EARTH DAY TWENTY-ELEVEN

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.

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?

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.

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.

THE LION CLOSES OUT FEBRUARY

Tornadoes targeted Missouri and Illinois last night. They came through St. Louis just before midnight and headed East. Winds, much less tornadoes are not my favorite weather things, but in the blackness of the night they are particularly worrisome. Some buildings and homes were affected and there were power outages. Was I scarred? Well, when the winds began to buckle the windows i n my 15th floor apartment I hid out in my small kitchen and hoped it would blow over. It did and I did not have to add surviving a tornado to my life experiences.

FORE! FISH SPAWNING!

On a recent trip to Florida, I had the chance to watch the spawning habits of tilapia, an ordinary-looking fish. On the edge of a manmade pond, fed by a natural spring, the tilapia were busy building their round, muddy-looking nests that appeared out of place in the clear, clean water.

Their nests were close to each other and they socialized with their neighbors. At one point, two fish seemed to be puckering their lips and kissed each other, whether before or after laying their eggs was a mystery to me.

What struck me about all this was the determination of this fish, normally found in Africa, to continue their ancient reproduction ritual without shame in the middle of a golf course.

"THEY ALL LAUGHED WHEN I SAID I WOULD MOVE TO SAINT LOUIS"

I moved to St. Louise in 2007 to be near my son and grandchildren. At the time, friends and family questioned my decision. There was a sense the Midwest would hold little interest for me. Since I came, I have been impressed by the revitalization of this City and its many advantages,some of them reported in the news recently.

Empty nesters, young energetic people, businesses, national corporations along with high-tech firms are resettling the once forgotten and abandoned downtown areas. Gardens are sprouting in neighborhoods and parks between office buildings. The St. Louis Orchestra is among the nation's finest and one of a few operating in the black. Jazz still reigns supreme in small bars and in larger venues. The St. Louis Art Museum has an impressive collection and is building a new addition. It and the St. Louis Zoo and Science Museum still do not charge an admission fee. The City's large German, Italian, and Bosnian populations are found in ethnic neighborhoods where new and old restaurants are having a colorful resurgence.

Least I sound like a Commercial for the Chamber of Commerce, our community issues are no less nor more than communities elsewhere. We have less than worthy laws being supported by State and County elected officials. We still support candidates who advocate carrying concealed weapons in public places. We carry guns proudly, defiantly, openly even after the most heinous of crimes. Environmentally, existing standards and regulations for water, air pollution and land use are less than well enforced. Lead Poisoning is still a problem as is educational opportunity for all ages. We share budgetary issues with the rest of the country and are as illogical and emotional about our sports, politics, and health care as are others.

Saint Louis is home to national and international celebrities who are loved and loathed. We get our news through technology, gossip and one of the country's oldest newspapers. Our scandals and corruption give evidence to our similarity with other cities. Yet, we are blessed with institutions of higher learning and men and women working to improve and renew our future.

The history of this City, once larger than Chicago, Illinois, reminds me that people once stopped here on their way to seeking fortunes in the West. Others came and stayed to develop this place on the Mississippi. Now, many are coming once again for new opportunity and for the promise of this City's reawakening.

Like the song says, "Who is laughing now?"