The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures; but the fact that he can DO wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.
~ Mark Twain
April 18, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
April 14, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.
~ John Muir
April 13, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it is because in addition to the fact that the sea changes and the light changes, and ships change, it is because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.
~ John F. Kennedy
April 06, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity ... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.
~ William Blake
March 30, 2011
NJ - Going, going, going...Gone Green!
In a recent article in the US 1 paper by Karen Hodges Miller, I read an article that I found astounding. NJ has become #2 in the nation (only to California) as the leader in the production of solar energy!
Be it recognition of climate change or the increased activity by government to open up doors to businesses via benefits being given to companies who embrace green energy, the actions are clear; NJ is on the move. Not only has NJ become 2nd in the nation for solar energy production, it is now also entering into the development of wind energy. Twenty miles offshore, facilities are in development from data obtained for areas from Seaside Park to Sea Isle City.
Perhaps this will bring the cost of living down in NJ? This remains to be seen. But the most important thing to recognize is that we finally seem to be a nation that is taking notice not only in the potential economic growth that can be sustained from solar/wind/water energy, jobs that can be created, but also the positive effects it will have on future generations to come.
Kudos to NJ for stepping up to the plate and advancing in the pro-active and positive change that we all need! Here's to hoping that many other states take notice and vamp up their own efforts to make a change for the well-being of this planet and all its inhabitants.
Simple Statement of the Day
What nature delivers to us is never stale. Because what nature creates has eternity in it.
~ Isaac Bashevis Singer
March 25, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that fountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life!
~ John Muir
March 24, 2011
Simple Statement of the Day
Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye — it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.
~ Edvard Munch
March 23, 2011
Power of the Pooch
With so many military returning from active duty, both have seemed to acquire a need for each other. In All Animals, the bi-monthly HSUS publication, a recent article moved me almost to tears while at the same time provided much awareness for our hapless pets here in the U.S. and admiration for our troops abroad.
The article focused on our military personnel returned from duty, many times multiple tours, suffering from PTSD, harsh physical ailments from IED's, witnessing deaths of friend and foe first hand, as well as so many other atrocities. This has left many a soldier broken and bewildered as to how to acclimate back into society.
Enter side stage, the hapless pooch. Therapy dogs, some rescue / some bred for this very act, to assist in the re-engagement of these brave men and women back into the throws of daily living. The article went into extreme detail of how these dogs pull these soldiers out of the depths of despair and back into the circle of society, family and friends. One particular example was that of a soldier who returned from multiple tours, with permanent physical ailments and substantial mental/emotional issues to deal with. In group therapy sessions the man was a shell of his former self; not willing to talk or listen...until a therapy dog entered the scene. Time after time, during the session, the pooch would insist upon attention from this particular soldier. The dog would nudge him on the right, the man would turn away. The dog would nudge him on the left, the man would turn away. Finally, the dog had enough, and put his face directly in the face of the soldier. The soldier looked into the face of this pooch and finally broke through with a smile.
This is just one of the many amazing stories that can be told of animals and their ability to not judge and just be there as a companion, friend, and sometimes, life-saver. Albeit a pharmaceutical company’s nightmare, no drugs, just compassion...it's a wonder that more programs like this aren't avidly running around the country.
I found it fascinating that these men and women, who have served and were helped by these incredible creatures, are now also perpetuating the string of assistance by enlisting themselves as trainers for shelter dogs to find forever homes. This is a prime example of courageous people returning from active duty to active everyday life back home. It is almost one hand helping the other. It is putting together wounded soldiers/veterans with shelter dogs in an effort to expand this fantastic program and help thousands of others in need; two-legged and four-legged alike.
Amazing how the power of the pooch prevails!
Simple Statement of the Day
Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.
~ Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being
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