Literature Appetizer
Ben Kusserow
A Northern Appalachian's Journey

Recently I just finished Appalachia North by Matthew Ferrence. In it, he recounts the complex relationship he still has with the land as a Northern Appalachian. Typically when I finish a book I write a Literature Appetizer to get people a taste of what they will find. Since his book is such a personal journey, I would not do it justice by recounting his life.

Many of his experiences reflect my own experience growing up in Western PA. So instead of condensing his journey, I thought I would condense mine.

The Hero’s Journey is a common literary structure where the hero of the story departs home to do a great act, and then returns victorious. My Northern Appalachian Journey is a bit different, but has a similar structure of three parts; Living in Water, Succeeding by Leaving, and The Mountains are Calling.

A Northern Appalachian's Journey

Difluoroethane: Why does it get so cold?

Difluoroethane: Why does it get so cold?

In the summer of 2015 the Goodell-Creek Fire ran up the valley far faster than expected. We at the North Cascades Institute's Environmental Learning Center had been on a level 1 alert for a few hours when the power went out. Within minutes we got the word that we were now on level 2, which meant that we should go back to Diablo where all of our belongings were and pack up. Level 2 usually lasted for a few hours so we knew we had to move but not rush.

Upon taking the 7 minute drive down to Diablo, Seattle City Light made the situation up to level 3 which basically means LEAVE NOW. So when we reached our houses in Diablo the SCL staff gave us all only 10 minutes to grab what we could and start evacuating out east. In the rush to grab clothes and supplies for who knew how long, I stopped for a solid 30 seconds to say good bye to my computer.

Bombardier Beetle: a case study for every day research

Bombardier Beetle: a case study for every day research

As a professional environmental educator, I have spent countless hours researching for papers, projects, and lessons. But I think a large part of being human is pursuing knowledge for the sake of it. It doesn't need to be a formal "end goal:" should we not research to discover how amazing things are?

Below is just a small example of how browsing the web to unwind after a long day can become a great adventure. I welcome you to learn how I discovered the Bombardier Beetle.

Literature Appetizer: Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall

Literature Appetizer: Reason for Hope by Jane Goodall

Our world is in pain. From deforestation to wars, the needless killing of life is widespread. The more I personally learn about this pain, the more reason I have to give up hope. But Jane Goodall sees it differently. Despite the pain, despite the challenge, she sees four specifics reasons why we should still have hope.

In her autobiography Reason for Hope, Dr. Goodall takes us through a lifetime of wisdom. From the forests of Africa to New York City, she shares about her own personal struggle and joys with following the hopeful path. If you are feeling burnt out from work, the news, or anything, this is a fantastic read to keep hope.

Salinity: what's really in the water?

Salinity: what's really in the water?

When I first started to live on Thompson Island I often said that I "didn't emotionally understand the ocean." I could explain how the moon's gravitational pull makes the water move around the globe, but when I would stand on the shore I would think "how do I know the ocean is going to keep going down or coming up?" It may sound silly for those with tons of ocean experience, but it felt like someone who had never seen the sun rise and set.

To get to know the ocean a little better, I try to spend a part of each day just listening to it. My view is often like the picture below with such a great sight of the City on the Hill (well, technically three but who's counting). Besides the tides, one of the biggest differences of living in the harbor vs Diablo Lake in Washington is the smell of salt.

But what really is salinity? How does it work?

Literature Appetizer: Urban Forests by Jill Jonnes

Literature Appetizer: Urban Forests by Jill Jonnes

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I lay in a hammock as the clouds drift by over the island. As I finish my book, I look up at the two amazing trees supporting me. Not only are they holding my weight above the ground, but are also giving me fresh oxygen to breathe. They reduce the erosion of the island where I work. Even deeper, they challenge my mind and my being to think in new and creative ways. They stand as testaments to time and wisdom.

Plastisphere: The Newest Biome

Plastisphere: The Newest Biome

On my many walks along the beach of Thompson Island in the Boston Harbor, I feel both separate and connected to the population on the mainland. Our boat only travels to the island a few times a day and since I can't walk across water, going into the city is not part of a daily ritual. On the other hand, we share the same water. In just a short time the water from the mainland will travel past me on the island and out to sea. Along with that water will be an unwanted gift: trash.

I could easily pick up a full garbage ball full of trash every time I walk on the beach. While it is depressing to see and live in trash every day, I read an article many years ago that gave me hope about life on this planet: Life in the "Plastisphere."

Cyanide and Mercury: The Chemistry of S-Town

Cyanide and Mercury: The Chemistry of S-Town

I have experienced only two forms of great podcasts. The first is the consistent great content that spends more time with you than your close friends. The podcast is there for you, week after week, providing you with great content.

The second form of great podcasts is fleeting, but powerful. These tend to be either flops in the water, or huge cult classics. Because there is no consistent updates, the original content has to be so great to keep people talking about it even after all of the episodes have aired. S-Town one of the best examples of this I have ever seen.

With the powerhouse names of "This American Life" and "Serial" behind it, I knew S-Town was going to be good. But it wasn't until I finished it that I realized the true depth of its greatness.