Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 26
November 9, 2020
USA Elections.
The last few days have been tense to say the least! The fate of the world for now, has seen an opportunity for stability and what many view as, hope.
The selection of a president in the USA has far more influence on the world, than just that country. It is a role that requires skill, dedication and a diverse approach to handling many far ranging but equally demanding challenges.
In managing, averting and even striving for new never been achieved goals, the job of a president is one that can have a lot of determination over the success of many futures. Setting the tone can equate to the attitude, aptitude and yes, even the attainment of a wider administration and a governing guidance for the rule of policy and law.
To capture the sense of a pertinent saying, the presidency can mean about as much that is put into it, as that which is then gained from it.
It is with a lot of hope that a new leadership has been elected in the USA. In a similar situation to that of many other countries, tackling the virus is the most pressing problem. The new president elect has stated his intentions are to listen to the science and implement the most appropriate action to reduce the enormous rate of infections and fatalities.
Immediate action seems necessary in a number of areas and the USA have spoken out in large volumes over the urgent attention that needs to be given to improve law enforcement relations, image and the processes which underpin the profession. International communication in trade, diplomacy and global warming have been raised as points for positive change and encouraged to be enhanced upon, as a good of all rather than simply the few.
Democracy may not be perfect, but it is an attempt to give everybody the opportunity to have a say in a country’s future. It is important, it is integral to a better working order and it should be adhered to, for the benefit of everybody.
The selection of a president in the USA has far more influence on the world, than just that country. It is a role that requires skill, dedication and a diverse approach to handling many far ranging but equally demanding challenges.
In managing, averting and even striving for new never been achieved goals, the job of a president is one that can have a lot of determination over the success of many futures. Setting the tone can equate to the attitude, aptitude and yes, even the attainment of a wider administration and a governing guidance for the rule of policy and law.
To capture the sense of a pertinent saying, the presidency can mean about as much that is put into it, as that which is then gained from it.
It is with a lot of hope that a new leadership has been elected in the USA. In a similar situation to that of many other countries, tackling the virus is the most pressing problem. The new president elect has stated his intentions are to listen to the science and implement the most appropriate action to reduce the enormous rate of infections and fatalities.
Immediate action seems necessary in a number of areas and the USA have spoken out in large volumes over the urgent attention that needs to be given to improve law enforcement relations, image and the processes which underpin the profession. International communication in trade, diplomacy and global warming have been raised as points for positive change and encouraged to be enhanced upon, as a good of all rather than simply the few.
Democracy may not be perfect, but it is an attempt to give everybody the opportunity to have a say in a country’s future. It is important, it is integral to a better working order and it should be adhered to, for the benefit of everybody.
November 2, 2020
Pandemic Sense.
Globally, internationally and any which way, there has recently got to be a number one question on everybody’s lips. What is the most common sense thing to do, in view of this current, virus pandemic? Actually there are several positive actions, which if taken in advance, can make a significant difference to the severity of infection.
If the daily level of vitamin D is kept at an optimum, fresh air and natural sunlight plus exercise in a safe area, will help to stimulate the immune system. Every day precautions can include wearing a mask in crowded areas or where instructed to do so. The wearing of a mask has been shown not just to be for an individual’s benefit, but to try and lessen the chance of other people contracting the virus. Social distancing and not touching the face before thoroughly washing hands is advisable when considering a common sense approach and this is simply because with such a high rate of infection, the pragmatic and most practical options are usually the means by which individuals define their own social practices and safety measures.
If you are looking for leaders with a common sense system, those that choose the welfare of their citizens over any other issue, it is clear by the volume of infection and fatalities, those who clearly take medical informed advice before policy making.
Many people are rightly concerned over their financial future but staying alive must surly take presidency. That means trying to direct the severity of measure, at the appropriate time, to the most high incidents of virus infection.
I have a certain amount of sympathy for the dilemma some leaders may find themselves in, when their actions seem to create confusion over restriction of lockdown in one area and conflict in an adjoining less enforced locality.
A blanket lockdown over the whole of a united country would leave no ambiguity, yet that would not allow the possibility of returning earlier to a viable economic position and this ultimately has been the crux of an almighty juggling health and safety versus political debate.
The full range of effects of the virus are not known and to assume after surviving an attack you have immunity for any length of time is highly irresponsible. Common sense needs to prevail, if individuals want to look after the health and wellbeing of their loved ones and themselves, even small actions can save lives.
If the daily level of vitamin D is kept at an optimum, fresh air and natural sunlight plus exercise in a safe area, will help to stimulate the immune system. Every day precautions can include wearing a mask in crowded areas or where instructed to do so. The wearing of a mask has been shown not just to be for an individual’s benefit, but to try and lessen the chance of other people contracting the virus. Social distancing and not touching the face before thoroughly washing hands is advisable when considering a common sense approach and this is simply because with such a high rate of infection, the pragmatic and most practical options are usually the means by which individuals define their own social practices and safety measures.
If you are looking for leaders with a common sense system, those that choose the welfare of their citizens over any other issue, it is clear by the volume of infection and fatalities, those who clearly take medical informed advice before policy making.
Many people are rightly concerned over their financial future but staying alive must surly take presidency. That means trying to direct the severity of measure, at the appropriate time, to the most high incidents of virus infection.
I have a certain amount of sympathy for the dilemma some leaders may find themselves in, when their actions seem to create confusion over restriction of lockdown in one area and conflict in an adjoining less enforced locality.
A blanket lockdown over the whole of a united country would leave no ambiguity, yet that would not allow the possibility of returning earlier to a viable economic position and this ultimately has been the crux of an almighty juggling health and safety versus political debate.
The full range of effects of the virus are not known and to assume after surviving an attack you have immunity for any length of time is highly irresponsible. Common sense needs to prevail, if individuals want to look after the health and wellbeing of their loved ones and themselves, even small actions can save lives.
October 26, 2020
Cinema.
Reflecting can often be a means for a greater understanding. This is an especially apt and fitting introduction for my memories of a venue, a place that brings about many recollections and stirs up feelings of a particularly personal childhood.
When thinking about times gone by, when a trip at the weekend was a regular occurrence to the local cinema, I remember the taste of anticipation on my tongue. It was with a fizzing sense of the smell of the popcorn in the air, and my own excitement, which had me standing in a similarly eager queue of children. We were clutching the modest sum necessary to gain entrance to the emporium of pleasurable delights. There was a slight formality of filing in our date of birth, that in time would be rewarded by joining at the appropriate moment, a line waiting for birthday treats that were handed out to us as we stood on the stage of the cinema. To add more excitement into the mix, at the intermission time, the master of ceremonies would hold a mirror up to reflect a spotlight on to the audience and he would then select randomly picked children out to be given small gifts. It was a truly sensational time, because it built up the cinema as a wondrous and ponderous place.
The program inside the cinema had the usual cartoons of a slightly preceding era but they each certainly do have a timeless quality to entertain and amuse, such as Tom and Jerry, Daffy Duck, Donald Duck and the antics of a notorious Speedy Gonzales...to name but a few.
Following up the fun of the cartoons, was a main feature film as well as silent favourites such as Charlie Chaplain, Laurel and Hardy or the Key Stone Cops. There was usually a serial, which may have been Superman. You could always tell if Superman had been shown, simply by travelling home on the bus. You would know if from the appearance of the boys in the street who could be seen, with their top buttons of their raincoats done up and they would be notable as jumping from the tops of brick walls so their raincoats would flare out like Superman's cape. That reminds me of at a later time, when after viewing the Italian Job at the local cinema, something remarkable happened. While waiting in the car park, nearly everybody had been taken over with enthusiasm for the film and were revving their engine of their cars like mad. Of course if you have not seen the film, it involved a very exciting car chase which took place after a daring robbery of gold bullion, all having been carried out in red white and blue Mini cars.
It just goes to show, we are all children at heart. Even though the years may show otherwise, the cinema can be that instigator of taking us back and reverting us to those daring desires, illicit escapades or simply laugh till you cry moments, of pure and unadulterated happiness.
When thinking about times gone by, when a trip at the weekend was a regular occurrence to the local cinema, I remember the taste of anticipation on my tongue. It was with a fizzing sense of the smell of the popcorn in the air, and my own excitement, which had me standing in a similarly eager queue of children. We were clutching the modest sum necessary to gain entrance to the emporium of pleasurable delights. There was a slight formality of filing in our date of birth, that in time would be rewarded by joining at the appropriate moment, a line waiting for birthday treats that were handed out to us as we stood on the stage of the cinema. To add more excitement into the mix, at the intermission time, the master of ceremonies would hold a mirror up to reflect a spotlight on to the audience and he would then select randomly picked children out to be given small gifts. It was a truly sensational time, because it built up the cinema as a wondrous and ponderous place.
The program inside the cinema had the usual cartoons of a slightly preceding era but they each certainly do have a timeless quality to entertain and amuse, such as Tom and Jerry, Daffy Duck, Donald Duck and the antics of a notorious Speedy Gonzales...to name but a few.
Following up the fun of the cartoons, was a main feature film as well as silent favourites such as Charlie Chaplain, Laurel and Hardy or the Key Stone Cops. There was usually a serial, which may have been Superman. You could always tell if Superman had been shown, simply by travelling home on the bus. You would know if from the appearance of the boys in the street who could be seen, with their top buttons of their raincoats done up and they would be notable as jumping from the tops of brick walls so their raincoats would flare out like Superman's cape. That reminds me of at a later time, when after viewing the Italian Job at the local cinema, something remarkable happened. While waiting in the car park, nearly everybody had been taken over with enthusiasm for the film and were revving their engine of their cars like mad. Of course if you have not seen the film, it involved a very exciting car chase which took place after a daring robbery of gold bullion, all having been carried out in red white and blue Mini cars.
It just goes to show, we are all children at heart. Even though the years may show otherwise, the cinema can be that instigator of taking us back and reverting us to those daring desires, illicit escapades or simply laugh till you cry moments, of pure and unadulterated happiness.
October 19, 2020
Raining Cats and Dogs.
Just imagine that on a not particularly exciting and uneventful day, something surprising happens. The sky overhead turns an ominously dark colour, and then you simply can not believe what you next see. It is raining, but actual frogs, real living small amphibians! The raining of these alternative water droplets continues, and in fact, there is a host of tiny creatures all over the place. Bizarre but true, this scenario is not as unbelievable as I may have led you to think because it has happened in history and not once or twice, but on several notable occasions.
Over the years, there have been a variety of interesting and intriguing objects dropping from the sky. These have included objects and wildlife such as fish, worms, pennies and meteorites. However, my own personal encounter with nature on a close first hand experience basis, happened on a glorious warm sunny afternoon. While sitting on the grass, through break time at school I noticed an odd sensation. Something was moving in my hair and in consternation I stretched my hand up to explore but then got the shock of my life. I felt the most excruciating pain as I stared at the barb left by the bee that had unfortunately become trapped in the, profuse at that time, mass of my hair. The insect and culprit of my wound, of course had departed, but in some pain I threw away the stinger left by the bee and searched for assistance.
Some years later, I was reminded of the incident while watching the film killer bees. Like most
good stories they may contain an element of truth. In the 1950s an attempt was made to increase
the honey bees pollination by crossing African and Western honey bees. This took place in Brazil
but like a horror story, several swarms escaped and reappeared in the USA in about 1985. Papers started to report a growing number of incidents of people being attached by a swarm of aggressive bees. There are two main differences between ordinary honey bees and killer honey bees. First is the killer bees’ tenacious pursuit and sustained attack on a prey and second is the sheer vast number in the swarm. If honey bees die after stinging their victim depends on what happens to the stinger. If it is left in the victim, then it is the massive rupture that will result in the bee’s death. However bees that retain their stinger can repeatedly sting with no consequence to themselves. It is only honey bees that have a barbed stinger that becomes trapped in its prey.
Apart from certain examples of humans, nature in general has not got a malevolent bent on attacking for no good reason or even waging a prolonged or intentional war on other species. The world is populated by various life forms that for survival have no other choice than become prey or predator, but that is the name of the game and that is nature.
Over the years, there have been a variety of interesting and intriguing objects dropping from the sky. These have included objects and wildlife such as fish, worms, pennies and meteorites. However, my own personal encounter with nature on a close first hand experience basis, happened on a glorious warm sunny afternoon. While sitting on the grass, through break time at school I noticed an odd sensation. Something was moving in my hair and in consternation I stretched my hand up to explore but then got the shock of my life. I felt the most excruciating pain as I stared at the barb left by the bee that had unfortunately become trapped in the, profuse at that time, mass of my hair. The insect and culprit of my wound, of course had departed, but in some pain I threw away the stinger left by the bee and searched for assistance.
Some years later, I was reminded of the incident while watching the film killer bees. Like most
good stories they may contain an element of truth. In the 1950s an attempt was made to increase
the honey bees pollination by crossing African and Western honey bees. This took place in Brazil
but like a horror story, several swarms escaped and reappeared in the USA in about 1985. Papers started to report a growing number of incidents of people being attached by a swarm of aggressive bees. There are two main differences between ordinary honey bees and killer honey bees. First is the killer bees’ tenacious pursuit and sustained attack on a prey and second is the sheer vast number in the swarm. If honey bees die after stinging their victim depends on what happens to the stinger. If it is left in the victim, then it is the massive rupture that will result in the bee’s death. However bees that retain their stinger can repeatedly sting with no consequence to themselves. It is only honey bees that have a barbed stinger that becomes trapped in its prey.
Apart from certain examples of humans, nature in general has not got a malevolent bent on attacking for no good reason or even waging a prolonged or intentional war on other species. The world is populated by various life forms that for survival have no other choice than become prey or predator, but that is the name of the game and that is nature.
October 12, 2020
My Ten Commandments.
Where does morality come from? Maybe, it is learnt from the structure of the society that you live in, but does that mean there is one list of instructions which covers everything and is unchanging? In my opinion, no. Take The Ten Commandments from the Christian religion, although there is mention of only six, that I would call universal moral principals.
It is possibly far more interesting philosophically, psychologically and practically to note the moral principals that were not included. The first being jealously, as that is the emotion that would cause multiple actions of harm. Many times blind jealous rage has caused one to commit actions, that later one might heavily regret.
Try to tell the truth at all times, is a good principal but could pose a moral dilemma, especially when telling the truth could cause or even contribute to a loss of life.
A prevalent action now and since the dawn of time, and could or should have been included in the famously notable ten, is of course though shall not rape.
Close following that, is slavery. Thy shall not enslave your fellow person. However some form of slavery, has been after much debate and effort, reduced or in some cases stopped. Even so, the historical act of slavery still has its defenders, as they view slavery as a social benefit. In these instances people profit from a potential contract into a form of slavery. If society or even a part of it, accepts a certain action to be moral at one time, should it be kept forever? I think not.
A very important commandment could have been, do not kill people or incite others to do the same. This does not imply the situations whereby unintentionally, through self defence, mean that as a consequence the aggressor dies.
Another common practice that could very well have been stated is do not blackmail or cause harm either mentally or physically, and this would especially include torture.
In fact you should treat your fellow person in the best way possible, as if they were yourself and how you would like to be treated. This of course is taken from the golden rule, that was mentioned by Jesus and Confucius, who lived five hundred years earlier. It is possible that the saying may have originated even earlier.
Having a healthy moral compass is a personal conscious act. It is something worth striving for by reviewing the consequences of every decision. Laws in general are devised with the intention to preserve the structure of that society. That is why some laws may not appear to be very moral when they cause more harm than good.
It is possibly far more interesting philosophically, psychologically and practically to note the moral principals that were not included. The first being jealously, as that is the emotion that would cause multiple actions of harm. Many times blind jealous rage has caused one to commit actions, that later one might heavily regret.
Try to tell the truth at all times, is a good principal but could pose a moral dilemma, especially when telling the truth could cause or even contribute to a loss of life.
A prevalent action now and since the dawn of time, and could or should have been included in the famously notable ten, is of course though shall not rape.
Close following that, is slavery. Thy shall not enslave your fellow person. However some form of slavery, has been after much debate and effort, reduced or in some cases stopped. Even so, the historical act of slavery still has its defenders, as they view slavery as a social benefit. In these instances people profit from a potential contract into a form of slavery. If society or even a part of it, accepts a certain action to be moral at one time, should it be kept forever? I think not.
A very important commandment could have been, do not kill people or incite others to do the same. This does not imply the situations whereby unintentionally, through self defence, mean that as a consequence the aggressor dies.
Another common practice that could very well have been stated is do not blackmail or cause harm either mentally or physically, and this would especially include torture.
In fact you should treat your fellow person in the best way possible, as if they were yourself and how you would like to be treated. This of course is taken from the golden rule, that was mentioned by Jesus and Confucius, who lived five hundred years earlier. It is possible that the saying may have originated even earlier.
Having a healthy moral compass is a personal conscious act. It is something worth striving for by reviewing the consequences of every decision. Laws in general are devised with the intention to preserve the structure of that society. That is why some laws may not appear to be very moral when they cause more harm than good.
October 5, 2020
Poets and Poetry.
What makes life worth living, is a mind boggling question, but a venture into the world of poetry is not a bad place to start.
Pam Ayres always enlivens the day with her down to earth, everyday, look at the lighter side of life. But among the poets that stir me to put pen to paper, are Ronnie Barker with his naughty twist of prose and ballads of do or dare. He had a wide variety of writing talents and is perhaps best known for his TV performances such as Porridge, Open All Hours and The Two Ronnies.
If you have a taste for the really whacky, why not try Spike Milligan’s view of life?
The cautionary tales of Belloc can not help but leave one with a rye smile. Joseph Hilaire Pierre Rene Belloc was born in France, in a village not far from Paris and at a time that was only a few days before the Franco Prussian war. He became a naturalised British subject in 1902 and is considered to be an outstanding humourist writer, one who for me, compares well with Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear.
Poets and poetry can be a most personal subject. Writing as such can be succinct or longer looks at contrasting perspectives but they can make you think twice about everyday objectives and ideals. Even the wording and way that a poem looks on the page or screen can move a reader to emotion or thought. The important thing about poetry, for me, is it leave you with feeling the benefit from reading it.
Pam Ayres always enlivens the day with her down to earth, everyday, look at the lighter side of life. But among the poets that stir me to put pen to paper, are Ronnie Barker with his naughty twist of prose and ballads of do or dare. He had a wide variety of writing talents and is perhaps best known for his TV performances such as Porridge, Open All Hours and The Two Ronnies.
If you have a taste for the really whacky, why not try Spike Milligan’s view of life?
The cautionary tales of Belloc can not help but leave one with a rye smile. Joseph Hilaire Pierre Rene Belloc was born in France, in a village not far from Paris and at a time that was only a few days before the Franco Prussian war. He became a naturalised British subject in 1902 and is considered to be an outstanding humourist writer, one who for me, compares well with Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear.
Poets and poetry can be a most personal subject. Writing as such can be succinct or longer looks at contrasting perspectives but they can make you think twice about everyday objectives and ideals. Even the wording and way that a poem looks on the page or screen can move a reader to emotion or thought. The important thing about poetry, for me, is it leave you with feeling the benefit from reading it.
September 28, 2020
Attainment.
What are the limiting things in life? I would suggest that a primary one is self belief, the lack of confidence in one’s own capability to achieve a particular aim.
When you think about it, self belief is a common basis for some of the neatest and best feats of actual attainment throughout history. Without it, some of our most highly notable legends would probably have never accomplished their prize winning or heroic accomplishments.
The most important thing about this small but significant quality of self belief, is that it can vary greatly according to individual interpretation and translation. Putting philosophy into practice is paramount as each person can do a lot to extend their own capability. Just repeating I can do anything could be one way for some to motivate themselves to attainment, but for me, I have found setting practical small achievable steps in physical and mental activity does the job.
A short time ago if I was asked can you draw, I would have answered emphatically that no I could not. Surprise, surprise though as after only a short attempt at small progressive and instructional steps of copying cartoons, faces, animals and still life, my answer now would be that yes I can draw.
Master artist I might not be but I can set pencil to paper and achieve a fairly decent result. What is more is that other people have even commented positively on the small achievements I have made and while this has boosted my morale, it is the knowledge and acceptance of my own attainment at a skill, which has really helped me to progress.
When you aim high, and with no effort, expect your first drawing to be a Mona Lisa of course it is probably unachievable. The important thing though is not to give up, because with patience and practice you might actually be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Some time ago at school I was set the task of learning a poem that had to be remembered and retold in front of the class. I set to work at finding the shortest poem ever written, in the belief that I did not have a good memory and if it was something easy to do, that would be my only way to success. Now I think that it was an incredible opportunity for me to have written and created my own poem and the size would not have been important, as it would have been the personal content and form that I remembered best.
Believe in yourself, those words are best put into practice. Later in life I am able to write a blog, poems and stories, most importantly all this attainment has derived from taking small achievable steps.
When you think about it, self belief is a common basis for some of the neatest and best feats of actual attainment throughout history. Without it, some of our most highly notable legends would probably have never accomplished their prize winning or heroic accomplishments.
The most important thing about this small but significant quality of self belief, is that it can vary greatly according to individual interpretation and translation. Putting philosophy into practice is paramount as each person can do a lot to extend their own capability. Just repeating I can do anything could be one way for some to motivate themselves to attainment, but for me, I have found setting practical small achievable steps in physical and mental activity does the job.
A short time ago if I was asked can you draw, I would have answered emphatically that no I could not. Surprise, surprise though as after only a short attempt at small progressive and instructional steps of copying cartoons, faces, animals and still life, my answer now would be that yes I can draw.
Master artist I might not be but I can set pencil to paper and achieve a fairly decent result. What is more is that other people have even commented positively on the small achievements I have made and while this has boosted my morale, it is the knowledge and acceptance of my own attainment at a skill, which has really helped me to progress.
When you aim high, and with no effort, expect your first drawing to be a Mona Lisa of course it is probably unachievable. The important thing though is not to give up, because with patience and practice you might actually be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Some time ago at school I was set the task of learning a poem that had to be remembered and retold in front of the class. I set to work at finding the shortest poem ever written, in the belief that I did not have a good memory and if it was something easy to do, that would be my only way to success. Now I think that it was an incredible opportunity for me to have written and created my own poem and the size would not have been important, as it would have been the personal content and form that I remembered best.
Believe in yourself, those words are best put into practice. Later in life I am able to write a blog, poems and stories, most importantly all this attainment has derived from taking small achievable steps.
September 21, 2020
Wildlife Matters.
The future of all life depends on care for the environment. In the news, online and in our individual daily routines, everybody will most probably encounter the real and vital influences of a country’s flora and fauna.
I, myself, remember that from childhood the compare and contrast aspect of the natural world would nearly always piqued my imagination. In one highly charged incident I struggled with an H G Wells moment, when seeing a flowering plant and within the centre of the flower it appeared as if a human face was staring back at me.
Natural life is very linked with that of human life and interwoven between them are undoubtedly the controversial issues of survival, environment and pollution. The humble bee for example, is vital to pollinating plants and for its industrious rewards, humans recklessly spray plants with gallons of pesticides. The results are catastrophic for the future of the bees and in turn this state of play threatens the natural balance of nature.
Natural counterparts are both varied and intriguing. The crocodile, while enjoying the sunshine, lays with jaws agape while the Egyptian plover bird cleans its teeth. This symbiotic relationship is beneficial to both parties as the crocodile has its teeth cleaned and the plover bird gets a hearty meal.
When watching underwater documentaries, you may have seen sharks accompanied by smaller fish that may be actually attached to the shark’s body. Actually the small remora fish, have on its dorsal fin a sucker system that can release or attach securely to shiny surfaces, such as the shark’s skin. In this demonstration of a symbiosis partnership, the swimming animal has the advantage of a fully equipped spa team of remora fish and they benefit from the protection of the larger shark and food.
Without doubt there are biological and physical similarities that point towards a common history in all forms of life. For that history to continue it is imperative that, we as a species, take on the responsibility to protect and preserve the natural habitat so that the symbiosis of diverse life can successfully continue.
Factually there has been at least five major reductions in lifeforms over past years, endangered animals and threats to numerous habitats. If there are yet more childhoods to be allowed the opportunity to marvel and wonder at the fullness of the natural world then let us work together and prevent more damage from taking place.
I, myself, remember that from childhood the compare and contrast aspect of the natural world would nearly always piqued my imagination. In one highly charged incident I struggled with an H G Wells moment, when seeing a flowering plant and within the centre of the flower it appeared as if a human face was staring back at me.
Natural life is very linked with that of human life and interwoven between them are undoubtedly the controversial issues of survival, environment and pollution. The humble bee for example, is vital to pollinating plants and for its industrious rewards, humans recklessly spray plants with gallons of pesticides. The results are catastrophic for the future of the bees and in turn this state of play threatens the natural balance of nature.
Natural counterparts are both varied and intriguing. The crocodile, while enjoying the sunshine, lays with jaws agape while the Egyptian plover bird cleans its teeth. This symbiotic relationship is beneficial to both parties as the crocodile has its teeth cleaned and the plover bird gets a hearty meal.
When watching underwater documentaries, you may have seen sharks accompanied by smaller fish that may be actually attached to the shark’s body. Actually the small remora fish, have on its dorsal fin a sucker system that can release or attach securely to shiny surfaces, such as the shark’s skin. In this demonstration of a symbiosis partnership, the swimming animal has the advantage of a fully equipped spa team of remora fish and they benefit from the protection of the larger shark and food.
Without doubt there are biological and physical similarities that point towards a common history in all forms of life. For that history to continue it is imperative that, we as a species, take on the responsibility to protect and preserve the natural habitat so that the symbiosis of diverse life can successfully continue.
Factually there has been at least five major reductions in lifeforms over past years, endangered animals and threats to numerous habitats. If there are yet more childhoods to be allowed the opportunity to marvel and wonder at the fullness of the natural world then let us work together and prevent more damage from taking place.
September 14, 2020
Authors.
In my former years, one of the greatest delights after school was visiting the local library. The store of mind expanding literature was a never ending source of pleasure. I eagerly scanned the shelves for new copies of my favourite authors. Apart from the classic tombs of Alexander Dumas, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, H G Wells, there were a great number more classic masters awaiting to captivate me.
My insatiable drive for action heroes included the Biggles series about his aviation exploits. In the deepest jungle, against all odds the survival of an orphaned boy brought up by a foster family of apes, meant that for me the Tarzan stories ranged from visiting cities to exploring Mars.
Later in life, although still attending school, I chanced upon a science writer by the name of Isaac Asimov who lifted the curtain on space travel and robots.
A new twist to my experiences with all out action heroes was an encounter with Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian and African adventures, which hooked me, with realistic and unforgettable escapade packed epics.
Blood and broadside mind blowing feats of excellent seamanship were introduced to my mind by C. S. Forester Hornblower's Royal Navy exploits. The hero of the stories, much to my delight, progressed up the ladder of command to become an admiral of the fleet.
Alfred Hitchcock’s film director extraordinaire, collected and presented a collection of stories that had impressed him, and even now as I recollect the scope and ingenuity they still cause me to smile.
Of course in the present day there is so much TV, with an abundance of films, however the printed page has a power of igniting the imagination in a way that is personal and so enjoyable. The well thought out and assembled letters on a page can do this for me, in a way that nothing else can.
My insatiable drive for action heroes included the Biggles series about his aviation exploits. In the deepest jungle, against all odds the survival of an orphaned boy brought up by a foster family of apes, meant that for me the Tarzan stories ranged from visiting cities to exploring Mars.
Later in life, although still attending school, I chanced upon a science writer by the name of Isaac Asimov who lifted the curtain on space travel and robots.
A new twist to my experiences with all out action heroes was an encounter with Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian and African adventures, which hooked me, with realistic and unforgettable escapade packed epics.
Blood and broadside mind blowing feats of excellent seamanship were introduced to my mind by C. S. Forester Hornblower's Royal Navy exploits. The hero of the stories, much to my delight, progressed up the ladder of command to become an admiral of the fleet.
Alfred Hitchcock’s film director extraordinaire, collected and presented a collection of stories that had impressed him, and even now as I recollect the scope and ingenuity they still cause me to smile.
Of course in the present day there is so much TV, with an abundance of films, however the printed page has a power of igniting the imagination in a way that is personal and so enjoyable. The well thought out and assembled letters on a page can do this for me, in a way that nothing else can.
September 7, 2020
Cooperation.
How life forms, is an absolutely amazing concept! It is when viewing the complexity of species and behaviour that one might marvel at both the variety and history of all the many mind boggling processes. When contemplating this notion there is however for me, a recurring paten that occurs, one that is proactive from the first single cell to when human life actually takes place.
What is that pattern? It is cooperation, a sort of working hand in hand of independent life for natural survival. This kind of cooperation process whereby an individual, will ultimately latterly join a larger organism, or in some cases simply become a part of a larger structure of the same type. This fascinating form of natural cooperation, such as when in a study, demonstrated a protist which is a single cell organism with a small mouth and could consequently easily eat single algae. The algae after reproducing two stuck together, found a type of cooperation that made the algae too large to be eaten, and after several successful generations then larger groups of eight algae were formed.
Another important form of cooperation is when a protist swallowed single algae and the algae survived, so when the protist reproduced, it also had algae living inside it. Don’t think Alien but more of a supreme fitness challenge type of game show, as this relationship proves beneficial to the protist and in times of a lack of food, the protist can feed on the waste products of the algae.
It is true that the formation of single cells into multi groups is part of life development. At first single cells leave or join a group, until specialisation takes place in each cell, a transformation that is beneficial to the group. Then the structure becomes a new living organism, that by the method of cooperation is able to survive, but of course by this same means of process the individual cell no longer can leave the subsequently generated group.
When you think about it, the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells are an individual but cooperational organism that has its own genetic information. At one time it was a free bacteria, but now it lives off the nutrients the protist cell produces and in return produces special molecules called APP, that are a source of energy.
Cooperation is the necessary ingredient to forming new life forms and social development. Without it, so much would be less able to cope with the onset of adaption and survival. Working together for the common good has been a well trusted development strategy but the skills and science required to do so, can be quite intriguing.
What is that pattern? It is cooperation, a sort of working hand in hand of independent life for natural survival. This kind of cooperation process whereby an individual, will ultimately latterly join a larger organism, or in some cases simply become a part of a larger structure of the same type. This fascinating form of natural cooperation, such as when in a study, demonstrated a protist which is a single cell organism with a small mouth and could consequently easily eat single algae. The algae after reproducing two stuck together, found a type of cooperation that made the algae too large to be eaten, and after several successful generations then larger groups of eight algae were formed.
Another important form of cooperation is when a protist swallowed single algae and the algae survived, so when the protist reproduced, it also had algae living inside it. Don’t think Alien but more of a supreme fitness challenge type of game show, as this relationship proves beneficial to the protist and in times of a lack of food, the protist can feed on the waste products of the algae.
It is true that the formation of single cells into multi groups is part of life development. At first single cells leave or join a group, until specialisation takes place in each cell, a transformation that is beneficial to the group. Then the structure becomes a new living organism, that by the method of cooperation is able to survive, but of course by this same means of process the individual cell no longer can leave the subsequently generated group.
When you think about it, the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells are an individual but cooperational organism that has its own genetic information. At one time it was a free bacteria, but now it lives off the nutrients the protist cell produces and in return produces special molecules called APP, that are a source of energy.
Cooperation is the necessary ingredient to forming new life forms and social development. Without it, so much would be less able to cope with the onset of adaption and survival. Working together for the common good has been a well trusted development strategy but the skills and science required to do so, can be quite intriguing.
