By utilizing rental data Netflix makes freely available, the New York Times has published a Google Maps mashup illustrating the most popular rental titles in each zip code.
Observing the map, it's clear that some movies like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire have universal appeal. With other films, however, geographic patterns emerge.
The popularity of films such as Cadillac Records and Rachel Getting Married appear to be closely tied to racial makeup of neighborhoods. The popularity of other DVDs appears split along urban/suburban lines (Mad Men is almost exclusively popular in urban neighborhoods, while Last Chance Harvey is only popular in suburban neighborhoods. The reasons for other patterns are less clear: Why for example is Confessions of a Shopaholic so popular around military bases?
The map provides an amusing and intriguing look into correlations between geography and movie preference.
Thanks to Chris loos
FULL STORY: A Peek Into Netflix Queues
Blade Runner's Dystopian World and the L.A. of Today
The original "Blade Runner" takes place in the Los Angeles of November 2019. How does the film’s vision of the city compare with the present-day reality?
Majority of Americans Prefer Larger Homes and Longer Trips, Survey Says
The percentages have fluctuated on either side of the pandemic, but most Americans prefer to live in communities with larger houses, located farther away from schools, stores, and restaurants, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
Google Maps Feature Identifies Most Fuel-Efficient Routes
A new feature highlights routes that use the least gas to help users make the most fuel-efficient driving decisions.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Advancing Shade Equity in LA’s Koreatown
Koreatown is one of Los Angeles's densest and most park-poor communities. A privately funded tree planting initiative will bring some much needed greenery and shade to the area.
Federal Government Announces National Climate Resilience Framework
The document is designed to guide federal investment into community-driven solutions tailored to local conditions and needs.
How to Build for Aging in Place
Why developers should place more emphasis on building homes for aging residents and multigenerational living.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Helena
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
