David PesciFebruary 2, 20091min
Mount Redoubt, an active volcano southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, is giving indications that it may erupt soon (the last time was 1989-90). Johan Varekamp, Herald T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science, who analyzed the ash fall created by the volcano's last eruptions discusses in The Los Angeles Times the possible environmental hazards to the surrounding landscape, people and animals that could be produced if the mountain erupts again.

David PesciJanuary 4, 20091min
Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth comments in The Los Angeles Times on David Maisel's new book, Library of Dust. The book, which The Times calls a 'haunting memorial,' contains series of photographic images that 'depict canisters containing the cremated remains of the unclaimed dead from an Oregon psychiatric hospital.' Some of the canisters date from the 19th Century and their exteriors have undergone tremendous change through chemical interactions and aging throughout the decades. President Roth also contributed an essay to the book.