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Saturday, April 15, 2023

Local environmentalist Ned Tillman's latest book is now on sale


From Ned's posting:

After three, pandemic-weighted and creative-juices-flowing years, my new novel, Good Endeavour, has arrived just in time for spring and summer reading and graduation presents!

Get your copies now from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or local bookstore.

Then come celebrate with Kathy and me at our book launch party at Bushel and a Peck on May 10, 5:00 - 7:00pm in Clarksville, MD. This is the fourth book in a series that engages, inspires, and motivates people to fall in love with the Earth and help protect it for generations to come. Please send me your comments on the book and then post your reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

The Story

In 1695 a family of English colonists acquired the rights to 110 acres of land near the Chesapeake Bay and established Good Endeavour farm, which remained in the family for three centuries. Ned Tillman’s just released novel, Good Endeavour: A Maryland Family’s Turbulent History 1695-2002, is the story of the members of that family. But it is far more than a multigenerational family saga, it is also a window into the evolution of the nation we live in today. Good Endeavour "reveals how hard it has always been to make and maintain progress in a politically, socially, economically, and morally diverse society.”

From history to action to romance to nature, you will be inspired and see the relevancy of these characters as they struggle with many of the same issues we face today.
Come to the book launch to hear Ned and others talk about the book, and meet our friends who also care about literature, the planet, and past and future generations. We all need to find ways to support one another.

Opportunities to meet and talk with Ned

4/15/23 – 10am - 3pm Table at Greenfest at HC Community College (table #77)
4/22/23 – 1:15pm Speaking at Clarksville Commons
5/10/23 
- 5-7pm Book Launch at Bushel and a Peck
 
Ambassadors Needed
I could use your help to get this book out there and into the hands of readers. Please pass this newsletter on to others - especially those who might write a review, interview me for a blog or a podcast, or invite me to speak or meet with a book club. Let me know if you would like to help or have any ideas. Feel free to contact me at ned@sustainable.us or visit my webpage. Please note: All net proceeds will go toward environmental projects or organizations.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

The power of organizational self preservation


    The release of the report by the Maryland Attorney General on the sexual abuse by large numbers of Catholic priests is just another reminder of the foundational truth of organizations-self preservation.  Carried to the extreme it places this reality above some of the most horrible abuses.  The Catholic Church isn't the only religion that has faced this reality.  Religions in particular are more likely to fall into this reality through the deification of their leaders.  It may be a cult-like minister of a church or a priest who is God's representative on Earth, an unquestioned authority who can lead to these types of abuse.

     It would be easy to look at the report and think that this problem relates to behavior 20, 30, or 40 years ago.  That would be a mistake.  While the possibility of exposing the behavior is greater today, the reality is that pedophiles will continue to abuse but have to be more discreet. Institutional preservation will always exist and will continue to cover up this behavior.

     To address this issue the Catholic hierarchy needs to recognize that celibacy is at the root of this problem and until that changes the problem of priests as pedophiles will continue. 

     

Sunday, April 2, 2023

New Howard County Library for Lake Kittamaqundi site



Howard County, Maryland has long been known for its commitment to education and learning. It's no surprise that the county is now proposing a new library at Lake Kittamaqundi. This new library is set to be a stunning addition to the already impressive library system in Howard County.

The Lake Kittamaqundi library is still in the proposal stage, but the plans are already causing quite a stir in the community. The proposed library is set to be located on a 10-acre plot of land, adjacent to the lake, and will be roughly 40,000 square feet. The library will be designed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, using green building techniques and materials.



One of the most exciting features of the proposed library is its location. Lake Kittamaqundi is a beautiful natural setting, with walking trails, picnic areas, and water activities available to visitors. The library will be in the heart of this natural beauty, providing a serene and inspiring space for visitors to learn and grow.

The library will also feature state-of-the-art technology, including digital resources and innovative programming. There will be dedicated spaces for children and teens and areas for adult learning and study. Additionally, the library will offer meeting rooms and event spaces for community use.

The Lake Kittamaqundi library is a project that has been years in the making, and the community is eagerly anticipating its completion. The library is being designed to serve as a hub of learning and community engagement, providing residents with access to information and resources that will help them thrive.



In addition to the library itself, the surrounding area is set to undergo a transformation as well. The library will be part of a larger redevelopment project, including new retail and residential spaces. This redevelopment is expected to bring new life and vitality to the area, creating a vibrant and dynamic community.

Overall, the proposed Lake Kittamaqundi library is an exciting development for Howard County. It represents a commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement, and is sure to be a valuable resource for residents for years to come.

P.S.

I need to explain something about this blog. I did not write this blog. It came from Chat GPT. I did add the photos from Google images. I typed into the app "write a blog on the new Lake Kittamquandi library" and this is what it wrote. I assume it came from other news articles. I am beginning to "play around" with the app and will probably write more about this app and its potential. For this post, I just feel like I plagiarized others' writings.

P.S. 1

I also have to admit to using Grammarly to correct spelling and grammar and to offer better phrasing. Where were all these when I was in school.

P.S. 2

I always have trouble spelling Kittamaqundi. Indian names are too difficult!

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Italians make accommodations for sensitive Floridians


      The  Accademia Gallery of Florence has added a "rear" door in the building that houses the famous Michaelango statute of David to accommodate those visiting tourists from Florida that feel the statue viewed from the front is pornographic.  The Italians have labeled the new entrance the Gov. Ron DeSantis entryway.