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Apr 22Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

šŸŒ» I followed your Conference on World Affairs video link.

Also, I watched the other videos with you as one of the panel guest speakers. šŸ™ Awesomeness!

Lots more topics from which to choose and each panel is fascinating. šŸ’Æ

I will be busy watching (all of them) in the coming weeks šŸŽ„ ā˜ŗļø

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Apr 22Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

Glad to hear you returned home safely after a stimulating trip. You were missed on Patreon and The Planet while your days were filled with other important activities. Thanks for the splendid summary of your 12 days, and as always, for providing some interesting triggers for further reflection. I look forward to more anecdotes as time permits.

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Apr 21Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

A comprehensive journaling of your 12 days semi-sabbatical, beautifully written and very interesting. Full of thoughtful reflections and reviewing the events that occurred in that two week period and the impact they had on lives and the world whether or not realized outside every individuals small world.

While many use air travel casually and indiscriminately, youā€™re to be commended for your judicious use and every trip

carefully and thoughtfully planned with greatest impact for your mission. Your vignette telling of youthfully questioning your teacher was a foretelling of who you would become.

Of all the events of the 12 day period, the Carbon Majors report should have been top news though it was buried behind far less important detritus. I watched each of your CWA panels and greatly enjoyed each.

Like many dogs, Leo knows who the good people are. šŸ˜Š

Thank you for this wrap up.

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Apr 22Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

I cannot imagine a more intentionally cruel act by the Arizona SC GOP than to reinstate a total abortion ban from 1864, 48 years before we became a state. And then further blocking a chance of repeal in the AZ House. The only glimmer of hope is this may cost Kari Fake and TOG to lose in Arizona and hopefully the election.

In the midst of troubling world news, the planet spins, the moon covers the sun, flowers bloom and dogs remain a man's best friend. When asked what her favorite animal was, Jane Goodall surprisingly said a dog instead of a chimp because of their unconditional love.

I sometimes feel covered in the dirt and grime of what we go through, weighing me down. Then there is a sunset from an airplane, a flash of brilliance against a desert sky and a tulip pushing through the earth; life forces that let us see what we are a part of and what we have to lose.

Through your journeys, you give us a bigger picture; one of letting the light in and turning opaque and dusty into an illuminated stained-glass window. As John Fogerty sings: But I won't won't be losin my way, long as I can see the light. Way to go, Alex.

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Apr 21Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

Always masterfully weaving your keen observations of minute details with your thoughtful analysis of the international stage. Thank you šŸŒ»

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Apr 22Liked by Alexander Verbeek šŸŒ

You do pack your schedule very efficiently with elements of new and old favorites like Pearl Street, the annual conference in Colorado, a welcome day with Luna, observations of nature throughout. I was alarmed at the UN Statement that we have two years left to save the planet šŸŒ, did I recall that shock correctly? The news in the USA is so full of Trumpā€™s antics as a defendant, little else of import gets through the noise. But there does seem to be a shift in funding for Ukraine and elsewhere that is hopeful of things to come in bipartisan governance. The other local expected comment for myself has to do with the very active hurricane season impacting my home. With the overall heating of the planet and oceans, I expected that and quite honestly find it very threatening especially with mobility restrictions that make it impossible to relocate from my sofa to a safer area. As a cat lover, you appreciate my concern about moving them as well alone. My very reliable caretaker will not abandon us, whatever comes. I noted you returned to the island home presumably to oversee renovations. Sounds very worthwhile and interesting; I do love architecture and home design. Planning ahead for pleasure or times when you may be increasingly homebound for whatever reasons is very wise. Will revisit all these jewels of details again as you packed this newsletter with so many items. Thank you for all these elements. Will need to research the ā€œtwo yearā€ timeline that escaped me. Meeting old friends and new must have been the highlight of your trip. Pleased it all went so well for you. And Iā€™ll be looking for the talks you mentioned in Colorado on YouTube. Take care my friend. šŸ˜½šŸ˜½ and mom.

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