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It's Time to Denmark-ify Our Cities: A Copenhagen Case Study

by Brian Merchant

from: http://www.treehugger.com/

Photo: Mik Hartwell via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY

If we're going to consider trying to Denmark-ify societies around the world, perhaps the first thing we should do is make sure that people would actually want to live in those societies. So let's take a closer look at Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. Along with being the most populous city in the nation (the greater metropolitan area is home to just under 2 million people), it's the political, commercial, and cultural hub as well.

And if you're a regular Treehugger reader, you're probably aware that it's one of the most highly regarded 'green' cities in the world -- and consistently ranked as among the most livable. Here's why:

First of all, it's perhaps the bike-friendliest city on the planet. A well-designed network of bike lanes and ample municipal support has enabled huge swaths of the population to take up on the bicycle as their main form of transportation. Half of Copenhagen residents own bikes, and 40% use them to commute to work.

And that's not just an overly rosy stat offered up by the city's PR team. Step out onto any major thoroughfare, and you'll see Danes of every stripe cruising by: businessmen decked out in suits, mothers carting their adorable Scandinavian children, older folks, kids -- everyone bikes in Copenhagen. No wonder cities as far away as Portland are looking to its example to increase bike ridership.

Secondly, there are ample public squares and green spaces, and the canal than runs through the city center is kept clean enough to swim in. Much of the city is walkable, and the main commercial district is largely pedestrian-only. Copenhagen is also in the process of expanding its popular metro system, so that it might reach further out from the urban area.

Photo: Poom! via Flickr/CC BY

The city is on track to be carbon neutral by 2025. It's in the process of phasing out its coal-fired power plants, which currently generate most of the city's power. The first will be gone within five years, and upgraded to run on biomass. Each of the plants are already outfitted to efficiently capture the heat generated in the coal-burning process, and enable Copenhagen to residents to enjoy an advance district heating system.

Strict energy efficiency codes ensure that new buildings won't waste power, and the progressive taxation rate (yup, Copenhagen residents, like all Danes, pay loads more taxes than you do) provides ample funding for city projects -- Jorgen Abildgaard, the city's Executive Climate Project Director, manager says the budget is balanced, despite this smorgasbord of initiatives.

And what's on the way? Here's Abildgaard:

Bike lanes that extend even further out, into the suburbs. 'Payment zones' for non-electric vehicles, to discourage driving. The city wouldn't mind seeming them go altogether. An expanded metro. Further efforts to revitalize waterside parks.

In my eyes, the only thing that keeps Copenhagen from being a truly replicable model for green cities is its relative lack of density -- the city's building codes prevent any structure from being more than six stories high, and only some 600,000 people live in the city's urban center. That's great here -- city planners project only an additional 100,000 residents over the next ten years.

But in a world increasingly crammed with megacities, the question will be whether the green initiatives can be scaled up without losing the livability we see here in Copenhagen.

Certainly, the core principles that make the city work can and should be adopted around the globe, but that's stuff we've been shouting about for years: Good public transit, interesting public spaces, strong bike-ability, energy efficiency, and so forth. The trick is doing all this stuff either a) with less funding or b) by convincing residents that it's worth ponying up more tax dollars for.

To me, the answer is clear -- if sacrificing some income means the place I live will be cleaner, healthier, and awesomer (not to mention more sustainable and more equal), show me where to sign. But there are a tangle of cultural and political obstacles preventing such an attitude from taking root in much of the world (the wealthy's keen interest in protecting their wealth chief among them). I'll look at some of these later in this series.

For now, allow me to heartily recommend that urban planners take a good hard look at Copenhagen. Your fellow residents will thank you.

More on how we might Denmark-ify societies 'round the world:

Denmark to say 'Goodbye' to Fossil Fuels by 2050 (Video)

Could Denmark-ifying the World Stop Climate Change?

Life in Denmark's Super-Low Energy Suburb, Stenlose South

Schoolboy in a skirt: Pupil protests at rule forcing boys to wear trousers during hot weather

By Andrew Levy

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

It's not necessarily a photo Chris Whitehead’s parents will be framing and keeping on the mantelpiece.

But they are certainly proud of him. The 12-year-old wore a skirt to school yesterday to protest against ‘discriminatory’ rules which ban boys from wearing shorts.

He says it is unfair that girls can change into skirts during the hot weather, while boys have to swelter in long trousers.

Taking a stand: Chris Whitehead, 12, who sits on the school's council with supporters at Impington Village College, near Cambridge

This, he says, affects their concentration and ability to learn.

The schoolboy is taking advantage of a ‘silly loophole’ in the uniform policy at Impington Village College, near Cambridge, that means boys can wear skirts as the school would be guilty of discrimination if it tried to stop them.

‘In the summer months, girl students are allowed to wear skirts but boys are not allowed to wear shorts,’ Chris explained yesterday before his protest.

Skirting around the issue: Chris, who is in Year 8, said he wearing long trousers in summer affects boys' ability to concentrate

‘It discriminates against boys. I will march in a skirt with other boys waving banners and making a lot of noise.

AND THE RULES ON UNIFORM ARE ...

Students at Impington Village College must obey the 'Look Smart' uniform policy at all times.

The policy states students must wear 'plain black tailored trousers or knee-length skirts without slits' but does not specify a gender.

This means shorts are banned by their omission.

The uniform policy also states skirts should be 'free moving not tight against the legs, and trousers should be neither tight nor baggy'.

Jeans, corduroys, cargos with pockets, drainpipes, leggings or capri pants are all banned.

Pupils can wear one pair of discreet stud earrings, no bangles or rings, necklaces must not visible and no more than one watch should be worn.

Discreet make-up is permitted but teachers have the power to instruct students to remove excessive make-up and nail polish.

Teachers also have the power to make students tie back hair for health and safety reasons.

Coats, scarves, gloves and hats can be worn to and from College but not in lessons or the library. Denim, sweatshirts or "hoodies" are not permitted.

Plain black sensible footwear must be worn with no logos, coloured flares, coloured stitching and no high heels or boots, or sandals.

Tights must be plain, opaque, black or flesh-coloured and socks worn with skirts must be plain in colour and ankle length.
Belts must be plain, narrow, black, and fitted through belt loops of trousers.

Pupils are also ordered to wear sky blue polo shirts or sweatshirts bearing the school's logo.

‘I will be wearing the skirt at school all day in protest at the uniform policy and addressing the assembly with the school council.’

The year 8 pupil, who lives in nearby Histon, added: ‘Wearing a skirt is just like wearing shorts with a gap in the middle. I don’t feel silly at all. I don’t embarrass easily.’

The 1,368-pupil school, which was classed as good in its last Ofsted inspection in 2006, imposed the ban two years ago after a consultation with parents and teachers. Its ‘Look Smart’ dress code states students must wear ‘plain black tailored trousers or knee-length skirts without slits’ – but does not specify gender.

This means that while shorts are prohibited because they are not mentioned, girls – and boys – are free to wear skirts as long as they are ‘free moving, not tight against the legs’.

Chris borrowed a skirt from his sister Joanna, 11, and was accompanied by 30 supporters waving placards saying, ‘Cool shorts, not hot pants’, ‘Shorts for the long-term’ and ‘What’s wrong with my legs?’

And he said he intends to continue wearing the outfit.

His mother, Liz, 50, a maths teacher, said: ‘I’m delighted that Chris is taking action on what he believes in – which the school actually encourages, so he is only doing what he is taught.’

And his father, Brian, 48, who owns a publishing company, added: ‘It’s a creative and imaginative idea. I was worried about him getting picked on but he just shrugged his shoulders.’ Headmaster Robert Campbell said: ‘Our uniform policy does not state girls’ and boys’ uniforms because we can’t be discriminatory, so Chris is perfectly within his rights to wear a skirt.

‘What he has done is raise the issue in an entirely legitimate way. I think it will be right to start thinking about uniform again in September.’

An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesman said: ‘It’s not possible to say if different uniform policies for boys and girls is or is not lawful, as it’s not been tested in the courts.’ But schools ‘should be flexible when considering students’ needs’, he added.

Mastering the Handshake: 5 Things You Need To Know

A firm, confident handshake can make a great first impression. On the other hand (pun intended), a limp, "dead fish" can brand you a loser from the get-go. How to shake hands like a career politician.

By Lauren Drell
From: http://smallbusiness.aol.com/

Here's a little history lesson for you: During the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams, the traditional White House greeting was a bow, so as to avoid physical contact with guests. But when Thomas Jefferson came to office, he did away with bows and opted for a handshake. To this day, the handshake remains virtually the sole physical contact among professionals and an important part of everyday business dealings. A good shake is expected and for the most part should go unnoticed, but a bad one could cost you. In fact, in this tight economy, Patricia Fitzpatrick, founder of the Etiquette School of New York, says enrollment for her etiquette classes is up in recent months because job seekers and others want every advantage -- even with the most basic of salutations -- over the competition.

Why is a handshake so important? Because in less than five seconds, a prospective employer, client or business associate can learn a lot about you – whether you're trustworthy, confident and competent, and whether you follow through. Want a handshake that delivers a winning first impression? Here are five things you need to know.

1. Two pumps -- that's it! Fitzpatrick says you should always be ready to initiate or receive a handshake. Squarely facing the other person, you extend your hand with thumb up and fingers out, until you're web to web, then it's two smooth pumps (the American custom, she says), with the shake coming from the elbow. While you're shaking, you should say, "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Smith," or something along those lines, Fitzpatrick advises. And if you're at an event with name tags, your name tag should be worn on your right so the person can read your name as he or she is shaking your hand. Just hope they do the same.

2. A handshake reflects your personality. Different handshakes convey different traits. You only have a few seconds to "explain" yourself in a handshake, and choosing the wrong one can definitely leave a bad impression. Some of the more common ones include:

· The Winner. A firm handshake, as discussed above..

· The Dead Fish. "The worst handshake in the world," says Patricia Rossi, author of Everyday Etiquette Made Easy. You know which one that is -- the loose, floppy handshake. Rossi says this handshake tells someone you're not fully committed, and it also makes you seem weak and subservient, even though there are times when very powerful people give that handshake.

· The Politician. When you shake with the right hand and cover the shaking hands with your left hand -- it's too personal and too early in the relationship to make that sort of gesture, says Matthew Rothenberg, co-author of You're Better Than Your Job Search. Rossi agrees, noting, "It's like kissing on a first date."

· The Wrestler. That's the vigorous shake that almost rips the arm out of the socket -- and conveys that you're eager, pushy and tend to jump the gun, according to Rossi. Not someone you'd want to do business with, huh?

· The Queen (or "The Fingertip"). Extending just the fingertips conveys to another person, "I'm better than you, and I don't know if I even want to touch you," Rossi says. However, this handshake is OK if you're shaking an elderly, arthritic person's hand.

3. Keep it clean. Try to avoid large rings on your right hand that could make handshaking awkward, and don't wear a fragrance on your hands, Fitzpatrick says. If you tend to have sweaty hands, Rothenberg says you should wipe them on your pants before shaking. And if the hand you just shook was clammy, wait until there is a moment to wipe your hand discreetly, so as to not offend the perpetrator.

4. Demeanor matters. There is much more to a handshake than the tight grip and two pumps -- you also have to consider eye contact, posture and body language. When you first meet someone, Fitzpatrick says, 55 percent of the first impression is your appearance, your posture, whether you maintain eye contact, how you dress and how you shake hands. After that, 38 percent is how your voice sounds, and only 7 percent is what you actually say. "If you can't make a good impression with 93 percent, then it doesn't even matter what you say," she points out. "People don't care."

5. The wrong shake could cost you. "Eighty-five percent of success in getting, keeping and advancing in a job is social skills," Fitzpatrick says. So you better know how to interact with people. That includes writing a thank-you note after a meeting with a new or potential client. And when you're meeting a client, remember that "a good handshake and eye contact inspire confidence," says Jill Peters, human resources manager at Meredith. After all, who wants to work with someone who doesn't exude confidence in themselves and their work?

Personal Wingman Service: A Million Dollar Idea?

By Leslie Minora
From http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/

via Shutterstock.com

Now this guy can cover his tracks.

​
Jimmy H., a South Florida electrical engineer, developed Establishing Solutions to cover the asses of liars and cheaters with a paper trail and references to add credence to their sly-dog manipulations. His name is a pseudonym because he wants to protect his current career in case this fails.

New Times caught up with the "universal wingman" to learn more about his just-launched service. Like most small-business entrepreneurs, he hopes his business will end up being a million-dollar idea. They say everybody has one in a lifetime!

Establishing Solutions (with the tag line "We back you up!") offers these convenient "personal wing-man" services:

Pseudo Work History -- AKA embellished résumé and fake cover letter.
Pseudo Travel Agent -- Airline, hotel, and car rental confirmations that look like the real deal. "This package works well with swingers too!" the company's website boasts.
The "infinitely customizable" Pseudo Alibi Package -- Use your imagination, and Establishing Solutions will keep up with your every lie.
Pseudo Doctor's Office -- Is your boss wondering why a deep bronze tan is a side-effect of that 48-hour bout of food poisoning? Establishing Solutions will whip out its version of a physician's pad and get you out of jail free.
Pseudo Rescue Call -- Not like a 911 rescue call. This is just an "OMG, you need to leave that awful party because your third cousin from Arizona has fallen ill" call.
Pseudo Call In Sick -- For those fake illnesses that are too severe for you to call your boss yourself... or for bad actors.
Date Getaway Call -- You get the idea.
Private Shopping -- No, not like a stylist. This service is for people who don't want certain purchases showing up on their own credit cards -- like those assless chaps you've been eying for that certain someone unbeknown to your wife.

Having just launched this month, Jimmy has had a few inquiries but only one client.

So, Jimmy, tell us about your first transaction.

Last night, I actually got my first piece of business on a fake doctor's note. [The person] had taken a week off to go to Key West, and they needed a note to go back to work. The situation was that the lady, she had previously had cancer, and she was just finding out that everything has cleared up this week, and she wanted to take a week off.

We kind of added that into the doctor's note saying that she was clear of all the cancer and tumors. Testing was the excuse.

The note read something like this: From this day to that day, this person was under my care -- basically stating the doctor... on hospital letterhead and everything. I'm not going to divulge [which hospital]. It was a real one.

What gave you the idea for Establishing Solutions?

One day, I was just thinking about fake job references -- for no reason. I don't need them. I don't think I would have ever used this service in this way. I didn't see many sites that sell [them] specifically and look very professional.

As for the cheating part, I don't really cheat on my significant other, and she's completely aware of my job and the business I'm starting.

Do you think this is a million-dollar idea?

Well, I'm hoping it's a million-dollar idea, but it might just be something to do on the side to get extra money. I can go either way with it. Hopefully it blows up... It's something I can definitely outsource once business starts kicking in... I plan on expanding and outsourcing the work.

So, you actually write résumés and cover letters?

I got two inquiries from that. I can get you an address; I can get you a phone number that they can use and write up the résumé for you and the cover letter.

Is this service illegal?

No, it's just creating the paperwork and everything. No, that's not illegal. I mean, if we were doing it to a government job or something, it would be illegal. If they were going to the millitary or something like that, I would not allow it.

You have a "Cheater's Blog" on your website. Tell me about that.

It's just a place people can add in their stories about how they've used our service or how they've cheated in life. It's just a couple of stories people can read into and maybe get ideas.

What feedback have you received?

I've got some friends who have told me, you know, that's ingenious. My girlfriend's brother... is a little bit more judgmental of it. He thinks it's kind of wrong.

Do you think there are moral issues with a business like this?

Morality is just basically -- it's different for every person. Some people will find it immoral; some won't. I don't find it completely immoral, but I'm just looking at the market of it.

Is there anything you want to add about your service?

Don't think too much into it. If you need it, use it. If you don't need it, don't use it, don't worry about it.


This is the link to the Establishing Solutions Twitter account with posts like, "Cheating is a right, not a privilege!"

25 Things I Learned About Business from "South Park"

focus.com — Over the last 12 years, the cartoon residents of South Park, Colorado have taught us about life, love, Canada, Saddam Hussein and yes ... business. Here are 25 things that "South Park" has taught the world about making a buck.

click here for this article: 25 Things I Learned About Business from "South Park"