Although this Sage is hooked on utilizing the Argus-Courier’s online Petaluma360 site to share thoughts, ideas, and reflections, he still reads “old fashion” hard-copy newspapers to keep up to date. Take yesterday’s Press Democrat for example: the headline on page one – “An unsettled decade: Despite leaps in environmental awareness and technology, past 10 years will mostly be remembered for war, fear, hardship.” The Sage of Petaluma II, however, remembers the past 16 years as challenging and exciting years because of the pilot projects initiated by PetalumaNet.
From time to time, the Sage also views television for information about these two interest areas. Believe it or not, on NewYear’s Day, the Sage watched TV for over eight hours. He didn’t plan to do it; but after watching the final 30 minutes of the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, he viewed four, two-hour episodes produced by Ken Burns: “Planning Our National Treasures – The National Parks.”
Both of these “old” information resources (TV and newspapers) delivered powerful messages that caused the Sage to reflect on the fact that over half his life had been spent living, working, and playing in the Bay Area of California. Over 40 years has been devoted to promoting greater environmental awareness through “outdoor education.” The last 15 years (living in Petaluma) have also included promoting greater use of computer technology for all ages and all sectors of a community: education, government, business, and non-profits.
The archives of this Petaluma360 site contain many articles dealing with these two very personal interest areas. It is just a coincidence, but the “Revisiting Our Information Highway” blog category, was started several days ago, It is gratifying to know that in spite of these recent economic hard times, the underlying philosophy of PetalumaNet does work, and has been productive in Petaluma… “the greatest resource of any community is the collective wisdom, intellect, and creativity of its citizens.” By thinking globally about Cyberspace and acting locally in our Cyberplace, an all-volunteer community collaboratory has been effective, efficient, and economical.
Stay tuned, as future blogs identify a few of the firsts for Petaluma that the local “think tank” labeled PetalumaNet produced.