October 22nd is Half-Earth Day – EO Wilson

The biologist E O Wilson upon seeing the mass extinction taking place on the Earth due to human spoilage and encroachment on habitats, decided to implement Half-Earth > to set aside half of the earth and water in the most biodiverse regions, to ensure the survival, rather than extinction of species. 

It will take all of us, because Climate Catastrophe i.e. Global Warming and the 6th Mass Extinction can be slowed down, if we all stand up and do something to contribute our energy, intention and make the effort to change habits and recognize the part that we play (either contributing to destruction (through continued development and construction) or acting as protectors and being kind and respectful to all other species, rather than being human centric and negligent to all other life on the planet.  

Registration for Half-Earth Day 2021 is Live

https://half-earthday2021.brandlive.com/half-earth/en/home

Give the gift of Half-Earth | E.O. Wilson

The dream of EO Wilson can only be realized through the participation of humans. He strives to protect the most biodiverse places on the earth and seas, to circumvent mass extinction – which is already taking place – by safeguarding the habitats of half of the earth.

See how you can become involved!

Be a guardian of the natural world. Our earth is paradise, if we nurture life and save habitats.

Today April 3rd is Jane Goodall’s 85th Birthday | Roots & Shoots Environmental Action

Jane Goodall traveled from England to Tanzania to work with chimpanzees

Jane Goodall and Louis Leakey in 1970, compliments of the Louis Leakey Foundation.

Louis Leakey and Jane Goodall 1970 leakeyfoundation

Dr. Louis Leakey was an Anthropologist. “Inspired by Dr. Leakey and his ideas, they started a collective to promote a multidisciplinary approach to exploring human origins research. In 1968, they formed The Leakey Foundation to support Louis and Mary Leakey’s fieldwork and the groundbreaking research of young scientists such as Jane Goodall, Don Johanson, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas.”

Jane Goodall worked in the field for decades. Now she has practical tasks that all of us can undertake, to do our best practices locally, to save wildlife habitats.

Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots

Here’s the message she shared, which I’m sharing with you. You can visit her websiteRoots & Shoots to do so.Happy 85th Birthday Dr. Jane!To celebrate and honor Dr. Goodall on her 85th birthday, you can help make Jane’s vision for a better world a reality by joining Generation Jane.As a part of Generation Jane, each of you are agents of change, making sustainable and compassionate decisions in your daily lives, as parts of your local or larger communities, and demanding such action of corporations and governments alike. Together, we can lead a movement to save species, improve lives, and protect the natural world for generations to come.

Roots and Shoots Get Started

 

Looking for ways to take-action and celebrate?:

Share your Dr. Jane birthday excitement with friends on social media! Tag @rootsandshoots and @janegoodallinst in your birthday photos, statuses and celebrations using the hashtag #GenerationJane.

Pledge: To make sustainable decisions in your daily life as well as in your communities, and to demand such action on behalf of corporations and governments alike.

Sign Dr. Jane’s Birthday Card!

Join the Roots & Shoots #EarthMonthChallenge to take action against plastic pollution.
Read Jane’s 85th Birthday Blog to learn more ways to celebrate and take-action!

All Life Has Consciousness | Carl Safina | Are Humans Capable of Letting Other Life Continue?

There is Love on Earth Besides Humans

Carl Safina, PhD in ecology, conservationist and writer

I am very grateful to have discovered Carl Safina’s work and this TED talk just a day previous to posting this. Tears ran down my cheeks as I watched and listened to this scientist’s portrayal of animals, and of humans. Tears continued to stream from my eyes after I listened to his last words. I am so disappointed and basically frustrated with what humans deem as important.

I was about to write a blog about Borders? Why are Human Beings ‘Not Allowed’ to Walk Around on the Earth? However, to me, putting this concept out there of recognizing the importance of all other life forms besides humans, is far more important than the absurd political scenarios that humans impose on one another. What we are doing to the natural world and to other life forms, with our over-population, degradation of the environment, human-induced global warming and inciting a mass extinction, to me, far outweighs any of the absurd things that humans are doing to each other. Carl Safina does not by any means bypass this subject in his talk. He says, what humans do to other empathetic creatures is also what they do to one another.

Animals Carl Safina Empathy Sympathy Compassion

I felt an urgent need to immediately post this to both blogs. I feel very sorry for those humans who do not feel compassion and awe with nature and all of life. I thank my parents that nature and an appreciation for all life forms was revered. I grew up with National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines in the home, and was curated to think way beyond my immediate vicinity.

I recently lauded friends who regularly inform and urge people to think about the protection of animals and wilderness. I mention this in association with a concept that is part of a new mode of thinking, systems thinking, seeing all life forms as interrelated. Human beings should prioritize protecting all other life forms, rather than destroying them and wiping out their habitats without any consideration whatsoever. The various bloody traditions of various cultures that consider it ‘sport’ to kill wolves, whales, bulls is disgraceful. The massive consumption of cows, pigs, chickens and use of land to feed these animals needs to be stopped. Wiping out wild horses and donkeys and other creatures because some believe that by eating particular speciality foods that they somehow will maintain their health or erections, also are dramatically mis-informed. Creatures penned in horrible conditions, blood baths and slaughters because of tradition, must all be reconsidered. People need to be educated. It begins with all of us communicating to one another.

The concept of actually recognizing that we share the same genetics and similar brains and spinal cords with other creatures perhaps will bring about a different sense of empathy.

It is the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh who introduces the concept of inter-being; all life is intricately related.

With a PhD in ecology, conservationist and writer Carl Safina has written several books and papers and has studied various species in their habitat. He was invited by Greenpeace to witness the changing climate in the Arctic and the impacts of industrial fishing on the marine environment.

Human brain exact replica of Chimpanzee brain, merely larger

Dolphin brain larger than human brain, with more convolutions

In his TED talk Safina asks:

“What’s going on inside the brains of animals? Can we know what, or if, they’re thinking and feeling? Carl Safina thinks we can. Using discoveries and anecdotes that span ecology, biology and behavioral science, he weaves together stories of whales, wolves, elephants and albatrosses to argue that just as we think, feel, use tools and express emotions, so too do the other creatures – and minds – that share the Earth with us.”

Animals Carl Safina Albatross nest on most remote islands Full of Plastic

6 month fledgling Albatross Death packed with cigarette lighters

Of the 22 species of albatross recognized by the IUCN, all are listed as at some level of concern; 3 species are Critically Endangered, 5 species are Endangered, 7 species are Near Threatened, and 7 species are Vulnerable.

Welcome Human Life with pics of Animals – Shared Lifes in the World

Since humans tend to adorn the rooms of their new born babies with images of the other creatures with which we share our planet, in which every animal of Noah’s Ark is now in mortal danger, instead of asking the question Do animals love us?, We need to ask, Are human beings capable of letting other life continue?

Carl Safina states, “From all I’ve seen, my main conclusion is that at this point in history, nature and human dignity require each other. Where wild places are destroyed, wild animals lost, and the world degraded and polluted, not only is that itself a great loss for the world, but for people in degraded places it becomes almost impossible to maintain a dignified existence.”

This article in the USA Today describes that global warming continues, with each year breaking record temperatures of the previous.”NOAA’s analysis does not include data from the Arctic, while NASA’s does, NOAA climate scientist Deke Arndt said. The Arctic has been warming faster than any part of the world.”

“This announcement should shock no one,” said Lou Leonard of the World Wildlife Fund. “The key question is what we do about it. With the costs of inaction piling up, Washington, D.C., is largely looking the other way. So it is up to a new class of leaders from American businesses, universities, cities and states to pick up the slack.”

Elephants as in every other species, become who they are

Carol Keiter aka nomadbeatz welcomes donations for her writing, photography, illustrations, eBook & music composition

Young adult educational eBook | A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion

I believe this eBook will build enthusiasm and intrigue for multiple subjects, It is a science reference book, cloaked in a science fantasy adventure; replete with real science and resplendent illustrations; with graphs, charts and links for further investigation.

A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion

Young adult educational eBook for public, private, magnet, charter, cyber, home-schools, autism spectrum, experiential and expeditionary learning.

Here’s the trailer: https://spinonmatter.carbonmade.com/projects/4800092

I just decided to post this letter of introduction which I’m sending to Charter Schools, to each of my blogs, since perhaps someone who’s involved in education, eBook marketing and publishing, with an affiliation with Charter Schools or knows-how in marketing an educational eBook, to provide me with advice or send someone my way!

It’s not finished, but I thought I’d start with the back-end, or front-end, getting it out there.

…I’m looking for the appropriate person/department (academic materials, material acquisition) to market my eBook, which I believe will be of interest to students as an auxiliary learning tool.

A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion

A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion Trailer

This science fantasy adventure involves a spiritual quest (no religious affiliation), full of art and science. The adventure involves the quest of a young woman and the characters she meets in her journey, into an upside-down world. Not really upside down, but a place affected by electromagnetism that has lower gravity levels as one climbs to this place. The people there, where the main character is journeying to, have a correspondingly intrinsic capacity of transparent thought. They are conscious of each others’ thoughts and consequently incapable of telling lies. Yet most of the story takes place as Adora journeys there – as there could be sequels!

Frankly, as of June 1st (almost two weeks since posting this), after editing and moving around information as well as researching and editing bibliography sources, the information below has been updated, and still is no longer current! Nevertheless, you get the gist of the contents! I’ve been working hard within a strict time limit – a really good thing.

HERE IS THE 2020 VERSION OF THE EDITED AND FINAL FIRST PAGE OF THE TOC

2021 Version, TOC, Table of Contents, Carol Keiter, Young Adult educational ebook, A Seahorse Tale, A Spin on the Matter of Motion

The approximately 150 page eBook (Completion end of June, 2017), is designed to be read from beginning to end, or to be read in segments. Almost every page introduces a particular subject; including graphs, charts and links to further investigation of that topic. The online Table of Contents and Bibliography allow the reader to choose from various educational subjects, ranging from biology, climatology, and geography to physics, These scientific topics of inquiry are introduced as they arise in the story; with the inference that these hypothetical events in a fantastical environment, could actually transpire.

Here are a few pages of the bibliography, also subject to change. I’m using google docs in order to also alphabetize the bibliography by subject.

Bibliography created in google docs to feature alphabetical listing by subject.

Bibliography created in google docs to feature alphabetical listing by subject.

Adora & Vitali: A Spin on the Matter of Motion has a plethora of art accompanying the science links, providing the reader with the capability to further investigate a topic. It is a colorful and refreshing learning tool for students and adults. The eBook is a stepping stone of intrigue for subsequent exploration into a multitude of scientific topics.

character name meanings and association with elements

I’m an independent contractor who has been writing two blogs since 2009, I’m particularly interested in environmental sustainability, renewable energy, (DIY) do-it-yourself practices to reduce one’s carbon footprint, reinvesting in the community and especially the topics of wildlife and animal habitat preservation. I participated in a 2 week educational forum about the environment in Paris, during the COP21 Climate Talks in Paris, http://www.placetob.org/en/ As a writer, artist, musician and composer, I have no umbrella organization presently supporting me financially. I welcome any suggestions you may have regarding the eBook world of publishing, as I have yet to approach any publishers. I can provide you with additional sections of the book to view its layout and presentation.

carolkeiter@gmail.com
(720) 243-2953
PayPal: carolkeiter@gmail.com

ebook trailer:
http://carolkeiter.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/final-metamorphosis-of-the-ebook-trailer-for-adora-vitali-a-spin-on-the-matter-of-motion/

http://spinonmatter.carbonmade.com/projects/4800092#1

blogs:
http://carolkeiter.wordpress.com/
https://digesthis.wordpress.com/

podcast:
https://deliciousmedicinalfood.wordpress.com

art portfolio:
http://carolkeiter.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/parcel-of-my-portfolio
https://carolkeiter.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/carols-artwork-discovered-in-sketchbooks-journals/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21261638@N03/albums/72157673189438823
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21261638@N03/albums/72157681167409025

music composition:
https://soundcloud.com/you/collection
http://www.reverbnation.com/nomadbeatz

Carol Keiter Contact card

Carol Keiter aka nomadbeatz welcomes donations for her writing, photography, illustrations, eBook & music composition!

Carol Keiter le_blogger, writer & illustrator, musician & composer

Genomes: Unlocking Life’s Code | Natural History | SI Minerals and Gems

In the summer of 2014 I visited the Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. All of the museums within the Smithsonian complex in D.C. are free by the way. The Genome exhibit is a traveling one. It left San Diego’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Center January 4th and is currently in San Jose, California, moving to various destinations around the country.

Here are a few words as a mini refresher course, to familiarize yourself with the difference between a gene and a genome…well, I can speak for myself. I needed to familiarize myself! 🙂

A gene is the basic unit of heredity with phenotypic effects on the body. A gene is a very small section or subset of a genome. A genome contains genes which are packaged in chromosomes. A chromosome may have thousands of genes. A gene consists of various codons, which sequence nucleotides, coding a protein. Every single codon codes an amino acid.

Many amino acids put together form a protein.

In most living things, the genome is made of a chemical called DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the molecule that encodes the instructions for life. A gene is a piece of DNA which codes the polypeptide chain. Every codon within a gene consists of a base-pair. A base-pair consists of the two opposite nucleotides on the double helix of DNA. The DNA molecule consists of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases–adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T). The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases, with adenine forming a base pair with thymine, and cytosine forming a base pair with guanine.

DNA composed of base-pairs: adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine

A genome contains all of the genetic material for building, running and maintaining an organism – the sum total of all of the genes present within the chromosomes of an individual species – within a single cell.

The genome is divided into chromosomes, chromosomes contain genes and genes are made of DNA.

Here’s a more sophisticated rendering of the structure of the double helix of DNA.

The structure of the DNA double helix

The Human Genome Project Information Archive 1990-2003 is a valuable source of information on the subject.

What continues to fascinate me, is what the exhibit demonstrates from the very start, comparisons of genome sizes among different organisms. It seems logical, that the more sophisticated the organism, the longer the genomes, right? Well, not so.

The Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code exhibit shows this promptly as you enter.

The Genome size of Amoeba is > than that of a grain of Barley which is > than that of a Human Genome

This graph below from the site link below illuminates the same information visually. (Looking at the actual numerical sizes within a graph further down the page of this link is more difficult to comprehend, because the numerical values are so small that they are like reading another language!) How Big are Genomes

Weizmann graph illustrating the various sizes of genomes among different organisms.

It continues to surprise me!

These pictures capture the essence of the exhibit Genomes: Unlocking Life’s Code. This link to the left reveals a great deal of information about the subject.

The Genome size of Amoeba is > than that of a grain Barley, is > than that of a Human

Here’s more information presented by the National Human Genome Research Institute: All About The Human Genome Project (HGP)

You can view archives and depth about the subject Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code project presented through http://www.genome.gov/smithsonian/

I also visited a neighboring exhibit located in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum; the Eberly Minerals and Gems Gallery. Here are a few pictures.

All located within the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C. – free to the public!! Right on!

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

educational eBook Trailer “A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion”

my eBook has a new name,  A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion

Young adult educational eBook for public, private, magnet, charter, cyber, home-schools, autism spectrum, experiential and expeditionary learning.

I suggested that it was the Final metamorphosis of the ‘eBook Trailer’ for “Adora & Vitali: A Spin on the Matter of Motion” – however a new name was born, through the brilliant perception of a mentor who appeared November 15th, 2019

A Seahorse Tale

http://spinonmatter.carbonmade.com/projects/4800092#1

A Seahorse Tale – A Spin on the Matter of Motion Trailer

Thanks to http://carbonmade.com for making it quite simple to build and display, for free!!

Here’s a glimpse at the content, looking at the first page of the (TOC) Table of Contents.