Portfolio
![PIMUN_Spring_2018-1[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4b138e_c1662d7035ed4a68891684d17b962ee3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_425,h_549,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/PIMUN_Spring_2018-1%5B1%5D.jpg)
World Affairs
Phoenix Intergenerational Model United Nations Conference (PIMUN) is Arizona's annual mock delegation solving real-world issues in real-time.
With over 128 UN members states, across the contiguous forty-eight states, and over four-hundred colleges & universities. National Model United Nations features over 7,000 global citizens and 6,300 student delegates.
​
Targeted at high-school and university-level students, Model United Nations is centered around providing students with a forum to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing, and research. Notable participants include Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, and ABC's George Stephanopoulos.
​
Since the first conference began, referred to as the "Model Assembly of the League of Nations," at Syracuse University in 1927. NMUN has built a rich ninety-three-year history across the national and global platforms. Conferences are now held both nationally and globally in cities like San Francisco, New York, Geneva, and Rome.
​
Since 2016, Dr. Albert Celoza has worked with student delegates to host an annual conference at the Arizona State Capitol.
Click here to download the 2018 PIMUN Agenda PowerPoint.
Model United Nations
Politics
The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA)
WASHINGTON – Arizona businesses and elected officials hailed Wednesday’s signing of the new United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement that they say preserves markets worth more than $20 billion in trade and 228,000 jobs in the state in 2018.
​
President Donald Trump, flanked by hard-hatted workers in a White House signing ceremony, hailed the “colossal victory” of the deal, that replaces the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement.
​
But Democrats also claimed wins in the pact, which they said improves protections for workers and the environment among other things.
​
The deal has already been approved by Mexico but still needs Canadian sign-off, which could take months more. But supporters were enthused by Wednesday’s signing, which came two weeks after its final passage by the U.S. Senate.
​
“There is no state that is more competitively placed for trade than Arizona based on proximity,” said Garrick Taylor, a spokesman for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “With this deal, Arizona will continue to grow the number of jobs tied to Canada and Mexico . . . We have been looking forward to this for a year-and-a-half.”
​
The chamber says more than 228,000 jobs and $20 billion in annual trade rely on our relationship with Mexico and Canada, the state’s No. 1 and No. 2 trading partners.
​
“Canada and Mexico purchase more than two-fifths of Arizona’s total global manufacturing exports, so the trade deal will enable our small businesses to continue and increase their ability to sell products across the border,” said Greater Phoenix Chamber President & CEO Todd Sanders in a statement Wednesday.
​
Renegotiating NAFTA had been one of the premier campaign promises by Trump, who derided it on the campaign trail in 2016 as “the worst trade deal ever.” The process to craft a new deal between the three countries began in 2017.
​
The new deal includes provisions on a range of topics from agricultural produce and homelessness, to manufactured products and digital trade. It also addresses the lack of digital protections to e-commerce and intellectual property in the NAFTA agreement, which predated the internet boom.
​
More prominent aspects include greater access for U.S. dairy farmers to the Canadian market and greater protections for workers, including migrants and children.
During a 38-minute speech Wednesday at the White House, Trump called the new deal “the largest, fairest, most balanced, and modern trade agreement ever achieved.”
​
But some experts said they see little difference between USMCA and the pact it replaced.
“It took some of the chapters from that (NAFTA) and made that the heart of the new USMCA,” said David Dollar, a senior fellow on foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. “For example, there’s a chapter on cross-border data flow and there’s a stronger chapter on intellectual property rights protection, and on environmental issues and labor issues.”
Dollar said the new deal’s “protections for the U.S. auto industry, which most economists are not in favor of,” could lead to higher prices for U.S. car buyers when factoring in “the value-added between Canada and the US, on one hand, and Mexico on the other.”
​
Inu Manak, a research fellow at the Cato Institute, agreed that there “are some minor changes, but nothing huge” in the final version of the USMCA.
​
“There’s a lot of similarities when you look at the overall text of the agreement, a lot of it was copied and pasted over from the original NAFTA,” she said.
​
Manak said in a blog post, however, that the new deal does include better provisions for settling disputes between countries, attempts to increase transparency on the regulatory process in each country, and a higher limit – $800 – on the good that can move duty-free between countries.
​
Arizona lawmakers applauded the deal that Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Phoenix, said business “have been eagerly awaiting.” He said the deal will “preserve and open up new opportunities with our two largest trading partners.”
​
Arizona exported $7.7 billion in goods to Mexico and $2.2 billion to Canada in 2018, according to data from the U.S. Trade Representative, while importing $9 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. By comparison, the state shipped $1.2 billion in goods to China in 2018.
​
Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Sedona, called the new pact “an example of legislating done right – thoughtful negotiations, consideration of input from stakeholders and experts, and bipartisan, bicameral support.”
​
All of Arizona’s congressional lawmakers voted for the plan, which passed the House on 385-41 vote in December and passed the Senate 89-10 on Jan. 16.
​
Sanders noted that the new deal will help the 80% of Arizona businesses that are small businesses.
​
“With the new custom and trade rules reducing red tape, small businesses will be able to engage in cross-border trade more easily,” his statement said.
_edited.jpg)
Photo by: D. Myles Cullen / The White House
Immovable objects:
Asarco, striking workers at odds after four months
WASHINGTON – Striking Asarco workers passed four months on the picket line Thursday, but union officials insist they have strong community support and that workers are committed to staying out until they get a fair deal.
​
Pima County officials held a fourth job and resource fair on site Thursday, the same day union officials were in Phoenix filing more than 3,000 pages of documents as part of a claim with the National Labor Relations Board.
​
Organizers said donations are coming in from near and far and that elected officials have continued to show support to the strike, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who joined picketing workers last week.
​
In a letter to executives at Grupo Mexico, which owns Asarco, Romero criticized what she called the company’s “unwillingness to negotiate a fair deal” with workers who need “fair, living wages with good benefits.”
​
“All they want is to negotiate a fair labor contract and then keep on working,” her letter said. “It is something that is concerning to me as the mayor of the city.”
​
Officials at Asarco did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the strike.
​
The strike began Oct. 13 when workers rejected a “best and final” contract from Asarco that the union said froze wages, raised health care costs to workers and cut into pensions and bonuses for workers, who have not received a raise in 11 years.
​
The strike includes more than 1,700 workers at five Asarco facilities in Texas and southern Arizona that include copper mining, smelting and refining operations. Union officials said strikers have manned picket lines around the clock at those facilities.
​
It’s not been easy for workers, said Ruben Gonzales, vice president of United Steelworkers Local 937, one of seven unions affected by the strike.
​
“You know, we have skilled employees here – very skilled employees … why wouldn’t you want to take care of guys who are loyal to the company?” Gonzales said. “A guy who knows the ins and outs of this operation. That guy is going to take care of you if you take care of him.”
​
He said many of the striking workers have found side jobs in their fields to help pay the bills, but that help is coming from other quarters as well, including strike fund support from other unions and donations from local businesses and private individuals.
The AFL-CIO in Orange County, Calif., sent a 53-foot semitrailer packed with food, toys and presents for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, said Paul Stapleton-Smith, a coordinator with the Pima Area Labor Federation.
​
Thursday’s job fair was also a resource fair, aimed at giving workers help with everything from new jobs and mortgage refinance to basic health checkups and diapers for children.
​
Locally, Stapleton-Smith said, groups like Pima One-Stop, El Rio Health and United Way have helped provide food, apparel and health care, as well as establishing donation pools to help with bills and finances.
​
“We have gotten continued donations from France, Australia, Africa, all over the United States,” he said. “When merchants learn that these are Asarco families, restaurant owners are like, ‘Striking Asarco workers, you can eat for free.’ There is much goodness in this world.”
​
The strike is also having an effect on the community, although the exact impact is hard to pinpoint. But in a video produced by the steelworkers, Angela Ramirez talks about the impact at the General Kearny Inn, where she is the manager.
​
“It has hurt every single one of us, because we all have ties,” she said. Workers are “not putting their money into the local grocery store, they aren’t putting their money into the local businesses anymore. The impact has hit everybody.”
​
That was echoed by Romero in a phone interview.
​
“It’s affecting not just 750 employees but especially their families, and it is affecting the economy of our city,” she said.
Romero is not the only elected official to weigh in. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Tucson, has voiced her support for the strikers and Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, joined the picket line last month, union leaders said.
​
Romero said anything people can do “to show support for the strikers is beneficial.”
​
“Even if you show up and just stand by them – in solidarity – on the strike line that’s good. The food boxes for their food pantry that they have put together,” she said. “Any type of demonstration or support is actually something that will go a long way.”
​
Gonzales said he, like most of the workers, is not going anywhere.
​
“When you work for the mine, you are proud to say you work for the mines. My own father, personally, spent over 40 years in mining. He retired from mining; he retired from this mine, from Asarco,” Gonzales said. “It is just something you do.”
Lifestyle
North Mountain Amenities
Strategically placed on the one of the busiest corners in Phoenix, 7th Street and Dunlap, Owner Rob Berkner has built a brand on uniqueness and integrity for the art of brewing.
​
Click the video to learn about one of the newest micro-breweries in the Northern Phoenix area!
The Phoenix Mountain Preserve spans over twenty miles in length and attracts individuals from all walks of life. However, this hidden mountain on the North-end of Phoenix is a must-see!
​
Click the video to learn about this secret spot in the valley!
Profile: Nate "Wang" Vizzerra
Nate Vizzerra, a Phoenix-native and independent-business man found himself on a non-traditional path to where he succeeds today.
As the owner of Wang's Closet, off of McKellips and the 101 and newly-opened Wang's Vintage on 7th avenue and Osborn. With a "40k-strong" following on Instagram and recently launched shoe-cleaning company "Wang's Wash," Wang has became a local celebrity in Arizona. It was something Vizzerra could have never imaged growing up with much different ambitions.
​
He described his previous career, in detail.
"I was in the Marijuana industry for a long time. I was developing grow rooms and managing multiple hydroponic chains," Vizzerra said. "Me and my partner got into it- got legal, got licensed- and when shit hit the fan it just didn't work out... I plead out, did five years of probation, and now I have an F-2 Felony.
"My family own Farmer's Insurance chains, so I can't be an Insurance Agent, Real Estate Agent; I can't do anything big that I pictured myself doing."
​Growing up the son of the Owner of "Blue Jean Buyers" in Tempe, AZ. Nate "Wang" was no stranger to the various styles of fashion his father so closely did business in, emphasizing the theme of Levi's and 501's in his most-recent store: Wang's Vintage.
However, Wang's theme centers more around the rare and authentic. His most valuable item: a Tupac "Friday the 13th" shirt displays the antiquities many items uphold. Items including- but not limited to- Jordan Lunch boxes, Louis Vuitton bags, Coggi sweaters and countless varying rarities.
Wang provided an exclusive interview on his upbringing in the valley. Touching on details about his life as the son of a clothing store owner, his legal battles and his rise to fame in the Vintage clothing industry.
When facing legal troubles, as the case dragged on, money ran scarce and Vizzerra needed money to afford legal fees. Thus sparking the start of Wang's Closet.
​
"I didn't have any money. I was done! Ya know, so I started selling off my personal stuff; and I remember the one day I had fourteen orders in one day, and that was like huge for me...
"You know, I made good money; I was staying at my mom's house out the living room. That was the turning point for me because I was like, "Dude!" I showed my dad this pile of packages I had packed up, and I was like, 'Do you think I could rent a spot in your shop, like a corner?' ... And I did, and he charged me $400/month for a little eight-foot wall. The rent was only $800/month. So I was paying half the rent for that little small section, and it got so big off that one section of the shop. I ended up purchasing the business off of my dad," said Vizzerra.
​
Vizzerra assures that every item coming through his store has a special story behind it. Vintage shopping is a term near-and-dear to his heart. In his short five-year journey, "Wang" has become a common name in the buy/sell/trade world, with the support of a city, he hopes to take his movement global.
.png)
Located at 3508 N 7th St., Suite #145. Wang's Vintage "finds a unique balance in the original and the new, with something to offer all ages." As described by Nate, himself.
With Wang's Vintage right up the street from Arizona State's Downtown campus. Wang's Closet is also conveniently located near ASU-Tempe at 1810 N Scottsdale Rd. No more than a five-minute drive.
​
Live Tweet from The Lost Leaf's: Thursday Poetry Slam
The Lost Leaf is conveniently located up the street from Arizona State University. Positioned in the heart of Roosevelt Row, at 914 North 5th Street, they are a 21+ only bar that has hosted 4503 free shows since their opening in March 2006.
​
Aside from First Fridays, one of The Lost Leaf’s most popular events is their Thursday Night Poetry Slam. This Poetry Slam takes place every Thursday night from 7-9pm, and features “fifteen contestants and five randomly-picked judges from the crowd.” Three rounds of contest eliminate poets based on an averaged 1-10 score, and the winner is awarded a gift of monetary value. This week’s award was a $10 gift card to 2019 Grilled Cheese Festival.
​
Upon walking in, I noticed Mr. Buzza Wuzza painting in the corner with over 15 paintings on display for $5/small and $10/large. After an intimate discussion, I discovered he is not only a painter, but also an author of a book: The One Hundred Year History of The Bunny Circus
Epithet's unique stories, including her poem about spicy ramen saw her advance to the Final Round along with Civil and Stacy.
​
Epithet put her poet style on display, but the winner would likely come down to the two poets: Civil and Stacy.
All three poets showed out in the Final Round.
Civil's spoken word enticed the crowd, and Stacy's "#MeToo Movement" poem saw a near-tie between the two poets.
Despite Civil leading in on the Final Round's scorecards, Stacy took the weekly throne due to her overall average, she happily claimed her $10 gift card.
Out of the seven poets featured, we saw five pieces centered around sexual freedom, femininity and workplace harassment. The two meaning poets performed spoken word, of which Civil drew the most response.
Three minutes later, Stacy blew the crowd away with her poem inspired by the movie "Teeth." She eventually won the round.
Daniel was unfortunately eliminated in Round One, but delivered a heartfelt piece dedicated to his Mother, who passed away last year.
​
Our Second Round featured the five poets: Stacy, Civil, Epithet, Zack Weiss and Laundry.
The Lost Leaf offers over 50+ craft beers and alcoholic beverages, including local breweries like San Tan and Four Peaks.
The Lost Leaf features weekly artists, on site, as well as multiple types of artwork from Valley artists available.
Before the night ended, I had the chance to have an extended chat with Civil, Thursday's second-place finisher and New Jersey-native.
Civil, born Kwame Brown, talked at-length about the influence of music and lyricism while growing up in the Newark-area.
The son of immigrants from the West Indies, Civil only recently picked up the mic at forty-one; when his friend expressed a "higher purpose" for his gifts.
Join the crowd, next week, as The Lost Leaf hosts their weekly Poetry Slam, every Thursday, from 7-9pm. 21+ and never a cover!
Scholarly Essays
Ursuline Nuns
of New Orleans
Artificial Intelligence
Genetically-Modified Organisms
The Order of St. Ursula was well-established before they were called upon to serve as Missionaries for the newly-founded French colony of New Orleans in 1726
​
Alongside French Jesuits, the Ursulines of surrounding French provinces led a "counter-reformation" against Calvinist and Lutherans incursions.
​
Click Here to read an abbreviated history of their journey to Louisiana.
Technological advancements of the 21st-century has seen the introduction of artificial intelligence into human's social and professional lives.
With all the good automation brings, Hollywood is quick to showcase the negative connotations of advanced technology.
​
With the 2020 election upon us, and internet operating at all-time highs, society is at a "make-or-break" moment in time.
Click Here to read about recent AI development.
Sports and Entertainment
WASHINGTON -- The Defenders found their way back into the win column and now find themselves in first place in the XFL East after a 15-6 win over St. Louis on Sunday afternoon at Audi Field.
​
After trading empty possessions to start the game, the Defenders began their second drive with a promising 13-yard end-around by Eli Rogers. Three plays later, starting QB Cardale Jones was picked off by BattleHawks safety Kenny Robinson.
The next time DC's offense took the field, there was a new QB under center.
​
Tyree Jackson came off the bench in a move that was preplanned according to head coach Pep Hamilton.
“We had discussed prior to the game that we would put Tyree in at the beginning of the third offensive series, regardless of where we were in the game,” Hamilton said.
​
He confirmed the interception by Jones was “a coincidence” and not a factor in the decision. He also clarified that there would be no change in the depth chart at quarterback.
​
“Cardale is our starter,” Hamilton said.
​
​
That left the DC defense with the task of shutting down the XFL’s second-best offense to close out the game.
​
A scramble on 3rd-and-14 by St. Louis QB Jordan Ta’amu came up one-yard shy of the first-down marker and a key tackle on 4th-and-1 by Siupeli Anau and Tracy Sprinkle secured the victory and kept the Defenders a perfect 3-0 at home.
​
“We did a heck of a job on defense stopping them twice in critical fourth-down situations. That is ultimately how you win games, by being able to control both sides of the line of scrimmage,” Hamilton said.
​
Next Sunday, the Defenders continue their two-game homestand as they play host to the Dallas Renegades (2-3) at Audi Field (4 p.m. ET, FS1).
Regardless, Jackson made his presence felt from his first series.
​
Taking over at the St. Louis 45 after an illegal kickoff, the 6-foot-7 quarterback directed DC on a five-play drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Khari Lee to give the Defenders a 6-3 lead.
​
In addition to Jackson's spark, DC relied on a run-heavy attack to wear down the BattleHawks. The Defenders came in averaging 105.5 rush yards a game but exploded for 229 on the ground on 41 carries (5.6 average).
​
“It feels great to know we have a few great backs,” Hamilton said. “It was good to see (Jhurell) Pressley puncture the defense some today … Jhurell had a really great day running the football.”
​
Pressley finished with 107 yards on 15 carries.
​
The BattleHawks also ran the ball well and finished with 173 yards on the ground.
​
After a blocked punt by linebacker Jameer Thurman with 5:30 remaining, the Defenders were again gifted prime field position on St. Louis’ 5-yard line. However, they could not convert it into a touchdown and settled for third, and final, field goal by kicker Ty Rausa.
Defenders run to win; stay perfect at home
Washington DC Defenders Head Coach Pep Hamilton talking to his offense during one of their huddles in a 15-6 win over the St. Louis BlackHawks on Sunday.
_JPG.jpg)
Phoenix College Softball Finish Second in NJCAA
Heinz Mueller's nationally-ranked powerhouse, Phoenix College Bears Softball team, closes out another impressive season. Finishing ranked 2nd in the NJCAA rankings.
PC Baseball closes out 2019 Campaign
The play-offs proved itself to be a daunting task for a Bears’ team carrying quality talent at all positions. As Phoenix College finishes 13th in conference.
PC Basketball closes out Season
Five budding Freshman and three returning Seniors could not secure a 14th-straight ACCAC Playoff appearance for the Bears. As they finish one-game shy of the eighth-seed.