Mountain lion problem fault of human ignorance

I am deeply disturbed by the recent decision by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to destroy the mountain lions in Sabino Canyon. This is its response to the growing concern by hikers that the mountain lions are becoming more aggressive toward humans hiking the trails. I wonder why. Maybe because some dumb human started a fire on the Aspen Trail last summer that burned down almost the entire habitat that these cats live in. I think humans should have to face the consequences for one of our own species igniting the fire, and ban humans from the area until it has a chance to regrow and the animals again have a place to live. We as a species should be compassionate to the plight of the lions that are just trying to survive and find food in an area that was completely devastated by one of us humans. I personally enjoy hiking in the Catalinas, but not at the expense of the animals in the environment I am hiking in. I ask the Arizona Game and Fish Department, "What's next?" Shall we tear out all the cactuses because they have spines? Pave all the trails so no one sprains their ankle? Going out into nature has its dangers, and one should accept that before one does. If the Arizona Game and Fish Department thinks the danger is too high, then it should close the park to visitors, not kill the lions. In other words, they should just use some common sense! [Read article]

The sorority girls are sunning poolside, students are cursing the heat and residence hall inhabitants are researching apartment listings and lease agreements. Yes, spring's 100-degree wonder is in the air, and May is approaching in a hurry.

For most seniors, that means graduation and monetary gifts (which is good, since diplomas also signal student lenders to creep in to collect). For many of us, May also means the heart palpitations commonly associated with looking toward the future. [Read article]

If it weren't for the efforts of certain environmental activists, some of the world's most precious treasures wouldn't exist today. Thanks to their hard work, acres of endangered zones, from bio-diverse coral reefs to tropical rainforests, are being preserved. Indeed, environmentalists have dedicated themselves to many worthy causes. But every once in a while, a group of well-intentioned but misguided activists finds a way to discredit the environmental movement, making other eco-crusaders look completely ridiculous. [Read article]

This week's winners ... and losers

The bomb - Sophomore pitcher Alicia Hollowell's perfect game against Indiana. She scored her third consecutive Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week award for her 20 strikeouts in seven innings on the mound. In short, she's got "Hall of Famer" written all over her.

A bomb - Slobodan Milosevic's trial. Experts concur that it's likely the Serbian leader will be acquitted on charges of crimes against humanity. Such an outcome would seem appropriate for such a bizarre, outrageous trial ... but a "not guilty" verdict would be a crime in and of itself. Where's hardcore American justice when we really need it? [Read article]