LIMITED EDITION VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
W O R L D
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Kaelana Zwesopan Inc. MAY 2015 Volume 1, Issue 1
WORLD MAGZINE “Like the soil, mind is fertilized while it lies fallow, until a new burst of bloom ensues.” -John Dewey
HA HA HA, Listen to these jokes Want to hear a dirty joke? Soil. Why do potatoes make good detectives? Because they keep their eyes peeled.
Inside this issue:
Get the scoop on soil!
1
Featured Poems of the Month
2-3
Organism of the Year!
7
The Arlington Gardens
5
Artwork Inspirations
4
Mites, Mites, Mites!
8
Letter From the Editors
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Special points of interest: • Check out the poems chosen to be featured in this months magazine! • Learn how to compost and how you can save the soil! • Check out what local artists have been working on!
Everyone has these on their face. Tulips. What vegetable can tie your stomach in knots? String Beans. What did the carrot say to the wheat? “ Lettuce rest, I’m feeling beet. What do you call two young married spiders? Newly webs. What gets bigger the more you take away? A hole.
Looking at the real deal: Fungi
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Featured Poems of the Month! A World Filled with Dumbness and Blindness In a future life, Friends are roaming like cattle Cactus guard gardens Thirst is never fully quenched Rivers and streams, No longer made of blue skies Are Replaced with rainbows of musty waste Money doesn't grow on trees they say Ha Everyone is so dumb Who says money doesn't grow on trees? Everything can grow on trees if we want Glassy silk, with intricate designs Not visible to our simple primitive eyes Green cats grow off of branches Birds are secret agents, Talking in a coded language My whole life, I've been blind -Kaylan
Don’t Why must you sit there and mock me? You stand there on your pedestal, so predictable and still. The rocks hold your defense, Brown color remains your weakness. You stay between my fingers itching for me to sit down, I pick, but you brace yourself like a Japanese maple tree on a summer day. Will you ever go away? Above me all I hear are the birds’ melodies, What are they singing? I am busy. Leave me alone. I must get to work. What is that smell? Oh how it reminds me of sweet honey on my lips. I am going, I am going, stop following me. A bee whistles in my ear, I swat it away, Must you be so annoying? I end up right in the middle of your nebulous mind-trick, I told you no. Fine, I will sit down for a little while. You kiss my skin and become so clear. Go away cars, I’m busy. - Alenna
Writing Poems in the Garden Next to Gracie Above me is an arch filled with leaves and thorns, In the distance I see cars rushing down the street. I can smell the leftover rain from days before, the dirt’s sandy rainy smell. I can smell my deodorant trying to imitate the real flowers that surround me, Here I can tell it failed. The needles of the cactus claw and attack my ankles, Spider webs cling to my fingers. To my right Mayan is running away from a bee. A leaf floating in the air, spinning, Suspended by a cobweb, but you wouldn’t be able to tell, I lean back and I am suddenly enclosed in vines. The cool air is still, I feel out of place.
- Susannah
One Wild and Precious life Poems
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Featured Poems of the Month! Immortality Where do people go after death? Heaven? A place between space and time? Their souls may go anywhere, we may never know. But their bodies are immortal. All who die return to their true home, Earth. They are reunited with the souls of loved ones, Of how life was before it wasn't What allows this cycle? Life is the foundation, the present, and the future It is what allows us to not be frozen in time. It allows us to be reborn . Life is the problem and the solution. People say that they can see the features of a person on plants Perhaps it is not only imagination. Perhaps all life doesn't ever truly end. How foolish! What was I thinking. *stupid thoughts* -Kaylan
Dandelion Where I once felt peaceful, I was awakened. People step and ignore my power. They claim I pique their noses, But I contain myself, and let them pass. I withdraw from my home in the tiny village of hopeless children with dreams of growing armor and arrogant adults who threaten our dreams. I stay quiet with them, but when alone, I bestow my cry of freedom to the sky above me. I shall always stay still, until the wind of spring comes along, and I depart with the sudden melodic breeze. I see your world, but don’t ask questions. I fly to meet my companions on the other side, and hopefully, you. -Alenna
Air Sandy skies, cactus succulents, sticky dust it just rained but the air is already gritty my footsteps grind down narrow paths drought tolerant plants lining the sides I want to go home I have a memory where the dirt isn’t sandy and the air isn’t dusty Where you don’t need to plant drought tolerant plants Where grass is watered by rain and crocuses pop up in the spring The air is damp and that is home But here I feel disconnected - Susannah Barbaric Yawp Poems
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Local Artists new artwork!
“The Hebrew writing is a prayer about the tree of life. Soil is the tree to all life and that is the inspiration to this photo.� - Susannah *
Inspired by soil unit. This artwork represents how underneath all our differences we are all somehow connected, the same. The upper part just represents how we all go through change but eventually everything becomes the same again. * ~ Kaylan
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Arlington Gardens: Pasadena, CA In Pasadena, there are over 25 parks and universal places all over the Arroyo Seco and Eaton Canyon. Pasadena also contains great landscape, architecture, and places for people to admire all over this city. But one thing Pasadena has really noticed, is it’s very own public garden. Arlington Gardens is a very unique and open gardening space for everyone to enjoy. There are over 3acres of flowers, trees, mazes, rocks, soils, and most importantly, peace. Once you enter this place, it’s like a whole new part of Pasadena. A place where most people have come to ignore, but it’s beauty is something you can’t quite miss. Arlington Gardens is a great example of water wise planting in Pasadena’s weather. All the plants living in that garden are familiar and accustomed to the way the days work here in Pasadena. Between hot weeks, to cold weeks, then cold days and dry days, all these plants were built for this place. Arlington Gardens is a great education place and open everyday of the week. Its open to anyone and it’s the home to many animals and birds. Its a great getaway from the urban setting, and was a great use of land. In April of 1902, once lived a man named John Durand, who 10 acres or half a block of South Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena's "Millionaire's' Row." The house had more than 17,000 and was decorated with exotic plants, cacti, and native plants to the state. Architects called it the “tropical paradise.” It remained with the Durand family until John died in 1960, the furniture was sold and the house was demolished. In 2003, the city of Pasadena took notice of this vacant lot and a women named Betty McKinney suggested a “Water wise Mederatinan Pasadena garden.” Everybody pondered the idea and began to gather more information on doing so. They assembled sketches, ideas, and meetings. After all the permits were collected, and the mayor said the ok, In July of 2005, the city of Pasadena water & power planted the first trees in Arlington garden. The McKinney have planted 400 trees and a variety of different plants. They have decorated with pebbles, and benches and have helped the community gather together in this garden. Arlington Garden has been featured in many magazines such as LA times, Pasadena Star News, and Arroyo Magazine. Sequoyah School, Pasadena High School Interact Club, Mayfield Senior School, and Westridge School have committed to community service at Arlington Garden. Many scout troops as well. In 2010, a class of Mayfield sophomores dedicated their time to creating a labyrinth. Many people everyday drive by Arlington Gardens, and seldom wonder what’s inside. Take a quick walk or drive to this wonderful forest of beauty, you won’t regret it! * - Alenna
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Mites, Mites, and Mites, oh my! Organism of the year! There are so many organisms living in the soil beneath us. We step on soil, play with it, kick it, stab it, but we don’t seem to notice that the soil is the home to millions of organisms. First, before we begin to discuss why we chose mites as our organism of the year, let’s talk about why soil matters. Why is soil important to life on earth? Soil is the foundation of many things on Earth. It allows us to have roofs over our heads, tall buildings filled with jobs, and other important structures we use in our daily life. But without doubt, one of the most important things soil brings us is agriculture. Without plants there wouldn’t be any oxygen, and needless to say, without oxygen there wouldn’t be animals or humans. The oxygen we breathe is produced by the plants growing in the soil everyday. We need soil to live, for food, air, foundations, inspiration and many more things. Why is soil important to humans? Well, soil is the beginning of everything. It grows vegetation, trees, flowers, microorganisms and many other things. We eat vegetables to keep healthy and the source of meat is also soil, because animals eat grass, hay, etc. This may not be known by the majority of people, but soil also affects weather. It takes in water so eventually precipitation happens, which in the long run would affect weather. Other than food, soil also supplies something very essential to us: oxygen. Without soil, we wouldn’t have plants and trees, and we wouldn’t last very long. That is why we need to start becoming aware of the things that are happening to soil. Now, have you ever wondered what would happen to our world without soil? If you were to gather a handful of soil, there would be millions of microorganisms in your hand. Those organisms help recycle nutrients for the plants, and it continues to help the earth. Microbes require carbon for food, and there is a lack of carbon reproduction in the soil. In other words, we take the soil but we don’t always put it back. The soil has been having a disturbance by over-ploughing, over-grazing, and the misuse of chemical fertilizer. If these practices are not addressed, we will have two big problems: loss of soil productivity and a water crisis. Without soil, the fresh food supply will probably go down, leading us to more processed food and obesity and more diseases. The food prices will probably go up, and a frenzy of worry will happen. Animals, plants and humans would all die out with the lack of food and nutrients. If people become aware of these issues, we can perhaps change the outcome for the better. We chose mites as this year’s organism of the year for many reasons. First of all, people tend to look at mites as a bad thing. They compare them to ticks, when really the soil and you need them just as much as any other organism in the soil. Mites are very important to both humans and plants. A mite is relatively similar to a tick, but is a beneficial factor of breaking down soil in the earth. Some mites are decomposers who break down organic matter, which are used again by the plants. (However, some species of mite feed on animal hosts or plants.) There are two main types of soil mites, Oribatid mites and Mesostigmata mites. Oribatid mites (also known as “beetle” or “moss” mites) are a group of mites that live in the top layer of soil and mainly consume decomposing plant materials. They are 0.2mm- 1.0mm long and have a strong exoskeleton. They are a very important group to the soil because they are decomposers. If soil has a large amount and variety of Oribatida, the soil is considered very healthy.
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Mites, Mites and Mites, oh my! Mesostigmata mainly consists of Gamasid, a group of soil mites who eat collembolans, soft bodied mites, insect larvae and eggs, and fungi. These mites are not decomposers but they eat other organisms in the soil. This affects the ecosystem of the soil in different ways: sometimes gamasids are helpful with controlling growth of organisms, and sometimes if there are too many gamasids, they can consume too many of the other organisms. Gamasids will only live in soil if the conditions are right. There has to be the right amount of organic material, humus, and enough organisms for them to eat. They also need a certain temperature, humidity, and pH. Mites although very small, have a very big impact in the ecosystem, and that is why we have chosen it as the “Organism of the Year,” because people tend to underestimate its influence.
You know you what to know some more: MITES • • • • • • • • • • • •
There are over 48,000 species of mites Mites tunnel through leaves, leaving white, bumpy areas. You need a scientific microscope Some infest in insects The dust mite likes warm areas, such as under your bed Like arachnids, mites have eight legs, and two body sections They can absorb moisture from the air Dust mites are harmless, but they release allergens Most mites don’t live longer than a year The mites have poor eyesight, but can tell from light and dark Mites can communicate with each other through tough and scent They have a very strong exoskeleton to protect them from predators
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Food Deserts A food desert is an urban area where healthy food is hard to get. To be exact, it’s a place where there isn’t a grocery store or a store with fresh produce within a one to two mile radius. This is a problem because around 26.5 million Americans live in a food desert. One person who is trying to change his community is Ron Finley. He saw the problem of food in his neighborhood and decided to change it. Ron Finley decided to plant a food garden in the parking strip in front of his house. He got in trouble with the city for overgrown plants, but he started a petition to keep his garden and he won. He has created a simple solution to a complex problem. People often ask him if he is afraid of people stealing his food and he answers, “That’s the whole point!” Although there is still a lot of difficult work to be done, he has made a big difference with just one garden. Imagine what we could do if everyone planted one too. *
In the survey on the next page, we asked 32 students and 3 adults, in total we asked 35 people. Each chose their honest choice and we recorded the data. The object of this survey was to observe the food choices in a place where healthy food is an option, yet some kids prefer more processed food.
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Who wore it better?
28%
51%
51%
71%
48%
48%
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Get the scoop: how to compost! 1. Gather all grass clippings and green yard waste but be sure to mix with the "brown" materials like leaves and shredded paper to add carbon. You will need both, but if you only add grass clippings your pile will compact and start to stink. 2. Do not compost meats or pet droppings. Stick with food scraps and yard waste only. 3. Avoid all pesticides and/or herbicide treated material. 4. Turn your pile as often as you can. Each time you turn it will speed up the process. 5. Keep your compost damp but not wet. As you add material to your pile make sure that each layer is moist as it is added. 6. Add compost to your garden a few weeks before you plant. Let the compost have a chance to work into the soil. Try to mix it in and let it sit before you plant. 7. Bugs, worms and most bugs are ok. No need to go crazy trying to keep bugs out of your compost.
Why compost? Save Money! •
No need to go and buy chemical induced soil and fertilizer
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No nutrients are washed away by rainfall
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You don’t have to pay so much on your water bill, compost helps retain soil moisture
Save your resources and soil! •
You can keep much need resources away from landfills
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Extend the life of landfills
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Water less, we are in a drought!
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Won’t burn the plants like chemical fertilizers and helps plant growth!
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Helps soil maintain nutrients
Greenhouse effect •
Minimize the impact of chemical fertilizers that runoff into our rivers, lakes and streams
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Organics located in the soil can react to badly to metals and chemicals in landfills and can produce toxins
Do’s and Don'ts Do Compost: - fruit peels, egg shells, coffee grinds, paper, tea bags, greens Don’t Compost: - meat, greasy things, dairy, chemicals, bones, can, plastic bags
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Letter from the editor: Kaylan Soil unit has been an invaluable lesson for me. Honestly, before we started I was thinking, “Oh this is probably going to be like service learning but for longer.” Wow could I have been any more wrong. This unit like the water unit has enlightened me that much more. Thanks to both units I will look at the world in a different perspective. I could spend forever talking about everything we learned because everything was important. But since I have a limited page, I will name a few that was a special highlight for me. Those include going to visit Ron Finley, learning about soil erosion and its causes, and learning about why soil matters. I will never forget the huge steep pool in Ron Finley’s backyard. That was a truly amazing sight. Two highlights of that trip was the staircase saying Plant some s**t! and the corner with the sprout growing out of a boot, the chair and mirrors everywhere. It seemed like it came from a photo shoot for the Hunger Games or something. I have always been ignorant towards dirt and soil, I didn’t realize how essential it was to me. Just like many other things I took advantage of it, it was something that was just always there. To sum up this supposedly brief reflection, I have taken the essence of this unit and it will be glued to me from now on. *
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Letter from the editor: Susannah Over the course of the soil unit I have learned so much and been inspired to make a difference. Some of the main topics we focused on were organisms living in soil, ways of enriching soil ( compost, mulch), and the importance of soil and plants to humans and all living things. During this unit we went to multiple different gardens and learned more about the impact humans have on soil, plants, and wildlife altogether. We learned about the plants on our own campus and how we are hurting them. We learned why certain plants shouldn’t be planted in our area, such as grass and types of trees. We gained a new perspective on our campus by examining the diseases and ailments of trees and plants around school. When our class went to Ron Finley’s garden, we saw the contrast between his parking strip and all the other houses around. Necessities to life such as fresh vegetables and fruit were something we are not used to seeing while growing. It shows how separated and disconnected we are from our food. When I was researching mites with my group, I learned that a group of gamasids (a type of mite) can have a tremendous impact on soil. If a creature so small can have such a big effect, it is so important that we work to maintain natural environments where organisms can thrive and healthy soil can grow life’s essential ingredients. One of my favorite parts of this unit was learning about compost and mulch. Mulch can do a lot of things for plants and soil. It can help store water, keep away unwanted pests and weeds, and add nutrients to the soil. Compost is decomposed organic material. Compost makes healthy soil, and you can make your own compost bin. The highlight of the soil unit for me was learning how to make a worm compost bin. I will definitely make a compost bin once I get worms. *
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Letter from the editor: Alenna Soil, Soil, Soil, We step on it everyday and ignore it everyday. Humans are bullies to one of the much need and greatest necessity to life on earth. Over the period of eight days, I have learned to treasure the ground I walk on, compliments the soil, and make up and help for all the damaged I have caused the soil. Soil is the home to many organisms, and is the source to all life on earth. We depend on soil for the food it grows, and oxygen it produces. Not only have I learned why soil matters over the course of these few days, but I have learned how to help soil grow organically, how to help the earth, how to identify organisms, and many more things. I have talked to so many wonderful people who have brought attention to my eye, and showed me so much inspiration. Not only have I learned about soil, but I have learned about the food deserts around me, and the lack of organic food all over the world. On May 18th, my class and me took a field trip to the garden right across the street from my school. I have never cared to take notice of this vast beauty, and I wish I did sooner. I participated in a walk of the labyrinth, which was a very soothing experience. Everyday people are attracted to there phones or any electronics and it was a very peaceful getaway from the urban city just across the street and the world of social media just at our fingertips. On this field trip, I was able to admire the delicacy of the plants, the elegance of the animals and birds, I was able to listen and explore many things I haven’t seen before. On May 19th, I was adept to experience another growing issue right out of our backdoors. A food desert is a place where there is a lack of affordable and fresh food is hard to get, and the only thing available to obtain is processed food. Also known as, fast food. A man named Ron Finley took notice of these issues around him and decided to plant his own garden for people to look at, eat, learn and admire right outside his house. This garden teaches people how easy it is to grow there own food, it makes people smile as they walk by, it even saves people's lives. I learned it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, you can always make a difference and don’t wait, just do it. And as the days passed, I have learned how to mulch, improve analyzing poems, how seeds taste like ( some seeds are really spicy :) ), how companies use propaganda posters, I have learned that there are many food deserts near by. I have grasped so many new concepts, and I can not wait to spread the word on how to help our earth. Hopefully this magazine has taught you at least one thing, or maybe even more. Our goal in this magazine is to bring awareness to the helpful critters inside our soil right now. And not just the soil, but the plants, and the people making a difference in our world today. Around all of us there are issues growing that need our attention, but we don’t even notice it. When you're done reading this letter, I hope it opens your eyes and inspires you to go out into your community and find something that you can help with. Don’t wait for someone to tell you how to fix something, go do it. *
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Who we are: Dear ReadersThank you so much for reading our magazine! This means a lot, and hopefully you learned some things in these articles. We decided to create a magazine to bring attention to developing issues all around the world. Between water-issues, climate– issues, and soil-issues, we hope you know how to handle these situations in the correct ways to continuing help the soil, instead of destroying the earth even more. The earth has been very good to us, yet we don’t treat it with the respect it deserves. We will continue our magazines, and we hope you continue to read them. If you want to purchase a magazine subscription, then go online to: world.mag.gov and check out all of our other articles. Go out in your community and take action on problems growing around you. Don’t wait for the world, go to it. We also offer motivational– inspirational conferences once a month, where we bring someone in from a community who is making a difference, and have them come speak. They are truly extraordinary, don’t miss out. Come join us, we are all waiting, and we hope to see you outside soon. Yours Truly, THE TEAM