City Structure vs. Mental Structure

“What is it about certain cities and places that fosters specific attitudes? Am I imagining that this is the case? To what extent does the infrastructure of cities shape the lives, work, and sensibilities of their inhabitants? Quite significantly, I suspect.”

Interesting thoughts on something we’ve all observed (but perhaps not fully registered) from Talking Heads’ David Byrne (who is also a wonderful writer and avid city bicyclist–check out his new book: Bicycle Diaries

Read more of this interesting piece here.

A Flock of Seagulls: And I Ra-a-a-an…

Scientists at the University of Leeds say that humans flock like sheep and birds, subconsciously following a minority of individuals.

“Results from a study at the University of Leeds show that it takes a minority of just five per cent to influence a crowd’s direction – and that the other 95 per cent follow without realising it.”

I see that phenomenon at my local Walmart all the time….

Read more here.