2008FEB17 - Noteworthy News - Fly In News

FN… Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association news from around the world. Concerned for those affected, Supreme Master Ching Hai frequently asks for updates from our Association members near disaster areas. Recently, southern Mexico was shaken by a strong earthquake. Several days later, two more earthquakes were felt across the Greek peninsula. With Master’s permission, we’d like to share with concerned viewers these reports from our Association’s relief teams.

February 16, 2008
Most Merciful Master,

Re: Earthquake in Mexico

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Mexico on February 12 caused temporary power outages and panic among local people, but so far there has been no reported loss of life, injuries or damage of any kind. Those who had remained outside of their homes in fear of possible aftershocks have returned home.

Thank you Master for your loving concern for Mexico.

Texcoco Center


Re: Greece Earthquake

An earthquake occurred on February 14 off the southern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, near the city of Kalamata. This quake, which registered 6.4 on the Richter scale, had been warned of earlier by the VAN group of seismologists. No damage or casualties were reported.

The city of Kalamata has been fortified and all new buildings have been constructed to withstand earthquakes after a major quake some 20 years ago.

We thank beloved Master for your caring, genuine concern for us. Your love is so touching that we feel your benevolent presence here every single moment! We pray for the planet. May our Earth prosper in peace and love.

Greece Center


We thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for allowing us to share this updated relief report with our kind viewers who are surely concerned and glad to know about the well being of fellow humans in this case. We also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association’s Foreign Group for current, informative reports.

We are thankful to learn that the people of Mexico and Greece are safe and pray your countries will remain protected with God’s grace.


1. FN... US contributes assistance and protection of Iraqis. This month, the United States donated over $US125 million in immediate aid to help displaced Iraqis through health and education services as well as food provisions. The donation, which follows a contribution of US$46 million made in January, will be distributed through United Nations agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF and the World Food Program.

Our warm appreciation and God bless, United States and United Nations, for your kind-hearted contributions to Iraq. May the deserving Iraqi people soon be restored to lasting stability, dignity and peace.

2. FN… Oxfam International works to protect flood-affected Bolivians. Non-governmental organization Oxfam International is providing approximately US$720,000 in humanitarian aid to the flooded region of Beni in northeastern Bolivia. Supplies are being airlifted for approximately 20,000 people to receive shelter, emergency supplies, water and sanitation facilities. This assistance is part of ongoing help that Oxfam has been providing in Beni since flooding that took place one year ago.

Heartfelt thanks Oxfam International for your loving care of the flood victims. God rewards your dedicated efforts. May the Bolivian people’s happy restoration to normal life be ensured under Heaven’s grace.

3. FN… China expands medical care in rural areas. The Chinese government is set to provide healthcare to all inhabitants of rural regions by the end of this year. The plan is to double the governmental subsidy reserved for each person over a period of two years. This will especially help poor farmers who don’t have medical insurance.

With gratitude and Heaven’s blessings, China, we express our thanks for your benevolent and caring decision. May the beautiful people of your country be endowed with abundant health, happiness and prosperity.

4. FN… French court outlaws alcohol ads online. A Paris court has ruled that advertising alcoholic drinks on the Internet is illegal. The court agreed with the recommendations of the National Association for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Addiction (ANPAA) in upholding an earlier law, which bans alcohol advertisements from television and now the Internet. One internet advertiser, Dutch brewer Heineken, will remove all ads from its French website within three weeks.

Bravo, France! We thank you and organizations such as the ANPAA for this decision in favor of wholesome living. We wish that all harmful alcohol will be banned forever in the world for the better health of her inhabitants.

5. FN... Taipei’s homeless have warmer winter this year. In Formosa (Taiwan), Taipei’s city government has made a special effort to help the homeless during this year’s exceptionally severe winter. Two additional shelters have been established to house up to 300 people. Officials have also relaxed the rules and are allowing the homeless to stay inside the city’s train station at night.

Taipei, we offer our thanks and may you be blessed for your gracious gestures of compassion toward the less fortunate. May Heaven’s blessings be with them in warmth, security and comfort.

6. FN… US kids team up to provide African kids with clean water. US children in California have pitched in to raise $14,000 by selling bottled water through their schools. Their efforts ultimately will deliver a playground water pump to provide clean drinking water for children in Africa. The California students were also recognized by the nonprofit organization, RandomKid, for their ability to make life changing differences. 12-year-old Talia Leman, founder of RandomKid said, “We may not seem like a powerful group. After all, we don’t earn a living and we can’t drive yet. But it is incredible – absolutely incredible – what seemingly powerless kids can do.”

What big hearts you have, kids! God bless you for your noble ideals and for truly making a positive difference in the world. May your contributions continue to bring happiness and joy to many children in the world.

7. FN… US scientists opt for non-animal methods of testing. The United States National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency announced that government laboratories will shift to research testing methods that will not use animals. These new methods, which include using specialized cells and computer modeling, are predicted to be much faster, far less expensive and much more accurate.

We are grateful, US government, for this clearly practical and humane choice. We look forward to more such innovations that benefit human health and also bring the deserved freedom and protection of our animal friends.

8. FN… Âu Lạc (Vietnam) enjoys unprecedented growth and minimized poverty. In the last 15 years, Âu Lạc has experienced a quick rise to 95% literacy, along with participation in international trade and many improvements to roads and transportation. Unique to Âu Lạc’s growth is the reduction of poverty in both rural and urban populations. As one of the most trade-friendly countries in the world, Âu Lạc has seen 34 million people overcome poverty since 1993.

Our warm congratulations, Âu Lạc, on your tremendous achievements! Your efforts to elevate the quality of life for all people are truly heartwarming. May your glorious country continue to reap good fortune in Heaven’s blessings.

9. FN… Eco-fashion company donates for wildlife preservation. Wildlife Works, founded in 2002 by British-Canadian Mike Korchinsky, was born of an inspiration to combine livelihood, fashion and conservation. With employees based in Kenya for both clothing production and a 77,000 acre eco-sanctuary, the company has evolved a new trend of “ethically tailored” clothes whose latest collection was recently shown at London’s Royal Academy of Arts. Besides improving animals’ lives, Wildlife Works also benefits the Kenyan people: For each person employed in the clothing company, another is hired to work in the wildlife sanctuary.

This is a wonderful idea! Thank you Mike Korchinsky and Wildlife Works for your inspirational efforts to be green while caring for humans and animals alike! We wish all your endeavors the best of success.

10. FN… Smoke-free environments benefit the heart. Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association recently published a report showing that the number of acute coronary cases fell dramatically after Italy banned smoking in public places. Since January 2005, smoking has been prohibited in all indoor public facilities in Italy such as offices, retail shops, and restaurants. Italian scientists reported that acute coronary events were reduced by 11.2 percent in people 35 to 64 years old and 7.9 percent in people 65 to 74 years old.

A sincere thank you, Circulation: Journal of American Heart Association and Italian researchers, for this informative report. We are overjoyed to know that more people are receiving the benefits of smoke-free settings. May we all take steps toward pure and healthy lives for ourselves and our loved ones.

11. FN… Compassionate conservationist protects macaques during heavy snow. Every day for several weeks this winter, Wang Riguang walked 30 km in the snow-covered mountains in Anhui Province to feed 73 Huangshan macaques. The 47-year old carried 60 kilos of grain to feed the rare and protected monkeys, as the heavy snows had endangered their food supply. Twice a day he counted them to make sure none were missing, giving them names like “white eyebrow” and “rocky” to help identify each one.

Heaven bless your kindness, Mr. Wang. Your caring efforts on behalf of our animal family members are truly inspiring.

12. FN… Eating whole grains can reduce body weight and blood pressure. According to a recent article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole grain consumption has many health benefits. Besides contributing to weight loss and lower blood pressure, whole grains in the diet also yield higher amounts of fiber and magnesium, which are key in preventing the onset of diabetes.

Many thanks scientists for this informative study. May all inhabitants on earth enjoy the nutrient-rich whole grains in health and abundant well-being.

13. FN… Indian technician produces ahimsa silk. Kusuma Rajaiah, a senior technical officer with Andhra Pradesh Handloom Weaver’s Cooperative Society, has found a way to produce silk without taking the lives of silk worms. Mr. Rajaiah spins yarn from post-moth cocoons and then weaves the threads into fabrics. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Rajaiah has named this eco-friendly and humane silk “ahimsa,” meaning non-violence.

Our deep appreciation, Kusuma Rajaiah, for your compassionate heart and clothing. Blessed be the garments made of ahimsa silk in providing comfortable attire as well as peace of mind.

14. FN… Pamela Anderson campaigns for protection of baby seals. Visiting Paris, the Hollywood star honored the animal advocacy campaigning of legendary actress Brigitte Bardot by calling for a halt to all seal hunting in the Arctic region. Speaking at Ms. Bardot’s animal rights foundation, Canada-born Ms. Anderson said that she would deliver a letter written by Mlle. Bardot to Canada’s ambassador in France. She also urged the fashion industry to find animal alternatives.

We are so grateful, Ms. Pamela Anderson and Mlle. Brigitte Bardot, for your noble actions in raising awareness about our treasured seal friends. Your stars surely shine forever in their hearts. Blessed be all earthly co-inhabitants to live in shared harmony and peace.

15. FN… A dog saves the entire family and 13 animals from blaze. Evie, a border collie mix, alerted his human caretaker in the middle of the night when the next-door animal sanctuary was in flames. David McFarlane, owner of Old McFarlane's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, rushed to release 13 animals in the barn after Evie woke him up. He said, "It could have been a lot worse had the alarm not been raised when it was. Evie is a lovely rescue dog who has now rescued us."

Evie, you touch our hearts with your brave and heroic actions. May Heaven continue to bless you and the McFarlane family of both humans and animals with peace, safety and happiness.