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Showing posts from April, 2019

The North American Emerald Ash Borer Infestation and Solutions

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The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect native to North East Asia, that is now steadily migrating across the United States. In doing so, it has affected tens of millions of ash trees in its devastating wake. The insects lay eggs on the bark of ash trees, followed by larvae then burrowing its way into them. Ultimately, in doing so, they steal the tree’s vital nutrients. If not treated promptly, tree death will most certainly occur. These little beetles have caused billions of dollars in damages to the forestry industry. Urban arborists have been reeling for years on how to adequately protect ash trees from this foreign infestation. The Emerald Ash Borer made its first appearance in the US during 2002 when a crate, comprised of infested wood, arrived in Michigan as a delivery from Asia. Today, it is found in thirty-five states, as well as a few Canadian provinces. As a result, one can argue that they are quite the little travel bugs. However, all joking aside, these insects travel, mu...

Notre Dame, False Dichotomies, and Societal Values

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“Speaking as a Catholic here…please don’t donate money to help Notre Dame. The church is worth $300 billion. Donate to help Puerto Rico recover. Donate to get the people of Flint clean water. Donate to get kids out of cages. Jesus didn’t care about stained glass. He cared about humans.”  (1) As a citizen of the world, I am absolutely appalled by this misguided statement made by author Kristan Higgins. Why am I appalled? I am appalled because Notre Dame is a symbol of not only the Catholic Church but of a millennium of culture. It is essentially a living, breathing historical monument that gives its own unique perspective on the French Revolution. It holds countless forms of priceless art, not to mention a plethora of religious relics including the purported crown of thorns that sat on the head of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. This monument to French history is appreciated by millions of individuals around the world, of different faiths and different values. It is a timel...

Julian Assange, a Cat, and Diplomatic Asylum

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Julian Assange lived as a guest of the Ecuadorian embassy for more than seven years. Running from various charges, including a rape accusation in Sweden and an espionage charge by the United States, the embassy encompassed his last stand at resistance. Admired by some, and reviled by others, he attracted international notoriety and guests from around the world, including Amal Clooney as well as Pamela Anderson. Nevertheless, as time dragged on, and the presidency in Ecuador changed, the Ecuadorian government began to lose their patience with this famous visitor. Why? Well, at least one of the reasons included the fact that he did not properly care for his cat. Through natural selection, cats have evolved into our nearly perfect companions. Left with the most basic of provisions, they can seemingly be left alone unattended for days. However, having a cat does take some effort, regardless of how self-sufficient they may seem. For instance, kitty litter must be provided and changed...

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Boeing, and Accountability

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Honesty and accountability are two characteristics required for a business to succeed. Boeing and the Kingdom of Morocco have recently devolved into chaotic situations, betraying the trust of their clients or subjects. Once a beloved figure of Morocco, King Mohammed VI is now the focus of his subjects’ anger and bewilderment. His wife, the first and so far only Princess Consort, Princess Lalla Salma, has disappeared from public life, simply abandoning her charities and constituents. The Moroccan people are wanting answers, but the King and his court are suspiciously quiet. This is driving a wedge between the King and his country’s trust. Will their disrespect influence the countries with which Morocco does business? The Boeing Corporation is an American favorite airplane manufacturer. The American government, it’s people, and other countries around the world, have trusted Boeing completely and rooted for its success. So powerful is this trust, that the Federal Aviation Administ...