The problem with selling organic

Organics Debate: Whole Foods CEO v. Michael Pollan | green is the new crack | 02/27/07, 7 PM
I seem to be on a green kick, but since it is the new crack, it's understandable - I need my daily fix. Michael Pollan, my environmental writing guru, is hosting the CEO of Whole Foods at the UC Berkeley School of Journalism for a little sit-down chat, mano-a-mano, about the future of food. Pollan enjoys deconstructing Whole Foods' pretty little world of organics in his newest offering, The Omnivore's Dilemma, so I'm looking forward to what is sure to be an entertaining verbal boxing match on the industrialization of organics. Pollan, like his work, is an easy-going, engaging speaker who is clearly enraptured by his topic. Plus, Pollan's May City Arts talk is already sold out, so this little $5 offering is just the ticket.
more info here | buy tickets here | map me! | muni me!

in whales is the preservation of the world

Gray Whale Viewing | green is the new crack | ongoing, january through march
They are, seriously, one of god's coolest creatures. You know that part on Blue Planet where the sperm whale is eating the sardines? I can't get enough of that. They. Are. So. Big. Undeniably grand creatures. Some people feel inconsequential at the top of mountains. For me, the definition of the sublime is a whale at sea.

Apparently, here in the bay area, from January till March, gray whales are viewable from the Point Reyes' observation deck. You could just be sitting there, eating a sandwich, and bam! a gray whale will spout. I can't wait. There are ranger-led programs, where you will learn so much about gray whales you will find yourself rattling off information to strangers at the bus stop and enraptured six-year olds. You can't miss this.
more info | map me!

Ecosystemlicious

Naturalist Lecture Series | green is the new crack | 01/25/07
Ah, nature. But how to enjoy it if you don't have a car? I've a feeling there are a few different ways to do it in the SF Bay Area, but one of the ways is to find some nature right here in SF. Stand on my back porch and most days you'll see the red-tail hawks of Glen Canyon whipping around on the thermals. Go a little north of my house, and you'll find the unblemished hillsides of Twin Peaks. However, possibly more than I like going into nature, I like talking about nature. Or listening to other people talk about it. REI is sponsoring a lecture by Peter Berg, bioregional philosopher extraordinaire, about Twin Peaks and the nature of and in the city. It's at 7PM at the REI store on Brannan.


Bonus activity: Scam a ride to Tennessee Valley, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and you might find yourself face-to-face with the fabled north country big cats. This past New Year's Day, my family and I met a wholly unconcerned juvenile bobcat, who was ambling down the path not fifteen feet in front of us. Earlier in the day, we joined gawkers in watching what looks to be a mountain lion on a hillside (pictured). Keep your tiny ones close, people!

more information on the naturalist series @ rei.com | map me!