inspire me

Hi everyone, I would like to know what texts (articles, books, etc.) you have read this semester in the environmental humanities that inspired, informed, or surprised you.  Please feel free to send me email off the blog: plutynski@philosophy.utah.edu.  Thank you!  Anya

breakthrough

Thank you all for a great Tertulia discussion last night -
I have another quick note about the passage that we talked about, specifically - "a vision of the common good, principally a new social contract appropriate for our post industrial economy" (213)

I think that this ties in with the discussion we had two nights ago with Leslie Francis "Global Systemic Problems and Interconnected Duties." Her argument related to "genuinely systemic" problems where one group can effectively undo the advances made by another group. I think that this new social contract must consider all socioeconomic levels and all global areas. I will venture to say that this level of consideration is easier said than done.

Drew

Tertulia Cooking

The menu:  ryan's pork stew with tofu and bread rolls. then, roast turkey breast and stuffing muffins [apple/onion], with cranberries and spinach salad. red wine and white wine. 

attendees: drew and jessie; diane; desiree; ryan and kate; steve and kathy. dogs: hershey and sadie. 

assignment: add to the blog. 

We Have A Winner

Peter Matthiessenn receieved the National Book Award for Shadow Country last night. Here's a link to the New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/books/20awards.html

And to think he was a passenger in my little Subaru just last week! Maybe some writer-magic rubbed off on me.

Pre-Thanksgiving at Steve's House

Tertulia class will be enjoying company and sustenance at Steve's house this Friday. Please bring a dish to share and beverage to consume.

It seems that we 'first years' only started this adventure a month or two ago, but we will soon have a whole semester under our belt. It is amazing how fast the time goes. I remember when Steve said "these two years will go really fast - make the best of them." Well, here we are with so much to be thankful for.

Graduate Assistant Office Space

It looks like Natalie was able to secure some office space for those who have not been assigned already. Contact her at natalie.montoya@utah.edu to let her know that you need office space.

Subhankar and Peter Visit Environmental Humanities

The day has finally come for Subhankar Banarjee, photographer and activist - and Peter Matthiessen, author of "Shadow Country" to visit the Salt Lake community. The event is going to be held in the Main Library and I expect a full house. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the event begins at 7:00 p.m. This event is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of two incredible individuals who are fighting the good fight.

I have also had an opportunity to take a class with Subhankar this semester. Other than the long hours, 11:50 to 5:00 on Friday and 8:00 to 5:00 on Saturday the class has provided an opportunity to learn about the idea of land as home from a person who has been working on the ground in the Arctic for 8 years. Subhankar has a wonderful perspective and is humble and inspiring at the same time.