The Most Awkward Part As far as introductions go, I have been fussing about this blog intro entry for about a week (Don’t judge. This is my first blog.) and have finally acknowledged some very important things. 1. I am really excited to be blogging. 2. I need to introduce myself for the sake of any readers I may have. 3. I can be extremely awkward online. So, in light of these three things, I now am ready (I think…) to explain myself or at least attempt an explanation of sorts. Apologies up front for a long blog entry, know that my future blogs will be more succinct (or I shall... (continue reading)

Because I will be writing for the RYSE blog on a regular basis, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and my path to environmental activism. Hopefully by sharing my story you will have a clearer idea of how I look at things and how to read my posts. Archaeology and Anthropology Since high school, I have been fascinated by archaeology. I participated in my first archaeological dig when I was 16, and continued to study ancient cultures in college. As a tour guide at the University of Michigan’s natural history museum, I gave tours of the Native cultures exhibits. I enjoyed teaching... (continue reading)

Initial reaction: heartbreak.  The intensity of the connection you feel staring into the eyes of an orangutan is vastly underestimated.  Visiting Km 38, a facility with 18 caged orangutans was an experience not quickly, nor easily, forgotten.  The NGO Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) built most of km 38 in response to the 1997/1998 forest fires when enormous tracts of rainforest habitat were destroyed.  Most of the burned, injured and displaced orangutans were brought to BOS.  While the facility was busy and crowded then, after more than 10 years the buildings are now vacant and... (continue reading)

The 5th Floor I take the ferry from Larkspur in the North Bay to get to RAN’s downtown San Francisco office. Pulling away from the Larkspur Ferry Building, I can see Mt. Tamalpais and the hills surrounding the towns of Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield and San Rafael. They’re green and plump with trees. The fog is dark grey. I’ve always loved the contrast of fog and treed hills. These hills are protected from development by their pleasing aesthetic and subsequent property value. To me, they represent an excess of wealth, resources to spare. I don’t worry about erosion or poor soil... (continue reading)

The good: the art The bad: the message The are you serious? The gendered and racist depiction of natives vs. colonizers Avatar is a beautiful work of art in which unique creatures are brought to life in a natural world where everything is, generally, living in harmony. Everything about Pandora was absolutely spectacular, and the special effects made the piece that much more captivating. But while I try to praise the skill and effort put into making the movie, I am unable to separate cinematographic wonder from the actual story and the messages. It is difficult to avoid associating the... (continue reading)