Fertility crisis? Who says?

Taiwan is a very intelligent place. Women are respected. Smart. Education is a priority. Smart. Cities are clean. Smart. Public transit is excellent. Again, smart.

These conditions lead to a low birth rate. Is that a problem. It shouldn't be.

We have to stop measuring the economy by growth. Why does growth have to be the goal?

Why not do as Bhutan does and measure gross nation happiness.

Gross National Happiness comprises of four pillars:

1. equitable and equal socio-economic development,
2. preservation and promotion of cultural and spiritual heritage,
3. conservation of environment and
4. good governance which are interwoven, complementary, and consistent.

Taiwan buses are comfortable

If you want people to ride #publictransit. Make it comfortable. Taiwan does.

 Facing seats for sociability, with plenty of hand hold bars for getting up and down

Individual air conditioning control. Yes, this is a public bus.

In Taiwan, respect for women is enforced on #publictransit

In Taiwan, gender equality is part of school curriculum. Public transit has ad campaigns against sexual harassment. Whistles hang from the strap supports on buses which may be used to alert passengers and driver if someone feels harassed.

Taiwan very bike-friendly, but cars gaining year by year.

Taiwan, compared to the U.S., is very bicycle-friendly. It is not uncommon to see elderly people pedaling happily and safely in heavy traffic. Motor scooters are more common and are allowed to filter through car traffic, making them more appealing for getting around quickly. Bike lanes can be found within pedestrian crossings--common at major intersections. Bike sharing serves 25,000 a day, with the first 30 minutes free.

Taipei experiencing hottest June in history

Do we have an aggressive plan to reduce fossil-fuel use?

CNA: "Taipei, June 30 (CNA) The past 30 days are set to become the hottest June on record in Taipei since the city's weather station was established in 1896, the Central Weather Bureau said Sunday."