Someone Ought to Do It

"SOMEONE OUGHT TO DO IT,
BUT WHY SHOULD I?--
SOMEONE OUT TO DO IT,
SO WHY NOT I?"

BETWEEN THESE TWO SENTENCES LIE
WHOLE CENTURIES OF MORAL EVOLUTION.

~ Annie Besant

Of Note: Babar Ali runs a school in India for 800 students. Nothing too spectacular about that, except this teacher is 16 years old and has been running the school for seven years! What started as a "play-acting" teacher situation with un-schooled friends has led to much more for the impoverished children in Babar's village. This visionary young man now attends school in the morning and teaches in his familiy's ample backyard with 10 other volunteers in the late afternoon and evening. The video accompanying the BBC report showed the volunteers teaching groups of eager students sitting on the muddy ground with their books. Even though education is free in India, few can attend formal school because they have to work to help sustain the family. This informal schooling, which provides free material and books through donations, is the only alternative. Many of the children begin work at sunrise, take a break for the schooling and then return to work afterward. However, because of Babar Ali, their future may be different than that of their illiterate parents. Onward and upward always. Thanks to my sister, Marie the teacher, for not only contributing this awesome photo taken at the Dallas Arboretum but also for emailing this inspiring story.

Today's Weather Report: Today was partly cloudy as the meteorologists are so fond of saying. Meaning it was mostly cloudy with a spot of sun here and there during the day. No problem. Inside it was toasty, and that was all that counted. The dogs went in and out and then out and in all day. They were thankful to have two ready doormen, who have proven to be easily trained to do their bidding. With the cat door closed because of the extreme cold at night, the five cats are now ensconced in the turret. They thought one dog was bad enough, but two was simply over the top.