Forgot my shoes

I'm in Southeast suburban Indianapolis ("suburban Indianapolis"=rural) with running shoes and hiking shoes but no dress shoes.

Thankfully, I'm within miles (probably less than 2) of a Wal-Mart, a Target, and a Payless.

Another Reason to Combat Sprawl

A solid Globe article reveals that some common bird species have experienced population declines of 70-99% due to suburban and agricultural sprawl. The author wisely points out that it's not just the suburbs spreading over the earth, but the agricultural infrastructure needed to feed the exploding population and fuel its automobiles.

Apparent Sprawl-Powered Growth

Greetings from Berkeley.

Check out this CNN list of the Census Bureau's fastest-growing counties in the U.S. Four of the top ten are in the DFW area. They're going to need more transit, fast, to stay livable. I have a hunch that places like Dallas and Houston will become economically punishing to their residents over the next few decades.

Last Week in BBQ, Part II: Uncle Pete's Hickory Ribs, Revere, MA

When Seth gmailed that he had found a few barbecue joints in Revere--an urban "blue collar suburb" and Coney Island/Gravesend analogue that I happen to love--I knew we had to get out there.

Last Saturday, he and I ventured to Mass Hwy 60, Squire Road. On a two-block stretch of this sprawlofare, one can find both The Big Lou (no website) and Uncle Pete's Hickory Ribs. The latter's website announced unexpected entrees of the Thai kind, so we decide to explore this weirdness.

This photoset on Flickr explains the outcome.

Worth checking out are the amazingly well-smoked beef ribs and the surprisingly different, Asianized Buffalo tenders.

Seth and I will be planning a trip to the Big Lou and perhaps a follow-up trip to Uncle Pete's soon.