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[Page 0]
with a se-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above).
Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS Peter Adriance © Lisa Blecker # Barbara Brown # Sydney Cameron Neda Alai Changuit « Matthew De Souza * Meg Downey Sylvia Earle # Roxana Hodge © Naseem Serene Koen Gaukhar Kozhasheva ¢ Doug Marstall ® Joaquin Medina Lucas Miller © Gil Miller-Muro Fatima Moldashova Jomei Quddds Newkirk © Gabriel Peer-Drake © Donna Price Mary K. Radpour « Ella Reneau # Mark Schroder # Charlotte Vick
Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Art fr p. 17, colorizing for cover
Historical photos courtesy of National Baha'i Archives, unless noted.
Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 6, 7, 11, 22, 24, 29 By Susan Engle: 4, 12, 18, 20, 28 By Annie Reneau: 2, 3, 8, 17, 26 By Lisa Blecker:5, 9 By Donna Price: 10, 14, 16, 21, 27
Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Baha'i Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Baha'is.
The Baha'i Faith was founded by the Prophet Baha'u'llah (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bah4'u'lléh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God. Baha'is work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.
Bahé’u'llah’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'llah’s passing.
Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the U.S.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baal Subscriber Service by phone at 190.898 2018 a by mal a suedaloguah. Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)
International airmail: $38 (One year); So (Te yous)
Canada and S23 ie reat SA Too es) ‘SUBMISSIONS —
Je welcome submissions an ideas from contr ofall ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request
RIGHTS, ey pe CLASS USE
Alcott nts magazin copighed bythe National Sptual Assembly of ofthe US ory in vil contbutos
Faire rn scum ee Te and Permosion Bilan Star, 129 atta St, Carton 6020. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies ‘and proper credit given tothe copyright owner. ¥
(TEMS ERITE SD TEL a a le provide Internet resources to encourage r atopic, ‘orto share our references. Wile we make every effort to choose reliable estes, allan Star does ot enrol core in referenced ‘websites. Furthermaore, we urge caution and parental guidance when Using the Ineret. Fr more information about Interne say, visit ‘weds orgreis.rg hil —_
ISSN 0884-3695
Baha’u'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace Reveal the virtues in the Ridvan Garden.
Nur’s Nook Fly a kite up and away with upcycling.
Riley’s Rainforest How is the earth like a human body?
Maya’s Mysteries Get creative and resourceful with paper recycling.
We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.
Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
Lightning and Luna: Episode 45 Has Lightning lost his electric power forever?
Stargazer: Peter Adriance Working with others to help save our Earth
Music Café A song to sing around the campfire
Calendars What's special about July and August?
Shining Lamp: Vinson Brown A biologist who shared his passion for nature
Cosmo’s Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
aMAZEing ADVENTURE Take a journey through the Pantanal wetland.
[Page 1]
PRINTED WITH
SOY INK},
Polar Pals Friends from afar with fur, feathers, and fins
Exploring a World of Wonder Try new outdoor adventures and have fun in the sun.
Stuart & Gabriella: Curious about Climate Change Are you climate-smart? Try Stuart’s quiz to see.
My Path to Going Green Which earth-friendly jobs sound most fascinating?
Animal Planet News Chronicle —Saving Humans Animal Ambassadors call for global action.
Robot Recyclers Where does all the trash go?
What Shade of Green Are You?
Find your “ecotype”— how you like to help the earth.
Green City of the Future Imagine an earth-friendly place of your dreams.
The Mysterious Orchard What do two friends do when they discover a treasure?
Saving Sea Turtles How can we help these endangered creatures?
PRINTED IN THE U.S. AT AN FSC®-CERTIFIED FACILITY USING FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER, AND ALSO PRINTED WITH SOY-BASED INKS.
? CIEIND
Earth is home to nearly seven billion people. It’s the y only home we've got, and it’s
in danger like never before. Our planet is getting warmer because pollution from factories, cars, power plants, and other sources traps heat in the atmosphere. That's changing our climate in big ways. Heat waves, droughts, melting glaciers, floods, and other hazards threaten people, animals, plants, and habitats.
Scientists continue to study our changing climate and what it means for our future. One thing is certain—we’ll need unity, justice, and cooperation as world citizens to solve these global problems.
In this issue of Brilliant Star, you can learn more about our environment and how climate change affects life on Earth. Meet Peter Adriance, who educates people about caring for our planet. Take a quiz to discover your “ecotype,” draw a green city of the future, and make your own recycled paper.
Now and in the years ahead, you can be a leader in helping to save our one and only home.
With love from Brilliant Star
[Page 2]
RolameRal’s
magine living in the Arctic Circle, where Some species are decreasing rapidly. )| temperatures stay below freezing most of the Arctic ice is important not only for wildlife,
year, and ice covers much of the land and sea. _ but for all life on Earth. Polar ice helps keep
This frozen habitat is home to a vast number of _ the earth cool by reflecting the sun’s rays. The creatures, from huge land mammals to tiny zoo-_— more the Arctic melts, the faster global warming plankton. But climate change is causing major occurs. Melting glaciers also cause sea levels to problems. Floating sea ice, which many animals __ rise, which can threaten coastal areas. rely on to hunt, rest, and breed, is melting. Our actions make a difference. Saving energy Animals are being forced to live in unfamiliar and conserving natural resources help protect habitats or are having trouble finding food. our polar pals—and the rest of our planet.
These Arctic animats have adapted to a frozen climate. Match each one with its statement.
D
&
MY TIME NEAR ‘ CAN HOP OVER 6 FEET FLOATING SEA Zk C1ICKS, WHISTLES, = 1.8 M) IN ONE LEAP. MY AND CHIRPS. I CAN LARGE BACK FEET ACT LIKE OF THE SEA.” MY TUSI SWIM BACKWARY, TOO. SNOWSHOES TO HELP ME CAN GROW TO ABOUT
ON THE BOTTOM, = LIKE SCOOPS. ™» THEY HELP ME MY FUR IS TRANSPARENT, } Zi DIG THROVEH THE YF BUT IT REFLECTS LIGHT | I ENVE BIRTH TO MY PUPS SNOW FOR FOOP. J TO APPEAR WHITE. UNDER- SPOT INTHE SNOW-I'M BROWN OR TON FLOATING ICE.1 CAN NEATH, MY SKIN IS BLACK. RAY IN SUNMER. MY LONG, FLUFFY &. IDENTIFY INY OWN PUPS OUT TAIL HELPS ME STAY WARM. OF HUNDREDS BY THEIR SCENT.
2 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28
[Page 3]
A Brief ;
Timeline |
The hife of Baha’ [lah
The highlighted area marks the time in whieh this story takes place
1817 November 12 Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihrén, Iran
1844 Recognizes the Bab as
anew Messenger of God
Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran
1853-1863 Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.
Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith
1863-1868
Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity
1868 Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akkd, Israel
1877 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka
Baha'u'llah passes. away at Bahji.
Baha’u'llah’s hife: Mission of Peace Garden of Paradise
hat if you couldn't see trees or plants W for nine long years? This happened to
Baha'u'llah, Who loved nature from childhood. Officials who wanted to stop His new religion sent Him to the prison-city of ‘Akka, in what is now Israel. From 1868 to 1877, He didn’t see a single blade of grass.
When Baha'u'llah was finally released,
He visited a beautiful garden that His son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and others had prepared for Him outside of ‘Akka. The fragrant flowers and fruit trees brought Baha'u'llah great joy. He wrote, “Every tree uttered a word, and
The story of the locusts is based on an account of a conversation
with Abu'l-Qasim and may not reflect Baha'u'llah’s exact words. SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28
What virtues help us care for nature? Discover some in the Garden of Ridvan. Fill in the blank oranges with letters. Connected oranges have the same letter.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
every leaf sang a melody.” He called it Ridvan, which means “Paradise” in Arabic. One day, a swarm of locusts began eating the trees. The gardener, Abu’l-Qasim, was distraught. Baha’u'llah smiled and said, “The locusts must be fed; let them be.” Still, Abu’l- Qasim was upset to see the destruction, and he begged Baha'u'llah to do something. Baha'u'llah then said to the locusts, “Abu’l-Qasim does not want you; God protect you.” He shook the hem of His robe, and the locusts flew away. To this day, the Ridvan Garden remains a paradise for all who visit it.
- Brilliant Star 3
[Page 4]
“The country is the world of the soul...” —Baha’u'llah
ave you ever watched a jewel-toned dragonfly zip feel more peaceful. It can even boost Heroes the air on transparent wings? Hiked up a your focus and creativity. It can hill and felt a rush of excitement at the top? help you stay physically fit and Turned over a rock to study the ants, fp 2 beetles, and worms underneath? Investigating nature is fun and fascinating—and it has lots of other benefits, too. You can give all your Scientific research t senses a workout as you enjoy forests, fields, suggests that being in nature _ lakes, or the ocean. So come on outside and explore a Qo can reduce stress and help you _— the world—it’s great for your body, mind, and spirit.
active. And sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D, which is good for your
bones and muscles.
‘
__ A Alphabet Hike J _ Awesome Obstacles
q f Ant, birch, cardinal, dragonfly Make an obstacle course in ‘ ... As you hike through the your backyard. Leap over twigs woods or park, find one object and puddles, run around trees, ! for every letter of the alphabet. jump like a frog, or dribble a Name something for each soccer ball. Bring a stopwatch, letter before you go to the next. and see how fast you can Bring a nature field guide to complete the course. When —— = help you identify cool plants, you're done, replace anything Rainbow Expeditioi animals, and insects. you've moved from its In a notebook, write the natural home. colors of the rainbow across the top of a page—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. ' Take a walk around your yard or a park, and list what you find in each color. You might
Ask someone to hide a small “treasure” for you to find in
Backyard Camping your yard or neighborhood. Then see red ladybugs, purple If you don't have a tent, make they give you the directions violets, or a green snake. a blanket tent in your yard. to find it, using landmarks in Which lists are longest?
Drape blankets over chairs or a nature (Run to the biggest oak
tree, turn right at the rose bush, etc.). When you've found
fence. Imagine you're miles away from civilization or in an ancient kingdom, before the invention of electronics. Play games, tell |
stories, and sing songs. i
We, a
4 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 5]
Nuv’s Nook |
ou've heard of recycling, but how about y upcycling? That’s when items that would
normally be thrown away are used to create something new and useful. Upcycling doesn’t involve breaking items down before they're reused (such as when aluminum cans are melted in a recycling plant).
An example of upcycling is making tote bags or
umbrellas from old drink, food, or detergent packages. These are imaginative and helpful ways to reuse trash that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Youll Need
Moke 9 Grocery-hoy Kite
Two grocery bags (one brown paper and one plastic) ¢ ruler pencil ¢ markers ¢ ball of thin string at least 30 ft. (9 m) long ® hole punch thin bamboo skewer about 10" (25 cm) long ° clear tape © scissors
Turn Trdsh int® Tredsure
“Humanity must learn to make use of the earth’s natural resources... in a manner that ensures sustainability ...” — Baha'i International Community*
Upcycling saves Earth’s natural resources. It can also help decrease pollution, because the items may require less energy to produce. And upcycled products are often more valuable than the original materials they were made from.
Turn trash into treasure right
in your own home. Check out the activity below to see how you can upcycle by creating a cool kite from used grocery bags.
2 Fold paper in half so 3 ——_ Fold top wing 1 Cut paper bag open along side short ends touch. diagonally so 1" and bottom creases. h“. J (2.5 cm) of top
Measure a 13" x 17" (33 cm x 43 cm) rectangle and
cut it out.
4 Tape along inner seam. 5 Flip paper over. Fold & 4 wing (a) to meet corner of wing (b). 7 With an adult's help, 8 Tum kite over, with
carefully cut point off
of skewer. Lay skewer
across top of kite wings, touching corners. Make sure skewer isn’t
flap facing up. On flap, punch a hole 4" (10 cm) from top of kite, about 1"
(2.5 cm) from flap’s
edge is exposed and 8" (20 cm) of bottom edge 8" is visible.
6 Open wings and tum paper so taped side faces up.
(a) (b),
9 Decorate kite ON AWINDY DAY, FIN? AN OPEN AREA.
with sarkers HOLD THE KITE CLOSE TO YOU, WITH
as THE FLAP STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN. To make tail, WHEN A GUST OF WIN COMES, RUN cut plastic bag AND SET IT FREE. SLOWLY RELEASE
STRING WHILE KEEPING IT TAUT, AND WATCH YOUR KITE SOAR!
into 1¥2" (4 cm) wide strips and
longer than wing tips. edge. Thread string tie them toge- migy
Secure with tape. through hole ther until tail
and tie is 6 feet (1.8 m)
a knot. long. Tape one
end of tail to
@ A bottom of kite.
Deb err om omni JuLy/auGusT20n * BrilliantStar 5
[Page 6]
STUART &
GABRIELLA: Curious about Climate Change
DOES RECYCLING REALLY |/~ HELP STOP CLINATE CHANGE, | | STUART? THE EARTH IS SO
==— W/ “VE REAY THAT EARTH HAS WARINED STILL, IF WE LIKE BIRDS
ENOUGH TO MELT POLAR ICE AND ALL PITCH IN, WE CAN MAKE
NBIC, AND WE'RE SO SINALL. ¥ 7] at AN. SG EVERY BT WN Shs vers. ELEY) 7 Ws
Dy AVIFFERENCE.
= a
AND THERE ARE MORE | HEAT WAVES AND DROUGHTS!
x
TRY OUT THIS QUIZ I CREATED FOR MY SCIENCE CLUB. SOME QUESTIONS HAVE MORE THAN ONE RIGHT ANSWER.
one @ Vr ¥yé 4) XG
r MAKE A CLIMATE QUIZ DISPLAY FOR YOUR SCHOOL, CLUB, OR SCOUT TROOP. 8. Which of these are likely results of our warming planet?
GBACG: =—et a. Increased space travel
1, Which of these are likely to b. Rising sea levels
contribute to climate change? | a. Driving gas-burning vehicles
c. Changing weather patterns
5. Which countries have the highest levels of carbon dioxide pollution?
a. The U.S. and Canada
b. China and the U.S.
c.Russia and Greenland 4
b. Taking walks and riding bicycles
c, Burning fuels in power plants
| | 2. Why are some gases called greenhouse gases? - a. They trap heat in the atmosphere, te warming Earth like a greenhouse. b. They are made by greenhouses growing
| | green veggies around the world.
c. They give the air a greenish color.
9. How can climate change affect
some animals? a. They may have difficulty finding food. b. Their habitats may change or disappear. 6. What are fossil fuels? c. They may become extinct. a. Fuels made from the remains Z of ancient plants and animals Q)\_3. Which of these are greenhouse gases? —_b, Coal, oil, and natural gas
1} a. Carbon dioxide and oxygen c. Foods eaten by dinosaurs
| b. Carbon dioxide and methane in prehistoric times
c. Methane and oxygen z
10. Why are solar and wind power called renewable resources? a. They're replenished by nature and we won't run out of them. a b. They were invented recently. 2 7. About how much of the world’s energy _c. They can only be used once. O comes from fossil fuels, which are limited \ resources that take millions of years to form? a.20% b,50% 80% -_
4. Which are used by scientists to study | the history of our climate? I) a.Time travel } b. Rings in tree trunks j c.|ce core samples
- On average, Earth has warmed about 1.3°F (0.74°C) in the past century, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
6 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28
[Page 7]
hen you think of farms, the word “green” may __ the planet. In any field, from sciences to the arts, you
come to mind. Although many farms have can find an earth-friendly role. If you love writing and
acres of grassy land, some are green in another research, you could write about the environment as a way. Green farms often grow organic crops using methods _ journalist. If science excites you, you could work with that protect the environment, such as conserving water renewable energy or wildlife. And if you long to travel, and choosing natural fertilizers. They also make special —_-you could lead adventurous ecotours in natural areas. efforts to treat animals with care and respect. Start exploring careers by volunteering in your
Even if you don’t have a “green thumb” for farming, | community. No matter where your interests lead you,
there are plenty of jobs that can express your passion for __there’s a green way to get there!
WE USE BOTH SOLAR CAREERS. SEARCH FOR CAREERS GOING FORWARD, BACKWARD, UP, VOWN, AND WIN? ENEREY OR DIAGONALLY. WHICH ONES WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT? TO HELP CUT DOWN 7 I y
ON POLLUTION. Sek.
Reed ON OUR GREEN FARM, \ KIDS ARE TOURING OUR FARM AS THEY LEARN ABOUT EARTH-FRIENDLY
] g
ay
SSS
eee ns
| ARCHITECT CLIMATOLOGIST ECOTOUR GUIDE ENERGY AUDITOR FORESTER GEOLOGIST HYDROLOGIST LAWYER ORGANIC FARMER
| PHOTOGRAPHER RECYCLER ——— REPORTER = SOLAR TECHNICIAN ~ SURVEYOR TEACHER
> TRAIN OPERATOR
“WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. E WIND ANALYST = = CO sSZAmMNCAHHHDOL DOH AAAaOMyHaADTVZAxmMuN-x MPrPxCHHOPUNAYTOADAMN Ort rFmMZOVOVAHHSPUVHDA PMZoOMH¥rrzDHAAMCEaA ZSaArix«wroovomrmanat ~PmArTFCOFKxX DVM VPAMAXH JULY/AUGUST 2011 * Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8]
“Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’w'llh
ave you ever liked a
food so much that you
kept eating, even after
you were full? Overeating can
make you feel uncomfortable,
sluggish, and even ill. Modera-
tion in food, exercise, and sleep
is essential for feeling your best.
In many ways, Earth is like a
human body, with built-in
systems that keep it balanced and
healthy. Plants and trees act like
lungs, cleaning and recycling our
air. Oceans and rivers flow
continuously, like blood circulates
through the body. The ozone
layer, a shield of gas in Earth’s
upper atmosphere, protects us
from the sun’s intense rays—much
like skin protects our inner organs.
Just as moderation is important
for your body’s health, it’s also
vital to the health of our planet.
When we use too many resources
and produce too much waste, it
upsets Earth’s balance. The result
is major environmental problems—
including water shortages,
Explore and Soar: Be a Green Shopper
f you get an allowance, do you save some money,
donate some, then buy something you need? Are you
a green shopper who spends wisely to help save Earth's
resources? Grab your reusable shopping bag, then ask:
t Do I really need this item? Do I already have some-
thing similar that I can use instead?
8
pollution, and global warming—
which affect all living things.
To help our planet stay in
balance, we have to make
choices that are sustainable.
That means they meet our
needs while keeping in mind
the needs of future generations.
We must conserve energy, water,
and other precious resources.
We can also reuse and recycle
items to reduce garbage in land-
fills. By using only our fair share,
we can help create a healthy
environment for all to enjoy—
now and in the future.
of QuéBliona|||
hat do you want to know about
staying healthy and happy?
Health can involve your body, mind,
emotions, and spirit. Send your questions
to brilliant@usbne.org. Responses are
given by a health professional.
(saneny
66 How is your spirit affected by
the health of your body? 99
—Sydney, age 10
Dear Sydney,
Our spirit is definitely challenged by the
body's illnesses. Though your true spirit
or soul isn't harmed when you're sick,
it's difficult to remain optimistic and
enthusiastic when you do not feel well.
Stress increases the level of the hormone
cortisol in the body. In small amounts,
this can be helpful, but when you have
too much cortisol for too long, it can
lead to serious health problems.
Our spirit also affects the body. The
way you think and feel about things
affects your health. If you are pessimistic,
you will not recover as quickly from
illnesses. If you see difficulties as a
chance to train your spirit to be patient,
you can grow stronger and healthier.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mary K. Radpour
Licensed Family Counselor
o Is it recyclable or made
from recycled materi
o Is there a more earth-friendly version,
such as one with less packaging?
o Could I find a used version at a thrift store?
o Is it just a fad? Or will I use it for a long time?
Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 9]
CHECK OUT
MY RECYCLED
PAPER. I MAVE
| IT MYSELF!
ell phones, digital tablets, and computers. Our Cor is full of electronics. But paper, invented about 2,000 years ago, is still a big part of our lives. We may not even realize how often we use it. It’s in everything from egg cartons to masking tape to money-—to the magazine in your hands. A lot of paper gets recycled, but a lot ends up in the trash, too. Nearly 26 million tons of paper products are not recycled each year—in the U.S. alone. Precious Paper wrapping materials. Recycling paper also helps reduce landfill waste, energy use, and pollution. When your family buys You can find lots of ways to help cut down on wasted paper. Use cloth instead of paper napkins, write on both sides of your paper, and reuse gift- paper products, look for ones made from recycled materials. You can even create your very own recycled paper with the technique below. = Make Your Own Recycled Paper You'll Need: Six full sheets of non-glossy newspaper * 7" x 9" (18 cm x 23 cm) sheet of aluminum foil empty 1-gallon (3.8 L) milk jug * dried leaves or flowers * rubber gloves « scissors * water 1 Carefully cut off top half of jug, with an adult’: 2 Tear two sheets of newspaper into stamp-sized pieces and place them in jug. Add warm water so it just covers the newspaper. Let soak overnight. 3 Wearing rubber gloves, shred paper into fine pieces so paper pulp is the consistency of oatmeal. 4 Lay four sheets of newspaper in a stack and place foil flat on top. Cup hands to scoop up pulp. Let water drain off, then place pulp on foil. Repeat until you have a layer of pulp with a 1" (2.5 cm) border of foil. Make sure there are no holes in pulp layer. Add dried leaves or flowers on top. Gently press pulp flat. As water emerges, pick up foil and pour water back into jug. Continue until no more water can be drained out of pulp. Let paper dry for about two days. Drying time may vary due to thickness of paper and climate. When dry, peel foil off. Use your paper to write a message to a friend or family member about helping the earth. [Page 10] News Chronicle fs: aI fx ey : = DISASTROUS PROUEHTS AND FLOO?S J] WARMER OCEAN WATER NEAR AUSTRALIA ARE CAUSING IMILLIONS OF PEOPLE AN? DECREASES ALGAE THAT FEE CORAL MANY ANIMALS IN AFRICA TO FACE FOO? REEFS. THESE ECO_ Y_TE_S AND WATER S_ OF_ AG_S. ARE HOME TO THOUSANDS OF SEA SPECIES. Z “i Saving Humans Isle d’Unité (APNC) — Ambassadors from all continents met today to discuss climate change. The United Animal Ambassadors (UAA) are frustrated about the snail's pace of human action to save Earth. Quick, global efforts are needed to decrease pollution from cars, power plants, factories, and other sources. The gases are trapping heat in our atmosphere, intensifying the “greenhouse effect” and raising Earth's average temperature. “Animals and humans have a long history together on this planet,” said Mr. Izuba A. Gorilla, President of the UAA. “Humans are smart and determined once they decide to do something. We need to take matters into our own hands and act fast to save the planet we all share.” At a UAA convention this summer, ambassadors talked about environ- mental threats in their regions. Fill in the missing letters to complete the words. OY NOOO IN SOUTHERN EUROPE, HOT, DRY W_AT_ ER NSYLOWER CROP PRODUCTION AND LEAD TO FOOD SUPPLY ISSUES. se: Trubs A Govt oN \ apis BN RICE FARMS IN ASIA, THREATENING LESS RAINFALL COULD THREATEN SOUTH FOOD SUPPLIES. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DMERICAN F_ IN_ ORE_TS. LIVE NEAR COASTS AROUND THE WORLD. Cy | NORTH AMERICA MAY SEE MORE HEAT WAVES, SHUTTING OWN POWER, INCREASING _ILP_IR_S, fj AND CAUSING MANY OTHER PROBLEMS. RAPIDLY. GLACIERS AND SEA ICE ARE M_LTI_ &. SOME ANIMAL SPECIES, INCLUDING PENGUINS, ARE DECLINING. Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28
[Page 11] OUR CONNECTIONS Earth’s changing climate is studied by thousands of scientists from around the world. Many work with the IpCC—the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC reports that there is no doubt that our climate is warming, and it's very likely that the changes are due to human activities, such as burning coal, oil, and gas in factories and cars. The IPCC won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, shared with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. ‘All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Baha’'i Writings ) EXPioRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES WOW, REALLY? Recycle your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are energy savers, but they contain small amounts of mercury. Recycle them to keep this toxic chemical out of the environment. 90% of all large fish, such as tuna, swordfish, and cod, have disappeared due to overfishing. PROTECTING OUR PLANET . Dr. Sylvia Earle seeks protection for “Hope Spots”—marine areas vital to ocean health. An oceanographer from California, U.S., she’s spent about 7,000 hours underwater and won over 100 awards. She says, “With every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we are dependent on the existence of Earth’s living ocean.” These critically endangered creatures use their Earth’s highest point, this mountain reaches over 5 miles (8 km) in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet. Its glaciers are melting, which could cause devastating floods. Unscramble the letters to reveal its name: TOMUN VEREETS beak-like mouths to dig sponges and other food out of coral reefs. A major threat is illegal creation of jewelry and other items from their shells. Fill in the blanks to find their name: HA KS IL R LE ny paprika, fish by ninon, hugin Dmitry, animal by Rich Car ERS ON PAGE 28 le by Kip Evans, JULY/AUGUST 2011 x» Brilliant Star 11
[Page 12] x” I live in: Illinois, U.S. x¢ |
want to be:
Painter and horse trainer Best quality or virtue: Love Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ican gallop like a horse. Hobbies or sports: Playing outside and doing cartwheels Favorite Baha’i activity: Going to [Baha’i] Feast* ie Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique ve story to tell. What’s yours? Favorite animal or pet: Horses and kittens Place I'd love to visit: Australia, to visit my cousin. |
like to help people by:
Giving people bandages when they need one Ways | help care for Earth: Picking up garbage What environmental prob- lem concerns you the most? I don’t like garbage in the water because the fish might eat it and get sick. If you could make one law to protect Earth, what would it be? Don’t throw garbage on the land. What are the most amazing places or creatures in nature? Horses, because they run fast, and they are friendly. -* Age: 10 I live in: California, U.S. |
want to be:
Film photographer W Best quality or virtue: Ijust try to be myself. I don’t try to be “cool.” I’m also very honest, caring, and loyal. Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ilike old things, espe- cially old technology (1840s to 1989). Hobbies or sports: x Dance, theater, music, photography Favorite Baha’i activities: Teaching the [Baha'i] Faith, attending children’s classes Favorite animal or pet: Mountain lions, wolves Place I'd love to visit: The whole world! Age: 8 |
live in: Trinidad
and Tobago |
want to be:
Professional soccer player ® Something | like about me that makes me unique: Imake people around me feel happy. Best quality or virtue: Creativity |
like to help people by:
Cleaning and repairing things for them What environmental prob- lem concerns you the most? The Amazon Rainforest and also other forests being cut down, because we all depend on them for oxygen, and so many animals live there. If you could make one law to protect Earth, what would it be? Stop making shopping malls and start older businesses. 1 t using smaller, Hobbies or sports: Playing with LEGO [toys], drawing planes ...soccer Favorite Baha’i activity: Children’s class Favorite animals or pets: Our six dogs Place I'd love to visit: Rio de Janeiro [Brazil] - Ways | help care for Earth: Not to litter What environmental prob- lem concerns you the most? Pollution, because it is destroying our planet, and we need clean air to breathe. Ifyou could make one law to protect Earth, what would it be? I would make it against the law to destroy animals’ habitats. |
like to help people by:
Making them smile 12 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 “Feast is a Bahd'{ community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.
[Page 13] |
want to be: mK
A musician, author, and screenwriter Best quality or virtue: Compassion aS Something | like about me that makes me unique: My imagination Hobbies or sports: Writing stories and songs, drawing, basketball Favorite Baha’ activity: 1 like to serve others. Favorite animal or pet: My dog, Eko Places I'd love to vit Haifa [Israel] and China |
like to help people by:
Giving them confidence What environmental prob- lem concerns you the most? The pollution created by Age: 9 ag I live in: Wisconsin, U.S. |
want to be: *«
Video game designer Best quality or virtue: Creativity, because I like to draw stuff and make stuff up. * Something | like about me that makes me unique: lalways try to improve myself. When I get aBin school, I work hard to get an A next time. Favorite Baha'i activities: Sunday School. I have visited the House of Worship in Illinois. Iread ... about ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Bab, and Baha’u'llah, and I say prayers. Favorite animal or pet: J removing the oil from the sand, [which] is being dumped into the water and the air, downstream from where I live. This pollution is affecting the health of the people, of animals, and of the land. Fish are sick and plants are contaminated. The food chain is being poi- soned and it is ruining the Dene way of life.** If you could make one law to protect Earth, what would it be? To not use cars that run on gas Thave an iguana ) named Mr. Frenacles. The most amazing places or creatures in nature? Orangutans... they're so intelligent. [And the] arapaima [fish]." It can jump. ...out of the water and head-butt you... Ways | help care for Earth: Pick up trash outside. I have a garden and feed it compost. I recycle and remind people if they don’t recycle. Age: 9 |
want to be:
Ateacher and then become the President of the United States of America Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ican speak... Farsi, and [I] love cats. Hobbies or sports: Basketball, softball, ballet, swimming, art, piano Favorite Baha'i activities: Singing at Holy Days and chanting prayers at Feast* and attending Baha'i children’s classes Places I'd love to visit: China, Iran, Italy, France, Rwanda, India, Brazil, Australia Ways | help care for Earth: Plant trees, flowers, and other plants Here’s how: 26 I live in: Maryland, U.S. |
like to help people by:
Someday helping build good homes for people who need them. I like to give food and x supplies to shelters. What environmental prob- lem concerns you the most? Iam concerned about people who are destroy- ing trees and polluting «x by littering. What are the most amazing places or creatures in nature? fe Deer, gorillas, birds, Machu Picchu, camels, *« llamas, and people!
1 One of the world’s largest freshwater fish, found in South America 1, If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Include your name, age, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” in the e-mail subject line or in your message. 2. When it’s your tum to s! and a form for you and your parents to sign. 1, we'll send you questions 3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed forms, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright- protected images (like school portraits). ) JULY/AUGUST 2011 % Brilliant Star 13
[Page 14] LIGHTNING BN? LUNA KN we LIGHTNING, you coun | HAVE BEEN KILLED FROM THAT MUCH [J c —S—. T REGENERATED | THE SKIN ON YOUR VS ma The <7 £" POWER HUNGRY NIMBUS GOT YOU AWAY FROM THE CABLE JUST IN TIME. = Yo \ LUNA’S PLAN WORKED. 4 WE DEFEATED DR. DEVIOUS WITH GREAT TEAMWORK! f) LREMEMBER NOW. LCONNECTED THE BROKEN CABLE WITH iN DR. DEVIOUS AND HIS MINIONS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. HIS MEDIA EMPIRE IS GONE. DR. DEVIOUS HAD A CRAZY IDEA, TO MAKE EVERYONE THINK AN? ACT ALIKE. L.CAN SEE WHY IT ALMOST WORKED. PEOPLE WANT TO FEEL UKE THEY BELONG. —=— BUT HE WAS JUST BRAINWASING PEOPLE. NOW IT’S WEARING OFF THEIR MEMORIES? NO, EVEN ERASERS HAVE THE HE FOUND HO. RIGHT TO THINK ON THEIR OWN. WON'T HE CAN WE USE THEIR OWN PROGRAM TO ERASE HO. FROM WE’VE WIPED ALL THEIR DATA ON HO. ANZ FOR NOW, WELL SEAL THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND USE OUR TUNNEL SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL. YOU KNOW || I’VE SEEN THIS WHEN DONT WORRY. YOUR HAIR. || AN UPLIFTER EXHAUSTS WE’RE TAKING LOOKS LIKE APOWER-IT’S YOU MEAN-I) | GoD CARE OF GRANDPA’S? || USUALLY TEMPORARY. || COULY LOSE | | yu, JusT REST NY ELECTRIC AND RECOVER. \ POWER FOREVER? a ‘a ( » & VE & z \ 7 an j A y — i » hs = IS FOopITm | | LTS NOSIAL WHEN YOUVE STARVED. USED'SO OR MAYBE NUCH ENERGY. THAT'S JUST NORMAL FOR LIGHTNING. 14 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
ENTRIES FROM BRILLIANT STAK’S “NEW SUPERHERO SUITS
FOR THE UPLIFTERS” CONTEST IN MARCH/APRIL 2011, P. 27.
[Page 15] NOW, ZAPPO HAS AN EXCITING. ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGY DR. DEVIOUS TURNED OUT TO BE DR. DISAPPOINTING. HE PROMISED US THE EN? OF THE UPLIFTERS. MISERABLE UPLIFTERS! SOON THEIR EN? WILL col INTROPUCING SOME TRIAL VESIENS* FOR NEW AND IMPROVED WE’RE WORKING ON NEW, POWERFUL TOOLS AND FEATURES TO KEEP YOU SAFE... UNIFORMS! We’RE CONDUCTING. MORE TESTS. WE’LL GET YOUR INPUT, THEN FINALIZE THE DESIGNS. Sas 7 FROM THINGS SUCH AS EXTREME TEMPERATURES AN? ELECTRIC SHOCK. LATER, AT THE HO. POP BAY... LUNA, YOU’LL FLY WHILE LIGHTNING RESTS? |], MORE LIKE TLL FLY WHILE He EATS! = //e ) I’M VERY PROUP OF YOU TWO. ENJOY YOUR BREAK. 1 PULSAR, WHAT IF MY ELECTRIC POWER DOESN’T COME BACK? NO MATTER WHAT, YOULL. ALWAYS BE AN UPLIFTER! LEYS STOP AT PIZZA CANVON. I’ STILL HUNERY. BECAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE AFLY— THROUGH 3 WILL LIGHTNING’S POWERS EVER BE THE SAME? t JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 16] G S bout 161 million tons! That’s how much trash resources and prevents toxins from leaking into the nA gets thrown out each year—in the U.S. alone.* environment. It also saves lots of energy and cuts down That’s about the weight of 10 million school on greenhouse gases that can cause climate change. buses. Then we use new resources to make new stuff. An important part of recycling is knowing what to pe Finding those new resources is getting harder than recycle and how to sort it. Communities have different H ever, using more energy and causing more pollution. tules about separating materials such as paper, glass, The trash we throw out doesn’t disappear—it gets metal, and plastic. Check with your area's recycling burned or ends up in landfills. But much of it can be programs. You might be amazed at how many things |
reused or recycled instead. Recycling conserves valuable 4% you can turn from trash into treasure! | Ul Bs ~ 7 ] RAT ROBOT RECYCLING, WE COLLECT
) ALUMINATOR pp? ’ 09 AND SORT MATERIALS. UNSCRAIBLE — : ( ‘f THE WORDS TO SEE WHAT OUR RECYCLING ONE CAN PRR . . ' H\ ROBOTS HAVE TO REPORT. ELASS CAN BE YI SAVES ENQUEH Com RECYCLED CELSCENYL) oe "BECOMING PART OF NEW BOTTLES IN JUST 30 DAYS. |
PasTiC INK caRTRIEES [Th : HL TNE ATLEAST L,000 | Ny enanesten 4 aa YEARS TO (ZPOSEMOCE) FS yore aBquT 74% LESS Nt aN §) CELLBOT I s ee Peed ie i ee
ics - STICKS WORLDWIVE EVERY YEAR. EACH ONE HAS RECYCLABLE BE wie BOTTLE ONE - FOURTH FULL OF CRUDE OIL. THAT’S HOW MUCH OIL IT TAKES TO MAKE A BOTTLE. 8 ROBO-BATTERY 3 ae BATTERIES IMAY CONTAIN RGSS TOXIC METALS THAT NEED TO BE RECYCLED SO
1 ) ner 105 ; WT) PAPER RECYCLING RATES @ HAVE TOPPED 60% IN THE U.S. 9 AND EUROPE, SAVING TREES, p WATER, AND ENERGY, ANZ REDUCING COLULTIOPN) Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 17] “A unity in diversity of actions is called for . . . in which different individuals will concentrate on different activities ... each person cannot do everything and all persons cannot do the same thing.” —Baha’i Writings ould you rather study animals or insects, plant a garden, or help with an event at your local nature center? Each of us has an important role to play in helping Earth. Some aspects of the environment may interest you more than others, and that’s okay. Your strengths and talents can lead you to your unique path of service. Just as biodiversity is important for our planet’s health, diverse actions can help us tackle environmental challenges. Use this quiz to discover your “ecotype.” How do you like to make a difference? 1. My idea of a fun science fair project is: 4. My favorite classes are ones where I: ee a) Raising butterflies from cocoons a) Get to be outside ‘ b) Showing how recycling is important b) Work in groups to solve problems c) An experiment to explain the c) Do experiments greenhouse effect d) Create art projects d) Building a rain barrel or compost bin 7. Awarm, sunny day makes me want to: 5. A career that appeals to me is: a) Go for a nature hike 2. I’m most concerned with: a) Forest ranger b) Tell people about solar power a) Saving endangered species b) Editor for nature and animals magazine _c) See how fast ice melts in the sun b) Letting people know about c) Environmental scientist d) Make a solar cooker from cardboard environmental issues d) Green home builder c) Finding new inventions to a 8. My friends and family describe me as: stop climate change Cr te a) Outdoorsy and animal-loving d) Reusing and recycling stuff *% b) Outgoing and organized c) Thoughtful and scientific 3. Abook I’m most likely to read is: d) Imaginative and artistic a) A Nature-Lover’s Guide to Camping and Hiking 6. In my free time, I’m likely to: 9. If | were to start a business, | would: b) Change the World with Your Eco-Club _a) Explore bugs and plants a) Open an animal rescue center c) World’s Greatest Earth-Friendly b) Do a neighborhood cleanup project b) Launch an environmental website Inventions Cc) Try a cool science experiment c) Run a science lab d) Using Trash to Build Treasures d) Create art from recycled stuff d) Turn used furniture into cool new furniture Mostly As=Moble Naturalist Mostly Bs = Assertive Activist © Mostly Cs =Studious Scientist Mostly Ds = Adventurous Artist You love being outside and exploring + You use words and actions to educate You love discovering things and You use your hands to build and wildlife. Try volunteering at an and inspire others. Try leading a are excited by experiments. Try create. Try getting creative with animal shelter or community garden. club or organizing a service project. testing new ideas and inventions. recycled or natural materials. JULY/AUGUST 2011 % Brilliant Star 17
[Page 18] aving the planet starts with love—a love for the natural world. Peter S Adriance learned this as a kid, exploring the woods and fields in Massachusetts, U.S. When he grew up, his passion for nature grew with him. After college, Peter worked at two universities and then ran an advertising business. In 1990, he was hired by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States.* Since then, he’s been educating people about caring for our planet. He’s traveled to Brazil, Indonesia, and several other countries, representing the Baha'i community in efforts to solve environmental problems. He consults at United Nations conferences, Baha'i schools, interfaith gatherings, and more. He says, “I love learning about the world, studying issues like climate change and . . . how the Baha'i teachings can help address those challenges...” In 2009, he earned the Bridge Builders’ Award from an interfaith group in Washington, D.C. Peter and his wife, Riva, live in Virginia, where he expresses his zest for nature through gardening. Q. What’s your favorite childhood memory? My family . .. went to a very special place on Cape Cod ... There were no telephones, no TV. . . These cabins were all nestled on top of 100-foot sand dunes looking out over the ocean . . . It was all sun and sand and food and rest and reading . . . Mother saved up quarters all year long and put them in a jar. And at the Cape, we Left: Peter (left), at age three with his brother, Ricky, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Right: Eight-year-old Peter (right) and Ricky are congratulated by their dad for earning Boy Scout merit badges. would take those quarters and buy lobsters and have a big lobster dinner . . . That was always a lot of fun. Q. How did you become interested in the environment? Where I grew up . .. there was a path that went through lot to... hiking and fishing and canoeing and swim- the woods ... There were all kinds of places that were really interesting. We could make forts ... There was a swampy area where you could fish for tadpoles... and watch them grow into frogs... When I got. . . older, I went to camp up in Maine... That also exposed me a ming... used to think . . . How is it possible that we could dump our garbage in the ocean and the ocean would just digest it? They used to take big barges out into the ocean from New York and dump them in the ocean. It was a few years after that that we started to see trash on the shore... Q. What are the most important things kids can do for the environment? Educate their parents. That's one big thing . . . Try to live your life in a way that minimizes your impact on the natural world. There are so many ways to do that, but I think kids . . . are becoming leaders to point us in a direction that’s more sustainable .. . They can also set an example that inspires adults to action. Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 18 TOP LEFT PORTRAIT BY GIL MILLER-MURO
“The National Spiritual Assembly isthe national governing council ofthe Baha‘ Faith in the U.S.
[Page 19] Assembly of the U.S. Tell us about your work. NGO means Non-Governmental Organization... I'm a liaison... which means you link with other organiza- tions in areas of common interest... A big area of common interest [is] the environment and the... challenge of sustainability —in other words, living on... our fair share of the planet's resources and leaving enough for future generations to prosper. Q. What major changes do people everywhere need to make to solve environmental problems? It’s not the same for everybody around the world... We only have one planet to live on, and we can’t live as if there’s more than one planet. But in the [U.S.], we're living as if there were five planets with the amount of resources we're taking .. . The average European has a level equivalent to three planets. On the other end... some... are living [on] only a tenth of a planet’s-worth of resources. So we have to .. . reduce consumption on the high end and increase it on the low end so that we're using our fair share proportionally of the earth’s resources. Q. What do you say to someone who doesn’t think our actions can make a difference? In the Baha’i writings, there are many references to small things having the ability to . . . impact big things. In one of the prayers, it talks about [God] making a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, an atom into lights and suns ...If you consider ...a river, it’s just tiny molecules of water coming from many different places .. . Each molecule adds up eventually to an ocean. Q. If you had one wish for our Brilliant Star readers, what would it be? They become the best that they can [be] and contribute to the world . . . Kids can contribute a lot to the progress we're making on the environment, and I encourage them to be creative and share their ideas and thoughts, and not hesitate to make a contribution in their communities . . . Top Left: Peter (right) talks to Ron Gould, who oversees Baha’i properties in the U.S., about the “green” aspects of the new Visitors Center to be built by the House of Worship in Wilmette, IL. Top Right: Peter works with people such as 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.* Bottom: Peter and his family enjoy a nature-filled vacation to Ecuador in 2008. Q. How does the future of our environment look to you? Challenging, but hopeful, because I think that we're faced with immense challenges in almost every area— the increasing numbers of people on the planet and all the things that they need. There are many solutions being found to move us toward a more sustainable track. The big thing that we need in combination with the technology is that we need people that care, that both see the big picture and care to act on it, and then are taking action.
JULY/AUGUST 2011 % Brilliant Star 19
[Page 20] “Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Baha’i Writings LLOVE SWIMMING IN THE LAKE, FEELING THE WARM SUN, AND WAKING UP TO BIRS SINGING OUTSIDE THE TENT. I FEEL SO CONNECTED TO THE TREES AND ANIMALS. EVEN INSECTS. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY NATURE? I’M SO EXCITED! SOON, T/L BE MAKING MUSIC UNDER THE STARS, WITH MY GUITAR, ON A SUMMER CAMPING TRIP. Can You See the Connection? By Lucas Miller Cc Cc F g 1A fruit bat flew from tree to tree. — Look- ing for a man-goon a man-go tree She flew a ways a-way with her 7 1. G7 a oF c c G GS" Toverse2 |! CHORUS _F a ee r — 1 1 , — et f ————————— x | a SS € ins =o | eee Ra Se el ' tas-ty treat She ate the sweet fruit and then she dropped the seed The Can you see the con-nec-tion 43 3 ig E c Gr F iG F { ——— = = el 6 Sea pe SE to The bat to the tree andthe tree to - you? The tree gives the fruit bat food The bat helps the tree and the Fr-3 = a Fruit bats to trees And all of it to you Andthemore you see and know All the mys-ler-y on-ly grows And like 3 Es Fro-3— Go, G ses FO, G == = —t =SS=s é = SS SSS scat-ter-ing seeds Ourown words and deeds Con-nect {0 to-mor- row They take root and grow to-mor- row. i, @ G F c a b CHORUS, & i —] == Te = SI AS t = ——s SSS Ss — Su _ Can you see thecon-nec-tion to The bat to thetree andthe tree to__ you? The 6. OF é F N67 Cc +t r oH i 1 7 (#2 2 1 IE a | i = HW SS 2S SSS = H tree gives the fruit bat food The bat helps the tree andthe tree helps you Can you tree helps you 2. The seed fell down to the forest floor 3. The bat got the seed to a sunny spot It bounced and it flipped and it bounced some more So the seed began to grow and grow a lot It came to a stop in an open spot It grew into a tall and a mighty tree Where it could grow in all the sunshine that it got Making food and oxygen for you and me CHORUS CHORUS + BRIDGE » CHORUS (3X) Wi © 2005 John Lt Mill
20 =siBrilliant Star * JULY/AUGUST 2011 Formore musi by Lucas Mile, se wn ucasile net
[Page 21] “The happiness and greatness . . . the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in. . . his ability to solve difficult problems.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha magine a big city in the future. Do you think and using energy-efficient streetlights. Some are of towering skyscrapers? Traffic jams with planting “green roofs”—gardens on top of buildings. air-polluting cars? Buildings and transportation More bike and walking paths let people use their ) are huge sources of greenhouse gases, which trap own feet to reduce their ecological footprints. Public heat in Earth’s atmosphere and increase global transportation could zoom toward electric trains and y warming. But many cities are working to reduce buses that are powered by solar energy. Buildings their ecological footprints—the amount of natural might have built-in wind turbines to generate their he resources they use. own electricity. Technology and creativity will be & Some cities are already making buildings greener the keys to tomorrow’s cities. If you could build your own green city of the future, what would it look like? How would you save energy, reduce pollution, and create a happy environment? Draw your vision here. JULY/AUGUST 2011 % Brilliant Star 21
[Page 22] illness is worse. My flock is going fast.” “It’s been a hard year with the drought,” agreed Abzal. “But things will get better.” Rishad sighed heavily. “Since we were boys, I've loved tending sheep, and moving my yurt from place to place. It’s time for a change.” “What do you mean?” “I-I could go to the city,” said Rishad. “Iam a hard worker. I'll find a way to survive.” Abzal shook his head. “And leave me here alone on my potato farm? Who will make me laugh through the long winters? And listen to me play my kobiz?” Rishad smiled. “True, not many would listen to you. But my flock is dying, and—” “T'll give you half of my land,” said Abzal. “There is more than I can farm on my own.” “IT couldn't take your land. You'll have a family one day.” Abzal clapped him on the back. “We are like brothers. You'll always be part of my family. No more arguments.” Rishad accepted his friend’s generous offer. That spring, as Rishad was preparing his half of the field for planting, his hoe struck something hard. Puzzled, he kept digging. He rapidly uncovered an old chard ‘ ae Folktale apted from a Kazakh Adapted atte Mark Schroder wooden chest. “Wow! Abzal, come quick!” he called. Abzal rushed over, and they pried open the chest. A wealth of gold coins sparkled inside. “Abzal, you're rich!” Rishad gasped. “Not I, my friend. You found this on your land, so it belongs to you.” “No,” Rishad insisted. “You were so generous. This treasure can be my payment.” Abzal said, “I gave you the land as a gift, and I want nothing in return. Use the gold to buy a new flock of sheep.” But Rishad shook his head. “You could use the money to visit your parents in the South. You've always wanted to see more of the world.” The two men bickered, each wanting the other to keep the gold. Finally, Abzal said, “Let's go to the wise woman in the woods. She'll know what to do.” At dawn, they began their journey into the mountains, carrying the chest of gold. In a pine forest, they found the wise woman’s hut. “Qosh Keldinizder!” she greeted them. The friends eagerly told their story and asked for her advice. The wise woman was quiet as she slowly added honey and lemon to her tea. Then she said, “Take your gold and buy as many fruit seeds as you can. Plant them on your farm. When the trees grow, they will bear enough apples to feed many. Trees are good for the land and for all of God's creatures.” “But trees take years to grow,” said Rishad. 22 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 23] Abzal and Rishad talked as they sipped tea. They agreed to the plan and set off for a village market. At a crossroads, they met a caravan of camels led by a merchant dressed in fine silks. Each camel carried dozens of birdcages. Birds of every size, shape, and color were trapped inside, squawking loudly. Some looked sickly and pecked at the bars. Others struggled and shrieked with fear, trying to break free. Rishad called, “Sir, where are you going with those birds?” The merchant looked down haughtily from his camel. “To the market, of course. I will sell them for a great profit. Some will be eaten, and some will be pets. Why do you bother me?” The birds shrieked louder. Abzal and Rishad looked at each other, their eyes full of pity for the creatures. They nodded without speaking. Abzal asked, “How much for all the birds?” The wealthy man looked down at them and snorted. “More than you'll ever see.” He turned to move on. “Wait!” Rishad yelled. He opened the chest of gold. The merchant leaped from his camel with a greedy smile. Rishad and Abzal greeted the birds as they opened each cage. The creatures created a rainbow of color as they flew up and away— mighty steppe eagles, owls, swans, egrets, finches, sparrows, and more. A golden oriole rested on Abzal’s shoulder and peered at him. “This is the end of our plans for an orchard,” Abzal said to Rishad. “We'll never see that much gold again.” “But we couldn’t let the creatures be harmed.” Abzal stroked the oriole’s head, and she — flew off with the others. ‘Yas seis The merchant watched ~~ the farmers and gloated, at . “Such fools! Wasting your money on worthless birds!” He dragged away the chest of gold. Empty-handed but with light hearts, Abzal and Rishad made the long journey home. It was dusk when they arrived, hungry and exhausted. But what they saw filled them with wonder. Birds of every size, shape, and color covered their little field. The birds dropped seeds from their beaks into the ground, then used their feet and wings to cover them with soil. “I can’t believe what T'm seeing. It’s . . . the birds we saved!” cried Abzal. “And their friends, too,” said Rishad, as more birds swooped in. The farmers watched with huge eyes. No sooner were the seeds in the ground than they started to sprout! The birds took to the skies as rain began to fall. Rishad’s remaining sheep ate the grass and clover that sprang from the ground. Many people came from far-off villages to visit the orchard. No one could explain how the trees grew so fast. That very summer, they bore the sweetest fruit anyone had ever tasted. And they provided homes for hun- dreds of birds and other creatures. The magical orchard flourishes to this day, and its fruit grows even better each year—a delicious sign of the power of kindness. Kazakh: kobiz= A stringed instrument similar to a violin; Qosh Keldinizder = Welcome JULY/AUGUST 2011 *& Brilliant Star 23
[Page 24] new Faith was born. A Messenger of God known as the Bab (“the Gate” in Arabic) announced His mission to prepare people for another Messenger, Who would bring an age of peace. The Babi Faith attracted tens of thousands of followers. But authorities wanted to stop the new religion. They imprisoned the Bab, then condemned Him to death. On July 9, 1850, the Bab was executed in Tabriz by a firing squad of 750 soldiers. Later, Baha'u'llah declared that He was the Messenger of peace promised by the Bab. |
was an exciting and turbulent time in Persia (now Iran) in the mid-1800s. A
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Every 19 days, Baha’i Feast is held on or near the first day of the Baha’i month.
4 5 # »6 Ms (9 ) Independence Day iG (US.) og The U.S. national bird was once endangered. Which bird is it? 1 1 In the gardens at | MARTYRDOM OF ! the Shrine of the jane’ | THE BAB } methods are used to conserve water, 14 15 BAHA'I Bastille Day My Goal for the Month: MONTH OF aii World Population Day (UN): SB, ry Our planet's population may SS KALIMAT reach 10 biftfor By-2050: (WORDS) Did you know? Bamboo trees are rapidly renewable Gogmo’s Word Challenge Some grow 12 inches a) Tropical bodies of water (30 cm) per day! b) Exit, in case of emergency c) Urgent needs Nelson Mandela Intemational Day (UN) Honors the former ‘South African president on his birthday 25 Did you know? You can measure your ecological footprint — how much of Earth's resources you use.” (Australia) Over 15 million trees we and shrubs have been 4. planted since 1996. Eucalyptus trees, native to Australia, can regenerate after fires. 2
24 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011 9-42 9102 leg al SUBMSNY
[Page 25] na trip to a museum, you might see fossils that are millions of years old. But did you know there are also fossils in your family car? Fossil fuels, including those that power cars, trains, and planes, come from the remains of prehistoric creatures. These animals and plants lived over 300 million years ago—long before the dinosaurs. When they died, they were buried under seas, sand, and rock. Intense heat and pressure slowly turned them into oil, coal, and natural gas. Since they take eons to form, fossil fuels can’t be replaced— and we're using them up quickly. How can your family conserve these ancient resources? Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Every 19 | 2 days, Baha’i Feast is held BAHA'I National Night Out on or near the MONTH OF (ws and apes . A Neighbors unite to = a , first day of the KAMAL prevent crime. Have a green party! Use online invitations and reusable supplies. Baha’i month. (PERFECTION) Make art from recycled stuff. Serve local foods, then go on a nature walk with guests." m1 7 9 My Goal for the Month: International Day 4. - of the World's i climate causes International Indigenous People “2 droughts and floods, Youth Day (UN) ja," ¥ (UN) ~ threatening many If you could fix one AcEn in our traditional ways of life. environment, what would it be? 14 15 7 os 19 Te” Le 7 a Vinee Le Humanitarian Day <Q@aeguW Gosmo’s Word Challenge a) To stop something from happening b) Widespread, occurring in many places c) A brave knight Cr Ss a \ MONTH OF lonors workers f who risk their lives ASMA’ bringing aid to others (NAMES) 25 26 Women’s Equality on jo True or False? Day (U.S.) . Oil, a fossil fuel, 6 Women won the The octopus may Kk is used in crayons, right to vote in 1920, but still work to end inequality. be the most intelli- gent invertebrate... Did you know? The tomato isa fruit, not a vegetable. Martin Luther King Eid al-Fitr (Islam) Jr. shared his dream Three-day celebration of justice on this toend Ramadan, the La Tomatina (Bufiol, Spain) day in 1963. - month of fasting Aworld-famous tomato fight
OM €e APL SHAMSHY JULY/AUGUST 2011 % Brilliant Star 25 [Page 26] Finding Faith In his early 20s, Vinson traveled to Panama and Costa Rica, where he gathered plants, insects, reptiles, and other creatures for museums and collectors. At that time, he didn’t believe in God—he wanted proof of God’s existence. A youth named Chio, from the Guaymi tribe, helped guide SHINING LAMP A Baha'i who served humanity with radiance VINSON BROWN: Passion for Exploring Nature Vinson Brown encouraged people to explore nature. He wrote, “Science is the human’s way of reaching toward the stars.” him through the jungle. One day at dawn, Vinson saw Chio near a waterfall, his arms raised to the sky, singing in his native language. Though Vinson couldn’t under- stand the words, he said he felt something “so tremendous . . . that all my doubts about the spiritual truth of the existence of God disappeared and I knew I was in His presence!” Vinson built a career devoted to the environment. In 1936, he founded the Boy Naturalist Club in California and led kids on nature explorations. He also earned a master’s degree in biology from Stanford University. A few years later, he met a Baha’i named Marion Holley. After his scientific mind inspired him to ask questions for a year, Vinson became a Baha’i in 1945. In the years that followed, he gave several hundred talks about the Faith around the U.S. “Our Time is Short” Along with his other interests, Vinson always wanted to be a writer. In 1946, he founded Naturegraph Publishers. He and his wife, Barbara, published books about investigating the environment. Vinson wrote or co-authored around 40 books, including some on American Indians. One book trained the reader to study nature as an “explorer naturalist,” who “may be one of the heroes who helps save the world from destruction by pollution and waste and point it toward a new age where men are in harmony with nature and with each other .. .” In 1984, Vinson and Barbara went on Baha’i pilgrimage in Israel, which he called the trip of his life. Vinson passed away in 1991, but Naturegraph continues to publish books that support his mission. “We live on a shrinking planet,” he wrote, “and our time is short to convince others that there is no future for mankind unless we can learn to come into harmony with ourselves and our surroundings.” 26 Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 27] Turtles: q or over 100 million years, sea turtles have \ Fe our oceans. But today, these creatures ( are at risk of extinction. Five of the seven fh species are endangered or critically endangered. Many hazards to sea turtles come from human activity, such as construction along beaches, hunting of turtles and their eggs, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets and gear. Another great danger is climate change. Nesting beaches and feeding grounds are being damaged. Also, fewer males are born as beaches grow warmer, since the egg’s temperature determines the turtle’s gender. People around the world are working to help by protecting beach habitats and reducing bright lights, which disturb sea turtles. In Costa Rica, youth gather eggs and take them to safe nesting spots. After the turtles hatch, they're released near the ocean. Even if you live far from the sea, anything you do to conserve energy and slow climate change can help the sea turtles thrive. _ fees —i 3 LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES IMIGRATE THOUSANDS OF INLES. ONE WAS TRACKED ABOUT 12,800 MILES (20,600 KM)! SEA TURTLES. THE BIGGEST ONE [ OF US WEIGHED IN AT ABOUT 2,020 POUNDS (916 KG)! This Costa Rican community has worked together to protect leatherback turtle eggs. = x Spall WN Fx SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 JULY/AUGUST 2011 * Brilliant Star 27
[Page 28] "S CORNER Look for clues throughout the magazine. COSMO 2. Each of us has an role to play in helping Earth. (p. 17) 5. Can be recycled endlessly (p. 16) 7. \n Australia, warmer waters decrease algae that feed reefs. (p. 10) 8. Ella and Neda would both like to visit this country. (pp. 12-13) 11. One of the world's largest freshwater wetlands (p. 29) 13. gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming Earth. (p. 6) 15. Can reduce stress and help you feel more peaceful (p. 4) 16. Nearly 26 million tons of paper products are not each year—in the U.S. alone. (p. 9) 17. To help our planet stay in balance, we have to make choices that are . (p. 8) 18. More bike and walking paths let people use their own feet to reduce their footprints. (p. 21) 19. "Ridvan" means in Arabic. (p. 3) FROM OUR MAILBOX DOWN |
love reading about all the people in “Radiant
Stars," and | would like to be one in your magazine someday. Right now | have seven copies of Brilliant Star spread out on my bedroom floor, all open to the “Radiant Stars” page, and I've been writing down all the names and reading about the kids. —Naseem Serene K., age 8, China WHEN IT COMES 10 TREES, & WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE 7 BETWEEN WEATHER AND CLIMATE? be ic [ 1. Matthew and Jomei are both concerned about the environmental problem with and nature led to exciting 3. Vinson's love of - (pp. 12-13) escapades throughout his life. (p. 26) 4. Start exploring careers by ___ in your community. (p. 7) 6. Taking something you would normally throw away and creating something new and useful (p. 5) 9. World's largest sea turtle (p. 27) 10. This creature may be the most intelligent invertebrate. (p. 25) 12. The wise woman told the friends to grow these on their land (p. 22) 13. Melting cause sea levels to rise. (p. 2) 14. About the environment, Peter Adriance says, “We need people that care, that both see the big picture and care to act on it, and then are taking PAGE 2: A) 1,B) 4, C) 7, D) 5,£) 2 F)3,6)8,H)6 PAGE 8 (top to bottom): respect, moderation, gratitude, cooperation, responsibility, optimism, commit- ‘ment, creativity, awareness compassion PAGE 6: 1) a,c; 2) a; 3) b; 4) b,c; 5) b;6)a,b; 7) c;8) b,c; 9)a,b,¢; 10)a PAGE 10: 1) shortages, 2) ecosystems, 3) rainforests, 4) Rising, 5) weather, 6) wildfires, 7) melting “(p. 19) PAGE 11: Mount Everest, Hawksbill Turtles PAGE 16: 1) energy, 2) endlessly, 3) decompose, 4) magnet, 5) metals, 6) plastic, 7) pollution, 8) water PAGE 27: Turtles at top lettin clouds at top center near shore; at top right in leaves, left of horses, below kid; at right center behind gir, in front of boy, two in bucket, under sign, on sign; at bottom right on log, under shell, left of lower log; at bottom cen- ter speaking, on shirt; at left center in sand, two near shore; at center in egg Brilliant Star % JULY/AUGUST 2011
[Page 29] WN alls of endangered a macaws echo Goan the tropical Pantanal wetland. Howler monkeys swing through the trees as jaguars prowl below. This incredibly biodiverse area is one of the world’s largest freshwater wetlands. It’s located mostly in Brazil, and sprawls into Bolivia and Paraguay, covering at least 54,000 square miles (140,000 sq. km)! It’s home to over 600 species of birds, hundreds of 4 Jala of fish, and many other creatures. The Pantanal ADVENTURE hy and other wetlands are critical ecosystems for our planet’s health. Also, some wetlands give protection from flooding and drought. Like giant sponges, they absorb and release water as needed. Wetlands can also filter out water pollution and prevent land erosion. But global issues such as climate change, pollution, construction, hunting, and farming pose risks to wetlands and their wildlife. By preserving these wonders, we can help them flourish for generations to come. DURING THE WET SEASON, ABOUT 80% OF THE PANTANAL GETS SUBMERGED IN WATER. Zale a7 D x These explorers are navigating the amazing Pantanal. Find their route to the nature lodge. Along the way, help them spot three animals they! ‘ve never seen before. x» Brilliant Star JULY/AUGUST 2011 29
[Page 30] will be called upon to exercise leadership and address the dramatic and complex challenges Co of climate change in the decades to come.” AN aa f 4 f —Bahéii International Community ot Vy i E Ye. so |
