Earth’s ecosystem, its proper application can definitely make an impact. The Internet and other media are important portals through which those with knowledge and power can re-educate society and improve our understanding of our connection to the world around us. The films “An Inconvenient Truth” and “The 11^th Hour” as well as websites such as www.storyofstuff.com are prime examples of how technology can be used to this end.

Global societies will probably never completely free themselves from superfluous consumer goods; however, technology can at least limit the ecological impact these goods have. As companies become more “green,” the implementation of recycled materials and more efficient means of production will continue to move us closer to an ecological balance. That being said, this “improved efficiency” should not be an excuse for an over-indulgence of wasteful products.

With each day the need for urban environmental reform grows more severe. Both nations and cities are becoming increasingly concerned with Urban Ecological Security (UES), which concerns ecological issues such as clean water, flood planes, and disease control (Hodson and Marvin, 200). We have seen wars over finite resources such as oil and energy, but how intense would conflicts become over something as simple as drinkable water?

The problems are clear; the solutions are not. We live in a global society where the actions and policies of every nation undeniably affect all others. While the consequences of our actions today may not be realized for several decades, scientists around the world assure us of their eventual arrival. Yet here we sit in our 6,000-square-foot, energy-efficient McMansions watching movies about the end of the world on our 72-inch Energy Star-compliant plasma screen televisions and drive 30 miles to get to work in our hybrid SUVs (not in the H.O.V. lane). All the technology in the world can’t save us from our own ignorance.

Works Cited

Bélanger, Pierre. "Landscape As Infrastructure." Landscape Journal 28.1 (2009): 79-95. Business Source Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

Henderson, Jason. "Secessionist Automobility: Racism, Anti-Urbanism, and the Politics of Automobility in Atlanta, Georgia." International Journal of Urban & Regional Research 30.2 (2006): 293-307. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

Hodson, MIKE, and Marvin, Simon. "‘Urban Ecological Security’: A New Urban Paradigm?." International Journal of Urban & Regional Research 33.1 (2009): 193-215. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

Rees, William E. "The ecological crisis and self-delusion: implications for the building sector." Building Research & Information 37.3 (2009): 300-311. Business Source Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

Sheppard, James W. "The Paradox of Urban Environmentalism: Problem and Possibility1." Ethics, Place & Environment 9.3 (2006): 299-315. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

Song Yan, et al. "Quantitative analysis of urban form: a multidisciplinary review." Journal of Urbanism 1.1 (2008): 17-45. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.

By Friday afternoon I was completely exhausted. I had only made it that far on a steady diet of energy drinks. The specifics of my week are actually of little concern for this blog post; instead, my thoughts are with others.

A 47 year-old classmate with a learning disability which she overcomes by recording every lecture for later review. Her father was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The family is having difficulty getting an appointment with a specialist, which leaves them to simply wait on impending death.

Two mothers dealing with the immense changes which come with a new born baby; each of them concerning themselves with additional health issues. Luckily they both have supportive and loving families.

Friends pursuing their dreams and aspirations without familial support. I can't imagine what it would be like to make such an attempt not only without the encouragement of my family but discouraging remarks from those I love most.

There are those who have lost loved ones or employment and those who have lost themselves. Perhaps this last group suffers the greatest tragedy: to have lost hope.

I suppose that every day brings with it new challenges and struggles. There are times when these difficulties compound on each other and success seems impossible. Sometimes we just need a break or even just a hug; a push in the right direction.

This is the world we live in; each of us often becoming consumed with our own struggles to the point where we are unable to see the struggles of those around us. We fail to have perspective; to understand that this too shall pass.

My week was not that hard. I have a family who loves and supports me. I have friends who encourage me and accept my weakness. I have hope for the future.

You inspire me. Thank you.

To Prof. Bradley Cantrell and the Board of Admissions:

I remember it clearly. The morning fog blanketed the well-manicured but dormant hedges  which lay on each side of the pea gravel path. Several days a week I would jog this same route, but each time my soul would wake as the path opened to the Maerchengarten which lay at the doorstep of Schloss Sans Souci; a castle in the mist.

Schloss Sans Souci and its surrounding gardens in Potsdam, Germany made a strong impression on me; however, it is only one of many places and experiences which have influenced my worldview and led me to pursue a career in landscape architecture. In my first conversation with Interim Director Van Cox, the parallels between my personal goals and the mission of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture were apparent. But only after weeks of researching several top programs did the choice became clear: Louisiana State University is the school I wish to attend.

Humankind has always survived and died according to its relationship with the natural world. Nowhere has this connection been more apparent to me than while working for the Anasazi Foundation. Each week I would guide a new group of teens suffering from drug addiction, depression, and other social conditions up, over, and around the mesas of Tonto National Forest. And each week I would witness the landscape teach all of us a better way to be: to live in harmony with nature.

The modern way of living is unsustainable. Only through intelligent design can we create a built environment in balance with nature which also services the communal needs. My vision for improving society through landscape architecture aligns with the work LSU has conducted in post-Katrina New Orleans and earthquake-ravaged Haiti. I look forward to participating in future projects in the greater Baton Rouge community.

My travels and experiences throughout the world have opened my eyes to the variety of problems which we as landscape architects are tasked to improve. I have seen the sustainability issues dominating overcrowded cities such as Bangkok and Mexico City. In Berlin, I saw how a city can be both divided and united by the built environment. LSU’s unique location and involvement in the international design community distinguishes itself from other institutions. I hope that I can add to the school’s diversity and then continue to expand its esteemed network.

The profession of landscape architecture is unique in how it requires the designer to solve problems both creatively and analytically. I fully expect the Master’s of Landscape Architecture program at LSU to push and expand the limits of my abilities. I welcome this challenge. In three years time, I would be proud to enter the international design community as a graduate of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. 

Thank you for your consideration,

Nicholas Milan

"Live Beautifully"

To live is more than to simply exist. Living is an action verb. It is assertive and proactive. Something that is alive, by itself, effects the world around it.

Beautiful is a word that all understand. The word connotes attractiveness, simple elegance, and harmony and is seen in all manner of objects, actions, and people. Perhaps it can be defined as something in its ideal form.

As we go through each day, our mark is left on both people and things. We form the world around us, and, in turn, the world leaves its mark on us. Whether the world is beautiful or ugly is determined by how we live collectively.

I am a student of landscape architecture, but that is not all. I am a friend, son, and brother. I am one of many. I am known to some and stranger to most, but my mark is left on all.

My name is Nicholas Milan, and I strive to live beautifully.

VIEW WITH SLIDESHOW! Make sure you turn off autoplay so that you can look through it like a book.

But I'm happy... got it to look right. The book is laid out with a spread layout design. This means that it is supposed to be viewed while looking at two pages at a time. I did my best to recreate that effect. Now you just have to imagine that they are two separate pages :-)

As part of my application for entry into the Masters of Landscape Architecture program at LSU, I created my first portfolio. And I'll tell you, it was a pretty stressful process. Those of you who know me well, realize that this is probably a result of my acceptance of nothing less than perfection (outside of my countless typos).

Since this was my first attempt to make a portfolio and having only one semester of structured design education, I am pretty happy with the result. Hopefully, the board responsible for evaluating applicants thinks it's the best thing ever!!!

p.s. I don't know exactly how Posterous will display the files. Hopefully you will be able to click through the entire book beginning with the cover (med-dark gray overlaid on tree) and finishing with the back cover (wrap around of the tree drawing). Guess I'll find out after I hit send :-)