I had never put so much thought into the way people design cities.  From my experience it seemed to just happen.  Over the years, a road was put here, buildings were put over there and eventually the city grew into what we know today.  To my surprise, there are cities that didn't follow that model.  They were planned.  One type of city design is known as "new urbanism."  When John Gordon Burke asked me to write this novel for him, I was genuinely intrigued to learn about new urbanism.  Finding the topic somewhat fascinating, I learned the science of designing an entire city around the pedestrian.  A rather unique idea since it seems that cars are taking over.  A New Return to Urbanism: A Look at How and Where We Live is due out in the Spring of 2005.  Keep it in mind!  I think you'll find it an interesting read.
 

   "As new urbanism implies, communities are designed in urban respects with urban elements and features...Although, people rarely enjoy hearing about the mix-use of land, when they are educated about what it really means, they are more likely to accept the idea.  Mix-use is not necessarily placing a Wal-Mart in the middle of someone’s neighborhood.  But it’s the further threat of putting some coal-burning air-polluting or chemical-producing ground-destroying factory in their backyard that scares people."

     Truly Roughing It: A Guide for the Lone Camper is the camping manual for the hardcore camper who likes to live off the land and use as little as possible of the modern-day conveniences.  The focus is how to pitch shelter, find food and enjoy the wild in as safe of a way as possible.  There is a clearly written caution making the statement never to camp alone.  But, for the knuckleheads like me who are going to do it anyway, inside are some guidelines to follow.
 

"Camping is absolutely one of the best times for the person who knows what to do.  Pitch a tent and take a hike.  Relax by your own campfire.  Just you and nature at its best.   Nothing can be more rewarding than having some time like that to yourself."