To the Bat Tower

Have you taken time out of your day to think about how to cure HIV, or feed the world? Many of us never give those subjects thought, because we simply feel that they are far beyond our area of influence. We take the passive position by only supporting verbally, but hardly ever do we contribute our ideas on how to solve the issue. Dr. Campbell did not agree with this popular train of thought, so he decided to make a difference. He found a problem (malaria carrying Anopheles mosquitoes), thought of a solution (mosquito eating free-tailed bats), and acted on his idea (by building bat towers).

In 1902, Dr. Charles Campbell launched his first prototype, the bat box. He constructed boxes of various sizes that he thought would be appropriate for bats to make a temporary home in. He covered the inside of these boxes with cheese cloths that were saturated with bat guano. Then he went out and placed these boxes out in various locations such as under bridges, in old warehouses, and even some barns. Due to the small size of the constructs, and there proximity to the ground (on the ground); they were not ideal for Dr. Campbell’s freaky, fury, flying friends. It was a good thing that Campbell was a determined man who would not back down from a challenge, and would learn from his mistakes. He immediately started to work on a new design, the bat tower.

The original design for the bat tower would remain pretty much the same throughout Dr. Charles Campbell’s experimental stage. In 1909, Campbell would eventually spend five hundred dollars of his own money to build the first prototype of the bat tower on the United States Experiment Farm near San Antonio, Texas. In its entirety the tower stood thirty feet. Campbell designed a stilt system that would raise the box ten feet off the ground, and give room for a hopper system that was invented for the sole purpose of harvesting the guano. The guano was later sold as fertilizer. The towers central core spanned a height of twenty feet with a base width of twelve feet, and a point width of six feet. This entire construct was covered from within by slanted shelves that served the purpose of guiding the bat guano to the hopper. The tower seemed to be designed well, but Campbell decided to make some improvements. In 1910 there was still no sign of bats coming to nest in the tower, all that seemed to take interest in the tall oddity were exotic house sparrows. So that same year Campbell tore down his bat tower and sold it for parts, but this hard headed doc was not conquered so easily by failure. After this last incident, Dr. Charles Campbell decided to quite his practice, and leave the medical field behind for his new found love, malaria curing bats. The good doctor would never go back on his decision. He recommenced his research on natural bat habitats in order to find out what were the potential problems with his towers. After searching and comparing the caves around the area, he started to see the essential differences between the ones that were inhabited by bats and the ones that were not. Now he had what he needed and he gathered himself for one more run, which would eventually lead to “gold”.

In 1911, Campbell had become aware that the major flaw in his design was location. He needed a place that would be suitable for the bats to feed in. The bats not only needed a good home, but an adequate surrounding as well. So after some searching he came across Mitchell Lake, which was the perfect place for his next bat tower. That April, Campbell erected the first successful bat tower by Mitchell lake. Within three months the tower had already attracted many free-tailed bats. As their numbers grew the count became impossible to keep up with. At one point, they were estimated to range in the hundreds of thousands. The guano collected from all these bats weighed in at four thousand five hundred pounds. Royalty checks for the sale of the guano were still being collected by Campbell’s heirs for some time after his death in 1931. The freaky, flying flock of fury, little mammals were a spectacle of wonder, and a “must see” for the surrounding community. Space had to be made for all of the spectators. They would come watch the bats fly from their tower and into the night, off to the hunt.

Campbell’s idea spread throughout the world, and this humble doctor’s name became well known among certain circles. Hundreds of these towers were built around the United States and the world, but only three remain. One is located on the land of a former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Albert Steves’ who has passed on, but his descendents still keep the tower functional. The other is located on private property as well, but it has been neglected, and most likely will not last much longer as it presently stands, in Orange Texas. Lastly, the final tower (and the only one open to the public) stands in Sugarloaf Key, Florida, which was built to for R.C. Perky back in 1929.

Even though what Dr. Campbell did was very noble the question still remains, “Did it work”? Some bat experts do not think so because of the fact that only two percent of the Mexican free-tailed bat’s diet is made up of mosquitoes, but Dr. Campbell never did stated that his methods were to be the sole recipients of credit for the eradication of malaria. They were simply contributors, which were also a form of income. Also this was a form of biological pest control, which is an environmentally friendly way to counter act the effects of overpopulation of a disease infested pest. Even if it can be argued that they were not completely responsible for the triumphant end to this historical account; it is very important to remember that it was the initiative taken by this man to make a difference that is to be remembered. Plus, it is a known fact that bats are very optimistic eaters, and that if given the chance who is to say that they wouldn’t devour a whole horde of mosquitoes. -1060 words

Murphy, Mari, “A Campbell Bat Tower Restoration Project in Texas”, 1989

http://www.batcon.org/batsmag/v7n2-6.html

© Bat Conservation International, Inc., 1997. Absolutely no rights of distribution by sale or other transfer of ownership or by rental, lease or lending, preparation of derivitive works, or reproduction, in whole or in part, is granted. No text, graphics or photos may be downloaded and used on another Internet site, without express permission of BCI. For information on obtaining photo useage and rights, please contact our Visual Resources Dept. BCI reserves the rights to actively protect against infringement.

Kiser, Mark, “Dr. Charles Campbell: Bat Tower Pioneer”, 2002

http://www.batcon.org/bhresearcher/bv10n1-04.html

Bat Conservation International, Inc., 2002. Absolutely no rights of distribution by sale or other transfer of ownership or by rental, lease or lending, preparation of derivitive works, or reproduction, in whole or in part, is granted. No text, graphics or photos may be downloaded and used on another Internet site, without express permission of BCI. For information on obtaining photo useage and rights, please see our contact page. BCI reserves the rights to actively protect against infringement.

SCIENCE HOTSPOTS, “Batman” http://www.scienceyear.com/sciteach/hotspots/pdf/hotspots_texas_bats.pdf

Conjunto

Conjunto music is a fusion both historically and musically. Its musical roots are found in European styles as well as Mexican styles, and the history of the people who listen to it is spread across the border between the United States and Mexico. They are both American and Mexican, and so is their music. These people are called Tejanos, and their music is called conjunto. They were both born in the land of Texas. They are part of the cultural makeup of the state and its colorful history.

This music is different from other genres in terms of its listening base, because those who listen to it are Americans who speak Spanish. They were originally farm workers and immigrants, but now they are working class and above. Conjunto has evolved to meet the standard of the modern age, but there still is a stem of Conjunto that stays true to its roots. This is the very characteristic that has helped preserve Conjunto, and the accordion is the heart and sole of this music. Conjunto has risen in status throughout its existence do to its adaptability, but it has remained alive, thanks to its originality. I was very surprised to learn that Conjunto is native to Texas. I had always been under the impression that it was from Mexico.

The consistent fan base is very important to any music industry. The loyal followers of Conjunto are to be credited more then any other contributor. They have remained faithful for all of these years, and continue to love the art in its original form. Even though it has had its triumphs and defeats, Conjunto will always live on in the heart of its people. -284 words

3D Walks & Crosses

I chose sculptures because of the tangibility that they possess. They are false representation in a factual world. These works of art are three-dimensional like our world, but non-living unlike us. A sculpture is a form in which dimension can take life, no longer bound by the frame and canvass. I chose sculptures simply because they are more emotionally accessible.

The first sculpture I would like to examine is of a series of metal squares which are suspended by small beams that link them one to another. They rise above the water of a pond and rotate in a free range of motion. Every which way they turn the light dances off of their metallic faces. Their lack of coherency was both chaotic and relaxing. The artist utilized the color factor greatly to enhance the sculptures life. The silver tint was just the right shade. It was not to mirror-like, and neither was it to dull.

Line was even evident in the artist conceptive mind when he created such an exquisite piece. The squares have all been pressed over with a metallic brush which has given them a beautiful swirl effect. It also served the purpose of dulling the mirror-like surface. This particular piece also had a definite shape. Obviously it was a square which seemed to give it the appearance of stepping stones suspended in the air. I was very intrigued by this as well as a little tempted to run on them to get across the pond.

The metal squares also required an immense balance system. Each individual square had to weigh the exact same amount. Balance was much needed, thus bringing Symmetry. This aspect of symmetry did help to give a chaotic piece of art a very orderly existence. Lastly rhythm was king. Rhythm was literally at work, giving the piece life. It was like a spring shower’s song lightly dancing along.

My second sculpture is a cross which has more than four directions. This multifaceted piece of art is breath taking to gaze upon. The sheer gargantuan size of this monolith is dumbfounding. Standing about fifteen feet tall, it is utterly incapable of being ignored. The substance of which the cross is constructed is most definitely metal, just as were the squares. Immoveable it stands as a beacon in the sea of grass that surrounds it.

Black was the color that the artist chose for his work. It is an excellent color for adsorbing light. This choice in color made it draw on the light and life around it, causing all the attention to be gravitated as well. Shape was still very evident in this piece as well, due to the fact that this was assembled from blocks. Strangely enough, this makes me come to the conclusion that this must have been assembled by a giant child playing with his Lego set. Because of the titanic weight of the piece and the fact that it was being balanced on one block; the piece required precise balance. Symmetry once again followed suit and fell into line. This served to give the piece a more commanding and respectable presence. Finally, rhythm played a part, and gave its low blown bass note to grant the three-dimensional black block cross its existence.

Overall, both pieces were exquisite and marvelous. Each one presented its own questions to ponder. Both triggered memories and associated themselves with other objects. All that is required of art is to make you think, and these sculptures did just that!

Mr. Fat Head

The stone head featured in this picture is of Mayan design. It is located in a park across from La Vita and nearly under the Hemisphere Tower. These locations are all in downtown San Antonio, where art is always on display.

Color is a very defining feature in art, and is often used to give special effect. The colors used on the Mayan head are those of the natural stone. These colors serve to give it the look of ancients. To the naked eye it looks as if it has been sitting there for hundreds of years.

Shape or form of an object may contribute to the purpose or feeling of the piece of art. In the case of the Mayan head, form is most definitely utilized to give it some purpose. The obvious form is a man’s head and the purpose is to commemorate. These huge heads were once carved and erected to commemorate important and notable Mayan people.

Balance is painfully evident in this piece of art because if it were not the head would simply topple over. This sculpture has a wide top, thus requiring a wide bottom to securely support the load. Mayan head is a very steady piece that has been created wide from the top to the bottom and everything in between. He is built from a rock, like a rock.

There are some pieces that are purposefully created without symmetry and they are titled asymmetrical, but “Mr. Fat Head” is not so. He is imperfectly symmetrical. All that was carried out to one side of the face has been carefully correlated on the other. It is not atomically accurate, but it will do. He is certainly more symmetrical than most of us.

-292 words

The Blue Oh

The article Rip Van River coupled with my visit to The Blue Hole, have served to give me a new perspective on the San Antonio River’s place of origin. Located on the campus of the University of Incarnate Word, this beautiful natural flowing spring has given its life blood to the communities of San Antonio for centuries. The Blue Hole is both powerful and majestic. San Antonio is truly blessed to receive its services.

Back in the nineteenth century The Blue Hole was praised by men like Sidney Lanier and Alex E. Sweet for being a well-spring of life whose waters were constantly being born anew. Sadly, as time went on (around the 1950s) the head waters would go into a deep sleep that would devastate the agricultural community in the area. Over time the inhabitants of the land came to the realization that the headwaters often napped. They would come and go with the change in the aquifers water level. This characteristic of the spring gave it the name “Sleeping Beauty” and “Rip Van River.”

As time went on The Blue Hole grew in renown and the land around it began to change owners. One of these “savvy” owners was a man by the name of George Washington Brackenridge. He had fallen in love with the enchanting cradle of life, and also desired to exploit it for its precious natural resource. Brackenridge quickly founded the San Antonio Water Works and began to cash in on his new treasure trove. Almost instinctively The Blue Hole began to shut its mouth and the water ceased to flow out. Then Bracken, sensing defeat reluctantly, sold the land to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. This was the first step taken down the road of that would lead to the eventual construction of the University of the Incarnate Word.

Near the closing of 1991 “Sleeping Beauty” awoke out of her slumber as if she was kissed by her prince, and by 1992 was running though the fields. In June the Edwards Aquifer surged to an all time high of 703 feet above sea level. The San Antonio River overstepped its boundaries throughout its course, but it was still a welcomed change. Since then it has been up and down, but we have all grown to love its peculiar little quirks.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to visit The Blue Hole in person. I was blown away by its natural beauty. Never have I had the opportunity to visit the birth place of my SA River which I love so much. My adventure started when I arrived on campus looking for the fable “Blue Hole”. I promptly asked one of the students to direct me to the Blue Hole, but sadly he new nothing of it. Instead of being discouraged I searched out the visitor’s center and acquired the directions I needed. As I was following the direction I encountered some more challenges in finding its exact location, and almost as if an answer to prayer I was approached by an elderly nun. She quickly directed me to the site and even came by later to give me additional information on The Blue Hole. I was both captivated and spellbound by its beauty and chant. I will most definitely be returning.
554-words

Push-Over Plans

The presentation by Elisabeth Earnley of the AGUA association was very enlightening and informative. The information was pertaining to the process which SAWS uses to pass ordinances. It continued with the fact that many unhealthy plans are accepted on the bases of grandfathering. Lastly, the city government has also made itself inaccessible to most of the public.
As the information was presented to us, it became more and more apparent that SAWS was not willing to put in the necessary hours to carefully oversee the plans that were being purposed to them. Numerous plans are submitted to this board daily and few get the attention deserved. Many unrefined plans are set into motion with little opposition from the SAWS board.
Another advantage that these inadequate plans have in their favor is the grandfathering rule. This rule exempts the user from ever having to abide by any ordinances passed after the purposed grandfathering. The loop whole is even more potent when you take into account the fact that San Antonio had hardly any environmental ordinances in place prior to the 1950s. This has spelled disaster many times over.
City Government has changed its meeting time from the evening to the morning. This executive decision has made it virtually impossible for those with jobs to attend. Many of the people of San Antonio are working from the hours of 8am to 4pm and are not able to be present at the morning meetings. These obstacles have muffled out the voice of the people and have left all of the decision making to the higher echelons of society. Where is the justice in that?

Dennis Weaver

Professor Ornelas

Humanities 1301

17 October 2007

Good Hood

In this writing assignment I have been asked to give a general description of where I live. I will explore various topics that serve in providing you with an adequate mental picture of where I call home. The ones I have chosen are: what the general location is in the city, what the socio-economic status is, what the major features are, what the weaknesses and strengths might be, where I work and study in relation to where I live, where I spend my recreational time, and lastly what kind of association do I claim with my neighborhood.

My “HOOD” is on the south side of San Antonio. San Antonio is on the south side of Texas, which is on the south side of the United States. I am a true “south sider”. Its bordering streets are Pleasanton road (to its west), East Ansley (to its north), and East Ashley (to its south). As for its east border, there is no distinct street. All that exist east of my neighborhood is a heavily wooded area. The name of my hood is not relevant simply because it has no name. It is a collection of about three streets which are alienated from there peers. Due to this setting, neighbors seem to only associate with those on there street and don’t tend to wonder very far. Overall the general location of my hood is within highway 410. We are only about a quarter of a mile from this main highway.

The socio-economic status of my hood is working class. Our homes are quite modest, but very well maintained. The houses are all about thirty to forty years of age and are in good condition. Since many of the people who live there are “working class citizens”, they seem to be more prone to working with their own two hands. It is not uncommon to see someone outside working on renovating their home or improving their lawn. Those who live in this neighborhood are often middle aged people, but recently there has been a sudden surge in younger newly wed couples moving in. The elderly couples who once lived there are either moving out to a better side of town, or passing on to the next life. Even now there still are some retired couples who still reside in the neighborhood, and they are mostly well educated individuals. They are unlike their younger replacements that seem to be lacking in that area. As for the racial make-up of the group, it is largely Hispanic.

There are not many distinctive establishments in my neighborhood, but we have a few important ones. Goodwill has a large establishment to the north of my hood. It is a full service station that functions as a store, donation zone, and refurbishing site. To the west developers are building a bank, which hopefully will not bring in to much development. The choice of location is quite strange, but I assume that they are trying to expand the city southward. South of my neighborhood there is a thirty foot storm drain, which has only overflowed once. That was truly a frightening day during the flood of nineteen-ninety-eight. Thankfully, the water never did reach past our back fence line. East of my neighborhood there is a densely vegetated field which separates us from the other neighborhoods. It has only been cut and cleared about four times in the past sixteen years.

All neighborhoods have weaknesses and strengths, and mine is no exception. We are about four and a half away from the nearest quality grocery store (H-E-B), and only a mile away from Handy-Andy. South Park Mall is about ten miles away and the Mayan Palace Movie Theater is only eight miles. We are a mile from McCollum High School, Kingsborough Middle School, and Carroll Bell Elementary School. My barber shop, Anna Maria’s Salon is two miles from my home. Even with all these institutions close by, we are just far enough out of the way that we do not have any trouble. There are no problems with gangs in my neighborhood, and most people are very respectful. These are all strengths of my hood, but there are a few weaknesses. We do have some moderately sharp bends in our roads. This factor ties into the next problem which is speeding drivers. They like to race through our streets late at night and have impacted with cars parked on the side of the road. Most importantly it is a wonderful place to live.

I live about four miles from Palo Alto College where I am presently enrolled. It only takes me about seven minutes to drive from my home to school. I also work on campus so I do not have to worry about spending money on additional gas. Most of my recreational time is spent downtown which is seven miles away, and my church which is located about twelve miles from my home. I am hardly home, but when I finally have time to slow down, I enjoy the peace and quiet. I have lived there all my life, and will not be moving out until I transfer to the University of Texas in Austin. I hope my parents never sell the house, but if they do I will most likely buy it from them. Over time I have come to appreciate the safe environment in which I live. Home will always be where my heart is, but I think we should always hold on to a rare find.