C18. 82-year-old billionaire build free homes for his fellow villagers
In community news, an 82-year-old Chinese philanthropist provides free homes for his fellow villagers. Mr. Zi Guilin, an entrepreneur from Shenmu County, Shaanxi Province, financed the construction of new apartment buildings, with units for all of the residents in his hometown. The villagers must change the location of their living quarters due to measures being taken to halt soil erosion and water loss in this desert area. Mr. Guilin, who previously had a 40-year career as a teacher, has made numerous charitable contributions to help the disadvantaged. Our sincere gratitude, Mr. Zi Guilin, for your care and generosity. May many citizens’ lives be improved by your kindness.
Egypt:Rooftops Empower the Poor
In green news, Egyptian neighborhoods use clean and affordable energy. Certain apartment blocks in Cairo have solar panels and bio-gas units on the roof, which generate hot water and cooking gas for the residents. This reduces the amount the apartment dwellers spend monthly on energy costs. These environmentally-friendly improvements are a result of a project by Solar C.³I.T.I.E.S. (Connecting Community Catalysts and Integrating Technologies for Industrial Ecology Systems), organized by American urban planner Mr. Thomas Culhane. Kudos, Egyptian families working towards sustainable alternatives, Mr. Thomas Culhane, and Solar C.³I.T.I.E.S. May more such eco-endeavors, together with the planet-saving plant-based diet, lead us to a brilliant future for all.
An Ethiopian vegan shares his story
In veg news, an Ethiopian humanitarian discusses his reasons for transitioning to the plant-based diet. Dr. Anteneh Roba, co-founder of the non-profit International Fund for Africa, explained that over 10 years ago he adopted a little dog, Nikita. From his sweet canine friend, Dr. Roba learned so much about unconditional love, humility, and the responsibility of taking care of another life. Soon, Dr. Roba began to realize that there was no fundamental difference between Nikita and any other animal. This understanding inspired Dr. Roba to drop all animal products from his diet. Dr. Roba said, “The transformation that started 10 years ago has led me to where I am today. A human rights and animal rights activist committed to creating a peaceful and just world.” Bravo, Dr. Anteneh Roba, on your compassionate way of life. May the Earth-saving vegan diet be embraced by all for a long-lasting, gentle world.
Commercial fishing endangers dolphin populations
SAVE OUR PLANET… Commercial fishing endangers dolphins, porpoises and whales. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has released a report cautioning of the significant risk to these marine mammals especially by large-scale fishing operations. The study stated that 86% of all toothed-whale cetaceans are seriously threatened by entanglement or capture in gillnets, driftnets, trawls and other types of fishing gear. As an example, the scientists cited China’s Baiji River Dolphin, which has not been sighted for many years in the Yangtze River, as well as the Vaquita porpoise residing in the northern Gulf of California, whose population has diminished to only 150 remaining in the wild. Both of these species have perished in high numbers due to entanglements in fishing gear. UNEP Executive Secretary Elizabeth Mrema stated that governments need to increase their efforts to implement protective policies for the survival of the cetacean species.
Our earnest appreciation United Nations Environment Program for revealing the impact of fishing’s detrimental practices on our unique marine mammal friends. May all countries join in acting now to protect the lives of these and all precious fellow beings.
In her tireless endeavors to ensure the welfare of the Earth’s inhabitants, Supreme Master Ching Hai has often emphasized the need to halt fishing, as during a November 2008 interview with Ireland’s East Coast Radio FM.
Interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Louise Kings and the Sandman on East Coast Radio FM
November 30, 2008 – Ireland
Supreme Master Ching Hai: We have to stop it. Just stop the fishing. The government has to forbid fishing because it’s too important to our survival to delay any further. Not only is there overfishing and depleting of marine life, but there is also side killing. Like when the commercial long liners go fishing, they’re killing tens of thousands of sea turtles, by the way, and hundreds of thousands of sea birds and millions of sharks every year. To stop this destructive practice of fishing, the solution is the vegan diet, no fishy stuff in our meals. The sea offers us plenty of better food choices; the wide varieties of super healthy and nutritious sea plants. We can even live on it forever. We must protect a living and healthy sea, as it relates to our living and healthy self.
G7 nations pledge debt relief for quake-hit Haiti
FN… Haiti initiates recovery with international help. As the quake-devastated island nation raised her official fatalities to 230,000, at least 1.2 million surviving residents are now homeless and staying in flimsy settlements.
Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director (English): I think the real challenge here is how do you get help to the people in need because the destruction is all over this huge city. And I think all of the people on the ground who are delivering humanitarian aid are doing the very best job that they can. But it's not an easy task and it’s very very important that we all work to get as much to as many people as possible.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has thus renewed calls for support, while in the United States, where nearly 60% of Haitian Americans surveyed said they had lost a loved one in the quake, over 60% said they would adopt or foster an orphaned child. Meanwhile, more shipments of aid arrived from Iran and the United Arab Emirates’ Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation. To help with a dire need for heavy equipment, Japan has chartered the world’s largest cargo plane to bring bulldozers and trucks for clearing rubble.
At a meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, attending finance ministers voted to forgive all of Haiti’s outstanding debts. Later, Latin American leaders met in Ecuador to plan ways to assist in both emergency aid and longer-term rebuilding.
US Hollywood actress and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie visited Haitian quake victims being treated in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti as Cuba opened her fifth field hospital in the country. Concerned about the thousands of people with amputated limbs, the Haitian government met with Handicap International, Healing Hands, Doctors Without Borders, and others to discuss a system that would provide adequate support. To begin restoring a sense of productive normalcy for children, a Haitian and Israeli group combined resources to create a temporary classroom, one of a number that are being set up in tent camps in the area.
Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director (English): The children are the future of the country so it's very important that the children be educated. I think one of the big challenges is how to provide the opportunity for education for all children of Haiti. It is the young people that are the future, it is the young people who really should be involved in the rebuilding of this country so that it will be a country they will be proud to live in in the future.
We thank the local and international governments, organizations, and individuals for assisting the Haitian people at this time. Our prayers for their restoration to safe day-to-day lives, and that such tragedies subside worldwide through our better stewardship of the environment.
Over 700 Evacuated Due to Floods in Uruguay
FN… Uruguay floods displace residents. On Monday, February 8, officials reported that emergency crews assisted over 3,000 people in evacuating to safer locations in the department of Durazno as week-long rains caused the Yi River to rise and burst its banks. In Soriano department, residents also departed due to the rising Negro River, and evacuations were necessary in the department of Paysandú to the north, as lower regions flooded and the electric grid system sustained damage. Health officials are working to bring drinking water to the affected regions.
Supreme Master Ching Hai requested that our local Association members please go to help the flood-affected people, as she conveyed her sorrow and prayers, saying that funds are available if needed.
We thank the emergency crews for your timely, willing help as we wish the affected Uruguayan people a quick return to their fulfilling day-to-day lives. Our gratefulness also to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her comforting aid. With the grace of the Providence, may such calamities be lessened through our more gentle stewardship of the environment.
North Korea's Kim makes denuclearisation pledge
FN… North Korea’s Supreme Leader renews pledge of disarmament. On Monday, February 7, senior Chinese envoy Dr. Wang Jiarui met with North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, where he delivered a letter from China’s President Hu Jintao. In the letter, President Hu conveyed his wish to work together in preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Supreme Leader in turn indicated his commitment to resuming denuclearization discussions, saying, “The sincerity of relevant parties to resume the six-party talks is very important.”
Our respectful appreciation, Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il for your commitment to peace. We also thank President Hu, Senior Envoy Dr. Wang and all others involved for their efforts toward this noble goal. May such unified endeavors continue, bringing harmonious relations to the Korean Peninsula and across the globe.
More than two thousand 200 homes flooded by the overflowing of the river Huallaga
FN… Thousands affected as floods hit central Peru. Relentless rains have caused the Huallaga River in the Peruvian region of Huánuco to overflow. Over 2,000 homes were inundated, affecting 1,840 families. Several towns along the river have sustained extensive damage, with blockage to sections of a main road and destruction of some 1,800 hectares of cacao, banana, corn, and rice crops. The extent of the emergency was much worse than expected, and the local government reported having only 60 tents to shelter those rendered homeless. Local officials, police officers, and the army have been evacuating residents, while the Civil Defense Committee and groups from the National Food Aid Program are delivering blankets and meals.
Expressing her love and prayers for the Peruvian people, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked that our nearby Association members go to offer assistance to those most in need, adding that necessary funds are available.
We thank all regional and local officials and personnel for your helpful initiatives. Our gratefulness also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s attentive care to the flood victims. May Heaven protect the Peruvian people in quickly recovering the regularity of their daily lives as we strive for greater consideration to minimize conditions as these.
Cuba releases all dissidents arrested last week
FN… Cuba frees citizens. According to the Cuba-based Committee for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, the remaining five of a total of 35 people were released by Sunday, February 7. They had been detained on Wednesday as participants in a rally on behalf of inmate Orlando Zapata.
We are glad to know of the 35 individuals’ freedom. May they enjoy many happy reunions in the loving company of family and friends.
Fry’s Staff: Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet!
Veg trend on the rise in Australia
SAVE OUR PLANET… Veg trend on the rise in Australia. Just weeks after the country launched Meatless Mondays, a campaign encouraging at least one meat-free meal a week, Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach was the site of the country’s biggest vegetarian barbecue for the recent celebration of Australia Day. Sponsored by Fry’s Vegetarian brand and hosted by spokesperson and Australian comedian Simon Kennovich, the veg event raised funds for the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club while advocating a healthy, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Supreme Master Television’s correspondent reports.
(Interviews in English)
Australian Correspondent (F): We’re here on Australia’s famous Bondi Beach at Australia’s biggest vegetarian barbeque where Simon Kennovich is telling Australians not to eat lamb on Australia Day but to instead try a Fry’s burger and to try being veg for the planet and for our beautiful Australia.
Simon Kennovich – Comedian (M): Hallo everyone, people of the world. Come to Australia. Get down here, have a vegetarian barbeque with us. We’ll all have a good time.
VOICE: Served fresh off the grill were vegan alternatives to the meat often eaten on holidays, with a crowd of people showing their interest in tasting more.
Attendee/Citizen (M): It’s good.
Attendee (M): Mouth-watering, really.
VOICE: The barbeque also raised awareness on vital veg benefits for one’s health and the planet.
Volunteer (F): That’s obviously helping with the cutting down of methane gases that are produced by animals. And also just having a different protein source, it’s a great way of benefiting your diet.
Attendee (M): Anyone that loves this planet and loves the blue sky and the conditions we have at the moment really should get behind a vegetarian diet for the planet. If we get enough people behind this, we could change this global warming phenomenon.
VOICE: Many thanks, Fry’s Vegetarian, Simon Kennovich and Bondi Beach for your celebration and support of the Earth-protecting plant-based diet. May the compassionate lifestyle soon be adopted by all countries for a vibrantly sustainable world.
Global institute for Water: There is a real problem of water in Mideast
SAVE OUR PLANET… Saying that the Middle East is the region most challenged in the world for water resources, Switzerland-based Global Institute for Water Environment Health commends cooperative management efforts of nations such as Egypt as well as the water institute founded by Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.
Harsh winter a sign of disruptive climate change, report says
SAVE OUR PLANET… The US-based National Wildlife Federation points out that recent cold temperatures and increased snow are in fact completely consistent with documented effects of global warming, saying that the need to reduce greenhouse gases is more urgent than ever.
Philippine government meets rebels in Malaysia
Malaysian mediator Othman Razak states that the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front members report progress after two days of meetings, with plans for further talks.
Pakistani President signs Women Protection Bill
Following its unanimous passage by the National Assembly, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari signs a bill that pledges to ensure safe working environments for women.
Kuwaiti Emir receives Georgian Interior Minister
During a visit to Kuwait, Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili meets with the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to discuss enhancement of bilateral relations.
French foreign minister dashes to Bamako in bid to free hostage
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner travels to Mali to request the government’s help in negotiating the safe release of French citizen Pierre Camatte, detained since November 2009.
Rockhampton firefighters rescue three from floodwaters
Firefighters in Queensland, Australia place themselves at risk to save the lives of three people who had become stranded in quickly rising flood waters.
Global Warming May Cook Sea Turtle Eggs
SAVE OUR PLANET… A new study finds that increased temperatures from climate change are threatening the survival of sea turtles as their eggs do not survive in very hot sand.
Skier survives avalanche burial
Swiss rescuers and their canine partners locate a 21-year-old skier who survived with only mild hypothermia after being buried for 17 hours following an avalanche in the Evolene region of the Swiss Alps.
Warming to hit wheat production in Punjab
SAVE OUR PLANET… At the 13th Punjab Science Congress in Chandigarh, India, climate experts forecast that for each degree rise in temperature, the region will lose 750 kilograms of wheat per cultivated hectare.
Exercise 'cuts risk of developing painful gallstones'
Researchers at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom studying 25,000 men and women find that those who exercise most reduce their risk of developing gallstone symptoms by a full 70%.
Australia to increase aid to Burma
Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith announces that this year’s donation of US$44 million to Myanmar, also known as Burma, is intended to support endeavors such as the democratic elections scheduled for later this year.
Iran holds 1st fully domestic laser exhibit
Iran’s National Center For Laser Science and Technology sponsors the first-ever display of laser advancements in medicine and industry that are designed and built by Iranian scientists.
Fireball lights up the Irish sky as 'extremely rare' meteorite falls to the Earth at 100,000mph Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1248665/Fireball-lights-Irish-sky-extremely-rare-asteroid-falls-Earth-100-000mph.html#ixzz0fBD8JsbO
Astronomers noted the extremely rare sighting of a meteorite that lit up the sky over Northern Ireland, UK travelling at 100,000 miles-per-hour, with observers also hoping to find evidence of its landing on Earth.
an award-winning series that presents entertainment programs with lively performances from around the world. This long-running television program had been regularly broadcast in the United States to 90 million viewers.
demonstrates effective and loving ways to care for our animal friends. This show will also feature true stories which reveal the intelligence and the loyal love of animals that will touch your hearts.
Get a glimpse into the captivating, candid and heart warming conversations between teacher and disciples on subjects ranging from daily life to the secrets of the universe and much more.
Takes a look at some of the latest movies as well as the favorite classics and inspirational films.
Covers interesting interviews, inspiring movies and documentaries that elevate the soul and nourish the spirit.
introduces innovative technologies with the noble ideal of benefiting humanity.
celebrates modern day heroes who help others and strives for the altruistic ideals to better society.
provides information on preventive and holistic approaches to wellness, fitness and nutrition.
Highlights people who have taken their success to help others and the world.
features exquisite poetic verses and melodious songs, performed by Supreme Master Ching Hai and other celebrated artists
presents heartwarming news from around the globe, exalting good deeds and bringing awareness to important social issues.
a reflective look at our cultural, religious, and spiritual roots in vegetarianism.
We present this show as a tribute and thanks to our beautiful planet, Earth. Each and every one of us can make a difference in preserving our environment and the planet.
This scientific revolution is of great importance because as humans become more scientifically advanced, we will require great wisdom in order to use their technology for peaceful and constructive purposes.
journeys across the globe to discover and introduce the famous spiritual locations that are definitely worth visiting.
Past and present vegetarians are featured on this show and their compassionate lifestyle.
seeks to inform you why and how to lead a fulfilling vegetarian life, through cooking shows, and interviews with medical and nutritional experts, as well as celebrities.
features lectures by Supreme Master Ching Hai, a world-renowned humanitarian, respected spiritual teacher and accomplished artist, which will inspire & ennoble your lives.
E-mail this to a Friend
Download
Copy source code
