Banter Bites

Endangered Species – More Than Names On A List

When it comes to species becoming extinct, you can be mad … you can be sad … just don't be indifferent.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red can remember learning about extinct species as a kid, whether in the classroom or when she'd visit the awe-inspiring American Museum of Natural History in New York City. But let's face it, learning about dinosaurs or woolly mammoths, doesn't make the topic of extinction seem relevant today. (Even if, as Red points out, the movie "Night at the Museum" gives an amusing perspective of how "creatures" from the past might see today's world).


However, when U.S. scientists announced 23 species as extinct, it made headlines around the world. And although the list included many species we may never have heard of, it did include the ivory-billed woodpecker, which was once the nation's largest woodpecker (but was last spotted almost 80 years ago, well before there ever were "protected" lists).

Black, of course, went back to the actual U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announcement and saw where, technically, the 23 species had not yet been declared extinct, the USFWS was proposing "delisting" them from the Endangered Species List (created as part of the 1973 Endangered Species Act). In other words, they had given up all hope. But there was a 60-day comment period before they were declared gone forever. (She couldn't help but wonder what happens if they're spotted after being declared extinct, would they no longer be protected?)

Regardless, if you're looking at this from an emotional perspective or solely scientific,

The successful efforts of the Endangered Species Act can only do so much, and although the reasons for extinction may vary, humans were the ultimate cause. And there's no denying that we're going to see more extinctions if we don't do more in terms of conservation.

Today’s a national holiday … for a reason. And although it may be a day of fun, festivities, and maybe even relaxation, it’s important to stop and think about the true meaning of the day …

We all “celebrate” Memorial Day differently, but we all should remember it’s a day to honor those who gave their lives serving this country.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, and Red remembers celebrating over the years with family get-togethers, barbeques, and pool parties; whereas Black “celebrates” most holidays by having a quiet day to work uninterrupted, but it’s important never to forget the significance of the holiday.

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If you’re looking for a reason not to mow, there’s logic behind letting it grow …

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: As is often the case, Red hadn’t heard of the latest trend, “No Mow May,” which is all about lawn maintenance (or the lack of it) until Black started sending her articles about it.

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It’s hard to imagine one holiday celebrates … spring, women’s fertility, workers, and labor rights. But it shouldn’t surprise you that even though it dates back thousands of years, we each “dance around” different aspects of May Day.

If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.

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