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demographic inversion

This is the generation that grew up watching “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” and “Sex and the City,” mostly from the comfort of suburban sofas. We have gone from a sitcom world defined by “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” to one that offers a whole range of urban experiences and enticements.

They are drawn to the densely packed urban life that they saw on television and found vastly more interesting than the cul-de-sac world they grew up in. And, by and large, I believe central cities will give it to them.

We will never return–nor would most of us want to return–to the close-knit but frequently constricting form of community life that prevailed 50 years ago. But, as we rearrange ourselves in and around many of our big cities, we are groping toward the new communities of the twenty-first century.

Deindustrialization, lower crime rates, higher gas prices, and a young population adopting different lifestyles than their parents have contributed to the general flight from today’s car-dependent surbia and into urban environments. Very similar comparisons can be made today that parallel the demographic inversion of European cities of the mid-19th century. Continue reading Alan Ehrenhalt’s piece on Urban Inversion.

Alan Ehrenhalt is executive editor of Governing Magazine and author of The United States of Ambition and The Lost City.

Banksy: graffiti and Louvre

British urban and graffiti artist Banksy and some of his latest pieces. Banksy hails from Bristol, UK and his artwork is often satirical pieces of politics, culture, and ethics.

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish… but that’s only if it’s done properly.

urban ballet

Macaframa PDX premiere

Macaframa, a film based on the culture of urban track/fixed riding, will premiere Sunday December 14 at Backspace. Prior to the screening, organizers will host an alleycat race beginning in Southeast Portland at Colonel Summers Park (20th and Belmont) and ending with the screening at Backspace (115 NW 5th). Race begins at 4pm and the premiere kicks off at 6:30 pm. Expect excellent cinematography from directors Colby Elrick and Colin Arlen accompanied with some of the best fixed riders on the Left Coast..

“Macaframa dudes are awesome. Their premieres have been packed. Look out for some amazing track bike cinematography.”

19th Arrondissement–La haine attire la haine!

Writer-director Mathieu Kassovitz’s, La Haine (1995), highlights the marginalization within France’s  banlieues. Hands-down one of my favorite films ( also a Cannes Film Festival winner), if not a cinematography masterpiece.

…butts European urbanity up against American street style as kids clash with cops in suburban Paris.

Here is how the film relates to current society.

The bicycle solution

Rising gas prices, increasing environmental concern, and a seemingly obese nation have all contributed to increases in demand for our more humble modus operandi, the bicycle. Unlike most industries bicycle manufacturing has to an effect zero barriers of entry, and as a result maintains one of the most competitive and innovative market environments. Read the article, via Economist.

Bicycle and car production grew pretty much in tandem in the two decades beginning in 1950. But since 1970 bike production has nearly quadrupled while car production has roughly doubled.

Subconscious art of graffiti removal

A film by Matt McCormick & Rodeo Film Company; I recognize this everyday while  cruising the cut-through.

The official website is here.

Urban Nostalgia

Vintage photographs of American cities in the 1950s here.