Guitar Hero Wayne Kramer Brings Music Workshops to Prisons

Wayne Kramer, once a guitarist for the 1960s Detroit proto-punk group MC5 and subject of the Clash's song 'Jail Guitar Doors,' now teaches songwriting at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. His volunteer work is part of Jail Guitar Doors USA, a program that has distributed guitars and taught music in over 140 American prisons and jails. Kramer's efforts aim to combat the dehumanization of prison life and provide inmates with a creative outlet for expression. The program, which he co-founded after being inspired by British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, has gained support through benefit concerts featuring artists like Moby. Kramer's work reflects his belief in the transformative power of music and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment in the prison system.

The Dazzling Ocean Reefs Hidden Beneath Oil Rigs

Oil rigs, despite their association with environmental harm, can inadvertently create rich ocean reef ecosystems around their underwater structures. Emily Hazelwood and Amber Sparks of Blue Latitudes consult with oil companies to preserve these reefs on decommissioned rigs, which can be more cost-effective than full removal. However, the practice is controversial, with critics like Linda Krop of the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara arguing that it absolves companies from cleanup responsibilities and could potentially leave reefs barren if they become overfished. California's rigs-to-reef program faces scrutiny over its environmental benefits and long-term liabilities.

Inside America’s largest collection of stuffed endangered animals

The National Wildlife Property Repository in Denver houses a vast collection of confiscated illegal animal products, highlighting the global issue of wildlife trafficking. Colleen Schaefer, who runs the repository, emphasizes the growing sophistication of wildlife trafficking networks and the critical role of law enforcement in combating this trade. The article also discusses the broader impacts of human activity on endangered species, including climate change, and underscores the importance of public education in wildlife conservation efforts.