Language Nests

1/16/25 - learning how to reconnect language to the real world

tree swallow and bluebird nests removed from their boxes / author photo

Hello everyone:

There’s much to be said about the Los Angeles fires, and many good sources are saying it. You can start with “The love in the air is thicker than the smoke,” a Reasons to be Cheerful article about communities pulling together to support each other. There are links at the bottom of the article for ways to help.

For a tougher but deeper read, try David Wallace-Wells’ column for the Times. He cites an anonymous online source who lays out the truth with cinematic grace: “Climate change will manifest as a series of disasters viewed through phones with footage that gets closer and closer until you’re the one filming.” And he provides an excellent assessment of the questions swirling through the acrid smoke before curating a deep bench of other readings on the fires that are well worth your time.

As always, please remember to scroll past the end of the essay to read this week’s curated Anthropocene news.

Now…