Get Together (The Youngbloods)

I pulled up the Google website this morning and, for a moment, worried there was something wrong with my computer - the screen was black, but for a few words. Upon further inspection, I read... and then grinned - the text:

We've turned the lights out. Now it's your turn - Earth Hour.

I've been planning for weeks to participate, and it was a lovely (and creative) reminder - my friend MH is coming over about 7-ish for our almost-daily walk (more on that another time) and I figure that, by the time we finish, it should be the "lights-out" hour, at which point we can get in the jacuzzi and appreciate the darkness. Let's see who else in my neighborhood participates - this should be looked upon, not as a sacrifice, but as a genuine effort to show we can focus, gather and make a difference, locally *and* globally...

A global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change

Earth Hour is a global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change - no matter who we are or where we live.

Created by WWF in Sydney, Australia in 2007, Earth Hour has grown from a single event into a global movement. In 2008, millions of people, businesses, governments and civic organizations in nearly 200 cities around the globe will turn out for Earth Hour. More than 35 US cities will participate, including the US flagships--Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco.

Earth Hour brings together communities, local governments, corporate and nongovernmental organizations to heighten awareness about climate change and to inspire our nation to take practical actions to reduce their own carbon footprints.

Earth Hour: March 29, 2008 8 - 9 PM

- Cities around the world will join together in literally turning off the lights for one hour to offer leadership and symbolize their commitment to finding climate change solutions.
- Lights will be turned off at iconic buildings and national landmarks from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Local businesses and restaurants will also be asked to turn off their lights.
- People at home can take advantage of the hour by replacing their standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

"This is the perfect opportunity for individuals, governments, businesses and communities around the world to unite for a common purpose, in response to a global issue that affect us all." - Carter S. Roberts, President and CEO WWF

Showcase your commitment to finding climate change solutions by making a personal pledge to reduce your own carbon footprint at www.earthhour.org

SONG: Get Together by The Youngbloods

BOOK: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

POEM: Unison Benediction by May Sarton

Return to the most human,
nothing less will nourish the torn spirit,
the bewildered heart,
the angry mind:
and from the ultimate duress,
pierced with the breath of anguish,
speak of love.

Return, return to the deep sources,
nothing less will teach the stiff hands a new way to serve,
to carve into our lives the forms of tenderness
and still that ancient necessary pain preserve.

Return to the most human,
nothing less will teach the angry spirit,
the bewildered heart;
the torn mind,
to accept the whole of its duress,
and pierced with anguish.
at last, act for love.

QUOTE(S): "The struggle to save the global environment is in one way much more difficult than the struggle to vanquish Hitler, for this time the war is with ourselves. We are the enemy, just as we have only ourselves as allies." ~ Al Gore

"There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet." ~ Brooke Medicine Eagle