Continuing series on the internet and revitalizing Americas smaller cities:
12345 Part II
http://symphony-x.com/archives/000056.html
"Activity creates intensity and interest - and connection is what results, and it is connection that people seek - that moment where they look outwards and seen, not blank stares or vacant looks, but an other individual who has focuse dattention on them, or on the same object of interest. Society's institutions, whatever there other functions have to create this sense of connection. It is not an accident. In the last 10 years there has been a drive to create urban places - "destination cities" in the lingo of the trade, some have been overwhelmingly successful - and others have lead to pages of plans without success. What differentiates the successes from the failures? At the same time that Schenectady New York was coming up with a plan which lead to nothing but some concrete contracts - Portland Maine and Portsmouth New Hampshire were embarking on plans which would create small, vibrant and attractive places to do business and to engage tourism."