Nick Hodge

I’m interested in cities, architecture, public transit, biking & bike infrastructure, and Lady Gaga. Same username on Threads. Views are my own

[Lady Gaga @ladygaga]

I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris @Olympics 2024 this year. I am also humbled to be asked by the Olympics organizing committee to sing such a special French song—a song to honor the French people and their tremendous history of art, music, and theatre. This song was sung by Zizi Jeanmaire, born in Paris a French ballerina, she famously sang “Mon Truc en Plumes” in 1961. The title means “My Thing with Feathers.” And this is not the first time we’ve crossed paths. Zizi starred in Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes” which was my first jazz release. Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music—I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth—Paris. We rented pom poms from Le Lido archive—a real French cabaret theater. We collaborated with Dior to create custom costumes, using naturally molted feathers. I studied French choreography that put a modern twist on a French classic. I rehearsed tirelessly to study a joyful French dance, brushing up on some old skills—I bet you didn’t know I used to dance at a 60’s French party on the lower east side when I was first starting out! I hope you love this performance as much as I do. And to everyone in France, thank you so much for welcoming me to your country to sing in honor of you—it’s a gift I’ll never forget! Congratulations to all the athletes who are competing in this year’s Olympic Games! It is my supreme honor to sing for you and cheer you on!! Watching the Olympic Games always makes me cry! Your talent is unimaginable. Let the games begin!

[Jon Lovett @jonlovett]

There have always been two Joe Bidens. The empathetic, decent, big-hearted leader, forged in loss and grief, finding the good in his friends and opponents, in love with America, arms wide and open with space for everyone. And there’s the blowhard with a chip on his shoulder, stubborn, something to prove, his fellow senators rolling their eyes as the finger wags harder and the stories get longer. Statesman and politician, hero and fool.

Joe Biden ran for president for 50 years. He finally won because he ran as that hero at a time when the country was desperate for empathy and normalcy and wisdom and grace. It was still too close. But even when he was doubted by insiders and pundits (hi!), he persevered; he knew Democrats, he knew America, and he was right.

And then! To his great and everlasting credit, Joe Biden governed as that statesman too. He built a coalition wide enough to hold Joe Manchin and Bernie Sanders. He defied Washington’s stodgy consensus when necessary, a consensus he spent a lifetime living inside. He adapted, he governed with humility and purpose, whether on how to revive the economy, or take on monopolies, or address student loans, or press for the largest investment in clean energy by any country anywhere on earth. And even as he showed the capacity to listen to the rising progressive voices inside the Democratic party, at the very same time he achieved bipartisan legislative successes in defiance of every political trend of the last thirty years. Joe Biden has been an extraordinary president! Statesman. Hero.

But it’s hard to deny that in the two weeks since the debate, it’s the arrogant and small Joe Biden we’ve seen most - hanging on, bragging, defensive, angry, weak. Who else but him? he wonders aloud. Only God could change his mind, he tells us. The stakes for the country are all that matter. The stakes for Joe Biden are beside the point. But it’s worth saying just the same: Joe Biden can leave office as one of the greatest presidents in our lifetimes, who defeated Trump and put his country first at every turn; or he can leave a stubborn old man who allowed hubris and insecurity to destroy his legacy and perhaps our democracy with it.

We all have our best and worst selves, scrambling over each other, battling it out in the moments that define us. Where is the Joe Biden we elected? Where is the statesman? I hope that version of him shows up soon. And I hope the people around him know where to look.

[Lady Gaga @ladygaga]

The world is a stage. Joker: Folie à Deux trailer coming April 9. 🃏

[Jonathan Maus @Jonathan_Maus]

Which smart Portlander or portland org will get a PCEF grant for a bunch of these? Makes so much sense.

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@maccoinnich I’m a little surprised that the proposed building is only 2 stories. I envisioned denser development across this entire site.

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@champagnemandyy @rinnyriot I heard this song in a bar literally last night

[Gaga Crave 🌷 @AMENARTPOP]

this edit is taking me out lmfaoo 😭

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@mistergerould Ok but also what about line a cute kiosk sort of cafe with tables IN the park

[Governor Tina Kotek @GovTinaKotek]

My housing production bill is making its way through the legislature, but I’m not losing sight of what’s most important: Oregon needs to build more housing – now.

[BikePortland @BikePortland]

Mapps to PBOT union: Gas tax won't fund, 'bike lanes that drive everybody crazy' https://t.co/nldTgiXNqb

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@maccoinnich I was pretty closely following the community design engagement last year and even got to attend one in person. I thought the goal was to have this ready to go this year?? I can’t believe a ‘temporary’ park is going to take this long. At least it’s happening I guess

[Pop Tingz @PopTingz]

Lady Gaga is rumored to release her upcoming album this year before the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux” in October.

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@champagnemandyy @scottstreetx This is my Roman Empire

[Dylan Hafer @thedylanhafer]

the DMV listing what you need to bring to get a Real ID

[chris @wheresmywigggg]

Chromatica turns 4 this year……..

[Iain @maccoinnich]

In no particular order, a thread of things that are coming to Portland* in 2024**.

*Or relatively nearby
**And sometimes slightly before then.

[Portland Streetcar @PDXStreetcar]

There is NO kissing in the caution seat.

[Iain @maccoinnich]

Return to the office rates have plateaued nationwide; a call from the Mayor isn't going to change things locally.

Portlanders will go Downtown when they have a reason to, as we see during big events. The city needs to work on more things to bring people Downtown regularly.

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@Jonathan_Maus @EngineerDustin Wow! This is a great reference to file away. It’s nice to see a recently built example with driveway access. I love those wide buffers, too. Thanks for tagging me.

[Nick Hodge @NickHodge21]

@maccoinnich What was this event? I LOVE this