***
if you are interested in the history and future of cities, have a look at this TED video. the mannahatta project is the result of a decade-long ecological study of new york city undertaken by dr. eric sanderson of the wildlife conservation society. using spatial analysis techniques and mapping software, he was able to re-imagine--recreate--what new york city looked like in 1609...and offer an idea (ideal) for what it could look like about 50 years from now (oh, would that we could afford so many green roofs).
while this is nyc-centric, it's a fascinating model for others.
if you go to the mannahatta project site, there's neat "explore" tool that allows you to punch in an address to see what a particular block looked like, what wildlife likely thrived there. this is what my murray hill block looked like:
lush life.
ok. lots of mice and squirrels--not surprising or exotic. but a bobcat. now we're talking. 
cherry and summer grapes...
murray hill/rolling hills. ***
abbott miller of pentagram designed the book (and last year's exhibit at the museum of the city of new york). there's a book-signing and lecture with dr. sanderson at dwr in soho next wednesday, jan 27, from 7pm-9pm.
i'll be there.
if you plan to attend, say hello.
