This course provided an opportunity to write and share as well as reflect on self in concert with nature and in relationships and experiences with others living in a world where many times things are taken for granted. The world is becoming more endangered each year through man-environment interactions that are not often positive and there are compelling reasons we must care about our environment and the dangers posed if we do not take time to care and have open conversation and ongoing dialogue about the world we live in from an environmental perspective. There are many opportunities to engage in slow and incremental change to save our planet and we must care for and be stewards of our environment both now and in the future.
This blog contributes to the larger environmental conversation that we have begun this semester by sharing essential elements of the critical conversation that needs to take place everyday, everyplace in a variety of ways about environmental issues and concerns. The readings and papers, reflections, conversations, and exchange of perspectives are excellent opportunities to increase awareness and sensitivity as a global society of key issues and challenges facing our environment and ultimately society. It is not enough to think someone else will do what needs to be done and carry on the vital conversations that need to occur. If these critical conversations do not occur there is sure to be environmental demise that is irreparable. The environmental focus and global conversations must be sustained and ongoing at every level from the citizen at the grass roots to the highest political office in the land. Key stakeholders and constituents must be at the tables to have these critical, ongoing conversations for global environmental sustainability.
While all environmental issues are important and require initiatives to change sooner rather than later, there are some environmental issues that are more compelling calling for more rapid change than others. For example, it is important to develop hybrid vehicles to decrease environmental pollution. It is hard to imagine living in a world that could have been saved if only someone had taken time to care and model behaviors or create policy that would literally save the planet and provide a future for our children and our children's children but that did happen because everyone thought someone else would take care of this.
There are many opportunities to create positive change in the environment through both immediate and long term strategies. For example, one of the opportunities that can immediately preserve, promote, and sustain our environment is design and creation of energy efficient vehicles thereby decreasing air pollution from current fuel sources like hydrocarbons from gasoline and diesel. One of the most efficient ways to share environment concerns is through teaching young persons about environmental issues and how they can participate in creating and designing the future with the environment as the center of all actions and activities. Every human action has the potential to positively or negatively impact the environment and it is essential to be mindful of the impact of every man-environment interaction.
One of the most effective ways to convey concerns about the environment is to write about and share perspectives with others particularly focusing on issues that may/may not be popular. Critical conversations must be generated to engage people to identify what is happening and what needs to be happening to save our environment. There has to be open dialogue and debate about how all human activity impacts the environment. Another way to share is through debate and open conversation about these most timely and relevant environmental issues whenever oportunities arise and to be able to clearly articulate issues where change can and should occur. It is only through sharing, writing, and frank conversations about critical environmental issues that future generations will have a forum in which to live, share, and experience life in what may well be the most unique relationships with nature and other human beings in a global society at its best.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Slide Show for album :: Walk in the Woods
Slide Show for album :: Walk in the Woods
Cited Source for Slide Show:
http://letkeman.net/Photos/slideshow.php?set_albumName=walkinthewoods
Cited Source for Slide Show:
http://letkeman.net/Photos/slideshow.php?set_albumName=walkinthewoods
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Misty Morning
The air is misty and heavy during the early morning hours before anything moves or is stirring from the early fall night. There is crispness in the air despite the heavy morning dew and the air is full of the smells of the out doors like the smell of freshness that sheets have when they are hung on the clothesline to dry. There is a pinkish red tint in the early morning sky just before the sun bursts into the eastern sky signaling the beginning of a new day. In the distance there is a rustle and a flutter signaling something moving about beginning the day and there is glimpse of a moving spot of brown as the doe and her yearling fawn step into the clearing looking about with their heads in the air and their noses pointed high into the sky sniffing the air with curiosity and aware of some sort of danger all in the same moment. The doe and her fawn move cautiously, slowly.
In the distant valley the faint whistle of the train carrying coal from the mine interrupts the movements and motions of nature reminders of how things are now with the rails that run across the countryside taking what little is left of nature and forcing the presence of man in the name of progress. As the early morning fog begins to lift erasing the sea of fog there is a clanging of the gates at the rail crossing in the valley, a second reminder of the sounds of man that so intrude on nature and the quiet stillness that lasts for only seconds. The doe and her fawn lurch forward not sure which direction to go, confused and startled soon swift in flight as the whistle blows from the valley below taking them from their peaceful and fleeting moment of morning bliss in the meadow back into the woods where they at some point get brave and come again into the clearing at another time.
At that very moment there is a shrill cry from above and a red-tailed hawk circles overhead proud and omnipotent with a squealing furry ball in his talons. A rabbit has now become early morning prey in a weakened moment to a predator in this early morning mist signaling that despite the infringements on nature from the train and industry that some circles of nature are not interrupted yet and continue in the early morning mist soon to pass and be history never to come again. And so it is in this place, in this moment that man and nature are one although so much is changing in both worlds signaling coexistence for the time being.
In the distant valley the faint whistle of the train carrying coal from the mine interrupts the movements and motions of nature reminders of how things are now with the rails that run across the countryside taking what little is left of nature and forcing the presence of man in the name of progress. As the early morning fog begins to lift erasing the sea of fog there is a clanging of the gates at the rail crossing in the valley, a second reminder of the sounds of man that so intrude on nature and the quiet stillness that lasts for only seconds. The doe and her fawn lurch forward not sure which direction to go, confused and startled soon swift in flight as the whistle blows from the valley below taking them from their peaceful and fleeting moment of morning bliss in the meadow back into the woods where they at some point get brave and come again into the clearing at another time.
At that very moment there is a shrill cry from above and a red-tailed hawk circles overhead proud and omnipotent with a squealing furry ball in his talons. A rabbit has now become early morning prey in a weakened moment to a predator in this early morning mist signaling that despite the infringements on nature from the train and industry that some circles of nature are not interrupted yet and continue in the early morning mist soon to pass and be history never to come again. And so it is in this place, in this moment that man and nature are one although so much is changing in both worlds signaling coexistence for the time being.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Letter to President Elect Obama
November 16, 2008
President Elect Barack Obama
Dear President Elect Obama,
I am a resident of a small rural community and want to express my serious concerns about air pollution as an environmental issue of great concern to me. Air pollution is being caused on a daily basis from air pollutants from gasoline and diesel automobiles and as a concerned minority citizen I care deeply about developing strategies and policy change now because air pollution is impacting our current generation as well as future generations from the health effects of a polluted environment largely through the air we breathe. I am especially worried and concerned about the health of people I love and care about and how air pollution is making people have chronic illness often resulting in frequent illness and hospital visits because someone cannot breathe. I think we have to take air pollution very seriously in our country and we cannot wait for tomorrow to do this because each day emergency rooms and hospitals are filled with persons including adults and children who cannot breathe as a result of air pollution from automobile by products. Health care costs escalate while quality of life deteriorates and America has to get serious and take ownership to stop polluting our environment when ever and where ever possible. I have seen the devastation of many people not being able to breathe as a result of air pollution. It is very sad to see a person on oxygen to be able to function or a little child having to use an inhaler due to asthma.
The time has come when we as a nation have to care about our environment and translate our words into action. Only when we incentivize and create initiatives at the federal policy level to set examples and initiatives for states and local governments can we begin to make behavior changes. We can through out commitment and dedication to improving air quality begin with someone in your executive leadership role show we are serious as a nation about cleaning up our environment. Only when your position values and is passionate about the need for change at the federal level, the impact is a ripple effect down to the local level. I am urging your swift policy initiatives and action as President Elect and commander in chief to provide incentives for manufacture and utilization of hybrid automobiles to lessen air pollution from the hydrocarbons from gasoline and diesel powered trucks and cars which are major contributors to air pollution. I am thinking specifically that while it may be unpopular, positive strategies and federal initiatives that could be put forth include offering rebates or federal tax breaks for those persons who buy hybrid cars. I am confident American automakers would see increases in sales for hybrid automobiles despite a historical culture in our nation to have large luxury cars. The time has come when we have to make change and think about the future of our people and our nation because it is the right thing to do not because it is popular. This is a change long overdue and with the American automobile industry on the verge of bankruptcy with the need for government bail out, why not add the stipulation for manufacturing hybrid vehicles. A secondary gain to hybrid vehicle manufacturing would be less dependency on foreign oil.
I also encourage you to put money into planning and designing natural gas powered trucks to haul commerce from coast to coast. It is a known fact that the hybrid battery power is not sufficient for the large tractor trailer trucks so vital to nationwide transportation and our economy however, there is scientific technology indicating natural gas is a viable alternative fuel sufficient to power the larger tractor trailer trucks that support the infrastructure of our nation and economy. Diesel fuel is a major air pollutant and environmental hazard but we have not taken a stand as a nation on this issue to this point in time. While we cannot retrofit current trucks for natural gasoline power we can invest in technology and create initiatives and incentives to produce all new trucks with natural gas power technology.
In summary, I ask that you consider the health and vitality of every American and the impact of alternative fuel sources as we create opportunities to move from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles promoting a healthier world through improved air quality as a result of decreasing air pollution and improving environmental integrity. It is my hope that one voice from a minority constituent will speak loudly enough to encourage the change that is so sorely needed to improve air quality. Only with swift action can we save our environment from further degradation and improve the health of adults and children who now suffer with respiratory ailments and chronic disease impacting their quality of life and health care utilization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions related to my concerns and I can easily be reached at pattonsa@washjeff.edu or via telephone at 724. 825.3146. I will be attending your Inauguration January 2009 and I am hopeful to hear about your stand on air pollution in your plan for alternative fuels as we face a new decade and era of change with your policy and initiatives.
Sincerely, Samuel A. Patton
Student, Washington & Jefferson College
http://www.savephoenix.org/
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Air_Pollution_Statistics
http://greennature.com/article958.html
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2008/01/staggering-statistics-of-air-pollution.html
President Elect Barack Obama
Dear President Elect Obama,
I am a resident of a small rural community and want to express my serious concerns about air pollution as an environmental issue of great concern to me. Air pollution is being caused on a daily basis from air pollutants from gasoline and diesel automobiles and as a concerned minority citizen I care deeply about developing strategies and policy change now because air pollution is impacting our current generation as well as future generations from the health effects of a polluted environment largely through the air we breathe. I am especially worried and concerned about the health of people I love and care about and how air pollution is making people have chronic illness often resulting in frequent illness and hospital visits because someone cannot breathe. I think we have to take air pollution very seriously in our country and we cannot wait for tomorrow to do this because each day emergency rooms and hospitals are filled with persons including adults and children who cannot breathe as a result of air pollution from automobile by products. Health care costs escalate while quality of life deteriorates and America has to get serious and take ownership to stop polluting our environment when ever and where ever possible. I have seen the devastation of many people not being able to breathe as a result of air pollution. It is very sad to see a person on oxygen to be able to function or a little child having to use an inhaler due to asthma.
The time has come when we as a nation have to care about our environment and translate our words into action. Only when we incentivize and create initiatives at the federal policy level to set examples and initiatives for states and local governments can we begin to make behavior changes. We can through out commitment and dedication to improving air quality begin with someone in your executive leadership role show we are serious as a nation about cleaning up our environment. Only when your position values and is passionate about the need for change at the federal level, the impact is a ripple effect down to the local level. I am urging your swift policy initiatives and action as President Elect and commander in chief to provide incentives for manufacture and utilization of hybrid automobiles to lessen air pollution from the hydrocarbons from gasoline and diesel powered trucks and cars which are major contributors to air pollution. I am thinking specifically that while it may be unpopular, positive strategies and federal initiatives that could be put forth include offering rebates or federal tax breaks for those persons who buy hybrid cars. I am confident American automakers would see increases in sales for hybrid automobiles despite a historical culture in our nation to have large luxury cars. The time has come when we have to make change and think about the future of our people and our nation because it is the right thing to do not because it is popular. This is a change long overdue and with the American automobile industry on the verge of bankruptcy with the need for government bail out, why not add the stipulation for manufacturing hybrid vehicles. A secondary gain to hybrid vehicle manufacturing would be less dependency on foreign oil.
I also encourage you to put money into planning and designing natural gas powered trucks to haul commerce from coast to coast. It is a known fact that the hybrid battery power is not sufficient for the large tractor trailer trucks so vital to nationwide transportation and our economy however, there is scientific technology indicating natural gas is a viable alternative fuel sufficient to power the larger tractor trailer trucks that support the infrastructure of our nation and economy. Diesel fuel is a major air pollutant and environmental hazard but we have not taken a stand as a nation on this issue to this point in time. While we cannot retrofit current trucks for natural gasoline power we can invest in technology and create initiatives and incentives to produce all new trucks with natural gas power technology.
In summary, I ask that you consider the health and vitality of every American and the impact of alternative fuel sources as we create opportunities to move from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles promoting a healthier world through improved air quality as a result of decreasing air pollution and improving environmental integrity. It is my hope that one voice from a minority constituent will speak loudly enough to encourage the change that is so sorely needed to improve air quality. Only with swift action can we save our environment from further degradation and improve the health of adults and children who now suffer with respiratory ailments and chronic disease impacting their quality of life and health care utilization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions related to my concerns and I can easily be reached at pattonsa@washjeff.edu or via telephone at 724. 825.3146. I will be attending your Inauguration January 2009 and I am hopeful to hear about your stand on air pollution in your plan for alternative fuels as we face a new decade and era of change with your policy and initiatives.
Sincerely, Samuel A. Patton
Student, Washington & Jefferson College
http://www.savephoenix.org/
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Air_Pollution_Statistics
http://greennature.com/article958.html
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2008/01/staggering-statistics-of-air-pollution.html
Monday, November 10, 2008
Animal Instinct Versus Intelligence
Animal Instinct Versus Intelligence Between Two Animals
I believe that a dog acts more on instinct and a cat acts more on intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to understand from experience or the ability to retain knowledge whereas instinct refers to the inborn characteristics of species in a naturally acquired way. Two animals I would compare in terms of instinct versus intelligence are my golden retriever, Sissy and my tabby cat, Japetto. There is something about having pets that brings excitement and joy to me and I love them like a family member because they seem to always be there when I need them. They are my best buddies and they really are a source of comfort and support to me when I am happy and when I feel down.
It is interesting to note how two animals like a dog and cat can be instinctively and intellectually so different and how humans respond to them. It is so interesting to watch my dog and cat behaviors and I have so much enjoyment from both pets but they are very different animals indeed and they are just like part of the family. Watching these two in different environments is better than watching television. For example, at the end of a very rough day, there is nothing I like more than to walk into the house and be greeted by Sissy and Japetto. There is always certain to be some sort of adventure related to Sissy and Japetto either separately or together through some sort of mischief.
As I enter the house, I know Sissy will come and lick my hand with her rough, wet tongue begging me to take her outside so she can run and play. Japetto on the other hand tries to make a fast, swift exit out the door so she can roll in the grass. We call her the great escape artist.
Japetto is very intelligent and knows when the door opens signaling the potential for a quick, backyard escape. Little does Japetto know if she gets into the backyard that it is highly probably that Sissy will eat her because Sissy’s instinct is to hunt and kill. Even though the two are in the house all day with each other, the minute they are outdoors together, Sissy goes into a hunting mode looking for moving prey to attack and eat. Japetto has no idea the danger she is in if she does escape into the back yard she must be intelligent enough to make a fast get away up the nearest tree.
I have seen Sissy act in a very strange ways and cannot for the life of me figure out why she does what she does. For example, she is always steadfast and loyal walking by my side no matter what I do. She is faithful and obedient and loves to be with people. As they always say “dogs are a man’s best friend” and this is true I think our of a dog’s instinct to protect his/her master. Sissy loves to go with me to feed the horses and the moment I turn my head to do a chore, Sissy sneaks away to a big pile of fresh horse manure to roll in it. There is just nothing intelligent about rolling in horse manure and now matter how much I scold Sissy, she just loves to roll in green horse manure right after she has a bath. I cannot for the life of me figure why she does this other than instinct to cover her odor and smell awful maybe as a form of instinct and self preservation that is from instinct.
As far as an animal acting out of intelligence, I would say this is the case with my tabby cat Japetto who is very intelligent. For example, when Japetto hears a door open or a visitor’s voice, she immediately hisses and alerts us that someone is here who normally should not be in the house. Japetto does not forget anything and is very smart. Japetto only likes certain people and she remembers who she likes and who she doesn’t. For example, Japetto turns into a miniature mountain lion if someone comes to visit and she does not know them. She begins growling and hissing and most certainly you will get a nasty welcome if she does not know you. She has even been known to strike out with her paw and try to scratch some unknowing strangers meaning I have to shut her in a room to protect the innocent who think she looks like a furry best friend.
My relationship with my dog and cat are like the relationships I have with my family. My days are great because I have my pets. There is never a dull moment as Japetto and Sissy go on a chase through the house tearing up the rugs and making things fall off shelves as Sissy chases Japetto in hot pursuit dart around the living room. There is just something really fulfilling about having pets like Sissy and Japetto who come from two different worlds.
Alexander Petrunkevitch "The Spider and the Wasp" published by Scientific American (August 1952)
I believe that a dog acts more on instinct and a cat acts more on intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to understand from experience or the ability to retain knowledge whereas instinct refers to the inborn characteristics of species in a naturally acquired way. Two animals I would compare in terms of instinct versus intelligence are my golden retriever, Sissy and my tabby cat, Japetto. There is something about having pets that brings excitement and joy to me and I love them like a family member because they seem to always be there when I need them. They are my best buddies and they really are a source of comfort and support to me when I am happy and when I feel down.
It is interesting to note how two animals like a dog and cat can be instinctively and intellectually so different and how humans respond to them. It is so interesting to watch my dog and cat behaviors and I have so much enjoyment from both pets but they are very different animals indeed and they are just like part of the family. Watching these two in different environments is better than watching television. For example, at the end of a very rough day, there is nothing I like more than to walk into the house and be greeted by Sissy and Japetto. There is always certain to be some sort of adventure related to Sissy and Japetto either separately or together through some sort of mischief.
As I enter the house, I know Sissy will come and lick my hand with her rough, wet tongue begging me to take her outside so she can run and play. Japetto on the other hand tries to make a fast, swift exit out the door so she can roll in the grass. We call her the great escape artist.
Japetto is very intelligent and knows when the door opens signaling the potential for a quick, backyard escape. Little does Japetto know if she gets into the backyard that it is highly probably that Sissy will eat her because Sissy’s instinct is to hunt and kill. Even though the two are in the house all day with each other, the minute they are outdoors together, Sissy goes into a hunting mode looking for moving prey to attack and eat. Japetto has no idea the danger she is in if she does escape into the back yard she must be intelligent enough to make a fast get away up the nearest tree.
I have seen Sissy act in a very strange ways and cannot for the life of me figure out why she does what she does. For example, she is always steadfast and loyal walking by my side no matter what I do. She is faithful and obedient and loves to be with people. As they always say “dogs are a man’s best friend” and this is true I think our of a dog’s instinct to protect his/her master. Sissy loves to go with me to feed the horses and the moment I turn my head to do a chore, Sissy sneaks away to a big pile of fresh horse manure to roll in it. There is just nothing intelligent about rolling in horse manure and now matter how much I scold Sissy, she just loves to roll in green horse manure right after she has a bath. I cannot for the life of me figure why she does this other than instinct to cover her odor and smell awful maybe as a form of instinct and self preservation that is from instinct.
As far as an animal acting out of intelligence, I would say this is the case with my tabby cat Japetto who is very intelligent. For example, when Japetto hears a door open or a visitor’s voice, she immediately hisses and alerts us that someone is here who normally should not be in the house. Japetto does not forget anything and is very smart. Japetto only likes certain people and she remembers who she likes and who she doesn’t. For example, Japetto turns into a miniature mountain lion if someone comes to visit and she does not know them. She begins growling and hissing and most certainly you will get a nasty welcome if she does not know you. She has even been known to strike out with her paw and try to scratch some unknowing strangers meaning I have to shut her in a room to protect the innocent who think she looks like a furry best friend.
My relationship with my dog and cat are like the relationships I have with my family. My days are great because I have my pets. There is never a dull moment as Japetto and Sissy go on a chase through the house tearing up the rugs and making things fall off shelves as Sissy chases Japetto in hot pursuit dart around the living room. There is just something really fulfilling about having pets like Sissy and Japetto who come from two different worlds.
Alexander Petrunkevitch "The Spider and the Wasp" published by Scientific American (August 1952)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saving Our Enviorment: Making Changes to Reduce Air Pollution from Transportation
Saving Our Environment: Making Changes to Reduce Air Pollution from Transportation
People rely on many forms of transportation on a daily basis to carry out their daily activities and do their work. The need for our current transportation choices are largely from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles resulting in air pollution that has harmful effects on people’s health and breathing. It appears that air pollution is getting worse everyday in the United States. It also seems many people may not be as concerned about air pollution from the cars they drive as perhaps they should be because they do not see the impact of their behavior and the kind of fuel they use contributing to air pollution. It is hard to get people to change life-long behavior and to give up the kinds of cars they like and want to drive in the name of air pollution. Because air pollution is linked to people’s choices about the kind of cars they drive, most politicians also do not want to discuss these politically-charged issues. Whether we like it or not, we have to begin thinking about hybrid vehicles as a possible solution to transportation since these cars would improve air quality and lessen air pollution. Perhaps the time has some that we must demand automakers to invest more in smaller, battery-powered, hybrid vehicles.
There have been some attempts to decrease air pollution because it is known that gasoline and diesel fuel used in many forms of private and public transportation are major contributors to air pollution. While we know some of the major air pollutants are gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles, the fact remains that many people do not want to give up their diesel trucks or luxury cars for smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars. For example, Honda and Toyota have been producing hybrid, battery or electric powered cars for several years now, but they have really not taken hold with the public until the recent soar in gas prices. The fact remains that hybrid is better in lessening air pollution. We also know that the major air pollutants like carbon dioxide and other air polluting substances from gasoline and diesel fuels are negatively impacting air quality and increasing air pollution and in fact they are making people including adults and children permanently ill.
Hybrid or electric cars will certainly result in lessening air pollution and also result in improved health status for many people including children with asthma. The air quality is so important and polluted air makes people ill in many ways. Usually air pollution results in illness from persons developing major breathing problems which in most cases become chronic and last a lifetime. Some of the major respiratory illnesses resulting from air pollution are asthma particularly in children and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. These are the persons who end up not being able to breath and often end up in the emergency department because they cannot breathe. Why would we not want to make a change that would decrease air pollution that helps people stay healthy longer and have a better life?
I have heard for some time that automobile makers like General Motors and Ford have the technology to manufacture smaller, hybrid vehicles but they were not encouraged to go this way largely because the oil manufacturers wanted to increase the demand for their profits through gasoline and diesel consumption. I think the time has come when we have to stop thinking about pocket books and dollars and encourage production of vehicles that make our environment safer through decreased air pollution. Even if smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars cost a little more in the beginning, eventually I think people will make behavior changes about the kinds of cars and trucks they are driving to keep the air cleaner and to decrease air pollution. I don’t think anyone gets out of bed in the morning and says “I think I will drive to work today to make some one sick by polluting the air with my car” but I do think a lot of people are not aware of the impact of their behavior on other people.
While there is no one best answer to stop air pollution, it seems if everyone did a little to make a behavior change in buying a hybrid automobile, the impact on air quality would significantly decrease air pollution and improve health outcomes for the many who are ill and suffer from asthma and chronic lung disease. If people are not going to make these behavior changes themselves, then I think we have to make policy that forces the behavior change. I believe we have to lobby and force automakers to invest more in hybrid technology. This type of change is essential if we are going to live more responsibly and we have to care more about this issue to save our environment.
http://www.die.gov.tr/english/SONIST/CEVRE/cevre.html
http://www.alive.com/161a1a3.php
http://www.nrdc.org/air/pollution/bt/0160.asp
People rely on many forms of transportation on a daily basis to carry out their daily activities and do their work. The need for our current transportation choices are largely from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles resulting in air pollution that has harmful effects on people’s health and breathing. It appears that air pollution is getting worse everyday in the United States. It also seems many people may not be as concerned about air pollution from the cars they drive as perhaps they should be because they do not see the impact of their behavior and the kind of fuel they use contributing to air pollution. It is hard to get people to change life-long behavior and to give up the kinds of cars they like and want to drive in the name of air pollution. Because air pollution is linked to people’s choices about the kind of cars they drive, most politicians also do not want to discuss these politically-charged issues. Whether we like it or not, we have to begin thinking about hybrid vehicles as a possible solution to transportation since these cars would improve air quality and lessen air pollution. Perhaps the time has some that we must demand automakers to invest more in smaller, battery-powered, hybrid vehicles.
There have been some attempts to decrease air pollution because it is known that gasoline and diesel fuel used in many forms of private and public transportation are major contributors to air pollution. While we know some of the major air pollutants are gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles, the fact remains that many people do not want to give up their diesel trucks or luxury cars for smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars. For example, Honda and Toyota have been producing hybrid, battery or electric powered cars for several years now, but they have really not taken hold with the public until the recent soar in gas prices. The fact remains that hybrid is better in lessening air pollution. We also know that the major air pollutants like carbon dioxide and other air polluting substances from gasoline and diesel fuels are negatively impacting air quality and increasing air pollution and in fact they are making people including adults and children permanently ill.
Hybrid or electric cars will certainly result in lessening air pollution and also result in improved health status for many people including children with asthma. The air quality is so important and polluted air makes people ill in many ways. Usually air pollution results in illness from persons developing major breathing problems which in most cases become chronic and last a lifetime. Some of the major respiratory illnesses resulting from air pollution are asthma particularly in children and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. These are the persons who end up not being able to breath and often end up in the emergency department because they cannot breathe. Why would we not want to make a change that would decrease air pollution that helps people stay healthy longer and have a better life?
I have heard for some time that automobile makers like General Motors and Ford have the technology to manufacture smaller, hybrid vehicles but they were not encouraged to go this way largely because the oil manufacturers wanted to increase the demand for their profits through gasoline and diesel consumption. I think the time has come when we have to stop thinking about pocket books and dollars and encourage production of vehicles that make our environment safer through decreased air pollution. Even if smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars cost a little more in the beginning, eventually I think people will make behavior changes about the kinds of cars and trucks they are driving to keep the air cleaner and to decrease air pollution. I don’t think anyone gets out of bed in the morning and says “I think I will drive to work today to make some one sick by polluting the air with my car” but I do think a lot of people are not aware of the impact of their behavior on other people.
While there is no one best answer to stop air pollution, it seems if everyone did a little to make a behavior change in buying a hybrid automobile, the impact on air quality would significantly decrease air pollution and improve health outcomes for the many who are ill and suffer from asthma and chronic lung disease. If people are not going to make these behavior changes themselves, then I think we have to make policy that forces the behavior change. I believe we have to lobby and force automakers to invest more in hybrid technology. This type of change is essential if we are going to live more responsibly and we have to care more about this issue to save our environment.
http://www.die.gov.tr/english/SONIST/CEVRE/cevre.html
http://www.alive.com/161a1a3.php
http://www.nrdc.org/air/pollution/bt/0160.asp
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My Encounter with a Wild Animal
My Encounter with a Wild Animal
I am writing about an encounter that I had once with a red fox. My encounter with this native animal took place when I was feeding my neighbors pets. My neighbors needed me to watch over and care for their barnyard pets this past summer when they went on vacation. This was an encounter I had with a wild, red fox and it is an encounter I will not soon forget .This encounter I had with what is often an elusive, rarely seen wild animal is one that I think hardly anyone else will ever get to experience. I can tell you for sure I had the most awful scare when I came face-to-face with this wild creature. I believe this experience was rare and that most people will not get to have this type of encounter with a wild animal because for one thing it is rare around here to even see a fox, and secondly foxes are nocturnal animals so very rarely do you see them in the day time. After having experienced this rare encounter my views of the fox have changed. I now believe instead of a fox being a low profile, night hunter, that he is now a roamer of the day and that he will do whatever he wants. I believe that the fox is now an animal with two distinctly different sides. One minute he can be nice and cuddly looking and the next he is trying to bite and hurt you.
This freak occurrence took place at my neighbor’s home in their barnyard. It was just like any other summer morning in the country. The sun was slowly rising across the eastern sky and there was a glow like many early summer mornings have. The kind of sunrise that offers “this will be a great day, not just a good day”.
There was nothing out of the ordinary to foreshadow this strange encounter I was about to have with Mr. Fox. The lucky person this particular summer day was me but I was not prepared for the circle of events that would unfold when Mr. Fox and I met face-to-face in my neighbor’s barn. There was only one small, squawking, hysterical chicken between Mr. Fox and me. The fox came upon me just as I entered the barn to feed the domestic animals and all of a sudden I was hearing hissing and gnarling like I have never heard before. I did not know what was happening but I knew it was not good. “Oh shit!” I said as I turned and there in front of me was a big, bushy-tailed red fox. It was obvious someone’s space had been invaded but was it mine or Mr. Fox?
I had never been this close to a fox before and for a moment I did not know what to do! The one thing I knew was that I did not want to harm the creature but nothing was for certain as the fox was very aggressive and unrelenting as I tried to get past him to leave the barn. The fox blocked my path and continued hissing, growling, and showing his razor-like teeth at me. I was thinking lots of things all at the same time. I wondered if the animal had rabies, or was sick, or had babies in the barn. Was he just pissed at me because I was between him and his breakfast, the squawking chicken? Why would he come at me like this without me being in his territory but he in mine? If he only comes out primarily at night, why is he here in this place this morning? After only a few minutes of wondering what to do and how to stay safe and not have to harm the fox, he backed away as quietly and swiftly as he came. I saw him running away into the distance.
I had a feeling come over me as the fox ran into the woods and this encounter changed the way I look at these beautiful creatures. I like foxes and I think it’s exciting to have them around, however I believe they should be respected and not underestimated in our world. The fox showed me his worth as a wild creature and came maybe as a symbol to me in this encounter letting me know I was in his world and he was making a statement about his need to be free and that he will not be underestimated. I know from sharing this encounter since it happened that no one I personally know has ever had this type of encounter with a wild animal. It seems like it’s one of those things that only one person in the world gets to experience. My life is better that I had this experience alone, in this place with this creature of nature.
I am writing about an encounter that I had once with a red fox. My encounter with this native animal took place when I was feeding my neighbors pets. My neighbors needed me to watch over and care for their barnyard pets this past summer when they went on vacation. This was an encounter I had with a wild, red fox and it is an encounter I will not soon forget .This encounter I had with what is often an elusive, rarely seen wild animal is one that I think hardly anyone else will ever get to experience. I can tell you for sure I had the most awful scare when I came face-to-face with this wild creature. I believe this experience was rare and that most people will not get to have this type of encounter with a wild animal because for one thing it is rare around here to even see a fox, and secondly foxes are nocturnal animals so very rarely do you see them in the day time. After having experienced this rare encounter my views of the fox have changed. I now believe instead of a fox being a low profile, night hunter, that he is now a roamer of the day and that he will do whatever he wants. I believe that the fox is now an animal with two distinctly different sides. One minute he can be nice and cuddly looking and the next he is trying to bite and hurt you.
This freak occurrence took place at my neighbor’s home in their barnyard. It was just like any other summer morning in the country. The sun was slowly rising across the eastern sky and there was a glow like many early summer mornings have. The kind of sunrise that offers “this will be a great day, not just a good day”.
There was nothing out of the ordinary to foreshadow this strange encounter I was about to have with Mr. Fox. The lucky person this particular summer day was me but I was not prepared for the circle of events that would unfold when Mr. Fox and I met face-to-face in my neighbor’s barn. There was only one small, squawking, hysterical chicken between Mr. Fox and me. The fox came upon me just as I entered the barn to feed the domestic animals and all of a sudden I was hearing hissing and gnarling like I have never heard before. I did not know what was happening but I knew it was not good. “Oh shit!” I said as I turned and there in front of me was a big, bushy-tailed red fox. It was obvious someone’s space had been invaded but was it mine or Mr. Fox?
I had never been this close to a fox before and for a moment I did not know what to do! The one thing I knew was that I did not want to harm the creature but nothing was for certain as the fox was very aggressive and unrelenting as I tried to get past him to leave the barn. The fox blocked my path and continued hissing, growling, and showing his razor-like teeth at me. I was thinking lots of things all at the same time. I wondered if the animal had rabies, or was sick, or had babies in the barn. Was he just pissed at me because I was between him and his breakfast, the squawking chicken? Why would he come at me like this without me being in his territory but he in mine? If he only comes out primarily at night, why is he here in this place this morning? After only a few minutes of wondering what to do and how to stay safe and not have to harm the fox, he backed away as quietly and swiftly as he came. I saw him running away into the distance.
I had a feeling come over me as the fox ran into the woods and this encounter changed the way I look at these beautiful creatures. I like foxes and I think it’s exciting to have them around, however I believe they should be respected and not underestimated in our world. The fox showed me his worth as a wild creature and came maybe as a symbol to me in this encounter letting me know I was in his world and he was making a statement about his need to be free and that he will not be underestimated. I know from sharing this encounter since it happened that no one I personally know has ever had this type of encounter with a wild animal. It seems like it’s one of those things that only one person in the world gets to experience. My life is better that I had this experience alone, in this place with this creature of nature.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Moment in the October Woods
A Moment in the October Woods
It is one of those crisp and clear October days when the leaves are turning bright orange and yellow right before the first killing frost, a sign that winter will soon follow. As I walk my feet crunch like I am walking on crunched up newspapers. Here I am in a place I love where nothing else seems to matter. A walk in the woods is always peaceful and calm bringing me to places that don’t require explanation. I can be in the moment and take in all the sights and sounds of nature that make this the special place it is.
As I walk I think about so many things. I feel connected to my past and to my future. I think about things that have already been and things that may happen. I remember walking in these woods the day I killed my first wild turkey or shot my first buck. The walk in the woods reminds me that centuries ago Indians and settlers probably walked these same hills in this woods seeing the same sights and taking in the same creatures I see in action. Am I where they walked and doing what they did in this very spot? This October woods is as majestic and peaceful now as it was centuries ago and it provides a great place to immerse myself to think and just be. I do not have to talk or explain; I can just be and take in the scenes of this magnificent place that brings me to my happy place. Perhaps the Indians and settlers of long ago had the same feelings and thoughts I have walking here now in this October woods.
As I walk a little further down my trail I see a rabbit run as fast and furiously as it can to dodge me and hide, fearful I might harm him. Now I know what they mean when they say someone is as “scared as a rabbit”! He is safe as he runs into the biggest blackberry patches with so many thorns he definitely is safe and I surely will not come after him. Maybe my Indian ancestors would kill him with an arrow to be in the evening stew and he would not be as lucky as he is today. How fortunate he is to live here amidst the bushes and suddenly I hear something! It is a gray squirrel running around a giant oak like he wants me to play hide and seek or like he is saying “catch me”! Little does he know, I would have no way to keep up with him as he runs quickly up the tree and down the other side without purpose or a specific place to go. He must think I want his acorns as he tries to get them up the tree to a safe shelter for winter.
As I look ahead, I see a buck with his head bent down and he is pawing at the ground near a decaying stump. His antlers are massive and they are shiny just having lost their velvet at the end of the summer growth. He turns and sniffs. He does not see me yet. Will he smell me? Will he hear me? He lowers his head again and resumes his work with the stump. I step on a twig and the crack is enough to send the buck running straight toward me in a full leap. Quick, out of the way and he darts past me just a bolt of lightening! He is gone as quickly as he came. I am sure his hide would be tacked to someone’s teepee or his pelt would make a fine leather outfit for a brave!
As I enter the end of the trail I see signs of turkey scratches. They have been here alright in this place and feeding from the tracks. I am confident the turkeys who recently visited this place would be the feathers for an Indian headdress or for some decoration in the Indian lodge. I think about it must have felt to be an Indian centuries ago hunting these same woods where I now walk and seeing the same animals I see! Did we walk in the same footsteps and have the same experiences in these October woods? No one will ever really know but there is a spirit that connects us even now.
It is one of those crisp and clear October days when the leaves are turning bright orange and yellow right before the first killing frost, a sign that winter will soon follow. As I walk my feet crunch like I am walking on crunched up newspapers. Here I am in a place I love where nothing else seems to matter. A walk in the woods is always peaceful and calm bringing me to places that don’t require explanation. I can be in the moment and take in all the sights and sounds of nature that make this the special place it is.
As I walk I think about so many things. I feel connected to my past and to my future. I think about things that have already been and things that may happen. I remember walking in these woods the day I killed my first wild turkey or shot my first buck. The walk in the woods reminds me that centuries ago Indians and settlers probably walked these same hills in this woods seeing the same sights and taking in the same creatures I see in action. Am I where they walked and doing what they did in this very spot? This October woods is as majestic and peaceful now as it was centuries ago and it provides a great place to immerse myself to think and just be. I do not have to talk or explain; I can just be and take in the scenes of this magnificent place that brings me to my happy place. Perhaps the Indians and settlers of long ago had the same feelings and thoughts I have walking here now in this October woods.
As I walk a little further down my trail I see a rabbit run as fast and furiously as it can to dodge me and hide, fearful I might harm him. Now I know what they mean when they say someone is as “scared as a rabbit”! He is safe as he runs into the biggest blackberry patches with so many thorns he definitely is safe and I surely will not come after him. Maybe my Indian ancestors would kill him with an arrow to be in the evening stew and he would not be as lucky as he is today. How fortunate he is to live here amidst the bushes and suddenly I hear something! It is a gray squirrel running around a giant oak like he wants me to play hide and seek or like he is saying “catch me”! Little does he know, I would have no way to keep up with him as he runs quickly up the tree and down the other side without purpose or a specific place to go. He must think I want his acorns as he tries to get them up the tree to a safe shelter for winter.
As I look ahead, I see a buck with his head bent down and he is pawing at the ground near a decaying stump. His antlers are massive and they are shiny just having lost their velvet at the end of the summer growth. He turns and sniffs. He does not see me yet. Will he smell me? Will he hear me? He lowers his head again and resumes his work with the stump. I step on a twig and the crack is enough to send the buck running straight toward me in a full leap. Quick, out of the way and he darts past me just a bolt of lightening! He is gone as quickly as he came. I am sure his hide would be tacked to someone’s teepee or his pelt would make a fine leather outfit for a brave!
As I enter the end of the trail I see signs of turkey scratches. They have been here alright in this place and feeding from the tracks. I am confident the turkeys who recently visited this place would be the feathers for an Indian headdress or for some decoration in the Indian lodge. I think about it must have felt to be an Indian centuries ago hunting these same woods where I now walk and seeing the same animals I see! Did we walk in the same footsteps and have the same experiences in these October woods? No one will ever really know but there is a spirit that connects us even now.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Natural Place Disrupted
A Natural Place Disrupted
“Grab your poles boys and let’s go fishin” Dad would say to Seth, my brother and me. It didn’t take long before we hopped into the front of “Old Blue” Dad’s 1987 pickup truck and off we went to Ryerson. Wow!!! When we were little my brother Seth and I referred to the trip to Ryerson State Park as “Ryer Lakin” short for “let’s go to Ryerson and let’s go fishing”! What a great time we had just taking in the scenery and talking about anything that came to mind, girls, cars, life in general. We would spend hours just talking about what two boys, ages ten and twelve talk about with their Dad!
Ryerson Lake was a large state park located about thirty minutes from our home and it was a big, beautiful lake full of rainbow trout and other assorted fish that kids just love to catch on a warm, summer evening. There was nothing like fishing at Ryerson for two boys and their dad on a hot summer evening just when everything starts to get that orange glow just before the evening sun sinks below the horizon. Add a gentle breeze, a few fishing worms and a pole and it didn’t get any better than this.
Ryerson Lake was a great place to fish until the mines came through and expanded and the lake had to be drained because there was a huge hole in the spillway as a result of mine subsidence in southwestern Greene County. The loss of the lake was really sad especially for my brother and me because we had some terrific summer evenings we spent there just baiting our hooks and casting over and over to see what big fish might be foolish enough to bite down and get caught!
I had read about the lake and the effects of mine subsidence on it but it was not as meaningful to me nor did it really impact me until I went there one afternoon and saw what used to be the lake now a grass bowl of green without any water. “How can this happen?” I asked myself with utter amazement that anything so big and beautiful could have become to desolate and barren! No fishing at Ryerson! What a sad day that was for my brother, Dad and me to see what had been out favorite fishing bank now a muddy, stinky, soggy, stink hole.
Ryerson Lake was an icon in the community and people came from the north, east, south, and west to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of a quiet ripple like a skipping stone as they cast their fishing line onto the glassy water! From the bank, fish were jumping every now and then as if to say “you can’t catch me” but a belching bullfrog made it a perfect day for sure.
I am not sure how or why Ryerson Lake became what now looks like a massive football field with no trace of water or fish and some say it will be revitalized and restored to a lake in the future. While I would like to believe that is the case, I don’t see any sign that it will happen in my lifetime and I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to experience the beauty and awe of this place when it was something to behold! I am only sorry that I can never fish at Ryerson Lake with my brother and Dad like I once did and one thing is for sure, it will never be the same most likely in my lifetime. There is just something special about two young boys, their dad, and a fishing hole like Ryerson Lake.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/ryersonstation.aspx
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN130-053
“Grab your poles boys and let’s go fishin” Dad would say to Seth, my brother and me. It didn’t take long before we hopped into the front of “Old Blue” Dad’s 1987 pickup truck and off we went to Ryerson. Wow!!! When we were little my brother Seth and I referred to the trip to Ryerson State Park as “Ryer Lakin” short for “let’s go to Ryerson and let’s go fishing”! What a great time we had just taking in the scenery and talking about anything that came to mind, girls, cars, life in general. We would spend hours just talking about what two boys, ages ten and twelve talk about with their Dad!
Ryerson Lake was a large state park located about thirty minutes from our home and it was a big, beautiful lake full of rainbow trout and other assorted fish that kids just love to catch on a warm, summer evening. There was nothing like fishing at Ryerson for two boys and their dad on a hot summer evening just when everything starts to get that orange glow just before the evening sun sinks below the horizon. Add a gentle breeze, a few fishing worms and a pole and it didn’t get any better than this.
Ryerson Lake was a great place to fish until the mines came through and expanded and the lake had to be drained because there was a huge hole in the spillway as a result of mine subsidence in southwestern Greene County. The loss of the lake was really sad especially for my brother and me because we had some terrific summer evenings we spent there just baiting our hooks and casting over and over to see what big fish might be foolish enough to bite down and get caught!
I had read about the lake and the effects of mine subsidence on it but it was not as meaningful to me nor did it really impact me until I went there one afternoon and saw what used to be the lake now a grass bowl of green without any water. “How can this happen?” I asked myself with utter amazement that anything so big and beautiful could have become to desolate and barren! No fishing at Ryerson! What a sad day that was for my brother, Dad and me to see what had been out favorite fishing bank now a muddy, stinky, soggy, stink hole.
Ryerson Lake was an icon in the community and people came from the north, east, south, and west to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of a quiet ripple like a skipping stone as they cast their fishing line onto the glassy water! From the bank, fish were jumping every now and then as if to say “you can’t catch me” but a belching bullfrog made it a perfect day for sure.
I am not sure how or why Ryerson Lake became what now looks like a massive football field with no trace of water or fish and some say it will be revitalized and restored to a lake in the future. While I would like to believe that is the case, I don’t see any sign that it will happen in my lifetime and I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to experience the beauty and awe of this place when it was something to behold! I am only sorry that I can never fish at Ryerson Lake with my brother and Dad like I once did and one thing is for sure, it will never be the same most likely in my lifetime. There is just something special about two young boys, their dad, and a fishing hole like Ryerson Lake.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/ryersonstation.aspx
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN130-053
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
