"The ecologically minded smart city was supposed to replace neglected docklands and disused warehouses with a sea of wooden towers, protected by raincoats."

"Mechanised awnings would protect pedestrians from rain and snow during Toronto’s harsh winters, while traffic lights would optimise the flow of self-driving cars. A network of machines, including subterranean parcel delivery bots, and sensors tracking residents’ behaviour, would provide a blueprint for the connected cities of the future.... Only Toronto has welcomed Sidewalk Labs, making it a test bed for the company. Many residents baulked at the idea of surrendering control to Google, and technology experts expressed concerns over the possible erosion of democratic norms."

From "Google’s sister abruptly cancels work on 'smart city'" (The London Times). So, don't worry, it's not going to happen. Democratic norms can continue uneroded.

America's most beautiful city

Buffalo's City Hall. Finished at the start of the Great Depression, it raises a fist to the world. Its tile bands and frieze work are characteristic for Buffalo architecture.

This week, in honor of Dyngus Day, I’m concentrating on my home town, Buffalo, New York.

A few years ago, an architect friend of mine seemed strangely excited to be visiting Buffalo. Since I grew up there, I take it for granted. It was interesting to see it through an informed visitor’s eyes.

The story of Buffalo’s architecture starts with economic boom. By the turn of the last century, Buffalo was the eighth largest city in the United States, a major railroad hub, and the most important grain-milling center in the country.

A postcard of the lake at Delaware Park, circa 1906.

All that money meant that some of the nation’s most important architects were hired to work there.  Its parks and parkways were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Fans of New York’s Central Park will find echoes of it in Buffalo’s lovely Delaware Park.

The Guaranty Building (now called the Prudential Building) was an early skyscraper designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. Completed in 1896, it is a combination of modernism and the terra-cotta ornamentation that is so prevalent in Buffalo.

Louis Sullivan's Guaranty Building is covered in warm red terracotta tile.

Frank Lloyd Wright built the Darwin Martin house in the city. His Greycliff, a summer estate south of Buffalo, has been restored to its former glory. Sadly, his Larkin Administration Building (where my mother once worked) was demolished in 1950 to make a truck stop.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Larkin Administration Building is now gone, but other examples of his work live on.

H. H. Richardson designed the massive, Romanesque Buffalo State Hospital in 1870. He was working along the principles of psychiatrist Thomas Story Kirkbride, who believed in a philosophy of Moral Treatment for mental patients. The building itself was meant to be curative, with sunshine, beauty and fresh air aiding in treatment.

Buffalo Insane Asylum.

Kleinhans Music Hall was endowed by the owners of a men’s clothing store in the city. It was designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen and is widely considered one of the best music halls in the United States.

The grain elevator was invented in Buffalo in the 1840s by Joseph Dart and Robert Dunbar. (Since the grain would be moved along by packet boat on the Erie Canal, this is also an early example of cross-docking.) The Buffalo waterfront is now infested with hulking remnants of these from various periods, which seem to fascinate industrial historians. I would prefer a beach, myself.

Then there is my personal favorite: City Hall. Finished in 1931, it is a fist raised to the world. At 378 feet in height, it is one of the biggest municipal buildings in the United States, and its location on Niagara Square (which is, of course, a circle) makes it tower over the cityscape.

Let me know if you’re interested in painting with me in Maine in 2014 or Rochester at any time. Click here for more information on my Maine workshops!

How to Find a Good Lawyer in London

The thing about capital cities is that they are often rather large; this can be a great thing when you are a tourist, taking in the sights and sounds of London town, with so many things to do every day, yet when you are trying to find a good lawyer, it can be a bit of a nightmare!

Lawyers flock to London as it really is the place to be if you want to get to the top of any major industry in the UK; this means that there are a plethora of lawyers to choose from, yet the question is, how do we find the right one? Sure, one may offer the best advice, yet charge unreasonable prices, or another may be cheap as chips but not know the first thing about winning a case!

Many of the city's law firms are situated in the heart of the city, with places like Bond street and Goodge street littered with be-suited ladies and gentlemen, trotting off on the daily grind, many of whom lawyers that could help you with your case.

A London lawyer may not be any different to any other lawyer in the UK, with the obvious exception of the fast talking accent and the sky high prices! However, simply because you are in the capital city, does not mean that you have to pay through the nose for legal advice; by searching the market and comparing different lawyer's price ranges, you are sure to find a bargain.

It is here where the secret to finding a good London lawyer lies; research. If you go for the first lawyer that you find, then you are almost certainly not going to get the best bargain, unless you are extremely lucky.

By researching all of the law firms in London, or at least a fair few of them, you will put yourself in a better bargaining position to discuss prices. Internet sites can help you with this, as there are sites available that will allow you to compare and contrast the various attributes of London lawyers, before you settle on your final decision.

When researching London lawyers, try to assess which of them has the most experience in your case; this is essential in helping your confidence in whether you can win your case or not and remember, just because they are working in the capital, does not mean that they need a lot more of your capital to take your case!

Law Schools Offer Accredited Master of Laws (LLM) Programs to Lawyers Online

With the advent of globalization, lawyers now need to know international and comparative laws. Generally, the legal profession has seen a rise in cross-border issues vis-à-vis international trade, intellectual property and technology, transnational workers and families, human rights, and socio-economic and environmental policies. While traditionally a Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a coveted degree for those in academia, in recent times, more and more practicing lawyers are enrolling in LL.M. programs to enhance their professional skills and gain specialized knowledge.

Many brick-and-mortar law schools (as opposed to wholly online universities) now offer lawyers the opportunity to earn an LL.M. degree online:

• University of Aberdeen located in Aberdeen, Scotland offers online LL.M. degree in International Business.

• Boston University School of Law located in Boston, United States offers online Executive LL.M. degree in International Business.

• Chapman University located in California, United States offers online LL.M. degree in Trial Advocacy/Prosecutorial Science.

• Dundee Law School located in Scotland, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. degree in International Dispute Resolution and Healthcare Law and Ethics.

• The University of Edinburgh School of Law located in Edinburgh, Scotland offers online LL.M. degree in Innovation and Technology, Intellectual Property Law, Medical Law and Ethics.

• New York University Law School located in New York, United States offers online Executive LL.M. degree in Taxation.

• Nottingham School of Law (University of Nottingham) located in Nottingham, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. in Public Procurement Law and Policy.

• Queen Mary, University of London located in London, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. degree in Computer and Communication Law.

A wide variety of online LL.M. programs are offered by two law schools located in England and Canada:

• University of London (External Systems) located in London, England offers online LL.M. degrees in General Master of Laws, as well as specializations in Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services, Commercial, Corporate and Securities Law, Economic Regulation, International Business Law, Common Law, Corporate and Foreign Law, Antitrust and Competition Law, Information Technology Law, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Sports Law, Tax Law, Public International Law, Health and Medical Law, International Justice, Legal Theory and Philosophy and Maritime Law.

• Osgood Hall Law School of York University located in Toronto, Canada offers online LL.M. degrees in Professional Development in Litigation/Arbitration/Mediation/Dispute Resolution, Banking, Finance and Securities, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice/Criminal Law/Criminology, Family/Child Law, Health and Medical Laws, Intellectual Property, Employment and Labor Law, Municipal Law, Real Estate and Property Law, Securities Regulation, Tax and Trusts Law.

Online LL.M. programs offer greater flexibility to lawyers who are employed. Lawyers can learn at their own pace without having to take a break from work or physically relocate. Additionally, lawyers can choose from a greater number of LL.M. programs from anywhere in the world. Also, online LL.M. programs can be less expensive.

Prior to choosing an online LL.M. program, however, potential applicants should research and know the specifics. Among other things, consider the reputation of the program and the law school, teacher credentials and expertise, tuition fee and other costs, Internet connectivity, class size, school calendar, teaching methods and the availability supplemental help. Online learning maybe the best possible option for practicing lawyers to develop their skills professionally and keep pace with the emerging legal issues due to globalization.

Employment Law: Time Limits for Bringing Employment Tribunal Claims

In the case of Chouafi v London United Busways Ltd [2005], the claimant was employed as a bus driver by the defendant company. In October 2003, he was diagnosed with severe depression and was signed off work until February 2004. He was dismissed in January 2004 on the grounds of his medical condition and complained to the employment tribunal of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

The Employment Rights Act 1996 provides that an employment tribunal shall not consider a complaint for unfair dismissal unless it is presented to the tribunal within three months of the effective date of termination of employment. However this three-month limitation period may be extended if the tribunal considers that in the relevant case, it was not reasonably practicable for the complaint to be presented within the three months. There are similar provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The tribunal decided that:-

The complaint of unfair dismissal had not been presented within the three-month time limit, pursuant to s 111 of the Employment Rights Act 1996;

The complaint of disability discrimination had not been presented within the three-month time limit, pursuant to the para 3 Schedule 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and 

Accordingly, the tribunal did not have jurisdiction to hear the claims. 

The employee appealed to the Employment Appeal Tribunal ("EAT") against the decision. The EAT held that:-

Decisions on whether or not a claim would be admitted out of time, for unfair dismissal or disability discrimination, were essentially questions of facts on which the tribunal should decide based upon the evidence submitted by the parties;

The onus of proof was on the claimant to show it was not reasonably practicable to bring an action within the three-month time limit;

If the claimant failed to discharge that burden of proof, his/her case would inevitably fail;

In this case, the claimant failed to attend the hearing and provide more evidence about his mental health; and 

The Tribunal was right in concluding that the employee had failed to provide an adequate explanation for filing his claim outside the time limit; and

The tribunal's decision would be upheld.

Colleges For Architecture, B.Ed And Law Helping Students In Non-Professional Courses

With the craze for technological subjects at its peak, there is sometimes the threat on the backtracking of the other important subjects like architecture, bachelor in education or even law. Apart from the fact that technical education and skills are important for an overall growth of the country in terms of technology, there are other streams also, which can make professionals out of the students. These courses have been gaining ground in the scenario of rush for engineering and medical streams.

Opportunities for the students of architecture are many. One thing that is required is that people, especially the students, should be ready, to take up the chance to study in the architecture colleges in India. Transcending the times, when such courses were not much in demand and were being overshadowed by the technical courses, a stage has been reached where the students are opting for architecture courses at the bachelor’s level.

To help in this endeavour of the students, many architecture colleges in India have come up, such as School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai, Birla Institute of Technology in Mesra, Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture in Chandigarh, Rizvi College of Architecture in Mumbai, etc.

Most of these colleges have well equipped labs and workshops with teachers who are proficient and well known in their fields.

It is obvious then, that students from far and wide, would like to get admissions in the best architecture colleges in India. Similarly, the requirements of teachers at primary and secondary levels, is very much necessary, if the foundation of education and gaining of knowledge has to be strengthened at the basic level.

For such a concept to come true, there is requirement of more teachers, who can get the required qualifications by enrolling and studying in the B.Ed colleges in India. Loretto College B.ed Department in Kolkata, Government College of Education in Chandigarh, St. Xavier’s College of Education in Patna, Loyola College of Education in Chennai, Army Institute of Education in Delhi, etc are some of the noteworthy institutes which have been imparting the B.ed courses to the students since long days.
Students, who are aspiring to become teachers after their education and those who like educating the students, should go for the courses as the pay structure and the professional satisfaction is quite good in being a teacher. Lawyers have become an important cog in the wheel of social system and are required to help people understand the different facets of the law of the land. In case of any legal tangle, the lawyers come for help.

It is required that they are competent enough to deal with such cases by the virtue of their education in law colleges in India, where the quality of education is of the highest standard. Students, who are aspiring to pursue such subjects, and not go for the conventional engineering and management courses, will pay rich dividends in the future. Not very difficult, these subjects are gradually gaining the attention in today’s competitive world, were people are looking at a variety of opportunities that would make them comfortable.

Colleges For Architecture, B.Ed And Law Helping Students In Non-Professional Courses

With the craze for technological subjects at its peak, there is sometimes the threat on the backtracking of the other important subjects like architecture, bachelor in education or even law. Apart from the fact that technical education and skills are important for an overall growth of the country in terms of technology, there are other streams also, which can make professionals out of the students. These courses have been gaining ground in the scenario of rush for engineering and medical streams.

Opportunities for the students of architecture are many. One thing that is required is that people, especially the students, should be ready, to take up the chance to study in the architecture colleges in India. Transcending the times, when such courses were not much in demand and were being overshadowed by the technical courses, a stage has been reached where the students are opting for architecture courses at the bachelor's level.

To help in this endeavour of the students, many architecture colleges in India have come up, such as School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai, Birla Institute of Technology in Mesra, Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture in Chandigarh, Rizvi College of Architecture in Mumbai, etc.

Most of these colleges have well equipped labs and workshops with teachers who are proficient and well known in their fields.

It is obvious then, that students from far and wide, would like to get admissions in the best architecture colleges in India. Similarly, the requirements of teachers at primary and secondary levels, is very much necessary, if the foundation of education and gaining of knowledge has to be strengthened at the basic level.

For such a concept to come true, there is requirement of more teachers, who can get the required qualifications by enrolling and studying in the B.Ed colleges in India. Loretto College B.ed Department in Kolkata, Government College of Education in Chandigarh, St. Xavier's College of Education in Patna, Loyola College of Education in Chennai, Army Institute of Education in Delhi, etc are some of the noteworthy institutes which have been imparting the B.ed courses to the students since long days.
Students, who are aspiring to become teachers after their education and those who like educating the students, should go for the courses as the pay structure and the professional satisfaction is quite good in being a teacher. Lawyers have become an important cog in the wheel of social system and are required to help people understand the different facets of the law of the land. In case of any legal tangle, the lawyers come for help.

It is required that they are competent enough to deal with such cases by the virtue of their education in law colleges in India, where the quality of education is of the highest standard. Students, who are aspiring to pursue such subjects, and not go for the conventional engineering and management courses, will pay rich dividends in the future. Not very difficult, these subjects are gradually gaining the attention in today's competitive world, were people are looking at a variety of opportunities that would make them comfortable.