[email protected] & r & & r & Why Not Green?
I found the article "Condo Craze" (2/22) fascinating. I wish to share my thoughts. In response to the words spoken by Mick McDowell -- that the city pulled the carpet out from underneath his project -- this seems pretty silly. There is a height variance law in effect. In 2003, the land use changed. So perhaps he is whining because he actually had to follow the law? It would be foolish of the city to reward him for not playing by the rules. Perhaps he could take his project and play elsewhere.
Also with the project, Peaceful Valley would have less sun shining in our neighborhood. Many were upset when they found out that the condos built on Wilson Street in Peaceful Valley were built into a natural spring. Okay, where is that water going to go? Perhaps seeping into the condo itself, causing health problems. Mold, mildew, etc. cause many health problems. Who pays for this? These condos still sit empty, cold and ugly.
Many who I have spoken with had shared thoughts along the lines that if Mr. McDowell would have complied with the height variance regulation and perhaps built an eco-friendly community, he would have had a better chance. These condos are very hip and cool and would attract those who actually care about the community and [are] not just trying to make a buck. Live green. Support green. Buy green. Think green. And save green. This thinking can help builders help their environment and customers. Living green saves money.
How refreshing it would be to see such projects have wind power as their source of power. Denver, Seattle, New York, Portland and many other communities have such places. Why can't Spokane? In [February's] issue of Sunset magazine there is an interesting article on condo-building. Building the condos in a semi-circle is just a part of the article. It would be wonderful to see builders using reusable resources. There are companies that give monies to builders to produce such places. These savings could be passed on to the consumer and make housing affordable for most instead of a chosen few.
Perhaps this is what is most important: a city that offers housing for all with a focus on the environment and each other.
Anna Ethington
Spokane, Wash.
Gripes of Wrath?
I have read two recent reviews of the Interplayers' production of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks -- one in your paper ("Weepy Waltzing," 3/8/07) and another one in the Spokesman-Review. Both critiques were unfavorable, but at [least] the Spokesman's critique gave some credence to the acting, other than half-good.
As Alfieri's writing, it may have been a little maudlin. However, is life not somewhat maudlin? The playwright did indeed present the audience with several of life's problems. Mr. Bowen seems to find all these plot twists more than a play should contain. I must heartily demur; it is exactly [what] Alfieri's showcasing: these many ills of society that make the play thought-provoking.
After reading Mr. Bowen's review, I must assume he is among those critics who find John Steinbeck maudlin. How sad!
Dave Daugharty
Cheney, Wash.
Off the Mark?
I found Michael Bowen's "Weepy Waltzing" play review (3/8/07) to be seriously off the mark. My wife and I attended Sunday's matinee performance and found this play to be the best among the three we saw in Spokane over the weekend. It was elegantly and magically performed as well as directed. A spontaneous standing ovation for this production speaks more for the quality of this show than a couple of misguided columns in The Inlander.
Roger Briggs
Kennewick, Wash.
Cow Pollution
Last week, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, with hundreds of scientists from 113 countries, determined conclusively that manmade greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming. They predicted devastating droughts and hurricanes and extensive flooding of coastal areas, displacing millions.
A report released by the United Nations in November blamed animal agriculture for 18 percent of these emissions -- more than automobiles. Carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas, is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by combustion of fossil fuels to operate farm machinery, trucks, refrigeration equipment, factory farms and slaughterhouses. The much more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are released from the digestive tracts of cattle and from animal waste cesspools, respectively.
We don't have to wait for Earth Day to help save our planet. We can start with the next trip to the supermarket. Meanwhile, we can check out the details at www. veggiesforecology.org.
Trae Bailey
Spokane, Wash.