From the satirical paper The Onion comes news of Traffic Jam 2013 -- a highway concert series that is either commentary on the placelessness of the country's vast highway system or just another way to poke fun at Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Because the United States has far too few conveniences for the nation's motorists, a brand-new highway concert series to debut next year "will feature popular musical acts performing for passing motorists on America’s shoulder lanes, median dividers, and overpasses."
Because recent trends have indicated Americans are driving less, the Department of Transportation is enlisting Jay-Z, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avicii, and Bon Iver to help draw more users to the country's roadways.
"Our goal was to put together exciting lineups that would encourage Americans to drive up the on-ramp of their nearest interstate, roll down the windows, and enjoy some live music as they travel,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “Whether you want to hear Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre rock the mic on a Long Beach frontage road or a rousing program from the Boston Symphony Orchestra across six lanes of I-90, we have something for everyone.”
"LaHood added that for concertgoers looking for a quieter, more intimate highway music experience, there would also be several smaller acoustic sets on select exit ramps and turnarounds. In addition, he said, weekends will feature comedians such as Patton Oswalt and Aziz Ansari performing stand-up sets from inside tollbooths as they make change for motorists exiting the nation’s turnpikes."
FULL STORY: Department Of Transportation Announces New Highway Concert Series
Friday Funny: Gated Community Doubles Down
The Onion skewers suburbia.
Friday Funny: Tesla Invents the Greenest Car
The Fake News website The Onion reports a complete fabrication about Elon Musk and Tesla.
50-Cent Gas Tax Increase Ruled-Out by GOP Congressional Leaders
News of the GOP's rejection of a gas tax increase comes from reports on two recent private meetings between Republican leaders and the Trump Administration.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie