Tuesday, June 28, 2005

24 days

Twenty Four Days [OFL libraryHD9502.U54 E57927 2003] by Rebecca Smith and John R. Emshwiller 2003 ISBN: 0-06-052073-6.
From the inside cover: “This is the story of two Wall Street Journal beat reporters –one covering the energy industry just after the chaotic California electricity crisis; the other chasing stock swindlers. Together these journalists were ideally placed to uncover one of the great cons of the century.” If you’ll like to have a profound insight of what happened with the Enron story, how economic power goes hand in hand with political power, and how modern technology can be used to create artificially immense wealth, this is a book you’ll like to read.
It is interesting to see how time plays such an important role, timing of the con with the political atmosphere of deregulation.

Time for A Healthy Earth

Another excellent book that environmentalists have to read is "Environmental Health" (3dr Ed) Edited by Monroe T. Morgan (2003)[ISBN: 0-534-51717-X; OFL library RA566.M67 2003] where a good collection of contributors present a solid, consistent, and thorough analysis of the state of health of the world. From the definition of the health paradigm to the exposition of issues related to transportation, building and development as they relate to the transmittal of diseases. Current topics such as those related to the production of electricity from nuclear energy, and the protection and safety of food. Ending with an excellent account of the principles of environmental health administration written by Larry Gordon of the University of New Mexico. In this last chapter a well rounded account of the organizational diversity involved in health administration, looking at the national, regional, and local level.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Time for Environmental Managment

In a clear and concise way different authors in the book "Managing Environmental Policy: A casebook" present cases that are relevant to the present discussion on environmental issues. The book is edited by R.P.Watson, D.C. Kiegel, and S. F. Robar. And published by Krieger in 2004. (ISBN: 1-57524-233-8. O. F. L. library: GE310.M36 2004.)
Several cases in particular relate directly with Northwestern US. From “Salmon and People” presented by Mary Brentwood (Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at California State University, Sacramento) to “Wolf Politics” by Martin Nie (Assistant Professor of Natural Resources Policy at the University of Montana.)
The format of the book is inviting and induces a discussion where both sides of the issue are recognized. Based on actual cases gives the reader a broad idea of environmental issues facing our world, as well as a perspective of the situation that comprises all sides.
Even though the cases presented are based in the USA and mention real institutions and organizations the book has not a provincial view, it can be used and read to gain a general, universal perspective.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Times don't change

What is going on with the energy crisis? We are talking about gasoline price in the US above $2 per gallon - and rising. Have a look at this book: The Energy Crisis: World struggle for power and wealth. Michael Tanzer (1974) ISBN:0-85345-346-2; O. F. L. Library: HD9502.A2 T35 1974
According to Michael Tanzer: There is no energy shortage. The problem lies on the power struggle between energy companies and their host countries.
With very few exemptions this book written in 1974 is actual. Up to that date facts represent in general what is still going on. So the content becomes so relevant to today's situation where as crazy as it sounds, nothing has change in more that 30 years!
On the other hand and looking into the paradoxical nature of our use of energy, we might expect that unnoticed changes have occurred, and these will suddenly -without any warning- bring havoc in our society. Hopefully this havoc will give way to a positive chaotic transition out of which a more equilibrated and just society will emerge.
This is a short read -about 170 pages, and highly recommended.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

The Preacher

It seems to me that Ecclesiastes 3 is becoming my favorite chapter. It start with: (King James) "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;2 A time to be born, and a time to die;..."
And, as I truly like questions- finishes with the following: "22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion; for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? "
Accepting that there is a time for each thing and each thing has to be at its own time is for me so fundamental and basically the only way to achieve happiness. Having work as a means for excellence and being is a truism. Finally who knows what is after him/her? But one thing we know: we are another link of humanity. The link that comes after history and before the future thus "we are the present." Whoever we are it doesn't matter.
We are the present. Even after we die, whenever someone read this, it will be.
"2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ... "

Is it "time" for a change?

Many thoughts come to my mind. Some have to do with politics, some have to do with international relationships -mainly US-Mexico, some have to do with little things in life that are so unimportant that they are profound!
So how can I change what I am doing here? Is it time to change? So I figured it out! Maybe if we have another blog. That way we will not deviate from the main topic-time that we are supposed to deal with here. We can also post in another language - say Spanish. So once in a while check my other blogs, you can find the by going to "view my complete profile" and clicking on the other blogs at the end of the profile.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Time to rest, time to move on

Thinking about what time does to your thinking. Taking the time to mature a thought is as letting a rain drop flow into a river, if the thought is profound the river will go to the ocean. C.S. Lewis book on "Miracles" tries to declare a framework where t is necessary to establish the right filosophy in order to talk about miracles. The question is: can we prove the occurence of a miracle? Can we do it within a historical context?
Lewis' claim is that if you don't believe in miracles -that would be your philosophical framework- then it can't be proven that miracles exist. One must then be in the right frame of mind what ever that means!!!!