February: The Cellular Month - Building Camaraderie through Orchids

摘要

IN THIS AGE OF SOCIAL NETWORK-ing, smart phones, tweeting and revolutionary modes of instant communication, isn't it ironic that a cell is also defined as a room in a prison? It is said that in this hyperconnected world, with so much of the world available to us with a few strokes of our keyboards, many of us are lonelier and more isolated than ever. I admit I have been relatively slow and even a bit reluctant to accept the new realities of our advanced technologies. Sometimes I find the enormity ofthe online world intimidating and overwhelming, but other times I feel part of a vibrant community able to consume a veritable smorgasbord of information and delicious eye-candy. Cells are also the building blocks of all living things and while they canfunction independently, when combined and organized by, or into, organisms they can create incredibly complex biological systems and perform astounding specialties. As Orchids magazine goes digital this year, we may be somewhat apprehensive about all that may mean, but we are also reminded of the all good that can come from connecting with the "cells" of our fellow orchid lovers.