My Favorite Fortnight
11 November to 25 November. My favorite fortnight of the year. For three reasons:
First, Veteran’s Day falls within the week. The fact that our Veteran’s only get two days each year that focuses on them is appalling. But at least, collectively, they are officially recognized for their valuable service. The military represents an important part of this Country. Even if you disagree with how it’s administered or how it does things, it’s tough to deny their powerful influence throughout history. If I felt worthy, I’d salute every veteran—past, present, and future—with pride. But I feel inadequate next to those that have served our Country, and I can only let them know the admiration I hold for them. I am honored that they risk their lives for me. Their service, what they do, symbolizes our Country’s ideals.
Second, it’s Geography Awareness Week! For several years the second week of November has been set aside to promote Geography. While some people say it’s important to know the location of all 194 countries in the world, and spend their week focusing on that, I choose to focus on awareness of the discipline, helping people understand what Geography is. Certainly location plays a key role in Geography. But there is much more to the discipline. Maps? Sure, they are excellent tools for Geographers. Rocks? Yes, Geographers study them too. I could wax eloquently about Geography for days, but it’s better to visit my page already designed for that.
Third, it’s Thanksgiving! And we all have LOTS for which to give thanks. Just think for a minute: if you’re reading this, you fall into the top 10% of the World’s elite. And if you’re reading this on a computer, you are in the top 1% (yes, ONE) of the World’s elite. Remember, more than half of the World’s population—over 3 billion—live on less than $1 a day (yes, ONE). Ted (my Dad) said, “Things could always be worse…things could be better…but things could always be worse.” Indeed. Think of all you have, and you’ll realize how fortunate you truly are.
First, Veteran’s Day falls within the week. The fact that our Veteran’s only get two days each year that focuses on them is appalling. But at least, collectively, they are officially recognized for their valuable service. The military represents an important part of this Country. Even if you disagree with how it’s administered or how it does things, it’s tough to deny their powerful influence throughout history. If I felt worthy, I’d salute every veteran—past, present, and future—with pride. But I feel inadequate next to those that have served our Country, and I can only let them know the admiration I hold for them. I am honored that they risk their lives for me. Their service, what they do, symbolizes our Country’s ideals.
Second, it’s Geography Awareness Week! For several years the second week of November has been set aside to promote Geography. While some people say it’s important to know the location of all 194 countries in the world, and spend their week focusing on that, I choose to focus on awareness of the discipline, helping people understand what Geography is. Certainly location plays a key role in Geography. But there is much more to the discipline. Maps? Sure, they are excellent tools for Geographers. Rocks? Yes, Geographers study them too. I could wax eloquently about Geography for days, but it’s better to visit my page already designed for that.
Third, it’s Thanksgiving! And we all have LOTS for which to give thanks. Just think for a minute: if you’re reading this, you fall into the top 10% of the World’s elite. And if you’re reading this on a computer, you are in the top 1% (yes, ONE) of the World’s elite. Remember, more than half of the World’s population—over 3 billion—live on less than $1 a day (yes, ONE). Ted (my Dad) said, “Things could always be worse…things could be better…but things could always be worse.” Indeed. Think of all you have, and you’ll realize how fortunate you truly are.
