Think and Act Locally

This article, “America’s Growth Ponzi Scheme,” argues that post-World War II North American development patterns constitute an unsustainable financial model. The author contends that suburban sprawl, driven by government policies and debt, generates short-term revenue while creating long-term infrastructure liabilities. This system necessitates continuous growth to cover escalating costs, resembli...

This article from Strong Towns examines the financial struggles faced by typical American cities, using Lafayette, Louisiana, as a case study. Through a detailed analysis of revenue and expenses, the piece reveals that many cities have accumulated unsustainable infrastructure liabilities exceeding their tax base. This predicament, termed the “Growth Ponzi Scheme,” stems from a development pattern...

This newsletter from John C. Dvorak & Adam Curry’s “No Agenda” discusses several current events slated for their upcoming show on April 2, 2025. Topics mentioned include Elon Musk’s potential scaling back from DOGE after failing to influence a Wisconsin election, and Cory Booker’s record-breaking Senate speech which allegedly involved using a catheter. The newsletter also celebrates John’s bir...

Ludwig von Mises’s 1944 work, Bureaucracy, critically examines the fundamental conflict between individual liberty and the encroaching power of the socialist state, arguing that the rise of bureaucracy is intrinsically linked to the decline of free markets and private initiative. Mises contends that bureaucratic management, characterized by adherence to rigid rules and the absence of profit-based...

Louisiana farmers are facing significant challenges due to the recent termination of two USDA programs, Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which facilitated purchases by food banks and schools. These cuts have disrupted established partnerships, leaving farmers like John and Betty Chenier uncertain about their future operations and forcing some, like C...

“Games People Play” explores the psychological underpinnings of human interactions, suggesting that much of our social lives are structured by unconscious “games.” These games are defined as recurring patterns of behavior with hidden motivations and predictable negative outcomes. The author categorizes these games into various contexts like marital, party, and sexual interactions, analyzing their...

The provided document analyzes how inefficiencies within the US Virgin Islands’ probate system contribute significantly to the growing problem of abandoned properties. It outlines the complex and often lengthy probate procedures, highlighting issues such as understaffed courts, unclear rules, and the potential for disputes among heirs. These delays in transferring property ownership, coupled with...

This newsletter from the No Agenda Show appeals to its audience for financial support, noting a recent dip in contributions and promoting various donation methods like recurring subscriptions and a reintroduced “Commodoreship.” It previews the next show’s topics, focusing on a developing story regarding Pete Hegseth and alleged liberal efforts against him within the Defense Department, as well as...

This newsletter from the No Agenda Show in March 2025 solicits listener donations to support their independent podcast. It previews an upcoming episode focusing on the controversy surrounding a leaked secret meeting about the Houthi bombing that was reportedly infiltrated via the Signal app. The newsletter also highlights the rediscovery of old, humorous tweets from Donald Trump before his ban fro...

This newsletter from the No Agenda Show on March 22, 2025, serves as a direct appeal to its audience for financial support through various contribution methods like one-time donations and recurring subscriptions. It previews a topic the show will not extensively cover—unsubstantiated claims about structures under Egyptian pyramids—emphasizing their focus on media deconstruction of current events....

The Storefront Renaissance League is presented as a group of professionals with expertise in areas like design and economic development, aiming to revitalize struggling downtowns. They offer their “superpowers” to help towns combat issues such as vacant storefronts and low civic engagement by partnering with local “superheroes.” The League highlights their work in Corsicana, Texas, as an example o...

The provided texts describe Better Block, a nonprofit focused on grassroots urban design that empowers communities to revitalize public spaces. A key initiative is Wikiblock, an open-source library of furniture designs downloadable for free and easily fabricated using CNC routers. Better Block in a Box offers pre-packaged elements for rapid placemaking events, and resources like the Fabrication He...

This TEDx Talk by Jason Roberts recounts his efforts to revitalize his Dallas neighborhood, Oak Cliff. Frustrated by the lack of vibrant public spaces compared to European cities, Roberts initiated community-led projects to improve his area. He details starting with a pop-up art show in a neglected theater, leading to initiatives like a temporary streetcar plan, the Bike Friendly Oak Cliff movemen...

Mar 21, 2025 #autismawareness #PappaYolksGrill #HoustonEats Great food and a great cause come together at Pappa Yolk’s Grill in Pasadena, TX! In this special interview, we sit down with Neel, the restaurant’s owner, Connor, one of the employees at Pappa Yolk’s, and Alan, the founder of Blue Skyes Over Autism, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting families living with autism. Together, they’v...

Mar 13, 2025 DEER PARK Catching Up with the Boys of Deer Park – In this follow-up to our previous video The Boys of Deer Park, TX, we sit down with Aaron to catch up on where life has taken him. Now living on his own for the first time, Aaron shares his experiences navigating adulthood-figuring out personal finances, managing responsibilities, and adjusting to life with roommates. We dive into the...

Mar 11, 2025 #PropertyRights #HomeModifications #CommunityRules In this follow-up interview, Steve Alvarez returns to address claims made by Ralph and Robbie in their conversation about the ongoing deed restriction dispute. This neighborhood conflict began when Steve wanted to modify his home to better accommodate his elderly mother, but his neighbors, Ralph and Robbie, raised concerns that the mo...

Misesmedia’s “Fueling a Freer Future” video argues that defending fossil fuels is essential against authoritarian environmentalist ideologies. The video asserts that unreliable green energy sources are prioritized over dependable options like fossil fuels and nuclear power due to excessive regulation and fear-mongering. It advocates for a pro-human energy approach that prioritizes reliable energy...

The provided text is a transcript from a Pasadena, Texas City Council meeting held on March 18, 2025, publicly available on YouTube. The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by various speakers addressing the council on topics including community concerns like traffic and potential deed restriction violations, recognition of retiring personnel, and updates on...

This YouTube transcript presents the Green New Deal as a dangerous economic intervention, drawing parallels to the policies of the early 1900s and the Great Depression. It argues that proponents of the Green New Deal are exploiting environmental concerns to seize control over the American economy, extending regulations to agriculture, construction, and transportation while incorporating social jus...

Misesmedia’s video “The Green Road to Serfdom” draws a parallel between historical authoritarianism and contemporary environmental policies. It highlights F.A. Hayek’s 1944 warning about the dangers of centralized planning, suggesting that modern “green” initiatives echo this threat. The video argues that the pursuit of utopian environmental goals can lead to excessive government control over vari...

A YouTube video transcript discusses the book The Population Bomb and its inaccurate predictions of resource scarcity due to overpopulation. It highlights how the authors, echoing Malthus, failed to anticipate human innovation in meeting growing needs. The transcript criticizes the real-world impact of these flawed ideas, such as coercive population control policies. Despite these failures, the vi...

Froberg’s Farm began in 1894 and officially in 1936, growing from a small strawberry patch to a community grocery store in Alvin, Texas. The family-run farm has expanded its offerings over four generations, now including a variety of produce, a bakery, and seasonal festivals. Their mission centers on “rethinking food” by focusing on sustainable practices and connecting the community to agriculture...

This newsletter from the No Agenda Show on March 15, 2025, titled “EU Wants Nuclear War,” solicits listener support through various donation methods, including recurring subscriptions and larger contributions. It previews topics for the upcoming show, mentioning the averted government shutdown, Nancy Pelosi’s reaction, and the Ukraine war. The author expresses skepticism about ending the Ukraine c...

This newsletter from the No Agenda podcast informs its “Producer” subscribers about various ways to financially support the show, emphasizing recurring donations and the annual Pi Day fundraiser. It also previews upcoming show topics, including Trump’s tariff policies and the rise of extreme online content. Furthermore, the newsletter poses questions about the delayed release of files related to E...

MisesMedia’s YouTube video critiques common assumptions in energy discussions, specifically the prioritization of environmental impact over human well-being and the inherent condemnation of fossil fuels. The video argues that so-called green energy has a significant environmental impact and questions whether less impactful but less productive energy sources are truly beneficial. It suggests that f...