A Lot of Uncritical Thinking

It always intrigues me when an idea I've been holding on to gets broken down.
Looking back on my schooling I find that much of the learning both in high school and college have had weak hints of critical thinking. For example it's only been in the last year that I've been exposed to logical fallacies. I would think that this would be an important element of thought itself, like knowing that two plus two does not equal five or whatever else out there. It equals four, we can be clear about that. I think that critical thinking should not only be taught once but it should be taught through repetition. Physical exercise is not done once, teeth are not brushed only once (in most cases). Intuitive and emotional awareness is also absent in almost all curriculums that I've been exposed to in all the state sponsored institutions of higher learning.

What is Critical Thinking?

I believe that in order to understand a situation, the observer must have an idea of who they are within the context of what is being examined. We all bring our own biases and frames into all situations.
I think that this is an imperfect process where the process itself is a powerful teacher both humbling us while illuminating us.
Now to get our hands dirty. The first step must be to gather as much information and evidence as possible within the limitations set forth. Next decisions have to made as to what information will be beneficial (this is where biases and intuition meld together, maybe helping us of maybe not) in understanding the issue more deeply and poignantly. This is an interesting part of the process as I believe not everyone is a great critical thinker, like any talent or skill some people are more talented then others. I also think that no matter what level anybody is at, they can always increase their skill levels in the different aspects of critical thinking. Finally the conclusions discovered and/or synthesized must be shared with peers, so the idea can be tested in the field of other minds.

So What Makes a Great Public Space

Like most other human endeavors, the design of public spaces have polarities. Elements of public vs. private, security vs. openness, aesthetics vs. functionality, just to name the main issues. The designers of public spaces must have a clear vision of what purpose their space will serve. Will it be a family space, a space for sports, for consumers, for wealthy people, for lovers, etc. This will create a better experience for the users of that space. In regards to security, for example the space I am writing my essay on has a police station vary close by, which compels local police to come and hang out, giving a sense of security just by the cops being there. This is not the case with most spaces. It seems that spaces that are private property, with an openness that allows the public to hang out are the environments that I enjoy the most, because I feel relaxed and a clear about with I can and can't do.

Sunday Night in Northrigde

If you have nothing else going on Sunday night, just go meet friends at ResDev.







Located at northwest corner Reseda and Devonshire, next to the L.A. fitness. This little gem it a favorite hang out for the locals. Very low key and laid back, this is the place to go if you want to just hang loose, have a great conversation or just people watch. You will see from the photos below that the chairs aren't the most comfortable and the ground isn't the cleanest, but it never gets too nasty. I have never felt compelled to spend money when I'm here,but I do anyway. I just don't feel that kind of pressure here. I've used this spot to meet clients during the day. The lighting is just dark enough so you see what you need to see but the mood is relaxed. The people are almost always polite and well mannered and sometimes when I see acquaintances there I feel like I'm a member of this community. You have all the tea and sushi you can afford just a throws distance from tables, what more do you want on a Sunday night.






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