Recently, I was thinking about the similarity between foraging vultures and my book-reading friends. If the connection isn't immediately apparent, which of course it wouldn't be, let me explain. Both are networks that provide access to resources (animal carcasses on one hand, knowledge and insights on the other) that would be out of reach to… Continue reading Vultures and Book-reading Friends
Climate Overheating – Reasons to Speak Up
(1) I used to live in southern Oregon, which is arguably one of the most beautiful regions in the United States. There, the ancient, granitic Klamath Mountains bump into the volcanic Southern Cascades to create a wonderland of forested slopes teeming with biological novelties. Over the short span of 2012 to 2021, I watched the… Continue reading Climate Overheating – Reasons to Speak Up
First It Came…
Martin Niemoller, an eminent Lutheran pastor from the 20th century, is perhaps best remembered for his later confession of cowardice in the face of Nazi Germany. You may not recognize his name, but you will almost certainly recognize his words. It was he who wrote: "First they came for the socialists, and I did not… Continue reading First It Came…
Paradise Scorched
“Where’s all the smoke coming from?” It was my co-worker Samuel on the phone. I blinked at the clear blue Oregon sky and scanned the horizon. I didn’t see any smoke. “Where are you?” I asked. “I’m at home, in Talent,” he replied in his Kenyan accent. “Oh,” I said. I was working that day… Continue reading Paradise Scorched
Why George Orwell Wrote – And Why I Do
Setting aside the need to put bread on the table, George Orwell identified these four “great motives” for writing: sheer egoism (desire to appear clever, impress others, have statues erected in one’s honor, etc.) aesthetic enthusiasm (desire to create beauty or share valuable experiences, love of words and how they fit together)historical impulse (desire to… Continue reading Why George Orwell Wrote – And Why I Do
Brandon Breen 