Briefs

US redirecting High Speed Rail money from OH and WI
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-09/u-s-to-take-1-2-billion-in-high-speed-rail-funds-from-ohio-wisconsin.html?cmpid=yhoo
Presumably in wake of anti-rail politicians winning elections there. Sending it to states "eager" to build high speed rail-- perhaps the northeast will get more than its original pittance.

Redefining "Smart Growth"
http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/kaidbenfield/18308/its-time-update-definition-smart-growth?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Sustainable+Cities+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Twitter
Lot's of interesting points brought up, though wonder if broader aims are too broad, and trying to make urban planning a panacea for everything. E.g. if it's better leaving things like access to healthy food to agricultural/health groups and the market. If the zoning is right, and other tax/subsidy/education programs enable or promote healthy food, the market should make them available locally.

PBS Video: How the high cost of transportation can ruin the American Dream
http://www.transitmiami.com/2010/12/05/how-high-the-high-cost-of-transportation-can-ruin-the-american-dream/
A bit on factoring the cost of transportation into housing. On average, families spend 52% of their post-tax income on housing+transportation. (Btw, surprised that Phoenix has any light rail line..)

Gas solidly above $3 per gallon again here in PA.. Hope it stays there--long term, lots of good can come from this.

I Wish This Was
http://iwishthiswas.com/
An awesome idea for re-imagining spaces and buildings. (Though it should maybe be "I Wish This Were" using the rare subjunctive case in English.;) I actually know a city with lots of available spaces (vacant, condemned, demolished) that would be a fun use of such stickers..