*Everyday Chatter

On the new book Spent: Sex, Evolution and Consumer Behavior, by Geoffrey Miller: "The grand edifice of brand-name consumerism rests on the narcissistic fantasy that everyone else cares about what we buy." [NYT]

What does it mean when the sellers of half-million-dollar condos start advertising on lamp posts along with all the "Man with Van" and "Lost Parakeet" people?


...not to mention the Dump Bloomberg Now people. Spotted on Fifth Avenue:


East Village and Lower East Side declared a "danger zone" of violent assaults. [EVG]

After the fire, not just one or two buildings will fall--an entire block in Chinatown is slated for the wrecking ball. If you ask me, this stinks of backroom schemes to wipe out a chunk of unprotected neighborhood and put up a glass tower. [BB]

...Downtown Express shows this is the second time this year that 103 East Broadway has been controversially evacuated by the city. It is also the address of former sweatshop.

A first look at the newly reopened Washington Square Park. [WSP]

Looking back at the history of dumbbell tenement design. [Blah]

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