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Day: April 26, 2011

How government can promote cycling

To promote cycling and encourage more people to commute by bicycle, the Government can implement policies that benefit cyclists. The following are some steps that have already been taken in other countries to promote bicycle-friendliness and cyclist safety, which the Malaysian government can also adopt: Officially Promote Bicycle Use -- CHANGE the current mindset that makes the car the priority....
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jorge

Globetroting champion of the poor and homeless

Good Samaritan Father Eduardo Jorge Anzorena, Magsaysay Award winner in International Understanding, believes true philanthropy balances self—preservation and altruism. Sirimas Chalanuchpong speaks with the globetrotting champion of the homeless. A teacher of the Law came up and tried to trap Jesus. "Teacher" he asked. "What must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus answered him. "What do the...
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Modern transport systems do not save time

Modern transportation systems, the writer says, do not save people time, but rather contribute to the modern condition of "not having enough time". They also consume space, emphasise the gap between the rich and the poor, and contribute to the disintegration of communities. By John Whitelegg TIME is money, we are told, and increasingly mobility is a way of saving time. The economic justification...
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Why should we eat from toxic containers?

Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) calls the attention of the Selangor and Penang state governments and especially the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to the widespread use of polystyrene food and drink containers during the Thaipusam festival in their respective states earlier this year. CAP conducted a study comprising random data collection at both locations where large...
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world-cup

World Cup in South Afica: Separating Myths and Realities

  There is more than meets the eye in the euphoria surrounding the soccer World Cup. Offering an unapologetic public critique of the FIFA Soccer World Cup at the height of the collective frenzy of positive expectation, feel-good nationalism and general public excitement that now exists in our country is a risky thing to do. But it is a risk that needs to be taken precisely because, no...
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Why are your teenagers reading vampire novels?

Why do teenagers eat the Twilight novels? Why do they follow the adventures of young Bella and her vampire lover Edward? What do they think they see? Recently, I encountered some fans. "You are attracted to it because it is dangerous," says Camila, 13. "There is something that sucks you in." "I have Twilight written on my hand right now," says Morag, 11, whispering...
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Child abuse as serious as head injury

CAP is disturbed to note the number of abuse cases involving children reported of late. Toddlers being sexually abused, a stepchild apparently beaten to death, young girls raped — the list goes on. Alarmingly, parents or caregivers are the perpetrators in many cases of child abuse. These are the very people that society expects to protect the child. It has been said that society reaps what...
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vinoba

Moved by love

VINOBA BHAVE was one of the great spiritual leaders and social reformers of modern India, whose work and personal example moved the hearts of all Indians, from Prime Ministers to the poor. Born in 1894, at the age of ten, he took a vow of lifelong  celibacy  and service to others. Searching for a way of life that would embody both spiritual truth and practical action, he discovered...
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swami_agnivesh

On fire for the poor

His name literally means "embodiment of fire". Through his fiery, eloquent and well-argued speeches, SWAMI AGNIVESH acts as a voice for the voiceless and is embarassed about being a politician.   But unlike the politicians who mouth the talk of religion, Agnivesh's politics are not aimed at dividing Hindu and Muslim, or any other religion. Instead, in a way parallel to the...
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The speed craze

Speed has become a modern addiction. Fast cars, fast food, fast talk, fast bucks; subtlety suffers for the sake of speed. Not only small, but also slow is beautiful.   By Jay Griffiths   Take the cow. It can be hard to understand the deification of the cow in Indian villages. But pause. In westernized Delhi or Bombay, amid the fizzing pandemonium of the fast lane, watch the awesome cow...
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