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YELLOW pages
We can’t grant wishes, but some
of these organizations, people and places might be able to. E-mail
any we missed to colors@colors.it
Read on, and may your wish come true.
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 During a puja, a Hindu makes a personal connection via prayer and song with his/her god or guru. You can do pujas yourself or have them performed for you. Through a Shri Maha Lakshmi Homam, for example, you will gain legitimate wealth. The ritual costs US$70. A video of the
puja costs an extra $20. For more information, visit www.saranam.com
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Maybe Ania (p.73) should consider becoming a drag king. These women who dress as men (usually according to macho stereotypes) for art and entertainment may be either heterosexual or lesbian. Among the Drag King communities that abound online is Nextown Ladys in Barcelona, Spain, which organizes drag king parties.
www.nextownladys.com
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Every year thousands of people
go to Al Adhra monastery in Durunka, Egypt, for the Moulid Al Adhra ceremonies, when they can have
their wishes granted. Tell your wish to
a monk, who will write it on a special
form, along with a record of your donation (rice, live chicken or pigeons are common). You keep the sheet
of paper, and your wish comes true. Apparently. Moulid Al Adhra is held from August 7-22. Al Adhra monastery, Durunka, Upper Egypt (Said).
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Danes think lots of fresh air helps babies sleep better. US authorities disagree. In 1997, a Danish mother who left her sleeping baby outside
in a stroller on the sidewalk while she was in a coffee shop was arrested
for child neglect. If fresh air doesn’t work for Anna (p.78), she could contact the Center for Sleep Medicine in Glostrup, Denmark,
which treats sleep disorders. Klinisk neurofysiologisk adfeling, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark. Tel. +45 432 32505. E-mail:
neurofys@glostruphosp.dk
http://tinyurl.com/cgcls
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LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) is an association
of US law enforcers who claim that their country’s war on drugs has failed. They want to see illicit substances legitimized. This may
not give Eduardo (p.144) free heroin, but it may keep 1.6 million Americans from being arrested every year for non-violent,
drug-related offenses. LEAP, 27 Austin Road, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
Tel. +1 781 3936985. www.leap.cc
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Math Mauli (Mother Mary) grants wishes at the Basilica of Our Lady
of the Mount, Mount Mary Church, in Mumbai, India, but only to answer sincere and devout prayers. Typical offerings include sticky sweets and candles shaped like body parts.
The Festival of the Virgin Mary (Bandra Fair) is held in September. Mount Mary Church, Mt. Mary’s Road, Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India.
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In Botswana, drought is a recurrent environmental problem that severely limits agricultural production. Many people depend for their food on what they can grow at home. Somarelang Tikologo. a local NGO, educates Botswanans in water and energy conservation and waste management. It needs volunteers. Somarelang Tikologo, P. Bag 00376. Gaborone, Botswana. Tel. +267 3913709.
www.st.info.bw
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How many people die without leaving their family access to their financial information? Enough to lead two US entrepreneurs to set up Last Wishes, a site that—for US$99—can store essential information like account numbers and passwords. It also forwards e-mails from beyond the grave, such as: “Eric, I hid $200 in
my brown shoes in my wardrobe.
Goget it—it’s yours. Best regards, me.” Tel. +1 972 6355488.
www.lastwishes.com
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Love. Hope. Joy. Respect. These words, believes Dr. Masaro Emoto, can alter the molecular structure of water. The Japanese “water researcher” also thinks natural disasters are caused by mankind’s emotional imbalance, which is transmitted to water. Not convinced? Read his books “The Hidden Messages in Water” and “Message from Water.” World of Water, 1F Eastside Bldg
1-1-11, Yanagibashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0052, Japan. Tel. +81 3 38630211. www.hado.com
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If Ramona (p.115) had a cell phone,
she could do more than just contact her parents. The first Mobile Active Convergence held in Toronto, Canada, in September 2005 looked at how
cell phones and SMS messages
can be used in coordinating activism and campaigning. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the phone is
a tool for monitoring human rights abuses, while Argentinians use it for green activism. Subscribe to their
blog: www.mobileactive.org
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Drought kills more people than
other natural disasters. South Africa’s Balobedu tribe is currently without
a Rain Queen (“Modjadji”), an
hereditary position always held by women. Rain Queens have magical rainmaking powers. The Modjadji Nature Reserve Museum chronicles
400 years of Rain Queens. Arrange
a tour through the Limpopo Tourism Centre. Tel. +27 15 2958252.
E-mail: info.limpopo@mweb.co.za
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A note was found on the corpse
of 18th-century Muslim saint Hazrath Haji Ali stating that he wanted to be buried where his body was found.
This happened to be on a rocky island in the Arabian Sea accessible only via
a 500-meter walkway. During high tide, the dargah, or saint’s shrine, appears to be floating. The Dargah of Haji Pir
is located in Mumbai, India, opposite the famous Mahalakshmi temple. Check tide times in the local paper before visiting. The mosque closes during monsoon season (usually
July-September).
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At the three-day Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand, locals launch Krathong (small candle-boats) into rivers to make wishes and ask for blessings from the Mother of the Waters (Mae Kong Kha). Held at
the full moon in the 12th lunar
month, the festival is usually
in November. Tourism Authority
of Thailand, Tel. +66 2 2505500. www.tourismthailand.org
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Yoga can even chill out prisoners. The fast-growing recreational activity, originally a spiritual practice in
India, is used in prisons worldwide to
calm stressed inmates. The Ananda Marga Organization currently
teaches yoga to prisoners in Portugal.
www.anandamarga.org
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Like Kerry (p.206), the Communist Party of Ireland wants communism
to work, despite recent failures. Members take part in anti-privatization campaigns and activities related
to international solidarity, the anti-war movement and opposition to
European imperialism. To join, write
to the Communist Party of Ireland,
7 Bloom Lane, Dublin 1, Ireland.
For any other information, visit www.communistpartyofireland.ie
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Have you seem mysterious beams
of light outside your room, misplaced your unborn fetus, or awoken with strange metallic implants in your body? You may have been abducted by
an alien. Learn more about your experience at the archives for UFO Research (AFU), an extensive library documenting over 15,000 Swedish UFO sightings. Archives for UFO Research (AFU), PO Box 11027,
S-600 11 Norrkoping, Sweden.
Tel. +46 11 138666. E-mail:
afu@ufo.se
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Jeanne Calment lived for 122
years and 164 days, making her the oldest woman on record. To match
her record, drink from Aphrodite’s fountain of youth in Cyprus. Take
a trip to the Akamas Peninsula, follow the signs to the Baths of Aphrodite (Loutra tis Aphroditis), the pool that was a favorite haunt of the Greek goddess. Then drink at your own risk.
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Heavy clothing gets heavier when
in a river. Traffickers are never to be trusted. These and other tips for
would-be Mexican migrants appear
in a comic book style guide, “Guia
del Migrante Mexicano,” distributed free by Mexican consulates near
the American border. Hundreds of Mexicans die every year attempting
to enter the USA illegally. Secretaria
de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE),
Ricardo Flores Magon 2, Tlatclolco, Cuauhtemoc, CP 06995, Mexico.
Tel. +52 318 5063300,
www.sre.gob.mx/tramites/guiamigrante/default.htm
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HGeorgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident, was killed by the poisoned tip of an umbrella in 1978. For fascinating umbrella facts, visit the Umbrella and Parasol Museum in Gignese, Italy, the only institution
in the world dedicated to this 4,000-year-old object. Via Golf Panorama 2, 28836 Gignese (Verbania), Italy.
Tel. +39 0323 208064. Open Tues.-Sun. www.gignese.it/museo
www.gignese.it/museo
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Middle-Eastern Islamic men don’t wear jeweled ornaments, but women and camels do. Tareq Rajab Museum
in Hawelli, Kuwait, houses an extensive collection of artifacts from around
the Muslim world, including clothing and jewelry. Tareq Rajab Museum, Jabria, Area 12, street 5, Hawelli,
Kuwait. Open Sat.-Thurs. 9-12 and
16-19. Tel. +965 5317358. Admission free.
www.trmkt.com
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Rafa’s wish (p.222) might come true if he and his boyfriend went legal. In July 2005, Spain passed a law allowing gay and lesbian Spanish couples to have a civil wedding ceremony. Married gay couples have the right to adopt.
For information: Fundación Triangulo, Calle Eloy Gonzalo 25, 1º, ext. Dcha, 28010, Madrid, Spain. Tel. + 34 91 5930540.
www.fundaciontriangulo.es
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Goats and roosters are sacrificed
to the wish-fulfilling deity Manakmana Devi at the Manakamana Temple in Nepal (squeamish wishers can offer flowers, rice and incense instead). Pilgrims access the temple by the country’s only cable-car service. The eight-minute ride covers 2.8 km and offers breathtaking views. Cable car fares: NRs 278.00 for locals, US$10
for foreigners and NRs 113 for goats. Manakamana Darshan (P) Ltd., PO
Box 441B, Manakamana, Marg.,
Naxal Nagpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel. +977 14424690.
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There are currently only 13 astronauts in the European Space Agency’s astronaut corps, selected from over 22,000 applicants. Ieun
(p.50) will need to study engineering and become an expert test pilot to fulfill his wish, but even then he may not get to the moon. At present, European astronauts are employed
on the International Space Station.
To learn more, contact the European Astronaut Center, Linder Hoehe,
51147 Köln, Germany. www.esa.int
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The Aral Sea in Central Asia was once the fourth biggest lake in the world. Since 1960, its water has been diverted to irrigate cotton crops, creating an ecological and economic disaster affecting people like Tanjer (p.192). Find out more by ordering “The Devil and the Disappearing Sea: A True Story about the Aral Sea Catastrophe” by Rob Ferguson. www.raincoast.com US$22.95
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The Haji Ali Mosque is slowly falling apart. Built around 1431 AD, the shrine hasn't been repaired since the 1960s. Its 85-meter minaret is about to topple, and three worshippers were injured when a piece of the building fell off. The Haji Ali Dargah Trust is waiting for permission to destroy the unstable shrine and rebuild it. To help to save the Haji Ali Mosque, send donations to The Haji Ali Dargah Trust Haji Ali, Mumbai Maharashtra, 400036, India
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Gabriella (p.33) might find what she’s wishing for at Philosophy Café, an informal, two-hour gathering of people who meet to discuss subjects such as “the impossibility of philosophy” and “do we need a God to be good?” Philosophy Café is held every second Tuesday at Berkelouw’s Books, 70 Norton Street, Leichhardt, 2040, NSW, Australia. Tel. +61 405 528869.
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The average leprechaun is about 0.8 meters tall and has a passion for alcohol. If you succeed in catching a leprechaun he must grant you three wishes. To increase your chances of finding one of the little fellows, drive from Killarney to Kenmare in County Kerry, Ireland. Near Lady’s View you will pass a warning sign: “Leprechauns crossing.”
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The female “tea-cup” kitten is guaranteed not to exceed 2.7kg in weight, according to the company supplying these genetically modified Persian miniature cats. Size is money,
though: A cutie can cost US$3,500.
www.tcup-persians.com
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One in 10 Africans has a mobility impairment. Civil wars, poor health
care infrastructure, hunger and epidemics contribute to the rising number of disabled. The Omega Initiative works to end social and economic exclusion of people
with disabilities in Africa, such as
Tamba (p.68), through distribution of wheelchairs, prosthetics and other aids. The Omega Initiative, PO Box 76390, 00508 Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel. +254 203 878271.
E-mail. info@omegainitiative.org
www.omegainitiative.org
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Half of all Britons believe in psychic/spiritual healing. One-third believe in ghosts. Stephen O’Brien
is principal of an academy in South Wales, UK, that teaches mediums
and students from all over the world. The Academy of Psychic and Spiritual Studies, PO Box 8, Swansea,
SA1 1B, UK. Tel. +44 1792 466467.
E-mail:
academy@stephenobrien.co.uk
www.stephenobrien.co.uk/academy
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Nearly two-thirds of Australian couples ask for money as their wedding gift. To make it easier for
your guests, rent a Wedding Wishing Well for your special day. Choose
from nine designs, all of which will
fit in the back of a car. Cardboard models also available for purchase.
For information: Tel. +61 2 99491139.
www.members.optusnet.com
au/s.beaumont or write to E-mail: rossmclachlan@bigpond.com
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Each year the United Nations and related agencies spend about US$10 billion (that’s about US$1.70 for each person on the planet). But there are plenty of people who don’t like what the organizations do or how they
do it. If you’re one of them get
a United Nothings T-shirt for €15 from
La Iguana, Plaza de la Provincia 7,
Madrid 28012, Spain.
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Alex Chiu claims that the toes
and fingers are the negative and positive terminals of the body. Magnetic Eternal Life rings will
help you stay young by improving blood circulation and metabolism. Purchase a set of rings for US$29
or find out how to make your own.
Alex Y.C. Chiu, PO Box 16547,
San Francisco, CA 94116, USA.
www.alexchiu.com
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A monotone voice, jerky motions and statuary poses are sexually arousing to individuals attracted to robots. This uncommon fetish often involves transforming oneself or
one’s lover into something like a mechanized erotic automaton. If it intrigues you, chat with like-minded individuals at the alt.sex.fetish.robots (ASFR), an online newsgroup.
www.sexuality.org/l/fetish/robofaq.html
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“Promises” is a documentary
about seven Palestinian and Israeli children that was filmed between
1997 and 2000, a time of relative peace. The movie looks at the conflict in the area through their eyes. Order from the Hartley Film Foundation, 49 Richmondville Avenue, Suite 204, Westport, CT 06880, USA.
Tel. +1 203 2269500.
www.hartleyvideos.org
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Each year 600 million Big Macs
and 700 million pounds of peanut butter are devoured in the USA. “Hungry Planet” by Peter Menzel
and Faith D’Aluisio looks at what different people around the world
eat. Photographs show families
with all the food they usually consume in a week spread out in front of them. Order from Ten Speed Press, P.O. Box 7123, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA.
Tel. +1 510 5591600.
www.tenspeedpress.com US$40.
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Two million people took the “hajj”
(holy pilgrimage) to Mecca in 2005.
If you can pay for your own transportation, the Saudi government will make your pilgrimage easy by offering a special hajj visa, and
the Hajj and Mu'tamers Gift
Foundation will give you free medical assistance, language translation services, meals and shelter.
www.barakah.org
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The fatality rate for skydiving is
25 deaths per 100,000 people; for hang-gliding it’s 40 per 100,000.
A new extreme-sports craze might prove a little less dangerous: extreme ironing. At www.extremeironing.com you will find all you need to know.
Novices are advised to start small:
Practice in the back garden before attempting underwater ironing
or mountainside ironing.
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Voodoo—also known as Voudou, Vodou or Voudun—originated in Africa. Benin still has a National Voodoo Day. For evil wishes, visit www.books4you. addr.com/EvilVoodooDollKit.html
and buy a voodoo doll. Pins and a voodoo book are included. Dolls can be used to inflict revenge, cast a love spell or to improve fortune, but the promoters take no responsibility
for the results.
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Since 1997 the number of people seeking cosmetic procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) has increased by 293% according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The top five surgeries are: liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, breast reduction
and rhinoplasty. For people who wish to look eternally youthful cosmetic
surgery can seem like the best option. But things can, and do, go wrong.
Visit www.awfulplasticsurgery.com to find out more.
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The Fairygodmother Foundation grants the wishes of adults who have
a year or less to live. The foundation has sent families on trips, given people laptop computers or brought family members together to say goodbye. Help be someone's Fairygodmother
by donating cash, air miles or laptop computers. Fairygodmother Foundation, 1341 West Fullerton Avenue, Box179 Chicago, III 60614, USA. Tel. +1 773 3881160.
www.fairygodmother.org
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The 8 million illegal aliens in the
USA are often accused of stealing jobs, importing drugs and causing
high crime rates. Report Illegal Aliens,
a US-based organization, encourages right-minded Americans to turn in
illegal aliens and their employers. The group will also file the paperwork and paythe US$10 fee for processing a report. File a report online at: www.reportillegals.com or send an
e-mail to comments@reportillegals.com
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More than 50 million Americans say they have seen a UFO. The Portland Alien Museum houses an eclectic collection of UFO exhibits, including videos of crop circles and a 3-D
alien rollercoaster film. Contact curator Lawrence Johns to arrange a private tour. 1716 NE 42nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, USA. Tel. +1 503 4529663.
www.portlandalienmuseum.com
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Stop depleting the world's
drinking-water supply, become a vegetarian. It takes almost 9,500 liters of water to produce 0.6kg of American Beef. Order your copy of “Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook
for Living Lightly on the Earth” and
find out how you can stop wasting valuable environmental resources.
E/The Environmental Magazine.
28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA. Tel. +1 203 8545559.
www.emagazine.com US$14.95.
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To join Mensa you must have
an IQ in or above the 98th percentile. There are 100,000 Mensans worldwide on every continent, except Antarctica.
You can do a practice test online at www.mensa.org or try
www.puzz.com for a range of IQ tests (though Mensa will only accept certified test
results posted directly to the organization).
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Firearms kill more than 20,000
people every year in Colombia.
Save your life with one of Miguel Caballero’s handmade bulletproof
suits. The suit is good for 22 impacts, looks like a normal suit and weighs
1.7kg. T-shirts and other garments
also available. Order from Miguel Caballero, High Security Fashion,
Calle 71 No. 15-88 (16-14), Bogota, Colombia. Tel. +57 13478199.
www.miguelcaballero.com
In English and Spanish
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Dixon’s wish (p.129) might already
have come true. This November,
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (known as the “Iron Lady”) became Liberia’s first freely elected president in decades, and Africa’s first female head of state.
The African Women’s Development Fund offers grants to organizations working to achieve female equality
in Africa. Contact: African Women’s Development Fund, 25 Yiyiwa Street, Achimota Forest, Ablenkpe, Accra, Ghana. Tel. +233 217 80477.
http://awdf.org
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