TW Newsletter Number 007 - October 2009

October 2009 Newsletter

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Welcome to the Treasures of Wonderment Newsletter, an online magazine promoting positive change through creative living. A collection of stories from people around the world who help us think outside the box, become innovative people and take us beyond our limits to make a difference.

IN THIS ISSUE: 

THERE IS A LOT MORE TO THE VENDANGES THAN THE HARVEST
Following our story on cotton production and harvest in the southwestern United States, we decided to find out about the tradition of harvest in another part of the world: namely, France. The famed grape harvest in the Beaujolais region of France was worth participating in for an American student; but, what he learned about “harvesting fruits” became a good lesson for all of us. Essentially, harvesting fruit of labor requires another sort of heavy labor. The ‘Vendanges’—the French word for the grape harvest—comes with its own set of physical and mental challenges—challenges that can only be met by working in a team and staying focused on the goal.
Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-30/there-lot-more-vendanges-harvest

STUDENTS EXPELLED FROM SEMNAN UNIVERSITY
October 29th, 2009 - Although they had only attended one week of classes at the university, Ms. Mojdeh Nourani, Ms. Farahnaz Felfeli, and Mr. Aradalan Tebianian, who had passed the national university entrance examination in 1388 (2009), were expelled from Semnan University and deprived of their right to education by order of University Protection authorities.
Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-29/students-expelled-semnan-university

A PLEDGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Now in its tenth year, the Children’s Theater Company based in New York City is doing very well. The idea was sparked in 1989 when a Baha’i youth attending a youth conference pledged to serve the world through some form of community service.  I asked Mehr Mansuri to share her personal story. How did it all start? She replied with great affection and respect for the community of people who made this service project successful.  “It actually began in Los Angeles where many people like Lisa Janti, Judge Dorothy Nelson, Oscar DeGruy were the key influences. But the main event I suppose that inspired me to do something was a wonderful Bahá'í youth conference in 1988 in Indiana. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-28/pledge-make-difference

THE MEANING OF LIFE
Rainn Wilson of "The Office" turns modern-day philosopher. He has launched an online website: soulpancake.com to answer some of life's biggest questions. Questions involving God, faith and family. Questions he believes too often are missing from the daily conversation. It's another installment of our series ''Faith Matters.'' Watch the interview of Rainn Wilson on ABC of October 26, 2009. -
Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-28/meaning-life

COTTON GIVES LIFE
Some people are grape-picking in the vineyards of France during the month of September, others are cotton-picking. It's October, the sun shines over the state of Arizona, the weather temperature is perfect. A dream day for the farmers of Eloy and surrounding areas. When asked, how do we go from cotton seed to a cotton product? - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-27/cotton-gives-life

DO NOT REMAIN SILENT
New York Times best-selling author Azar Nafisi, author of "Reading Lolita in Tehran," speaks out on behalf of the Baha'is in Iran at a public event held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Washington, D.C. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-26/do-not-remain-silent

STOP RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN IRAN
Dear readers of CNN, I assure you that what I'm writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin', bear-fearin', Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer. I am a member of the Baha'i faith. What is that, you ask? Well, long story short, it's an independent world religion that began in the mid-1800s in Iran. Baha'is believe that there is only one God and therefore only one religion. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-24/stop-religious-persecution-iran

DARING UNDERTAKING
Have you ever thought of Sky Diving?  The vision of flying and a sense of feeling good might take you straight to a Wind Tunnel wherever it might be. Our Treasures of Wonderment team followed Ladjamaya Green, a young lady of 65 years of age, to watch her fly in the only 14 foot state-of-the-art Sky Venture Tunnel on the face of the earth at Sky Dive in Eloy, AZ!  We had no idea what to expect. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-23/daring-undertaking

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONDEMNING THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAN
Washington, DC., October 22, 2009 - H. Res. 175 -  In the House of Representatives, U. S., whereas in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2006, and 2008, Congress declared that it deplored the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of the Baha'i community and would hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all Iranian nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-23/us-house-representatives-condemning-government-iran

DBIFF WILL TAKE PLACE IN ZURICH ON DECEMBER 26
We are proud to announce the next film Dawn Breakers International Film Festival that will take place in Zurich, Switzerland from December 26  to December 31, 2009. DBIFF is a  Film Festival that encourage filmakers throughout the world to contribute to the advancement of the New Civilization via film, to introduce and recognize Bahá'í filmmakers and/or Bahá'í-themed films from all over the world. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-22/dbiff-will-take-place-zurich-december-26

THE BEST BELOVED OF ALL THINGS IN MY SIGHT IS JUSTICE
Geneva, 18 Octobre 2009 - "The seven, whose only 'crime' is their religious belief, are once again in legal limbo, held with no idea of the legal process ahead of them. The whole charade cries out for an end to their unlawful detention," she said. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-18/best-beloved-all-things-my-sight-justice

WILL THEY EVER SEE LIGHT AGAIN
Washington, 15 October —The trial of seven members of the Bahá'í faith in Iran, which was due to take place on 18 October, will likely be delayed again, the Bahá'í World News Service said on Wednesday. While the family members of the seven prisoners have not been informed of any change to the trial date, Iranian law requires that lawyers receive a formal writ of notification two business days prior to appearing in court. - Read more... http://www.treasuresofwonderment.com/story/2009-10-15/will-they-ever-see-light-again

PLAYING FOR PEACE, UNITED THROUGH MUSIC, REAL PEOPLE FOR A REAL WORLD!
The "One World Music Festival" is aimed at promoting the unity of cultures, races, and religions. In doing so, we encourage communities to come together to express themselves in a celebration of music and arts. We encourage you to support our mission by joining the OWMF as a friend, patron, donor or sponsor if you are able. The OWMF also invites those with grant writing experience to assist with this great project. To request information or offer your help, please use the contact form at the following address of http://www.OneWorldMusicFestival.com 

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Treasures of Wonderment - Issue Number 007
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