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City Lights

Do you live in the city or have an interest in urban issues? Come here to enjoy fresh articles on community, commuting, culture, faith, healthcare, homelessness, neighbors, loneliness, pollution, shopping, traffic, urban living, volunteerism, waste and more.

The Real Boss - Did you catch the results of a recent online contest to determine the “worst boss in America?” Working America, a worker’s rights advocacy group sponsored the contest.

Second Life - If you’re bored, generally frustrated, or just sick and tired of how the world is currently treating you, then why not become someone or something else?

Should You Commute? - Americans spend more time commuting to work each year than they do taking a vacation. That is what the latest data gathered by the Census Bureau shows.

The Layoff - The air was thick with apprehension and foreboding. Methodically, we all went about our work, staring blankly at our computer screens, shuffling papers on our desks, organizing our cubes. It was hard to concentrate.

Neighborhood Renewal - Reinvent existing neighborhoods—what a concept! Whether urban or suburban, neighborhoods can become places where there are strong connections with people, local traditions, and nature.

No Place to Go - It certainly does not enhance the quality of life in most urban neighborhoods to have homeless people sleeping on heating grates and sitting on doorsteps.

Temporary Trials - I was just putting my belt and shoes back on when the airport security agent approached me holding the black pocketbook.

Lottery Guy - As I journeyed through graduate school at a Christian university in Michigan, I landed a part-time job as a phone chaplain on campus.

The Sound of Colors - The imagination is a powerful thing. Use yours to imagine a child in the city—a child whose eyesight has faded away. How would you describe the scenario?

Loneliness/Solitude - I sat alone in a crowded train station in a large German city. The winter holidays were approaching and the weather was damp and chilly. I had a long wait before my train departed.

On the Road - When your brain is too wired from a hectic workday to concentrate on learning something new, just de-stress by listening to relaxing or inspirational music or spending time in meditation or prayer.

Who Lives Downtown? - One of the most successful ways that cities have tried to revitalize “downtown” (the central business district) is to increase the number of homes—usually apartments and condos.

The Spice of Life - Her name was Spice. Young and pretty, she had an attitude to match her name. She owned nothing except the clothes on her back and the shoes on her feet.

Who's At Fault? - The Bible record tells us of a blind man that Jesus walked by as He strode the pathways of ancient Israel. His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents."

Metropolitan Blind Spots - The largest areas of need in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. may be the inner ring of suburbs around the central city. This is the key finding in a new study from the Brookings Institution.

Urban Gardening - My first experience in urban gardening took place during the bicentennial celebration of the founding of the United States of America. Newly married, we lived in a city mission on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End.

Freeway Shootings - In March 2005, 4 people were shot while driving on southern California freeways in what appeared to be random shootings.

Losing My Signal - What had happened to my radio? For several days, I had noticed that my favorite Christian radio station was a fading jumble of music and speech. The signal had always been loud and clear.

Non-Profit Pharmacy - Possibly the only non-profit pharmacy in the United States is located in the Cincinnati neighborhood known as Over-the-Rhine.

Reading Before Praying - I have not placed reading before praying because I regard it more important, but because, in order to pray aright, we must understand what we are praying for.

Celestial Boulevard - They are building a new freeway through my town. Recently, the city held a grand opening of sorts, to celebrate the completion of a major stretch of roadway.

Longing For Paradise - I was on my way home from work one steamy August afternoon after gutting the inside of a house I was remodeling.

Books Boost Moods - The Harrison County (Mississippi) Library System is distributing books free of charge to residents in Biloxi and D’Iberville who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Stress at Work - A whopping 34 percent of workers are dissatisfied with how much stress they face at work. Is your job stressing you out? Don’t feel alone.

Silence and Service - The title of the book was "The Divine Conspiracy." It examines Jesus’ strategy for developing a corps of agents to spread the principles of His Kingdom here in this broken world.

Traveling With God - It’s that time of year again when people cram themselves, their children and half their belongings into an automobile of some type and set off across the country in search of something called a vacation.

Sudden Collapse - Years ago when I lived in Florida, I remember driving to Orlando on a business trip and stopping to see a disaster in the making.

Spreading Diversity - As recently as a decade ago, a fairly decent argument could be made that America really isn’t the “melting pot” (or “salad bowl,” as some prefer) that the media has made it out to be.

Elderly and Cities - “In a 2005 survey by the National League of Cities, more city officials said they were concerned about the increase in elderly (72%) than other demographic changes such as rapid growth (58%), immigration (54%) and increasing ...

Habitat House - Shiny new keys in hand, it was clear Jean-Pierre Nzambonimana and his family would be home for the holidays. John-Pierre, his wife, Beatrice, and their eight children are the latest to receive a new home on behalf...

Countryside on a Hill? - Growing up in the church, I often heard the phrase or observed the mentality of “run to the hills.” Indeed the glorification of country living and the idolizing of the “simple life” seems a constant theme.

The Suburbs and Crime - The research shows “how our rates of loneliness, depression, suicides and violence all escalated dramatically with the development of sprawl.”

Sunsets or Sportscars? - This morning I set out on a walk just as night gave way to day. As I scanned the western horizon, twilight turned powdery blue frosted by a thin layer of pink cotton.

Shoot That Car - If you've ever felt frustrated by a car alarm that wouldn't stop ringing, perhaps you can empathize with the California guy who finally took matters into his own hands.

Salt for Ernie - The bus from Aurora into downtown Seattle was crowded, people standing in the aisles.

Be Still - We live in a restless world. Everything seems to be in perpetual motion. Ever notice the TV commercials? Don’t even try to keep up with their kaleidoscopic imagery.

Nothing is Ordinary - Do you ever get the feeling that your life is terribly ordinary? I think we all feel this way at times.

Christmased Out! - Another Christmas has come and gone. It seems the Christmas displays went up in stores as soon as the Halloween decorations came down.

Not Only Mary's Song - As I was driving to work this morning I was listening to the Christian radio station here in Orlando, Forida. And this song came on, a Christmas song I was familiar with.

Lost and Found - Have you ever lost anything really big and important, like your vehicle? Not long ago this happened when I paid a visit to a new shopping mall.

My Native Land - One of the most memorable days of my life was the day I arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh for the first time since I left as a baby. I am adopted, and was not raised in the my birth country.

Inner City Hospitals - One good result of the 1965 Watts riots was the establishment, soon thereafter, of the Martin Luther King Jr., Charles R. Drew Medical Center, the first hospital in the African American community in south central Los Angeles.

Out of the Cold - Whether you are a person at risk seeking help or a good neighbor who wants to help at-risk families in your community, there are tools available to you to do something, whether it is for one household or many.

Would You Change? - I was watching the Today Show this morning and Tracy Chapman, a popular musician, sang a song called Change.

Midnight Laundry - The knock on our door came at about 3 a.m. I nudged Philip awake. “Someone’s knocking,” I said groggily. He popped up to see what was the matter, and I turned to look at the clock, assuming it must be morning.

The City God Loved - The story of Jonah is one of the greatest stories in the entire Bible. This one is probably more well-known than most because of the seemingly impossible premise.

Prayer Solutions - There was a well-known self-help article that featured letters from people who touted themselves with monikers like “single and looking,” “frazzled and fickle,” and yes, “hurried and hopeless."

Ode to Amy - It is the Memorial Day weekend when we remember those who have defended freedom. Cemeteries hold services and there are parades, picnics and family gatherings.

Rush Hour Remedy - One warm and sunny day when I was nine years old, my younger brother and sister and I were playing in front of our house.

Modern Illusions - Two thousand years ago in Alexandria, Egypt pagan temples competed for worshipers. In order to get the attention of the people, priests in these pagan temples had to come up with schemes and new inventions to create awe.

Whack-A-Mole Days - Do you ever have days when your life seems cluttered with difficult situations?

Restored Hearts - Our society is obsessed with the past. We love old records, movies and photographs. We restore old cars, furniture, houses, and anything else that can be salvaged.

The Good Orlandoan - It’s so easy to get caught up in being a “good Christian” for the wrong reasons. This is a lesson I learned not 30 minutes ago driving down I-4 in Orlando, Fla.

Tale of Two Workers - Greg (not his real name) was a well paid, middle aged manager in a large California manufacturing plant where I once worked. Lytle (his real name) is an older food service worker who makes a modest salary working for a...

My Secretary - Working as a substitute teacher is a job I really enjoy. I like the variety of classroom settings and the change of students from class to class. And at the end of the day, I go home without taking papers with me to grade.

Let the Fire Fall - Yosemite National Park is one of our earth's great treasures. Here in one place the eye can rest on many waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs and magnificent vistas.

Stop Requested - My first trip to Oahu does not read like a travel journal. There were no 5 star hotels or plush rental cars.

Mongo - Do you enjoy flea markets? Have you been known to frequent thrift stores? Does your car automatically slow to a halt when you pass a garage sale?

Spiritual Starvation - During college I took a year off to work in a church center in New York City. One morning on my day off, I put a peanut butter sandwich into my lunch box, strapped it on the rack on the back of my bicycle and headed out of town.

Suburban Nation - The urban landscapes of the US are vast and often intimidating. Most Christians in America have grown up in a time that glorified rural life and denigrated city life.

What Is a "Green" City? - Does the term “green city” make any sense? There is a growing movement across the U.S. and around the world for cities to become more environmentally conscious.

Sex Sells - In case you haven't noticed, sex is big business. It sells cars, clothing, food, furniture, jewelry, music, pharmaceuticals, and just about every other comsumer-oriented product you can think of.

Mission Possible - At the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England an exhibition is currently running that is titled Mission Impossible? The focus of the display is art restoration.

The Real Thing - Here's a fun challenge; see if you can fill in the blanks of the following marketing messages:

Seeing Blindly - Jerome Groopman, M.D., is a professor at Harvard University Medical School, chief of experimental medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and one of the world’s leading researchers in cancer and AIDS.

A Different Course - During the Los Angeles riots and hurricane Katrina we caught a glimpse of what happens when people follow their natural instincts.

Problem and Solution - As science journals, newspapers and magazine increasingly shout at us from the headlines that we are changing our planet, there seems to be an accompanying feeling of helplessness against this atmospheric tide.

Plugged In - Last summer, my kids and I drove my daughter’s vehicle from Southern California to the Phoenix area where we left it parked in the family garage.

Keep Smiling - The department I work for is moving. It is “just” a move from one building to a different one six miles away. I say “just” because six years ago they moved the department from California to Texas.

Big City Exercise - Living or working in a big city can make getting enough exercise a challenge. Here are some tips for getting more physical movement into your day:

Off Course - Tobi Gutt recently dicovered that a tiny mistake can turn into a huge problem. The 21-year-old German decided to take a four week vacation to visit his girlfriend in the metropolis of Sydney, Australia.

Pandemic Preparations - In densely populated areas, it is crucial that residents and community leaders prepare for severe flu outbreaks, especially pandemics.

Tongue Tied - Not long ago, I observed a boss yelling at one of his employees. His back was turned to the door as I passed quietly through the hallway.

The Hard Truth - One morning an excited Bostonian rushed into the office of a Dr. Everett. A local newspaper had published an article about him, he said, which severely criticized his conduct.

NeighbourLink - In the past, anyone who approached a church in Calgary, Alberta, requesting assistance, might already have made the same request of half a dozen other churches.

City Blessings - In June of this year my family and I moved from a relatively quiet and stable suburban community outside Philadelphia to Los Angeles.

He Saved Me - Year before last, Christmas Eve, I received an early present. It was the greatest present that could be given, the gift of life.

Anger is Hell - I have the privilege of working with many angry people. They are angry because of all the hurt and abuse they have endured during their lives.

The Golden Rule - Has your blood ever begun to boil as you trailed behind a pokey freeway driver? In frustration, you zoom around them on the left wondering what they’re even doing on the road anyway. Then one day you have car trouble

"Bling" - "Bling-bling" is a hip hop slang term which refers to expensive jewelry and other accoutrements, and also to an entire lifestyle built around excess spending and ostentation.

The Least of These - “Who could that be knocking this early in the morning?” I wondered. It was November 1 and the weather seemed to know it. We’d had a hard freeze the night before and I was thankful for a warm house on a cold morning.

Wake Up Call - Are your kids giving you a hard time? I recently read about a 12-year-old girl who “set her sleeping mother’s bed on fire and took off in the family car to fake an abduction of herself and her two younger siblings.”

Ordinary Heroes - Gene Autry. Bob Barker. Lassie. Jane Fonda. John Lennon. Mae West. Big Bird. Not individuals you’d expect to find in the same place.

Wounded Heart - Many years ago, a first-year-representative to the New York State Assembly received a telegram at his Albany office commanding, Come home now! Just the day before, his wife had given birth to a baby girl.

Sammy - Being an outdoor person, I often frequented “the arbor” at my last place of employment. It was in that park like setting, where I began to rub shoulders with Sammy.

High Tech Faith? - You might not know this, but the Philippines is the text-message capital of the world. First of all, everyone has a cell phone in the Philippines.

Church Sells Air - Christ Church United Methodist in Manhattan is $30 million richer. The source of the bonanza? Air. More specifically, it sold the air space above the church.

Stop the World, I Want Off - In western culture we fill every waking moment of each day with activity. Self-worth and personal success is closely associated with how productive we are.

The Silver Lining - Have you ever been really annoyed by something, such as a traffic jam on the freeway, a leaking roof, or a flat tire?

Eating Cornflakes - Several years ago I had the privilege of meeting a very successful guitar player who lived in Los Angeles. A mutual friend had introduced us to one another and I will never forget our first meeting. When I entered his nice...

Dollar Store Accident - It was another bleak cold day in southwestern Michigan. Although Christmas was coming, I was not really filled with the joy of the spirit when I went into the local dollar store to buy some cleaning supplies.

Purple People Bridge - The adventurous at heart should definitely plan a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio. The Purple People Bridge is a pedestrian-only walkway over the Ohio River and connects downtown Cincinnati with Northern Kentucky.

Children in Poverty - More than a quarter of the children in America's 50 largest cities (28%) live in poverty as compared to less than one in five (18%) for the entire nation.

So Many Voices - Have you noticed how difficult it is today to find peace and quiet? There are so many distractions and interruptions, sometimes it's hard to stay focused. Many cities have noise ordinances to try and control "noise pollution."

Welcoming Tolerance - With so many headlines featuring limitations that suggest segregation, it is a relief to see “Cities make quiet plea for tolerance.”

Itchy Palm - On a recent trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, I found something that flourishes there besides jungle. No, it wasn’t the beautiful, white sand beaches, although they were in abundance.

Rain and Rainbows - I lugged my bags to the airline check-in desk for the second time in 12 hours. An unexpected closing of Dallas/Fort Worth airport the previous evening had meant an extra night in Nashville and rebooking on the first morning flight.

Just What I Needed - It seems to me that trying circumstances seem to arrive in groups.Things will be smooth for a little while, and then the trials roll in. And they don’t have to necessarily be major trials.

Roaring Lambs - I never thought I would be working in an advertising agency located downtown. But I do. I work in bustling downtown Orlando, Fla. It’s nothing compared to New York City or Atlanta...

Faith and Urban Culture - Tim Keller is not well known. Yet he may well be the most successful evangelist in New York City. He is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church which holds services in four different locations in Manhattan.

Information is Power - Have you ever thought of serving on the planning or zoning board for your neighborhood or municipality? Perhaps the technical jargon, legal details and bureaucratic procedures were a put-off.

Surviving the Future - It takes a special eye to look at a weed-choked empty lot festooned with broken bottles and rusty metal objects—to look beyond the sour-smelling earth and rustling sounds of mice and rats to see a high-rise building.

Dream Palaces—Bookstores - For many people, bookstores are dream palaces—a place to let imaginations soar, to escape daily life.

Out of the Dark - On November 13, 1857, the Boston Globe headlines read: “ENERGY CRISIS LOOMS.” The subheading said: “World May Go Dark since Whale Blubber So Scarce.” Evidently this energy thing is nothing new.

Quiet Time - My seven-year-old son chatted happily with me as we made our way, hand-in-hand, down the shaded dirt road that would lead to our destination.

The Power of Trust - E.M. Forster, English novelist and essayist, once said, "If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I should hope I should have the guts to betray my country."

Finding A Job - Four months passed by, and I was still out of a job. Desperation set in. The bills kept pouring in—but the paychecks did not.

Living Downtown - In an effort to triple its downtown population by 2030, the city of San Diego has started an advertising campaign. The theme is “Simplify your life. . .live downtown.”

Thriving Without Cars - The summer driving season is starting, and gasoline prices are higher than ever. A city that thrives without cars or trucks sounds attractive—maybe even an answer to prayer.

Blumberg's Dreams - In 1954, Herschel W. Blumberg bought more than 50 acres in the northern part of Prince George’s County in Maryland.

Cities of the Future - Cities in the future will amaze as well as continue to be gathering places, according to the February 27, 2006, edition of "USA Today" in its report about the winners of the National Engineers Week Future City Competition.

City Gardens - Flowers and green plants offset the hard surfaces that define and dominate cities. With tight budgets, many cities depend on organized efforts by gardening groups.

Historic Church Burns - Pilgrim Baptist Church on Chicago's South Side was destroyed by fire on January 7, 2006.

Black Youth Study - For many low-income Black urban youth, sex is seen as little more than a transaction, and mainstream messages about sex, love, and relationships are having little impact in the inner city.

Then and Now - Decades later, one of the survivors of the devastating earthquake in San Francisco shared her memories of being a ten-year-old girl whose life changed after 5:12 a.m. on April 18, 1906.

Security vs. Access - Traditionally, churches have served as places of safety and refuge. When all other doors were closed, churches (especially those in cities) were open.

Joy Through a Killjoy - I work in a shared office with several other women. It's a fun, laid-back environment. When we're not busy, we chat and laugh, we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and we've been know to inflict harmless pranks on our good-natured boss.

The Unwelcome Guests - Jen Colter, like so many others, decided to ride out the storm (Katrina) from her home. After all, her house in Bay St. Louis had never before flooded.

Jesus Meets Jesus - I met Jesus at a conference of Christian managers. But his story is a little out of the ordinary. The conference was hosted in a beautiful facility in Dallas, Texas, and the organizers had done a fantastic job at putting together a good program.

Tackling Challenges - Everybody encounters challenges, but some handle them better than others. It seems to me that unexpected difficulties are life’s pop quizzes.

Prayer Station - Youth and young adults took to the streets of New York City to protest recently. No, it’s not what you’re thinking.

Commuter Options Program - It’s not only people who move to the suburbs. Places of employment have gone there, too. And therein lies the challenge for low income people.

Love Your Neighbors - Space is at a premium in urban neighborhoods as reported in the February 5, 2006, "Washington Post."

Sidewalk Art - There has been an explosion of art in urban neighborhoods in recent years. This includes large murals painted on the sides of buildings and outdoor sculptures in parks and squares.

Immigration Debate - Nearly a thousand immigrants participated in a rally in downtown Philadelphia to show their impact as workers on the city. In addition, organizers suggested that immigrant workers call in sick for the day.

Beyond Churchill Downs - With the British monarch and her husband in the stands, the Kentucky Derby drew the eyes of the world on the first Saturday in May 2007.

Selling Cleveland - The clever headline caught my eye. A new campaign to promote northeast Ohio is nearing launch by the Greater Cleveland Marketing Alliance.

Prague's Royal Route - Interesting details abound along the route followed by Czech kings on the “Royal Route,” Prague’s famous coronation path.

City Life Features - The eye-catching headline “Urban News Fit For a King” appeared in the April 2007 edition of the National Geographic Traveler. The magazine features a variety of urban cultural events and places.

Urban Photo Contest - Urban Landscapes is one category of a photography competition for both amateur and professional photographers. National Geographic Traveler (NGT) and Photo District News are sponsoring “World in Focus:

Risky Levees - Densely populated areas such as Springfield, Mass.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Hartford, Conn., are just some of 146 communities across the United States that have flood protection levees.

Financial Freedom - The Individual Development Account (IDA) is a tool to help poor people build economic assets.

Emergency Food Crisis - Now these helpers need help! “Donations are down and the need is up,” explains Michael Martinez, writing in the Chicago Tribune.

Urban Experiment - Located in the county of Dorset [England], Poundbury “is Prince Charles’ dream made real, his answer to the ‘unadulterated ugliness and mediocrity’ of typical housing estates and the ‘heartlessness of so much urban...

Birth of a City - Ask people about how communities develop and responses will vary. During a recent conversation, one person reacted negatively when the subject of “town center” developments was raised.

Traffic Congestion - Residents of urban areas experience traffic congestion on a regular basis. From 1995 to 2005, the number of miles driven on U.S. highways and major roads rose 85%.

One of the Least... - The first time I saw Tommie he was lurching across the street toward the tent campaign I was conducting in a Midwestern city. It certainly was not unusual for the inebriated to frequent this type of public meeting.

What a Name! - Some cities adopt slogans as a way to build identity and attract tourism. Perhaps one of the most recognized is “Icebox of the Nation,” the label adopted by International Falls, Minnesota, that alludes to the...

Jesus Carries a Sign - “Will Work 4 Food.” “Please help me. I’m hungry. God bless you!” “Need money for beer.” The signs are as varied as the people who hold them.

Cradle of Intellect - Three cities shaped Western civilization: Rome, Athens, and Alexandria, Egypt. The first two cities excelled in war and trade. The third focused on the mind.

Helping the Homeless - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has joined leaders of at least 285 communities in taking positive steps to end, or at least to radically reduce, the number of homeless within a decade.

Public Transit Grows - As the traffic jams on America’s highways get worse, more and more people are turning to mass transit. This includes light rail, such as subway, elevated or monorail; and commuter trains and even dedicated busways.

Movie About Metros - A documentary that examines the decline of urban neighborhoods and expansion of the suburbs uses Cleveland, Ohio, as a case study.

Welcome Home - Today’s real estate market has gone belly up in many parts of the county. Areas that were booming 18 months ago with housing prices appreciating overnight, have now settled in, even plummeted in some former “hot spots.”

Neighborhoods at Risk - When businesses are sold or close, changes take place in a neighborhood. As the mix of neighborhood elements is altered, the impact deepens more than one might expect.

Largest Donation - The Salvation Army received the largest donation in the history of charitable giving from Jean Kroc—$1.5 billion. The gift does have strings attached.

Hollywood and Religion - Money still talks in Hollywood, and the $371 million success of Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ got their attention.

Not Enough Wages - Minimum wage does not pay the rent. This is true on a nation-wide average.

Caught In Traffic - Has driving become a pain because you spend more time stopping than going? Do you hate being caught by traffic signals?

Christmas Her Way - Tonight I pulled out our family’s photo album to remember Christmases past. The pictures of Christmas 1996 when our daughter was three-years-old are priceless to me.

Housing Gimmicks - A slowing housing market inspires creativity in listing agents and sellers. Rather than cutting prices, the search is on for added value.

"Urban “Villages” - The trend in community development is to re-create “village” areas that combine residential, offices, and retail properties. These defined areas aren’t large, but they are smartly designed.

Firehouse for Sale - Structures in cities often have second, third, or even fourth lives, depending on how their square footage is used. Case in point: the historic Fire Station No. 1 located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.

Extreme Commutes - People who live within earshot of major highways such as I-95 and the Capital Beltway (I-495) know that “rush hour” starts well before 5 a.m.

Clarendon - Clarendon is an urban village, located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is a study in contrasts, and its history reflects many of the cycles that have challenged city neighborhoods.

City Newspapers - Long an integral part of daily life in the city, some major newspapers are struggling. With more people turning to the Internet for information, traditional newspapers are redefining their format and function.

New Zoo Looks - Zoological parks have been part of the culture of many cities. Though many zoos date back decades, new habitats are being constructed to better reflect the area from which the animals originate.

The Best Cities - The urban experience varies with many factors affecting people’s opinions. The November 2006 edition of Conde Nast Traveler featured the Readers’ Choice Awards for the top 100, the Best in the World.

Familiar Facades - Ever feel like you’ve seen a building in more than one city? Think of your favorite city scenes and their facades. What if you saw one building in three other cities or six or nine, maybe 12?

Urban Air Pollution - “While Hong Kong still has better air quality than many other cities in Asia, including Beijing, it lags far behind most cities in the developed world with equally sophisticated economies.”

Playground Friction - Playgrounds were destinations of choice for a lot of children when they were growing up. Now as young adults they are demanding that those same playgrounds be modified to include volleyball courts and dog parks.

Creative Classes - Author of “The Rise of the Creative Class,” Richard Florida now lives in Washington, DC. Based on implementation of his theories in Pittsburgh, his book has caught the attention of people involved in community development.

Parisian Parks - If one counts the amount of land devoted to parks, Paris is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Almost 30% of the city’s land is found in 450 parks and gardens—about 7,400 acres.

Fresher Shopping - Inner city neighborhoods are not known for their grocery stores. With the concern about obesity and other diseases, the lack of fresh food shopping is a problem for poorer urbanites.

Urban Fishing - One usually doesn’t associate fishing for striped bass and bluefish with the urban experience. However, if you believe this, you better adjust your perception.

Look Up! - One of my early memories is looking at a magazine picture of workmen sitting on beams of skyscrapers under construction in New York City.

The Storm - Children suffer during disasters. As an author of children’s books, Barbara Barbieri McGrath felt that much could be learned from children who had experienced Hurricane Katrina.

Gulfport Revitalization - Looking to the future is a sign of recovery. Despite the blue tarps that huddle on rooftops across the region during the recovery effort after Hurricane Katrina, residents along the Gulf Coast are getting on with life.

Disaster Master Plans - It was my first post-Katrina arrival by air in Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi. As the plane descended, I studied the scenery. Both in-land and along the coastline I could see evidence of the destruction wrought more than a year ago.

Predatory Lenders - Predatory lenders dot the urban landscape. Signs advertising “payday loans” are widely visible, especially in lower economic neighborhoods. Sad to say, these are not the only institutions preying on people...

Faux Town Centers - The breeze ruffled the graceful grasses and lavender plants while insects sang. We sat on a park bench enjoying the full moon and the movement of people strolling by.

City Transformation - The headline on the cover of the October 2006 Dwell magazine caught my eye: “New Homes, Transformed Cities.” Opening the issue, I found fascinating profiles about dwellings in three different parts of the United States:

Katrina Picture Project - “We’re going to be part of the one-year report on Katrina! NBC Evening News had a camera crew and a senior producer here for more than six hours,” the caller’s voice vibrated with excitement.

Growing Towns - The process of growth challenges cities and communities on different levels. Some have increasing population but a limited amount of land.

Bluegrass Threatened - In Lexington, Kentucky, the debate of sprawl vs. beauty is raging as developers eye the property leading up to Blue Grass Airport.

Drones on Patrol - As the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, new stories about New Orleans are being shared.

National Volunteers - With a vision for community service, Michael Brown and Alan Khazei founded “City Year” in 1988.

Krakow--World Treasure - In 965, a Jewish merchant from Cordoba described Krakow, Poland, as an important trading center.

"Green" Gulf Coast - With communities destroyed by hurricanes along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Alabama in the past year, there are many opportunities to use “green” technology in the rebuilding process.

Best Cities for Living - Ever get the urge to change your job and move to a new community? Since you’re probably not alone in dreaming of what might be, various media periodically promote best places to live.

Heros and Villans - According to Scripture, earth's final events will cause men's hearts to fail as they anticipate the horrific things that are coming upon the earth.

Helping Vacations - It’s summertime, and vacations are at the top of most to-do lists. While some people are headed to beaches or mountains or homes of friends or relatives, some are finding rejuvenation through service.

Grand City Hotels - What makes a great city? According to a new book, grand hotels should be added to factors such as political power and dominating world trade.

Boswell Seeks Change - The gritty, lower section of Boswell Avenue is a small neighborhood fighting to outrun a citywide reputation for its crime.

The ‘New’ Urbanism - Imagine buying a city. Completed in 2004, the sale of the Rouse Company included the city of Columbia, Maryland, and 37 malls. The cost was $7.2 billion.

Cody's Closes - Cody’s Books opened on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California, in 1956. It soon became a neighborhood cultural institution of the type that helps to give a community real character.

Bergen Heritage - The city of Bergen, Norway, is one of 800 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bergen was one of the main centers of the Hanseatic League.

Job Growth Slows - Trends in hiring and hourly wages indicate mixed news about the U.S. economy and the possibility of inflation. The U.S. Department of Labor report for May 2006 indicates that the economy is cooling.

When Disaster Strikes - We almost didn’t leave,” she said. “Our two children have a terminal disease, and they were so fragile. We weren’t sure they would survive the stress of evacuation. I am very thankful that we went.

Summer Is Here - Ah, Memorial Day—the traditional start to summer—is finally here! In Dayton, Ohio, residents welcome summer during “RiverBlast,” a family-friendly festival.

St. Louis Blooms - St Louis anchors the eastern side of the state of Missouri. Symbolized by the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, the city was a center of manufacturing thanks to its location on the Mississippi River.

Dayton's Urban Nights - With fuel prices skyrocketing, more people are interested in shorter commutes and communities that have a full range of services within walking distance.

Farewell to Activist - The headline announced a loss for anyone who cares about the delicate balance necessary for urban areas: “Jane Jacobs, 89; Writer, Activist Spoke Out Against Urban Renewal.”

Earth Day, Every Day - April 22 marked the 37th anniversary of Earth Day. For some communities it was the day when people volunteered several hours on a variety of projects, for others the day was the conclusion of a week or two devoted community efforts.

Rebuilding Louisiana - The goals that have been set as Louisiana rebuilds after hurricane devastation make sense for the future of any community.

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