My grandchildren zoom around face book, twitter and other technology as if they were on skate boards. They urge me to learn how to use the new technology. Even though all this seems like a link to an Alien Planet to me, they helped me set up my blog.
As a result, I have been able to keep up with friends, colleagues and family around the country, Paris, Denmark and with new friends here in the mid west. My list of readers has grown since I started. Frequently and infrequently I hear from readers by email, sometimes in appreciation, sometimes with a critique.
I take you, my reader seriously and feel a special kinship with you for the small and large events each of us experienced during 2009. I hope I have put a human face on events that may at times have seemed to large to encompass within this small blog.
Thank you for the time you share with me. May the New Year be a good one for you and yours.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
2010? ASK THE QUESTION!
This morning, radio BBC carried a panel of journalists, academicians and pundits. The panel reviewed the significant events of 2000 and commented on what issues we will need to deal with in 2010 and the future.
The discussion dealt with the global economy, this country's use of the military in the middle east, and the steps we need to take to assure our safety. But what it came down to was the question, how do we protect ourselves from those whose ideas and actions would do us harm, while not forgoing our own ideals? It seems to me that raising the question would serve us well.
In this age of terrorism, how do we protect ourselves? Do we abandon law and our ability to change laws that are ill conceived? Do we substitute might for right? Do we replace thoughtful deliberation for quick fixes?
Examining such questions could provide us with a steady compass to take us to 2010 and help us understand, we are not alone in this age of terrorism.
The discussion dealt with the global economy, this country's use of the military in the middle east, and the steps we need to take to assure our safety. But what it came down to was the question, how do we protect ourselves from those whose ideas and actions would do us harm, while not forgoing our own ideals? It seems to me that raising the question would serve us well.
In this age of terrorism, how do we protect ourselves? Do we abandon law and our ability to change laws that are ill conceived? Do we substitute might for right? Do we replace thoughtful deliberation for quick fixes?
Examining such questions could provide us with a steady compass to take us to 2010 and help us understand, we are not alone in this age of terrorism.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
HOLIDAY LESSON ON DIAMOND ST.
When I was a child my family lived on Diamond Street in Philadelphia. Different faiths,ethnic shops and markets were in the neighborhood. I think about Diamond Street at this time of the year because of a lesson I learned there so long ago.
My family celebrates Hanukkah. We lived next door to a neighbor who celebrated Christmas. During one Hanukkah, our neighbor invited us to come in and see her Christmas decorations. The tree was upstairs, but its lovely smell filled the house.
The tree stood in a corner. The branches beautifully trimmed with sparkling ornaments. Beneath its branches was an entire village with lighted houses, people, and moving trains. There was even a circus with animals and a working Ferris wheel. There were two dolls wrapped for my sister and me. It was a dazzling sight.
Even though I thought there could be nothing more beautiful than my twinkling Hanukkah lights, or as exciting as the story my father told, when we came home I asked my mother why we did not have as beautiful decorations as our neighbor. She explained there are many different faiths, each one beautiful in its own tradition.
The lesson I learned from her on Diamond street has served me well all these years. I can enjoy, respect and admire the tradition of other faiths without abandoning my own, especially at this time of the year.
My family celebrates Hanukkah. We lived next door to a neighbor who celebrated Christmas. During one Hanukkah, our neighbor invited us to come in and see her Christmas decorations. The tree was upstairs, but its lovely smell filled the house.
The tree stood in a corner. The branches beautifully trimmed with sparkling ornaments. Beneath its branches was an entire village with lighted houses, people, and moving trains. There was even a circus with animals and a working Ferris wheel. There were two dolls wrapped for my sister and me. It was a dazzling sight.
Even though I thought there could be nothing more beautiful than my twinkling Hanukkah lights, or as exciting as the story my father told, when we came home I asked my mother why we did not have as beautiful decorations as our neighbor. She explained there are many different faiths, each one beautiful in its own tradition.
The lesson I learned from her on Diamond street has served me well all these years. I can enjoy, respect and admire the tradition of other faiths without abandoning my own, especially at this time of the year.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
TWO MEN ON SOCIETY'S FRINGES
Two men living on the fringes of society, were depicted in the December 22nd edition of the New York Times. Ironically, one was famous and lived in luxury, the other was unknown and with little more than the cloths on his back.
I was struck by the irony because of the riveting front page photo of Anthony Marshall, 85 years-old, as he heard his sentencing in a New York courtroom for "syphoning millions from his mother, Brook Astor." The camera showed a defeated, bitter man.
While on the editorial page, "Appreciation" was given for Ben Kennedy. Verlyn Klinkenborg wrote that the little known Kennedy died just before reaching his 87th birthday in his subsidized housing in Helena, Mont. The writer went on to say, because of Kennedy's appearance,one "could be forgiven for thinking he was a street person." Yet, he was mourned and remembered for the way he helped others.
Two men, one alive, used to a life of luxury and scorned by others. The other, making do with little, sharing what he had with others and seen as a benefactor in death. Ironically, both living on the fringes of society.
I was struck by the irony because of the riveting front page photo of Anthony Marshall, 85 years-old, as he heard his sentencing in a New York courtroom for "syphoning millions from his mother, Brook Astor." The camera showed a defeated, bitter man.
While on the editorial page, "Appreciation" was given for Ben Kennedy. Verlyn Klinkenborg wrote that the little known Kennedy died just before reaching his 87th birthday in his subsidized housing in Helena, Mont. The writer went on to say, because of Kennedy's appearance,one "could be forgiven for thinking he was a street person." Yet, he was mourned and remembered for the way he helped others.
Two men, one alive, used to a life of luxury and scorned by others. The other, making do with little, sharing what he had with others and seen as a benefactor in death. Ironically, both living on the fringes of society.
Monday, December 21, 2009
A SMALL CHILD CALLED TERESA
One of the pleasures I have had over the years was meeting people of prominence, sometimes referred to as VIPs. Sometimes it might be a while before we would meet again. But when we did, I was always delighted when they remembered me.
On a recent Sunday morning, in a coffee house that I frequent, I was absorbed reading my newspaper, enjoying my coffee when I noticed 3 year old Teresa
standing next to me. We had spoken before. She had come over to say hello and startled me by remembering my name. We chatted a bit. Then she ran back to her father.
Before I left, I went over to tell her father how intelligent I thought she was. He told me he was surprised that Teresa had approached me as she did as she is normally a very shy child. As I walked home, I realized little Teresa had given me the same kind of pleasure I used to feel when I ran into a VIP who remembered me.
On a recent Sunday morning, in a coffee house that I frequent, I was absorbed reading my newspaper, enjoying my coffee when I noticed 3 year old Teresa
standing next to me. We had spoken before. She had come over to say hello and startled me by remembering my name. We chatted a bit. Then she ran back to her father.
Before I left, I went over to tell her father how intelligent I thought she was. He told me he was surprised that Teresa had approached me as she did as she is normally a very shy child. As I walked home, I realized little Teresa had given me the same kind of pleasure I used to feel when I ran into a VIP who remembered me.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
