Archive for July, 2009

Another near-extinct species?

Author: Renji John

1 Jul

In biology and ecology, extinction is the death of every member of a species or group of taxa. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of that species

– Wikipedia

Dear friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I bring to your attention that one interesting human habit is dying out fast – making Pen-pals.

A penpal relationship is often used to practice reading and writing in a foreign language, to improve literacy, to learn more about other countries and life-styles, and to make friendships. As with any friendships in life, some people remain penpals for only a short time, while others continue to exchange letters and presents life-long. Some penpals eventually arrange to meet face to face. Some pen pals even get married.

I used to have pen-pals as a child. I used to write to them, imagine what it would be like to be them, from their letters and hoped that one day I would get to meet them. (Note:I was pretty much normal at that point in time. )

But with the advent of Facebook, orkut and a multitude of chat clients, it all slowly faded away. There is no longer a need to get to the post office, find the right postage amount and write something in your best hand.

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8