The stone age didn't end because we ran out of stones

Just remember in 1973 (Saudi oil minister) Sheikh Yamani...they asked what would (OPEC) do when there is competition for oil. And he said, "We'll just drop the price of oil every time there is competition."

Which has been exactly what they did every ten years and it just destroyed clean tech and energy. He said they would do it. He said it right out loud. They followed through on their plan. It's not like they were duplicitous.
At the same time, he was asked: When do you think we'll be at the end of the age of oil? It was an amazing answer. He said, "I don't think we'll ever see the end of the age of oil."

But I can tell you this: the Stone Age didn't end because we ran out of stones. So I think that's the question in this room: Are you making stones?

—William McDonough, Eco-Innovator in News.com, News of Change

We can't help New Orleans? God help us

The fate of the Gulf Coast—especially the nation's most distinctive city, New Orleans—will tell us a lot about who we are as a nation, as a people. If we are the compassionate, can-do people we say we are, then we can help the Gulf Coast rebuild. If we can't do that, then America has become a different and disturbing place.—Cynthia Tucker, editorial page editor, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Tallahassee sculptor joins legends in Hall of Fame

This is about my cousin, Tallahassee sculptor W. Stanley "Sandy" Proctor, who has spent a lifetime carving faces for public places. Soon a carving of his face will adorn a wall at the Capitol.

Proctor has been named to join the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2006. He's the first Tallahassee native to be selected to join the Hall, which includes legends such as Ray Charles and Ernest Hemingway.

Proctor's realistic artworks are sought by collectors nationwide. His public sculptures can be found in many cities and all around Tallahassee. They include "Follow The Leader" in front of the Governor's Mansion, the 9-foot bronze of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden at Doak Campbell Stadium (at right) and a piece on Kleman Plaza commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Tallahassee Democrat.

Resolve to live life to its fullest

This item by Chgrissa Wilkins, a high school junior, is well worth reading. Among other points, she quotes Abraham Lincoln, “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” In 20 years you won't be able to rewind your life and do whatever it is you wanted. There is no such thing as a “do-over.” All you will be able to do is look back and say, “Hey, I wish I had done that then.”—Waco Tribune-Herald

Aviation consultants have high hopes for Waco

One serves as president of a company in Morristown, N.J., the other travels the country from his corporate headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M.

Both have had high-profile careers in aviation and view Waco's potential in that area as outstanding.

That's why the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has bought the services of Jack Olcott, president of New Jersey's General Aero Company, and Marshall Puckett, owner of AvReps International in New Mexico--Mike Copeland, Waco Tribune-Herald

Chamber names leader to raise $4.7 million

AUSTIN—About $4.7 million would get Waco's new economic development initiative rolling, and businessman Tommy Salome confirmed during a top-level getaway here on Wednesday that he'll lead efforts to raise that money.

Waco chamber of commerce leaders met Tuesday and Wednesday at Barton Creek Resort & Spa to discuss "Challenge Greater Waco," a project for improving Waco's image, business climate and educational opportunities.

Market Street Services of Atlanta prepared the master plan for this effort with plenty of local input. Chamber leaders met in Austin to talk about making the plan work.

That money would also be used to build a new chamber headquarters next to Heritage Square on the block bounded by South Third and South Fourth streets, Franklin and Austin avenues in downtown Waco.—Mike Copeland, Waco Tribune-Herald

It's time for a nation to return the favor

Great cities are made by their place and their people, their beauty and their risk. Water flows around and through most of them. And one of the greatest bodies of water in the land flows through this one: the Mississippi.

The federal government decided long ago to try to tame the river and the swampy land spreading out from it. The country needed this waterlogged land of ours to prosper, so that the nation could prosper even more.

Some people in Washington don't seem to remember that. They act as if we are a burden. They act as if we wore our skirts too short and invited trouble.

We can't put up with that...The Times-Picayune

Congress brightens VA hospital's future

Congress awarded the Waco Veterans Affairs Hospital a major honor Friday with passage of the 2006 VA budget. Among other things, it names the 73-year-old facility the first "Center of Excellence" for mental health.

The distinction is one that local hospital supporters and civic leaders have fervently sought.

As chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, added the recognition to the $70.2 billion budget months ago. Its final passage Friday means the proposal next goes to President Bush for his consideration and likely approval.

Center of Excellence designations mean more funding and research at VA hospitals for special programs. Local civic leaders hope it also flies in the face of VA administrators who have discussed closing or significantly downsizing the Waco facility.—Waco Tribune-Herald

Waco International Aviation Park get $1.25 million

A proposed aviation park in Waco got a $1.25 million boost on Friday, when the U.S. House passed a transportation bill that includes money for the project.

President Bush is expected to sign the bill.

Waco leaders want to put an aviation park on 327 acres next to Texas State Technical College. They envision at least 10 hangars of at 70,000 square feet each, used by companies wanting access to TSTC's runway.

"Since the Waco chamber has told me this is its top economic development priority, I will do everything I can to fight for additional money. This is the kind of project that will need state, federal and local money." —U.S. Congressman Chet Edwards, Waco Tribune-Herald

Chamber building brings life to square

At the turn of the 20th century, Waco's square was the center of everything— of trade, of governance, of social energy.

It went away after a killer tornado and under the bulldozers of urban renewal.

Until a few years ago the area was nothing but a big hole in Waco's heart, and the square had become less than a memory. It was as if it never existed. Now in an exciting move, redeveloping the square is talked about as the next big step downtown.—Waco Tribune-Herald editorial

Emory University is national leader in sustainability

Emory University in Atlanta has adopted a sustainability vision that calls for: healthy people, healthy planet, healthy Emory. Already, Emory has more green buildings (LEED certified) than any other university in the United States. And Emory's trustees have decided that all new buildings will be LEED certified.—Maria Saporta, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Waco's wait begins for Bush Library

The director of the Baylor University George W. Bush presidential library project has spent the past five years developing Baylor's vision for the more than 100-acre facility on the eastern bank of the Brazos River. She has traveled to nearly all of the country's 11 presidential libraries, dreamed about the first family and spent days and nights drafting the 110-page proposal , which she and six other Baylor representatives presented to White House representatives in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.—Waco Tribune-Herald

Chamber eyes new home, new look

Waco needs a new chamber of commerce headquarters that makes a statement about the city's future and its commitment to economic development, chamber president Jim Vaughan says. That in mind, the chamber likely will build a $2 million "marketing center" near South Third Street and Austin Avenue, next to Heritage Square.—Waco Tribune-Herald

New Urbanism dominates rebuilding chatter in New Orleans

New Urbanism will be the salvation of post-Katrina New Orleans. Or perhaps it will lead to the Big Easy's utter demise. Either way, when planning pundits discuss the future of the battered Crescent City, New Urbanism is the concept that flutters above every conversation like a blue tarp on a damaged roof.—Doug MacCash, The Times-Picayune

Spirit of cooperation required. Greater Waco is equal to the challenge

Goal (No. 5) attempts to strengthen existing relationships in Greater Waco and focuses on finding the financial resources required to implement the plan. Although (consultant J. Mac) Holladay described all the goals as necessary to achieve a strong sustainable economy and a higher quality of life, there is no question that not much can be accomplished unless the "build a culture of implementation" goal is achieved.—Waco Tribune-Herald editorial

Fund recovery with 1 percent national sales tax expiring after one year

Someone has to have the guts to stand up and say, "We have to raise more money, and it is going to take a tax."—Steve Waldman, Houston Chronicle

Rebuilding New Orleans: Act now, speak with one voice

Sending a message to elected officials from New Orleans to Washington, the participants in the Louisiana Recovery and Rebuilding conference said they want immediate action on three things: unified leadership, regional cooperation and Category 5 levee protection.—Martha Carr, staff writer, The Times-Picayune

Waco's strategic economic development plan on livability

The view from the overpass is striking: glassy Lake Brazos, the historic Suspension Bridge – trademarks of a city with much to offer. Unfortunately the trademark scene hasn't changed much in a generation. It must if Waco is to be what it can be.—Waco Tribune-Herald editorial

Florida governor to encourage conservation, fuel-efficient alternatives

With two disastrous hurricane seasons underscoring Florida's vulnerability to disruptions in its energy supply, Gov. Jeb Bush on Friday called for a state policy that encourages conservation and development of alternatives.

Bush issued an executive order for an energy forum involving all stakeholders to be held in the state capital by the end of the year and for a plan to be on his desk by Jan. 17.—Linda Kleindienst, Orlando Sentinel

Atlanta slogan: "Every day is opening day"

Atlanta has an official slogan. Officials said the city had outgrown its dated and unofficial moniker, "The city too busy to hate." That slogan worked well when the city was trying to separate itself from Southern cities still holding on to segregation, but officials worried that in 2005 it couldn't compete against "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."—Leon Stafford, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Perceptions are important. Greater Waco deserves a positive one

How a person, institution or city perceives itself is an important ingredient in achieving success or failure.

Likewise, how a person, institution or city is perceived by others plays an equally important role in obtaining success.

The recently released Greater Waco Strategic Economic Development Plan contains an important goal that needs the assistance of the entire Waco metro area to achieve.—Waco Tribune-Herald editorial

Grow Waco goal broadens, strengthens economic development efforts

No segment of Greater Waco will remain untouched if a comprehensive new economic development plan is implemented.—Waco Tribune-Herald Editorial

Plan is sweeping in scope, city leaders say

"This could represent a fundamental moment in our history." —David Lacy, president of Community Bank & Trust, on the Challenge Greater Waco strategic economic development plan produced by the Greater Waco Chamber with Market Street Services of Atlanta

Waco: Too many assets to drift along

It doesn't take wizards in strategic planning to say this. When they say it, however, at least it gets attention. This community has some incredible assets – too many assets for it to drift along in economic doldrums and never come close to its potential.—Waco Tribune-Herald Editorial

Strategic economic development plan revealed

"They want Waco to strengthen its economy; build a workforce that can handle jobs of the future; retain and attract more businesses and visitors; reinvigorate downtown and the Brazos riverfront; and build the resources and leadership needed to succeed in its endeavors."—J. Mac Holladay, CEO, Market Street Services, on Economic Development Steering Committee of Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

Misunderstood once again?

"It's OK to be proud that a president lives here, yet be troubled by some of his decisions.
It's OK to blindly support the presidency as a democratic ideal, yet acknowledge that one component of democracy is dissent.
It's not OK to write off a whole community as a bunch of one-dimensional hicks."—Carlos Sanchez, Editor, Waco Tribune-Herald on Vanity Fair writer Evgenia Peretz's "High Noon in Crawford," a caricature of Waco and Central Texas that has been written over and over since the Branch Davidians dragged Waco's name into media infamy.

Run Lindsay: Larry Munson's famous call

Listen to broadcaster Larry Munson's call of the Buck Belue to Lindsay Scott touchdown, regarded as the biggest play in University of Georgia football history.—Atlanta Journal-Constitution

High Noon in Crawford

Vanity Fair's Evgenia Peretz presents an interesting though not so flattering story about Crawford and Waco which begins, "President Bush's ... ranch was intended as a perfect backdrop for his cowboy image. But a grieving mother, a deadly hurricane, and disenchanted neighbors have brought a dose of reality to his doorstep."

How does one respond to a story like this? My friend Dave Crockett says, "A city that is written about often is better off than one that lives in anonymity." That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Looking forward to heal the past?

Some proponents of plans to place the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum in Waco say the facility would help banish the Branch Davidian stigma that has loomed over the city since 1993.—Bill Whitaker, city editor, Waco Tribune-Herald

Greenville graced with beautiful bridge

Greenville, S.C., is rightfully proud of its beautiful new Liberty Bridge, an ultralight structure that spans the Reedy River in the city’s newly refurbished Falls Park. Designed by Boston’s Rosales Gottenmoeller & Associates in partnership with Schlaich Bergermann and Partner, Stuttgart, Germany, the 380-foot-long cable-stayed suspension bridge spans 200 feet clear and employs two 100-foot-tall towers at a 15-degree angle on one side of the bridge to afford pedestrians a viewing platform and a sweeping vista of the falls. The structure, the first of its kind in the U.S., has just won the 2005 Arthur E. Hayden Medal for outstanding achievement in bridge engineering from the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania. Miguel Rosales, AIA, principal of RGA, reports that the new bridge, which the firm designed to complement rather than dominate the natural beauty of the area, has become an instant icon for the city.--AIArchitect, August 8, 2005

Urban sprawl looks different at $4 a gallon

"The imagined 'bigness' we pride ourselves on here in Dallas is in actuality a weakness. The city marketing slogan, 'Live Large, Think Big,' is really an invitation to live precariously in a world that depends entirely on the exploitation of fossil fuels." —Dean Terry on building livable city.

Baylor makes final four for Bush Library

"Landing the library would be an economic boon for Waco. It would attract 300,000 to 500,000 visitors a year, who would spend $8.6 million to $13.8 million annually."—Tom Kelly, economics professor, Baylor University

Rethinking the grid—distributed generation and urban development

"Austin Energy has launched a solar program that gives special financial incentives for purchasing equipment manufactured in Austin. This program is not only about decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels and delaying the need for new generation through our green power program, but also about making Austin an attractive destination for solar manufacturers."—Austin Energy general manager Juan Garza

Cat is back in Waco

"We looked at several locations, but the top spot in my mind was Waco. It's a great place to live and work, and I'm just a bit jealous I'm not moving here myself."—Larry Holt, Vice President Operations, Caterpillar Work Tools and Services Inc.

Wham, bam, no new taxes, ma'am

"The era of trapping and trading gone, I guess it's the kin of bringing home the beaver pelts." —John Young, Opinion Page Editor, Waco Tribune-Herald, on the 2005 Session of the Texas Legislature

Leadership group to help chart Waco's future

"Most of the time, you don't hear teenage pregnancy and economic development in the same breath, but we did today, and it is a problem for which we need to find a solution." —Waco City Manager Larry Groth following presentation by J. Mac Holladay on economic development study by Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

North Texas suburbs are finding their own style

As Dallas throws money at developers to bring life back to downtown, mini-downtowns are popping up in empty fields on the suburban fringes of North Texas.
—Michael Landauer, Dallas Morning News

Sustainability: A Critical Issue

"If this planet is to flourish, we must act now to make every decision consistent with long-term goals. What we do today will still be affecting our environment 40, 60, or 100 years from now."
—AIA President Douglas L. Steidl

Designing the Future

"Change requires experimentation. But no problem can be solved by the same consciousness that created it. Our job is to dream—and to make those dreams happen."
—Bill McDonough

Walkable City

"The reason you want the downtown walkable is because it's not going to work any other way," Sarasota City Commissioner Jon Thaxton.