Our catch phrase is on its way.

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

As the year draws to a close, I look back at what I have accomplished and think about my situation.

The bulk of my energies this year were directed at making sure our Ginza headquarters got off the ground in good fashion. I am pleased to say that we are all settled in here at our headquarters and that our clients are contented – and making good progress.

Regarding my home in Oregon, I have been able to do a lot of tree planting and to invest time and money on the infrastructure.

My family enjoys good health and all of those who are of working age are gainfully employed.

My parents are having a bit of difficulty coping with the realities one must deal with as one ages, but ARE trying to handle each passing day in a positive fashion.

As for Earth, there are fewer and fewer native speakers of Seneca, fewer and fewer languages being spoken, and fewer and fewer large mammals roaming the ever-shrinking “natural areas”. Average temperatures on Earth’s surface are rising, and the amount of pollution in our air, in our waters, and in and on the land continues to increase.

People are using computers more and are communicating just as poorly with each other as ever.

I can see a day coming when computers might gain the ability to replicate without human aid or intervention. What will become of humankind then??

Yes, there are reasons to be thankful as I count down the days left in 2014. But there are also many reasons to be apprehensive about what the year 2015 holds for Earth and its inhabitants (both human and non-human).

Steve Walker, Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.