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On April 15, 2019, Paris’ most famous cathedral caught fire. The cathedral burned for fifteen hours, resulting in massive amounts of damage that would take years to repair. The cause of the Notre Dame fire is still unknown, although it is believed to have been some sort of electrical mishap. The flames destroyed one of the three spires, the majority of the roof, and the cathedral’s upper walls, as well as damaging historic relics and statues. 

Parisians watched the fire in tears, mourning as one of their greatest historic landmarks was engulfed in smoke. The Notre Dame has been an icon of Paris since its construction, beginning in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and coming to completion in 1260. The cathedral sits on Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River, located in the first arrondissement of Paris. For centuries, it has been a place of worship and a testament to the Catholic Church’s contributions to art and architecture. 

The spire of the cathedral was a staple of the Paris skyline as well as French Gothic architecture. During the fire, it collapsed, sending burning rubble crashing to the floor. The roof was a unique aspect of the Notre Dame, constructed of wood from oak trees over hundreds of years old from the forests of Bercé in central France. The roof of the cathedral was known as la forêt, which means “the forest” in French. 

However, for the next five years following the fire, architects and historians worked to restore the cathedral of Paris to the best of their abilities. The process began only ten days after the fire was tamed, as investigators entered the remains of the Notre Dame to assess the damage and potential cause. From April 2019 to August 2021, the reconstruction project was held in a “safety phase” to clean the wreckage and ensure that the restoration would happen safely, so as to not cause further damage to the remains of the original building. 

The process of reconstructing the cathedral began slowly and took time, but each step in the rehabilitation was a celebratory accomplishment. In September of 2022, the stained glass windows were fully restored, after facing serious damage from the smoke and dust emitted from the fire. The 170 year old windows were miraculously strong enough to withstand the high temperatures and are now back on full display. 

Then, on December 16, 2023, a new spire was constructed – adorned with a new golden rooster and cross. The golden rooster represents the long standing national emblem of France, and was blessed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich before being placed atop the spire. At last, one of the most significant symbols of Paris had been restored. 

Nearly three months later, the roof was completed and, this past September, the bells were reinstalled. Their return required a convoy of trucks, carrying the bells that weighed at over 3,500 kilograms and represented one the final steps of the reconstruction process. 

As the finishing touches were completed, French President Emmanuel Macron made his final visit to the reconstruction site for one last look before the grand opening. Finally, on December 7th, 2024, the Notre Dame’s doors were reopened to the public.

For the first time in five years, the thunderous organ sounded, welcoming people back into the sacred place of worship. An opening service, inaugural mass, and a televised ceremony paid homage to and celebrated the unveiling of the good-as-new Notre Dame. The cathedral, despite minor changes, holds the same historical and religious significance as it has for centuries. The art, sculptures, and limestone walls are each a testament to what the cathedral has withstood in its time.

America has never shied away from its desire to expand its territory as our nation has continued to evolve. The country has constantly moved in pursuit of new lands throughout history, with the principle of Manifest Destiny and the purchase of Alaska as some of the many examples of American expansionism in the past 250 years. The most recent chapter of this phenomenon appears to have just begun with the election of President Donald Trump, who has stated his desire for a slew of different places to become part of the United States. Some of his goals have been more serious than others, with the pursuit of Greenland being seen as the most realistic. The President has also suggested that Canada become the 51st State and that the US should regain control of the Panama Canal, empowering his base while frightening American allies. Regardless of the final outcome, American expansionism has returned for the next 4 years.

The new movement started shortly after President Trump was elected, with a meeting with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as one of the first serious indications of the President’s desire for the Canadian neighbor to become a part of the Red, White, and Blue. Over dinner at the President’s Mar A Lago Resort, Trump suggested to Trudeau that if Canada could not deal with his proposed tariffs, the nation should just become the 51st State. The comments spread like wildfire, with both sides presenting them as more of a fantasy than a real possibility. The comments did help demonstrate the new foreign policy approach of the Trump Administration, which has threatened and imposed tariffs on US allies like Canada and Colombia in order to exert pressure on countries to come in line with US policies.

Tariff pressure has not been the only thing that Trump has threatened. The President has increasingly used rhetoric in order to extract his political goals as well. He has engaged in a public feud with the government of Panama, demanding that the US regain control of the Canal because of perceived Chinese interference in its operation. Furthermore, the President has used executive action in order to exert his will, signing an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, adding another layer to his war of words and political posturing.

Trump’s biggest focus has been on acquiring the country of Greenland, sending a group of family members and political allies to the nation in order to explore the possibility of a sale or other maneuver to acquire the country. He has also lobbied the Danish government with demands to acquire Greenland, which is part of Denmark. The Danish government has resisted most of the attempts of the President and has become increasingly wary of the President’s efforts. Notably, Greenland’s government has moved towards independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Mute Egede, and Denmark has affirmed the nation’s right to do so. Even if it were to gain independence, Greenland would more likely wish to remain independent rather than move to being a part of another nation. Greenland becoming part of the US will likely remain an interesting discussion in global affairs for the foreseeable future.

Supporters of the President champion these maneuvers as part of the “America First” nationalist policies of the administration, which all work to project American influence and strengthen the country through strategic deals and initiatives. Opponents argue that the public feuds help create rifts between the US and other countries, weakening the US position on the global stage as well as with critical allies. Ultimately, these moves show the nation’s future as it explores a continued expansion of the nation that started as 13 colonies nearly 250 years ago.

In the US, American auto reigns supreme. Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler are the heavyweights that have seemed for many years to be immortal. In other places around the world, however, a new story is beginning to play out. The international sales of American vehicles are starting to decline, and another world superpower is ready to replace the U.S. A previously dormant international player in the auto industry, China, is starting to take over the automotive world.

China is posing an ever-growing threat to the American auto industry. The U.S. has fallen from 4th to 6th in vehicle exports, behind both Mexico and South Korea;while the U.S. has slowed down vehicle exports, China has started to rise as an international contender. The transition from traditional gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to electric vehicles (EV), has started to favor Chinese automakers. Apart from export volume, Chinese manufacturers have pushed the limit for both vehicle production and pricing, something other global automakers like GM and Ford Motor have struggled to do. 

In 2019, faced with a company struggling to stay afloat, Elon Musk and Tesla turned to China, a country with more lenient laws that made factories easier to build and maintain. This helped Tesla stay afloat, but they weren’t the only startup to take advantage. Chinese-based BYD has quickly risen to success, riding off the back of the electric vehicle wave. Last year, BYD surpassed Tesla in worldwide EV sales, and BYD and other Chinese companies like NIO and XPeng have made rapid advances in battery technology, improving charging speed and energy density. China has spent billions of dollars on research, development and EV infrastructure, promising plans to build 1.2 million public charging stations by 2025. 

BYD isn’t just building cars. The company also manufactures lithium batteries, solar modules, electric-powered buses, trucks, and trains, as well as AI and transportation software. According to SNE Research, BYD has more than 10% of the global energy storage system market, and in January signed a contract to supply one of the largest energy storage projects in Chile. The company has also privately told investors that it is controlling as much as 30% of the US utility-scale solar market. 

Although BYD may be starting to pick up steam internationally, there are still barriers to the company ever becoming successful in the US. Chinese automakers have traditionally struggled to gain traction in the US, and only five cars sold in the US are built in China (The Lincoln Nautilus, Buick Envision, Volvo S90, Polestar 1, and Polestar 2). One of the largest obstacles to a Chinese company becoming successful in the US is protectionist laws and tariffs. Former president Donald Trump has predicted a “bloodbath” for the US auto industry if he loses the election this November and promised tariffs against Chinese automakers, stating “We’re going to put a 100% tariff on every single car that comes across the line, and you’re not to going to be able to sell those cars if I get elected.” The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 placed battery sourcing and manufacturing requirements in place to encourage domestic EV production, and according to Karl Bruer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, “The United Auto Workers and the U.S. auto industry have enough political power that no matter who is in the oval office, there will be an effort to protect it.” 

The most likely path that BYD or other Chinese companies could take to selling cars in the US would be similar to the way Japanese automakers like Toyota and Hyundai entered the US, selling their most affordable models before moving up to higher-end models. This process, however, took Japanese manufacturers around 50 years before reaching mainstream relevance. As of now, it seems unlikely that BYD will take a stab at the American market anytime soon, but the threat to the American auto industry remains. 

From wars to recalls, the first three months of 2024 have been filled with head-turning stories, each more interesting than the next. Podcast after podcast, news story after news story, there is a question we all have to ask ourselves: What’s up with the world? As of March 2024, the world is going through a complex chain of events, challenges, and opportunities that shape the society we know today. At the surface of the world, there are ongoing conflicts, political tensions and transitions, and the pursuit of peace amongst all the uncertainty. 

Wars and conflicts continue to impact lands all around the world, leaving devastation  and ending the lives of countless citizens. From the inhumane crisis in Sudan, the persistent conflict in Yemen, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, to the devastating war in Gaza. The human toll of the ongoing wars remains a very serious concern. Efforts to negotiate ceasefires, provide aid, and give political solutions are underway, but the road to lasting peace is full of complications and complexities. 

In addition to ongoing wars, the world is witnessing political changes and elections that shape the future of our world. Elections in various countries have been marked by debates about governance, economic policies, and social values, representing the different array of voices and perspectives within most democratic societies. The outcomes of these elections give a more clear direction of domestic and foreign policies, and the global balance of power amongst countries. 

Amidst these geopolitical dynamics, global health remains a crucial focus, with the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shaping public health policies and societal norms. Social and environmental issues also play a role in shaping our current state of the world. Women’s rights also joins the conversation when abortion rights are being discussed on a federal level. When lawmakers are split between their decision on abortion rights in the United States. With new medication and birth control being presented to the public, the legality of this topic is being discussed more.  Conversations about climate change, environmental sustainability, and the need for immediate action to address the environmental challenges. These conversations call  for sustainable practices, renewable energy changes , and conservation efforts to show  the urgency of protecting  the planet for future generations. 

As the digital world continues to expand and advance in the world around us.  Advancements in artificial intelligence or AI are reshaping our world  and redefining the boundaries of what is possible. These technological advancment’s ethical and regulatory involvement remain very questionable subjects of an ongoing debate. On the cultural side, art, literature, and creative expressions continue to serve as an ethical and moral source of inspiration and reflection among  the world’s imperfections and complexities . Artists, writers, and performers are finding new ways to engage with their audiences, bringing up thought provoking conversations, and exploring the world across different cultural perspectives. The nature of our world shows the need for collaboration, dialogue, and mutual understanding in addressing the challenges beyond borders. 

Ultimately, the world is a complicated, imperfect place, the power of human actions, empathy, and cooperation remains a guiding force in shaping a world that reflects our collective vision for a more equitable, sustainable, and harmonious global community. Amid global tensions, ongoing conflicts, and political changes, the spirit of hope and resilience stays strong as a testament to humanity’s long lasting potential and capacity to create a world that values peace, justice, and shared hope. So that should answer your question and summarize the plethora of things to say about what’s up with the world.

Photo contributed by Change4Health

The Evil Queen from Snow White and Mother Gothel from Tangled both share something in common, aside from being evil. It’s their motivation for their deeds: to stop the progression of time on their appearance. The need to stop time, specifically on our appearance is something we have struggled with since the beginning, of well, time. We beg the youth to wear sunscreen, use peptide creams, dye our grays, use Botox, and have even gone looking for the fountain of youth. One thing for certain, time is inevitable, and no one can outrun it. We have been able to push back the life expectancy of humans thanks to advancements in technology and medicine, but it will catch up to us at one point. Many think that to live a long life exercise, a good diet, or lots of sleep. However, what is the true secret to living a long life? Scientists have been searching for the answer and conducted a study on areas where the proportion of people who reach 100 is significantly higher than the world average (72 years). These areas are known as “Blue Zones’ ‘ and there are exactly 5 in the world: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California. So, here’s the secret to a long life. 

1. Move Naturally 

Instead of working out every day at the gym and purposefully moving their bodies, residents of Blue Zones find themselves moving their bodies naturally. ⅗ of the Blue Zones are located in very narrow, steep regions that didn’t always have access to industrial roads, which “protected these zones from the corrosive effects of globalization,” says Dan Buettner, a Blue Zone Researcher. These areas are typically more compact and not a lot of people own cars, so they rely on public transportation. This will inadvertently make the residents walk more daily than other people in more widespread cities. Walking is one of the best exercises there is, according to Buettner, he adds that having a dog can give the extra nudge to move your body daily. 

2. Drinking liquids

Consuming water and staying hydrated is important to maintaining healthy body movements, but residents of blue zones also contribute their longevity to other liquids such as tea and red wine. Moderate drinkers of alcohol have been proven to outlive non-drinkers, moderate meaning 1-2 glasses of red wine a day. This is because red wine is full of antioxidants that clean the arteries. Buettner also adds that residents drink a significant amount of tea, stating that, “In Okinawa, it’s often green tea, while in Ikaria it’s usually a tea made with oregano, rosemary or mint.”

3. Low Beef & Dairy

In a majority of these areas, residents consume little red meat and specifically in Loma Linda, are vegetarian. It’s important to note that they don’t cut out all dairy, having on average 3 eggs per week and drinking oat and goat milk predominantly. In a study by the NIH, red meat leads to “…increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The studies have also pointed to an elevated risk of mortality from red meat intake.”

4. Purpose

This is probably the most unappreciated reason for living longer, but the most important. They find purpose in religion and social circles. Studies have found that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy. Having true life-long friends can lead to having no loneliness, and reduced amounts of stress, plus they can lead to more healthy behavior.

We find ourselves consumed in our day-to-day responsibilities, but the true secret to living longer is not caring. Residents of these areas go about their lives naturally, not actively trying to avoid any of these things. They feel fulfilled in their life, which inadvertently causes them to have more healthy habits that we have not adopted. Let’s live longer by living happier!