| Syrian Prisoners Get Amnesty Ahead of Muslim Holiday Posted: 24 Oct 2012 03:39 PM PDT | More than 200 Syrian prisoners released under general amnesty but those accused of 'terrorist' acts remain behind bars. Full story: Syrian authorities released 209 detainees on Wednesday ahead of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. On Tuesday Syrian State television announced President Bashar al-Assad would grant amnesty for crimes committed before 31 May 2011. The exception to this are crimes carried out by (quote) "terrorists", the rebel fighters seeking to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime. Assad is fighting an insurgency that grew out of protests 19 months ago. The insurgency has escalated into a civil war in which 30 thousand people have been killed. His overstretched army has lost great expanses of territory and relies on air power to keep the rebels at bay. The prisoner release came as the Syrian government considered a proposal for a holiday ceasefire. The ceasefire was instigated by Lakhdar Brahimi, a United Nations-Arab League ambassador. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:02 | More in News & Politics |
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| 'The World's Narrowest House' Posted: 24 Oct 2012 03:32 PM PDT | A workspace in Warsaw, about 120 cm (47 inches) at its widest point and 71 cm (28 inches) at its narrowest point is being called 'The World's Narrowest House' Full story: This is the world's narrowest house, located in Warsaw, Poland. Yes, the gap between the two buildings, it's a real house. When you enter through a door that's about as wide as the house itself, a staircase leads up to the 2nd floor of the residence. The structure is about 120 cm, or 47 inches at its widest point and 71 cm, or 28 inches at its narrowest. Feels restrictive? That's the intention, so invited guests will know what it feels like to live in a surrounding that restricts your every motion. The project's PR manager Maciej Kawinski has already spent a few days here and says he learned to adapt. [Maciej Kawinski, Project PR Manager]: "You can get use to it, you know. The kitchen is extremely small, it's really small and not comfortable. I have bruises, you know, bruises on my head because of the shelf above the kitchen." Bruises from taking a shower and cooking? Not my idea of a dream house. But a string of artists will stay here to explore their surroundings, starting with Israeli writer, Edgar Keret. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 20 1 ratings | | Time: 01:18 | More in Howto & Style |
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| Austrian Born Panda Cub Leaves for China Posted: 24 Oct 2012 03:21 PM PDT | Fu Hu is being coaxed into his travel crate with his favorite foods. The giant panda will soon be relocated to China from Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo. [Renate Haider, Zoo Keeper]: "We have to help him get used to this box. Today wasn't the first time it was done - he is willing to enter the crate because we've been working with him for weeks." Zoo keeper Renate Haider says that at two years old, Fu Hu is ready for independence, having learned everything he needs to know from his mother. [Renate Haider, Zoo Keeper]: "He's growing bigger than his mother, and in the wild they also become independent at two years of age - sometimes they're even banished by the mother." And after a quarantine period, Fu Hu will be able to lie around in his new Chinese home -- and he may even be chosen to breed. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 3 0 ratings | | Time: 00:52 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| New Archeological Find in Machu Picchu Posted: 24 Oct 2012 03:15 PM PDT | Peruvian archaeologists find ancient artefacts in legendary ancient city of Machu Picchu. Archaeologists discovered some ancient artifacts last week in Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca city in southeast Peru. The pieces were found buried below a three-walled patio known as a 'wayrana' in Quechua. The discoveries include clay jugs, a ceremonial pot, 10 malachite beads, a bronze clasp, and carved stones. [Carlos Werner Delgado, Archeologist at Cusco Office of Regional Culture]: "This was an offering that was imported, perhaps by the Chimus themselves or by the Incas. We didn't find anything else apart from these objects." The Chimu lived on the northern coast of Peru and were later conquered by the Incas around 1470 AD [Carlos Werner Delgado, Archeologist at Cusco Office of Regional Culture]: "The Incas, as we know, expanded to the north of the American continent, to the south, to the jungle and also to the sea. They had a policy of both integration and expansion, and managed in some way or another to conquer other peoples whether it was done peacefully or, in many cases, with violence." Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. It had been unknown to the outside world for over three centuries but is now one of the most famous sites in Peru. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 25 4 ratings | | Time: 01:42 | More in News & Politics |
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| Syria Agrees to Ceasefire on Holiday Posted: 24 Oct 2012 01:37 PM PDT | International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi announces the Syrian government has agreed to a ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, following talks with former US President Jimmy Carter. Full Story: Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nation's envoy to Syria, has said that the government under Bashar al-Assad has agreed to a ceasefire during an Islamic holiday. The envoy also said that most opposition forces have agreed to a ceasefire. The ceasefire would begin on Friday for the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday, the Festival of the Sacrifice. Brahimi has traveled around the region for the past two weeks, speaking to government officials, rebels and their backers in an attempt to negotiate the ceasefire. He hopes to use this as a building block for future talks and a longer ceasefire. However, many people have their doubts that this will work. The Syrian foreign ministry said the government would announce its final decision on Thursday, with military operations still being discussed by military command. In addition, opposition forces have doubts that the Assad regime would actually follow through. Earlier this year, the government agreed to Kofi Annan's six-point peace plan, but violence continued between rebel and government forces. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 2 0 ratings | | Time: 01:07 | More in News & Politics |
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| "Free China" Music Nominated for Hollywood Award Posted: 24 Oct 2012 01:21 PM PDT | If you've ever heard great music during a movie, you know what a good soundtrack does for a film. Well, so does Hollywood. On November 15th the Hollywood Music in Media Awards will hand out medals for the best of this year's musical accompaniments. And on the list of nominees, is NTD's own, "Free China: The courage to Believe." Free China was co-produced by NTD and World2Be productions. The film documents the story of two former Chinese citizens who suffered persecution for their belief in the Falun Gong spiritual practice. Free China was nominated in the category of "Best Soundtrack Album", and is competing with some of Hollywood's biggest names. The composer of Free China's soundtrack is Tony Chen, an award winning composer based out of San Francisco. For more information about Free China the film, visit freechinamovie.com. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 00:48 | More in News & Politics |
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| China and Japan Talk over Islands Dispute Posted: 24 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT | Chinese and Japanese senior diplomats have held discussions this past week over the East China Sea. The talks focus on the resource rich islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japan, Taiwan and China all claim ownership of the islands. In a secret visit to Japan, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Asian Affairs Department visited his Japanese counterpart two weeks ago. His visit was to lay the foundation for higher-level talks at a future undisclosed date. Chief Cabinet Secretary, Osamu Fujimura confirmed talks between Japanese and Chinese officials. [Osamu Fujimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary]: "There are indeed communications happening regarding the present situation on the Senkaku islands and about the various situations between Japan and China on various levels. As for the exact details, as we must think of the other side as well, I would like to keep from being made public. However, there is indeed dialogue on a variety of levels." After Japan bought the islands from their Japanese owner in September, tensions between the two countries spiked. Both countries sent patrol boats to the area, raising concerns of a broader conflict. Violent protests occurred throughout China, with calls for boycotts on Japanese goods. Japanese automakers have been hit especially hard since the protests in which Japanese cars were vandalized. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:25 | More in News & Politics |
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| More Senior Posts to Go to Hu Jintao Allies: Reports Posted: 24 Oct 2012 01:03 PM PDT | The Chinese Communist Party's Publicity Department and Organization Department are two major organs. One directs Party propaganda through state-run media. The other is responsible for managing Party members. On Tuesday, Hong Kong media Mingpao reported that the heads of both departments would be reappointed, and analysts say the move will likely benefit the political faction of current leader Hu Jintao. Mingpao reports that 55-year-old Zhao Yueji, currently the Party Secretary of Shaanxi Province, will take over as the head of the Organization Department. Liu Qibao, the head of Sichuan Province will be named the new leader of propaganda. Both men have ties with Hu Jintao. Liu in particular came up the ranks through the Communist Youth League, Hu's powerbase. Mingpao also reports there will be a new head for the Public Security Bureau, or China's police force. The Bureau is part of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee, a powerful organ accused of widespread rights abuses, particularly of dissidents and religious prisoners. Zhou Yongkang, an ally of Bo Xilai and former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin, currently heads the PLAC. The man tipped to take over as police chief is Guo Shengkun, who has no history with the Bureau. Chinese democracy activist Liu Yingquan says Guo's appointment would mean that Hu Jintao and his allies are ending the influence of Jiang's Zemin's faction. [Liu Yingquan, Chinese Democracy Activist] "This means that Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao and Xi <b>...</b> | Views: 4 0 ratings | | Time: 02:04 | More in News & Politics |
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| Three Tibetans Self-Immolate in Four Days Posted: 24 Oct 2012 12:56 PM PDT | A 58-year-old Tibetan man is the latest to take his own life in protest against communist rule, rights groups have reported. Dorje Rinchen set himself alight outside the Labrang Monastery in Gansu province on Tuesday. It's the second self-immolation death in two days, and the third in less than a week. According to International Campaign for Tibet, Rinchen was a Tibetan farmer. The group has released pictures of the self-immolation, and reports that Chinese troops clashed with locals after the incident. Labrang Monastery is one of the most prominent Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet. Several protests have happened there since deadly ethnic violence in 2008. Rinchen's death follows Monday's self-immolation protest by another Tibetan, identified as Dhondup. He died at the scene. On Saturday, a 27-year-old father of two, set himself on fire outside Bora Monastery, also in Gansu province. Human Rights group Free Tibet says the self-immolations are happening at an unprecedented rate in the last year and a half. Almost 60 are reported to have died. Many Tibetans feel it's their last option to protest against what they call a suppression of their religion and culture by the Chinese regime. On Sunday, Tibet's government in exile called for a worldwide effort to help end the crisis. Pictures from inside the heavily controlled Tibetan regions are rare. But more Tibetans are risking jail terms by releasing photos and videos of what's going on under Chinese rule. For more <b>...</b> | Views: 7 0 ratings | | Time: 01:47 | More in News & Politics |
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| Huawei Offers Code Access in Australia Amidst Security Concerns Posted: 24 Oct 2012 12:38 PM PDT | Earlier today, the Australian arm of Chinese telecom equipment firm Huawei Technologies fired back against allegations of close ties to the Chinese regime and accusations that doing business with them would be a threat to national security. Earlier this year, the Australian government barred Huawei from participating in the country's 38 billion US dollar high-speed broadband network because of national security concerns. Recently, a US Congressional committee investigation found Huawei, and another Chinese telecommunication firm, ZTE Corp, had close ties with the Chinese regime and their business in the US was a threat to national security. But Huawei has refuted the US findings. [John Lord, Chairman of Huawei Australia]: "We sincerely hope that in Australia, we do not allow sober debate on cyber security to become distorted the way it has in the US If we are to find real solutions to real cyber security problems we cannot allow the discussion to be muddied by issues like the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China." The company says it'd be willing to set up a cyber-security evaluation center in Australia. It would give complete access to its software source code and equipment. A similar center was set up two years ago in Britain, where Huawei was sourced to help build the national broadband network, with the co-operation of the government. But the recent findings by the US are making Britain, as well as Canada, reexamine past dealings with Huawei. Part of the <b>...</b> | Views: 5 0 ratings | | Time: 02:21 | More in News & Politics |
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| China's Purchasing Managers Index Makes Modest Improvement Posted: 24 Oct 2012 12:32 PM PDT | China's manufacturers continue to see growth shrinking this month. In a report, the China HSBC Flash Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index, or PMI, did rise to a three month high of 49.1 this month... up from 47.9 in September. A PMI higher than 50 means that manufacturing is expanding; lower than 50 means it's contracting. PMI is often used as a sign of the general health of the economy. The two biggest parts of the PMI are the headline index, which is an inflation indicator, and new orders and output. In a statement, HSBC Chief Economist for China at HSBC, Hongbin Qu, said, "October's flash PMI reading continues to recover for the second month, thanks in part to a gradual improvement in the new orders index which picked up to a six-month high (albeit marginally below 50). This is helped by the filtering-through of the earlier easing measures. However, external challenges still abound and the pressures on the job market are lingering." The new data is the newest indicator of the state of China's economy since data from authorities showed the country's gross domestic product falling behind the target in the third quarter. Although the numbers are slightly up, with a PMI under 50, it indicates that there's still a long road ahead before expansion makes a more meaningful comeback. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 01:16 | More in News & Politics |
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| Economy is Down, Taxes Up Posted: 24 Oct 2012 12:26 PM PDT | If business was bad, it's about to get worse. A business owner in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province says that as money is drying up, local authorities are imposing more new taxes. [Mr. Wang, Business Owner in Wenzhou City: "Such as value-added tax, business tax, consumption tax; plant room tax, and company income tax, as well as a variety of cultural and urban construction fee, urban management fee; costs of various associations, education, transportation, personal income tax and so on. Taxes are very heavy. All the taxes in total this year cost 40% to 50% of the company GDP." Not only are taxes, up, so are other administrative costs. [Mr. Wang, Business Owner in Wenzhou City]: "There are all kinds of taxes and fees raised. For example, it cost 70 RMB in the past for all kinds of administrative services, but now it costs 120 RMB." The financial and economic committee of Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress released a research report in July showing over 60 percent of the industry in Wenzhou City cut their productions in the first half of the year. However, the total tax due in the first five months rose by 1.9%. A secretary general of Women's Chamber of Commerce in nearby Hangzhou City told NTD that the financial revenue this year is very bad, so to make the number looks good, they're asked to pay next year's taxes in advance. [Mr. Wang, Business Owner in Wenzhou City]: "Wenzhou City is the same. We are asked to pay taxes in advance too. For example, I have to pay for the taxes <b>...</b> | Views: 6 0 ratings | | Time: 01:57 | More in News & Politics |
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| Beluga Whale Mimick Human Voices Posted: 24 Oct 2012 12:03 PM PDT | Move over Move over parrots. Scientists in San Diego say they have audio of a Beluga whale attempting to mimic a human voice. The National Marine Mammal Foundation released the vocalizations and published its findings in "Current Biology." The whale named 'NOC' made sounds similar to two humans speaking, according to Dr. Sam Ridgway, NMMF president. It was discovered "when a diver mistook the whale for a human voice giving him underwater directions," he said in a press release. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 31 4 ratings | | Time: 00:35 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| Tour De France Results From Armstrong Years To Be Blank Posted: 24 Oct 2012 10:00 AM PDT | The Tour de France prize winners list will be left blank for the 7 years of the Lance Armstrong era. Full Story: The head of the Tour de France says that no winners will be listed for the 7 races that have been stripped from disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. [Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director]: "The report by the American anti-doping agency was damning. The decision taken today by the International Cycling Union is for us anything but a surprise. It is completely logical. We were expecting it. Lance Armstrong is no longer the winner of the Tour de France from 1999-2005 for us. And as I said 10 days ago, we want the list of prizewinners of the Tour de France from those years to be left blank." Speaking to the press on Monday, Prudhomme says Armstrong's fate should be a warning to those considering using illegal substances to improve their performance. [Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director]: "Nowadays, cyclists are falling. And they will see with Armstrong that they will end up falling -- sooner or later." He also highlighted the importance of focussing not only on individual cyclists, but also the support team that surround them. [Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director]: "But once again: one has to get hold of not only the cyclist, the champion, but also his entourage." The US anti-doping agency has accused Lance Armstrong of being involved in the "most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program sport has ever seen". For more <b>...</b> | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:18 | More in News & Politics |
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| Depeche Mode Announce World Tour Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:55 AM PDT | Depeche Mode announced at a news conference on Tuesday a 2013 worldwide tour, to follow the release of a new album. The tour will launch in Tel Aviv on May 7, followed by 34 shows in Europe and a leg in North America. Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records since their 1981 debut album. [Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode Lead Singer]: "Performance on stage is really what it's all about and whatever gets you there, and these days, you know, is very different to what it was twenty years ago. But the joy is in the performance, you get the energy from the performance. And you know you mentioned that, you see the enthusiasm on stage." Martin Gore, the band's main songwriter, gave fans a little teaser about the new album. [Martin Gore, Depeche Mode Songwriter]: "When I listened to the album and I tried to relate it to anything else that we've done, it's very different but somehow it's got a bit of a feel of 'Violator' in some of the songs but some have a feel of 'Songs of Favor and Devotion', it's kind of a hybrid of those two to me." The band played behind the Iron Curtain in 1984, one of the few groups to perform in Eastern Europe that early. Gore says the situation is similar now in the Middle East. [Martin Gore, Depeche Mode Songwriter]: "The places now that you can't go to, there are still so closed that you could never get in. I know for a fact that we have quite a lot of fans in Iran, but we would never be allowed in to Iran. And that probably applies to quite a lot of <b>...</b> | Views: 110 5 ratings | | Time: 02:30 | More in Music |
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| Bond Girls at "Skyfall" Premiere Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:06 AM PDT | Bond girls bring glamor to the red carpet at "Skyfall" world premier in London. Full Story: Daniel Craig's "Skyfall" Bond girls brought glamor to the red carpet at London's Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday. The cast celebrated the world premiere of the latest 007 instalment. Naomie Harris, who plays MI6 agent Eve in the new film, said she was glad to leave her Bond girl outfit on set. Instead she opted for a distinctive semi see-through number complete with blue bodice by Marios Schwab. [Naomie Harris, Actress]: "I'm more practical, wearing leather trousers and so on and that's why I thought I'd really go for it tonight and go for all the glam." French actress Berenice Marlohe, who plays the glamorous Sévérine in "Skyfall", took the spotlight with her bright red Vivienne Westwood ball gown. [Berenice Marlohe, Actress]: "Every day, every day we have those kinds of -- Bond girls dress like that every day." While dark colors dominated the gala event, red and gold were also popular color choices. Actress Helen McCrory, who plays a British politician in "Skyfall", changed into a Marchesa gown after spending the morning in the woods. [Helen McCrory, Actress]: "I know it's very nice. I spent the morning in Highgate woods, having to put everyone in the bath afterwards so I'm slightly still covered with the woods of Highgate. But it's good, enough Chanel and you're fine, you know." The gentlemen kept it cool and traditional, with Bond actors old and new opting for black suit and bow <b>...</b> | Views: 85 7 ratings | | Time: 01:27 | More in Entertainment |
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| Psy Brings Gangnam Style To The United Nations Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:19 AM PDT | Psy brings Gangnam Style to the United Nations - and even teaches the dance to UN chief Ban Ki-moon. Full Story: South Korean rapper Psy danced his way into the United Nations on Tuesday. The mastermind behind the hit "Gangnam Style" met with UN chief Ban Ki-moon to discuss how they can work together on global issues. The meeting attracted a lot of media attention. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "What a big crowd we have. I've never seen such a big crowd. Thank you for bringing so many people. This is the first time that we have so many crowds." Ban's spokesman said that although the secretary general deals with important issues such as the conflict in Syria, he also engages with other parts of society. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "I was thinking about you when you were coming - you know we have tough negotiations in the United Nations. In such a case I was also thinking of playing 'Gangnam Style' dance so that everybody would stop and dance, maybe you can bring UN style." Ban, also South Korean, did eventually try the popular "horse riding style" dance. "Gangnam Style" is the most liked ever video on YouTube, and has been viewed more than 560 million times. Ban jokes that Psy is stealing his spotlight. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "Until a few days ago somebody told me that I am the most famous Korean in the world. Now I have to relinquish that title to you, but I have no regrets." The 34-year-old poster says the <b>...</b> | Views: 128 8 ratings | | Time: 02:03 | More in News & Politics |
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| Putin Opposition Votes in New Leaders Posted: 24 Oct 2012 07:07 AM PDT | Opposition named 45 activists elected into its Coordinating Council through Internet vote. Opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin elected 45 new leaders in an online vote on Monday. Putin has faced strong dissent since May when he returned to the presidency for his third term. However, his critics by and large have failed to make significant advances in removing him from office. Over 81 thousand people voted in the online race that took three days instead of two because of cyber attacks on the platform. [Leonid Volkov, Opposition Coordination Council Election Committe Head]: (male, Russian) "From 97 thousand (registered to vote and verified) 81800 took part in the vote, so turnout was 83.7 percent. This number didn't let us set the world record for secured verified Internet votes, but still it is a very good and interesting figure. I think this is still important because our candidates received a significant support of voters." More than 200 candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life ran for the Russian Opposition Council. Popular anti-graft blogger Alexei Navalny won the most support with over 43 thousand votes. Last month the opposition drew tens of thousands of demonstrators to Moscow and several other cities. Hopes are high the new body will reinvigorate the movement that has lost some steam since its winter prime. Opposition candidates gained almost no ground in Russia's Oct. 14 regional elections. Despite renewed accusations of widespread violations <b>...</b> | Views: 5 2 ratings | | Time: 01:43 | More in News & Politics |
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| Remembering the Masters ★★★★★ Posted: 24 Oct 2012 06:52 AM PDT | Share + Like www.youtube.com | Views: 1 3 ratings | | Time: 14:10 | More in News & Politics |
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| Khandro Tsering Chodron, The Embodiment of Devotion Posted: 24 Oct 2012 06:41 AM PDT |
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