The Mystery Child

 The Mystery Child 

"But there are no neighbors! There are no trees, no birds; there are no mountains, no fields, no river!"

Dr Abe V Rotor

In a workshop for adult leaders, the instructor asked the participants to draw on the blackboard a beautiful house, one's dream house ideal to raise a family.

It was of course, an exercise, which in the minds of the participants was as easy as copying a model, or recalling experience and memory. Besides it is a universal dream to own such a house, and its concept allows free interplay of both reason and imagination.

Child with a Dove is one of the classic oil paintings of Pablo Picasso painted in 1901. The painting is now loaned to the National Gallery, London.

The participants formed a queue to allow everyone to contribute his own idea on the blackboard.

The first in the queue drew the posts of the house, on which the succeeding members made the roof and floor. The rest proceeded in making the walls and windows.

In the second round the participants added garage, porch, veranda, staircase, gate, fence, swimming pool, TV antennae, and other amenities.

Finally the drawing was completed and the participants returned to their seats to discuss, What make a dream house, an ideal house? A lively “sharing session” followed and everyone was happy with the outcome, and none was happier than the teacher who learned this exercise in an international forum. Now it works on the village level.

Just then a child was passing by and peeped through the open door. He saw the drawing of the house on the blackboard. He entered the classroom and went close to the drawing and stood staring at it for quite a time. The teacher approached him and the participants turned to see the unexpected visitor.

The child pointed at the drawing and exclaimed, “But there are no neighbors!”

In the same village there was a similar workshop exercise, but this time the participants were to draw a community, aerial view. The participants made a queue towards the blackboard and after an hour of working together, they came up with a beautiful drawing of a community.

In the drawing there are houses. There is a plaza, around it are a church, a school, a village hall. A network of roads and bridges shows the sections of the village. People are busy doing their chores, especially in the market area. Indeed it is a typical village.

The participants discussed, “What constitute a community.” It was a lively discussion and everyone was so delighted with their “masterpiece” that the teacher even wrote at the corner of the blackboard “Save.”

Just then a child was passing by. When he saw the drawing on the backboard through the open door, he entered the classroom. He went close to the drawing and looked at it seriously for quite a time. The teacher and participants fell silent looking at their very young unexpected guest.

The child exclaimed, “But there are no trees, no birds; there are no mountains, no fields, no river!”

Some days had passed since the graduation of the participants in the two workshops. Because it was not unusual to see a child in the village, no one really bothered finding out who the child was or where he lived.

Then one day, the whole village realized and began to search for the child, but they never found him – not in the village, not in the neighboring village, not in the capital, and not in any known place.

Who was the child? Everyone who saw him in the workshops never forgot his kind and innocent face. They pondered on his words which became two great lessons in life:

• But there are no neighbors!
• But there are no trees, no birds; there are no mountains, no fields, no river!” ~

TRIVIA:

"I can't feel." - Computer

Formerly, A Valentine Story

Dr Abe V Rotor

Here is a story of a computer enthusiast, who, like the modern student of today, relies greatly on this electronic gadget, doing his school work so conveniently like downloading data for his assignment. So one day he worked on his assigned topic – love.

He printed the word and set the computer to define for him L-O-V-E. 

Pronto the computer came up with a hundred definitions and in different languages.

Remembering his teacher’s instruction to ask, “How does it feel to be in love?” again he set the computer to respond. And you know what?

After several attempts, the computer printed on its screen in big letters:
“I can not feel.” ~

Life Science (Biology): A Short Review (50 Items)

Life Science (Biology)

A Short Review (50 Items)

Dr Abe V Rotor

Retired Professor, Graduate School UST, DLSU-D, SPUQC

           Colorful fish among seaweeds, acrylic painting on glass by the author

1. All living things, whether they are big or small, simple or complex, plants or animals, are made up of cells.

2. Evolution is the process by which all the organisms that we know today have come about. Through millions of years, the first forms of life evolved into complex forms through genetic mutation.

3. Nothing in this world is permanent, and this applies not only to physical things but to living things as well. Biologically then, all living things have been changing – and will continue to change, including us humans.

4. Evolution however, is not always progressive and radical; many organisms in the past have not changed. They are called living fossils such as certain algae, insects and reptiles.

5. Charles Darwin, who founded the theory of evolution through natural selection, may have succeeded in tracing the origin of species, but not the origin of life itself. 

6. Life begets life, and there is no exception. PHOTO This principle puts to rest the common notion of Spontaneous Generation, such as mushrooms come out after heavy rainfall and lightning, and flies coming out from the bodies of dead animals.

7. As the chemical world has its organizational hierarchy (atoms to molecules, elements to compounds), so with the biological world (cells, tissues, organs, organ-systems). This is true with algae, fungi, amoeba, paramecium, and other protozoa.

8. The tropical rain forest has the highest biological diversity because this ecosystem contains the most number of living organisms, both in kind and number, as compared with other ecosystems. This kind of ecosystem is found in the tropical region which includes the Philippines and Indonesia.

9. No two organisms are the same even if they belong to the same species, or even if they are identical twins. This is the basis on forensic science using DNA Analysis.

10. Today it is possible to have a plant such as corn bred with a bacterium such as Bacillus thuringensis, thus their offspring is a kind of corn containing the genetic material of the bacterium. (Bt Corn) PHOTO. Similarly we have now Bt cotton, Bt eggplant.

11. Organisms reproduce by sexual and asexual means, that is through the exchange of genetic materials (generally through union of sex cells), and by vegetative means such as cutting, grafting, fragmentation, spores, etc. Bacteria and protozoa reproduce by both means.

12. The reason why close relatives are not allowed to intermarry is to prevent in-breeding (inbreeding syndrome). The gene pool must be invigorated now and then with new genes, more importantly dominant genes. This principle explains the importance of hybridization, cross-breeding, and the buildup of resistance and hybrid vigor.

13. Nature sees to it that dominant genes must prevail by various means in order that the species becomes capable of facing the ordeals of a changing environment. Certain dominant genes however, though they may be transmitted to the next generation do not contribute at all to the enhancement of species’ survival.

14. Even if this is the case, referring to the previous question, recessive genes do contribute to the wellness or the fitness of certain species.

15. Evolution is a thing of the past as we have known the fate of the dinosaurs, the end of the giant ferns that once covered the earth. It means that the organisms that we see today have ultimately reached the highest degree of perfection, with man as the ideal example. This is not true.

16, The most controversial subject matter between science and religion is Evolution. It has always been confrontational, and the church is not giving up its dogma of Creation. For this reason Christian Fundamentalists have reservations on the teaching of Darwinian evolution. PHOTO

17. Aestivation is a tool for survival of organisms trapped in extreme dry and hot habitats. It is a state of torpor which is near death, and when the conditions become favorable again, the organisms – such as reptiles, fish, mammals, shells, and the like- resume their normal activities.

18. Organisms may be found living under extreme conditions, even in the crater of volcanoes where the temperature well exceeds 100 degrees centigrade, and underneath the permafrost of the North Pole where temperatures remain way below freezing point.

19. It is a common belief that man was created as the guardian of the earth. Thus, today we enjoy the beauty of parks, resorts, gardens, beautiful sunsets, refreshing waterfalls and streams, and all the aesthetics and amenities of living, Man however, has yet to prove that he is effective in his role as guardian.

20. When a famous scientist-philosopher was asked, “How can you preserve Nature?” He humbly answered, “Leave Nature alone.” This means that Nature can take care of herself better without man – indeed a concept supported by facts and scientific proofs.

21. Extraction of the DNA in fossils such as dinosaurs (Jurassic Park) can lead into the re-creation of the extinct organisms – indeed a revolution in science. Actually scientists have not succeeded in this venture.

22. Dolly the sheep PHOTO was cloned from her mother, the first successful cloned animal. Other animals have been likewise cloned such as cow, horse, dog and cat. One problem these cloned animals have in common is premature aging, they become senile and die ahead of their mothers.

23. Genetic engineering, the unlocking of the code of life, is the latest breakthrough in science. The first two scientific breakthroughs are the splitting of the atom which led us to the Atomic Age, and the invention of the microchip which led us into the Computer Age. All three took place in the last millennium.

24. Louise Brown is the first test tube baby. After 30 years or so, all over the world there are thousands born from the same technology -in vitro fertilization. This gave rise to new technologies involving surrogate motherhood, post menopausal childbirth, multiple birth, and the like. All these made biotechnology a very lucrative business all over the world.

25. The fuel we use in our vehicles is known as fossil fuel. It is because it came from plants and animals formed during the Carboniferous forests that were preserved under the earth for millions of years ago.

26. If this were so, referring to the previous question, then every time you step of the gas you are actually releasing the ancient sun trapped in this fossil remains.

27. The virus is the ultimate unit of living thing because it cannot be seen even under the ordinary microscope. It is only through the electron microscope that its image can be viewed. To illustrate its minute size, millions of viruses can reside on a single cell. Photo: Tobacco virus (Marmor tabaci)

28. Mad Cow Disease or BSE (Bovine Spongiosform Encephalopathy) is caused by a virus. This disease is similar to the CJD (Cruetzel-Jakob Disease) which affects human. This disease emanated from Britain in the eighties and spread to Europe, US, Japan and other countries.

29. These epidemic diseases – Ebola, SARS, Meningococcemia, HIV-SARS, Influenza - and COVID-19, are caused by viruses, a proof of the extreme virulence of this kind of pathogen.

30. Nature knows how to heal herself every time a calamity such as typhoon, earthquake, flood, or drought strikes. The healing process, though it may take time, results ultimately to Homeostasis (dynamic balance).

31. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another. Example: The sun’s energy is transformed into chemical energy (manufacture of sugar through photosynthesis), transformed into mechanical energy (muscular movement on the part of the eater of the plant).

32. These organisms make a food chain in this order. Algae --> snail

 --> duck -–> man.

33. These organisms make complete food web: rice plant, grasshopper, spider, frog, heron, carabao, man, snake, monitor lizard, dragonfly.

34. A thing is considered to be living if it possesses these criteria. A. It has a definite form and structure. B. It has the ability to reproduce itself. C. It can respond to stimuli and can adjust to the changes of its environment. D. It has the capability of metabolism.

35. The Kyoto Protocol was attended by most countries of the world with the agenda to reduce gas emission into the atmosphere. Not all countries signed the Protocol, a manifestation of lack of global unity when it comes to solving a common problem.

36. The Ozone layer is progressively being destroyed by CFC gases emitted by Freon coolants, atomizers, paints, etc. Today the Ozone hole which is about the size of continental US hovers above the Antarctic region.

37. One of the effects of global warming is extensive drought throughout the world, thus resulting in desertification, that is the transformation of productive lands to arid lands.  (Reforestation helps restore favorable climatic condition.)

Tropical Rainforest painting by the author Courtesy of San Vicente LGU.

38. Scientists predict that global warming will precipitate the coming of another Ice Age, which is likely to start at the end of this century. This phenomenon occurs in a cycle of several thousands of years - even without the intervention of man.

39. Acid rain is formed by the reaction of water and these gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorine and sulfur dioxide. These are emissions of vehicles and industries, other than those that are occurring naturally.

40. When lightning strikes tons and tons of nitrogen are fixed into nitrates, a compound that fertilizes the fields, lakes, mountains and seas. Lightning also fixes, phosphates, sulfates and other elements, making them available for the use of plants and other organisms.

41. The reason why farmers intercropped legumes (such as mungo and peanut) with corn is because corn is a heavy feeder of nitrates, while legumes convert nitrogen into nitrates through the Rhizobium bacteria that reside in their roots.

42. These are biological clocks with which we read Nature. June beetles emerge with the coming of habagat or rainy season. Hovering dragonflies signal the coming of a typhoon. Ring (halo) around the moon means bad weather in the following days.

43. These are other biological indicators. When earthworms crawl out of their burrows, flood is coming, When the leaves of acacia starts to fold it’s already late afternoon. it’s time to go home.

44. Weekly rhythm has a biological basis; that’s why people all over the world respond to it. After the French Revolution in the 18th century new leaders changed the 7-day system into a 10-day system. The new system did not last; it gave way back to the traditional system.

45. In fractional distillation of fossil fuel, among the products obtained are Kerosene, Diesel oil, Gasoline, Jet gas, LPG, Lubricating Oil, and Asphalt.

46. Among these alternative fuels have great potential in solving the energy crisis - Wind, Water, Geothermal, Biogas, Solar, Tide. Deuterium or heavy water that lies under the depth of the Philippine Deep may be the last frontier that holds an indefinite supply of energy.

47. The Water Cycle PHOTO first involves the evaporation of water from sea and land, followed by cloud formation, and consequently rainfall. Where the land is barren and dry, clouds are not attracted to fall, compared to areas that are covered with forests, such as the tropical rainforest.

48. When there is too much rainfall, the soil becomes saturated and water moves over land as runoff. The abundance of trees helps trap water and deposit it into the ground for future use, rather than directly consuming it and losing it through transpiration.

49. Habagat wind becomes laden with clouds that bring rains, while Amihan wind is dry and cool because it originates as far as Siberia, for which reason we call it also, Siberian High.

50. If a red rose is crossed (pollination-fertilization) with a white rose, their progeny will consist of all pink roses. If two of these pink roses are crossed, their progeny will consist of a proportion of 1 red, 2 pink and 1 white rose. (25-50-25 percent, respectively).

Drynaria fern on acacia, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. Photo by the author

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Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid DZRB 738 AM, 8 to 9 Evening Class Monday to Friday with Dr. Abe V. Rotor and Ms. Melly Tenorio.

Acknowledgement with gratitude: Internet images as indicated.

Author's Note: Minor errors have been corrected.  With sincere apologies, avr

Kids' World of Nature - Where childhood is forever

Kids' World of Nature -

Where childhood is forever

                     "Fleeting moments are most precious,

ephemeral yet eternal.  The child in you 

lives to the golden years of your life."

Dr Abe V Rotor 

Summer fun on the beach.  San Juan, Ilocos Sur

Frolic in company with the waves and tides, 

when the sea is as blue as the sky, and wish

boyhood is forever and never dies;

or you'll always tarry in later years  if you don't;

for fleeting moments are most precious,

ephemeral yet eternal in that child in you 

who lives into the golden years of life.  

Nipa Hut by the river, Tagbilaran, Bohol

Frolicking - game of the vibrant and the young,

recreating a primordial social bond;

where innocence means freedom and adventure, 

in sweet abandon, here and beyond. ~

 Catching land crabs with a bamboo trap. Palauig, Zambales 

How I love to catch gammarong (Ilk) crab 
when I was like my son Leo Carlo;
he learned the skill early from me, passed on
by old folks by the sea; Leo in turn 
shall teach others before the art is lost,
as  treasured trade and  tradition.  
   

 Building sandcastles.  Morong, Rizal 

Building sandcastles, building dreams,
on waking up are gone, but they return  
as sandcastles and dreams again 
throughout  youth, higher and bigger,
 crumbling leaving ruins of memories, 
ruins where castles once stood proud,
uniting reality and fantasy into a happy,
wonderful and fulfilled life.  

    

 Christmas for under-the-bridge children.  Pasay MM

The bells of Christmas sound louder among the poor;
the Bethlehem star shines brighter, too.  
The angels come earlier in their homes without door.
 in exchange of a simple lantern or two.  

 Instant swimming pool from busted pipe.  Sta. Mesa, MM

A swimming pool in the middle of a street,
a busted pipe blessing to a dozen kids 
in the neighborhood in frolic and laughter;
like a Riviera or Thoreau's Walden;    

it's a children's world, a corner of Eden. 

   

Mushrooms growing on a tree stump. UP Diliman QC 

Mushrooms on a stump, home of the dwarfs:

red, yellow, white, or in disguise,

each color a character, a foe or a friend,

to find where the pot of gold lies. ~

Living with Nature at Home. "Nature is not a place to visit, it is home"

                                      Living with Nature at Home

"Nature is not a place to visit, it is home"  

 - Gary Snydera, American poet and environmentalist

Wall murals painted by Dr Abe V Rotor

at his ancestral home in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

"Whose children are these

braving the sun

and caring none

'til their work is done?

Whose children are these

writing history on sand

with pure bliss 

sent by your Son?"

- AVR

"Childhood is ephemeral like a dream;

as if only yesterday as it may seem."

- AVR 

"Hush!  Suddenly the world became still;

Gone is the lark or the raven on the sill."

- AVR

"When the wind and waves

lay down their wrath,

and make peace

with the sand and hills,

the sea breathes

on the reef and pools,

where vacationers scan,

unburdening their thoughts,

while the image of heaven

lies under their feet."

- AVR

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." –Laura Ingalls Wilder

"Drip, drip, drip, may be music

to the ear in the park;

but not behind walls

or some forgotten arch."

- AVR

"Let's build a temple of worship of trees

in a little corner down the glen;

rebuild the ruins laid by life at ease, 

and bequeath them to our children."

- AVR

“Nature is loved by what is best in us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The valley, the river, the mountain,

big as they are - they're the small;

and the small are the biggest;

the birds, the crawlers, the bees."

- AVR

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” –Frank Lloyd Wright

"I hear the singing of angels,

As the winds weave through the green,

And brush my face with a thousand needles,

To feel the touch of a hand unseen."

- AVR

"I lie here in the morning sun, the sun that finds me through the honeysuckle leaves, and I think of the sweetness my heart has, and the sweetness of many hearts." –Peggy Pond Church

"How wonderful is creation

when we realize in a miniscule

the universality of the simple

linked to the complex,

where every living thing is part

of life's interrelationship;

like a chain, its strength 

is shared by all links

in place cooperating."

- AVR

We can never have enough of nature." –Henry David Thoreau

"A gem sparkle before it loses light

as shadows fall when the light is out;

no less than beauty that fades in sight, 

save some steps that move about."

- AVR

"Pleasance to you youth, bright as the sun;

Be the world at war, or at peace;

Ask not where have all the flowers gone;

Season come and go the same at ease."

- AVR

Underground river in Palawan painted on concrete wall with latex paint, with three dimensional effect from relief made of paint crust applied as paste to emphasize rocks. .   

"Teachers, entrepreneurs - take time out

from school and whatever trade;

transients, residents, family, friends, 

leisure is life also made." 

- AVR

An empty wall comes alive with freshness and joy and a message to the old world.

"Young hands at work before an empty wall to make a mirror
of themselves for others to see now and in the years to come;
Innocence is preserved and revered, captured for posterity,
when childhood shall have passed its time, and life has began."  

- AVR

"Where we all came from, 

to our final sojourn, 

once the soul is freed, 

begins the atom,

that returns unknown."

 - AVR 

Picnic at the sala, author's residence

"In their mind, it's outdoor with nature,

with amenities through art, they are;

away from the cellphone, from the mall, 

as they while away time, worry and chore."- avr  

"The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature." –Joseph Campbell

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  Verses from Light in the Woods, AV Rotor 1995, Megabooks; Don't Cut the Trees, Don't, AV Rotor UST 2010