Shouldn’t Sunday Occur More Than Once a Year?

As the sun sets on World Environment Day 2009, it’s surely going to smile a little more. For, it’s on this day that the centre of the solar system has been in the spotlight. It’s next chance would surely be during some solar eclipse, but will never be as popular for another 365 days of it’s life. And our lives too.
True, the sun may not have been among the top trending topics on Twitter, but then, in the offline world, it sure has been a hit. And why not. The sun, for one day is the panacea for all the environmental ills that afflict our civilization. Clean, green energy. And what not. But then, that’s all for just one day. Not 24 hours. But about 12 to 18 hours. And then, as it sets, all the green activists bid the sun a goodbye. Surely, the big daddy of universe deserves a better deal- being thought of as a source of clean energy through the year. Till then, dear Sun, sad to say, but it just won't be your day.

Happy Schooling, Sonny Boy!

I am posting what everyone says is the text of Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s teacher. I do not know if it is true or not. But nevertheless, as a father whose son has just joined school, and also as an admirer of meaningful writing, here I go. And yes, Abe, thank you. I hope my son's teacher and teachers of many kids out there read this. Happy schooling, sonny!

Text of Abraham Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher

He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader…
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,

Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick…
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books…
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat…
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong…
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.

Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad…
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!

~ Abraham Lincoln