Topic Reading-Vol.733-4/14/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Wrinkled Mercury's shrinking history

How much do you know about Mars? The innermost planet of our solar system is relatively small with only a little under 5,000km diameter, which is just about one-third of Earth’s. Since it’s very close to the sun and doesn’t rotate, the temperature of the permanently-baked-hemisphere is as high as 420 degrees Celsius but the shaded part goes as cold as 180 degrees below zero. That’s a staggering 600 degrees difference!

What Scientists have been interested in finding isn’t the temp but the size of the tiny planet because they believe its radius has shrunk by 7km since it was born four billions years ago. Is that a big deal? It may not be so for Earth which diameter is three times as large as the one of Mercury. But for Mercury, that shrinkage is almost equivalent of 21km for our planet. That sounds a little substantial, doesn’t it?

Enjoy reading and learning about the planet that was named after a fast-traveling Greek god.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26564521

Topic Reading-Vol.732-4/13/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Yes, there really are stupid questions

Have you ever become speechless by a silly question like “What time does the 3pm show start?”

People sometimes, or in some cases often, don’t seem to listen to, see or understand what they are presented. And some of them are frank enough to ask questions that stun others.

But for those who ask such silly questions, they are just simple questions need answers. Isn’t it better to be asked thoughtless questions rather than being bothered by unexpected acts?

Enjoy reading and learning how innocent people could be.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20140328-stupid-is-as-stupid-does

Topic Reading-Vol.731-4/12/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Japan frees world's longest-held death row inmate

People sometimes seem to be so reluctant when it comes to admitting their mistakes, or possibility of having made a mistake. General Motors Corporation hadn’t admitted its defective ignition switch until the federal safety authority moved in, which resulted in recalling as many as 2.6 million cars. Japanese judicial system is no exception. It took 48 years for a death row inmate to get his retrial appeal for a murder case granted.

Whether the evidences used for the trial were valid and credible to convict the defendant, not accepting a retrial for such a long time sounds unjust and unbearable to even a judge. Why it took so long only to open a retrial? Are those who have been resisting or reluctant for the retrial so certain about the process and conducts took place nearly a half century ago?

Enjoy reading this critical article by China Daily as to how murder cases and death row are treated in Japan, indicating that their judicial system and practices are much more transparent and fair.

(Don’t miss the second page)

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2014-03/29/content_17389135.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.730-4/11/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Dubai gets trippy with Festival of Lights.

What kind of event could be created by a group of artists, designers and architects get together in Lyon, France or in a desert city Dubai? Festival of Lights.

Lyon hosts a global benchmark in festive lighting every year. This year first time ever, the city cosponsored a new lighting event in Dubai to bring in people, attention and possibly money for investment from all over the world.

As the city is artificially made in the tip of the desert peninsula, modern artistic event seems a good fit. It is quite natural to witness most contemporary or progressive arts have been created and shown in places where money and power sit, such as and Vienna and Paris in the 18-19^th and New York in the 20^th century.

The modern fusion show of lights and music looks no less attracting or inviting than those then-progressive but now-classical painting or musical works.

Enjoy seeing the photos and video show of the lighting festival.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/27/travel/dubai-gets-trippy-with-festival-of-lights/index.html?hpt=hp_mid

Topic Reading-Vol.729-4/10/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Kroger Vs. Walmart Vs. Aldi: Which is the Cheapest Grocery Store?

Do you always compare prices when you shop groceries? Are you a loyal customer of a certain grocery store or brand? Do you bring a calculator for grocery shopping to figure out the unit price?

Apple-to-apple comparison is getting more difficult these days when it comes to grocery stores because of their private brand items, customer loyalty programs and size and package variations. Each store examined by Cheapism, a team of journalists, editors, and internet industry professionals that analyzes prices for saving, seems to have certain competitive advantages or customer benefits. There doesn’t seem to be one supermarket that exceeds in every aspect. Continuous and constant study and evaluation may help you get the most economical grocery shopping.

Enjoy reading and learning how to compare prices of groceries.

https://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/kroger-vs-walmart-vs-aldi-cheapest-grocery-store-121800568.html

Topic Reading-Vol.728-4/9/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

India begins giant general election

The largest scale democratic election in human history is being taken place.

543 seats are going to be elected at 930,000 polling stations, 100,000 more than the last election, by 814 million eligible voters, an increase of 100 million from 2009, of the total population of 1,237 million. That’s the magnitude of the India’s general election for its lower house of parliament.

The election is taking place by nine-phase over a five-week period, in order to save costs and secure safety and assure proper procedures. By using electronic voting machines, the count will be made in a day, on May 16, a week after the final voting is made. If no party wins a majority of the house, parties need to form a coalition government, which could take another week or weeks.

At this election, voters can choose to press None of the Above (Nota) button, meaning no listed candidate is chosen. Many voters waited in line even before the opening time in the first phase of the election, whose turnout has reached as high as 75%, very high interest. People in India seem to want a change or have someone or some party they dare to support.

Enjoy reading and guessing how many millions of the voters will have opted Nota.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-26883201

Topic Reading-Vol.727-4/8/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Air pollution linked to seven million deaths globally

A recent study released by the World Health Organization, WHO, says over three million had died because of indoor air pollution and a quarter million by outdoor air pollution in 2012. The study also found that the vast majority of the deaths, six out of seven million, had been found in South East Asia, the fastest developing and modernizing region in the world.

Well, most of you know how serious the smog problem in Beijing where many of the residents and visitors are wearing all sorts of masks when they go out or stay outdoor. But why so many deaths had been caused indoor? Who are the ones suffer more than the others?

Enjoy reading and learning what diseases are caused air pollution and who suffer the most.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26730178