591. Signs of Progress, One Year at a Time

Fighting Traffic by Peter D. Norton provides a detailed historical analysis of how the automobile became central to urban life in America. The book documents the concerted efforts by automobile manufacturers and enthusiasts to transform city streets into spaces dominated by cars, often at the expense of pedestrian rights and other forms of transportation. It explores the social and political dynamics that led to the car-centric culture prevalent in many American cities today.

This research by Saul Justin Newman explores how remarkable longevity records often show patterns of clerical errors and pension fraud. It highlights how the absence of vital registration and other factors contribute to these issues, particularly in regions like the United States and certain European countries. The study challenges the validity of 'Blue Zones' as areas of exceptional longevity.

In this book, Dan Buettner documents his research on the Blue Zones, areas around the world such as Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece, where people consistently live longer and healthier lives. Buettner identifies nine common lifestyle habits, known as the 'Power 9® principles,' which include moving naturally, having a sense of purpose, reducing stress, eating a plant-based diet, and maintaining strong social connections. The book provides detailed accounts of the research team’s observations and interviews with centenarians and their communities, offering practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own life to achieve better health and longevity.