There is nothing more awesome to watch than a volcanic eruption! The power of inner earth unleashed upwards into the terrestrial domain of living things inspires both fear and respect.

This week we salute the men and women of the United States Geological Survey.

Volcanology is a young and developing field in scientific terms and is seeing a new breed of scientist rising to the challenge of adventure and danger that is paramount to working in the field.

The father of modern day volcanology is said to be Howel Williams (1898-1980) born in Liverpool, England. One of his most important works was on Crater Lake . Williams had the masterful ability to decipher the form and past activity of large volcanic complexes.

Volcanologists are scientists who specialize in the study of volcanoes and volcanic activity. They are usually geologists who have chosen volcanology as their particular field of study and have completed a graduate education, holding doctoral degrees in the field. In many cases this is a result of 10-13 years of study to become a certified volcanologist! Many budding volcanologists start their career by getting a bachelor's degree in geology. Courses in oceanography and atmospheric sciences are also important.

Being a volcanologist involves a lot of gut and thinking. They study world famous volcanoes and the possibility to harness their energy. A large part of their job is understanding why volcanoes erupt, how they erupt and how these natural disasters affect life on this planet. A regular field day would mean visiting dormant or active volcano sites, collecting data, and then analyzing and interpreting this data.

This means that they have to be a step ahead of volcanic eruptions and predict future eruptions because a vast majority of the population that lives near active volcanoes is in constant danger. Not only this, but they also study the debris emitted by volcanoes. Ideal routine of a volcanologist is living in a tent for two to three months, doing the above mentioned tasks. Backpacking, hiking, climbing is part of the job description. What more could an outdoor and environmentalist lover want?

Perhaps one of the most posthumously famous volcanologist is David Johnston, who lost his life during the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state.

Volcanology is sure to be a field that will see decisive growth as Earth's geological journey continues to unfold and the potential for increased volcanic activity is validated.

Geoff Mackley is interviewed by Matt Lauer of THE TODAY SHOW about his descent into an active volanco.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Pope Benedict XVI-Lover of Animals

~by Susi Pittman

I love Pope Benedict XVI! He is for me A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS and a true animal lover...he is to the world in these modern times The GOOD Shepherd!

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Lent is a journey of personal spiritual transformation. Father Ron reminds us that we "Do not walk alone!"

The Good Shepherd 

~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.

The image of the Good Shepherd encapsulates the love of the Creator for His created and Sister Marie Rene has an affirming contemplation for you.

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Turning The Tide - Seafood Watch Makes A Difference

~by Frank Gromling

So you love eating seafood...but, are you responsibly informed about what you are eating and how it came to be on your table? Frank found a quick solution to put you "in the know!"

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Can you recite the Ten Commandments? If not, when was the last time you actually read through them? AND did you know that they are reflected in a psalm? It's one of Mary's favorite psalms to sing as her column this week addresses

Words of Everlasting Life!

The Shroud of Turin III-The Amazing Face 

This week's installment of Joe Kaiser's presentation on the Shroud of Turin focuses on the "face" on the Shroud. What was the astonishing result of the photographic examination conducted by Secundo Pia? And how did NASA contribute to the incredible authenticity of the Shroud?

Cat lovers have found in the cats they have known a touch of God's comfort, a glimpse of His smile, and a reminder of His creativity. This month's review choice from Michele,

Best Friends Forever, Me and My Cat

, is a book that will nudge you to sit at the feet of the Creator as you read about the extraordinary and ordinary actions of cats.

NEW AFFILIATE SHOPPING for YOU!  

We continue to build a small but, well focused group of vendors, offering products in line with stewardship of the earth and its creatures. By visiting these product sites from our page, you are helping to support our mission.

is a small batch coffee roaster operated by the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming through an online gourmet coffee bean store. Many consider their website the ultimate source for gourmet coffee where it is easy to buy coffee online. The monks carefully craft each freshly roasted coffee to perfection for dark roast coffees, espresso, ground coffees, whole bean coffees, single origin coffees, fair trade coffees, flavored coffees and especially the monks' special gourmet coffee blends. Try our special auto delivered coffee subscriptions also for the best coffee online.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS has always taken a formidable and uncompromising stand when it comes to the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This complex and venerable planet produces all of the products we share with you, and it is simply a matter of appreciation and respect that must be given. Not only do we lead the industry in environmental stewardship, we also adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved with the production of our products; both domestically and overseas.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

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A Division of Engineering Services & Products Company, FarmTek was founded in 1979 with the purpose of bringing the highest quality products at the most competitive prices with exceptional customer service directly to the agricultural, horticultural, building and retail trade communities.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMTEK

Mark Keathley

markkeathley.net  

Mark Keathley is one of the brightest stars on the art world's horizon and deservedly so. Having released dozens of images in the last few years that are now completely sold out, it is safe to say that he has established himself not only in the United States but also abroad.

A man whose passion is art, his family and his faith, those who meet him are often surprised how humble and grounded he is. They also are quick to find out that he has a keen sense of humor and a laugh that lightens the room.

This year promises to be Mark's greatest yet as he has several images slated for release.  

The Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi, St. Francis, Wisconsin 

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Counting down to ARBOR DAY 2012 

Sign up for THE PARK ADVOCATE 

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Planet Pals for Kids  

THE NATURE EXPLORE PROGRAM

To answer the profound need for connecting young children with nature, the Arbor Day Foundation and the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation have collaborated to create the Nature Explore program. It provides educators, designers, and families with comprehensive resources to connect children with the natural world on a daily basis.

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Indoor Gardening Experiments for Kids  

(& grown-ups)

From the folks at GREEN GIANT:

Cold weather keeping you inside to deal with "cabin fever" ...why not make it a family eco-learning day by planting a garden.

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The 9 most FATTENING foods of Winter! 

Mars

March 5th is the closest that the planet Mars will be to Earth in 2012. Look for it in the eastern evening sky. It will be burning a bright burnt orange color.

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Venus & Jupiter

Venus and Jupiter can be found brightly shining in the western sky shortly after sunset and are dancing the tango as they move closer to each other with what will appear to be an embrace on March 12 & 13.

One of the Great Love Stories of Today: Shag-Ra the Horse and Phyllis Ann Olson; may they Rest in Peace