Friday Perspective: Big Blue Marble

The earth's a big blue marble when you see it from out there . . .
Closer, getting closer...
Perspective start to change, things look a little strange as we get closer.
Closer, growing closer...
No need to be afraid, our troubles start to fade as we get closer.
Together is a word we must learn to understand if we ever want to get to know each other better.
Together is a word that holds tomorrow in its hand.
Tomorrow's just another day to get together and get closer.
Closer.
Closer.

Today, we go from "Pale Blue Dot" to "Big Blue Marble."

Do any of you remember this show? It was a kids' show that aired from 1974 to 1983 and it was many children's introduction to other cultures around the world.

My favorite part was "Dear Pen Pal." It gave kids the chance to correspond with other kids around the world and the segment told each pen pal's story. Many of these pen pals still write to each other today.

I had my own pen pal, a girl from Panama. I'll never forget the thrill of actually receiving a letter from a foreign country. We corresponded for several years but lost touch after I graduated from high school.

I never lost the excitement of talking to people in other countries, though. I guess that's one of the reasons I am so passionate about amateur radio - it's another way to make those kinds of contacts. (Yes, I'm a ham radio operator - I have an Extra Class License)

I know with the advent of the Internet and cell phones, written communication between people has dwindled. It's so easy to zip off a quick e-mail these days. But I think something has been lost in the trade.

With virtual communications, you no longer have the tangible memento. You no longer have those words actually written by the author's own hand. Somehow the personal element is removed, or at least diminished, in an e-mail. I won't even mention the danger these days in communicating with people online.

Everything is online now. No more international stamps. No more exotic postmarks. No more picture postcards. No more looking out for the mailman. No more surprises.

I managed to find a couple of safe and reputable places to get your kids (and yourself) into a "snail mail" pen pal program.

International Pen Friends - available for individuals and schools. Based in Australia.

Amazing Kids - US Based, started after Hurricane Katrina. Available for schools or kids with direct parent involvement.

Maybe we can bring back "Dear Pen Pal." And maybe we can help change some perspectives.

And here's the sound file for the "Closer" theme to Big Blue Marble.