Brad,

Your blog is great. I'm amazed about how similiar some of the thoughts that I've had, that you comment on. But in regards to this issue:

See my posts on digg if your interested (search for jaylaprade)
http://www.digg.com/hardware/USB_digital_TV_tuner_roundup
http://www.digg.com/tech_news/I_don_t_want_my_MTV

Anyway, I've thought further on this since I wrote about them. What about a neighborhood coopt for off the grid electricity? Solar and Wind is very viable in North County San Diego.
In addition to that one could create a small coopt small farms in the neighborhood. Each person manages one resource in their backyard and share with there neighbors. I raise chickens, you have various citricious trees. Another neighbor does leafy green vegatables. Etc.

The theory is applicable to much in society. What I think the problem is, is that people do not want to know all of their neighbors. If they have to share resources and actually get to know more about their neighbors they may not be able isolate themselves.

Anyway, I hope that will change.