2008FEB16 - Noteworthy News - Fly In News

1. FN…Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief work in Bolivia. Following weeks of heavy rain across the nation, more than 60,000 families throughout Bolivia have been left struggling to cope with the worst floods in decades. Deeply concerned for the flood victims, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately donated US$10,000, which would be equivalent to US$145,000 of purchased goods in the US based on the cost of living in Bolivia. Supreme Master Ching Hai also sent a relief team of our Association members to the most severely affected regions. Supreme Master Television’s correspondent reports from Beni, Bolivia.

Supreme Master Television: Bolivia (f):
Halo friends, I’m Silvia Taylor reporting for Supreme Master Television.
We are now in the city of Trinidad, district of Beni, Bolivia, where members of the disaster relief team of Supreme Master Ching Hai have been sent along with a US$10,000 donation to help the victims of the floods of the Niña phenomenon.

We are here now in the warehouse of the Infantry Battalion of the Navy, where we have been allowed to prepare the foods that will be distributed to the affected families. At this moment we are here with Captain Rodolfo Escalante.

Captain Rodolfo Escalante:
Thank you very much Sylvia for the interview, especially a special thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai, and well, I can tell you that the city of Trinidad is being affected by this natural phenomenon, the Niña phenomenon. We have lots of affected families. It’s a flood which we were not expecting. For the last 40 years, Trinidad has not had this kind of natural disaster.

The eastern Beni region is one of the most heavily flooded areas. With Supreme Master Ching Hai’s donation, urgently needed items for the displaced were purchased. These included rice, beans, flour, salt, oil, and infant formula for the many families with children.

Supreme Master Television: Bolivia (f):
How has your experience been working with the disaster relief team of the Supreme Master Ching Hai?

Captain Rodolfo Escalante:
Well she had previously worked in this activity, providing the collaboration for the victims, and, now I’m surprised to work with you in a very coordinated way. I can see there is goodwill, we are happy to be able to work with you. I congratulate again the Supreme Master. Congratulations for this humane group which dedicates a lot of time in their lives to be separated from their families, in order to come to far lands.

Supreme Master Television: Bolivia (f):
Would you like to send any message for Supreme Master Ching Hai?

Captain Rodolfo Escalante:
The only message is the thankfulness in name of all the people of Trinidad, and in the name of all the Bolivian people and, well, to tell her that there’s always a Supreme Being who watches everything that happens on earth and I ask Him to give Supreme Master His blessings, and to keep it up, according to her means, collaborating with the affected people who will be surely very grateful.

We sincerely thank Supreme Master Ching Hai and our Association’s relief teams for your love and care to the flood victims in Bolivia. We pray for the speedy provision of safety, shelter and comfort so these families may quickly return to their normal lives.

2. FN…Ireland to send aid to quake-affected regions. The Irish government is sending two senior officials along with recovery aid to assist those affected by the earthquake in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. One hundred fifty tents will be dispatched from the UN’s rapid response unit in Brindisi, Italy.

Our deep appreciation, Ireland, and God bless your kind help to the earthquake victims in Congo and Rwanda. May the boundless love of the Most High comfort them and speed the restoration to their normal lives.

Supreme Master Ching Hai wants to convey this message of gratitude to all governments, organizations and relief workers from every corner of the world:

“Thank you, all the international help that brings care and necessities to afflicted victims. Thank you all the relief workers for taking time and forsaking your own comfort, even traveling great distance on unfavorable roads and conditions to bring love and assistance to people in time of need. May Heaven bless you abundantly for your generosity and noble sacrifice.”

3. FN…China studies ways to make proposed anti-smoking clinics more effective. The Chinese government is surveying smoking habits of citizens in 31 provinces to initiate a national network of anti-smoking clinics. The goal is to establish at least one outpatient facility in each province, which will offer smokers a combination of medical and psychological treatments. China also plans to implement anti-smoking policies in workplaces and educational drives throughout the school system.

Congratulations, China, on taking this big step towards better health for your people. May Heaven’s blessings bring happiness and well-being to your citizens.

4. FN…Germany will take steps to protect seals. Germany plans to prohibit the import and trade of all seal products. This is part of a national effort to improve the protection and safety of seals. Currently, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, and the US have legislation to forbid the import of all seal products.

We thank you Germany and Heaven bless your compassionate heart in protecting our innocent seal friends. May God grant us with growing harmonious relations among all Earth’s precious inhabitants.

5. FN…Metrobank recognizes outstanding Filipino citizens. Since 1985 the Philippines based Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) has celebrated the achievements of everyday heroes in education, healthcare and the arts. Metrobank also funds scholarships, healthcare programs, disaster relief projects.

Our gratitude, Metrobank, for honoring ordinary people who better our world, and God bless your support of brothers and sisters in need. May Heaven reward your noble endeavors with continued success.

6. FN…Award-winning documentary on sharks premiers in UK. “Sharkwater” will be released in theaters in the United Kingdom on February 22. In the film, Canadian director and shark conservationist Rob Stewart takes an up-close look at the beauty of the 450 million year old shark species. His movie clearly shows the vital role that sharks play in keeping our eco-system balanced. Mr. Stewart’s hope is that the film will lead to legislation that protects their endangered existence.

We extend our congrats, Mr. Stewart, on your wonderful documentary, Sharkwater. May your film increase our understanding and respect for the interdependence of all life on our great planet.

7. FN…'Pay what you like' is the latest trend in Germany. A trend that began with the rock group Radiohead, who offered their latest album at the price individuals wanted to pay, is now being followed by restaurants, hairdressers, and cinemas. Businesses throughout Germany are catching on to the idea of letting the customers decide how much they want to pay for goods and services they receive. One thrilled restaurant owner who experienced a huge increase in business stated, “Basically, people are honest. They know what their lunch is worth and they are willing to pay that.”

Way to go, Germany! What a wonderful way to do business! May this honor system continue to grow as people recognize the inestimable value of mutual trust and honesty.

8. FN…Study shows a veg diet can help to prevent cancer. A recent study published in the Public Library of Science journal “Medicine” indicates that reducing meat in the diet helps to protect against cancer. Of the 500,000 men and women who participated in the study, those with a meat-based diet had a significantly higher risk of cancer than those whose diet was more plant-based. These study results are further confirmation of others that have already shown vegetarians to have lower cancer incidence.

We appreciate these studies that continue to reveal the many benefits of a plant-based diet. With such informative reports to guide us, may we all enjoy better health through a more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle in the years ahead.

9. FN…Supreme Master Ching Hai’s “The Noble Wilds” soon to take flight.
Tomorrow, Sunday, February 17, Supreme Master Television will broadcast a live videoconference discussing the newly released book, “The Noble Wilds.” Members of the media have been invited to attend, along with distinguished guests that include Dr. Janez Dronvšek, esteemed Second President of Slovenia. A special invitation has also been accepted by the book’s author, Supreme Master Ching Hai, who will share her insights about this newest publication with enthusiastic admirers. In the past year, we have seen the immense popularity of her #1 international bestsellers, “The Dogs in My Life” and “The Birds in My Life.”

English versions of “The Dogs in My Life” and “The Birds in My Life” by Supreme Master Ching Hai are available online at: www.amazon.com. The Chinese versions of “The Dogs in My Life” and “The Birds in My Life” are available online at www.kingstone.com.tw.

Written and illustrated personally by Supreme Master Ching Hai, “The Noble Wilds” reveals fascinating truths about the realms known to wild birds and other animals. Their enriching worlds are brought to life through the author’s eloquent expression and vivid photography. It’s now available at www.amazon.com for English and at www. Kingstone.com.tw for the Chinese version.

Supreme Master Ching Hai:
Even the fish in the river, or the fish in the lakes or the wild ducks; they bring blessings to your house, to your life. They bring some inspiration invisibly to your knowing, but their presence will evoke in you something more than just a mundane occupation about food and clothes. And you will just get inspiration about something, or an answer to some question which you did not know before. And I hope that you guys will enjoy it, and I have asked their permission also and they were very happy that I am writing it.

We are grateful for all Supreme Master Ching Hai’s moving books about our animal friends whose very nature represents nearness to Heaven. We sincerely wish the greatest success of “The Noble Wilds” in further awakening our sensitivity to the divine inner world we share with our co-habitants.

Friendly viewers, please tune in for this special videoconference, broadcast live here on Supreme Master Television on Sunday, February 17, 2008 from Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan) 6:30pm, at 10:30am - 12:00pm GMT and 11:30am – 1:00pm CET.