Public Protection

It's something that a lot of people don't really think too much about. Something that may seem like a right and not really a luxury or necessity. A topic that doesn't really need discussing because it's only for the tree huggers and hippies. However, the pressing issues of public lands and public protection is very important and in the coming years could very well be vital. 

This is not some hyperbole or some dramatic explanation about climate change and all the emotional attachments that may come with it. It's simply to explain and bring awareness to the fact that our public lands, here in America and worldwide, are extremely important. Sierra Club, an environmental organization founded by preservationist John Muir, sheds light on not only the importance of public lands but shares information about events, calls to action, and other organizations who do the same.

One of the campaigns is "Our Wild America" and it aims to create a network between both land and marine areas to "preserve America's natural, cultural, and recreational heritage,". From Sierra Clubs website they explain Our Wild America as so;

Our Wild America carries on the Sierra Club's long legacy of protecting America's beautiful wildlands. We believe that America's public lands are held in "public trust" for and by all Americans, providing opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and come together to share experiences.

With the Our Wild America campaign, the Sierra Club is doubling down in the fight to preserve our wild heritage in the face of threats from mining, drilling, and climate disruption. 

Whichever side of the political spectrum you may lie on remember this - we're all living on this planet together and it's downright outrageous to destroy our lands and valuable resources. Without the protection of public lands there are immediate reactions to the communities nearby. These reactions can then spread. Water supply can be threatened, ecosystems can be thrown off, and food supply can be tampered with or destroyed. Pictured above is a photo from the Galapagos Islands that I took in 2011. It's one of the most protected areas on the planet and they still have their problems. However, think about the park near your home, the stream or river that goes through your town, and the national parks in your state. If those aren't protected what do you think will happen to you, your family, and your locale?

You might scoff at it having any effect on your life, but let me be clear - if you have any plans of generations after your own you should get more informed. 

-CS

Again, I have included some added information and items for you to check out if you so please. Simply click the images below for more.

Also, if you are looking into more details about The Sierra Club and how you can make a difference please click here and visit their site. Thank you.

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Dirty Laundry

Traveling through crowded streets and racing down unknown roads are sometimes the norm when you've only got a little time in one particular place. You see all kinds of people, animals (at times), and the ongoings of the community. In the back of buses I've gotten countless views into peoples lives. One of the things I always find strangely alluring are peoples dirty laundry. Yes, clothes hanging outside for all to see.

Now, before it sounds too odd you can look at it through a couple of different lenses. On the one hand, you get an immediate look into the fashion of the time. However, the "fashion" may not be what's on the runway, but simply the fashion of the individuals in the home. Here, you can see towels hanging off a railing and that's particularly common everywhere in the world. What's interesting to see are the garments that are unique and those that are maybe a little more, dare I say, vintage. 

One of the greatest things about fashion and style is that it can be fluid and ever-changing. Individual style varies from person to person, state to state, and country to country. Color ranges verses neutrality is something you may notice as well. Peru was very colorful whereas France seemed to stick to basics (are you surprised?). The differences in delicate items and practical wear is another clear difference from location to location.

When you're traveling next have a peek at the clothes that are seemingly out on display - you may find something truly distinct.

-CS

Nochella

It's that time of year again. Festival tickets are bought, outfits and packing supplies are planned out, and music will be a constant surrounding for some. However, every year there are those of us who don't go to this music extravaganza in California. This group either avoids the events on purpose or simply can't make it. They partake in a different event - Nochella. 

This is by no means some official term or defined solidly by any particular form of discourse. It's essentially not going to Coachella and a play on the word. Some celebrate the act of not going to Coachella in a peaceful manner and in the quiet of their own lives while others voice their detest and disgust of the weekend long music festival. It really depends on who you're talking to. 

To give you some background information about Coachella, it is a music and art festival that was founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen. It is organized by Goldenvoice, which is a subsidiary of AEG live and is held at the Empire Polo Club. It has been going on since 1999 (except for the year 2000). The origin of this whole production was inspired by a Pearl Jam concert in 1993 where they were boycotting venues controlled by Ticketmaster. Interestingly enough, the first festival that was held in 1999 was just three months after Woodstock that year.

Coachella is located in Indio, California and is actually in the Colorado Desert. But, like I said, if you're participating in Nochella you can pretty much celebrate anywhere.

-CS

If you are attending this years festival in Indio by copious amounts of music I've picked out some items you may need. Click the images below to check them out - enjoy!

In need of tickets last minute for travel?