Author: Gavan

Vibrant Matter reading group

I found and have been following fellow Faculty of Environmental Studies grad Adrian J. Ivakhiv’s blog immanence since early this year. Lots of smart stuff being discussed there, especially the conversations surrounding nature, relational objects and the possibility of enacting different ways of knowing the world. From there, I discovered other  engaging conversations and people […]

Finding, seeing, identifying, recording, sharing

This post is the conclusion to one of my draft PhD dissertation chapters. It doesn’t represent a final thought or particular endpoint: these are ideas in progress. It also explains why the post just sort of starts without any introductory context. I’m always interested in hearing your opinion of my ideas, too. photo credit: Explore […]

Silver Maple

As reported in The Toronto Star ((And incorrectly identified as an Oak)), a large Silver Maple that was growing just to the south of our apartment building was cut down during the day on Thursday. I returned home at 12 to the sound of chainsaws and the majority of the limbs removed from the tree. […]

We’re all a bit mistanthropic

photo credit: quinn.anya Pronunciation: \ˈmi-sən-ˌthrōp\ Function: noun Etymology: Greek misanthrōpos hating humankind, from misein to hate + anthrōpos human being Date: 1683 : a person who hates or distrusts humankind Would you consider yourself a misanthrope? I suspect that most, if asked if they hated or distrusted humanity, would say no. Take ethical consideration, for […]