Mundus Novus No.10

No. 10 - AUGUST 2011

It would be difficult to consider that life is only made up of good times.

More realistically, life consists of daily ups and downs. Sometimes these are just passing difficulties but it is common that some worry will take over our whole being causing great stress. This situation can be made worse by physical illness resulting in desperation, anguish and a loss of interest in life.

I remember, as a child, listening to adults talking about their problems and the extent to which they were anxious and how they regretted having a life so full of difficulties. I, on the other hand, saw life with a smile. My only concerns consisted of being able to get out of school early and show off my good grades. I enjoyed every moment and I thanked God for my wonderful family and close friends with whom I could play every day.

As I grew up, I became aware of life’s problems, forgot everyday pleasures and started worrying. We laughed less and began imagining problems. It appeared that the more we took on, the older we got and the more we joined the world of adults.

S UB .

O. U MBR A . FLO RE

It should not be like this and it is for this reason Baden-Powell, in his Scout Law, launched the idea of laughing and singing to overcome problems.

To confront a difficulty with a smile changes everything, our attitude making the difference. This is not a cynical smirk renouncing responsibility nor a song removed from reality. It is a smile indicating the difficulty can be overcome with energy, thought and a belief in confronting the challenge. The singing spurs happiness and helps guide the way forward.

In writing this, I am really reminding myself but if it brings understanding to others who read this, so much the better. I go through a difficult time when I am really worried. However, watching my children who, like me as a child, constantly smile and enjoy life as I used to, has motivated me to write these lines remembering that a smile can light up our way.

We must face our difficulties with a cheerful disposition trusting God and, remembering in the midst of difficulties, that life is wonderful and full of marvelous moments.

Be Prepared to Serve Raul Sanchez Vaca Regional Director World Scout Bureau Interamerican Region

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE According to international law, when there is a humanitarian crisis everyone needs protection and basic needs wherever they live and however they have been affected. Currently, the lack of political will to address the humanitarian crises and the causes that trigger them has resulted in less global assistance.

It is out of these circumstances that certain people work selflessly offering solidarity and cooperation to poor communities or those who have suffered some humanitarian crisis such as a natural disaster or war. This help can be financial or material: donation of basic materials or equipment provided by professionals, civilians, volunteers, agency representatives or movements such as the Scout Movement, The Red Cross, The UN as well as any number of other charitable organizations.

A day has been set to honor those men and women who work to save lives and protect the health of those affected by conflicts and natural disasters. Such situations are often fatal consequences and those who offer help put their lives at risk.

This event is also an opportunity to remember humanitarian actions that cost the lives of people assisting others. There are many who have died while working for the UN, The International Red Cross, The Red Crescent and numerous inter-governmental and governmental organizations.

It is difficult to define humanitarian action. There is no clear consensus among the authors and organizations on the meaning and scope, which has to do with its complexity and the variety of activities, participants and aims. Added to this are the wide ranging and sometimes imprecise nature of the work, the ever increasing number of global emergency situations, and the extent of commitment and the numerous situations which arise at the same time.

With the help of well-defined codes of conduct, we must respond to the all important need for humanitarian help to the displaced, the

wounded, or those in need of water, shelter, comfort and essential medical attention.

This 19th August is World Humanitarian Assistance Day, which was established in 2008. That same day in 2003, the UN office in Iraq suffered a bombing that killed 22 aid-workers and wounded over 100.

In the hope the public will become more aware of the importance of humanitarian aid, the World Health Organization reaffirms its commitment to lead the international and national responses to the health component of emergency situations by focusing on the “Health Action Group”, combining the different capabilities and skills of the many associates.

In this way we will continue to streamline and better coordinate activities among difficult conditions including not only the provision of basic goods and services for subsistence, but also the protection of victims and their human rights, complaints and political pressures.

In an emergency situation, every minute counts and all the resources (including human) should be used wisely, rationally, and safely as possible. This is part of the humanitarian imperative that we all share.

If you have the mind and spirit to be part of this, there are over 4,000 organizations and associations in Latin America and the Caribbean waiting to hear from you !

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WARNING:

• Hypothermia

- Do not warm the person too fast.

- Get the person indoors or to a dry place protected from wind.

- If clothing is wet, remove and cover the person with dry blankets.

Hypothermia is a word derived from the Greek words "hypo", which means “below”, and "thermo", which means “heat”. It is a condition in which the body temperature drops. It slows the bodily functions and can seriously affect them and, in extreme cases, cause death.

Make sure to cover head, hands, and feet.

The normal human body temperature is 37 ° C (98.6 F) and, if it gets too cold or not warm enough, the body temperature drops quickly. A drop of only 2 ° C can interfere with speech and breathing and the affected person Will start to doze off. If the temperature falls further, the body may lose consciousness or even die.

body. If possible, have someone else take the other side.

Hypothermia is presented in 3 levels, the first being mild hypothermia.

With mild hypothermia, the body temperature is between 33 and 35 ° C and symptoms include tremors, mental confusion, and clumsiness. In moderate hypothermia, body temperature is between 30 and 33 ° C and symptoms include those associated with mild hypothermia as well as disorientation, unconsciousness, anda semi-state of memory loss.

The last level, severe hypothermia, is where the body temperature is below 20 ° C with symptoms of loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, low blood, and very weak or almost invisible heartbeat.

- Place the person on a cot or bed next to a warm, but not hot, heater.

- Lay next to the person, under the covers, to transfer heat to his - Give the person a warm, not hot, broth or soup. Do not give alcohol to drink.

- If an infant, wrap in your own clothes against your skin.

How I can prevent hypothermia?

- Wear warm, multi-layered clothing with good protection for the hands and feet (do not use wristbands or tight socks and shoes).

- Wear warm headgear. This is particularly important since significant heat is lost through an unprotected head.

-If possible, change to dry clothes whenever clothing becomes wet.

-Find appropriate shelter to stay warm.

Hypothermia is a serious syndrome with a high mortality rate and is a medical emergency that requires treatment, usually in the Intensive Care Unit.

If a person becomes unconscious, get medical help immediately. If there has been a cardiac arrest (heart attack), have someone call for medical assistance and then give cardiopulmonary resuscitation

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The world as we know it is full of mysterious natural wonders, many of which are unexplained. One of the most spectacular is the Aurora Lights, a display of colored lights capable of lighting up the polar night.

The Aurora Lights are a bright and luminous phenomenon which appears in the night sky usually in the Polar Regions although they have been seen for short periods in other parts of the world. It is for this reason they are known as Polar Auroras (or “aurora Polaris”).

In the northern hemisphere it is known as “Boreal Aurora” and in the southern hemisphere as “Aurora Astral”.

Although appealing, these lights are technically referred to as “minor geomagnetic storms” which can affect satellites and electronic communications. The zones where auroras most frequently occur are known as “rings” or “circles” centered on the magnetic North and South poles.

Using five sonic orbital waves, NASA learnt about these phenomena.

On 17th February 2007, NASA launched Mission THEMIS consisting of these five identical sonar waves which, for the first time, were launched from the same rocket.

THEMIS in English stands for “Time History for Events and Macro scale Interactions during Sub storms”.

The first results of the mission were published in Science Review and showed that they are caused by explosions of magnetic energy in the magnetic stratosphere. This is a distance of about one third of the way to the moon. This area produces particles which enter the

earth’s atmosphere via the magnetic poles which ionize and disperse into different colors.

According to Vassilis Angelopoulos, Director of THEMIS, the origin of these storms is the result of solar winds stretching the Earth’s magnetic fields. When these make contact with the magnetic stratosphere, the storms occur. Angelopoulos explains:-“Our information clearly shows that, for the first time, these magnetic contacts are the cause of magnetic storms.”

What still cannot be explained is why the scientist chose the name of Themis, the mythical goddess of justice, wisdom and good advice (a powerful woman armed with a sword, a scale and eyes closed which adorn the entrances of many Courts of Law) for this mission.

It is no doubt a big advance to be able to explain scientifically this spectacular sight despite the myths and legends going back centuries and the beliefs in different parts of the world that these phenomena are the creation of a supreme being.

Whether science or myth, the thirst to know continues. Whatever the outcome, there is no denying the splendor and dazzling beauty for those who are able to witness the experience.

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THE PLEASURE IN SERVING Gabriela Mistral.

All nature is waiting to serve, the wind, the clouds and the furrow.

Where there is a tree to plant, plant it: where there is a mistake, �ix it: where there is a power, accept it.

I know that he who works breaking stones for road hates it with a passion and the dif�iculties involved.

There is pleasure in being healthy and just but above all service is an immense and beautiful pleasure.

What a sad place the world would if there was nothing more to do with neither rose-bush to plant nor business to run.

And that there remained only the easy things to do. It is great to be able to do the things that others avoid!

But do not fall for the idea that only big things matter.

There are many things which render good service, such as setting a table, arranging books, combing a child’s hair.

He who criticizes,destroys, and you will recognize who they are.

Serving as a chore is for lesser people. Hopefully, God will encourage them to serve. The norm could be recognized “as those who serve”. He is watching us and asking daily, “Have you helped today and to whom? A tree, a friend or your mother?”

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THE UNFORGETABLE SCOUT AND GUIDE FAIR

At the world level, 1968 will always be known historically for the economic, cultural and musical achievements during that year. Mexico hosted the Olympics that year, of which we can proudly say Scouts had outstanding participation.

In 1968, the first Scout-Guide Fair was held between 21st and 28th of August in the National Auditorium.

The fair was open to the public and the inauguration was at 10.30 a.m. In the parade were the Cubs, Scouts, Guides of Mexico and Extension Groups, a group of youth with disabilities. It was also an occasion when the Scouts visited different embassies. The object was to demonstrate the methods and principles of the Scout Movement. During the week, a camp was setup outside the National Auditorium where the Patrols demonstrated various activities including cooking without utensils, rudimentary building, etc. In the same location, the Scouts demonstrated how to create a fire, how to pitch a tent and how to cooperate.

The BSA erected a three meter tower. The public were also shown how erect textile screens known as PH (named after parabola and hyperbola forms used to weave the strings). There was good attendance by Scouts, Guides and the general public. There were 108 trading posts placed in the Auditorium. They provided the opportunity for a number of Scouts to act as managers for the day for the Sears store, the restaurant Sanborn’s and the National Chief Scout. This fair, like others in the Interamerican Region, acted as a model for future Scouts informing them how it is possible to serve.

Victor Correa M.

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THE WINNERS

By Ruben Nunez de Careces for his book “Learning to Live”

Sometimes winners are not always applauded or known. They are not the builders of great works, memorable leaders or first-class travelers. Sometimes, the winners are not great managers, future visionaries or grand entrepreneurs. Therefore, you may not recognize you are in the midst of such thinkers, philosophers and scientists.

Sometimes winners are not great negotiators, leaders of multinational companies or dashing statesman. It is not so much about what he creates but how much he gives of himself.

He can be someone who fights fiercely for justice even though he may not be a great orator or brilliant diplomat. The winner will not be self promoting and will not be seduced by vanity or power. The winner need not necessarily have travelled abroad but will have explored his inner-self.

The winner is never haughty with those he has bettered but takes his comfort in the bosom of his family and close friends.

It is quite probable he will never appear in a newspaper but his unsung achievements will be recorded by God Almighty and, no doubt, he or she is remembered by his or her sons and loved ones.

It is probable that the winner will not have a fancy office or a highly qualified secretary. He is unlikely to be involved in elaborate reports and project evaluation but his life will be centered on his family, spending time with his children and enjoying the beautiful dance of life. He may not be recorded in history but his efforts may well be part of history.

His achievements will be by convincing rather than conquering in a peaceful, understated manner thereby contributing to a happier

world. He who knows he will only live once, masters how to live and will achieve everything in one life.

A winner does not have to have created a large building but knows how to build his home; does not have a cell phone but talks with his children; doesn’t have an email but knows and greets neighbors; has not been to outer space but is able to go to his interior space; without having done great works of architecture but able to build up himself and was, as the poet says, an accomplice of his own destiny.

Sometimes the winner can be a Teresa of Calcutta, a Francis of Assisi or a Nelson Mandela or just a comforting nurse, a simple worker or a forgotten peasant. The important thing is to overcome apathy and dissatisfaction. It is these things which make the difference.

Sometimes the winner can be a carpenter from some distant land, a simple village woman or a poor child born in a manger because there was no room at the inn…

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SOCIAL NETWORKS Internet

Internet social networks have very quickly positioned themselves, in recent years, as a favorite of society becoming one of the major priorities for companies, artists, brands, independent workers, and, even, for the self-employed. To make it easy to understand the basis of this growing phenomenon in principle, below is a basic definition that allows us to know what a social network is, how it functions in the Internet, and a little about its history.

Social networks are forms of social interaction, defined as a dynamic exchange between individuals, groups, and institutions in contexts of complexity; an open system and ongoing construction uniting those identified with the same needs and problems and are organized to leverage their resources.

In social networking, the ability exists to interact with people without even knowing them and builds steadily with the information that each subscriber to the network provides; each new member joining transforms the group into a new one. The network is not the same if one of its members is no longer part of it. Every piece of information added causes a change in the network so, therefore, it is in constant change.

The origins of social networks dates back to 1995 when Randy Conrads created "Classmates", a website that consisted of a social network that offered the possibility that people around the world could reconnect or continue to maintain contact with old friends, classmates from high school or university, people of different occupations, and others amid a fully globalized world.

Keep in mind, that was at the time when the Internet had become a mass-used tool and this was made possible by the advent of Web 2.0, which ultimately is a system that has a clear social orientation.

Over the years, this type of service became one of the most profitable Internet businesses. In 2000, a variety of websites began to appear dedicated to communication in what is called social networks, which at that time were known as Circle of Friends. The biggest explosion of social networking came not too long after when, in 2003, some of the most popular sites came to light and managed to grow exponentially, communities such as MySpace, Friendster, Tribe and Xing, and others.

Social networks have become a social phenomenon. They are revolutionizing the way people communicate and interact. They offer many possibilities that may become valuable in many areas of life. To make the most of its uses, it is necessary to understand their pros and cons.

PROS: a great way of communication and serves as an aid in different areas such as personal (the family with a member abroad who constantly looks at their potos and leave messages) and commerce (maintaining a constant barrage of propaganda and information on promotions and events) CONS: You can get out of control; it is advisable to keep only people that you know as followers or members in the lists of friends; people with bad intentions could use the information entered for unscrupulous acts that threaten our well-being and/or safety.

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SOCIAL NETWORKS Link: This is a list of major active social networking websites.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

Facebook of the 22º Jamboree 2011. http://www.facebook.com/jamboree2011 Boy Scouts of America

Scouts of Panamá Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica Uniao dos Escoteiros do Brasil Scouts of Colombia Scouts of México @scoutsdemexico Scouts of Venezuela @scoutsvenezuela Scouts of Perú @scoutsdelperu Scouts of Republica Dominicana @scoutsdom Scouts of Guatemala @scoutsguatemala

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THE RICHEST MAN ON THE PLANET I am a rich man. I am intend to claim entry in Fortune Magazine as for some reason I have been inexplicably omitted. The result is they publish the list of the richest men and exclude me. The Sultan of Brunei with 37,000 million dollars, also Sam Walton’s inheritors and Takichiro Mori with 14,000 million.

Queen Elizabeth of England with 11,000 million, Stavros Niarkos with 4,000 million and the Mexicans Carlo Slim with 2,000 million and Emilio Azcarraga with 2,600 million. However, I am not mentioned in the Magazine. I am a rich man, immensely rich. Just take a look at me.

For some reason, I remain with life and health. I have a family: an adorable wife who has devoted her life to me and given me the best of everything; wonderful children who have brought me great happiness: grandchildren who make feel a new and joyful father all over again: I have brothers who are friends and friends who are like brothers. I have friends who like me for myself and whom I love in return despite my faults. I have four readers who keep me posted daily for which I am forever grateful since I write so badly. I have a house full of books although my wife would say I have books and amongst them a house.

I own a piece of the world with a garden which provides me every year with apples like those which shortened Adam and Eve’s presence in Paradise. I have a dog that does not sleep until I get home and who receives me as though I own the world and the sky.

I have eyes that see and ears that hear, feet that walk and hands that caress, a brain that thinks about what has occurred to others but never to me.

I share the common inheritance of most: happiness as well as pain for those who suffer. I have faith in a beneficent god who accepts my imperfect love. Do I have greater riches than the rest?

Why then was I not entered in Fortune magazine as one of the richest men on the planet?

And how do you think of yourself, rich or poor?

This world have people so poor that all they have is money!

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SUB REGIONAL MEETING OF THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVLOPMENT NETWORK

The new regional headquarters of the of the Inter-American Region of the World Scout Movement, in the City of Knowledge, Panama, was the location for the Inter-American Sub Regional meeting of the Institutional Development Network.

The meeting began on Friday, July 15th, with the participation of 18 Scout leaders from the Scout Associations of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and The Dominican Republic.

Some of the various topics on institutional development in Scouting addressed by the participants included governance, territorial development, growth, path to excellence, and a strategic plan.

Hector Carrer, from the Regional Office of the World Scout Movement, was responsible for the agenda of the meeting and generated lively discussions by the participants. The meeting resulted in full discussion of all matters on the agenda.

In addition to taking advantage of the use of the new Inter-American Office, the participants visited the Panama Canal locks in Miraflores, followed by a dinner on the Causeway.

The meeting was concluded on Sunday, July 17th, with a lunch. All the participants expressed their concern for a follow-up meeting which was considered important for the success of Scouting within the region.

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FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITE Not all snakes are poisonous but it is difficult to differentiate between them and, for this reason, it is important to consult an expert or a biologist, especially as different types live in different geographical regions.

Snake bites are one of the more frequent and dangerous occurrences which take place in the country, especially in remote areas and in tropical climates. Snake bite poison has specific symptoms when the fluid enters the body and generates series of different reactions.

-Pain, swelling, and bleeding at the location of the bite -breathing difficulties, thirst, and general weakness -blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting -Numbing of the tongue and the body in general It is best to act at once before the poison begins to take effect.

1. Remain calm and call for medical services. Help the victim to remain calm as well. Make sure the snake does not attack again. Be careful not to be bitten yourself. Call for emergency help.

2. Keep the person still. This will slow the movement of the poison and buy time until help arrives. Be sure to keep the injury at a lower level than the heart.

3. Check vital signs including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. If there are signs of shock, such as pallor, lay the person flat with his feet thirty centimetres above the ground.

4. Try and note what type of snake bit the victim. This information will be helpful to the emergency services when they arrive so that they can use the right antidote, thereby completely stopping the damage caused by the poisonous toxins.

DO NOT apply bandages.

DO NOT apply ice as this will make matters worse.

DO NOT allow patient to move or make physical effort as this will help spread the poison.

DO NOT give alcoholic drinks to soothe the pain.

DO NOT give pain killers or other remedies.

NO NOT try to suck out the poison as this will not help.

DO NOT use a knife to try and “cut out” the poison.

Not all snakes are poisonous, 20-30% of snake bites that are poisonous do not inject venom into the wound, and the wound can be treated as a cut. The main problem with snake bites is not the risk of death, but the consequences of applying the wrong first aid treatment and the allergic effects of using anti venom medicines inappropriately. Furthermore, the rapidly growing rural populations in many countries have produced shortages of specific anti-venoms in hospitals. The problem is complicated still by the large number of uninsured.

Precautions and respect for nature are the best protection against this type of accident. We must live in harmony with the flora and fauna in our cities, towns, woods, and forests of our planet and our homes. www.serpientes.anipedia.net www.saludesmas.com primerosaux

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SUB-REGIONAL MEETING ON EDUCATIONAL METHODS

The city of Lima, Peru hosted the second Sub-Regional Meeting on Educational Methods. Representatives from the National Scout Organizations of Sub-Region South 1 of our InterAmerican Region met from June 24 to 26 to conduct, simultaneously, the meetings of Youth Programme and Adults in Scouting Networks.

The Headquarters of the Peruvian Scout Movement served as a venue for the meetings. A total of 19 scouts took part in the Youth Programme meeting and 18 in the Adults in Scouting meeting with representatives from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru.

The meetings began on Friday 24 June after having first enjoyed an excellent Peruvian lunch. That evening, the meeting was officially inaugurated by the President of the Scout Associaton of Peru, Kenneth Mackenzie, and the Chief Scout, Ivan Rivola. After dinner we retired to bed.

Very early the following day, we renewed our meetings and began our program. We began both meetings together with a great and enthusiastic meditation seeking the Lord’s guidance in fulfilling our service to the Scout Movement. Throughout the day, we discussed many topics. Following lunch, there was an excellent discussion along the lines “The scout leader for Youth Programme” with everyone taking part. At the end of the meeting, we met with some Scout Groups to express our gratitude for the centenary parade organized by the Scout Movement of Peru a month earlier. The occasion provided for a show of local Peruvian dancing which was much enjoyed. We then boarded a bus for a night tour in Lima. During the tour we saw many of the sights of the Peruvian capital including the impressive “Water Park”. On returning to Headquarters we ate a delicious Peruvian dinner.

On Sunday, at the meditation we were all invited to “contaminate” others with our joy, respect, understanding, peace etc. There was a lunch later at which we were issued with our certificates of attendance.

It was a week filled with interesting discussions and ideas but, above all, filled with the Scout Spirit.

Thank you Peruvian brother scouts for your hospitality and thank you all for the great experience.

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CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE Did you know that the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation were awarded the Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize? (http://www.gulbenkian.pt) The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is a Portuguese private institution of public utility whose aims are in the fields of arts, charity, science, and education. The Calouste Gulbenkian International Prize distinguishes an individual or institution whose thoughts or actions make a decisive contribution to and have significant impact on understanding, defending, or promoting the universal values of the human condition, with special reference to the following: - respect for difference and inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue; - respect for biodiversity and defense of the environment in man’s relationship with nature.

In 2011, the Prize was awarded to the institutions that contributed to the defense of human rights through respect for inter-cultural, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue. The ceremony was on July 20, 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal and the â‚Ź50,000 prize will be delivered to the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This newsletter was made by the contribution and the efford of: • Luis Bethancourt • Victor Correa M. • Ramón Guerra • Rubén Núñez de Cáceres • Gabriela Mistral

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