IN RESPONCE: THE KILLER WHALE ACCIDENT

In Praise of the Planet wishes to express its profound sympathy at the loss of the SeaWorld Orca whale trainer Ms. Dawn Brancheau.

Our hearts go out to the Brancheau family, the Orlando Community, and SeaWorld staff.

Citation:

SeaWorld: http://www.seaworld.com

YahooNews via REUTERS: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100225/us_nm/us_usa_whale_3

END

LABOUR DAY DELIGHTS

Unlike any other holiday commemorated in the United States, today celebrates the contributions made through the efforts of employees and service workers and acknowledges their overall impact on the National Product.

While I hold to no opinion whatsoever on issues of a political nature I too am going to be remembering the efforts of those who straighten the freedoms I know and love by celebrating with my friends in the labour movement.

Here in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area there is an event called Labour Fest http://www.milwaukeelabor.org/about_us/laborfest.cfm which is put on through the generous efforts of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Wisconsin A.F.L.C.I.O. Labour Council. The Festival is being held at the:

Henry W. Mier Festival Park

200 N Harbour Dr.

Milwaukee, WI 53202

The event is open to the public from 12:00 PM C.S.T - 05:00 PM C.S.T. General Admission is free. There is also a parade honouring the labour force throughout the City which begins at 11:00 AM and originates at the Honourable Zeidler Union Square Park which is located between Third and Fourth streets on Michigan Avenue.

There is sure to be fun, food, fabulous music, and entertainment for all of your family and friends!

END

DEATH OF MRS GRAHAM

BREAKING NEWS - Moments ago, In Praise of the Planet received notice of the death of the late Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham.

Mrs Graham, who was born in 1920. She married Billy Graham, the nationally renowned founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association on August 13, 1943 and authored many literary works throughout her lifetime. She died at the age of 87 years of age.

Ruth, is the latest in a recent line of famous Evangelicals to be reported in the news because of apparent health concerns. She is said to have been diagnosed with spinal meningitis back in 1995.

Mrs. Ruth Graham's Biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Graham

Last month on about May 15, 2007 the late Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University, reportedly died of sudden cardiac death.

Jerry Falwell's Biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Falwell

And about a year ago on December 28, 2006 D. James Kennedy, of Coral Ridge Ministries, was reported to have suffered a heart attack. He is currently recuperating after apparently receiving a pacemaker to correct a reported diagnosis of heart arrhythmia.

D. James Kennedy's Biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._James_Kennedy#Biography

Memorial Services for Mrs. Graham will be held on June 16, 2007 at 2:00PM local time in the Anderson Auditorium of Sheville North Carolina.

In Praise of the Planet extends to the families of Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham our thoughts of support and condolence during this difficult time of tragedy.

END

SAVING A BRIDGE, CELEBRATING THROUGH SONG

BREAKING NEWS - In Praise of the Planet just received from sources in Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin who inform me that there is a new concept in Wisconsin Festivals on the cutting edge of the entertainment industry landing on the historic Door County shoreline.

It's called Steal Bridge Songfest and it is being held for the third year in a row.

The Festival is held on the weekend of June 14 - 16 2007 as a fundraising event to preserve the Historic Memorial [Street] Bridge.

The Bridge spans the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal District and measures 1,420 feet in length. Built in 1930 it is an example of a rolling lift bascule and movable span with 12 concrete and steel trusses.

On March 7, 2007 the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation announced that it would be rehabilitating the Lake Michigan Landmark.

WIS DOT Report http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/d3/michigan/alternatives.htm

Steal Bridge Songfest is the creation of Christie Webber and her brother Pat MacDonald Pat MacDonald's Biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_MacDonald

The Festival regularly attracts many major industrial performing artist like:

Emiko, Jackson Browne, Jane Wiedlin, Eric McFadden, James Hall, Todd Carey, Pat MacDonald, Dorothy Scott, Freedy Johnston, Kim Manning, Johnathan Spottiswoode, and Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons.

The Festival is designed to bring people together through the celebration of song in an effort raise money to aide in the offset of the maintenance costs required for proper up keep of the Historic Bridge and , in so doing, assure the Landmark's survival by successfully remembering the past.

In my opinion this effort is to be applauded because the laborers who built the Michigan Bridge worked very hard to provide for the needs in their communities.

In the process, many died and all because they were willing to sacrifice their lives in order to make better the lives of the residents in a community, then divided by distance, but later brought together through the efforts of our ancestral visionaries.

This festival honours their commitment to a cause, a commitment to change, and a culture which continues to see a need for the change to come.

For more information visit: http://steelbridgesongfest.org/

END

EVEN ROUNDY'S IS MOBILIZING

Today In Praise of the Planet salutes Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. for implementing a new customer service petroleum savings programme called Money Per Gallon.

Simply put, if you shop at participating Pick n' Save or Copps locations in the Central Midwest United States you are eligible, to receive coupons which you may redeem at any participating Mobil Station for gasoline.

All that is required to take part in the programme is an electronic coupon card from either store and patrons can participate. People eligible can receive a coupon for $.10 off per gallon of gas for store purchases totaling between $50.00 - $99.99 at the register. Likewise, participants can earn $.20 off per gallon for purchases totaling between $100.00 - $149.00 at the register.

Additionally, participants can earn $ .30 off per gallon for purchases totaling between $150.00 - $199.00 at the register. And as if that wasn't enough, participants can earn $ .40 off per gallon of gas for purchases totaling $200.00 or larger at the register.

Discounts redeemable are valid for up to twelve (12) gallons of gasoline at any participating Mobil location.

According to Milwaukee's TMJ Channel 4 Mr. Robert Mariano, the Chairperson and C.E.O. for Roundy's Supermarkets is quoted as saying, " All of us are spending more at the gas pump these days and many families are struggling because of it M.P.G. Is our way at Pick n' Save and Copps of helping out our consumers stretch their dollars when it comes to buying groceries and gas this summer."

TMJ Channel 4: http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/7980742.html
Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. http://www.roundys.com/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=127

In Praise of the Planet could not agree more with the concept of the idea behind this programme! We hope that it will bring attention to the consumption crisis that is so devastating to the household economics of our Nation's families.

In my opinion not only are we are essentially robbing food out of the mouths of some of our poorest children to put fuel in our vehicles but we are also forcing our pensioners to choose to either fill their prescriptions or fill up at the pump!

In my view, this is a terrible injustice and I want to emphasise that I whole heartedly applaud the efforts of Roundy's who are attempting to cease the silence which appears to stand out, as evidenced, through the choices made by our elected officials on this issue.

Hopefully actions, through programmes like this will ease the burden on those who suffer most from the current petroleum price practices that continue to force every citizen continue to sacrifice everything but their sanity!

After all wasn't it Winthrop Aldrich who said, "The price of power is responsibility for the public good."

The question is, Are we paying too much? only we can decide.

END

PRIDEFEST, A FUTURE OR A FLOP... DECISION 2007

PrideFest 2007 is upon us...or is it? Well this June 8 - 10 at the Henry Meir Festival Park the Milwaukee Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, and Inter-gendered Community finds itself in the midst of yet another annual Milestone and so everyone feels compelled to "come out of their closets" and "camp" out with the best of them. Official Web page: http://www.pridefest.com/

But, the Festival is not my focus, in so much as my focus is Environmentalism. I like many other gay people in the Milwaukee area are perplexed by the actions of those in various roles of leadership in the PrideFest bureaucracy.

We are perplexed because the Committee in PrideFest leadership appears to have the approach that has been consistently used throughout history to foster the impression that the Festival is "...of the People, by the People, and for the People!

I say that we need to do more to return the Festival to the control of the People!

In my view there are those in the Pride Conglomerate that seek to expand the role of their egos, as opposed to, expanding the overall beneficial impact that PrideFest has on the city of Milwaukee, and the state of Wisconsin.

One positive note however is that, economically, PrideFest continues to show expansive improvement in its profitability... but as any good business man or woman will tell you profitability means "absolutely nothing" if you don't appear have the public perception to back it up.

One thing for certain is that I believe in the power of PrideFest. I believe that the people who support the leadership of PrideFest are genuine in their dedicated commitment to its mission. And I believe that PrideFest has the power to shift its focus back to the basics which became the foundation by which the cornerstone we see today stands before us.

But that foundation is cracked by the wait of inactivity in the face of a continuous call for change from amidst the state of the status quoe

Here are my recommendations which, if implemented, would, in my opinion, strengthen the Festival for the future to come. A future that can be restored by repairing the structural flaws that seem to destabilise the historic structure that stands for justice, symbolic of the struggle that led the way in the Midwest, for people everywhere to experience equality, and embrace in the Community which has come to demonstrate diversity in the midst of the divisions we see throughout the modern world.

We as a people oppressed by opposition need to call ourselves to act in the following ways and hold PrideFest accountable to the culture for whom it continues to serve as Ambassador!

Let us begin by promoting change through the following steps:

1. Set term limitations on all PrideFest Committee leadership positions. These terms should be staggered so that inexperience does not cause additional problems but instead allows for the youth and inexperience of the idea fresca to flow freely and without fail.

2. Return to a Direct Democratic representation and resolve to begin to create more opportunities to advance the ideals that are enshrined in the minds of the masses. People should be given the opportunity to elect those wishing to serve on the PrideFest Committee.

3. Power should not rest solely in the people blessed by our Holy Mother Earth with financial prosperity but should include and encompass the values and principles of people less prosperous as much as it appears to reside in the realm of those who have the most to lose by letting go of the iron rule currently held by such a select nobility.

4. Honour all of the Sacred Traditions of the Eco - Reverent spirituality's and provide full accessibility by way of equal representation to the ministries of the shaman and women who inspire by allowing them to serve on the Ecumenical Committee with valor and distention.

5. Reflect upon what it means to live in these United States and honor those, in our community, who have dedicated their careers and, in many cases, sacrificed their lives to protect and serve the Republic within which we now have the privilege to come together and stand as one body assembled in witness to our identity .

6. Put into action a full fledged commitment to recycle and end the support of environmental ignorance. Discontinue the use of plastic beverage cups in favour of a more acceptable renewable solution, such as recycled paper. Generate additional revenue by creating a fundraising drive focused on the collection of aluminium cans throughout the year. Offer every environmentally conscious consumer, willing to participate in the project, a reusable beverage container to use during the Festival.

Follow these above mandates and it is my firm belief that the aspirations of change will happen and, as they do, the trust which appears to have been so often eroded by our historic discrepancies will weave its way into the rainbow fabric that brings to light a brighter future for the tapestry of tomorrow.

After all, it was the late Helena Petrova Blavatsky who said, " To act and act wisely when the time for action comes, to wait and wait patiently when it is time for repose, put man in accord with the rising and falling tides (of affairs), so that with nature and law at his back, and truth and beneficence as his beacon light, he may accomplish wonders. Ignorance of this law results in periods of unreasoning enthusiasm on the one hand, and depression on the other. Man thus becomes the victim of the tides when he should be their Master."

END

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Yesterday, 05, June 2007 was World Environment Day and today's article focus is on the state of the Global Enviro-scape.

Official Website: http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/

We as humans create more waste and destruction than any other force of impact in our world today. The leader in this ecological devastation is the United States and its chief culprit is the automobile.

Let me ask you however if a grade were to be handed out on the basis of performance in the United States strictly on the basis of our current environmental policy and preservation initiatives...my opinion is that the score that would ultimately be that of a D -

We have not failed primarily because the international community is forcing us to begin to duologue on the issues of greatest impact to our Mother Earth.

We do not do enough to implement the things we talk about into forces for change.

In Wisconsin alone there are no changes in the state's largest populated metropolitan area to provide alternatives such as, public transportation, bike trail repair, or trains.

Instead we focus on "cost effective" cuts which do nothing to the long term effects of these problems but to provide a short term solution.

This is a despicable response to a devastating crisis. Politicians who continue to fail to address the needs of the Planet and its peoples should be replaced by election recall.

The needs of our Planet out way the needs of America's corporate pockets, and the political community which supports them. I feel it is time that we stand up for the global rights of others and heal our land instead of continuing to hurt it.

Here are some of the ways in which I feel we could better benefit the World around us.:

1. Use as many forms of Public Mass Transit as possible like:

Milwaukee County Transit http://www.ridemcts.com/

Metra Rail Transit http://www.metrarail.com/

2. Mobilize Pollution Free through:

Milwaukee by Bike http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/BiketoWork1989.htm

Bicycle Task Force http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/BicycleTaskForce3727.htm

Bike Lanes & Routes http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/BikeLanesandBikeRout14143.htm

3. Organize by Supporting:

Green Cross International http://www.gci.ch/index.htm

U. N. Environmental Programme http://www.unep.org/

U. U. Ministry for Earth http://uuministryforearth.org/cgi/news.cgi

I. T. E. C. http://www.itecmembers.org/

4. Advocate by Educating the Future:

N. A. A. E. E. http://eelink.net/pages/EE-Link+Introduction

E. P. A. Environmental Education http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/

5. Co-exist through Conscious Energy Consumption

Energy Star http://www.energystar.gov/

And finally remember to help bridge the gap between those who have, those who have less, and those who have none!

Believe it or not folks, but science shows that people care less about the impact they are having on the environment when they cannot afford access to Health care, which according to the United Nations is a necessary Right, not an optional Privilege.

Only when we begin to focus our support of profits in a direction which limits their negative impact on the Human Psyche can true liberty, and freedom be given to each, and every person through out the world.

This means appropriately dealing with the disparage in the African Union region of Dar fur. It also means that we as a society, more locally, need to respect the rights of our employees by realizing that people are not to be viewed as property to be expended or disposed of when we have gotten our use fullness out of them.

We can do better... we must do better... or we will continue to pay more and get less!

END

A FAREWELL TO FALWELL

Today, as citizens throughout the World and the United States turned on their televisions, and read their newsprint, the headlines read...

Jerry Falwell dead at 73.

While I am saddened at the death of a fellow member of humanity I am reminded of the sadness that Mr. Falwell has allegedly helped to create in the lives of many Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Inter-gendered people.

I believe that, through this event the under served of the world who may have suffered from the impacts of the example of "Christ" which was so profoundly visible in the life, word, and ministry of the friends of Falwell, may through this triadic experience a greater sense of what the Conservatives often speak of...

a Culture of Compassion.

I am truly saddened for the families of the Falwell's and hope that this tragedy will bring them closer to the truth... the truth that Jesus came to give life to everyone that all may live in true abundance!

Since the United States was founded on the principles of prosperity, the Melting pot of our modern society molds many of us to embrace the values of tolerance, equality, and empowerment that became focus of our faith(s) and values.

While I disagree with the fundamental views of Mr. Jerry Falwell, I reflect upon the example that he has led for so many and pray that the course of correction within the Evangelical Movement may finally begin.

Only when this happens can Christ heal the hurting and help the hopeless.

READ MORE AT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Falwell

END

HOLY MOTHER EARTH DAY

Yesterday was busy for me as I attended ceremonies honouring the Planet on this, the auspicious occasion of Earth Day in the United States.

In light of the contemplative nature of the events, I thought of a Prayer which I will take the opportunity to share:

The Great Invocation

From the point of Light within the Mind of our Mother

Let light stream forth into the minds of humanity.

Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of our Mother

Let love stream forth into the hearts of humanity.

May Christ - consciousness return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of our Mother is known

Let purpose guide the little wills of mankind

The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of mankind

Let the Plan of Love and Light work out

And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

It pleases me that the Planet is taken so seriously in our modern era... yet there is much to be done to complete what we have begun, and we may never be completely able to complete our work.

We as human beings have a responsibility to protect and serve the whole of life in all of its forms no matter how that life may impact us. I believe that only then, will the Natural order of the Planet begin to become restored.

We must demand more from those who have given us less... we must hold fast to the convictions of today so that time will have a chance to change the direction of tomorrow.

We have much to be thankful for, that is indeed certain, but we still have much to do. Our work will continue. Our worship of the Holy Mother Earth will waken the minds of the Enlightened, and the advocates for the environment will continue to advance the cause of education on behalf of our Mission.

Have a Happy Earth Day!

[END]

THE COMMONWEALTH CAMPUS

Today the world pauses on behalf of the collegiate community at Virgina Tech which has been saddened by the tragedy and the families of the students impacted by this mornings events.

"In Praise of the Planet" wishes to extend its most sincere sentiments, in sympathy, as the community and its campus come together on Tuesday at 2:00P.M. local time for Convocation in the Cassell Coliseum.

Information on the status of the situation as it continues to evolve may be found at the Official Emergency Management Response Resource at: http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/

It is my personal hope that, through this and other tragic events in our nations not so distant past of impact to the Educational infrastructure that a duologue will finally begin in the halls of Congress, the Senate, and resonate throughout the Country to call an end to this apparent crisis!

Only then will we be able to say that our society values its schools.

Lately however, the conversation often seems to center around the cost of our schools as opposed to the quality of their campuses and, as a result, many teachers are facing the unemployment line, and classrooms across the country often go underfunded and under resourced.

In my opinion, these buildings should be protected in the same manner as any other government related facility, for the simple fact that, we as a society have an obligation to our students, and their teachers, to provide for their safety.

Yet, it seems that there are many schools which appear to be not as prepared to provide for the safety of the students, and staff they serve.

In my opinion, there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on the implementation of similar procedures, and safety standards as those which are currently used to protect those in the civil service at court houses throughout the country.

Let us pause and pray to our Holy Mother, the Earth, for all of the pain and suffering of the victims, their families, and those who love and support them. Let us also remember to pray for the family of the alleged assailant and those who knew and loved him.

Only when we can extend the hand of healing to the hearts of everyone affected can we begin to face the future together in a common goal... to end the violence and live in victory in stead of fear!

Our Hearts go out to Heal the Hurting!

[ END]

THE STUDENT SPEAKS

It has recently come to my attention, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share some thoughts, that my Nephew has been studying with some interest the Environment, its Ecology, and the deep impact that we as human beings have had in the Divine Order that is found in Nature.

I have had the opportunity to discover that He has also experienced the harsh reality of the world in which we live.

You see, "In Praise of the Planet" has learned that my Nephew has had to advocate on behalf of our Mother Earth in social circles which are not always accepting of the positions taken by Eco-reverent people.

I bring this to your attention as readers because we as Missionaries of Our Holy Mother Earth need to do more to support students supporting us.

The fact remains thanks to recent Court acknowledgement, that regardless of how individuals the United States choose to view the issue, Global Warming, in my opinion, not only exists, but is scientifically proven and, as a result, it is therefore the responsibility of the whole of humanity to accept heal the pain we are causing the entire Planet.

If we do not act on behalf of those who are not able to act of their own accord, then who will? The problem is no longer up for continued debate, the issue has been settled, humanity seems to be the cause of the Planet's problems!

It remains to be seen however just when we are going to forge ahead and do about our current ecological crisis...or, for that matter, just what we plan to do about the mess that has been made for our Mother.

Congratulations, is here - by awarded to my Nephew for his dedication to the cause of the Creatures of this World! May He always remember the importance of standing up for the responsible ideas, and convictions he believes in.

Who knows, maybe someday he would be interested in writing a for "In Praise of the Planet" along with his Uncle.

The invitation is always open!

[ END ]

THE WEAPON OF WORDS

Ethics and the spoken word seemed to be the buzz today as many of us turned on the news in any part of the United States.

From the issues of speech an how is can advance the cause of ethnic diversity, or apparently set the dialog on equality and diversity back for years to come.

Or for that matter how through the alleged misunderstanding of case evidence an accident of injustice can occur.

I must say that I am not pleased with the manner in which the televised media has chosen to cover the issues of our day.

Yesterday, we saw how the media chose to cover the paternity issue of baby Lynn...today we heard about a national talk show host and a controversy that was fueled with the help of the modern technology of 21st century media.

And then we saw how sometimes what we say carries the potential to have legal implications which often affect many aspects of our life.

As I look at it all, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, the Jewish mystic who shared with the Temple leadership, in several ways, how important it is for everyone to forgive each other, to guard out tongues and refrain from issuing judgements on those around us.

The Law of Karma takes it further when it reminds us that what we do in the present produces results in the future.

And from those result we either attain to the realization that we have ascended to a new understanding within Nature or that we must return born once again in a similar circumstance in order to learn from our Mother Earth the lesson she wishes to enlighten us with.

We must learn to forgive all beings, and at the same time try harder to remember not to forget those things in our society which through experience evolve into the lessons of this life which we learn from as we prepare for what's in store for us in the next.

Now is the time for all beings to promote more Healing and less hurt!

[ END ]

THE FUTURE OF A FAMILY

Moments ago the paternity of the late Anna Nichole Smith's baby, Danny Lynn, was announced in a Bahamanian court.

While I am pleased that the Judicial process has been used to finally put an end to the dispute which continues to be resolved, I am saddened that the child being disputed has to experience these events.

Simply put, the fact that our world has progressed to the point where we have to watch such things on the television and get "up to the minute" updates on the status of what would otherwise be considered, if it were not for the parties involved, a private matter.

Mother Nature, in my opinion, surely never intended for a child's family to be divided along such a delicate and complicated lines.

I believe the issues surrounding this case may speak loudly in favor of the view that a persons behavior freedom of choice may in fact impact others, who may infact be innocent by standers, in unforeseen and unanticipated ways.

By that I mean that I am sure that no one romantically involved with baby Lynn's mother would have guessed that from those intimate moments, would arise such a series of legal events.

My only hope is that the family determined in the future will be able to create, for baby Lynn, the opportunities that she needs to be able to understand when the time comes, the events that led today, up to her future tomorrow.

Perhaps the lesson we can learn from all of the attention to this case, will result in more thought from a world which appears to be so accustomed to acting on feelings of impulse.

I wish the best for everyone involved and continued success down the road of life ahead.

[ END ]

THE COMMEMORATION OF SPRING

The Mysticism of Spring comes to us through the natural order of Birth, the beginning stage of the Cycle of Life. For many in the Western world, this weekend recalls the final days of the Nazarene.

As I meditate on the Season celebrated I pondered today how for the Hebrews it is a transitional period of cultural significance. Tradition says that the Hebrews became liberated from the culture which held them in servitude and, in so doing, cultivated for themselves a new society of promise resurrected from the struggle which ultimately, it is claimed, formed the essence of their current identity.

I thought also of the Wheel of Karma and how it is guided by the natural Law of Action and Reaction, that is to say that everything that we as human beings cultivate produces a by-product.

So it was with the tradition that became known as Easter. The Nazarene, according to the story, died a human death and then overcame it by providing the world with what would become an ethical system that lives to this day.As Humanists we can learn much from the central message of Jesus:

1. Feed the Hungry

2. Care for those in Need

3. Love your fellow Beings

These things are at the core of his message. A message which many have yet to apparently full fill throughout many parts of the world.

So for me today Mother Earth reminds me that through Easter I must ever remind myself to do better than the year before. To correct that which remains unjust, and to strive to live in a manner fully cognoscente of the Divine within, The Divine Self, Source of all, center of my faith and practice.

May we learn to place the needs of others before those of ourself and in the process become the change that can infuse the world. Happy Holidays!

[ END]