A Day Maker

Every so often, I come across a YouTube jewel. This 30-second clip is perhaps the best YouTube discovery of my YouTube surfing career. I've watched it probably five times today, and I'm still not over it. Here you go. You can thank me later for making your day.

My Raccoon

In the spirit of touching videos, I thought I would share this one, as well. This artistic, short film chronicles two brothers and their relationship with not only "their" raccoon, but also their relationship with their family and the world. My fascination intensified as I watched the story unfold, and I walked away feeling empowered by the resonant, yet subtle message. "My Raccoon" is about a lot more than a raccoon.

"I think animals are the thing, not people." Money.

my raccoon from matthew salton on Vimeo.

Space Monkey

My dear friend Patrick O'Connell, totally aware of my love of the environment, tweeted at my yesterday:


He was totally right. After clicking the link, I spent the next four minutes watching an incredibly moving and powerful video with a very strong message. Definitely quirky in its own right, this clip is a small reminder of the huge importance of caring for our planet.

Space Monkey from Leo Burnett on Vimeo.

This video is a joint project of the World Wildlife Fund, Leo Burnett and Ben Lee, whose song, "Song for the Divine Mother of the Universe," is featured.

A Tribute

Fifty years ago, Jane Goodall set out to study the then little understood life of chimpanzees. Today, she remains an inspiration to us all and one my biggest role models.





"Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved." - Jane Goodall

Spring has Sprung!

With the erratic and unpredictable weather that's a traditional sign of a Eugene spring, the city that was draped in mostly browns and grays emerges with a new spectrum of vibrant colors as trees and bushes are reborn. Daffodils and tulips splash campus with vibrant patches of life, and fragrant daphne bushes are constant and welcome reminders of the shifting seasons. However, there is one sign of spring that trumps all others: cherry blossoms. Against the backdrop of a blue sky, there is no other flower, tree, or bush that screams spring more. A swift wind comes along and the sky is filled with a spring "snow," as the streets are covered in the light, pink blanket of spring.

Avatar: an Environmental Message

Last night, in a jam-packed, yet surprisingly chilly theater, I sat for two and a half hours in complete wonder as I watched a three-dimensional world appear before my eyes. Yes, last night I finally saw the much talked about and much publicized movie "Avatar." I was totally impressed with the cinematography, the plot, the character development and the fact that I found myself completely invested in the pretend world of Pandora. However, I was even more thrilled about the movie's environmental message.


Without revealing too much of the film, it's based on the scenario of a dominant species trying to overtake a presumably weaker species. In this case, it's humans versus the creatures of Pandora. "Avatar" left me questioning humanity's role in society, and the everlasting effects of our actions on our planet and its inhabitants. Leading actress Sigourney Weaver put it nicely when she said that "Avatar" will leave viewers wondering, what is worth fighting for? Director and mastermind James Cameron was quoted with his take on the movie's message:

“The point is that we are devastating habitat and biodiversity at a terrible rate,” Cameron told the UK Sun. “We are causing a global climate change that’s going to be absolutely devastating to the coral reefs. Science is unable to keep up with our industrial society. We are destroying species faster than we can classify them. We are destroying the food chain faster than we can understand it. The politicians are over in Copenhagen talking about climate change now – but there are other issues as well.”

As I was watching "Avatar," I was reminded of the orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra who are helplessly losing their habitats to palm oil plantations. I thought about the coyotes and deer that I see in the city, forced out of their homes because of deforestation and housing developments.

Is it too much to ask for all of earth's creatures to live together in harmony? Perhaps today the answer to this question is "yes, it is too much to ask." However, I'm hopeful that "Avatar" will, at the very least, plant a seed in peoples' minds and trigger some kind of inspiration to one day change that answer to "no."

Back in Action

After a long break from the blogosphere, I am back. My classes in the journalism school have inspired me to become more involved in social media, and take advantage of the various online resources. I hope to resume my writing on matters regarding animals, conservation and the sciences. And, don't be surprised if I throw in the occasional post that strays from my focus... my interests are more dimensional than they may seem.

Excited to be back!