Written by Jon-Erik Lappano, Assistant Editor & Multimedia Director
Image: Silver Lake Operations #1, Edward Burtynsky 2007. Courtesy Nicholas Mettivier Gallery, Toronto
By Jon-Erik Lappano
A ship moves slowly through the icy waters of the Davis Strait, navigating the rocky western coastline of Greenland. On board, geologists, atmospheric scientists, and oceanographers are collecting scientific data. But this is not your standard arctic expedition. Also on board is a crew of artists—musicians, sculptors, poets, photographers, and filmmakers—here to observe and communicate the urgent message of a planet in distress.
The American mortgage crisis and recent collapse has left the world questioning how to reform our institutions. I spoke to Wade Rathke—founder of ACORN, Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, and long time champion for low-income folks in the U.S.—about his new book Citizen Wealth, predatory practices, how the American system needs to reform, and lessons Canada should learn from our neighbour's mistakes.
It’s fun. It keeps us fit and teaches cooperative teamwork. And as a way of channeling competitive aggression, it beats fighting bloody wars any day. But can sports be healthy and sustainable for the planet, as well as for us?
