The US Forest Service salvage logging plan ended up damaging the health of the Greater Yosemite Ecosystem far more than 2013’s massive Rim Fire. Chad Hanson from the John Muir Project of the Earth Island Institute explains how wildfires can promote ecological health and survival of many plant and wildlife communities, despite the intense heat and scale of the blazes.
Recent Posts
Greening Detroit: Positive Change Moves Slow and Fast
On one hand, Detroit turns the water off for communities challenged by its legacy of disinvestment and neglect. Yet, with urban farming, electric streetcars, neighborhood reinvention, Mayor Mike Duggan’s pledges begin to manifest in the city’s North End, despite considerable financial and cultural impediments. John Eligon elaborates.
Video Art: The Groovy Waves of Planed Wood
Waves of Grain is a two minute strata-cut animation by filmmaker Keith Skretch who planed a block of wood in tiny increments, taking photographs along the way. The final video reveals a repetitive flowing sense of motion as the camera moves effortlessly through the block revealing sinuous curves of wood grain appearing to ripple like water.
Maori War Dance Commemorates Battle Victory Against British
The Maori People of Tauranga staged a 150-year commemoration of a victory in the last major battle against the British in a losing effort from the New Zealand Wars, that resulted in significant confiscation of their lands and autonomy.
Orson Welles: Tragic Hero, Sacred Monster, Profane Clown
Orson Welles, the cinematic genius who ended his days selling cheap wine, was both noble and feeble, titanic and pathetic, sacred monster and profane clown, says Peter Conrad. We take samples from his oeuvre, his noir thriller The Stranger and his stylistic fragmentation, Othello.
Rio’s Favela Pacification: Militarized Gentrification With Benefits?
The Brazilian government’s militarized efforts to clean up Rio de Janeiro’s notoriously dangerous favelas is giving hope to some people living there, while others question the violent tactics and the whether it will make a difference. We provide counterpoint to Joshua Hammer’s 2014 investigation.
Governor Brown: Climate Leader or Climate Loser?
When it comes to fighting pollution, global warming and our climate crisis, Gov. Brown is big on talk, weak on action, supporting fracking and refinery expansion.