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Offers the author's thoughts on the link between astronomy and philosophy after a viewing of the Perseid meteors in the night sky on August 12, 2001 was impossible because of weather conditions.

Considers the author's fascination for engineering and introduces an article on a Boston harbor cleanup project in Massachusetts.

Recalls the author's experience of receiving a handwritten letter from a friend on Christmas. Why the letter filled him with memories; How it presented him with the essence of communication as opposed to a technological or wireless communication.

Looks at the importance of data and statistics in newspaper reporting. Mention of stories relating enrollment figures of women in higher education in the United States, and the percentage of African-American men that would spend time in jail or prison; Use of personal anecdotes to aid understanding.

Presents the author's experiences of zoos as a child and notes the profound thoughts that zoos can stimulate in children.

Examines the profound accomplishments children are capable of because they so easily start with pure, heartfelt intentions. The example of eight-year old Brandon Keefe who began a program to put books in the hands of less fortunate children; How Stephen Spielberg's movie `E.T.--The Extra Terrestrial' creates an image that immortalizes childhood.

Recounts a question about charitable giving asked of the author in a job interview. Author asked about his philosophy of giving; Question reflecting concern for job priorities; Insight from seeing how others structure giving into their lives; Giving by professional athletes and instant millionaires.