Fun with Links: The Thursday Afternoon Chronicles

Can you feel the links tonight?

• By now you're all sick of hearing me go on and on about Sudhir Venkatesh's book Gang Leader for a Day, but you'll have to endure at least one more post on the subject. Slate's Alex Kotlowitz has been debating the book with Venkatesh. So far, they've gotten into the ethical issues inherent in such a book, as well as an interesting discussion of urban renewal projects and their (un-?)intened consequences. In Kotlowitz's words, "I fear that Chicago and other cities will come to resemble the cities of Western Europe, where the poor—in Europe's case, mostly new immigrants—ring the city like a wreath. Truly out of sight, out of mind."
• Speaking of Slate (and you'll forgive me if this has little to nothing to do with books), Josh Levin has written the funniest piece of criticism you'll read all year. Seriously, even if the subject matter of the review doesn't appeal to you, continue reading. You will not regret it.
• The Slow Food movement is spilling out into other areas of life, like fashion, interior design, and architecture.