#city-living
LightNews LightNews
anemicleaf.bsky.social
I swear I mistake a random tall, fat, balding, white man with a beard as my abuser at least once a week (so basically, every time I leave the house). I hate living in the same city as this dude 😩
January 7, 2026 at 1:32 AM
greenleejw.bsky.social
Will you be working this year on a book or article that's going to need #maps? Let me help! I draw custom maps for a living!

I draw each map by hand, to my clients' specifications, & each is unique. You can find out more on my website:

surprisedeelmaps.com

Here's some recent examples of my work:
A Surprised Eel Map showing South America, with all of the countries named and the borders done in a light grey so that they are visible, but not obvious. The map shows the Amazon River, as well as the Rio de la Plata, the Parana River, and the Tiete River. The most salient part of the map is a series of large dark colored arrows, labeled "Flying Rivers." Each arrow is numbered, and has a shadow below it to suggest that it is floating above the map. The first arrow begins in the Atlantic ocean and goes west over the continent. The next turns back at the Andes, and then the last few split off of that into three different arrows that wind their way southeastward. There are lines showing evaporation in the atlantic, rain and evaporation over the Amazon, and lines showing rain the souther part of the continent. There is a key which reads: Life of a Flying River 1.Equatorial water evaporates off the ocean and is carried westward by trade winds 2. Cycles of evapotranspiration over the rainforest lead to emergence of an atmospheric ("flying") river 3. Colliding with the Andes, the flying river turns southward while feeding the headwaters of the Amazon basin 4. Continuing southeast, flying rivers carry accumulated water to distant parts of the continent via rainfall A black and white map showing a city plan for ancient Mycenae. Art. A greyscale map of southern Africa showing different biomes. The map map key indicates 7 different biomes: Succulent Karoo; Fynbos; Albany Thicket; India Ocean Coastal Belt; Mixed Woodland; Grassland; Nama-Karoo; and Kalahari Savanna. Each is represented on the may by a different shade of grey, with areas of more rainfall being darker, and areas of less rainfall being lighter. Several of the rivers are labeled, as is the Indian Ocean. Map of the globe, with Europe in the center. The map mostly does not show Oceania. The map is colored to look like an old-timey parchment maps. There are 15 drawings of various cultural artifacts on the map, each inside a black circle with an arrow pointing to the artifact's location in the world. A map title, written on what looks like torn parchment, reads, "Some Places and Treasures, Section 3: 1300 - 1500" There is a red dragon in the water. I've shown him before, so I'll share his alt-text again: A red sea serpent with little wings or fins. He might be a stupid dragon. His long, long tail curves several times before vanishing into the water behind him. You can't tell where in the world we are, as there are no landmarks. The serprent's tongue is yellow, like he's just popped a banana slug into his mouth. His expression kinda looks that way, too. His eyes are wide and his maw is open in something that looks like surprise. Like someone just pinched his butt in the middle of his quarterly earnings presentation. His name is Speril, and he is an only child
January 7, 2026 at 1:20 AM
wandnews.bsky.social
With the holidays over, the City of Decatur has a unique way to find new life for your Christmas tree. Residents can recycle living Christmas trees to serve as fish habitats in Lake Decatur.
Christmas trees find new life as fish habitats in Lake Decatur
With the holidays over, the City of Decatur has a unique way to find new life for your Christmas tree.
www.wandtv.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 AM
lyra.sanya.gay
living a state away from a city that has the us's entire trans population living in it, and not being able to move there is a form of torture
January 7, 2026 at 1:11 AM
nkburns3.bsky.social
Sending your kid to LAUSD: free
Riding LA Metro: $1.75
Borrowing a book from the LA Public Library: free
Living in the greatest city on earth: priceless
January 7, 2026 at 12:49 AM
vangreens.bsky.social
The pressure to find stable, "affordable" rental living is driving people to take unnecessary risks that the city needs to start mitigating. As @ptfry.bsky.social says, more accountability is required to protect renters from bad-acting landlords.

#VanPoli #RentVancouver
A clip from the Vancouver Sun article, "The risks desperate Vancouver renters are taking to secure housing" that reads: " ‘People should be able to afford secure housing’: Vancouver Councillor Pete Fry said even where bylaws on occupancy do exist, they are continually violated, but are only investigated if there is a complaint. Article content With both the housing crisis, and the public’s right to privacy, it would not be well-received if the city were to enforce occupancy bylaws, he said, unless there is a 'serious life-safety issue involved.' ". A clip from the Vancouver Sun article, "The risks desperate Vancouver renters are taking to secure housing" that reads: "Bylaw inspectors try to deal with unscrupulous landlords, but it’s difficult, Fry said. For example, recently a 'serial abusive landlord' had been illegally evicting long-term tenants, partitioning the rooms, and packing international students in 'like sardines,' causing potential health and safety issues, he said. To inspect, the city had to give 24-hour notice. Tenants later told Fry the landlord took down the partitions and moved the tenants out for the inspection, only to move it all back in afterwards. 'We’re just one step behind,' he said. Vancouver had a Renter Office that was empowered to monitor and report on these issues, but it was eliminated in 2023, Fry said." A clip from the Vancouver Sun article, "The risks desperate Vancouver renters are taking to secure housing" featuring a photo of Vancouver City Coun. Pete Fry of the Green Party of Vancouver that reads: "B.C.’s housing minister declined requests for an interview to discuss possible legislative changes to protect renters. A prepared ministry statement said government is 'continuously monitoring how co-tenancies are covered under the RTA to ensure both tenants and landlords are protected.' It said those not listed on tenancy agreements should access the Independent Civil Resolution Tribunal to resolve disputes."
January 7, 2026 at 12:39 AM
marsmedina.bsky.social
New year new job position, can’t believe my longest running job has been for a news station in a city I’ve grown to truly love living in 🙏🏻 feeling thankful
January 7, 2026 at 12:36 AM
grass.bsky.social
I love not living in the city all the time but especially when it’s hot, fuck all that concrete right off
January 7, 2026 at 12:14 AM
nextdoorsv.bsky.social
I bet most people would be surprised that San Jose is less affordable than New York City

San Jose: 9.1% of homes affordable on area’s median income

NYC: 10.1% of homes affordable on area’s median income

Duh! The Big Apple doesn't have the Rosicrucian, the Winchester, Happy Hollow, or Santana Row.
5. San Jose, CA 9.1% of homes affordable on area’s median income Median household income: $170,034 Median sale price: $1.5 million Median rent price: $3,170 Income needed to afford median-priced home: $371,839 Cost of living: 81% higher than the national average San Jose sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech giants feed a fast-paced economy – and soaring living costs. House and rent prices are the highest in the nation – 3-4 times the national rate – and even basic expenses like electricity and dining run 18-59% above average. The result is a place that can feel both full of opportunity and punishing on the wallet. Buying a house is available to a select few, with some affordable housing programs available. On top of that, wages have not kept pace with rising costs of living, though, meaning San Jose could become less affordable in the future. Still, San Jose’s appeal is hard to deny. Dry weather, plenty of high-paying job opportunities, and well-maintained parks help make it a great place to call home, for those who can afford it. 6. New York, NY 10.1% of homes affordable on area’s median income Median household income: $96,338 Median sale price: $765,000 Median rent price: $2,830 Income needed to afford median-priced home: $207,560 Cost of living: 50% higher than the national average New York City is an icon of entertainment, finance, bright lights, and around-the-clock buzz. Cultural hotspots, job opportunities, and unmatched amenities make it a global magnet and a bucket-list place for Americans to call home. However, its miles of skyscrapers come with sky-high prices. On the whole, New York is the sixth-most expensive city in the U.S. Rents can swallow entire paychecks, and even a casual night out can feel like a splurge. New York’s affordability varies widely depending on which borough you live in. If you’re looking in Manhattan, for example, you’ll find house prices in the millions and rents beyond what most can afford. On its own, Manhattan would likely be the most expensive city in the country, with a cost of living 131% above the national average. However, further out in Queens, housing costs nearly get cut in half, and life becomes much more affordable.
January 6, 2026 at 11:56 PM
nextdoorsv.bsky.social
Chicago: 61.8% of homes affordable on area’s median income

San Francisco: 8.6% of homes affordable on area’s median income

www.redfin.com/blog/most-af...

www.redfin.com/blog/most-ex...
6. Chicago, IL 61.8% of homes affordable on area’s median income Median household income: $95,513 Median sale price: $336,000 Median rent price: $1,708 Income needed to afford median-priced home: $78,424 Cost of living: 15% higher than the national average Chicago is massive and home to everything from world-famous art to quaint lakeside parks. Because of its size, the cost of living varies widely depending on where you live. House prices reach into the millions in neighborhoods like Winnetka and Gold Coast, for example, while Avalon Park and Cottage Grove Heights are much more affordable. Strong median incomes and below-average house prices are how Chicago earned its number six spot. And no matter where you live in the city, you’ll find everyday expenses that hover close to the national average. Beyond affordability, the Windy City offers world-class museums, a legendary food scene, and four distinct seasons that keep things interesting. From cheering on the Cubs at Wrigley to strolling the bustling lakefront, there’s plenty to fill your weekends without blowing your budget. 4. San Francisco, CA 8.6% of homes affordable on area’s median income Median household income: $159,665 Median sale price: $1.4 million Median rent price: $2,690 Income needed to afford median-priced home: $347,699 Cost of living: 67% higher than the national average San Francisco pairs postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge with world-class amenities, all packaged in a compact layout. These qualities help make San Francisco a dream destination. However, an eye-watering cost of living now leaves many racing to find affordable housing. Tech giants have transformed the quirky city into a haven for high-earning professionals, sending housing prices sky-high. The typical house sold for nearly $1.7 million partway through 2022, which was the highest figure in the nation. Living in San Francisco is expensive. It’s the fourth-most expensive place to live in the U.S. – it would rank higher if not for one of the highest median wages in the nation. But many people think it’s worth it. Historic streets, massive parks, iconic landmarks, and delicious cuisine are connected by one of the country’s best transit systems, meaning you won’t need a car and will struggle to run out of activities. For those who can afford it, San Francisco’s mix of innovation, culture, and scenic beauty makes the high price of entry feel like a fair trade.
January 6, 2026 at 11:50 PM
pat406.bsky.social
I just finished "What the bears know" by Steve Searles and Chris Erskine. Searles was hired by the city of Mammoth Lakes in the 1990's to manage the local bear population that was living in the area. I really enjoyed the book.
January 6, 2026 at 11:43 PM
leesa152.bsky.social
Happy 40th!
I’ve enjoyed your work since your city columnist days. Probably the reason I started reading more of the sports section too, & definitely helped me through many homesick moments while living in Calgary.

Thanks for the memories.
Hope you continue writing for as long as you want to! 🤗
January 6, 2026 at 11:43 PM
bilalmahmood.bsky.social
Living with uncertainty about what comes next is unacceptable. That’s why today’s meeting brought together residents, city departments, and property management to improve communication and ensure people have access to the information and resources they need to return to stability and safety.
January 6, 2026 at 11:41 PM
spectraljack.bsky.social
have to wait to meditate in case my girl's new strap arrives and i have to sign for it because we've had too many packages stolen, wow here i am, living my city girl dreams
January 6, 2026 at 11:06 PM
nevint.bsky.social
This is pretty key. A chasm between suburbanites and, well, me.

> Living here shifted how I experience the city. I walk almost everywhere now: to work, to shop, to run errands. The city stopped being something I passed through at 50 km/h and became something I actually inhabited.
January 6, 2026 at 10:48 PM
jtillman.bsky.social
no, I totally understand. I remember studying at nyu and peers had parents could afford high end apartments while I was living in dorms and doing work study in the ny city school system. as an adult, I hope you have more control of finances? even if loans are part of it. I graduated 2013.
January 6, 2026 at 10:27 PM
davdittrich.economicscience.net
#EconSky
Labor market size and occupational skill match https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ifauwp:2025_024&r=&r=lma

The urban wage premium may be related to a city-size match quality gap:

"… occupational skill-match quality is higher for individuals living in large local labor markets. 1/2
Labor market size and occupational skill match
d.repec.org
January 6, 2026 at 10:00 PM
davdittrich.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy
Labor market size and occupational skill match https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ifauwp:2025_024&r=&r=lma
The urban wage premium may be related to a city-size match quality gap:
"… occupational skill-match quality is higher for individuals living in large local labor markets. Conditional on […]
Original post on fediscience.org
fediscience.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:53 PM
nicksplodge.bsky.social
Despite living in the city for almost 50 years, and thinking myself reasonably well informed, I learned a lot from this book.

And really enjoyed reading it too.

Highly recommended from lil’ old me
January 6, 2026 at 9:41 PM
hmmmbuzz.bsky.social
In my city we have shelter and housing.
The majority living in tents, cars choose not to live in the managed housing provided . Of those that are not illegals awaiting hearings, the majority are drug addicted, are chronically mentally ill. homeless?
January 6, 2026 at 9:31 PM
runforsomething.net
RFS alum Ahmed Ahmed is living proof that local leadership still matters. He arrived in Lancaster as a refugee at age three and now serves on the City Council, fighting for his neighbors while national policies work overtime to shut immigrants out.

https://nyti.ms/4jq5jWO
January 6, 2026 at 9:31 PM
oowm.org
After years of living across the city in spots that get absolutely zero TV reception, I'm *finally* in an apartment with a balcony that faces the right way and isn't behind seven hills.

So why can't I record Jeopardy now?

MY ANTENNA BLEW AWAY.
January 6, 2026 at 9:30 PM
summeroakes.bsky.social
As someone who has lived just outside of Kamloops for several decades and have family living in the city I have to say that I was less than impressed by that one actor’s comments about the city.
January 6, 2026 at 9:23 PM
derekhill.bsky.social
one of man ray's pieces includes the shadow of a gun, and i posted it on here a few days ago. when i looked up "man ray gun" to find it, duck duck go returned a bunch of images of little space men with laser guns. i thought that was charming #blug
1/6/25 - Man Ray exhibit I wasn't planning on a Man Ray exhibit but i was delighted to find big posters for one as i walked toward the met. living in the city and being interested in art it seems wise to keep up with what's being put on throughout the city but i find it difficult to keep track. i have a bad grasp on the calendar, which makes keeping track feel a little quixotic. some people will find that paradoxical and some will find it relatable. just one of those things. Man Ray spent the early 20th century messing around with photopaper. where usually you'd flash light through a developed film negative to transmit the image onto the paper, Ray arranged physical objects on the paper and used light to capture their shadows. he called them 'Rayographs', which is a silly name. i like silly names. I find this type of work creatively inspiring. creativity in my mind is indelibly linked to tinkering, putzing, dicking around. this is why i spent the dying breaths of my endless and officially fruitless undergrad convincing a professor to let me set up a darkroom in a storage closet. i modified a thrifted microfilm reader and spent the semester making my own rayographs with drops of water and cheap old lens elements. i learned a lot and nothing at all. at the end of the experiment i packed up all my stuff and bid adieu to that school. I wonder if Man Ray ever intended for his works to be displayed together like this. there's a slightly overwhelming quality. hundreds of shadows on the wall, and they start to run together. how many of these were tests or practice runs or an excuse to get out of the house? you can think of it differently, though. it's not works of art on display, it's a mania. || derek
January 6, 2026 at 9:03 PM
masonsflesh.bsky.social
I hate living in the city, I hate construction, I hate loud shit, I hate stupid gps.... I want my own house on my own land. Im tired...
January 6, 2026 at 8:37 PM