Blog Number NINE: Desiderata

Desiderata. A word known only to a few men.Desiderata is from the word desideratum meaning a desire which is highly necessary. 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrman, a classic famous poet, wrote a poem entitled Desiderata in the 1920's. Through thorough reading and research, I have learned that Desiderata is a poem that is really inspiring. Its is such a masterpiece that one should really read and one should also use it as a guide in one's life. It tells about what should a person do to live life to the fullest, to be happy and close-to-be contented. It is a poem that tells the positive attitudes and outlooks in life that may bring joy to one's self.

I want to know more about its history since it's background was considered as confused. "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift--a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods" a famous line of Ehrman and the result was Desiderata. And the rest was still unknown to me.

I appreciate the fact that we were able to read a poem like this  written by a famous author that once made an impact to the crowd. I can apply my learning and insights  through using this poem as my guide in life, for me to attain a joyful and contented life.

Blog Number EIGHT: A Letter to Mother Earth

0976 Pinaod, San Ildefonso

 Bulacan, Philippines

November 3, 2012

Mother Earth

Planet Earth, Solar System

Milky Way Galaxy

Dear Mother Earth,

               

Hey Mother Earth, are you still there?

It’s nice to know everyone is doing well, for now, I guess. The environmental problems that came up lately have been threatening not only for the people, but also for you, dearest Mother Earth. I was really worried when I heard these problems. I can’t help but to think about you.

The ozone layer holes and depletion? How’s it? I hope it wasn’t getting worse. We, the concerned citizens were trying to find ways just to help to stop this. The pollution weren’t doing any good.  Yes, I can say that some of us are really concerned, but some were not. I am really afraid things will get worst when the time comes.

I am young but I can say I am concerned. I am doing some blogs. I hope it can help somehow. This blogs, as far as I know, help other people be aware of some environmental happenings, disturbances or events. I can also tell others using my blogs, my feelings or outlooks about what is happening in our world. Also, I try to follow rules and regulations especially those related to environment-caring.

I wasn’t like this before. To tell you the truth, I was also one of those fly- tippers that contribute in the pollution. But it came to me, one day, that what I did also affects me. And that’s when I realized my fault. For the hundredth time, I apologized for what I did. To be honest, I’m willing to do anything just to help in bringing back what is lost because of me. This letter stands as evidence for my pledges and promises.

I promise I will risk everything just to stop the massive destruction of your dear land. I will be your proponent and I promise that we, the concerned citizens will be your guardian forever.

If ever you have received this letter, send me just a short notice for me to know you’re okay.

Sincerely yours,

Ma. Luisa A. Pineda

Blog Number SEVEN: Public Storm Signals

Since we have already discussed things about weather patterns and disturbances, we also ought to know some important things (like warnings and signals) to help us maintain the safety atmosphere.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA is a Philippine national institution dedicated to provide flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, meteorological, astronomical, climatological, and other specialized information and services primarily for the protection of life and property and in support of economic, productivity and sustainable development.

One of the forms of public warning and advisory they provide is the Public Storm Signals. As a young student scientist, I have learned that Public Storm Signals are advisory intended to provide the public or crowd warnings about weather disturbances (like storms, cyclones, hurricanes). These signals warn people about wind patterns, rainfall amount and other associated things. A Public Storm Signal warning tells the people what they should expect and carries with it an advisory for them to take the necessary precautions. The following are the warnings and precautions under each signal according to JAIME M. FORTES, JR., Deputy Commissioner of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 1:

 A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours.

 very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the 

exposed community.

 Classes suspended in the elementary level.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 2:

 A moderate tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 Winds of greater than 60 kph to 100 may be expected in at least 24 hours.

 Large nipa and cogon houses maybe partially or totally unroofed.

 Classes suspended at the high school level.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 3:

 A strong tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 Winds of greater than 100 kph to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

 There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.

 In general, moderate to heavy damage may be expected in both the agricultural and industrial

 Sea and coastal waters will be dangerous to all sea crafts.

 Classes suspended at the all levels.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO.4:

 A very intense typhoon will affect the locality

 Very strong winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

 Electric power distribution and communication service may be disrupted.

 Damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

Since these Public Storm Signals are now replaced by Color-coded signals, I want to know their differences. I also want to know how these government institutions can implement or come up with these signals.

I appreciate the fact that government institutions made some efforts just to warn people. It shows their concern for others. I also appreciate the fact that Filipinos, especially during calamities go hand in hand.

I can apply my learning and insights in keeping not only myself safe, but also of the people whom I love. These things can help me warn others so that safety will remain.

Blog Number SIX: Tropical Cyclone

“Rain, rain go away! Come again another day. Little children want to play. Rain, rain go away!”

The familiar song we used to sing when we were just little kids.

There’s a certain time in the year when we always experience rain. It’s during the time when the phenomenon La Niña is present.  Storms are one of the major systems that cause rains. Under storm are some storm systems. One of which is the tropical cyclone.

Through thorough research and continuous studying, I’ve learned that a tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low-pressure center surrounded by a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air. They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor'easters, European windstorms, and polar lows. The characteristic that separates tropical cyclones from other cyclonic systems is that at any height in the atmosphere, the center of a tropical cyclone will be warmer than its surroundings; a phenomenon called "warm core" storm systems.

 

Because of some missing links, I want to know more about its movement and formation. I want to research more on these things to make everything clearer.

I appreciate the fact that we, young students, are able to make and post some blogs about the environment which can help us be curious enough in knowing facts and which can also help us be informed about the said things.

I can apply my learning and insights about tropical cyclone in informing others, warning them about its probable causes and effects. Being aware about these things may help us foresee what may happen ahead of us.