REFLECTION ON THE DESIDERATA

Indeed, a masterpiece composed of perfect words that the author could possibly write with his sincere heart!

Compared to any other poems I have read, (though I have just actually read few of them), “Desiderata” is the most appealing, inspiring and indeed the best artwork I have dwelt into. It has the power to invade my mind with full focus and attention to each line in the stanzas of the poetry. It has a unique magic which has been able to touch my heart and reflect through the deepest part of my soul.

 Written by American writer, Max Ehrmann, “Desiderata” literally “means desired things.” It is a 1927 prose poem which became widely known after being used in devotional events. It is subsequently being found at Adlai Stevenson’s deathbed in 1965 and also has spoken-word recordings in 1971 and 1972.

This poem is very beautiful and impressive that allows me to like and love this literary piece. Each line in each stanza has given me a wonderful message that people including me, can use as a guide in everyday life. It serves as the lighting torch that one could carry as he traverses in a path which may sometimes be darker.

Among the lines of the poem are lines that really caught my attention and cause a great impact in me.

One of which is the line, “If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself”.

Truly, vain and bitter are effects of too much comparison with each others, so we should stop doing so. We should be contented with the things we have in life. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others because we have our own individual stories. We are the writers of our own book. We are the dictator of our own faith. Comparison between each other is indeed wrong for we are born to improve ourselves without causing any harm to others, neither having harm from them.

Another line is the last part of the time that says, “With all its sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. BE CHEERFUL. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY”.

It gives us the thought of being optimistic the idea of solutions to problems, the hope to stand up after downfalls. It tells us that even there are many trials which we face in our lives, courage, trust and faith will make us enough to fight against it. God has His own plans for each one of is. He will never give any challenge that we couldn’t hurdle. He will not give us sorrows that we can’t handle. He will never bestow us sadness without our power to convert them to smiles. We shouldn’t lose hope but instead, we need to be cheerful enough and be persevering enough. In this, we could better persons, and soon, the best persons that would occupy this world given to us.

For these, "Desiderata" is indeed a masterpiece composed of perfect words that the author could possibly write with his sincere heart!

STORM SIGNALS

Meterological Conditions:

• A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.
• Winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours. (When the tropical cyclone develops very close to the locality a shorter lead time of the occurrence of the winds will be specified in the warning bulletin.) 

Impact of Winds:

• Twigs and branches of small trees may be broken.
• Some banana plants may be tilted or downed.
• Some houses of very light materials (nipa and cogon) may be partially unroofed.
• Unless this warning signal is upgraded during the entire existence of the tropical cyclone, only very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the exposed communities.
• Rice crop, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Precautionary Measures:

• When the tropical cyclone is strong or is intensifying and is moving closer, this signal may be upgraded to the next higher level.
• The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher.
• The people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA every six hours. In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occur.
• Disaster preparedness is activated to alert status. 

Public Storm Signal No.2

Meterological Conditions:

• A tropical cyclone will affect the the locality.
• Winds of greater than 60 kph and up to 100 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours.

Impact of Winds:

• Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken.
• Few big trees may be uprooted.
• Many banana plants may be downed.
• Rice and corn may be adversely affected.
• Large number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
• Some old galvanized iron roofings may be peeled off.
• In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities.

Precautionary Measures: 

• The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small seacrafts  
• Special attention should be given to the latest position, the direction and speed of movement and the intensity of the storm as it may intensify and move towards the locality.  
• The general public especially people travelling by sea and air are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks.  
• Outdoor activities of children should be postponed.  
• Secure properties before the signal is upgraded.  
• Disaster preparedness agencies / organizations are in action to alert their communities.

Public Storm Signal No.3

Meterological Conditions:

• A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.
• Winds of greater than 100 kph up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

Impact of Winds:

• Many coconut trees may be broken or destroyed.
• Almost all banana plants may be downed and a large number of trees may be uprooted.
• Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses.
• Majority of all nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed and there may be considerable damage to structures of light to medium construction.
• There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.
• In general, moderate to heavy damage may be experienced, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Precautionary Measures:

• The disturbance is dangerous to the communities threatened/affected.
• The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all seacrafts.
• Travel is very risky especially by sea and air.
• People are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas and to stay away from the coasts and river banks.
• Watch out for the passage of the "eye" of the typhoon indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair weather immediately after very bad weather with very strong winds coming gnerally from the north.
• When the "eye" of the typhoon hit the community do not venture away from the safe shelter because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with the very strong winds coming from the south.
• Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings. Disaster preparedness and response agencies/organizations are in action with appropriate response to actual emergency.

Public Storm Signal No.4

Meterological Conditions:

• A very intense typhoon will affect the locality.
• Very strong winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

Impact of Winds:

• Coconut plantation may suffer extensive damage.
• Many large trees may be uprooted.
• Rice and corn plantation may suffer severe losses.
• Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged.
• Electrical power distribution and communication services may be severely disrupted.
• In the overall, damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

Precautionary Measures:

• The situation is potentially very destructive to the community.
• All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.
• Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed since it may be too late under this situation.
• With PSWS #4, the locality is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon. As the eye of the typhoon approaches, the weather will continuously worsen with the winds increasing to its strongest coming generally from the north. Then a sudden improvement of the weather with light winds (a lull) will be experienced. This means that the eye of the typhoon is over the locality. This improved weather may last for one to two hours depending on the diameter of the eye and the speed of movement. As the eye moves out of the locality, the worst weather experienced before the lull will suddenly commence. This time the very strong winds will come generally from the south.
• The disaster coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations are now fully responding to emergencies and in full readiness to immediately respond to possible calamity. 

INSIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS # : STORM SIGNAL

               Today, I learned that Storm Warning Signals are thestorm signals that are usually raised when an area is about to be hit by a tropical cyclone. As a tropical cyclone gains strength and/or gets nearer to an area having a storm signal, the warning may be upgraded to a higher one in that particular area.  Conversely, as a tropical cyclone weakens and/or gets farther to an area, it may be downgraded to a lower signal or may be lifted (that is, an area will have no storm signal). Classes for preschool are canceled when Signal #1 is in effect. High school classes and below are canceled under Signal #2 and classes for colleges and universities and below are canceled under Signal #3.
                  I will apply my learning about this phenomenon to every typhoon that will come in our country.
              Learning about this phenomenon is important because it can help us to be aware about the weather conditions.
              On larger scale, I will share my learnings about this phenomenon to my family, my classmates and to any other people for to them to be also ready and knowledgeable of the affect of this phenomenon.
              I want to know more about this phenomenon to gain more knowledge other than what I have before.

INSIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS:TROPICAL CYCLONE

                        Today I learned that  tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low-pressure center and numerous 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. 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.

                       I will apply my learnings to other lessons related to it and also to my everyday life.

                       Learning about this phenomenon is important because it helps us to be prepare or aware for the happenings around us.

                        On a larger scale, I will share my knowledge to other people so that they will also be aware and they can also use this to their lessons in advance.

                        I want to know more about the origin of tropical cyclone and other words related to it.

LCD JOURNAL ENTRY # 8

           This week a food festival was held in our school. Our representatives are Anzette and Dana. Before we go in the gymnasium, where the contest will be held, we buy some snacks to eat while walking. After I finish eating all the food I buy, I throw my garbages in the trash can. After the program we go back to our classroom to attend our next class. In the afternoon, me, and my groupmates clean the classroom. After cleaning the room, I went to my brother,s room and wait . After a long time of waiting, we go back ion our house.   

INSIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS #5: LOW PRESSURE AREA

          Today I learned that low pressure area is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is lower than that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as cyclogenesis.
          I will apply my learnings about low pressure area in other related topics and also to my everyday life.
          Learning about this phenomenon i important because it gives us warning that there might be a typhoon near a certain place. 
          On a larger scale, I will share my knowledge to others so that they will know something about it and apply it to their lessons.
          I want to know more about the origin of low pressure area.

LCD JOURNAL ENTRY # 7

                 This week is a tiring week for me..It's because I'm not feeling well. The weather was cold so I turned off the electric fan and open the windows to let the fresh air enter. I also need to drink lots of water... All the water bottles I consumed was given to the third year students. When i finish  my assignments, I will turn  off the unnecessary lights and appliances and I will lie down on my bed and take a deep rest. Some of the things that can help our environment are the following:

      1. Always do and remember the 3'Rs(re-use, reduce, recycle)

      2. Throw your garbages in the trash bin

      3. Turn off the lights and appliances that are not in use.

Insights and Reflections # 4:EL NINO AND LA NINA

             Today I learned that La Nina is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that is the counterpart of El Nino as part of the broader El Nino Southern Oscillation Climate Pattern. During a period of La Nina, the sea surface temperature across the Equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal 3-5 °C. The name La Nina originates from spanish, meaning "the girl".
                 I also learned that El Nino is the abnormal warming of surface ocean waters. The name El Nino originates from spanish, meaning "the boy".
                  I will apply my learning about el niño and la niña in other lessons related with these phenomena and also to my everyday life.

                  Learning about these phenomena is important because it affects our daily life or daily activities.

                 On a larger scale, I will share my learning to others so that  they can also be ready or prepared on its effect.

                  I need to know more about the effects of el niño and la niña so that I will be aware and prepared when it occurs.

Insights and Reflections # 3: Tropical Depression

              Today I learned that once a group of thunderstorms has come together under the right atmospheric conditions for long enough time, they may organize into a TROPICAL  DEPRESSION. TROPICAL  DEPRESSION is a tropical cyclone having sustained surface winds less than 39 miles (63 km) per hour.
            I will apply my learning about tropical depression in other lessons related with these and also in my everyday life because tropical depression is related with the rain / typhoons that affects each one of us
            Learning about this phenomenon is important because because it helps us to understand the phenomenon that is happening around us
.           On a larger scale, I will share my learning on this phenomenon to others so that they will be aware and to be prepared about the effects of this phenomenon 
            I need to know more about  the effects of tropical  depression so that I will know what to do if there is a tropical depression.

LCD JOURNAL ENTRY # 6

                Just like the weeks that passed by, I'm still doing the same things I did before!! I gave the water bottles I used  to the third year students for them to recycle it. I don't waste electricity by unplugging the appliances that is not in use, turning off the lights after using it and by lessening my use of television and cellular phone...Now, I'm wondering what activities will happen in this coming week and what activities can I do that can help our environment......And this is my Low Carbon Diet for the week 

Insights and Reflections #2: MONSOON

               Today i learned that monsoon is a wind system that influences large climatic regions and reverses direction seasonally. i will apply my learning about monsoon in determining what season our country may experience.
           Learning about this phenomenon is important because it helps us  in determining the movement or the direction of the wind. On a larger scale, i will share my learning on this phenomenon to others by sharing or telling them the meaning of monsoon, and it is because I want to be alert of their environment. 
           I need to know more about the occurrence of monsoons in different places so that i will know the kind of monsoon that affect the weather.

LCD JOURNAL ENTRY # 4

       Another week have passed. A very happy and lucky week in my life, it was indeed. I did just the same as the things I am doing before, just to help the nature. These are:


     1. I used a glass when brushing my teeth.
     2. I turned off the lights, appliances and faucets that were not in used.
     3. Instead of doing my assignments inside our house, I did it outside, in our porch, so that I would not use any lights.


     These things are just simple things that we can contribute for saving our planet. But if we will do this all, these will be a very big contribution in saving mother nature.

Insights and Reflections #1: INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE

                     Weather is a part of our life. It changes day by day. For that, we should be aware of it, we should be aware of its constituents, of its cycle, of the phenomena governing it. One is the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ.
                    Today, I learned that Intertropical Convergence Zone is the area encircling the earth near the equator where winds originating in the northern and southern hemisphere come together. ITCZ is also known by the sailors as "doldrums". It appears as a band of clouds, usually thunderstorms that circle the globe near the equator.
                    I will apply my learning about this phenomenon to my everyday life. I can now relate it with the weather updates being televised in different channels of our television. Now, I can determine the forecast of the Philippine weather in the sense that I know how the ITCZ exists.
                    Learning about this phenomenon is important because ITCZ is where  typhoons are originated. This means that we are given a hint of some information regarding the location in which the typhoon may affect the most. And for that, safety could be observed. We could prepare for calamities.
                    On a larger scale, I will share my learning  about this phenomenon to others because it can helps us to be aware or to be prepared about the different phenomenon in our planet and I also want them to be safe when there is a typhoon.
                    I need to know more about the related topics or words about ITCZ, as well as the other weather-related topics to develop more my knowledge about the weather system, specially in the Philippines.

LCD JOURNAL ENTRY # 5

       A happy weekend everyone!!! I enjoy working with my classmates this saturday. me and my classmates walked from our meeting place to the house of our classmate where we will do our project. walking, instead of riding in motor vehicles can help in the cleanliness of our environment. walking helps in lessening the air pollution. minutes passed and finally we reach our classmate's house and start doing the activity together. some of the activities i did that also helps in the environment are:

1. sweeping the dry leaves and garbages in our surroundings.

2 planting/watering the plants.

3. usage of indigenous material for my potfolio.