Santa Susana Mountains

“I am become death, destroyer of worlds.” These famous words were uttered by the J. Robert Oppenheimer - creator of the atomic bomb - at its first test in 1945. A few months later, two bombs were dropped onto Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the world was changed forever. Now, over 70 years later, we are using this same destructive power, but we are using it for supposedly peaceful and harmless purposes, such as creating electricity by splitting the atom. We seem to have forgotten what this power was…

Most of the nuclear waste that was disposed of in and around Armstrong County was produced from manufacturing fuel for commercial nuclear power plants and the Navy’s nuclear submarines. Two of the multiple sites are found near my home. One is right in town by the Kiski River, and the other is found about 5 minutes out of Leechburg which is also close to my home. The Apollo one is totally cleaned up. Though, it was said to have a lot more waste than they thought. It took about 3 to 4 years to…

Top Spots for Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee Leaf turning time in Middle Tennessee triggers holiday-like festivities. The panoramic beauty of fall foliage fascinates both locals and out-of-towners. The most spectacular colors this side of heaven are on display for leaf peepers pleasure. From flaming-red maples and crimson sumacs to red sweet gums and golden hickories, incredible colors blanket Tennessee hills, highways and byways. While you may prefer driving to view the lovely leaves,…

Nuclear Energy - Environment’s rejuvenation or a hazard!! In the early 1930s and 1940s, research was at its pinnacle yet very ‘small’, small in size, not in size of work but in size of the subject- atoms, neutrons, protons and nuclei. The works of Rutherford, Bohr, Einstein, Chadwick, Curie, Frederic, Fermi, Hahn, Strassmann all eventually led to the discovery of Nuclear Power or Energy, which is believed to be the panacea of energy crises that currently exist. It is a boon to the modern…

In Erdrich’s Tracks, the novel tells a story of a Chippewa tribe that is forced to adapt to colonizers in the post-colonization state of America. Through the eyes of two distinct narrators, Nanapush and Pauline, the reader gets an inside view of the perspective of a Native-American tribe in post-colonial America. At the very beginning of the novel, Nanapush describes Native Americans dying from the spotted fever (or yellow fever) due to the colonizers bringing disease as they intermingle with…

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the Great Smoky Mountains, is an ideal place for vacations. A small town, with around four thousand residents, Gatlinburg draws more than 11 million visitors a year. Some of the best things about Gatlinburg, Tennessee are the beautiful autumn sceneries, the delicious desserts to try, and the unlimited activities available. One of the most astonishing experiences is standing at an overlook and seeing mountains glazed with fall colors. Gatlinburg is home to…

Beginning in the 1960’s nuclear power was believed to be an attractive alternative to fossil fuels and was even referred to as the energy source of the future. To the uninformed the use of nuclear energy may seem frightening because the only thing rumored is the negatives like: the waste, major spills of material and disastrous radioactive accidents, but there are many benefits from the use of this energy source such as: saving millions of lives, a mass reduction of pollution, and an advancement…

The Impact of the Wiindigoo in The Round House Louise Erdrich was born in 1954 in Little Falls, Minnesota, and identifies as Turtle Mountain Chippewa. Due to Erdrich’s Native American background, she has written many novels centered around Native American themes. Erdrich’s novel, The Round House, is told from Joe, a thirteen-year-old boy’s, point of view, showing how he copes with the event of his mother’s rape. Joe is outraged that the authorities are not doing more to help find the man…

There is no greater retreat on earth than a weekend spent in a Smoky Mountain cabin. This relatively affordable abode comes in a few different forms ranging from exquisitely luxurious to rustically quaint. No matter what your tastes, you are certain to find a Smoky Mountain cabin that is right for your vacation. The first step to your own Smoky Mountain getaway is as close as your computer. I found a lot of resources that will point anyone looking for a romantic retreat like this on the…

The Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute put together a council of representatives who represent communities in close proximity to the Nevada Test Site. They formed what is called The Native Community Action Council (NCAC), filled with activists, leaders and elders of the communities. Many feel that since the beginning of the nuclear age, not many actions have been taken to preserve the health and environment of Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute. 1. The NCAC made observations of…