Wilderness is generally defined as a natural environment on Earth that has not been modified by human activity. Ecologists consider wilderness areas to be an integral part of the planet's self-sustaining natural ecosystem (the biosphere).
The word, "wilderness", derives from the notion of wildness; in other words that which is not controllable by humans. The word's etymology is from the Old Englishwildeornes, which in turn derives from wildeor meaning wild beast (wild + deor = beast, deer) (The Collins English Dictionary, 2000). From this point of view, it is the wildness of a place that makes it a wilderness. The mere presence or activity of people does not disqualify an area from being "Wilderness." Many ecosystems that are, or have been, inhabited or influenced by activities of people may still be considered "wild." This way of looking at wilderness includes areas within which natural processes operate without human interference.
Giants, Ocho Cinco Cap Week In Sports Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:46:00 -0400 The Giants-Redskins game magically doesn't overlap with John McCain's speech, the league works on a deal to save the NFL Network, and Cincinnati's Chad Johnson is allowed to change his name to Chad Ocho Cinco. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis offers his insight. Patriots' Kraft Banks On New Mall At Stadium Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:09:00 -0400 With the NFL season under way, the New England Patriots are asking fans, "Are you ready for some shopping?" Team owner Robert Kraft has built a huge new mall next to Gillette Stadium that costs as much as the stadium itself: more than $300 million. Why Politicians Rely On Sports Arenas Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0400 The Democratic National Convention used a hockey arena and then a football stadium as a backdrop for presenting its message. Then when John McCain chose a running mate he visited a basketball arena and two minor league baseball parks. What not use a music venue? We examine what political arenas say about America.