Issue 47: Free Bird

This month, Jenn Ladd heads out to Springfield Farm in Sparks, MD - one of the only places left where you can get free-range Naragansett turkeys like the colonists ate, and explores just how fucked up your average supermarket turkey is by comparison (hint: they're no longer able to mate naturally). Happy Thanksgiving!

In City Folk, Jim Meyer hangs out with George Goebel, the costume whiz who's presided over A. T. Jones and Sons for half a century and created get-ups for the Oriole Bird, the old Colts mascot--even City Paper's own Besty! This week's Mobtown Beat includes stories about Avery Aisenstark, the twice- (or thrice-?) employed City Hall worker who seems to have no boss, and gloomy word about the difficulty the city will face in trying to fix the ongoing (and worsening) water mains crisis. Also, don't miss this week's Baltimore City Power Rankings and Murder Ink.

In our arts sections, Andrew Zaleski writes about gritty local novelist Marshall C. Bell, Jenn Ladd reviews the 3-D film adaptation of Life of Pi, Chloe Helton-Gallagher explores the BMA's new Contemporary Wing, Baynard Woods reviews Justin Sirous's fascinating new book So Say the Waiters, Geoffrey Himes looks at all the great bass clarinetists coming out of Baltimore, including Todd Marcus and Marty Ehrlich, Evan Serpick talks to Towson pop-punk quartet All Time Low about their single, "For Baltimore," Lee Gardner review Zs new compilation, and Al Shipley breaks all the local hip-hop news.

In Eats & Drinks, Martha Thomas digs Hampden's Birroteca, especially the great ingredients and easy-to-share dishes. Thomas also breaks down all the Comings and Goings in the restaurant world, while Athena Towery gets a little upset about The Flying Avocado's not-so-vegetarian-friendly menu.

Finally, don't miss Spitballin', columnist Jim Meyer's hilarious weekly take on local sports. Happy reading (and eating...)!