Malala Day!

Wow - it has been well over a week since posting!  I've been waiting for inspiration and it has been lacking...  The daily threat of rain has prevented any astronomy or for that matter, even the sight of a star.  Work has been hectic, and with the heat and humidity I've been mostly a slug after hours.

But inspiration came today in the news.  Malala Yousafzai , the Pakistani child advocate for education for all youth, shot in the head by Taliban to silence her, today spoke at the United Nations on her 16th birthday - declared "Malala Day" by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.  Her address, given to a youth council, was stirring and brought goosebumps and some tears, knowing what she has been through in her quest for education and her recovery in a UK hospital. 

She had many memorable lines, but my favorite quote is very near the end: "Let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism.  Let us pick up our books and our pens - they are our most powerful weapon.  One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world!"  It doesn't get any better than that, and from one who just turned 16 today!  May we be so lucky to see her succeed and live a long life!