As we recognize Earth Day, I am preoccupied with the natural and man-made events that have happened to this Planet and its inhabitants in little more than a year's time. Human beings are only one among an untold number of species here on Earth.
We consider ourselves more advanced beyond the hierarchy of all others. We attribute our human advancement to our ability to learn, plan and innovate. Yet, when we study nature we find that we and all other species are of the same or similar order.
Each has the ability to reproduce. Some care for their young, some do not. Some live in isolation while others live in groups. Some are mobile and migrate while others stay put. Some are endowed with the ability to ward off predators while others have little or no defenses. Just as birds show off their plumage, so too do humans demonstrate their need to be recognized through their accumulation of things and power.
However, unlike other species, we can question each other as we proceed through life. Whether its drilling or mining or using technology for less than worthy endeavors, perhaps we need to ask what price do others and the environment pay for our own accumulation of things and power. Earth Day provides the opportunity to ask these questions as we seek answers.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
YO PHILADELPHIA! WHAT HAPPENED?
Recently, a friend told me he was going to attend a conference in Philadelphia. I began to wax nostalgic describing the National Constitution Center, the wonderful view of Boat House Row from the Water Works, and a small Greek restaurant hidden away in an alley off Locust Street.
He told me his Alma Mater is Villanova University and he loved to explore Center City "Philly." Yet, he said he "dreaded" using Philadelphia International Airport. He told me getting from one gate to another was a "nightmare" and getting information from PIA people was less than helpful, sometimes "even rude."
As I recall, about ten years ago, PIA was funded for an Employee Training Program to motivate people to better represent the City of "Brotherly Love" to visitors. What happened that a traveler using it had such a poor impression?
He told me his Alma Mater is Villanova University and he loved to explore Center City "Philly." Yet, he said he "dreaded" using Philadelphia International Airport. He told me getting from one gate to another was a "nightmare" and getting information from PIA people was less than helpful, sometimes "even rude."
As I recall, about ten years ago, PIA was funded for an Employee Training Program to motivate people to better represent the City of "Brotherly Love" to visitors. What happened that a traveler using it had such a poor impression?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
WHAT PRICE HUMAN ENDEAVOR?
Much of the world witnessed the destruction that nature let loose on Japan last week. Television captured the Tsunami as it moved at unimagined speed. I thought of the people and the terror they must have experienced.
It reminded me of the fear I had as a child, and still have
when the Atlantic Ocean pulls away from its accustomed place at the surf and the narrow beach widens. The water suddenly, rapidly rushes out to meet swells forming in the distance and then brings huge waves crashing back to shore.
As this tragedy unfurls the Japanese people remind us of the human capacity to go on in the face of great loss while reminding us of the cost we pay in our effort to control Nature.
It reminded me of the fear I had as a child, and still have
when the Atlantic Ocean pulls away from its accustomed place at the surf and the narrow beach widens. The water suddenly, rapidly rushes out to meet swells forming in the distance and then brings huge waves crashing back to shore.
As this tragedy unfurls the Japanese people remind us of the human capacity to go on in the face of great loss while reminding us of the cost we pay in our effort to control Nature.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
THE FUTURE AT MY COFFEE SHOP?
Weather permitting, I enjoy my morning coffee and newspaper in a small coffee shop. Usually, "regulars" of all ages and interests are there. Some with books, or electronic gear or, like me with a newspaper. But over the weekend, a whole new cast of people show up.
This morning in particular there was a table filled with students, still wearing their beads from the Mardi Gras working together over an assignment. Across the way, a group of bicycle riders were beginning to peel off jackets as the sun came out. In one out-of-the-way corner of the room, sat an old woman with her winter coat on. What appeared to be all her possessions were placed in a shopping bag next to her as she slept.
A young couple had come in carrying a baby, bundled in a warm blanket and still stirring from sleep. As the child came awake he was intrigued with all he saw in his new environment. His mother stood patiently waiting for him to come fully awake. When he was ready, he kicked off his blanket, smiled and reached for his mother. I was struck by the mother's patience and the baby's inquisitiveness with all he saw.
It may seem strange, but for me this milieu of people and activities at a nondescript coffee shop suggested a tableau that gave me heart about our future.
This morning in particular there was a table filled with students, still wearing their beads from the Mardi Gras working together over an assignment. Across the way, a group of bicycle riders were beginning to peel off jackets as the sun came out. In one out-of-the-way corner of the room, sat an old woman with her winter coat on. What appeared to be all her possessions were placed in a shopping bag next to her as she slept.
A young couple had come in carrying a baby, bundled in a warm blanket and still stirring from sleep. As the child came awake he was intrigued with all he saw in his new environment. His mother stood patiently waiting for him to come fully awake. When he was ready, he kicked off his blanket, smiled and reached for his mother. I was struck by the mother's patience and the baby's inquisitiveness with all he saw.
It may seem strange, but for me this milieu of people and activities at a nondescript coffee shop suggested a tableau that gave me heart about our future.
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