重要公告

◆《和平宣言》自許以身處台灣的華人的角度來看世界,以此出發,直到世界沒有戰爭、紛爭,乃至和平的境界。
◆ 格主慕亞(Moya)自稱老莫,秉持著生為天主教徒的責任,追隨所有教導過的靈性導師的和平腳步,夢想中國是有愛心的、平靜的、快樂的、寬容的、自由的、民主的、和平的、文明的,這樣才能成為真正偉大的民族。
◆ 慕亞翻譯與靈性訊息有關的文章均以蔚爾莎為名。
◆《和平宣言》自2012年11月起改為每週末出刊。

2012年1月16日 星期一

親綠媒體果真不允許與其立場不同的聲音之我被資遣了!

或許我也是2012中華民國總統大選下的一個犧牲者,在一個親綠的媒體與企業裡工作的我,原本我可以為了生計而選擇與公司站在同一個立場,連報導一個宇昌案都禁止使用醜聞(scandal)這個字眼,而且在報導馬英九與蔡英九競選新聞裡,100%以民進黨的立場來看所有的事件。在這樣一個向國際發聲的台灣媒體,立場完全的偏頗,我終於在第二次總統辯論過後的那個週日,忍不住發了兩篇有關美國立場與雙英針對「92共識」辯論內容有關的新聞,那兩篇新聞裡完全沒有我個人的評論,只是單純的整理國內外新聞媒體對此事件的報導--當然,就連這樣的訊息在這家親綠的企業與媒體是完全被忽略的!

我秉持著良知,以及身為一名新聞工作者重視平衡報導的準則撰寫了那兩則新聞。我非挺藍亦非反綠,但我重視的是一個大是大非,亦不忘為民喉舌的新聞工作者的責任,我也很想賭一睹國內這樣一個數一數二的大企業,面對這樣的聲音將會如何處理?刪文是一個選項,開除我也是一個選項。我等著看!

結果,三天內我所貼出的那兩則新聞連續列於該媒體的熱門新聞的前五名內,可見國內外網友是多麼關注這樣的事!而且這樣的事情亦非該媒體不報導就不存在,真相不會因為遮住眼睛就看不見,不會因為摀住耳朵就聽不見!

當然三天後,我被告知不適用而被炒魷魚!不過,我力爭我的就業權利與員工立場,我已超過三個月的試用期,何來不適用之說?這顯然是一個托詞,我要求資方給予可以接受的合理理由!結果,我得到的答案是,公司因成本考量裁減多餘人力--我才知道原來我是多餘的人力!

我將在那家媒體自己所撰寫的報導全數轉貼於此處的部落格,以英文書寫:Theresa Huang's Feature,歡迎連結閱讀。

今後,我也將秉持身為新聞人的責任持續以此處發聲,正如我對自己的期許:「在這裡,期待世界!」

那兩篇讓我丟了工作的報導:Tsai Ying-wen and Ma Ying-jeou clashed again on "1992 Consensus"以及US government worried Tsai Ying-wen's China policy。也歡迎大家連結閱讀。

上週六大選結果出來,馬英九連任成功,可見台灣大多數人民選擇「92共識」而非「台灣共識」!我的同事在臉書寫道,社長原本準備好香檳慶祝蔡英文當選,結果令其失望而將香檳全數退掉,慶祝派對當然也開不成啦!這讓更確認我丟了工作的確和那兩篇有直接關係!

馬英九總統連任成功後面臨的局勢比上屆更為嚴峻!這是大環境使然,歐元危機和美國經濟的衰退牽繫著全球的經濟,既使我們與大陸簽有ECFA,但全球經濟衰退大海嘯似乎即將來襲,面對全球暖化的嚴重結果,2012的世界末日傳說也將來臨,馬英九政府準備好了嗎?






2012年1月4日 星期三

Jimmy salutes the movies through his new picture book “The Rainbow of Time”



Jimmy ranks second on the China 2011 rich list of cartoonist, his royalty income of “Turn left, Turn right” is about 1.22 billion RMB. This “Turn left, Turn right” picture book published in 1999, was cinematized and also obtained the most influential book of the year.




Jimmy is a famous cartoonist, comes from Taiwan, many his works was adapted for the movie, stage drama, teleplay and animated cartoon. His works was translated into more than 10 different languages version.



Jimmy’s last book “The starry starry night” published in 2009 and it was adapted for the movie just released on Nov. 2011.



“Life has ups and downs, only the rich and changeful movie could encourage and save you to go over again.” Jimmy said.



He has been the movie fan since he was a little boy. He always wants to draw a book to salute the movie so that he finished the new book “The Rainbow of Time”. There are important scenes more than 30 classic movies in the book.



Jimmy said that he wants to draw a girl loves movie so much since she was a little girl. She passed many important moments in the movie theater. When she was getting old, she entered the theater alone, still felt the happiness in her heart.



Because of the copyright, the book almost can not publish. This is the most full-length book that he never made. The happiest thing for him is he got the personal letter from Truffaut’s wife, Truffaut is his idol.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

The oldest active actor and tenor in the world Johannes Heesters died at 108 on Christmas Eve

The oldest active actor and tenor in the world Johannes Heesters died on Christmas Eve just only a few weeks after his 108th birthday. Although in his whole life, he was a controversial figure because of performing for Nazi and becoming Hilter’s idol, he has been very popular in the German-speaking world, German and Austria. After Second World War, he even became Austria citizen.




Johannes Heesters (5 December 1903 – 24 December 2011) had been a Dutch actor, singer and entertainer with a career since 1921. Active almost exclusively in the German-speaking world from the mid-1930s, he was a controversial figure for his actions alleged support for the Nazi Party during the Second World War. Even though these accusations against him were alleged by a German author Volker Kühn, the German court did not find Kühn’s allegations were true and regained his fair name. But his fellow citizens in the Netherlands thought Heesters irredeemable.



He was booed off the stage in his first performance as he played the role as a Nazi-hating Captain in the musical “The Sound of the Music” in his homeland, Amsterdam. Forty-four years later when he was 105, he performed in his home country again in February 2008, many protests out of the Opera against his unverified Nazi activities. Heesters felt sad after he knew that he was an unwelcome person in his homeland.



Heesters was born in Amersfoort, Netherlands, was fluent in German. In his youth, he decided to become an actor and a singer at the age of sixteen and began vocal training. Heesters made his debut on Viennese stage in 1934.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

According to the German mass media report, Heesters talked about his wartime activities, “what did I do wrong? Sure, I acted in films in the Third Reich, entertainment films, which distracted countless people inside and outside Germany from daily life during war.” he continued, “Sure, I wanted to make my career and I remember well at the time how many people in the Netherlands were proud that I made a career in the huge neighbouring country. But apart from my career – and the fact that, through no fault of my own, Adolf Hitler was one of the fans of my art – what have I done?”



An oldest artist in the world died, nevertheless, we mourn over his death in a humanity way.

Morgan defended himself at phone hacking at the video inquiry





Piers Morgan, the former editor of Daily Mirror (1995-2004), defended himself on Dec. 21 and told the British inquiry into media ethics that he never permitted any phone hacking when he was at his post. Now he hosts of CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight”.



Business journalist James Hipwell told the inquiry that the voicemail interceptions were an everyday activity at Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid, when he worked in the late 1990s as a columnist. But he did not have any direct evidence to show Piers Morgan had involved in phone hacking.



Morgan told the British inquiry through the video, “In my memory, I don’t think there was phone hacking,” when the inquiry asked him that if he ever witnessed the phone hacking, “Absolutely, no!” Morgan surely answered.



Piers Morgan emphasized that there was no one accused of phone hacking, none of them in Daily Mirror.



According to the local mass media report, Morgan said he had to protect the sources, he refused to point out who provide him the message, when the inquiry requested him about it. He also stressed that he thought it was nothing to do with the ethics when listened to the voice mail.



“What do you want me to say? When they divorced, Paul McCartney said Mills recorded their conversation and gave it to the media. Paul said that was the truth,” Piers Morgan said.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Deeply personal journey of Paul McCartney shows in his new album





Yesterday Paul McCartney said that he will begin the new year with an album of cover tunes and two original songs. The album will release on 7 February, 2012.



He offers the music that inspired one of the biggest rock bands ever, the Beatles. McCartney shows his “deeply personal journey” in this album covering classic American songs that inspired him and his bandmate John Lennon when they wrote their own tunes.



“When I kind of got into songwriting, I realized how well structured these songs were, and I think I took a lot of my lessons from them,” McCartney said in a statement. “I always thought artists like Fred Astaire were very cool. Writers like Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, all of those guys - I just thought the songs were magical. And then, as I got to be a songwriter I thought it's beautiful, the way they made those songs.”



According to British mass media report, this album has great team work together. They are Grammy-winning jazz musician Diana Krall and producer Tommy LiPuma, the ex-Beatles front man recorded his vocals in a booth without instruments for the first time in his musical career.


Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

American famous hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons named PETA’S 2011 person of the year



 

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) chose American famous hip-hop pioneer and co-founder of Def Jam Records Russell Simmons as 2011 person of the year. Russell Simmons has devoted himself to advocating for animals and setting a positive example for others by promoting a vegan lifestyle, PETA is pleased to name Russell Simmons our 2011 Person of the Year.



Russell Wendell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957. He is not only an American hip-hop pioneer and super star, but also the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam Records, and creator of the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. Russell Simmons is the third richest figure in hip-hop, having a net-worth estimate of $340 million as of April 2011.



He uses every opportunity to encourage passionate through his entrepreneurial endeavors. He always describes himself as an animal activist.



Simmons discusses his compassionate diet every chance he gets, including in news interviews; through social media; on the website Global Grind that he co-founded; and in his latest book “Super Rich”: A Guide to Having It All.



He has eaten a plant-based diet for more than 10 years. He was also one of the vegetarians throughout the history in PETA's limited-edition sheet of U.S. postage PhotoStamps recently.



“Being a thoughtful vegan makes our time on this Earth more peaceful and joyous, because you get to have a hand in promoting and increasing the happiness, good health and well-being of others—both animal and human—rather than being an instrument of their suffering and death.” Simmons says in his article “Why I'm a Vegan”.



Russell Simmons devotes himself to follow the animal-friendly vegan lifestyle and use his fame for good and promoting the lifestyle that deeply influence his fans and everyone around him. PETA thought they chose him as for their 2011 Person of the Year, because people may follow Simmons’ lead and help, animal abuse and create an animal friendly environment in the world.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Poet Cheng Chou-yu won 2011 Life Literature Creation Award





“Legacy of peace” wrote by poet Cheng Chou-yu, which won him the “2011 life literature creation award” of Chou Ta-kuan Foundation on Dec. 20. The awarding ceremony is held at Natioanl Tsing Hua University, founder of Chou Ta-kuan Foundation Chou Chin-huar, President of Tsing Huang Chen Lih J. and poet Cheng Chou-yu all attending the ceremony.



Poet Cheng Chou-yu writes the peace and love, shows the compassion and mercy in his poem. The poem “Legacy of peace” won him the award and praise.



Here is a paragraph from the poem of “Legacy”:



Today passed the early winter again

Beginning spring comes soon in the year of Yisi

That is your twelfth day of the hundred-tenth month

In the end of this wide open and spacious commemoration hall

Shed tears in the line

I am also the one --

The youth addicted to raise my eyes

Like a mallow



Poet Cheng Chou-yu dressed that he thanked for Chou Ta-kuan Foundation’s affirmation and he also wanted to thank Tsing Hua University. When he has the class with the students, he always has passion and energetic, because he knows that these young students carrying heavy responsibility of Taiwan future. Taiwan is the bridge of Mainland China and western world. Taiwan young people shoulder the mission of realizing peace.



The new book of Cheng Chou-yu “Legacy of Peace” just published.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Total take over 1 million for Michael Jackson’s belongings all sold out by auction





On Dec. 17 all the belongings of Michael Jackson auctioned by Julien’s Auctions. Over 500 items in the last residence of the great late singer were sold out, including fine art, antiques, furniture and other items, which included original artwork from Jackson and his three children.



On a Jackson’s mirror in his bedroom, “Train, perfection March April Full out May.” Expressed Jackson’s tirelessness in preparing for the “This Is It,” a concert series was set to begin in July 2009 in London. This mirror was auctioned for $18,750.



A rooster chalkboard with a note written on it from Michael Jackson’s children, reading the words on the board: “love Daddy/ I (heart) Daddy/ Smile it’s for free.”

It was sold for $5,000.



An oriental rug in Jackson’s bedroom was sold for $15,360, his small bedside table sold for $5,000. The most expensive item sold was an oil painting by Adelsteen Normann for $46,785, another watercolor painting by Maurice Utrillo for $35,200.



According to E! Online news report, the auction’s total take was over $1 million.



Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang


War Horse star Jeremy Irvine realizes the horses have human emotions




2011 war drama film “War Horse” directed by Steven Spielberg. It released in the U.S. on Dec. 25 and will release in the U.K. on January 13, 2012. It is based on the children’s novel “War Horse” set during World War I by British author Michael Morpurgo.



It is first published in the U.K in 1982, and the 2007 stage adaptation of the same name.



The First World War is the backdrop for this tale of bravery, loyalty, and the extraordinary bond between a young recruit and his horse.



Actors, working with astonishing life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company, take audiences on an unforgettable journey through history.



The film described a young boy Albert enlists to service in World War I after his beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry. Albert’s hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.



Actor Jeremy Irvine played the role of Young Albert, he admitted that he was really a rookie in the cast. According People magazine report, Irvine said even the horses had more acting experiences than he did. They all have been in many movies.



It was the first time for him to learn how to ride on a horse. He said at that time he thought he was kind of skeptical because he didn’t think he’d genuinely get a relationship with these horses.



There are 14 horses to play the main animal character, Joey, after taking the intense training, Irvine began to bond with his lovely partners. Irvine told the People magazine that he finally realized the horses have the human emotions, and that is of great benefit to him.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang




TC Candler selected most beautiful faces 2011: World No. 1 Emma Watson



Asia no. 1: Song Hye Kyo – top 5



Famous movie website “TC Candler” announced the list of the 100 most beautiful faces on Dec 22. British young actress Emma Watson stands first on the list, the top four most beautiful faces are Emma Watson, American actress Camilla Belle, Singer from Barbados Robyn Rihanna and Australian actress Emily Browning.



Korean actress Song Hye Kyo after Emily Browning, fifth on the list, is the most beautiful face in Asia. Fanny fu stands 29th , she is busy in shooting at this moment.



After “Hermoine” in Harry Potter, Emma Watson combines the distinguishing characteristics of elegance, wisdom and courage, the beautiful radiance showed on her face. She beat previous champion Emily Browning. This lucky girl is deserving of this title.



Taiwanese actress Fanny Su stands 29th in the list, the jurors of TC Candler’s 2011 the most beautiful faces was seeing the movie “New York, I love you” played in 2009, and startled by Fanny Su’s beauty.



Another famous Hong Kong movie star Maggie Q stands 57th in the list, British Prince William’s wife Catherine Elizabeth, Duchess of Cambridge, stands 27th in the list.



There are three Korean artists in the list, they are Song Hye Kyo, Ko Ara and Jessica of “Girls’ Generation”. It is perceived that how popular the Korean artists are!

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Robert De Niro, old but vigorous, just had his 6th kid





According to Entertainment Tonight, Robert De Niro just had his sixth kid. He is 68 but still vigorous. This is his second baby with his 56-year-old wife Grace Hightower De Niro. The little girl baby just arrived few days ago. She is the wonderful Christmas gift from heaven for Mr. and Mrs. De Niro.



The couple met in 1987 and married 10 years later. They has been married for almost 14 years. This time they used a surrogate mother and the baby they want for a long time is born. Little Helen Grace Hightower is her lovely name. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. This is the couple’s second child. Their first, Elliot, was born March 18, 1998.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang




Keanu Reeves’ first film “Man of Tai Chi”is going to shoot in the beginning of next year



Karen Mak was selected to be the main actress



Keanu Reeves is going to direct the Kung Fu film “Man of Tai Chi” for the first time. After coming to China and Hong Kong for casting these months, Karen Mok had been selected to be his main actress in this film.



Many Chinese movie stars recommended themselves to join the casting audition, after getting the information of Keanu Reeves’ new film about to shoot. Keanu Reeves selected Karen because she speaks English well. She will play the role as a international criminal police.



Karen is very joyful that she was invited to play the role in Reeves’ new film. “I’m so happy that can cooperate with Keanu Reeves. I’ll treasure this rare opportunity,” Karen said.



Keanu Reeves is always addicted to the Chinese culture and Kung Fu. For the first time to make his director dream come true, he demands highly for the script and production. It is reported that he will come to Hong Kong for the scene during next Chinese New Year holidays, and the actors over 90% are Chinese.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Documentary film “Addiction Incorporated” relentlessly reveals the truth of tobacco industry



“Addiction Incorporated” opened Wednesday in Manhattan, produced by Charles Evans Productions, Hanway Films and released by Variance Films. It relentlessly reveals the truth of tobacco industry during the running time of 1 hour 42 minutes.



This documentary film was shot straightly in the tobacco factory and it should be hard-hitting and definitely annoy the cigarette manufacturers. It would damage the poetic image of puffing. The false impression of cigarette will be rose by the test rats which hit by nicotine soon died after 90 puff equivalents a day.



The key man in this film is Dr. Victor J. DeNoble who was hired by the worldwide Philip Morris Company since 19th century. In 1980 the scientist Dr. DeNoble was requested to test nicotine alternatives for a more heart-healthy cigarette. He quickly discovered that how addictive the nicotine would be. In his lab he found the test rats could not get through their day after attacking by the everlasting nicotine hits. He and his teams all were astonished at this finding. They proposed the experimental result to the company and were requested to keep their mouths shut, the cigarette company suppressed the finding on nicotine. Dr. DeNoble unexpectedly also discovers the ingredients of addiction and fuels a national campaign to have it regulated. Then they all were fired!



The cigarette company is the least friendly company to the environment. It neglects people’s health for its own benefit. All the cigarette companies in the western countries not only produce and sell the tobacco in their countries, also bring it to the oriental countries and to all over the world. They earn the sudden and huge benefit from it, neglect people’s health, the environmental protection and the disease control.



The director Charles Evans Jr. trusts Dr. DeNoble to provide the matter in clear and original condition. This documentary film not only shows the humanity concern, also lays out a meticulous, methodical timeline of moral and legal conflict. A mob of scientists, politicians, journalists and legal experts are wrangling for their own benefits.



The animation in this film shows the anthropomorphized cheeky rats and the dash, swagger of a team of Louisiana lawyers burn through the factual fog, such familiar video clips remind us of the heroes and villains in the story.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Actress Meryl Streep worried more and more her career was over




Actress Meryl Streep worried her career was over more and more, after she got the scripts to play the witch. This was an embarrassing situation for her at that time. She was convinced directors had no use for women past “childbearing age”. What should she do for her age of 62? Can she create another high peak of career?



Meryl Streep has been the actress for 34 years. She obtained 16 nominations of Oscar Academy Awards and Golden Ball Awards, won the best actress award of Cannes Film Festival, Los Angles Film Critics Association, London Film Critics Circle Film Award for Actress of the Year, Rembrandt Award (NL) , National Movie Award (UK)…etc.



She tells the new issue of Vogue magazine, “I remember turning to my husband and saying, ‘Well, what should we do? Because it’s over.’



Streep thinks that once women passed childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level.



Although Streep is the actress one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood, she admits it’s no coincidence most of her roles – like those in The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia! Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated – involve Streep playing “women whose usefulness had passed.”



This year she played as The Rt Hon. Margaret Thatcher in Iron Lady, could say that she was successful to play the role. Her worry about the ageing actually is unnecessary.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

3D movies will bring into vogue next year



Lee Ann’s new production “Life of Pi” is also in vogue



“Avatar” was not the first 3D movies, but absolutely it was the most successful and popular 3D movies in the history. Owing to this extraordinary result, many directors start to shoot 3D movies, and many 3D movies will be released next year. Some directors reshoot the old classic movies. Cineastes believe 3D movie will bring into vogue by Hollywood directors.



3-D films were prominently featured in the 1950s in American cinema, and later experienced a worldwide resurgence in the 1980s and '90s driven by IMAX high-end theaters and Disney themed-venues. 3-D films became more and more successful throughout the 2000s.



Director of “Avatar” James Cameron’s new production “Titanic 3D version” will be released in 2012. The other 3D versions of old classic movie are “Beauty and Beast” and “Star War”. The new production “Underworld 4: Awakening” is also 3D movie, will be released next January. Another new 3D production “Planet Terror” will be released in February, 2012.



Taiwanese top rock band “Mayday” released their first 3D movie “3DNA” in Oct., 2011. This is the first musical 3D movie in the world. It costs more than 5 millions NT dollars.



Lee Ann’s new production “Life of Pi” is also a 3D movie that is his first trial. It costs about 2 hundred million NT dollars and 70% of the film shot in Taiwan. Indian teen high school student Suraj Sharma plays the role of Pi as the boy in the novel, it is also his first time to perform in the movie.

ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Japanese government and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant should take the responsibility for the most serious nuclear disaster since 25 year



A panel of government investigating the nuclear crisis released the interim report yesterday




A panel of Japanese government investigating the nuclear crisis released the interim report on the whole accident on Dec. 26, those committee members pointed out that Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant prepared insufficiently for the tsunami in advance and they handled improperly the crisis management after the disaster happened, the government communicated so bad that the relief action ran slowly. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and the Japanese government should take the responsibility for the most serious nuclear disaster since 25 years.






The committee members of this panel have investigated the officials of Japanese government and the employees of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant since this June, total 456 persons. According to the Japanese mass media report, the panel said that the accident shows the need to prepare for unexpected events if the consequences of them happening could be disastrous, referring to the poor emergency responses of the plant’s operator and the government.






The panel also said that many problems related to the crisis were linked to the absence of measures to deal with severe nuclear accidents caused by tsunami as well as the failure to assume that a nuclear crisis could occur in combination with a natural disaster.






The first nuclear plant is northwest of Tokyo attacked by serious tsunami and caused the reactor core meltdown the fuel rod, the tsunami in some areas even over 15 meters height.






The panel pointed out that the government once presumed what would be happened if the tsunami over 15 meters height attacking the first nuclear plant, but they ignored the consequence and did not take any remedial measures. The government did not instruct the Tokyo Electric Power Co. how to figure out the way to deal with the disaster, because they thought such serious tsunami could not be happened.






The panel also thought after the nuclear disaster happened, due to lack of the professional knowledge, the operators of Tokyo Electric Power Company misunderstood the basic function of No. 1 reactor cooling system, and operated improperly No. 3 reactor cooling system.






Besides, the committee also said the government’s evacuation order issued to residents around the plant was not specific. In some cases, residents were found to have taken an evacuation route where radioactive substances had spread.






The previous Premier Kan Naoto gave his order to organize the panel of government investigating the nuclear crisis in this May, there are 12 members including the seismologists, former foreign affair officials and judges. The chairman of the committee Iwanami Shoten, Engineering professor of Tokyo University, is the beating failure expert. The investigative committee will release the complete and final report next summer.


Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Fukushima nuclear plant found 230 tons of radiation sewage -- Japanese nuclear safety experts wonder Noda Yoshihiko’s no more crisis opinion



There is about 230 tons of radiation sewage in the tunnel of centralized reject processing facility at Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Although Japanese Prime minister Noda Yoshihiko said that there’s no more crisis on Dec. 16, some of the nuclear safety experts stressed that Japanese government lied.



According to Japanese mass media report, the employees who were in charge of checking the nuclear plant found that there was radiation sewage in the tunnel on Dec. 18, about 50 centimeters height, fortunately it was still in the tunnel. It has not flow out of the tunnel.



The Japanese nuclear safety experts emphasize that the Japanese government should not think the testing method is fine for this moment, then it is really safe. “I wonder does Yuhei Sato understand the real situation?” the county magistrate of Fukushima said.



The International Atomic Energy Agency will send a team to Japan early next year to review the status of the country’s stress tests on idled nuclear reactors. The mission may visit several plants, Yukiya Amano, the director general of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, told reporters today in Tokyo. The schedule hasn’t been decided.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Danielle Nierenberg’s 12 simple steps to make our planet greener





An article regarding how to love our planet through the green life published on the web of Chicago Tribune written by Danielle Nierenberg, who is project director of the Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet project. He suggested 12 simple steps, for example, save money or spend more time with family and friends…etc., that we can undertake to make our lives a little greener.



Here is the summary of 12 simple steps to go green in 2012:



1. Recycle: To make it easier to recycle, put a separate container next to your trash can or printer, and keep an airtight container in your kitchen for food scraps to be composted.



2. Turn off the lights: Turn off lights during bright daylight or whenever you will be away for an extended period of time.



3. Make the switch: In addition to turning lights off, switching to greener bulbs can also help.



4. Turn on the tap: Plastic water bottles create huge environmental problems — they end up in landfills, litter roadsides and pollute waterways and oceans. Fill your glass from the tap instead of using the bottled water.



5. Turn down the heat: Turn down your thermostat when you leave for work or use a programmable thermostat to control your heating settings.



6. Support food-recovery programs: Food-recovery programs run by homeless shelters or food banks collect food that would be wasted by grocery stores and restaurants and use it to provide meals for the hungry. Encourage local restaurants and grocery stores to partner with food-rescue organizations.



7. Buy local: Have smaller environmental footprints and innovate to meet local conditions. Please consider farmers markets and local farms for your produce, eggs, dairy and meat.



8. Get out and ride: It’s better to rent bikes for short-term use, which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and providing healthy exercise. If available, use your city’s bike-share program to run short errands or commute to work.



9. Share a car: By using a shared car when traveling in a city, you can greatly reduce your environmental impact.



10. Plant a garden: Growing your own vegetables and fruits is a simple way to bring fresh and nutritious food literally to your doorstep. It can make a big impact on your diet and wallet.



11. Compost: What better way to fertilize your garden than using your own composted organic food waste.



12. Reduce your meat consumption: Global meat production has experienced a 20 percent growth rate since 2000, yet livestock production accounts for about 18 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Consider substituting one meal a day with a vegetarian option.



Danielle Nierenberg expected if people can follow these 12 simple steps, it will all resolve the environmental problem and will make 2012 a healthier, happier and greener year.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang


Durban climate change conference made a resolution to force three biggest polluters to take action to slow the pace of global changing: USA, China and India





The United Nations Climate Change Conference, Durban 2011, held in Durban, S.A. on Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, yet the conference has not gotten a common view. Attending representatives continue to discuss during this weekend, finally they made not only a resolution to bring the “Green Climate Fund” and the second commitment period of “Kyoto Protocol” into force at daybreak Dec. 11, but for the first time would force all the biggest polluters to take action to slow the pace of global changing.



The Durban conference had been due to wrap up on Friday, but dragged into a second extra day on Sunday because of disputes over how to phrase the legal commitment. The European Union pushed for strong wording and the three biggest emitters the United States, China and India resisted.



Representatives of China and India appealed that it should remember the fair principle to face the climate problem. Chief of the Indian representatives Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of Ministry of Environment and Forests, is strongly opposed to this plan. She stressed that there is a “Kyoto Protocol” already, almost the developed countries does not only carry out the target of reducing pollution, but demand the big developing country like India to get the total quantity as the developed countries does.



“Where is the fair justice?” Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan queried strongly. China representatives agreed with it. Chief of China representatives Hsieh Chen-hua emphasized that China is a developing country, has to develop, reduce the poverty and protect the environment. We have done what we could. What did all the developing countries do? They have not gotten the target of reducing pollution yet for 20 years.



Nevertheless, a marathon UN climate conference on Sunday approved a roadmap towards an accord that for the first time will bring all major greenhouse-gas emitters under a single legal roof.



If approved as scheduled in 2015, the pact will be operational from 2020 and become the prime weapon in the fight against climate change. Observers say the talks for the 2015 pact will be arduous.



The risk of changing climate is happening after all. 2015 pact is too far to save the planet.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang



A new evidence shows Javan tiger may still exist in the rainforest





Not only because of Indonesia’s rainforests has its rich biodiversity and is still unexplored completely scientifically, but also the warm and rainy tropical climate and volcanoes make its special geographic environment and vigorous vitality, over 200 new species discovered by the scientists up to now. It always attracts the scientists from the world to stay there to make the research.



According to Jakarta mass media report, in East Java there is a new evidence shows that the Javan tiger may still roaring in the wild recently, it was officially declared extinct in 1994. The head of the Meru Betiri National Park in East Java Bambang Darmadja said that his team found the big cat’s paw prints and droppings in the forest



The 58,000-hectare park, centered around Mount Betiri and straddling the districts of Jember and Banyuwangi, was the last known shelter for the Javan tiger. The last recorded sighting of the species in 1976 was made here.



The only lack of evidence for this moment is photograph, they prepare to set up the camera traps before the end of this month. Darmadja said that the new set of camera traps would be installed before the end of the month, but that the timing was not ideal at all. They are all open-eyed. Does Javan tiger will appear in the lens?

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang




We are out of time to wait the 2015 pact!





Due to the results of COP17/CMP7 did not make much progress to confront the very urgent climate change and the global warming problem in Durban, S.A., disappointed many environmental groups, NGOs, civil societies, island nation states and the other greenpeace organizations. Win the politicians and polluters, lose the people and even more our planet! Dr. James E. Hansen, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Institute for Space Studies of NASA, had a speech in the annual American Geophysical Union — AGU 2011 Fall Meeting is held in this week from 12-16th December, 2011 in San Francisco. He emphasized again the serious problem about the increasing 2 degrees of entire affection of this planet, we believe which is the most strictly response to the Durban talks.



The annual American Geophysical Union — AGU 2011 Fall Meeting provides an opportunity for researchers, teachers, students, and consultants to present and review the latest issues affecting the Earth, the planets, and their environments in space.



We are out of time to wait the 2015 pact which will start to carry out in 2020! It is too far to resolve the problem of the crisis of global warming. The climate change is happening to us now.



Although the emission of carbon reducing is so important, the attending negotiators from the world in COP17/CMP7 could not reach the common consensus. The roadmap of carbon reducing is nothing to use at all. Can the Earth wait for that? You never know what will be happen next. However, signs of changes that have been exacerbating the situation, such as the increasing frequency of the forest fire, the drought and the flood, the wild animals and plants face with the serious pressure of existing, the loss of ice sheets that has been raising sea level and change how much sunlight is reflected off the planet’s surface. These are already appearing.



Thailand sank and is still drowned in the flood. Is it a sign for that?



Dr. Hansen stressed that the target has been talked about in international negotiations for 2 degrees of warming is actually a prescription for long-term disaster. Two degrees of warming will lead to an ice-free Arctic and sea-level rise in the tens of meters, we can’t say how long that will take, but it’s clear it’s a different planet.



Dr. Hansen emphasized that some fast-feedback effects show up within decades, and some of these show up only when other parts of the system, particularly the oceans, which warm slowly, catch up with atmospheric warming. He said that this can take centuries and it’s difficult to project how long the effects will take to set in, because in the history of Earth’s climate, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has never risen as quickly as it is now.



Dr. Hansen warned that the evidence shows ice sheets are losing mass, the planet is already facing these powerful feedbacks, making the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a point that prevents warming of 3.6 degrees F (2 degrees C) insufficient. Thus goals to limit human-made warming to 2°C are not sufficient — they are prescriptions for disaster. Rapid reduction of fossil fuel emissions is required for humanity to succeed in preserving a planet resembling the one on which civilization developed.



We can not rely on 2015 Pact. Human being should fight against the severe climate change and the global warming by ourselves. There is no ham in reducing the production of the animal husbandry first. As we know that 51% emission of carbon comes from the animal husbandry according to the research result of World Watch Magazine released on November, 2009.



According to the report of World Watch Magazine, whenever the causes of climate change are discussed, fossil fuels top the list. Oil, natural gas, and especially coal are indeed major sources of human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). But we believe that the life cycle and supply chain of domesticated animals raised for food have been vastly underestimated as a source of GHGs, and in fact account for at least half of all human-caused GHGs.



Apparently, the 2015 Pact is not sufficient to reach the goal. How about the climate talks in Qatar? As we know that many old legends and predictions about 2012 end-time are near… It’d better to reduce the production of the animal husbandry first, right?



Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Scientists found the complex organic molecules on surface of Pluto with Hubble Telescope





There is a new evidence of complex organic molecules found by the Hubble Space Telescope on Dec 21. Scientists believe that it is the carbon-containing building blocks of life on the surface of Pluto.



On the cold surface of Pluto, there are some substances absorbing ultraviolet ray, the researchers said that it might be organics, possibly complex hydrocarbons or nitrogen-containing molecules.



“This is an exciting finding because complex Plutonian hydrocarbons and other molecules that could be responsible for the ultraviolet spectral features we found with Hubble may, among other things, be responsible for giving Pluto its ruddy color,” study leader Alan Stern, of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colo., said in a statement.



“The discovery we made with Hubble reminds us that even more exciting discoveries about Pluto’s composition and surface evolution are likely to be in store when NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft arrives at Pluto in 2015,” Stern said.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Scientists created the new strains of bird flu could spread easier among the humans -- U.S. government asked them to keep in secret



The lab of the Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the U.S. both succeeded in creating new strains of bird flu that spread easier. This experiment is paid to the scientists by the U.S. government. After discovering this astonishing and alarming finding, the U.S. government asks the scientists and journals not to publish any details of biomedical experiment, for fear that information could be used by the bioterrorists to make a copy of creating the virus.



On December 20, for the first time, it’s never happened before that the federal officials asked the scientists not to publicize all the details of how they did it. A government advisory panel, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, overseen by the National Institutes of Health, has asked two journals Science and Nature that only could publish the conclusions, but not the experimental details and mutation data that would encourage the terrorists to replicate the experiments.



Nevertheless, The Dutch researchers presented already their work at a virology conference in Malta in September.



The scientists found that the virus they created a highly transmissible form of a deadly flu virus that does not normally spread from person to person and the so-called H5N1 bird flu could spread easily among at least some mammals. They did the experiment on the little white ferret and inferred a conclusion from it.



Originally the U.S. government paid scientists to figure out how the deadly bird flu virus might mutate to become a bigger threat to people, this kind of research is worthy encouraging after all, although the conclusion is terrified us. We support the decision of U.S. government asked the journals and scientists not to publish any details about it.



As we know that there were only about 200 people died in H5N1 from 2003. But how come if the terrorists or the bad people get the details to make a copy of creating the virus by chance? That’s really bad to the world!

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

An earth-size planet Kepler-20f discovered by NSNA’s Kepler space telescope





On Dec. 20, scientists announced that they used NASA’s Kepler space telescope to discover two Earth-size worlds orbiting a star 1,000 light-years away. Kepler-20f is the first earth-sized planet found orbiting a star like our own Sun.



According to NASA’s news release, NASA’s Kepler mission has discovered the first Earth-size planets orbiting a sun-like star outside our solar system. The planets, called Kepler-20e and Kepler-20f, are too close to their star to be in the so-called habitable zone where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface, but they are the smallest exoplanets ever confirmed around a star like our sun.



NASA said that Kepler-20f is the closest object to the Earth in terms of size ever discovered. With an orbital period of 20 days and a surface temperature of 800 degrees Fahrenheit (426C), it is rocky and with a composition of iron, it is too hot to host life, as the scientist said so.



We believe that in the universe there are many earth-like and earth-size planets, only few of them discovered by our scientists with Kepler space telescope. Earlier this month the telescope discovered Kepler-22b, a planet 2.4 times the size of the Earth situated in the middle of its habitable zone.



Although we all are interested in the universe, actually we do not know much the knowledge about the universe, nor do we know much about the Earth. Why are we eager to search for the earth-like and earth-size planet? We have our Mother Earth and have to take good care of her! It is the obligation for being an earthman!

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

When will Arab spring really come? When the rich monarchies will give the protesters response?





Moroccan protestors demanded political reform and the release of the prisoners several days ago. They also protested against the country’s high unemployment rate.

Although like the other countries, the moderate religious parties all have fared well in Islamic world, the Islamist Justice and Development Party won November’s parliamentary elections on Nov. 27. The protesters have discontented with the new government and the King.



The King Mohammed VI still holds the real power. They think the king does not put enough the new constitution in practice. The protesters also say that the polls failed to display true democratic reforms and that the US-backed ruling monarchy is not committed to real change.



But why the oil-rich Arab monarchies still hold the real power? In an end of summit, they called “union” rather than “cooperation” after the Arab monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council on Dec. 27.



We think the King does not really want to release his power because of the oil. The much power he releases, the much benefit he will loose. The much power he releases, the people will get much benefit from it and finally realize the dream of democracy, so that the Kings just unit together to share the benefits, they do not want to cooperate with people or listen what people really want.



When will Arab spring really come? In this bitter winter, people stood in the street just to demand their small dream – survival dignity. When the rich monarchies will give them response?

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang






Thousands of Israelis protest against discrimination against women --Israelis feels strong antipathy towards the utra-Orthodox Jews’ behaviors




Thousands of Israelis gathered together to protest against the ultra-Orthodox Jews who want enforce segregation between men and women in the town of Beit Shemesh on Dec. 27. This Jewish city situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. On another side, the ultra-Orthodox Jews also gather there, one of them held a sign written in Hebrew: “Women are asked not to linger in this area.”



Sexual discrimination exists in Israel, among special ultra religious fanatics, like ultra-Orthodox Jews. The ultra-Orthodox men and boys hurled rocks and eggs at the police and journalists and yelled them “Nazis”.



Detonating this resistance is the story of 8-year old girl Naama Margolese televised on an Israel weekend television program. She is a daughter of American immigrants. One day while she was on her way to school, she was insulted by an untra-Orthodox man and he spat on her, that man’s behavior frightened her and made her has a great fear of walking near that area.



The public were outraged by this behavior. Israel president has said a minority in Israel is acting outrageously and violating national solidarity.



According to Jerusalem mass media report, tensions ran high in Beit Shemesh Tuesday night as people gathered to protest against the rise of ultra-Orthodox extremism.



Protesters from Beit Shemesh and the other cities, religious and secular, kids with parents and even the Israeli Hells Angels arrived to speak out against a growing frequency in attacks against a local religious-Zionist girls’ elementary school and the ultra-Orthodox Jews who want enforce segregation between men and women.



The protest took place directly opposite the Bnot Orot School, which has been at the center of controversy in Beit Shemesh since it opened last September.



“Enough is enough,” commented Jenny Zivotofsky, a protester who came all the way from Efrat after watching Naama on the TV program. “This is not only the fight for Beit Shemesh, it’s a fight for everyone in Israel.”



Former Labor leader MK Amir Peretz said, “We can’t hide from this any longer. A young girl spoke out about how she was scared to go to school, therefore it’s time the haredim realize they have to stop acting like this.”



He emphasized that the discrimination against women goes against the tradition of the Bible and the principles of Judaism.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Pope Benedict XVI worried the commercialization of Christmas





Christmas Eve, Pope Benedict XVI delivered his Christmas message at a midnight mass in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The 84-year-old Pope is celebrating the seventh Christmas season of his pontificate.



Addressing thousands of worshippers, “Today Christmas has become a commercial celebration, whose bright lights hide the mystery of God’s humility, which in turn calls us to humility and simplicity.” Pope Benedict XVI said.



However, as if the Valentine’s day, Christmas has become too commercial; most people seem to see this holiday only as a good time for partying.



He also urged worshippers, “see through the superficial glitter of this season and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem”.



In Bethelem, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas joined Christians in celebrating at the Church of the Nativity. It is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and thus it is considered sacred by Christians. The site is also revered by followers of Islam.



The Pope also worried the enduring presence of violence in the world.



About 120,000 visitors were in the Palestinian West Bank town, 30% up on last year, officials said.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

More than 50 anti-Wall Street protesters arrested including a retired bishop in NY



There were more than 50 anti-Wall Street protesters arrested on Dec. 17 in New York, while they tried to climb over a chain-link fence around a church parking lot in a bid to establish a new encampment. After a retired Episcopal Bishop George E. Packard leading to climb the ladder over the fence to illegally enter Juan Pablo Duarte Square in the west SoHo neighbourhood of the city during the demonstration, he was in cuffs at once.



“We are the 99%.” won the top Yale Book of Quotations for this year, the main slogan of Occupy Wall Street Movement deeply touched and influenced the people around the world. The brave generation X is standing out for social justice, citizen justice, housing justice and antitrust.



Earlier in the day, demonstrators played drums, cymbals and trombones, held group meetings and waved signs with a variety of messages – “Disobedience is civil” and “Sorry to inconvenience your apathy” – as they marked the completion of three months with a major direct action that they hoped would give them a new home as authorities continue to clear off the camps nationwide.



Next day of Dec. 18 , the International Migrants Day, hundreds of protesters rallied again for immigrant rights in New York. They marched from Foley Square to Zuccotti Park.



Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang 

Nigeria’s Christmas bomb and Afghan’s funeral bomb tore up the Pope’s peace message



Ignoring the Pope’s appeal for peace in Christmas speech, Nigeria and Afghan had series of bomb blasts which caused dozens of innocent people died and wounded. In Nigeria, Militant Islamic group Boko Haram says it is responsible three of the bombings. In Afghan, no group claimed to have carried out the attack.



A Catholic church was attacked after worshippers celebrated the Christmas Mass in Madalla, Nigeria. A suicide bomber killed dozens of villagers after a funeral on Dec. 25, including a member of parliament.



We think the bomb attack in Nigeria was directly responded to the Pope’s peace speech. The bomb attack in Afghan was nothing to do with the religious reason. However, innocent people died.



Pope Benedict XVI addressed the worshippers for the annual tradition “to the city and to the world” message, he said Christ is born for us! Come to save for us! The Pope asked the faithful to repeat the words “Come to save us”! in spiritual union with the many people to are experience particularly difficult situations, people who have no voice. Those people included the many thousands affected by insecurity, hunger and food shortages in the Horn of Africa.



“Renewed vigor to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good.” The Pope said.



The Pope prayed the peace would bring stability peace and dialogue between Israeli’s and Palestinians, an end to violence in Syria and reconciliation in Iraq and Afghanistan.



Unfortunately there were bomb attacks in Nigeria and Afghan after Pope’s peace message. In a statement, the Vatican called the attacks a sign of “cruelty and absurd, blind hatred” that shows no respect for human life.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Morocco erupted the protest movement for political reform





After February 20 movement accomplished its mission, it has restored the confidence in the possibility of change. Now another protest goes on the stage for political change. Thousands of people gathered together in Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday Dec. 25 to express their deep and sincere demand for political reforms.



About 5,000 protesters demonstrated in the street, an AFP reporter said that there were about 3,500 people in all country.



The protesters thought that King Mehmed VI did not put the constitution reform into practice enough. They think Morocco does not have revolution of the kind seen elsewhere in north Africa. King Mohammed is still firmly in charge.



The protesters told the AFP reporter that their demands are legitimate, and what they demanded before have not any change. They want the parliamentary monarchy and more social justice.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang


Humanity concern actions from Taiwan and Malyasia to Thailand flood disaster area





About 100 Malaysian youths helped in providing rehabilitation and cleaning assistance to more than 800 households in Zin Somboon housing estate in Thailand's central province of Samut Sakhon.



The youths, from Kuala Lumpur, had assisted those households by cleaning their houses since a large amount of garbage left in the area after the homes was inundated of about 1.5 metres of water, reported Thai News Agency on Monday.



It’s the third time for Chia Yi Christian Hospital of Taiwan to dispatched the mission of public health and water and electricity service to Thailand several days ago, tomorrow they will dispatch the medical mission to the communities in Bangkok to give the free medical service.



Chia Yi Christian Hospital also has concerned the communities of Bangkok suburbs for a long time. They give the free medical service, provide the consolation money to the people and concern the college students and teenagers in the disaster area.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang



Time choose “The Protester” as the person of year 2011



Time magazines’ editors believe no matter men or women (sometimes groups of ideas) overwhelming the international famous politicians or celebrities became the great impact during the past 12 months.



“The protester” has voiced dissent against authoritarian leaders over the past year. The people of third world country have awakened to confront the dictatorial leadership, first in Tunisia, and then in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain.



The international protesters in the street struggled for their own needs in different reason. The protester with his or her protest dog in Spain and Greece expressed their complaints against the economic problem. The protester of Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo voiced anger over possibly rigged elections. In the U.S., the Occupy Wall Street protester began demonstrating first in New York, and then in Washington, Chicago, cities as small as Trenton, N.J., and soon spreading to the Asian countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia.



All revolutions begin with protests, but not all protests become revolutions. The great movement ignited by the awakening people over the world. They have struggled for the same reason – justice, some of them were successful, like the people in the Middle East they overthrew the dictatorial government, established the democratic government and possessed the dignity that they never have. This great movement makes our world become better. That’s why the protester won the person of the year 2011.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

2012年1月3日 星期二

Attending scholars show their concern over global warming and climate change in the first Asian Buddhism Forum



The first Asian Buddhism Forum was held in National Taiwan University on Dec. 9 and 10, 2011. There were 19 scholars doing Buddhism research, 7 of them from Taiwan, 6 from India and the others from Thailand, Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. They proposed their papers under the theme of “Buddhist Canons and Early Mahayana Buddhism” and all the participants had a wonderful discussion after each thesis presentation with them.



In the opening ceremony the key note speaker Lin Tsong-ming, Deputy Minister of Education, had an initial and crucial speech on the first day morning. He talked about the education and charity through the point of view from the Buddhism. He emphasized that the Buddhism languages development such as Sanskrit, establishment of Buddhist schools and higher education in studying the Buddhism are about the time to do, which would be a great contribution to improve the social negative atmosphere in this moment.



He also mentioned about the Fo Guang Shan and Tzu Chi doing the works of mercy. These two renowned charitable organizations show the generous and dedicated support for disasters, which enhance and glorify the mercy, compassion and love of the Buddhism.



Vice President of National Taiwan University Dr. Lo Ching-hua, one of the organizer of this forum, also had an opening speech at the same time on Dec 9, 2011. He mentioned about the importance of global warming and climate change. The Buddhism could appeal the people to change the habit of greediness, waste and killing, which may prevent the earth from destroying.



There were 7 thesis presentations in these two days. Each thesis presentation was chaired by very famous Buddhist scholars, such as Professor Dr. K.T.S. Sarao of Delhi University, Professor Emeritus Dr. Musashi Tachikawa of National Museum of Ethnology of Osaka, Dr. Prapod Assavavirulhakarn Dean of Chulalongkorn University of Thailand, the Principal of Dharma Drum Buddhist College Dr. Venerable Huimin, Professor of College of Liberal Arts of National Taiwan University Dr. Theresa Yeh and Dean of College of Buddhist Studies of Fo Guang University Dr. Venerable Hui-kai.



“Was Devadatta a demon or a saint?” Dr. Sarao proposed in his paper. In his paper, an attempt has been made to show that the differences between the Buddha and Devadatta appear to have arisen out of some serious issues relating to the functioning of the Samgha.



Other important theses also proposed in the first forum in these two days, like “Interpretations of Emptiness in India and China” by Dr. Tachikawa. Director of Center of Excellent for Research in Computer Systems of National Taiwan University Dr. Jieh Hsiang, National Science Council of Taiwan, had a special presentation of “The current status of the digital library and museum of Buddhist studies” on Dec. 10 afternoon, which was the last on for this forum.



According to the global warming and the climate change more and more severer, the audience and attending scholars expect could put this theme for discussion in next forum.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Asian authorities on the Buddhism all get together in Taiwan to participate the first session of 2011 Asian Buddhist Forum



Dec. 9, the first session of 2011 Asian Buddhist Forum was held in Taiwan. All the Asian authorities on the Buddhism get together in the Lin Tsen Building of National Taiwan University to participate in this marvelous forum. The attending scholars come from India, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. All the scholars will discuss the sutras for two days.



National Taiwan University and India-Taipei Association are the organizers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.O.C. and Indian Council for Cultural Relations are the sponsors.

The co-organizers and executors are Fo Guang University, National Chengchi Unversity, Center for Buddhist Studies, College of Liberal Arts of National Taiwan University.



2011 Asian Buddhist Forum focuses on expounding the sutras and Buddhism. “Buddhist Canons and Early Mahayana Buddhism” is the subject of the first session of this forum.



In the past the European and American scholars held this kind of forum to discuss the differences between Buddhism and Christianity for many times. It’s the first time for Asian scholars to expound the sutras only, just happening to meet the Lord Buddha’s attaining enlightenment for 2,600 years, the oriental scholars’ opinions in this forum definitely will attract the western scholars and people’s attention.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

Crisis on the Strait of Hormuz: Iran, US and Saudi Arabia calculate respectively



On Dec. 27 Iran Vice president Mohammad Reza Rahimi threatened that if Western imposes economic sanctions against Iran’s oil exports, which generates 80% of the country’s cash, they will block the transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.



It is reported that today Mark Toner, a U.S. state department spokesman, said at a briefing in Washington that Iran is attempting to “distract attention” from its nuclear program by threatening to block oil shipments through the strait.



The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet’s spokeswoman warned today that any disruption at the strait will not be tolerated.



On Dec. 27, after the end of a summit of Arab monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the attending Kings responded to the threats emanating from Iran, they call for greater "union" rather than mere "cooperation.



The Gulf states realized that the West and America in particular were no longer morally able to support regimes violating human rights. They felt that in order to survive, they must unite to fight against the threat from the Western for their security, oil sector and people.



As we know that Iranian productivity of oil ranks fourth in the world and its volume of exports ranks second in the world. Saudi Arabia both ranking is on the top of the world, so that the rich monarchies just want to keep their own benefits. They will keep them away from the conflict between Iran and US.



It is reported that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have pledged to raise oil production in the event of a crisis. Such offer will ease crude oil prices on world markets.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang 

Jim Rogers predicted Euro will go to the history

Jim Rogers said in an interview that he thinks Euro can not go on like this. It can not work anymore in next decade. This report published in the new issue of “The Economist”.




Rogers said after a few important elections, government certainly will increase its expenses. American economy will face a severe moment in 2013. He predicted that next financial crisis will be erupted in 2013 or 2014. At that time the debt will be too high, we will face the most severe moment that we never met before.



He advised that people do not invest American financial industry, especially American banks. But he still has confidence in China economy.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang

A statue of “Comfort Women for peace” put up at landmark rally in South Korea


The 1000th weekly protest in front of the Japanese Embassy in the cities of the world held yesterday Wednesday on Dec. 14, included 8 countries like Korea, Japan, USA, Taiwan and the other countries, 44 cities united together to request the apology and the compensation for being the sex-slave during World War II.



Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation went to Interchange Association, Japan (IAJ) on Dec. 14, they lighted up the candles to show their determination and willpower on seeking the justice with comfort women around the world.



A 130 centimeters height statue of “Comfort Women for peace” put up at landmark rally in Seoul, South Korea, is opposite the Japanese Embassy. The statue is a girl about the age of 10 sitting on a chair and facing the Japanese Embassy. The designer said that all the girls were the same age to be the sex-slave under pressure. An old woman Kim, age of 85 same as the others, said that in the past many young girls was forced to take to the countries they never knew to be the sex-slave for the Japanese soldiers. She requests the Japanese government to apologize formally for this crime before they die.



Japanese Embassy did not answer the request and condemned the statue disgraced Japanese Embassy’s dignity, they would demand South Korean government to pull down the statue through the diplomatic channels.



Some 100,000 to 200,000 Asian women were forced to provide sexual service to the Imperial Japanese Army during the World War II.



Local reports said South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is expected to bring up the issue during the scheduled summit talks on Sunday with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.


ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang




Mexico has 6 millions pilgrims in Mexico City and 2 students dead after a confrontation in Guerrero at same time




Mexico is in eventual time now. Earthquake, public security problem, rural teaching students and teachers union demonstration and the Guadalupe feast are all happening in Mexico at the same time in these few days.



Mexican authorities said Tuesday that they captured Zetas Cartel leader with an arsenal of 169 weapons on Monday, and he may have been linked to the abduction of nine Mexican marines.



Two students are dead after a confrontation between police and rural teaching students in the southern state of Guerrero, in the south of Mexico, an incident that is reminding many here of the history of brutal crackdowns against leftist protesters. Mexico authorities promised to investigate this accident, but the students group and the national teachers union thought this is a “repression” that they will hold the demonstrations this week to protest against the murderer – police.



Despite these accidents and the public security problems, all Mexican people and the Catholic from all over the world gather together in Guadalupe to have a pilgrim journey. That was the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This pilgrim feast will last a month.



Mexican authorities estimate the number of pilgrims at about 5.3 millions. They traveled between the 9th and the 12th of December to Mexico City to pray at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of Latin America's most revered shrines, local media reports say.



A legend says that in December of 1531 Virgin Mary appeared four times to peasant Juan Diego, asking him to appeal to the bishop of Mexico about building a temple on Tepeyac hill.



The Basilica is believed to be the world’s most visited Catholic shrine, with about 14 million pilgrims arriving there each year.



In 1945, Pope Pius XII officially declared the Virgin of Guadalupe to be the Patroness of the Americas.



Mexico the holly land of ancient nation has been blessed by the Virgin. Existing and towering there like an eagle, maybe that’s why they can hold themselves after so many risks of natural and man-made calamities.


Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang










U.S. government worried Tsai Ying-wen’s China policy -- Tsai Ying-wen refuses to accept the suggestion of US side to recognize the “1992 Consensus”

U.S. and Taiwan governments recently communicated with each other by the way of the Second Track Diplomacy. US government expressed that if Tsai Ying-wen wins, she will probably destroy the stable cross-strait relation, because she refuses to recognize the “1992 Consensus”.




During the negotiating process of second track diplomacy, a previous senior official stressed that many people advised directly Tsai Ying-wen to accept “1992 Consensus” in order to assist DPP in keeping the constructive relationship with China, U.S. and Taiwan, if she wins the presidential campaign. But she disregarded their advice.



This previous senior offical thought that the pro-Taiwan independence tied Tsai Ying-wen down, so that she ccould not choose a more compromising route in the cross-strait relation.



This powerful backer said that once Tsai Ying-wen wins the campaign, U.S. government will not be tolerant to DPP government anymore. Because Beijing had a bad experience with previous president Chen Shui-bian, the authorities certainly pressure Taiwan through U.S. government in order to hold back Tsai Ying-wen’s Taiwan independence action.



U.S. negotiator told Taiwanese officer that U.S. government does not know what Tsai Ying-wen will do after she wins the campaign, because she just said she will keep the practical attitude in the cross-strait relation, if she wins. It makes U.S. government very worried. They think if Tsai wins, she will not resolve the dispute on  “1992 Consensus” and leave it aside. It will bring the sternest challenge for the cross-strait relation.

Ps. original version published on Taiwan News website by Theresa Huang

Tsai Ying-wen and Ma Ying-jeou clashed again on "1992 Consensus" -- An senior director official left his office from AIT said the consensus is not in question between the cross-strait.


Taiwanese three presidential candidates’ first televised campaign platform presentation aired on Friday. DPP presidential candidate Tsai and KMT Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou clashed again on national identity and other varies of issue.



DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ying-wen criticized stricktly that Government Ma sacrificed the national identity for the cross-strait achievement, let people can not bear it. Tsai Ying-wen promised that if she wins, she will establish the “Stable economical strategy group” to stabilize the economic and financial situation during the transition period. KMP president candidate Ma Ying-jeou hit back at once. He said the peace of cross-straits is not the “gift from the sky”. KMP has executed the suitable policy to get the peace and cooperation moving between mainland China and Taiwan and defend Taiwan’s sovereignty and security for three and half years. He stressed that DPP only caused the tense and insecure situation.



Tsai Ying-wen mentioned that the territory of the R.O.C. is included Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, but Ma’s territory covered China the same opinion as Chinese Communist Party (CCP), that would make us, this generation, to face the problem of “ultimate unification”.



Tsai also criticized strictly Ma said repeatedly that Taiwan will come to a standstill without “1992 Consensus”, which sacrificed the Taiwan’s sovereignty and people choice.



Ma Ying-jeou emphasized that he insists on defending national identity in the R.O.C. Constitution, KMP government takes the principal of “no unification, no independence and no use of force” to communicate with mainland China under the “1992 Consensus – one China for which each side has its own interpretation”. President Ma said that they create more and more international existing space for make Taiwan. They lead Taiwan to go out the path that DPP can not do it, moreover, DPP does not recognize the “1992 Consensus” that would make the cross-strait relation in uncertainty.



In U.S. side, a senior director official left for his office from AIT said that although former president Lee Teng-hui and DPP chairwoman Tsai Ying-wen refuse to recognize the “1992 Consensus”, such consensus is not in question between the cross-strait.


He thought that if Tsai Ying-wen won, the cross-strait relation definitely will be back into the past. Because Beijing authorities will think CCP President Hu Jintao’s Taiwan policy failed and will go hard line to carry out the policy, which will force DPP government to take the further hard and resistant action, to put Taiwan into a vicious circle. Taiwan’s economy will come to a standstill again.

Ps. original version published on Taiwan News website by Theresa Huang

R.O.C. three president candidates first debate live televised -- Tsai and Ma clashed on Tsai Ying-wen's "Yu Chang scandal"

The third Taiwan president candidates debate live televised on PTS channel in the afternoon on December 17, 2011. The three president candidates met again, James Soong went first for the proposal. He said that people need the capable person to promote the important reformation, this election has to change. In his White Paper listed the method to resolve the problems, included downward extension of national education, taking care of under-privileged people, social reform, industrial transformation…etc. Soong emphasized that he can do what he promised. He will take care of small and medium-sized enterprise, south central Taiwan and mid and low earning household, continue to use ECFA as the base of developing the cross-strait peace.




Ma Ying-jeou stressed that Tsai Ying-wen accused him strictly of demanding Specified numbers of Prosecutors of the Supreme Court Prosecutors to investigate “Yu Chang biotech investment case” last night without any evidence in his proposal. He can not accept. He thought that is so terrible an insult to his personality. He made a serious declaration to the Taiwanese people that he did not do that and will never do that. Otherwise he will withdraw from this presidential election immediately.



Ma mentioned that the crucial figure is the index of the administration. He will keep on creating cross-strait peace and international union and applying for 2020 Olympic, which are his next important governing goal. He expects to continue to fight for freedom and democracy for Taiwanese next generations.



In these three years, Ma Ying-jeou said he always asks himself what is the personality needed for a good president? Besides promote the economic, diplomacy and put social justice into pracice. He thought a good president should listen to people, have the ability of self-examination and take the crucial figure seriously.



Tsai Ying-wen said that Kuomingtang Party mobilized the state apparatus and the administrative officer forged the document to attack the opponent. Lose the campaign style. She reminded Ma Ying-jeou don’t destroy his career for winning the election. Tsai stressed that the national salaries regressed and the national debt rose, the situation changed so that the president has to be changed. Tsai believes that she can do that.



Tsai Ying-wen emphasized that Ma respects former President Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo, but criticized former President Chen strictly. They all both had the merits and demerits. She wondered that if we always stick in the history, how can we lead Taiwan to unite together?

Ps. original version written by Theresa Huang on website of Taiwan News.