To Children, Happiness is... 12 Scenarios (Part 1)

Happiness itself does not stay -- only moments of happiness do.   - Spanish Proverb 

Dr Abe V Rotor 

Happiness is a kid with a kid.

Happiness is a lot of water to play with.

Happiness is taking time out with the family on a weekend.

Happiness is learning to paint.

 

Happiness is opening her first parasol inside the house.

Happiness is anything but work.

Happiness is riding a sled.

Happiness is a program for kids.

Happiness is palo sebo.

Happiness is sailing the sea in make believe.Happiness is guessing who is behind the mask.

Happiness is playing with the saints and angels.

 Happiness is having fun and leisure before a make-believe nature scene. 

 Happiness is day dreaming by the stream on the wall.

To Children, Happiness is .... 12 Scenarios (Part 2)

"Children are better models than adults.  Children can fulfill their happiness with simple things, while adults seek for more." Chiara Alyssa Cochico, UST

Dr Abe V Rotor 
  

Happiness is playing at sea - timeless, careless and free.

Happiness is discovering a rare flower with Ate (older sister). 

 

Happiness is with the whole clan on a Sunday on the beach.

Happiness is doing an errand and wading on a stream.

Happiness is waking up in a camp away from home.

Happiness is braving the prehistoric animals in a museum.

Happiness is being flower girls in a wedding.

Happiness is respite in the coolness of a shade.

Happiness is learning the first steps of a dance.

Happiness is graduation time.

Comment:

When I read this article, I was touched because children can be happy on simple things but those simple things are important in life. Happiness with children can be fulfilled because they are contented and they don't aim high enough to be happy,just simple things, and they are happy in taking care of what they have, they care for their surroundings and achieving simple things that they have.

Children are better models than adults, children can fulfill their happiness with simple things. While adults seek for more. Chiara Alyssa Cochico

The Joy of New Life ... but where does Nature come in?

Man re-shapes the Earth at will for his needs

and wants disguised as values.

Dr Abe V Rotor

This editorial cartoon, The Joy of New Life, accompanies the editorial Still Poor, PDI March 21, 2016, following Easter Sunday. 

What role has environment to The Joy of New Life, 
and to the state of being Stlll Poor"?

Poverty undermines the pillars of truly a happy life;
it creates its own world apart. 

Anthropocentric claim of human supremacy over
all creatures is itself an ecological crisis.

Man re-shapes the Earth at will for his needs
and wants disguised as values.

Education for literacy, justice for equality, freedom
as right are licenses to anthropocentrism. 

Dignity sets man on a pedestal, lord and master  
of all creation, rational and supreme.

Who enthroned man with such power, but a god 
he claims the source of his power.   

Self-anointed, he wills as his god wills, acts in his behalf,
in an authoritarian rule.

Collective referendum, consultation, decision are all 
but mankind alone, sans all creatures on earth.    

Who stops him from cutting down whole forests,
dam rivers, level mountains? 

All in pursuit of progress, in the name of civilization,
for wealth, comfort and happiness.

And mankind covers the earth, aims at the universe,
challenges now the god in his mind.

And reasons out, rationality after all justifies
both good and evil, acts as amoral.

Deserts expand, land, air and water foul with waste,
"Tragedy of the commons" breeds war.

Nations break up, millions in exodus to nowhere, 
where there was once progress.

Where there was once a paradise, a golden city
in its place, now also gone. 
 
What role has environment to The Joy of New Life, 
and to the state of being Stlll Poor"? ~

10 Frankenstein monsters roaming in our midst

Dr Abe V Rotor

 

 

Hiroshima atomic bombing, and aftermath.

 Holocaust, Nazi Concentration Camp in Auschwitz

Scene of Dr Frankenstein and the monster he created (Wikipedia),
based on the celebrated novel by Mary Shelly in the 19th century

Anyone who has read Frankenstein cannot forget the frightful scenario of a monster created in the laboratory that eventually turned against his master and terrorized the world - a reminder of the unpredictable consequences of science-on-the-loose.

Invariably we have revived the Frankenstein monster in many forms, such as these.

1. The invention of the atomic bomb and its subsequent progeny - hydrogen bomb, neutron bomb and cobalt bomb - that are far more deadly and destructive, and their stockpiling into a power keg that still exist today even after the Cold War has ended in 1989.

2. Medical breakthroughs in saving lives and extending life span contribute to the population explosion and demographic imbalance where societies are burdened by too many young who are unproductive and highly dependent, and elderly group, with increasing healthcare-dependent members.

3. Organ transplantation and replacement which is leading us farther and farther to a new frontier called bionics; a combination of the rational being and the robot, natural and

artificial intelligence.


4. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) whereby it is possible to combine genes  of organisms outside their kind, irrespective of species - or kingdom, for that matter. Bt Corn carries the gene protein of a bacterium - Bacillius thuringiensis - that parasitizes caterpillars that feed on corn crop. New strange life variations are sprouting defying identity and classification.  They are nameless like the monster created by Frankenstein.   

5. Mega-industrialization that has resulted not only to the demise of natural environments (ecosystems) and many species of organisms, but the destruction of the ozone layer and the gradual and steady buildup of atmospheric gases and temperature known as global warming. Global warming has alarming effects in changing climate patterns worldwide, spawning more frequent and more destructive force majeure from drought to flood to  typhoons and tornadoes.  

6. Urbanization leading to the growth of megacities which continue to destroy the homeostasis of rural-urban relationship, spawning poverty and leading to the degradation of human life at the source of migration on one hand, and at the burgeoning centers on the other.



 

 

7. Population explosion setting a record of 7.7 billion people today and doubling in less than fifty years if left unchecked - indeed a grim reminder of the ghost of Malthus two hundred years ago (Malthusian Theory), and a proof that the natural laws that govern survival has been radically changed.

8. Consumerism on which capitalism flourishes in the guise of progress and the good life, but in effect creates imbalance of the economy of nations, dividing them into power-wealth categories, and have and have-not, loss of values, and abusive exploitation of resources at the expense of Planet Earth.

9. Gold rush syndrome resulting in the Tragedy of the Commons, a principle that is based on Chaucer's Pardoner's Tale, a story that illustrates that greediness and wanton destruction has always a tragic end, as evidenced today by the declining fish catch in the ocean, dwindling freshwater supply, logged over forests, spent farms and pastures, near exhaustion of fossil fuels, and the like.

10. While ecumenism bridges religions, cultism is divisive and segregative. There is a rise of the so-called hybrid religions which have lost their dogmatic identities, and are gaining popularity as a kind of religious liberation. On the other hand, more and more people around the world are drawn into the world of nones (people who have lost faith in organized religions) - if not the atheism, particularly those overwhelmed by the influence of postmodern living.~

These ten attributes of a modern Frankenstein haunt modern man and his society today exacerbated by his aim at globalization. The shrinking of the planet into a global village so to speak, through scientific breakthroughs, expansion of commerce and industry, opening of new frontiers of human settlement and habitation which sooner or later include the building of cities under th sea and in space, and the proliferation of multimedia making information accessible anywhere in any place of the globe - all these make the avenging monster closer to his creator, and therefore making him vulnerable to its evil intent. Such is the story of Mary Shelley's fiction that has a tragic ending - the destruction of both monster which never bore a name, and its creator - the young genius, Frankenstein. ~

The Many Worlds of the Willow Tree

Dr Abe V Rotor

The weeping willow (Salyx sp) looks sad and in mourning, its leaves droop and are pointed downward, extending to the ground or water where it grows on river banks and pool sides. Like a Narcissus, its reflection is an illusion of awe and wonder, and fear. 

The drooping branches though makes a perfect promenade shade and shelter; it is a favorite subject of art and poetry. 

Author under a willow tree (Salyx sp). UST campus, Manila

At the slightest breeze, the tree "weeps" in whispers, and sways daintily without any apparent effort. Few dare to plant willow by the window - it transforms into a spiritual being to the superstitious, and courts bad luck to the pessimist. 

But the willow is an important tree. Where it grows it creates an ambiance of mixed feelings, and to many cultures it is a tree that is much revered - and feared. Overall all, the world is not what it is without the willow - weeping to the sorrowful, hissing and vibrant to the hopeful, romantic to the lover, sacred to the religious, miracle cure to the healer.       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct crude extract (ground fresh leaves) repels mosquitoes and flies. It also serves as fresh deodorant in the bathroom and kitchen.  Dilute with tap water at 1:4, filter with ordinary cloth, and spray (atomizer) on garden plants and in dark corners. Another preparation is by dissolving the fresh extract with ethyl alcohol 1:2 ratio, air dry, and add Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly to the powder residue. This serves as ointment of minor wounds and skin problems.    

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The Importance of the willow tree
Medicine -

• The leaves and bark of the willow tree contain Salicin which is metabolized into salicylic acid in the human body. 
• Precursor of aspirin. 
• Salicin is isolated in crystalline form and formulated as acetylsalicylic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. 
• Provides temporary relief. 
• Ancient remedy for common ailments to the Sumerians, Greeks and Native Americans 
• Claimed to be effective in cure of diseases including cancer. 

Agriculture - as source of nectar and pollen for bees. 

Energy - biomass and biofuel, 

Art - 

• Charcoal for drawing, wood for sculptures 
• Garden features and landscaping 
• Pen and ink paintings in China and Japan

Environment - 

• Hedges and landscaping 
• Land reclamation, soil building and soil reclamation
• Phytoremediation,(bioengineering) 
• Slope stabilisation and soil erosion control 
• Biofiltration, shelterbelt and windbreak 
• Wildlife habitat

Religion - 

• Ritual in Jewish holiday of Sukkot, and Buddhism
• Christian churches in northwestern Europe and Ukraine use willow branches in place of palms on Palm Sunday. 
• In China, some people carry willow branches on the day of their Tomb Sweeping or Qingming Festival. 
• Willow branches are put up on gates and/or front doors, to ward off the evil spirits. 
• The Goddess of Mercy Guanyin is shown seated on a rock with a willow branch. 

Literature - 

• Ancient Korean poem goes, "By the willow in the rain in the evening." The poet Hongrang to her parting lover wrote, "...I will be the willow on your bedside."
• In Japanese tradition, the willow is associated with ghosts. It is popularly supposed that a ghost will appear where a willow grows. Willow trees are also quite prevalent in folklore and myths.
• In English folklore, a willow tree is believed to be quite sinister, capable of uprooting itself and stalking travelers.
• Hans Christian Andersen wrote a story called "Under the Willow Tree" (1853) in which children ask questions of a tree they call "willow-father", paired with another entity called "elder-mother"
• Old Man Willow in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, appearing in The Lord of the Rings.
• "Green Willow" is a Japanese ghost story. Other stories: "The Willow Wife" and "Wisdom of the Willow Tree."
• Remember "The Willow in the Wind?"

Kutsay (Allium tuberosum): Spice and Vegetable

Kutsay is a spice-vegetable known as nira in Japanese,  gachoy in Cantonese, buchu in Korean, garlic chives, Chinese chives.
Dr Abe V Rotor

 

A country lass, Isang displays a rare phenomenon of tillers (young plants)* arising from the inflorescence of Allium tuberosum. Seeds normally reach maturity on the stalk (lower photo), before they are dehisced or disseminated by wind, animals and other means.     

Potted kutsay serves as ornamental and food condiment.  The plant is also repellant against flies, moths, mosquitoes and common garden pest, including African Giant Snail. Kutsay grows perennially owning to its tubers that can survive extreme drought, and spring back to robust vegetation come rainy season. The small bulbs or tubers are group in clusters.  In summer kutsay produces umbel inflorescence characteristic of members in the lily family (Alliaceae) to which onion and garlic belong - so with many ornamental lilies. 

 Umbel inflorescence of Allium tuberosum showing arrangement of flowers in full bloom and seeds about to be dehisced. 
   
We have never been without kutsay growing in our garden since I was a child. Dad would gather some leaves and add to fried or scrambled eggs. “It’s good to health," he would tell us. Miki (Ilocos noodle soup) is not complete without this spice-vegetable that has the combined flavor of garlic, chive and onion in a moderate degree. The seed contain edible oil which carries the characteristic flavor.  

Kutsay has antibacterial, anti-emetic, and stimulant properties. It improves circulation and digestion, and kidney function. It is used to treat urinary incontinence, kidney and bladder weaknesses. Traditional medicine recommends kutsay in the treatment of spermatorrhoea. (Spermatorrhoea is involuntary loss of semen, which generally takes place during sleep or under various conditions, like during urination. It is often associated with irritability and debility of the generative organs.).

I remember my Auntie Yaya applying mashed leaves of kutsay on sprain, cuts and bruises.  Our herbolario applied kutsay poultice on dog bite. Today we understand that this remedy is just a palliative measure to prevent infection and ease pain, and that medical attention is needed.

As a vegetable kutsay leaves are mixed with salad. They contain about 2.6% protein, 0.6% fat, 2.4% carbohydrate, 0.95% ash. They also contain small amounts of vitamins A, B1 and C. Flowers and flower buds make a delicious flavoring - raw or cooked - of many recipes of fish and meat. 

Next time you prepare scrambled egg, miki and batchoy,  add liberally chopped fresh kutchay leaves. You'll know why a home garden or a kitchen is not complete without this humble aromatic herb. ~

*NOTE: I transplanted the tillers to compare with the conventional means of propagation - by bulb and by seed. The result of the experiment will be known in due time.    

Save the Palm Trees this Palm Sunday! Bring seedlings instead of palaspas, for the blessing.

Dr Abe V Rotor

The Christian world loses millions and millions worth of palm trees every Palm Sunday.  Coconut-based economy is the worse hit - the source of export of many products, and the foundation of people's livelihood. The coconut is the most important tree in maintaining the balance of tropical ecosystems.
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Let's learn from countries that bring seedlings instead of palaspas for Palm Sunday blessing.  Let's grow trees instead of killing them. Preserve the environment.  Protect livelihood. Fight Global Warming.  
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• Don't use young (bud) leaves of coconut for palaspas. You will kill the tree.
• Conserve the Oliva or the Cycads. They are living fossils, older than the dinosaurs. There are now endangered.
• Don't strip the young leaves of buri and anahaw palms. There are now in the list of threatened species.  

Celebration of Palm Sunday with young fronds of palms has pushed many plants to the brink of extinction and desertification of lands. Among the endangered Palm Sunday plants are buri, anahaw, and the rare living fossil - Cycad (oliva), a Gymnosperm. Cycad has outlived the dinosaurs; ironically its extinction is in our well intention worship. This scene is typical in the Christendom all over the world. (Ascension of Our Lord church, Lagro, QC)

 

  
 
 Proof of destruction on the altar of faith  - worse than the destruction of  typhoons and other force majeure on the economy and environment.  

1. Let's join the campaign, Save the palm trees on Palm Sunday. 

2. Get only the mature leaves - never the young leaves or bud.

3. Get only a small leaf or part of it. Don't be wasteful.

4. There's no need for each faithful to carry palaspas. One for a whole family is enough.

5. Get substitute plants that are not ecologically endangered and economically threatened. (Examples: MacArthur's Palm, palmera, Areca or betel nut, bunga de Jolo, and 101 non-palm plants from bamboo to ground orchid). Use mature or older leaves - never the young leaves and buds.  

6. Seek advice from your community and religious leaders, and environmentalists.

Oliva or Cycad, a living fossil is now endangered.   

Let's cite some popular religious practices, irrespective of denomination, and find out if they are favorable or not - and why.

• Fasting is cleansing, it helps the body stop the accumulation of unwanted substances such as cholesterol, and allows the body to eliminate toxic materials.

• Retreat and reflection is therapy, helps the mind and body release tension and do away with the effects of stress.

• Abstinence conserves animal population especially during the lean months, conserving breeding stocks - like seeds (binhi) – in order to multiply in the next season.

• To some religions pork is banned. Pork is a carrier of known parasites such as tapeworm, hookworm, and ascaris.

• On Palm Sunday trees are stripped off of their buds, leaves and stems. This is detrimental to the environment especially in summer when plants face tight water regime. Millions of pesos worth of coconut trees, potential to provide nuts continuously for a period of up to 30 years, are simply sacrificed for a day's ritual. Endangered species such as the Cycad (Oliva), are pushed to the brink of extinction.

• Ancient religions regard certain places and trees sacred, thus enhancing their conservation. Such worship was replaced by later religions, thus losing their protection.

• The washing of feet is not only ritual, it is also sanitation, getting rid of germs and preventing their spread.

. Avoid dipping your fingers into the holy water bowl, and never wash your hands or face in it. Running holy water is best.

. Take communion on your palm, never with your tongue. Epidemic such as H1N1 (swine flu) can be spread this way.

. Holding hands in prayer is discouraged also for health and sanitation, keeping ones privacy in reverence, notwithstanding. Kissing icons is likewise discouraged for the same reason. Wiping holy objects with handkerchief will only pick up germs.

. Paying last respect to the dead should be done with extreme care, especially if the cause of death is highly contagious like anthrax, Ebola and SARS. Remember the tragic death of some religious sisters who contacted Ebola from their dead colleague?

. Don't walk on your knees to the altar; kneeling in prayer is enough. Be kind to your knee tendon and kneecap; knee injury may incapacitate you permanently. "You re not growing younger," an elder advised me. Let's learn from athletes who retired early because of knee injury.

. Removing shoes before entering a house of worship is an expression of respect and reverence, as well as for purposes of maintaining sanitation in the place. Any footwear carries dirt and germs, and may be teems with bacteria and fungi from long and intimate wear. This practice may not be as strict in Catholic churches as in Muslim mosques and Buddhist temples. Removing shoes in other places like prayer rooms, wakes, even homes, are becoming a popular practice.

. Many religious ceremonies are without the use of incense. Incense smoke and scent usually produce a pleasant and calming effect to the faithful. It is also an effective fumigant against flying and crawling insects. Its repellant effect helped keep down the spread of bubonic plague during the Middle Ages. The causal organism which killed a third of the population in the known world is carried by flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) that resides in rats. Incense comes in various preparations and offerings, candle sticks among the most common. Burning candles have similar but lesser effects. To get rid of flies around food, plant one or two burning candles to keep them at bay. Try it.

Sprinkling holy water with lotus flower before entering the Buddha Shrine. (Grand Palace, Bangkok)

Candle offering is often wasteful and dangerous. It also makes the place untidy. A lighted candle in an enclosed room reduces oxygen level while filling it with CO2 and the deadly Carbon Monoxide. (Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine, Manaoag Pangasinan.)

NOTE: I invite you to list down other religious practices - favorable and not - and send them through Comments. It will indeed enrich this article.