Articles

OF ALL THE PLACES I COULD HAVE LANDED in this world, I landed with a wonderful family, in a beautiful country. When I was very young, my parents introduced me to the natural and cultural treasures of Mexico—its majestic deserts, solitary snow-capped volcanoes, vibrant jungles, peaceful forests and lakes, wild rivers, and amazing carpets of colorful coral, as well as our country's imposing pre-Hispanic sites and incredibly diverse expressions of art, traditions, and languages.

IMBALANCE/EXCESS/NEGLIGENCE> RESPONSIBILITY GREED/COMPETITION/FEAR/UPHEAVAL> SAFETY GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY/SCIENCE/YOU= SYNERGY Everyone can rise to the challenge of global warming through inspired actions, empathy, and ingenuity—fueled by SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS+ SCIENTIFIC PRAYER LOW-CARBON economy /LOW-CARBON industry /LOW-CARBON behavior A NEW, LOW-CARBON WORLD. INEVITABLE? YES.

WE HAD TO FIND a new chairperson for our department at the university where I am a tenured professor. I was the head of the search committee.

ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT, and once again, I found myself literally walking on my knees on the concrete of my driveway. Looking up at the sky, I wondered how long I would have to endure the pain of my life.

I WAS TEN WHEN my mother passed on, and in the years that followed, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing. I missed my mom, of course, but I also missed having a mom.

AS I EMPTIED the contents of my desk into a cardboard box to carry down to the parking garage, the sense of personal failure was palpable. Only 12 months earlier I'd joined the company, hopeful that I could make a real contribution to this small investment advisor.

THIS MONTH Christians around the world rejoice because of Easter—the timeless, inspiring celebration of Christ Jesus' resurrection from the grave, and later his ascension entirely out of the material world. Through these events, Jesus proved for all time that life never ends.

I WAS A BIT SURPRISED. The Congressman answered my phone call right away.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HUGE, two-ton elephant walking resignedly in a small circle, constrained only by a thin stick and flimsy rope tied to his ankle—and wondered why the elephant didn't just walk off? Why would he accept such a lot in life? I came across an article in the September 19, 2004, issue of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin that described how baby elephants that are to be used as working animals are trained. The article, "Don't be a dumbo," describes how a trainer fastens a heavy manacle and chain to the elephant's leg, securing the other end of the chain to a metal stake driven deep into the ground.

DAILY NEWS COVERAGE OF THE WAR IN IRAQ, or the instances of bombings in places such as England or Spain, as well as vehement debates among our political leaders about the best way to respond to terrorism, can all leave us feeling like helpless bystanders to a tragic world drama. We can also be drawn into heated arguments with colleagues over political choices.