Sweat Lodge Deaths & Self-Help Gurus: A Question of Accountability

By Jonathan Ellerby, PhD

The recent and tragic events that involved three deaths and more than 19 injured and emotionally traumatized at a James Ray “Spiritual Warrior Retreat” deserves to be treated with some gentleness for this is more than a news item, but a horrific experience of loss and suffering that is impacting far more people than only those who were there. It is also a criminal investigation and a mans career under scrutiny. This “event” brings up some critical issues in our society, and this is one of those important times where we can either learn something that will serve everyone, or fall into the kind of blame and stereotyping that helps no one.

The World’s Greenest Museum

From a living roof to the natural lighting and ventilation system, the new California Academy of Sciences has implemented sustainable building practices that work in unison with nature — environmentally sensitive practices that are very much in tune with its mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world.

The San Francisco-based Academy is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, as well as world-class research and education programs.

Founded on the heels of the gold rush in 1853, it is the oldest scientific institution west of the Mississippi River, says Director of Exhibits and Programming Chris Andrews (below), who has been with the Academy since 2005.

“Its early members conducted the first comprehensive survey of the states flora and fauna. Over the past 156 years, its scientists have explored some of the most remote places on earth, from deep ocean trenches off the coast of the GalÃ