From the heat of flames and twisted metal, an America rose from the ashes of 9/11; an America that was strongly united in spirit if not in direction. “Never Forget” signs were everywhere. Even at 11 years old, I knew I would never forget. I will remember the brave men, women, and rescue dogs as they risked their lives to save people inside the burning buildings, and then later … [Read more...]

Have you ever experienced an argument where the other side “just didn’t get it”? Have you ever been on the side of the argument where you “just didn’t get it”? I believe many modern arguments can be more productive if opposing sides begin with, and maintain, an equal understanding of the definitions of key words in the discussion. Some words have multiple meanings that are … [Read more...]

I would like to address common myths and misconceptions about Climate Change. Mythconception #1: “Climate Change used to be called ‘Global Warming’ but the Earth hasn’t been warming, so it’s called ‘Climate Change’ now.” Global warming is a term describing the overall impacts of atmospheric and oceanic temperatures as a result of greenhouse gases on Earth. As time progressed … [Read more...]

What happened? The GOP-controlled Senate passed a bill by voice-call in the late hours of December 19 with measures that would have provided enough funding for the government to continue functioning into the early part of February. This bill did not have money allocated for a border wall that President Trump had repeatedly stated Mexico would pay for.  It was expected this … [Read more...]

The Gilets Jaunes, or “Yellow Vest” demonstrations began in France on November 17 and were initially a protest of rising petroleum taxes. At about $6.30/gal already, this impending rise of $0.17/gal was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My partner and I were in France for the first month of these citizen-led disruptions. From the news snippets I have seen, it appears as … [Read more...]

I hope everybody had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. There are two times a year I am guaranteed to look back on my life to ponder the supposed progress of my character. One of those times is around the end of November, where Thanksgiving finds its home nestled within the 22nd and 28th of the eleventh month. I am in Europe this Thanksgiving and will unfortunately not be able … [Read more...]

If you want evidence of the very first mass extinction event on Earth, begin by looking below your feet here in Fillmore County. Most of us live near limestone from the Late Ordovician Period. The diversity of ancient life (fossils) you may find significantly diminishes as one moves into younger rock formations. This is because 85% of species that were alive during the … [Read more...]

The Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) on Hawaii Island tests the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. In April and May of 2018, the MLO measured the highest concentration of CO2 ever recorded in human history. Four hundred ten parts per million (ppm). What does this mean for the world, the nation, and Fillmore County? To be clear, water vapor is the world’s … [Read more...]

When I was in elementary and middle school, I felt I thrived in my independence from others and would usually study and practice writing, geography, and math by myself or with my family (whom I consider an extension of myself). Any time there was an exam or quiz, I was in strict competition to have the highest grade every time. I was in chess club until I could be in cross … [Read more...]

In light of the article written last month about atheism, it is clear there is a severe misunderstanding among some county residents about others. I was encouraged to help set the record straight as best I can on what atheism is and who atheists are. Atheists, or non-theists, are people who do not assert the existence of God or any gods. That’s it. Note the lack of any other … [Read more...]

Earlier this May, I watched helplessly as part of the community I have been a part of for more than a decade was incinerated by molten rock in Leilani, Hawaii. It happened both very quickly and slowly. Agonizingly slowly. Cracks under homes and streets opened up and lava erupted out, flooding Leilani in molten rock over days.  To lose a home in a tornado, hurricane, or flood … [Read more...]

On March 24 we saw the students’ “March for our Lives” promoting safe schools and environments conducive for learning. Resultantly, there’s much talk concerning closing gun show loopholes, improving background checks, raising the age non-military trained persons can purchase firearms, and funding for resource officers and/or arming teachers in schools. These are all debatable … [Read more...]

Have you ever been in a state where your mind feels like it’s spinning without any indication of stopping? You can lie awake for hours at night, thinking of everything and nothing at once because each thought is so fleeting one cannot be grasped firmly enough to pull your mind out of the maelstrom. The compass to give your mind direction on the stormy seas of contemplation … [Read more...]

I have a challenge for you. The goal is to not skip a single name. Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, … [Read more...]

When looking back at 2017, what challenges do you feel will be brewing in 2018? One issue I see is the evermore difficult matter of non-confrontational conversation. How do we bring up concerns with neighbors who may not share similar sentiments? I sometimes feel there are efforts from small-but-noisy forces designed to dismantle and divide people based on a mere handful of … [Read more...]