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© Copyright
2000 - 2007
Flashlight
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Impressum
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News
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20.11.2007, Tuesday, 10:53, Meike
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Today is Universal Children's Day
It is UN’s “day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. The date 20 November, marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.”
www.un.org/depts/dhl/children_day
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19.11.2007, Monday, 17:48, Meike
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Moving movements
We had a very busy weekend between packing cases and one of our farewell parties. A lot of sweat and tears drops - and a lot of fun as well!
The orange one is me.
The green one is Andreas and the black one is Lana - the most beautiful dog on earth
(I might not be very objective in this issue).
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12.11.2007, Monday, 13:22, Meike
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Yes, we do! Yes, we do! Yes, we do! Yes, we do! Yes, we really do!
Everybody who is thinking that people should change their places of residence from time to time to learn more about foreign countries, people, cultures, religions, languages and much, much more - is absolutely right!
We think the same!
That’s why at the end of November the organization of the international peace and communication project “World’s Greatest Smile - Start with a Smile!” (what basically means Andreas and me) will relocate. And even if there are so many nice and friendly countries on our wish list we had to decide where to go .
And the winner is ... hear an internal fanfare ...: Canada! More precisely ... hear an internal bagpipe ...: Halifax, Nova Scotia.
So we spend a lot of time these
days to organize things, pack our bags - no pipes, find a nice place to get a kilt and such things. (Of course we will be back in Germany from time to time to work here and visit family and friends as we are in other countries as well.)
And besides all the work we are going to do, now we are looking forward to play curling, watch whales and fondle porcupines if they ask us to.
P.S.:
Does anybody know a friendly place to buy vegetarian Marshmallows in Halifax? That would be great! Please let me know!
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22.10.2007, Monday, 13:55, Meike
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Ok, now that my fingers healed after I had one of my “Let’s see what we can find inside”-attacks on our printer (I learned my lesson: from time to time inspect how much blood is between all the ink, test if you can open your thumbs in any unusual way, and check how many metal splints are in the cut...) this time I screwed open our notebook. And yes, it survived! (For some reason the printer didn’t...)
 So I think it’s time for a new World’s Greatest Smile Game:
(Yes, this one is much easier than the Super Mind
Game!)
Computer Adventure
Collect computers and diskettes and hunt viruses! Use the arrow Keys to move. Collect all disks, computers, and laptops. Use the Antivirus symbol to get the viruses.
Click here to find more games!
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12.10.2007, Friday, 13:12, Meike
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Nobel Peace Prize 2007
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 is awarded to the IPCC and Albert Arnold ‚Al‘ Gore, Jr.
"for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change". (Noble Foundation)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by two United Nations organizations, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to evaluate the risk of climate change brought on by humans.
Al Gore was the forty-fifth Vice President of the United States and the Democratic nominee for President in the 2000 election.
More info will be here soon:
Noble Foundation: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2007/
IPCC: www.ipcc.ch
Al Gore: www.algore.com
And this is the statement of the Noble Foundation:
“The Nobel Peace Prize for 2007
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 is to be shared, in two equal parts, between the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.
Indications of changes in the earth's future climate must be treated with the utmost seriousness, and with the precautionary principle uppermost in our minds. Extensive climate changes may alter and threaten the living conditions of much of mankind. They may induce large-scale migration and lead to greater competition for the earth's resources. Such changes will place particularly heavy burdens on the world's most vulnerable countries. There may be increased danger of violent conflicts and wars, within and between states.
Through the scientific reports it has issued over the past two decades, the IPCC has created an ever-broader informed consensus about the connection between human activities and global warming. Thousands of scientists and officials from over one hundred countries have collaborated to achieve greater certainty as to the scale of the warming. Whereas in the 1980s global warming seemed to be merely an interesting hypothesis, the 1990s produced firmer evidence in its support. In the last few years, the connections have become even clearer and the consequences still more apparent.
Al Gore has for a long time been one of the world's leading environmentalist politicians. He became aware at an early stage of the climatic challenges the world is facing. His strong commitment, reflected in political activity, lectures, films and books, has strengthened the struggle against climate change. He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted.
By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 to the IPCC and Al Gore, the Norwegian Nobel Committee is seeking to contribute to a sharper focus on the processes and decisions that appear to be necessary to protect the world’s future climate, and thereby to reduce the threat to the security of mankind. Action is necessary now, before climate change moves beyond man’s control.
Oslo, 12 October 2007”
(http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2007/press.html)
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09.10.2007, Tuesday, 12:21, Meike
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  New communication exercise:
How we can work miracles…! / “Yes, I can”
You are looking for an exercise which could make a difference in your communication - and maybe cause a change to the better for your whole life?
Ok, here it is one:
Read full tip!
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02.10.2007, Tuesday, 13:49, Meike
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 International Day
of Non-Violence!
Today is – next to the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi – the first International Day of Non-Violence. This day is referred to in India as Gandhi Jayanti.
On June 15th 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution by the General Assembly asks all members of the UN system to commemorate October 2nd in "an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness." (UN)
You find more information here:
UN: International Day of Non-Violence:
http://www.un.org/events/nonviolence/background.shtml
Sixty-first General Assembly, Plenary:
“… the Assembly decided to observe the International Day, with effect from the sixty-second session, on 2 October each year. Bearing in mind that non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect of diversity, are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, it invited all Member States, United Nations organizations, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.”
Hindustan Times:
„October 2 is global non-violence day
India won a small but significant victory at the United Nations on Friday with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopting an Indian resolution to declare Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, as the International Day of Non-Violence.
The government tabled the resolution at the UNGA on May 31 this year to declare the Mahatma’s birth anniversary as a day of non-violence internationally.“
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28.09.2007, Friday, 13:17, Meike
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 Ok, it has been quite a while since I published my last communication tip here - but to avoid that today’s ‘fry day’ is followed by a ‘weak end’ I proudly present a new one now.
Have fun!
 New communication tip:
Phonological ambiguities or Give peas a chance!
One of my favourite ways to have fun with communication are phonological ambiguities.
Read full tip!
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26.09.2007, Wednesday, 11:29, Meike
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Action in shades of red
During these days there are people who have the courage to stand up for their beliefs again. The stories are about religious people, two Peace Nobel Laureates, and two students working on a more peaceful future. And all of them are worth to mention here and now.
“Suu Kyi prays with monk protesters
YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi prayed with Buddhist monks who marched past police barricades to her home on Saturday, the Nobel Laureate's first public appearance since her latest detention began in 2003.
The monks were among thousands taking part in growing street protests against the ruling military junta in Yangon and other cities. They were allowed to march through the police barricades and stand outside her gate guarded by 20 police with shields.
… The junta is facing the most sustained protests since soldiers crushed a 1988 student-led uprising.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won a landslide election victory in 1990, the first multi-party election to be held since 1960, but the military ignored it.
… Until now the monks, fearing reprisals against civilians and to ensure the protests remain peaceful, have discouraged others from joining the marches.
… The marches are a sign that what began as civilian anger at shock fuel price rises last month is becoming a more deep-rooted religious movement against the military, which has ruled the former Burma since a 1962 coup.
… Memories of the nearly 3,000 people thought to have been killed when soldiers fired on protesters in 1988 are still fresh. Monasteries were key players in that uprising and analysts say the generals are making sure they treat the monks carefully this time around.”
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSP6873420070922?pageNumber=1
„Merkel angers China on Dalai Lama
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held historic talks with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Berlin despite protests from China.
China had criticised the meeting and, shortly beforehand, cancelled talks with the German justice minister.
Germany said the meeting with the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising, was a private event.
But China, which governs Tibet, says the meeting was part of the Dalai Lama's agenda for Tibetan independence.
'Conscious' decision
German officials refused to give details of the "private exchange", which marked the first time the Dalai Lama had been received at the chancellery.
But they said China had cancelled a meeting with German counterparts in Munich on legal and patent issues.
… In its weekend edition, the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung said that Mrs Merkel had pursued the meeting despite advice to the contrary from senior officials.
… The Nobel Peace Prize winner said he was not seeking independence for Tibet but autonomy.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7008931.stm
“N.S. students create 'sea of pink'
Provincewide pink-in pushes back against bullies
… Pink shirts for peaceful schools is an idea that grew out of a bullying incident earlier this month in the Annapolis Valley.
On the first day of school, a Grade 9 student was bullied by a group of older boys who called him a homosexual and threatened to beat him up for wearing a pink shirt at Central Kings Rural High School.
In response, two Grade 12 students David Shepherd and Travis Price decided to take a stand. They convinced many of their fellow students to come to school the next day dressed in pink. They also went out and bought 75 pink tank tops and handed them out in the school lobby.
… At Halifax West High School, about 1,000 of the school’s nearly 1,600 students were decked out Friday in pink.
… Students and staff at more than 30 schools in the Halifax regional school board area are believed to have pulled on pink for Friday.”
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9004213.html
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25.09.2007, Tuesday, 14:39, Meike
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I love ships...
Did I ever mentioned here that I love ships? Anyway this was the topic of my traditional birthday excursion yesterday.
Planned was among others a visit of the duties-museum-ship (always good to remember that museums are open every day - except Mondays) and unfortunately the battery of our camera gave up on this picture-worthy day... Caused of our uncelebratory camera (or better our uncelebratory recharge planning) you have to use your imagination now - probably more worthy than a picture.
Anyway make a picture (for that matter you can make a video as well, add some great music and whatsoever) of Meike & Andreas visiting the planetary nature trail, some pretty cool marinas (yes, I love ships), a slide which made a loop (really! Remember to add the water on the bottom of the loop!), climbing a lighthouse, and watching huge containerships (y, Ils...) so enthusiastically that we missed our ferry. Well, at least that gave us the chance to run pretty fast with turbans on our heads made from our fleece jackets because it got stormy (and dark) and we had to pass dozens of chestnut trees which decided to present all of their chestnuts at once to us (nice gesture and nice picture, isn’t it...?).
And after a huge, really huge Super Guppy (‘large, wide-bodied cargo aircraft’) tried to land just on our turbans (ok, a few meters behind us) I remembered somehow that I love ships.
P.S.: Thanks so much for all birthday wishes! And a special cordial greeting to Namibia!
P.P.S.: Oh and yes, I love aircrafts as well...!
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23.09.2007, Sunday, 14:48, Meike
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World’s Greatest Smile Games:
After recovering from a little injury (who needs two arms if you have tentacles...?) I put a nice-and-very-challenging-Sunday-afternoon-game on our playground today...
Super mind:
Click here to find more games!
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11.09.2007, Tuesday, 15:19, Meike
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First Aid for a long weekend...
Thanks to Vanessa and Anne we know how to use a heart defibrillator - which is easy and a lot of fun not just for technology enthusiasts like me, that it is possible to remove a motorcycle helmet (even if you are alone...!) to do a rescue breathing, and much more now.
(Oh and, yes, one of them finally found an other pair of electrodes with two cables.)
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07.09.2007, Friday, 13:30, Meike
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Tomorrow is UNESCO’s International Literacy Day
“On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
Despite many and varied efforts, literacy remains an elusive target: some 774 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women; 72.1 million children are out of school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.” (UNESCO)
“"Literacy, key to good health and well-being" is the theme of International Literacy Day 2007 which is celebrated globally on 8 September.”
UNESCO International Literacy Day
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27.08.2007, Monday, 13:24, Meike
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Great days
We were invited to work a few days on beautiful Fanø / Denmark, close to the beach. Tak for dat!
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10.08.2007, Friday, 15:34, Meike
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On Sunday is International Youth Day 2007
“Background of International Youth Day
The General Assembly on 17 December 1999 in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth(Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.
The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).”
www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/iyouthday.htm
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24.07.2007, Tuesday, 16:25, Meike
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Happy end...
Hurray, since today forms are back! Welcome home.
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23.07.2007, Monday, 15:34, Meike
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Technicalities
Somehow all our forms decided to go on a summer vacation. We already asked some technicians to convince them of coming back. You can reach us still via e-mail: mail (at ) worlds-greatest-smile.com!
And a Hasi-Day picture of the weekend
Or should I say Bambi-Day?
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17.07.2007, Tuesday, 14:46, Meike
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World’s Greatest Smile Games:
Summer Game
At least on one hemisphere is summer right now! And after having had a really, really hot day in Hamburg yesterday, here is a nice little summer game for a cooling-down.
Siggi in the big sea horse race
You are Siggi the blue sea horse and you missed the start of the race.
Try to make up for lost time and get over the finish line first. Use the arrow Keys to move. Try to swim through the air bubbles. You will receive the number of points in them. Stay away from the jellyfish! If you touch one, you’ll get an electric shock and you will loose points. Watch out for the clams. If one bites you, you’ll loose points and go slower. The race lasts 100 seconds. There is a time bonus for finishing the race faster.
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09.07.2007, Monday, 15:25, Meike
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 Link tips:
And here is another great link for our link tip collection:
Earth Calendar
A very useful daybook of holidays and celebrations around the world. You can search holidays by date, by country, and by religion.
www.earthcalendar.net
P.S.: Happy NAIDOC Week, Australia - Constitution Day, Palau - Independence Day, Argentina - and have fun at the Senior Race Day, Isle of Man!
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26.06.2007, Tuesday, 16:50, Meike
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World’s Greatest Smile Games:
Another game to practice listening:
Audio-Remember
Each symbol has a tone. Click on the symbol to hear its tone and match up pairs of tones.
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18.06.2007, Tuesday, 14:06, Meike
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World’s Greatest Smile Games:
And another new game for our library:
Gravity Wand Game
The Gravity Wand Game is a great way to find out how good your capacity of teamwork really is - if you have to enhance your teamwork, and consciously and unconsciously find ways together to do so.
The aim of the game:
The main  knowledge players of the Gravity Wand Game can learn in a very impressing way is: If your teamwork doesn’t work, you can’t even trust in gravity!
And on the other hand - or finger: If your teamwork is fine – you can achieve a common purpose together, win and have fun!
In the process you will find methods to improve your teamwork, so that you can succeed together and stand to the rules at the same time.
How to play the “Gravity Wand Game” and more games!
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15.06.2007, Friday, 14:03, Meike
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 Language resources:
Another language on our Language resources list: Sign Language!
The easiest was to learn some sign language words online, is to watch dictionary videos! So I present here a link to one of the best video collections: the American Sign Language Browser.
International there are several other Sign Languages. Fortunately the signs are sometimes pretty much similar in some languages.
The American Sign Language Browser provides the most comprehensive video collection, just remember that it is ‘American’ Sign Language and you may have to adjust signs to your own language.
Sign Language (American) / English
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12.06.2007, Tuesday, 14:31, Meike
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Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report
SIPRI’s annual compendium of data and analysis of developments in security and conflicts, military spending and armaments and non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament is launched.
SIPRI reports that world military expenditure in 2006 was $1204 billion in current dollars, a 3.5 percent increase since 2005. In the period 1997–2006 world military expenditure rose by 37 per cent.
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Military expenditure in 2006:
1. USA, $528,7 billion
2. Great Britain, $59,2 billion
3. France, $53,1 billion
4. China, $49,5 billion
5. Japan, $43,7 billion
6. Germany, $37 billion
7. Russia, $34,7 billion
8. Italy, $29,9 billion
9. Saudi-Arabia, $29,0 billion
10. India, $23,9 billion
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The USA spent $528.7 billion and Russia an estimated $34.7 billion on their military sectors in 2006.
The continued surge in China’s military spending—which reached an estimated $49.5 billion —saw it overtake Japan ($43.7 billion) to become the biggest military spender in Asia and the fourth biggest in the world in 2006.
India was the third biggest spender in Asia, with $23.9 billion.
‘Good intelligence has always been vital to security and to be good today, it needs more than ever to be impartial and professional’, says SIPRI Director Alyson Bailes.
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World’s Greatest Smile
