Thursday, December 27, 2012

A Minecraft Adventure

A week ago I began playing a sandbox game called "Minecraft". A game where your nomadic character is free to do what he wants - you can freely build houses, explore dungeons, caves and other terrain. You control the character and you can use his abilities to build structures. The key element in the game is the use of blocks. These blocks are the main ingredient used by the player to build anything ranging from simple houses to towers built with defensive brick walls. 

Anyway, my adventure reached a climax yesterday. (I used the term "a climax" because it's still just one of my adventurous endeavors.) One morning, I left my tower base (it has 5 stories) and ventured off to the east. I went through the eastward tunnel I dug, and after reaching it's mouth (a small shed in the overworld), I went out and closed the door. Behold, a large and unexplored plains! I kept walking to the east, bypassing wandering sheep, trees, ravines, and grass. Then I reached the sea and crossed it. 

Upon crossing the sea, I entered a different biome full of tall trees and grass (and sheep, again). I kept walking forward, leaving behind some traces such as sand pillars and torches seldomly. When nightfall came, I switched to "peaceful mode" in order to continue travelling without having to fend off hordes of monsters. 

(In the real world, I saved my game and took a break. This would later on cause something.)

When morning came, I continued walking and behold - a new sea complete with lily pads. I tried swimming to the other side but I realized how far I've already wandered off. So I swam back to the shore and walked back. However, when nightfall came, I realized that I've went to the wrong direction as the torches I planted the night before were missing. I tried looking around but behold, no traces of light anywhere. (I was still in "peaceful mode".) I walked and walked, and when morning came, climbed a mountain in an attempt to look for my house. (Beside's having a very tall pillar above my house, I also made a very tall pillar of light in an adjacent mountain.) 

Nothing. No sign of my house. So I kept walking and walking until I reached a snow biome. Then it rained. I realized how hopeless my attempts to explore and look for my house. I decided to make a compass (a compass would lead me to my original spawn point). Since I have no materials for such device, I tried to dig downward to mine some redstone. While I was digging, I fell into a deep, underground abandoned mine. I explored this mine and found valuable things like ores of gold and iron, lapiz lazuli, emerald, diamond and, at last,  redstone. Along the way, I also took some fences and built a small crafting table near a ledge. There I built a compass, and used "pillar jumping" method to get out of this very deep abandoned mine. After plating 64 blocks of cobblestone (therefore the mine is 64 blocks deep, more or less), I reached a ledge and, from there, dug my way up. After finding a layer of dirt with water dripping, I dug towards a different direction. After digging the last block of dirt, finally! Sunlight! I finally got out of that mine.

Lava I found in the abandoned mine.
I hurriedly walked towards the direction where my compass was pointing. I bypassed mountains, desert biomes and seas. Then, when nightfall came, I finally reached my original spawn point marked with a chest and three torches. I didn't know that the game gave me a chest when I first spawned. (When I first began playing, I didn't see that chest and immediately wandered off.) 

From my spawn point, I'm no longer a lost nomadic soul. I know where my first (now abandoned) house was. I walked towards it and seeing the tall sand pillar with a torch on top renewed my hope. I finally reached my first house. When morning came, I walked towards my current house in the plains just on the outskirts of the desert biome.

Finally, upon reaching home, I rested.

Aftermath:
The next day, I decided to build a huge arrow in the sand that points to my current house. (Since the compass would only lead me to my original spawn point)







Thursday, December 20, 2012

Too Much of a Good Thing is Bad

Proverbs 30:8 says, "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." (NIV)

[In the Latin Vulgate, is says "vanitatem et verba mendacia longe fac a me mendicitatem et divitias ne dederis mihi tribue tantum victui meo necessaria"]

Source: Ecological Footprints Tim De Chant, Per Square Mile

(This map shows how many "earths" does each specified country
consume  for their personal needs.)
We know how important food is, and how important our necessities are. However, today's era is filled with the business trying to persuade people to use too much resources. To make things short, the economic rulers of the world are promoters of over-consumption of our limited resources. From extravagant houses to enormous unhealthy amount of food, these people use man's utmost weakness "desire" - whose control centre is located in the brain. The victims of these trends are poor familes and mother nature itself. 

Ponder on the following examples:

1. The citizens of the United States of America throw out 200,000 tons of edible food daily - what a waste!

2. Many citizens from developed countries are more likely to use their own cars rather than ride on public transportation.

3. The simplicity of natural surroundings is essentially ignored by many developed and aspiring "developing" countries. Skyscrapers are not determinants to economic success!

4. Everything is disposable - even wives and husbands! (Gladly, there is still no divorce laws in my home country.) 

5. Most products are packaged in a disposable, fancy, shiny, aesthetic-minded plastic packaging. The packaging is non-biodegradable! What a waste1

6. Despite having laws limiting the use of plastic bags, most Philippine products (even books) are wrapped in plastic. How ironic!


Contentment, my brothers and sisters, is the solution to the problem - even if it is against sound business principle.




Saturday, December 8, 2012

An Essay on Public Service (Speech Form)


First of all, it is a great pleasure to be able to speak in front of many influential people. We must always thank Divine Providence for giving us this opportunity to discuss various issues related to our daily lives. Short as it may be, I am here to appeal to you, oh all you powerful leaders of the nations of this world, that public service is a devotion, a religious devotion perhaps, on what we believe is good for the world. Titles and honors are only used to appease one’s burden – that is, the burden of serving the public even if we don’t get good rewards in return. In the Gospel of Mark chapter ten verse forty-five, it says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." If the Son of Man himself, despite being a God, humbled himself to the level of a servant, what more is expected of us, fallible man? We are expected to serve, as simple as that. Life is full of fulfilling our full duties – no escapes. Remember what is written in the Environmental Epistle: The very act of helping others and the environment is what counts. All of those who serve for the benefit of the public – from your industrious waste collector to your honorable presidents and prime ministers – are worthy of being called “heroes” if they are doing what is right. With mercy, justice and righteousness in mind, leaders can be great examples for their people. If they did good deeds in their lifetimes, it is most likely that people will remember their good works and be inspired by them. What issues, perhaps, do public leaders face today?

There are many challenges leaders face. Issues – especially personal ones, can greatly affect the morale of the leader and the people he leads. What if a popular leader who declares that smoking is immoral is himself a smoker? What if a popular leader who declares that pre-marital sex is immoral is, himself, a sexual fornicator? What if your president, an alcoholic, declares that alcoholism is a societal problem and should be forbidden? Will people listen to them? Maybe not. What if your religious leaders emphasize compassion and charity but they themselves do not lift a finger to help the needy? What will happen? Nothing. The people look upon their leaders as noble examples. Hypocrisy on one’s part will effectively ruin one’s actions. I quote 2nd Epistle of Dario: Were you not taught by your leaders to love others as yourselves? (Hindi ba kayo tinuruan ng ating mga lider na mahalin ang iba gaya ng iyóng sarili?) (II Dario 2:12) For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB))

One challenge that the human race is currently facing is the issue of Climate Change. Who will be the catalyst of change? The change from a (overly) resource consuming consumer to an ecologically-aware moderate consumer is a hard task – especially since we were indoctrinated by Western culture to use too much resources. Quoting my own Essay on Resourcefulness: I have witnessed their gross overconsumption of resources. Leftovers discarded, useful machines discarded after being superseded by a more “newer model”, cars are often used too much, among other wasteful activities.  Such acts are common in “First World Countries”, where (apparently) they have this sense of material security. Changing the very basic mindset of the average person (e.g. from a tissue-paper user to a reusable rag user) needs a ton of volunteerism. The people should learn to serve others as well, and not to overly rely on their “public servants”. Who will teach them and set the example? Simple, the public servants – the leaders of the peoples of the world. They will lead.

Alas, public service is a big burden and not everybody reaps good results in their lifetimes. Haters will malign you. Critics will criticize you. Envious people (crabs) will try to pull you down and even malign you alongside your haters. Despite pouring your best efforts, haters will still hate you. The popular meme says, haters gonna hate. We may not be able to please everybody, but let this not be a reason to be disheartened. Use your powers to help mankind and you shall achieve holiness in the eyes of heaven. Good luck to all of us. Once again, thank you.

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Kind of Liberation aspired by José Rizal


The Kind of Liberation aspired by José Rizal
(Shorter Version)

The life and works of Dr. José Rizal is extensively studied all over the world, friends, and yet sometimes we forget what he really wants to impart on our generation. Besides the overwhelming zeal for knowledge, Rizal wants us to be free – from the chains of ignorance surrounding our passive generation. His prophetic writings, though could not be divinely inspired, did occur and we should take advantage of our present situation to fully grasp the goal of our national hero. An extensive collection of his writings is at our disposal and we must use it effectively.

Remember, Rizal did everything he could to educate the masses on science, humanities and even morality. Many people think of Rizal as simply a hero who fought against Spanish rule - nothing else. In many of his writings, Rizal evidently expressed his desire to educate people. He knows that ignorance hinders progress. We are a nation of over 100 Million people - most are young and uneducated. Good education is what we must give them, friends! Only those with the lust and thirst for knowledge will attain true education. Take note that a forced deed does not reap good results. Similarly, one who is forced to study may not even retain what he studied. Remember that Rizal said that “ignorance is slavery”, for he knows that the abusive can virtually control the ignorant people in darkness. “Through education the country receives the light” said Rizal. The blinded populace, with their blind guides, scour through darkness (ignorance). Even in reality Rizal had acted as a schoolteacher in various occasions. For he said, “so education beyond measure gives the country tranquilly…” Each person has the right to learn the truth, for “God gave each person a conscience… to know the just and the unjust.” We have been accustomed to blame the Spanish government for hindering the Filipinos from gaining illustrious education. This is not always the case. Governor-General Weyler would have approved the plan of the young women of Malolos, but the friar curate opposed the plan. This is simply one example. Rizal may be gone but another will rise with the same sharp and truthful tongue.

Rizal praised the unquenchable thirst for education shown by most Filipinos, shown in the valiant struggle of the women of Malolos. On the downside, Rizal indirectly exposed the passiveness of many Filipinos, who would refuse to volunteer for a good deed because of the feeling of diminutiveness. Situations are presented in his first novel and this trait reverberates throughout the writings of Rizal. The Historian Zaide notes that Rizal was slightly disheartened to see his fellow Filipinos in Europe gambling and flirting rather than fighting for the cause of the Filipinos at the mainland. This shows that many people are ignorant of his true responsibilities. We must utilize our talents, for Rizal said “one must not digest using his neighbour’s stomach” We are created to love one another, and up to the end of time, we must do our eternal mission – to serve the Creator. “The individual should give way to the welfare of society”. Hopeless? Do you know what will happen once ignorance (and indolence, its offspring) is annihilated? “Whence all mankind shall become enlightened, when all people become free, when there shall be neither tyrants nor slaves, when justice shall rule and men shall become citizen of the world, the cult of science alone shall remain.” And who says religion distorts science? Energy cannot be created nor destroyed? Yes. Ergo, the spirit of man shall not vanish, but shall move into a different place after death. Nature and its laws show the work of a Supreme Being, and ignorance of such is also foolishness. Rizal himself is aware that many have undertaken to study the laws of nature, but they did not realize the true author of such laws. Information, now easily accessible, is at our disposal. Let not hubris envelop our enlightened souls, but let us use our current position to reach to those people walking in darkness. This is a noble mission, for Rizal said “It is a useless life [if not] consecrated to a great deal.” He also said, “Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere!” This shows that knowledge is not inherent to a particular race.

Thus, Rizal deserves to be honoured as one of the first great Filipino intellectuals. His writings, reflecting his enlightened intelligent mind, are until now useful for our society. He broke the chains of ignorance, and showed that others, with the proper intention, can do likewise. Education, supported by unadulterated religion and science, is the best weapon we can use against ignorance. Enlightened people are now free to express the truth. All we need to do is break the passiveness and apathy of our fellowmen, and lo, progress and order will come. Let us continue the work of Rizal! Learn from his writings, and ultimately, hear the words of his Master!

Ergo, veritas vos liberabit a vinculis ignorantia!  

Chemical Engineers as Catalysts of Change


Chemical Engineering is a branch of Engineering that covers a vast scope of topics under three major fields namely, Physics, Mathematics - the “anchor” of Engineering, and Chemistry. It usually deals with creating, improving and maintaining processes concerning Chemical and Biological reactions. Its practicality is one of the main reasons why it can contribute to a major societal change. What makes Chemical Engineers catalysts of change?

First of all, everybody can commence a societal change. A notable example is Thomas Edison, whose inventions are still being used in our era. He only had three months of formal schooling. In what way could Chemical Engineers be a catalyst of change? The key advantage, compared to other engineering fields, is that Chemical Engineering itself is like a bridge between Science and its applications, Mathematics and Engineering. Remember that Engineering is more focused on the application of science, such us Physics, where its principles are useful in erecting buildings, building machines and manufacturing gadgets. Chemical Engineers do not just study the application of such fields of science but they also study the very principles of Science, particularly in Chemistry. That is why Chemical Engineers should have more contributions for the improvement of the society. They have an edge compared to other fields of Engineering. Let us make an analogy with the Bible, for it says “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48) Chemical Engineers are expected to have more contributions to societal change because they learn much more compared to other Engineering subfields.

What are the changes contributed by Chemical Engineers? In the field of engineering alone, Chemical Engineers have many contributions. For example, in the transportation sector, Mechanical Engineers and other Engineers are the ones behind the construction of the vehicle and the roads. The important part is making the vehicle run, and that is where Chemical Engineers come in. They power the vehicle by proving good-quality fuel, which is the primary concern of transportation. Almost all the things we currently benefit from, from medicines to cars to computers, are nothing without the contribution of Chemical Engineers. Drugs, fertilizers, fuels, plastics, preservatives are some contributions of Chemical Engineers for the betterment of society. It does not stop there though, for as long as there are problems in the society, people want changes. Chemical Engineers are catalysts for these changes; they continue to improve our lives. An example is the never-ending quest for cleaner, renewable energy which Chemical Engineers are involved. Until now, they are involved in starting major improvements in energy, mining, agriculture and medicines.

In summary, Chemical Engineers have innumerable contributions to the betterment of the society. They continue to contribute and develop ways to improve our current society. Those who succeed in become a true Chemical Engineer should not be idle, but instead they must use their learned skills to help improve the society by being a catalyst of change, or in a more positive term, improvement.

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Environmental Philosophies of a True Conservationist

The Environmental Philosophies of a True Conservationist
1 Darwin, a writer and an environmentalist, has written these sayings and proverbs reflecting his own aspirations for the greater good of the society. 2 For the world is filled with literature, prose and poem alike, but rare are writings like these that tackle about a recent global phenomenon, Climate Change. The same phenomenon that is related and is considered the same as Global Warming. 
3 The earth is at its final phase, and the period of consequence is near. Isn’t it the best time to take action now rather than to regret later? Voluntary action is much better than forced action. A real environmentalist is a person who is whole-heartedly committed to preserving the environment, and who does actions in his own will.

Good Deeds praised

4 Man works hard for good things and not for evil things. Yet, evil will still exist and fool many.
5 Leaders should have love and patriotism. They must rule their country with the common good in the minds. They must not use brute force to get what they desire.

6 For those who are in power do not do good things but those who do good things do not have power. (This only applies to abusive leaders and their poor citizens.)
7 This world has sufficient wisdom for itself yet the application and execution of such grand wisdom is what makes the world a better place.
8 Greed opposes progress, it blocks the goodness every man has.

9 Awareness is one thing, but action is the best thing. 10 Strange as it may be, but this Climate Change seems to have created a domino effect which will ultimately affect all aspects of human nature.

11 Survival of the human race also depends on how we take care of our surroundings. This proves again that by helping others, we help ourselves in the process. 12 History does repeat itself; I have proven it and have witnessed it by also learning history. 13 Beware of the climate change sceptics, for they are men blinded by money. 14 An epistle, or two, I have written before. It is written in my native language, read them as your guide. Adhere carefully to the instructions written on thee, for a simple mistake may ruin our plans. [It would be a shame unto us if we fail.]

Prioritize for the Better

15 The universe contains marvellous mysteries, some of which have been theorized already. Yet surprisingly, until now we are not sure on what lies beyond this (?) universe. 16 It is quite a punch to the moon to try to solve these enigmas, for I suggest that man should focus sharply with a high priority on the problems of this earth first. 17 Millions of dollars should be spent on dealing with problems here on earth, most importantly the now-famous “Climate Change” rather than to spend it on space exploration programs. 18 Such vanities are not helping the primary problem of human society, poverty. An epistle attributed to Barnabas once stated “Let us flee from all vanity, let us entirely hate the works of the evil way…”19 There is no evil in the search of knowledge beyond our earth. Natural curiosity is not a sin. 20 Vanities include one’s useless wants and desires including the deadly pride of life. 21 Confidence is the key to success, yet of course, faith and love is also important.

Judgement for All

22 There is no evil deed that will be left unpunished. Yes, such punishment will occur and will be administered either by man or by God. Nobody can escape, best that we do good things while we’re here.23 The balance of the earth is perfect but a small disturbance can create a great catastrophe. Our climate was perfect, equipped with a cycle that ensures its eternal balance. But man made a critical mistake, using his own inventions; he created an imbalance which certainly was unknown during the early days of its [inventions] creation.
24 Two centuries later, man is now at the verge of the “point of no return” wherein his actions today will seal the destiny of his grandchildren. The period of consequence is quite near and is at the doorsteps, do something to delay it and mankind will be proud. This is what environmentalists like me are trying to do. 25 Work hard for the greater good; almost all philosophers have been trying to do the same. Yet, evil still exists as an obstacle on our goals. Endurance is what we need, as how we must endure until the end.
A Radical Solution
26 The world lacks unity, I am not surprised. For man should not despise any man, or judge fellowmen according to their colour. Accept all men, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, race or ethnicity or reputation. Discrimination divides a country and leads into bloodshed, if not, resentment. There is a popular motto, “Unity in diversity”, which states that unity can exist between two radically different individuals. 27 Worldwide problems such as climate change can only be solved successfully if the world is united, under one empire or not. 38 The world has enough scientists, leaders, politicians, workers to create a worldwide solution to this phenomenon. But interstate division is preventing such action, for some people simply do not care about the direness of the situation at hand. Some do care yet feel alone in such actions, some groups are trying to make action but their government prevents them from such. 29 If only some person or event could unite these people in a massive “Green Crusade”. In the High Middle Ages, a religious leader once created a multi-ethnic army of religious fanatics that conquered Jerusalem. Surely, as how history repeats itself, it can be done again but this time for a good cause under a true promise and not under the shroud of false religion. 30 Unity may be achieved yet do we have the necessary actions to reverse the phenomenon? As of now, prevention is still the primary concern. Reforestation should be done en masse, even the rooftops of buildings must be covered with solar cells, genetically improved root crops that can be planted in indoor pots should be made along with other radical measures to improve agricultural yields and exploit all unused spaces as much as possible. 31 Other radical measures exist, but to efficiently execute them requires a lot of will power. 32 Each of us has a role in this quest. Let’s not waste it for such roles may be predestined.
Warning Against Hypocrites
33 Do not let the climate sceptics influence you, though they may be plenty, do not let your guard down. Do not listen to their council nor follow these environmental hypocrites. 34 For I fearlessly expose that they are men blinded by the wealth of the oil companies. 35 Ancient proverb rebukes people from dining or collaborating with evil men for their attitudes may be passed unto the collaborator. 36 As what I’ve said, reverse the process by become the person who passes good eco-traits, not the person whose faith in our green crusade dwindles due to outside pressure. 37 The rich and powerful are the ones behind environmental degradation, what a shame that they waste our shared resources just for their own greed. 38 They live in large glamorous mansions alone, wasting space which should have housed other humans, if not, animals and plants. 39 Such worldly imbalance shows lack of social concern among men. Through their inventions they destroy themselves. Unfortunately, those under the poverty line will also be affected by this phenomenon, even if they had not done anything against nature. It’s a pity that both the industrialist and the conservationist’s children will suffer in the end times.



Chapter 2: A Fable


2

Once there was a cage with two dogs, a Dalmatian and a Bulldog, both dogs did the same thing everyday such as eating and sleeping. Sometimes they goof off and play around. Their owner did not tend to them regularly. The cage was outside, unchained and has holes where feet can protrude. 2 One day, the bulldog attempted to chase a cat at the other side of the road however the other dog did not attempt to engage in such worthless activities. The bulldog initially agreed not to chase the feline but when the cat began teasing the bulldog his rage flared up. (Between the dog and the road was a wide canal, which platforms are used to cross it.)  3 In his fury and want to quickly stop the teasing cat, the raging bulldog ran towards the cat, dragging the cage and his “cagemate (companion)” with him. He fell into the canal, along with his cagemate. In the end, the cagemate was injured even if he was not involved in the chase.
4 The earth is our only habitable place, shared between humanity and nature. Man was given dominance over nature, but abusing it is not good conduct. Likewise, a leader who abuses his power is not in good conduct. Stand in a high place and see the cities of men, full of conflict and ever-increasing need for basic commodities. Such technological achievements (except in the agricultural revolution) did not help man solve his number one basic commodity problem, food.  5 Extravagant offices, palaces, and even mansions waste valuable space. Oh, if only all minor business establishments were compressed and placed in one mall per city, space and useful land will be saved for agriculture and/or residential purposes. 6 I admire the rural areas which are independent of long-distance food transportation for they use a system that saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions through the most efficient method (if it is right to call it a method), prevention. 7 Agrarian reform is an old age problem of humanity, particular in developing countries. It has one common root, greed. If both parties concerned have good conduct, is it not possible that both parties will give than receive?
The Human Tendency
 8 This may sound senseless but a philosopher once said that “man makes himself comfortable at the expense of another [poor] man” (other sources indicate “man makes himself comfortable at the expense of lesser men”). 9 It doesn’t immediately claim that all things which comfort man are to be abolished. 10 Interpretation is the key to unlocking the wisdom involved. 11 For such wisdom is a divine gift, given as a talent and must be kept like precious stones. 12 This generation is quite materialistic and ambivalent; some are kind enough while some are kind to those who are kind to them.
Rebuking this “Better World”
13 This world is morally regressive, always backward and getting more evil. Such a shame, what a shame! We are proud to have more advanced technology, but at what price? Did it prevent crime, poverty and greed? Or did it aggravate our morality problem? 14 With all these situations happening in the moral age, I can’t stop evading the thought that why not live again in a simple, pre-industrial world? But of course, we cannot regress back to that world, for such inventions we can no longer “let go”. 15 Everything was made faster, we have fast food, fast delivery, and (ironically) fast destruction of natural resources, speeding up our life and eventually shortening our life span due to the stress we acquire in this demanding world.



Chapter 3: Closing Remarks


3
 In my life I learned that being humble and resilient leads to victory and exaltation later on. Do not forget to do good things in all possible situations, for it is the only thing we can do. At least we have shown that evil will never prevail among us. 2 Citing Mark Venon’s blog, he once commented about the possible solutions on climate change, saying I know that there is technology to remove carbon, save energy and so on. But the political and social problem is massive. I suspect that going for a global solution is to aim too high and will take too long. Piecemeal deals in regions and local initiatives are more likely to bring about the changes necessary - if they spread, of course. Which also means that there must be a social imperative to change behaviour, something that people are already resisting as 'nanny-stateism' on the parts of governments, and that businesses are already avoiding by locating their carbon intensive activities to parts of the world less likely to take climate change seriously.” 3 We can, however, start at small-scale changes, such as reducing dependency on fossil fuels and its by-products (including plastic). 4 Charity begins at home, and so does anti-climate change principles. 5 Remember to respect all men, learn from their knowledge. Be a good role model in order to win their hearts to this cause. 6 Remember that scripture says: “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. “– Psalms 37:8 7 Morality begins at ourselves for we must not wait for someone to humiliate us for an immoral action that we may execute.
8 The Biblical Prophesies in the New Testament are true and some are happening to the world right now. In interpreting these prophesies, I leave that problem to you. Repeating them would be waste of time and may provoke the thought that I am replacing them, which I am not doing. 9 Go on and spread the truth about this phenomenon, and pray that their hearts may open.
Futility in Writing Over and Over
10 It is futile for me to write epistles again and again if nobody will wholeheartedly accept it. Not only that, I also won’t repeat what I’ve said earlier in my past writings unless necessary. 11 Finally, abstain from vices, not only are they a waste of time and resources but sin (pleasure) is like a venus flytrap (one that attracts flies and devours the victims).12 Now is the fulfilment of St. Paul’s prophesy, and the perilous end times has begun.  13 Be resilient, for I can say that humanity is at risk at the hands of his own inventions. 14His prophesy cannot be stopped but we should be able to alleviate some of its effects. 15 Let’s work hard for the preservation of our environment, for this is the basic law in conservation. 16 I wish you well in all your endeavours. May you be blessed and guided. (secular greeting) 17 Greetings to all who have read this work and accept my gratitude for reading this. (Originally written on the sixth of February 2011.)