Topic Reading-Vol.947-11/14/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

North Korean defector: 'I was Kim Jong Il's bodyguard.

There seems to be a lot more requirements to be a bodyguard of the elite of the most closed country in the world than to be a secret service agent in the US or Swiss Guard in Vatican.

That’s because the dictator of the country seems to secure his position by fear. Everyone, even a senior official or an uncle could be sent to a political camp or into a coffin for anything. It all depends on his mood. In order to protect such a cruel leader, his bodyguards must be loyal from the head to toes, not to mention the physical strength to cope with attempts to attack the leader. Therefore, those who are chosen or willing to be the guard members are required to take vigorous physical training and rigorous brain washing.

Enjoy reading and learning what it takes to be a bodyguard in North Korea’s leader.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/06/world/asia/north-korea-bodyguard-kim-jong-il/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Topic Reading-Vol.946-11/13/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,
In pictures: World leaders and awkward handshakes
While the Novel Peace Prize winner and the last Soviet secretary general urges the world leaders to talk more constructively with trust, they aren’t always so friendly or open-minded when they meet each other in person, even before cameras. Is that intentional or emotional?
Enjoy seeing these odd faces and handshakes that some of the world leaders present in public.

http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29983865

Topic Reading-Vol.945-11/12/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Gorbachev: World leaders must work together for common good

A quarter century after the fall of Berlin Wall, a sincere message is given by one of the key players of the move, who was later awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his courage and determination during the most critical time in the late 20^th century.

Michael Gorvachev, the last leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or USSR, talks.

Despite having another prize winner in the chair of one of the most powerful and influential nations, the world seems to be in a most volatile situation since the end of the Cold War. Ukraine, ISIS and territorial disputes in South East Asia are casting shadows over regional and world peace now. Also, global warming requires immediate and decisive actions ASAP. Unfortunately, these agenda haven’t been tackled in a coordinated or cooperative way yet or aren’t expected to be in the foreseeable future.

Now Gorbachev urges the leaders and politicians talk more openly based on trust.

Enjoy reading and learning what the former leader of Soviet wants to warn today leaders of.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/08/world/gorbachev-cold-war-anniversary/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Topic Reading-Vol.944-11/11/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Record 'Singles Day' online sales expected on 11/11/11 in China

Can online shopping be therapy for singles? It seems so in China especially when annual deep cut promotions are offered by online retailers and market places.

The idea of Singles Day was originally brought in by Alibaba in 2008 to encourage people without partners to comfort themselves with shopping therapy. Now, many online shoppers tend to wait to buy thing online until the day and look for special offers eagerly with their extended budget. This in turn means that online retailers must be well prepared for the day that could make or break the future of their business. It sounds like a good day for shoppers but critical day for online retailers, doesn’t it?

Enjoy reading and learning about China’s Singles Day shopping spree.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2014-11/08/content_18886777.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.943-11/10/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Marijuana's History: How One Plant Spread Through the World

Cannabis seemed to have been widely used in all over the world until recently, as medicine or pain and stress relief. Even prehistoric hunter-gatherers who rarely did farming planted cannabis for medical or psychoactive use. However, when it came to the United States recently, the negative effects drew more attention from the law makers, and only a century or so ago, it started being banned in some states. Now it is classified as a controlled substance like heroin and LSD in the U.S.

Is it more addictive or harmful to health than cigarettes or alcohol drinks, or more dangerous if a driver takes it before driving than drinking beer or whisky?

Enjoy reading and learning how this plant has been used, spread and treated in human history.

http://news.yahoo.com/marijuanas-history-one-plant-spread-world-185326223.html

Topic Reading-Vol.942-11/9/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Baker: Take moment to celebrate fall of Berlin Wall

Precisely a quarter century ago, the concrete wall that had divided the eastern and western section of Berlin for 28 years fell to the ground. The wall was built by the force of Soviet Empire but grounded by the hands of German people. During the period of “Iron Wall”, not only the people of Germany but also those of Europe and even other part of the world are divided and confronted.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall, then the US Secretary of State who must have played a significant role behind the scene contributed a note.

Enjoy reading and looking back the brief history after the World War II.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/04/opinion/baker-berlin-wall-anniversary/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Topic Reading-Vol.941-11/8/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Meet Denny, the bike for people who don’t ride bikes

What’s Denny? Isn’t that the name of a popular family restaurant chain?

Nope. It is the name of the bike that was developed to turn non-bikers to bikers. As greener transport is sought especially in urban areas, calorie-burning bikes are more preferred vehicle than fossil-fuel-burning automobiles. They require much less space to move or park, easier and cheaper to purchase and own, and healthier and greener to operate than cars. However, not everyone is convinced that a bike is as convenient alternative for a car.

So here is one concept that could encourage more drivers to become riders. Denny, a proto type bicycle that was designed by a transport design company, won the Bike Design Contest held by an independent creative catalyst in the US. This unique concept is now being worked by a Japanese bike manufacture to bring it on the road to achieve the original mission to turn non-bikers to bikers.

Enjoy reading and thinking if this new concept encourages you to be a new rider.

http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20141103-cycling-made-simpler