The death of suburban malls at the hands of online shopping is well documented. It turns out Santa also has a cyber proxy rendering the old way of doing things obsolete.
Caitlin McCabe reports on the growing popularity of cyber Santa's: "many parents today [are] ditching some of the old-school Christmas traditions like letter writing or visits to the mall in favor of a more digitally proficient Mr. Claus." In fact, writes McCabe, "[with children glued to screens at ever-earlier ages—the average age of initial interaction is 11 months, according to one study—a raft of digital services have emerged to put Santa in the palm of their little hands."
Like many other of the consequences of web-enabled communications, a concern of the cyber Santa movement is the loss of the faraway quality that makes Santa special. "If you’re always communicating through your iPad, then talking to Santa [on your iPad] is not so magical," according to Markella Rutherford, associate professor of sociology at Wellesley College, as quoted in the story.
FULL STORY: Tech-Savvy Tots Talk to Cyber Santa
Denver-Inspired Chatbot Serves as Prototype for AI in City Planning and Zoning
A prototype City Planning Chatbot uses AI to answer public questions on zoning and city planning in Denver. Although not endorsed by the City, the experiment demonstrates the potential power of AI to provide accurate planning and zoning answers.
Only High-Income Riders Rely on Twitter for Transit Info, Study Says
A recent study by the Transit app reveals which communications methods are the most and least effective at reaching demographic groups representative of transit riders.
Searching for Clearer Climate Change Messaging
Although clear climate communication is more important than ever, many people find even basic terminology about climate change confusing, research shows.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service