Condoleezza Rice once said that tackling the problems of the world can become overwhelming, but any contribution to a solution, however small, is valuable. "All you have to do with the large, huge, and very frightening problems that we face is to make a contribution. If you focus too much on solving that problem, rather than just making a contribution to its solution, I'm afraid that you will become paralyzed at the enormity of the task and unable to do anything at all. People say that time is running out for us. Well, maybe.... All that we can do is hope that we have the time and to work consistently to make sure that we make good use of that time." (Condi - The Condoleezza Rice Story by Antonia Felix, pg 151)
We need to ask ourselves, a hundred years from now, will it have made a difference that I lived? Did I wake up every day and give it my best, pursuing my dreams and goals? Did I keep my heart of compassion open, helping others, giving, caring, serving? Our attitude should be, “I’m going to leave this place better off than it was before. I’m going to make a difference with my life.”
Don't just make a living, make a difference! This holiday season, lets give a gift worth remembering. A gift of energy independence. A gift of clean technology. A gift of green and sustainability.
This song has been a source of inspiration for me over the years: We are the World!
Tile: Michael Jackson - We Are the World
Lyrics from http://www.lyrics007.com/
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can't go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need
[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand
[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one
[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Ecology of South Florida
In August 2007, I began a journey of ecological enlightenment in South Florida (FIU’s Ecology of South Florida – EVR 3013/3013Lab). This course took me to the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Jonathan Dickinson National Park, Crandon Park, and Key Largo. The experience made me more aware of my surroundings and brought back memories of my childhood.
Growing up in the famous Caribbean islands of St. Thomas and Grenada, and my 10 year military career, I had the opportunity to travel and explore the natural beauties and wonders of many countries and islands. I was fearless as my twin brother and I braved the heat, insects and rugged terrain to explore new frontiers. I enjoyed exploring new adventures and territories.
This same enthusiasm burst forth as I explored the various ecosystems in South Florida. I braved the same heat, humidity and insects, as well as the gators and other animals of the Everglades National Park. I waded through the marshes and wetlands, walked through the trails of the Pine and Cypress Ecosystems, Hardwood Hammocks, scrubs and coastal dunes, I snorkeled the patch reef of Key Largo where I came face to face with a 4-foot Nurse Shark and a 3-foot Barracuda.
It reminded me of when my grandmother would take us into the woods and teach us about the animals, insects and every tree/plant on the island. She would teach us how to recognize a plant/tree by its leaves, bark or fruits; by sight, taste and smell. She taught us the importance of certain plants – food, medication, etc. The same was taught about the insects and animals of the islands. My mom and dad also taught us how to plant and harvest various crops and also how to dive and fish (see more here).
Similarly, Ecology of South Florida taught me about the soils, plants, insects, and animals, and the important roles they played in maintaining the biodiversity of the Everglades. These Ecosystems are not only important for biodiversity and the environment, but they are also vital to our tourism-based economy.
My mom and dad taught me fishing and agriculture, my grandmother taught me ecology. However, I felt ignorant of the Ecology of South Florida. My first impression of the Everglades was a yucky, sticky, hot and humid place full of mosquitoes. However, having made Miami my home, I wanted to learn more about it. This course proved to be worth more than just a mere requirement for graduation. It bridged the knowledge gap that I was missing. Thanks to Professor Patricia Houle and Alex Chidakel, I can now use this new knowledge to woo friends and family who come to visit as well as to educate others on the importance of these Ecosystems.
Growing up in the famous Caribbean islands of St. Thomas and Grenada, and my 10 year military career, I had the opportunity to travel and explore the natural beauties and wonders of many countries and islands. I was fearless as my twin brother and I braved the heat, insects and rugged terrain to explore new frontiers. I enjoyed exploring new adventures and territories.
This same enthusiasm burst forth as I explored the various ecosystems in South Florida. I braved the same heat, humidity and insects, as well as the gators and other animals of the Everglades National Park. I waded through the marshes and wetlands, walked through the trails of the Pine and Cypress Ecosystems, Hardwood Hammocks, scrubs and coastal dunes, I snorkeled the patch reef of Key Largo where I came face to face with a 4-foot Nurse Shark and a 3-foot Barracuda.
It reminded me of when my grandmother would take us into the woods and teach us about the animals, insects and every tree/plant on the island. She would teach us how to recognize a plant/tree by its leaves, bark or fruits; by sight, taste and smell. She taught us the importance of certain plants – food, medication, etc. The same was taught about the insects and animals of the islands. My mom and dad also taught us how to plant and harvest various crops and also how to dive and fish (see more here).
Similarly, Ecology of South Florida taught me about the soils, plants, insects, and animals, and the important roles they played in maintaining the biodiversity of the Everglades. These Ecosystems are not only important for biodiversity and the environment, but they are also vital to our tourism-based economy.
My mom and dad taught me fishing and agriculture, my grandmother taught me ecology. However, I felt ignorant of the Ecology of South Florida. My first impression of the Everglades was a yucky, sticky, hot and humid place full of mosquitoes. However, having made Miami my home, I wanted to learn more about it. This course proved to be worth more than just a mere requirement for graduation. It bridged the knowledge gap that I was missing. Thanks to Professor Patricia Houle and Alex Chidakel, I can now use this new knowledge to woo friends and family who come to visit as well as to educate others on the importance of these Ecosystems.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Happy Veterans Day
We retreated November 11, 2007 for Veterans Day to reflect in solemn contemplation. I reviewed many stories of valor from conflicts fought past & present. And in this review I found common traits that I'd like to share:
These stories share principles of contribution, charity, attention, responsibility, courage, discipline, integrity, humility, gratitude, vision, innovation, quality, respect, empathy, unity, adaptability, magnanimity, perseverance, balance, simplicity, and renewal -- all of which are timeless. All of which transcends the everyday politics as usual.
These timeless traits are what we remember Veterans for -- not necessarily the wars they fought and even less so the politics of it.
When I say the word Veteran: I think of these principles, I think of a work ethic worth emulating, I think of being a part of something greater than oneself, I think of sacrifices, I think of a brotherhood/sisterhood, I think Honor.
TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS PAST & PRESENT:
And now I leave you with an excerpt of a Presidential Proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
3071
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
These stories share principles of contribution, charity, attention, responsibility, courage, discipline, integrity, humility, gratitude, vision, innovation, quality, respect, empathy, unity, adaptability, magnanimity, perseverance, balance, simplicity, and renewal -- all of which are timeless. All of which transcends the everyday politics as usual.
These timeless traits are what we remember Veterans for -- not necessarily the wars they fought and even less so the politics of it.
When I say the word Veteran: I think of these principles, I think of a work ethic worth emulating, I think of being a part of something greater than oneself, I think of sacrifices, I think of a brotherhood/sisterhood, I think Honor.
TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS PAST & PRESENT:
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH...!!!
And now I leave you with an excerpt of a Presidential Proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower:
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
3071
Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
Friday, November 9, 2007
South Florida International Auto Show
On November 9, 2007, Spark Plug attended the South Florida International Auto Show on Media Day. I had the honor of meeting Troy Clarke (pictured left), President of GM North America. We discussed GM's initiatives taking the auto industry from gas-guzzlers to gas free. I must commend GM for their leadership in this arena!GM introduced many hybrids in 2007 and even more in 2008. Of particular interest are the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2008 GMC Yukon. These full-sized SUV Hybrids are the first of their kind in the entire auto industry. Unveiled today, the 2008 Cadillac Escalade became not only one of three full-sized SUV Hybrids, but also the first Hybrid Luxury SUV! By these actions, GM is letting consumers know that they are serious about tackling the environmental issues of our day and the future.
While other auto-makers are also producing hybrids, none are taking an active role to meet various consumer needs as GM. GM's strategy is to bridge the gap between Hybrid technology of today and Fuel Cell cars of the future. First generation Hybrids are Belt Alternator Started (BAS) while the second generation, full-sized hybrids, are 2-Mode Hybrids. The Chevrolet Volt concept car, coming out in 2010, is the extended range electric car that will preceed the Fuel Cell car.
Although diesel vehicles have a bigger market in the European Union, it is gaining traction here in the United States. GM and all auto-makers cannot continue to ignore this growing demand. With Biodiesel (Sol Atlantic BioDiesel)also gaining in popularity, this demand will grow even faster. Diesel Hybrids and pure diesel vehicles should be added to the mix of gas to gas-free movement. Thank you GM for your leadership in vehicular clean technology!
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