A pumping malfunction from the Coffeyville Resources refinery last weekend caused more than 40,000 gallons of crude oil to overflow, causing panic and concern from the local leaders and residents.

Kansas got a break from the weather Monday, but more rain was scattered over Texas and eastern Oklahoma, the latest in nearly two weeks of storms. It was the 20th straight day that rain had fallen in Oklahoma City. AP

The flood created great damage in the people’s homes and properties. With the oil spill, the problem becomes a bigger one as people worry about their safety and health, as well as the ill effects this might cause the environment.

“We’re very concerned. It’s chemicals mixed with water,” said Coffeyville Mayor Virgil Horn, whose own home was submerged. AP

Thousands have been evacuated from their homes and are now waiting for the recede while President Bush “declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered federal aid for recovery efforts elated to storms and flooding that began June 26.”

Eleven people have been reported dead and two are missing.

Some photos:

FYI: It had been raining in Kansas for 20 days straight.

Read the full article here.

A related article.

I know it may sound crazy but sometimes, I do stop to appreciate the beauty of a tree. Its branches are like arms reaching out to me as if saying “Come, stay under my shade. I know you’re tired. Rest for a while. The sun’s too hot.”

Its huge trunk engages me to hug it. It tells me, “I know people are more huggable than I am but try to hug me. Commune with life’s energies. Some say it’s a form of ‘healing.’”

Then, some of its leaves fall to my feet. They fell like confetti, as if there was a celebration. The last time this happened was when I was at the play “The Night Before Christmas.”

“I feel like a winner, with all the nature confetti around me.”

Yes, you are a winner, a champion of the environment if you realize the true worth of a tree.

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Sunrise

This is a picture of a ricefield in Laguna, Philippines. I took this shot at the beginning of the new year [literally]. I chose this photo for today’s entry to symbolize my vision for the future generations.

Just like in any special occasion, people always ask you what your wish is. This Earth Day, a day just as special as other days, I will loudly announce my wish and that is “for future generations to see more of this kind of sunrise in the decades to come.”

At the rate people are exploiting the resources today, I am unsure that the sunrise in the coming years will still be as clear like in the photo or will it be covered by smog?

If people continue to live without regard for the environment, maybe the next generations will no longer bear witness to the beauty of nature, the music of the vibrant animals, the bountiness of vegetation, the steady drops of rain water, the mild heat of the sun and soft cool breeze caressing their faces.

The sunrise stands for hope. Hope that our children will be wiser than us. That they relinquish their irresponsible stewardship of the earth and treat nature as their brother.

I dream of a world where there is clean air, nourishing water, fertile soil, gentle climate and harmonious living. I dream that dream for my bundle of joy:

I love you, Vito!

I came across some Hello Kitty products that are environmental in a sense. I was happy to discover them because aside from their extreme cuteness, they are environment-friendly too.

Hello Kitty notebook

This notebook uses recycled paper.

Nonwoven shopping bags

These are non-woven bags that were produced the non-adhesive way making way for less energy consumption. Plus, non-woven fabrics are recyclable.

Hello Kitty LED Light

New style crystal-cartoon mini night-light is made of environmental saving energy LED diode of 21th century, using rated power 0.3W, and extending your working time. Safe and friendly, made of non-toxic crystal material. Rated power 180-250V, 50/60Hz, alternating current outlet can often be used.