The Shareable Future of Cities

–How many people does Steffen estimate we will have living in or near cities by mid-century?

Steffen Estimates about eight million or more individuals.

–Explain how you agree or disagree with Steffen’s point that our energy use is “predestined” rather than “behavioral”.

I agree with the statement Steffen makes about our energy use being almost “predestined.” It brings to light the fact that if we wish to reduce our emissions we must plan for the future in addition to trying to take current action.

–What correlation does Steffen make between a city’s density and its climate emissions?

He states that studies have given reason to believe that with more density there are less climate emissions. This being because when a community is dense there is an increased likelihood that those residents will find all their necessities within their neighborhood.

–What are the “eco districts” that Steffen mentions? How you see these as feasible or unfeasible in a city like Norfolk?

“Eco districts” are high density neighborhoods which try to replicate the density-emission relationship noted in other high density neighborhoods by innovating the services and structures already present. The purpose is to create neighborhoods that provide most necessities within a close distance in order to eliminate the need to travel outside it regularly.

–Explain how you agree or disagree with the “threshold effect” that Steffen discusses related to transportation.

I agree with Steffen that there is a point where density hits a point where people simply use cars less. However, it could also be a question of whether this is due to the hassle involved in driving in an urban setting. This hassle would likely stem from traffic, difficulty finding space to park, and high amounts of pedestrians.

–What does Steffen mean by the idea that, “…even space itself is turning into a service…”? Can you provide any examples that you see here in Norfolk or elsewhere?

Some examples of space being presented as a service would be paying for parking spots in ODU garages or people renting out unused rooms,

–Describe your understanding of Steffen’s argument that, “…it’s not about the leaves above, but the systems below…”.

Steffen is trying to state that while greenery in an urban setting is a promising sign, it is much more important that the greenery is used not only for aesthetics but for practical uses, conservation, and connecting our cities back to the environment.

–Finally, overall in what way(s) do you see Steffen’s ideas working / not working here in Norfolk?

Norfolk is not dense enough at this point in time to truly convince the population to give up their cars. Imagining now, it seems hard to envision a Norfolk such as Steffen paints; however, I believe it is certainly possible even though it would be a long process. Norfolk has great attractions, especially around MacArthur Mall. It’s only a matter of finding the appropriate level of density and using innovation to give the community what it wants AND needs.

 

Social Media Policy with my boy Ben

Assignment 2: Sentara Social Media Policy

Sentara’s own social media policy:

http://www.sentara.com/Policies/Pages/SocialMediaPolicy.aspx

There is a basis of conditions and expectations that are included in almost every social media policy set forth, and Sentara’s policy accomplishes that and further. Sentara’s social media policy is the product of  thoroughly done work for the purpose of transparently stating exactly the behavior they expect online and forcing the unyielding loyalty of their employees to the organization’s opinions, decisions, and actions when using social media. It’s understandable that Sentara wishes to monitor their employee’s actions, especially seeing as how every employee is a liability. You can be your organizations worst or best agent, so you the public views you as reflective of your employer. When analyzing this policy, I found Point 3 quite interesting because while it ties into the federal policy of HIPAA, it goes further to prohibit employees from posting medical advice.

“3. You are prohibited from posting any content that is personal health information including patient images on any Sentara/OptimaHealth Social Media Site. You are also prohibited from using the Sentara/OptimaHealth Social Media Site to provide medical advice or medical commentary by non-Sentara physicians or to use the Sentara/OptimaHealth Social Media Site to make, recommend or increase referrals to physicians who are not employed by Sentara/OptimaHealth.”

Further, Sentara states that any content posted by their employees can be altered or deleted at their discretion, as if it were their own. Sentara makes it clear that their employees are responsible for any action done under their account regardless of circumstances such as a third party intrusion. In short, this social media policy is an attempt to establish virtual codes of conduct and to release Sentara from the liability of employees causing embarrassment or controversy linked to the organization on the public internet. Obviously, the internet is a grand tool; therefore, it is important that organizations take such precautions as these to protect not only their employees but also themselves.

Use of Social Media to Aid in Law Enforcement

http://www.iacpsocialmedia.org/Resources/Publications/2011SurveyResults.aspx

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1155730148001/law-enforcement-making-use-of-social-media/