Lifestyle briefs

Jul 21, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Viennese worry about effects of tourists

Vienna (dpa) - Vienna's city magazine Falter has described a phenomenon occurring in the city that has long been known in Berlin: The fear of tourists coming into an area and ruining its originality and charm.

Berlin city planner Verena Pfeiffer has examined the phenomenon and described it as a transformation of historical quarters through tourism. Pfeiffer said it takes place in four phases: A particular city section might first be described in a city guide as an insider tip. Then it becomes trendy and is mentioned as such in local media. From there it becomes a tourist attraction and finally completely touristy.

When the area reaches tourist attraction stage, the merchandise sold in stores begins to match the needs and desires of the tourists. Brands use the district in their marketing and the district itself becomes a brand. Chains such as Starbucks and McDonald's drive out other local establishments.

When the section of the city is completely touristy it becomes an attraction itself, bringing high rents, expensive second homes and offices instead of alternative living.

Falter has asked whether this phenomenon, which has been observed in Berlin, is also threatening Vienna. It finds recent developments in the city's market district known locally as the Naschmarkt unsettling.

'Two years ago it was still an important market that was close enough for city residents and beyond the tourist stamping ground,' the magazine reported. 'Now it is a boulevard for tourists with a large area of gastronomic enterprises and a few food shops.'

US shoemaker creates online archive for sneakers

New York (dpa) - Sneakers, gym shoes, trainers - call them what you may, they are for many people objects of desire that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and designs.

A US shoemaker has now created www.sneakerpedia.com, an online encyclopedia about sneakers. When it comes to sneakers, shoelace colour varies as much as the thickness of the sole. Hence, the German city magazine Prinz said the launch of the virtual sneaker archive is a welcome development.

Lady Gaga declares her love of homosexuals

New York (dpa) - Pop singer Lady Gaga has stated her love for her homosexual fans and announced that she is with them in their fight for equal rights.

'My love for my gay fans is just pure, authentic love for them as supporters of me from the beginning, and me feeling connected to their struggles as someone who is a part of their fight,' she told The Advocate magazine in a cover story for its August edition.

The 25-year-old New Yorker told the magazine of the gay and lesbian community she feels she was born to be an artist, but doesn't want to live in an ivory tower.

'I believe I was destined to be an artist,' she is quoted as saying. 'At the end of the day I could be rolling around in Rolls-Royces, buying mansions for myself, making records, and dancing around in my underwear. But to be honest, I'm not interested in doing that at all. I'd rather be at rallies with the fans, being a part of their voice, helping to mobilize and enforce change. If people don't believe me, they don't have to be a part of it.'