Yellowstone National Park, a symbol of unspoiled natural beauty, is now the center stage of an unfolding ecological drama. The first confirmed case (ref) of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the park’s mule deer population has sparked a flurry of concern among scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Dubbed the “zombie deer disease” due to its … Read more
The recent announcement (ref) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, declaring the extinction of 21 species previously listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for biodiversity conservation. This action, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the ESA, brings both a somber reflection on losses and … Read more
Let’s face it: on a scorching hot day, the sweet hum of an air conditioner feels like a lifeline. But what if that lifeline is actually tying us into a knot of environmental woes? It turns out, our reliance on air conditioning is heating up the planet just as much as it’s cooling our homes. … Read more
Imagine a winter evening in an Amish home – the air is crisp outside, but inside, there’s a warmth that goes beyond the physical. In the modern world where high-tech heating solutions are the norm, the Amish community, known for its simplicity and aversion to modern technology, has its unique ways of staying warm. Today, … Read more
I did a double-take the first time I saw a Purple Passion Vine. On closer inspection, I noticed that the dark green leaves were covered in tiny purple hairs that shimmered in the sun. This fascinating native of the Indonesian island of Java grows upright in its native habitat. The cultivar ‘Purple Passion,’ though, is … Read more
Imagine a world where the color of your favorite brand’s packaging changes with every purchase. Confusing, right? This was the reality before Lawrence Herbert dubbed the “King of Color,” transformed Pantone from a small printing company into a global color consistency powerhouse. In 2024, while Pantone’s “Peach Fuzz” is making headlines as the color of … Read more
Imagine walking through a charming neighborhood lined with quaint, walk-up apartments, each brimming with character and history. These buildings, often found in cities worldwide, are not just architectural gems but also a testament to urban diversity. However, in North America, a different story unfolds. Apartment buildings are larger, more imposing, and stretch across entire blocks. … Read more
One of the sought-after milestones of adulthood is moving into your dream home. But what if you find yourself entangled in a web of unexpected fees, stringent rules, and legal battles? This is the reality for many homeowners living under Homeowners Associations (HOAs) governance. In 2022, 84% of newly built single-family homes in the U.S. were part … Read more
The popular Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) and its beautiful variegated cultivars are my favorite houseplants. I received my first Peperomia when I was ten and have loved them ever since. They’re perfect houseplants – attractive, easy to care for, adaptable to most household environments, and pet-friendly. Peperomias are native to Florida, Mexico, and islands … Read more
When Venus Flytraps were newly discovered in North and South Carolina in the 1700s, people were in awe of their carnivorous habit and snap-trap jaws. There was excited correspondence across the Atlantic, and they were first named Dionaea muscipula (Aphrodite’s Mousetrap) by John Ellis, a British naturalist. Venus Flytraps made quite an impression on the … Read more
