A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 tt

Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbnc.org WHAT’S INSIDE SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG © 2012 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES FAVORITE F E ATURES

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR 3 Inspiring people with the power of poetry Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Maya’s Mysteries CONTRIBUTORS 4 Explore the magic of animation. Claudius Adebayo • Bayan Anvar • Teresa Arboleda • Lisa Blecker Beth Blenz-Clucas • Quentin Maxwell Bough • Elspeth Conway Zaki Farooqui • Darlene Gait • Dr. Alex Gardner • Doug Marshall Nur’s Nook Mona Mosavi • Dan Myers • Arvid Nelson • Monica Osgood Kai Parel-Sewell • Donna Price • Linden Qualls • Gail Radley 6 Make a glowing firefly to brighten your day. Mary K. Radpour • Brady Rymer • Dr. Mark C. Serreze Dr. Ben Smith • Olivia Thurman • Larry Travis • Dr. Joshua Willis Riley’s Rainforest Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Photos for p. 6 8 Increase your smarts with arts. Historical photos courtesy of National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted. Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 11, 14, 16, 17, 21, 24, 26, 29 We Are One By Susan Engle: 5, 12, 17, 18, 20, 28 11 Explore and care for the place we all call home. By Annie Reneau: 3, 8, 9 By Lisa Blecker: 4, 6, 7 By Donna Price: 2, 10, 14, 22 Radiant Stars Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the 12 Get to know kids who shine, like you. Bahá’í Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Bahá’ís. The Bahá’í Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Lightning and Luna: Episode 48 Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human 14 Fury brings trouble to the North Pole and beyond. family, and that all religions come from one God. Bahá’ís work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds. Stargazer: Arvid Nelson Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after 18 A comic book writer full of creativity and curiosity Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a Music Café better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the What fills your head with wonderful ideas? National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. 20

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service by Shining Lamp: Effie Baker phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) 23 Braving danger for an important photo assignment International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years) SUBMISSIONS We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. Calendars For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above). 24 What’s special about January and February? RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Cosmo’s Corner Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies 28 and proper credit given to the copyright owner. INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY We sometimes provide Internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, or to share our references. While we make every effort to choose aMAZEing ADVENTURE reliable websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account for all content in referenced websites. Furthermore, we urge caution and parental guidance 29 Persevere as you explore the Land of Creativity. when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredkids.org/wiredkids_org.html

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SOARING WITH CREATIVITY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 ­­­­­­ FEATURES NEW DEAR DESTINATIONS FRIENDS,

When you think of creativity, what comes to mind? A Icy Invention famous painting or painter? 2 Have a double scoop of creamy ingenuity. A rock star, a movie actor, or Unlock Your Creativity a best-selling author? 5 Take a quiz to open the door to adventure. Do you ever think of yourself ? You have the power to be Artistic Sparks creative in unique and wonderful 7 Tips for lighting up the world with your imagination ways. Any time your imagination comes out to play, you’re being Happy Ayyám-i-Há! creative—whether it’s at school, at 9 Celebrate with friends, family, fellowship, and fun! home, or while hanging out with Building Creativity friends. Inside of you is an originality 10 Architects inspire us with their imaginative designs. that can be triggered by anything— books, music, nature, or a dream at Many Ways to Shine night. When you keep your mind 16 Onstage or backstage, there’s a role for everyone. open to the inspiring people and things all around you, magical Musical Escapades ideas can burst forth. Where in the world do these instruments come from? 17 In this issue of Brilliant Star, you’ll find lots of tips for kindling your Silent Storytellers 21 What story would you tell with your own totem pole? creative spark. Take a creativity quiz, make your own firefly, and Octopus Adventures get ideas for celebrating 22 What has eight arms, three hearts, and one big brain? Ayyám-i-Há. And meet Arvid Nelson, who Song of the Heart invents imaginative Tobi pursues his dream, despite the barriers ahead. 26 worlds in comic books. Some of the best things about creativity are that it’s always changing and it never ends.

® What will inspire you today? PRINTED IN THE U.S. AT AN FSC -CERTIFIED FACILITY USING FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER, AND ALSO PRINTED WITH SOY-BASED INKS. With love from Brilliant Star ICY INVENTION now is fun to play in, but people around the world us ice cream sundaes and sodas. The cone made its first S used it to invent something sweet—ice cream! The appearance at the 1904 World’s Fair in Missouri, U.S. origins are not clear, but ice cream may have roots in From Italian gelato to Indian kulfi, today people ancient Rome, China, and beyond. Nearly 2,000 years around the globe enjoy delicious frozen treats. In ago, a Roman emperor is said to have had snow and ice Japan, you can even try fish- or cactus-flavored brought down from the mountains to mix with fruit juice. ice cream. Whether you add hot fudge, pineapple, or Like many great inventions, ice cream evolved across cookies, you can find fun ways to dig into dessert. cultures and centuries. By the 1700s, it was popular in And any time you put your unique touch on some- Europe and catching on in the U.S. Innovators brought thing, you’re adding to the world’s inventive wonders.

Some letters have fallen off of the ice cream menu. Fill in the flavors with creative qualities.

1 A ven urous 2 Re our eful Apple Raspberry

3 Ca in 4 Chee fu Cookies & Cream Chocolate

5 oope ative 6 Cu iou Caramel Coconut

7 Me itati e 8 M nd ul Mango Mint

9 N bl 10 O serva t Neopolitan Orange

11 Pa ient 12 B a e Praline Butter Pecan

13 S ead ast 14 Vi ionar Strawberry Vanilla

15 Wi e Watermelon

2 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

A Brief Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace Timeline Divine Poetry The Life of oetry can move and inspire people Him to write a poem in the same rhyme and Bahá’u’lláh with soul-stirring words. Bahá’u’lláh meter of a famous Arabic work—a challenge PHimself wrote poetry. And He sometimes no one had ever been able to achieve. The highlighted quoted great poets. In 1852, He revealed one In their presence, Bahá’u’lláh revealed at area marks the poem while imprisoned for His faith in the least two thousand verses! The scholars were time in which this story takes place. Síyáh-Chál, or Black Pit, of Tihrán, Persia amazed and agreed that their beauty and (now Iran). Though He was suffering in eloquence were far greater than the original terrible conditions, His words were joyful. poem. Bahá’u’lláh chose 127 verses for After His release from prison, Bahá’u’lláh them to keep. prayed in solitude in the mountains of Bahá’u’lláh used poetic language in 1817 November 12 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Kurdistan for almost two years. Scholars many other writings. He celebrated the in Tihrán, Iran from the town of Sulaymáníyyih were Word of God and its power to transform impressed with His wisdom. They asked people’s hearts throughout time. 1844 Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God Find words that Bahá’u’lláh used to refer to the Word of God. 1852 Search forward, backward, up, down, or diagonally. Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihrán

1853–1863 Exile in Baghdád, Iraq. From 1854–1856, He goes into the mountains All-Embracing E U X T P Y N W A E N A to pray in solitude. Beauty B L Z X L A I A X P L Y 1863 April 22 Blessed L J B O Y S R A E L V D Declares Divine Mission Divine E T H I D C L A E C E U as Prophet-Founder Exalted of the Bahá’í Faith S H W O T T N M D I O E Holy S D M L E S B E F I M N 1863–1868 Incomparable Exile in Constantinople Irresistible E T I D Q R I I T I S R (Istanbul), then Adrianople Light D N L V A A T S L O X E (Edirne), Turkey. Begins M E M C I C T B E P P W writing letters to kings Majesty and rulers in 1867, Mysteries Y D I L N N U Y H R O O urging world unity Ocean A N E A R S E J C S R P Paradise 1868 G E S B E A U T Y A X I Last exile, to prison- Potency E L B A R A P M O C N I Power city of ‘Akká, Israel B P T H G I L S O R C B Resplendent F S M Y S T E R I E S U 1877 Sacred Finally free to live in I E M I C O T L D D M H countryside homes Sanctified L R Y T S E J A M K W M of Mazra‘ih and then Sublime Bahjí, outside ‘Akká Wisdom X B A X H P Y V Q L W Z

1892 May 29 Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 3 Animation is really awesome!

Magic of Animation hen you’re watching an animation, one Today, computers help to create incredible 3D second doesn’t seem like a long time. But did characters and effects in animations. Back in the Wyou know that in one second, you often see 1900s, animators began creating movies by filming a series of 24 images? Animators break down actions or photographing drawings, paintings, or puppets. into small movements and make a separate image An early type of animation was invented in 1832. for each one. When these pictures are viewed in very It was the phenakistoscope, which used a spinning quick succession, your amazing brain fills in the disk of drawings to give an illusion of movement. spaces between them. Like magic, the objects appear Experiment with the world of animation and to be in continuous motion. create your own phenakistoscope. Phenakistoscope Fun

You’ll Need: 9" (22.9 cm) round plate • thin sheet poster board • ruler Draw lightly with pencil • large eraser • pushpin • thick black marker • wall mirror • scissors pencil for steps 1–4.

1 Trace plate on poster board 4 Draw a large and nearly identical 6 Push pin through front of dot. and cut out. Measure to find face in each tab, making slight Wiggle pin to widen hole, so disk center of circle and mark with dot. changes to several mouths. The spins freely. Place eraser under disk mouth expressions should change and push onto pin. gradually, then return to the starting expression.

2 Draw four lines through dot to make eight equal sections. 7 Hold phenakistoscope by eraser in front of mirror. Look at disk in mirror through a slit at top. Spin disk and quickly shield your eyes with your hand to block overhead 3 Draw a 1" x ¼" (2.5 x .6 cm) light. Watch your “movie” move! rectangle at end of each line. 5 Trace faces and the center dot Cut out to create tabs. with marker. Erase all pencil lines.

4 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Unlock Your Creativity

magine stumbling upon an ancient castle, with ready to explore the unknown. Maybe you’ve flags flying from its majestic towers. The gigantic always wanted to try dancing, acting, painting, Idoor of the castle is locked, but you can hear or writing. Or maybe you’d like to do cool science mysterious sounds. You’re curious, but anxious. experiments, work on inventions, or solve mysteries. Suddenly, in a puff of smoke, a key appears at your We all have creative talents that we can discover, feet. Will you pick up the key and step inside? strengthen, and nurture. Entering the castle is like unlocking the door Step right up and find out what’s waiting in to your creativity. When you turn that key, you’re your castle of creativity.

Take this quiz and see if you’re ready to open the door to adventure. Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1 I’m curious, and I love to 5 I like to think for myself and learn new things. explore my interests, even if Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 others don’t share them. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 2 I carry a notebook to write down or draw my ideas. 6 I like to try new arts or hobbies, Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 even if I can’t do them perfectly. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 9 When I work on my art or creative project, I often don’t 7 I enjoy sharing my creative work want to stop. with friends, family, or teachers. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 10 I try to remember my dreams, 8 I feel energized when I go to and I can be inspired by them. a good play, movie, museum Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 exhibit, or concert. 3 When I have a problem or Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 11  If I make a mistake on a challenge, I like to find lots creative project, I learn of possible solutions. from it and try again. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

4 I appreciate the beauty all 12  If I’m not sure about some- around me, including in nature. thing, I ask questions. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1 Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

My Score

36–28 points: You’re the queen or 27–19 points: You’ve begun your 18–12 points: Take another step and open king of your Creativity Castle. Have journey into your Creativity Castle! Look the door to creativity. Be adventurous and fun and keep exploring! for ways to unlock even more new ideas. choose ideas from the quiz to try today!

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 5 Illumine Your Imagination “Ye must shine forth like the lightning . . .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

o you ever have a hard time coming up with creations by looking at common items in new ways. bright ideas for school projects, or even for For example, check out duct tape. It’s a practical thing, Dfun? Sometimes searching for ideas can feel but with it, you can make unique bags, decorations, like being lost in the dark. But if you keep an open and other crafts. Or how about building musical mind and heart, you’ll find the light—with sights, instruments with objects such as buckets and boxes? sounds, and ideas that inspire you. Look around in nature or in your recycling bin. One way to illumine your imagination is by paying How can you make ordinary things extraordinary? Here’s attention to everyday objects. You can invent cool one brilliant activity to help guide your way.

You'll 16.9 oz. (500 mL) clean empty plastic bottle with cap • ruler four 12" (30.5 cm) pipe cleaners • glow stick about 8" (20.3 cm) long Need 4" x 7" (10.2 x 17.8 cm) decorative paper • clear tape • scissors black permanent marker • 51/2" x 8" (14 x 20.3 cm) sheet stiff paper glue that works with plastic (such as tacky glue) • dried beans and peas

My heart is aglow! Make Your Own Firefly 3 Fold stiff paper in half 4 Add wing details with 1 Loop three pipe so short ends meet. Draw marker. Fold a 1/4" cleaners around bottle 2 Wrap decorative wing about 5" (12.7 cm) (.6 cm) tab at base and twist in place. paper around bottle long. Cut through folded of each wing. Glue Bend ends to make feet. and secure with tape. paper to make two wings. tabs to firefly.

5 Color entire bottle cap 6 Wrap pipe cleaner around bottle- 7 Activate glow stick and put in with marker. Let dry. neck and twist at top. Curl ends. bottle to see your firefly glow! Glue beans to bottle cap for facial features. Use marker to add details.

Original

6 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Artistic Sparks

ur here! I LOVE doing arts and crafts. Art lets me museum? Reading a cool book? How about taking a N add even more light and fun to the world. Art can nature walk or traveling? There are lots of ways to also lift my spirit and help me look at life in different kindle your artistic spark. To protect it and keep it lit, ways. And it feels great to learn a new skill or make spend time with people who are encouraging. something I’m proud of. Follow your curiosity, explore new ideas, and light What helps your creativity shine? Going to an art up the world with your imagination.

Join Nur’s family in kindling creativity. In the art studio, find words to complete these tips.

experiment 1. Look for new challenges, then set ______for yourself. observations 2. Let your ______— sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—inspire you in different ways. appreciate explore 3. Work with others who share your interests. If you get stuck, W ask someone you trust for ______. O 4. Take chances and ______N BEAUTY with your art. Play with different kinds of artistic tools and styles. D E 5. Learn about current events in the world and around you. Your R ______can impact your art and make your work timely.

6. Set aside a specific time to ______your art, so you can focus your attention.

7. Remember that projects may not go the way you expect them to. ______ideas can come from mistakes.

8. Let your ideas ______without judging them. Just write or sketch freely, and pick out the gems later.

9.  ______your body by breathing deeply and calmly before you start to work. flo w

share HELP RELAX view

goals

senses Original imagine PRACTICE we’re brushing up on our skills! SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 7 RILEY’S RAINFOREST “Send down . . . from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh

Smart Arts Canopy of Questions

an drawing, singing, hat do you want to know about or dancing improve Wstaying healthy and happy? C your schoolwork? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions Can they make you happier? to [email protected]. Responses are The arts not only lift your given by a health professional. spirits—they may even help boost your grades. Some studies show that What can I do to keep kids who are involved in activities “ from being bored? such as dance, drama, music, and —Bayan, age 12 ” visual art have higher reading and math scores. They also have stronger and physical conditions. Dear Bayan, motivation and self-esteem. And the Some scientists are even When we see the world as a place arts help kids develop skills such as exploring whether music changes full of mysteries to unravel, suddenly critical thinking, problem solving, your brain. They’ve found that nothing is boring. If you are always and working with others. certain areas of the brain can be learning something new, you won’t be The arts are also linked to larger in some musicians. One bored, either—and there are always health and happiness. One study study showed that kids who studied new things to learn. When I was little, I found that people who create or music had stronger connections asked my grandmother to teach me the observe art, such as by singing or in some parts of the brain. names of all the birds nesting around attending a concert, report better You can also use the arts to our house. Larks, doves, wrens, mocking- overall health. And music can express your faith. Whether birds—I learned to recognize them all. relieve stress, helping to keep you’re singing, dancing for joy, What could you learn to do? You your heart healthy. Have you or using your talents to inspire could play a new game, cook some- noticed how your favorite tunes others, your creativity can soothe thing, fix something, learn new words, can make you feel happier? In fact, your spirit and bring you closer learn a new language, read about music therapists use music to help to God. And that’s really some- something new, write a story or a how- treat many kinds of emotional thing to sing about! to manual, record a video, meet a new neighbor, or even create a new world, like author J.R.R. Tolkien’s hobbit world. Explore and Soar: Creativity Boost Make a list of ideas to refer to if you’re bored. Or you could write us ver feel like your creativity could • Choose an object like another letter, telling us some- use a boost? Try these fun ideas. a pencil or spoon E thing new that you’ve learned! and think of 10 • Go outside and make a sculpture different uses for it. Wishing you health and happiness, using only items in nature. • Invent new dance • Write a story with a friend. Take moves you’ve never Mary K. Radpour turns adding lines or sections. seen before. Licensed Family Counselor

8 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Happy Ayyám-i-Há! “Send down . . . from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh riends, family, fellowship, fun—it’s time for and much more. Arts from diverse cultures add to the the festival of Ayyám-i-Há! From February festivities. Friends of all faiths are invited to join in 26–March 1, it’s a joyful holiday celebrated by the fun. Sing a song in another language, do a folk Canopy of Questions millionsF of Bahá’ís around the world. It’s a time for dance from a different country, or prepare a favorite charity, goodwill, hospitality, and gift giving. traditional food. During Ayyám-i-Há, Bahá’ís also Families and communities enjoy Ayyám-i-Há with prepare for the Bahá’í Fast, a time of spiritual renewal.* parties, service projects, gift exchanges, performances, Try these ideas for celebrating Ayyám-i-Há this year.

Colorful Cut-Outs Who Am I? Game Decorate with these festive ornaments, Hand out paper and and invite guests to make their own. pencils, and give guests 1 Use colorful paper, 4 ½" x 11" five minutes to draw a (11.4 x 27.9 cm). Starting at shorter picture, write a poem, or end, fold accordion-style, in ½" make a list of clues that (1.3 cm) sections, and trim corners. conveys who they are. 2 Staple paper in center. Punch Collect the papers and decorative holes with hole punch. ask everyone to guess 3 Unfold ends and tape to make a circle. who created each one. Hang individually or create a garland.

2 3 “Fast Food” for Friends Give the gift of a hearty breakfast to Bahá’í friends who will be observing the fast. Decorate a clean container for the gift, and add a tag with your favorite quote.

HEALTHY HOMEMADE GRANOLA Service Surprises 4 c (320 g) rolled oats (not quick-cooking) 1 Consult with your family about small acts ⁄2 c (40 g) shredded unsweetened coconut 1 of kindness, such as “Write a sweet note ⁄2 c (120 mL) pure maple syrup 1 to Grandma” or “Bake cookies for the ⁄4 c (26 g) ground flax seeds neighbors.” Write each idea on a slip of 1 c (120 g) chopped walnuts paper. Decorate an empty jar for the slips. 2 Tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil 1 Every day of Ayyám-i-Há, ask each family ⁄2 tsp (2.5 mL) salt member to draw one surprise to carry out. 1 c (160 g) raisins Combine all ingredients except raisins in large bowl. Pour into 9"x 13" (22.9 x 33 cm) baking pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes. Let cool, then mix in raisins.

* During the Bahá’í Fast, March 2–20, Bahá’ís ages 15–70 who are in JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star good health do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. 9 Building Creativity hat are your favorite buildings to visit? Houses how the sun lights a structure. They study the location, W of worship or famous landmarks? Architects what a building will be used for, the best materials, can inspire us with their imaginative designs. Some and the climate. Many ask, “Is this design good for the structures have lasted for thousands of years, environment?” The list of topics to consider goes on expressing people’s culture, history, beliefs, and dreams. and on, like the stories of a tall skyscraper. In their work, architects creatively think about a Whether it’s a house, a landmark, or a bridge, great lot of factors, such as size, shape, patterns, colors, and architecture makes our world diverse, enjoyable, and safe.

If you love to imagine, draw, and build, you could become an architect and create amazing structures such as these. Match each one to its description.

2 Sydney Opera House, Australia

1 Bahá’í House of Worship, U.S.

3 Tower of Pisa, Italy

4 Hozomon Gate, Japan

5 Burj Khalifa, UAE A 6 St. Basil’s Cathedral, Russia The world’s tallest building! B It's over half a mile high, reaching 2,717 feet (828.1 m). Standing near Lake Michigan, First built in 942, this structure Its Y-shaped design helps this holy place has nine sides stores sacred treasures and reduce stress from the wind. with nine gardens. Its elaborate leads to the oldest Buddhist ornamentation features temple in Tokyo. symbols of many faiths. C D Built on a harbor, the dramatic This bell tower was going to be 185 This holy place with nine chapels roof of this performing arts center feet tall (56.4 m), but it started is also a museum. It contains resembles sails in the wind. New leaning even before it was finished the tomb of a holy man who lived engineering and building techniques in the 14th century. Modern in Moscow about 500 years ago. were required to complete it. engineers have stabilized it. E F Photos: 1 by Richard Susanto, 2 by Neale Cousland, 3 by Luciano Mortula, 10 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 4 by Lazar Mihai-Bogdan, 5 by KENCKOphotography, 6 by Vladitto SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Bahá’í Writings

EARTH-SAVING TIP WOW, REALLY?

Feed the birds. Glaciers store Be a friend to wildlife by making three-fourths of our your own bird feeder out of planet’s fresh water. an empty plastic milk jug. If all land ice melted, OUR CONNECTIONS Having birds in your yard sea level would can help nourish flowers. rise about 230 Did you know that Arctic plants and feet (70 m)! animals from thousands of years ago could affect our future climate? They’re buried deep in frozen PROTECTING OUR PLANET ground called permafrost. As the permafrost thaws, their remains release the Dr. Ben Smith studies Antarctic and Greenland climate-warming gases carbon dioxide and glaciers and ice sheets from the University of Washington, using satellite data. He’s even methane. Arctic plants can absorb some of the helping NASA design a new satellite. He won carbon dioxide, but some scientists say that over a 2009 Presidential Early Career Award for time, they won’t be able to keep up. Reducing Scientists and Engineers. He says, “The choices pollution can help slow the warming of Earth with you make about how to live . . . and how you talk climate change and the thawing of permafrost. to people . . . can affect the whole Earth . . .”

WHERE IN THE WORLD? AMAZING ANIMALS

These highly intelligent creatures can solve prob- Once a medieval fortress and then a royal palace, the Louvre is lems, plan ahead, communicate, and even use tools. the world’s most popular museum, with 8.8 million visitors last Dolphins have large, intricate brains and can work year. It’s home to the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. together. They use underwater sounds to help them Unscramble the letters to find its location: navigate. Fill in the blanks to find the name of this ability: ISPRA, ENCFAR _ _ _ _ _ , ______ECHOLOCATION

Photos: 1 by Richard Susanto, 2 by Neale Cousland, 3 by Luciano Mortula, Images: Bears by Uryadnikov Sergey, Moreno glacier by Pablo H Caridad, Ben Smith courtesy 4 by Lazar Mihai-Bogdan, 5 by KENCKOphotography, 6 by Vladitto of University of Washington/Mary Levin, Louvre by pchais, dolphins by A7880S JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 11 Olivia T. Age: 13

I live in: Humacao, Puerto Rico

NT Best quality or virtue: I Excellence. I always try DS A hard to do my best. Favorite Bahá’í activities: Painting. You can RA ¶ Puerto Rican Feasts. I get create anything with S to practice my Spanish, paint and a canvas, R meet new people, and and . . . express your eat delicious food! feelings and thoughts. A Favorite animal or pet: Who encourages or supports T Dolphins! They are highly your creativity? intelligent and beautiful. My parents . . . by providing me with art I like to help people by: supplies and lessons. If Getting to know kids who shine [Including] people who I am discouraged, they are outcast[s] and not always help me get Connect with kids around the world! treated fairly by others right back on track. Inspires me to be creative: How are they like you? How are they Can everyone be creative, or just Everything I see around those with special talents? different? Each of us has a unique me. Just today, I was Everyone can be creative! story to tell. What’s yours? looking at a puddle, and I . . . Creativity is having thought, “Hey, that would the courage to do make a great painting!” something different, What is your favorite way whether it be in art or to use your creativity? any other endeavor. Elspeth C. Age: 9 Favorite animal or pet: Elephants, turtles, Place I’d love to visit: I live in: Ohio, U.S. pandas, and bobcats London I want to be: What is your favorite way I like to help people by: Marine biologist to use your creativity? Donating to food drive[s] Best quality or virtue: Participating in What is your favorite way Joyfulness NaNoWriMo by writing, to use your creativity? Hobbies or sports: because I got [to] achieve I like building stuff, one of my goals of because it’s cool. Yoga, rock wall climbing, Zaki F. dancing, swimming, writing a 5,000-word Coolest creation I’ve made: writing story in 30 days.** Age: 10 A globe puzzle. It Favorite Bahá’í activities: Who encourages or supports I live in: Texas, U.S. looked really nice . . . your creativity? Performing in If you could learn any art in My sister, Ceilidh. [She] I want to be: Ridván dances* Web game designer the world, which would it be? helps by telling me to Game designing not copy things and Something I like about me [to] be unique. that makes me unique: Who encourages or supports Perseverance your creativity? If you could create anything, My mom. She what would it be? Hobbies or sports: encourages me in I would create world Football, video games, everything I do . . . peace so that every- paintball one would have equal If you could create anything, Favorite Bahá’í activities: what would it be? amounts of everything Children’s classes . . . like shelter, educa- A virtual 3D game and tion, food, and clean Favorite animal or pet: a one-kilometer paint- water and health care. Cheetah ball field . . .

*Ridván is a festival honoring Bahá’u’lláh’s announcement that He was a Messenger of God. Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 12 **NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month.

Mona M. “God has crowned you with honor and Age: 13 If you could learn any art in in your hearts has He set a radiant star; the world, which would it be? I live in: California, U.S. Sculptures. I admire the verily the light thereof shall brighten I want to be: hard work put into them, the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá An architect and I would love to see Something I like about me my art become 3D. that makes me unique: Who encourages or supports Kai P. Having a happy spirit your creativity? and being optimistic in My family . . . by allowing Age: 10 every situation me to take art classes . . . I live in: Kentucky, U.S. Hobbies or sports: Can everyone be creative, or just I want to be: Playing tennis, biking, those with special talents? Architect, like my papa, painting, and playing Creativity does not mean so I can help make our the guitar and violin that you have to be an environment cleaner Favorite Bahá’í activities: excellent artist, but . . . by using . . . architecture Jr. youth groups and that you enjoy what you with solar energy and What is your favorite way service projects are doing and [put] all wind energy. to use your creativity? your heart into it. Inspires me to be creative: Something I like about me To make presents . . . I Animals, nature, that makes me unique: like to make origami and and flowers I am part Filipino, and I’m paper sculptures . . . [and] learning to speak Tagalog. abstract pictures . . . Coolest creation I’ve made: My duplication of the Hobbies or sports: Who encourages or supports van Gogh irises. It took Piano, soccer, tennis, your creativity? me five months . . . and LEGO [toys], origami, My mama and papa I put my heart and soul designing/inventing encourage my creativity. in the painting. things, taking pictures They give me ideas, advice, and help. Favorite Bahá’í activities: Ayyám-i-Hᶶ If you could create anything, Quentin B. what would it be? Places I’d love to visit: A really cool city full of Age: 9 Coolest creation I’ve made: Philippines, Greece, energy-efficient sky- Buried hidden treasure, and all LEGOLANDs . . . I live in: Luganville, scrapers and houses . . . and I like it because I Vanuatu Inspires me to be creative: [and] whole forests of got to dig it up. Tall skyscrapers inspire trees . . . The buildings I want to be: If you could learn any art in me to build and draw. would have the highest I’m not sure yet, but I like the world, which would it be? Music inspires me. green technology! driving and fixing stuff. I am learning to play Best quality or virtue: guitar so that I can My mom says play at Feasts. How to be a Radiant Star: I’m generous. Who encourages or supports Hobbies or sports: your creativity? 1. If you’re age 7–14, write us at [email protected] Swimming in the Everyone encourages or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. South Pacific me by singing along Include your name, age, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” in the Favorite animal or pet: when I play. CATS! e-mail subject line or in your message. Places I’d love to visit: 2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you questions I’d love to visit Israel and a form for you and your parents to sign. and China. 3. Answer the questions and send them to us with I like to help people by: the signed forms, along with at least two good- Making them happy quality, close-up photographs of your smiling What is your favorite way face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show to use your creativity? your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, Tell stories, [be]cause that low-resolution digital images, or copyright- make[s] people happy protected images (like school portraits).

¶ Feast is a Bahá’í community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship. JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star ¶ ¶ Feb. 26 – Mar. 1, days of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast 13 are #48 meltdown

In Fury’s lair near the North Pole . . .

Keep firing! I want what about the research the world to see Run! Look the power of my stations? out! solar cannons! What's happening?

Blast them into the ocean!

At the Uplifters’ HQ testing lab . . . Isn’t it stop! We’ve hit enough Why not Why attack just one city ice to change earth’s already just blast These new tools I can’t wait to changing? when I can threaten the are amazing. I climate for sure. a city? whole world from here? get my electric can’t wait to get power back. Yes, but now the ocean our new uniforms. current changes, Sea level Should I send your demands? Not yet. let them enjoy elevation, and extreme the weather first. You’d be OK Weather will get attention! without it.

You have other powers.

Are you Are you? That but electrical power look, These are is dangerous­—you But I worry. crazy? electric transmitter the powers I What would I nearly killed you!* don’t know its limits. You use your superpowers developed to when you need to! do without my stop the Erasers. brother? I was saving us Well, I won’t die from from Dr. Devious! turning invisible! How safe is flying?

*See Episode #44, May/June 2011 14 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Meanwhile, in the UPLIFTERs' Command Center . . . SHE says it’s a could it be FALCON sent their disaster! They see a volcano Our satellites are Uplifters to help Incoming emergency structures being erupting, with a rescue at a getting puzzling destroyed and masses quasar? data from the Arctic. message from Falcon, research station. at our Arctic Outpost! of ice crashing into the ocean.

I see . . . lasers . . . panic . . . people zappo, Send teams what about the No time. It’s urgent. pulsar, running . . . animals scared. . . to help Falcon presentation of the new uniforms? Are you right away. i’ll give Send Lightning OK? You don’t usually have such a powerful them the and Luna first! reaction—this is big! new podS.

Change in plans. You’re leaving i feel on a mission. Awesome ready for uniforms! anything! Now!

Has Fury wrecked the climate forever? JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 15 Many Ways to Shine he school halls are buzzing about the big play. think about other ways you could contribute. Do you Lots of kids are getting involved. What role like building things or working with electronics? You T excites you most? Will you audition for the lead could help make the scenery or set up the lights and as the brave knight? Or will you sing in the chorus? sound system. Is writing your thing? You could work Maybe you’ll be backstage, painting the set or creating on the script—or even write your own play. an awesome dragon. No matter what you like to do, Take the stage—or work backstage—for a new there’s a way to let your talents shine. creative adventure. Even if you’re not in the spotlight, Every show has a star or two, but the whole team you can develop new skills, make friends, and have is important. If you don’t feel comfortable onstage, fun. And that’s cause for a standing ovation! These friends are putting on a play. Find each one in action. Which role looks most fun to you?

Acting Building Dancing Designing Painting Playing Music Photographing Singing Writing

16 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 Musical Escapades

hen you travel around the world, you discover Your eyes and ears can also explore art, music, new ways of life. In fact, some researchers found and humanity’s rich cultures by visiting nearby W that people who have lived in other countries museums and attending concerts and festivals. show more creativity and innovative problem-solving. People everywhere use music to tell stories, express Traveling the globe is a rewarding experience that can feelings, and celebrate. Where would you like to go, lead you to think about your everyday life in fresh ways. to sing the praises of travel and adventure? Tune in to the clues from these instruments and match each one with its homeland.

1 Apache Violin 2 Great Highland Bagpipe 3 Tar My body is a plant stalk By the waters of Loch Ness I’m curved just like an hourglass, That grows where I am made. Where tartan kilts are worn, And hours do fly by Near mountains of the great Southwest, You’ll hear my strong, distinctive tone As my notes echo through Tihrán You’ll often hear me played. Some sunny Highland morn. And Elburz Mountains high.

4 Steel Drum With sticks wrapped up in rubber, I’m played by drumming hands. My sound is high and piercing Didjeridu In Caribbean lands. 5 First made by Aborigines Off in the land down under, I’m now played all around the globe With energy and wonder.

7 Tabla 6 Kora Beautiful and striking sounds I sing when people play me, A rounded gourd is part of me, Rainstick Attached to many strings. Along the Ganges River 8 In Africa, fine tales are told Or concerts in New Delhi. In Rio de Janeiro, In songs my player sings. I sound like falling rain. And also by the Amazon You’ll hear my sweet refrain.

H United Australia The Gambia Iran G Trinidad A Brazil C E States B D India F Scotland and Tobago

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 17

+

+

asda asda uestions + + h + + it Q answers w ARVID NELSON reating is wonderful, and kind of living in a fantasy world . . .” says Arvid Nelson. When he writes his successful comic books, “C Arvid often puts imaginative twists on historical events. His Rex Mundi series has been translated into five languages. A screenplay is being written for a Rex Mundi movie with the involvement of actor and producer Johnny Depp. Arvid has also written comic books for publishers Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, and Dynamite Entertainment. Growing up in Connecticut, U.S., Arvid loved books, including mystery and fantasy. In college, he studied creative writing, and after earning his degree in 1999, he worked as a production assistant for a movie by writer and director Woody Allen. Then he got excited about telling stories through comic books. Though Arvid’s comics are for older teens, he wants to write for a younger audience, too. He’s working on a fantasy novel for kids about age 14 and up. “As I get older, I realize that the stories that I like the most are the stories that are truly [for] all ages,” he says. Arvid lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Robyn.

Q. What’s your favorite childhood memory? There was a nature preserve near my house. I loved walking there . . . There was a big rock we liked to climb. My father knows a lot about geology. He said it was called a glacial erratic; that is, a glacier just dumped a big boulder in the middle of the woods, so we liked to climb that . . . There were duck ponds and marshes. It was very peaceful.

Q. What inspired you to become a writer? For a long time, I thought I wanted to make movies. Left: Arvid, at about age four, with his dad. Arvid says, “I was But the more I heard about making movies, the more very, very blessed to have loving parents, a stable environment.” difficult I saw that it was. Movies cost a huge amount Right: Visiting the Bronx Zoo in New York, U.S., at about age nine of money. Even an inexpensive movie still costs millions of dollars to make. So I had to reflect on what I really wanted to do, and Q. How did your family encourage you in your career? I realized that for me, what’s important is storytelling I am so blessed to have my mom and my dad. They were and the story. I don’t really care if it’s a movie or a always supportive . . . They would read everything that I comic book or a song or a poem. What interests me is wrote as a child. They read to me when I was very young. storytelling, and writing is just the easiest way to do They instilled [in] me . . . an appreciation of art and that . . . To have done the stories I did in comics would literature . . . every step of the way. They still support have taken millions and millions of dollars [as films]. me . . . and I love them, and I’m so grateful to them.

18 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012

+ asda asda EERR + AZZ

+ A SS G há TTAARRG ioionnaal lB Baahá’í’í A ppiriaratt Ann i nintetervrvieieww w witihth a ann i ninss

Q. When you write a comic, what’s your process like? It really depends on whether or not I’m writing a story that Left: Arvid visited the I’m creating, or a story that a publisher has asked me to Alhambra palace in write. If it’s a story that I’m creating, it’s my idea. I’m a lot Granada, Spain, partly like the director/producer of a movie, where I make all the for research for a comic decisions, and I kind of have the final say on everything. book project. He says, When I’m writing for a publisher, it’s very different. “I very much admire I have to be cognizant of what they want and what the architecture of their vision is . . . Not everything you write is great and early Islam . . .” wonderful at first, so I think part of being a professional writer is understanding what the concerns of the other people you’re working with are, and trying to address them as best you can.

Q. Religion is a big theme in some of your comics. What inspired you to explore that theme? A lot of it was the Bahá’í Faith. It just totally blew my mind, reading about [it] and the prophecies surrounding it. Growing up Christian, I had one perspective on it, and the Bahá’í Faith just made everything kind of fall into place like a puzzle. Yeah, the Bahá’í Faith was extremely important to me . . . I just find religion in general really Above: At Comic-Con 2010 in California, Arvid signed interesting, whether it’s Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam. autographs with director Joseph Kosinski. Arvid co-wrote a novella called Oblivion that Kosinski plans to turn into a film. Q. How has the Bahá’í Faith affected your career? One of the best assets you can have as a writer is having something to say, having a point of view. It’s really easy to Q. How do you juggle so many projects at once? be negative about the world and say, “Oh . . . I don’t like Just willpower . . . If you’re writing with a publisher, they that, I don’t believe in this.” But I think it takes courage set a deadline . . . You have to have it done by a certain and strength to take a stand for something and believe time. If you don’t, the publisher just is never going to ask in something and be for something. So the Bahá’í Faith you to write anything ever again. So you have to do it. gives me that . . . I believe very deeply in the ideals of the When you write something for yourself, it’s so important . . . Faith, and I always try to transmit that in my writing. to do the same thing, to set deadlines for yourself.

Q. What advice do you have for kids who want a career in writing, especially in comics? Definitely think about online comics. [They] have done Photoshop and Illustrator. And I’ve learned a lot about really, really well lately . . . That and learning about the technology of the web . . . It’s fun to learn, and it’s technology is really, really important . . . One reason I’ve really useful . . . Learning proper grammar is really, really [had a] little bit of success with Rex Mundi is that I’ve important . . . The most important thing is just to maintain really learned how to use graphic design software like your sense of awe and wonder about the world . . .

Top left portrait and Comic-Con photo by JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images 19 MUSIC CAFÉ “Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Bahá’í Writings

I keep track of my thoughts When do you feel creative? For for new songs in my notebook. me, it’s after dreaming, being in I feel very when I’m nature, or listening to music. excited inspired and have . . . SO MANY IDEAS Music and lyrics by Brady Rymer with Dan Myers and Monica Osgood

© 2011 Bangin’ Out a Melody Music (ASCAP) 20 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 For more songs by Brady Rymer, visit www.bradyrymer.com Silent Storytellers

hen you think of your family, what images shells, and salmon eggs. The figures on a pole have come to mind? Your house? Your pet turtle meanings that vary with different tribes. An animal W or dog? A favorite place you like to visit? may represent a family’s clan. A person with out- American Indians in the northwestern U.S. and First stretched hands can be a sign of welcome and peace. Nations cultures in Canada have a tradition of telling A raven might symbolize the Creator, while a wolf family stories with totem poles. Huge cedar logs carved may stand for family unity. intricately with animals and people represent tribes or Today, modern carvers continue to create these families. Or a series of figures on a pole can reveal a legend. majestic, colorful works of art. Many stand in parks, In the past, artists used handmade tools and villages, and museums, honored as symbols of rich natural paints made from materials such as minerals, aboriginal heritage.

What family stories would you tell on a totem pole? Think about symbols that represent your family, and draw your own family totem pole here.

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 21 Octopus Adventures

id you know that octopuses are some of the choose their dens and move rocks to block the entrances. smartest creatures of the sea? Scientists in They also change color and texture to blend in with their D Indonesia were astounded to see them pick surroundings. Some sneak around disguised as rocks. up coconut shells larger than their bodies, carry them In scientific research, octopuses have learned to across the sea floor, and hide inside! This surprising recognize shapes, open jars, and solve mazes. They cause behavior is “tool use”—a sign of animal intelligence. trouble in labs by escaping from their tanks. Some scientists Octopuses have large brains compared to their believe octopuses are curious and like to play. But some body weight. They use their complex brains to cleverly are poisonous to humans. The next time you visit the protect themselves from predators. They carefully beach, keep your eyes open for the incredible octopus.

These octopuses are swimming in cleverness. Search the scene to find 15 of them.

All octopuses have three hearts!

most Octopuses can squirt a dark, inky substance to confuse predators.

22 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 SHINING LAMP A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance

EFFIEQUDD ÚBAKERS: Hero (1880–1968)of Faith : Picture of Courage By Gail Radley

woman died here, Effie also traveled by horseback on recalled. She gazed at the rocky mountain paths. Along the A ruined luggage scattered way, Persian Bahá’ís helped them. by the road to Baghdád. A Bahá’í traveling with the woman had said Dangerous Visit that bandits also shot off their Effie’s most dangerous visit was to a driver’s ear. They took what they mosque. Only Muslims were allowed wanted, leaving the rest to rot. inside. “If they had ever suspected Effie and her companions hoped me,” she wrote later, “they would bandits wouldn’t bother several have torn me to pieces . . .” Two cars traveling together. Persian girls dressed Effie in a robe, Bandits weren’t the only danger. Effie was a gifted photographer who risked her face covered. They entered the It was 1930. Effie was a 50-year- danger to take photos for the Bahá’í Faith. mirrored room, and Effie gazed in old unmarried Australian woman One type of camera she used is shown below. awe at the jewel-studded ceiling. She traveling to Persia (now Iran). There, stepped into the courtyard, nearly neither westerners, nor Bahá’ís, nor tripping over a shrouded body. independent women were welcome. Adventurous Spirit There were, she said, “dozens of Foreigners were seen as spies. Bahá’ís Happily, Effie was both. From her them, bodies brought in to be had been persecuted and even killed sea captain-astronomer-inventor blessed, [w]rapped in sack-cloth . . . since the Faith began there in 1844. grandfather, she learned to enjoy They had died on the way . . .” Then Persia still wasn’t safe for Bahá’ís. working with technical equipment and the girls showed Effie a sign stating Effie was going to Persia to take observing carefully. She shared his that foreigners entered “at their own pictures, but her photography risked adventurous spirit, too. She also risk.” They hurried her away. attracting unwanted attention. developed her artistic talents. In all, Effie took nearly one Shoghi Effendi, the current Bahá’í She played piano, painted, thousand pictures, developing leader, had asked Effie to document drew, worked with wood, made them as she went. This requires the Faith’s historic sites. The task toys, and explored photography. running water and a room lit couldn’t wait. First, Shoghi Effendi Then, in 1922, Effie became a only with a red safelight. Effie needed photographs for The Dawn- Bahá’í. She soon traveled to what found creative substitutes: Breakers, a Bahá’í history book he is now Israel to meet Shoghi Effendi, a blanket over her tent, a was translating. Second, Persia’s staying five years to serve the Faith. flashlight covered in red paper, leaders, eager to create modern cities, Now, she was heading to some and a bucket of water. She worked were destroying old buildings. They villages no westerner had visited. secretly to avoid causing suspicion. weren’t concerned with preserving The three-month trip became six Back in Israel, she chose 400 Bahá’í history. In fact, they wanted as she and her companions moved pictures for Shoghi Effendi. Without to eliminate it. This mission required through Persia. When they weren’t Effie’s courage and creativity, images a skilled photographer. It also repairing tires on rough roads, they of the Bahá’í Faith’s beginnings required a brave, daring one. were thawing a frozen car. They might have been lost forever.

Sources include Ambassador at the Court: The Life and Photography of Effie Baker, by Graham Hassall JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 23 Photo of No. 1A Autographic Kodak Junior camera by Richard F. Lyon

24

r a t S t n a i l l i r B 2 1 0 2 FEBRUARY / ARY U JAN

ANSWER: 29–c

c) Favorable; promising success promising Favorable; c)

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168 Bahá’í Era Bahá’í 168 2012 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2012 • 168 Bahá’í Era

reativity is a gift from God, and it’s a gift you can share with others. Ayyám-i-Há, February 26–March 1, is a perfect time to let your Cimagination shine. It’s a Bahá’í holiday of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.* How about making your own party invitations, decorations, or gifts? Or be inventive in the kitchen with delicious party treats. Share your talents in music, dance, acting, or comedy at a party or nursing home. How will you be generous with your creative gifts?

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 Every 19 1 4 days, Bahá’í Feast is held American Heart Month (U.S.) on or near the Black History Month (U.S., Canada) Keep your heart first day of the Learn about the Harlem Renaissance, a surge Groundhog Day healthy with an hour Bahá’í month. of African American art, mainly in the 1920s and 1930s. (U.S., Canada) of activity every day. 6 8 10 5 From Cosmo’s Bookshelf 7 9 11 BAHÁ’Í Brainstorms Ivan Idea My Goal for the Month: Birthday of inventor Paint with Pizzazz Grabba Brush MONTH OF Thomas Edison, who held a record 1,093 Rhymes Rock Rita Poem MULK patents on his own My Melodies Carrie A. Tune (DOMINION) or with others. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 13–19) Did you know? Great Backyard Bird Count Show your love with Some crafty crows can (U.S., Canada, Feb. 17–20)* a handmade gift. Valentine’s Day make and use tools—a sign of super smarts. Help scientists track our feathered friends. 20 21 22 23 24 25 World Day of International Ash Wednesday Social Justice Mother Language (Christianity) (UN) Day (UNESCO) Lent begins— a time What languages of prayer, fasting, and 19 Presidents’ Day are part of your preparation for Easter. (U.S.) family’s heritage? In Japan, cloths called furoshiki are reusable gift wrap. 27 28 29 26 Edifice means . . . HA P P Y AY Y Á M - I - H Á ! Cosmo’s Word Challenge a) Huge office for inventors Ayyám-i-Há b) A building, especially an impressive one (Bahá’í, to March 1) c) Giving a friend good advice

*Intro– During the Bahá'í Fast, March 2–20, Bahá’ís ages 15–70 in good health do not eat Cosmo–b or drink betweenANSWER: sunrise and sunset; 17–See www.birdsource.org/gbbc JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 25 Song Heartof the Adapted from a Yoruba Folktale

ong ago, near the Nigerian coast, a Yoruba family After a while, Tobi lost count of the many villages he lived in a farming village. Dayo, the eldest son, visited. Although people danced to his music, he grew tended the yam field with his father. Lara wove tired and lonely, and worry gnawed at him. Maybe his colorfulL cloth to sell with her mother. But Tobi, the father was right, he thought. He was running out of youngest son, loved to sing and play his dundun drum. food and money. Should he give up and go home? “Music doesn’t put food on the table,” Tobi’s father said. One day, he walked until the sun was high, then “But, Father, music makes my heart sing,” said rested under a mahogany tree. He was far from Tobi. “I want to be a musician.” the next village, and he felt heavy with “You will have a difficult life wandering sadness. To lift his spirits, he played a the land. You are no musician. You are lively beat on his drum. a farm boy.” Suddenly, Tobi stopped. He Tobi’s mother said, “Most musicians thought he heard music in the play in the court of an oba, and they distance. He kept drumming, and come from musical families. It is a the music played again. position passed from father to son.” Tobi followed the sound. Along “Our farm is not good enough for you?” the river, he found a young man asked his father, sounding hurt and angry. playing a flute. Tobi said respectfully, “You have worked hard “Ekaabo,” said the man. on this farm, Father. But we have troubles here, too. “Who are you?” asked Tobi. Like the droughts. Maybe music can help the family.” “I am Ayo. A traveling musician, like you.” His father shook his head. “This is just foolish.” “I want nothing more than to perform,” Tobi said. “But “I believe I can succeed. Let me prove it.” so far, I feel that I’m failing.” The next day, Tobi packed for his journey. His family “You have good rhythm,” said Ayo. “And there is strength urged him to stay and work on the farm. He worried in teamwork. Maybe our meeting was meant to be.” about the future, but he was also hopeful and eager. Ayo taught Tobi the ancient songs of Nigeria’s noble obas Tobi’s mother hugged him tightly and whispered, and myths passed down through the ages. Ayo said Tobi’s “I understand that you have to follow your dream.” drumming was the heartbeat of their songs. Their voices “O da bo. I love you!” he called to his family. They worked in harmony, and they grew as close as brothers. sadly watched him go. In each village, Tobi played his dundun with more In the first village, Tobi played and sang in the streets. He passion and skill. Soon they were known throughout the earned some food and a place to sleep. Then he moved on. land. Tobi was happy, but he longed to see his family.

26 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Often he and Ayo walked many miles, only to reach a Later, Tobi told Ayo about the other musicians. “See?” village where people had little food to share. Ayo said. “We are not welcome in a royal court!” One day, Tobi heard news from his village. There was “I want to keep trying,” said Tobi. “Come with me.” another drought, and the crops had suffered. His heart “No, I am sorry,” said Ayo. “I will wait for you for two lurched as he worried about his family. weeks, but then I must move on to the next village. ” Tobi and Ayo came to a city where the oba’s palace sat Every day, Tobi played at the palace gates. When the high on a hill. A plan formed in Tobi’s mind. court musicians went by, they ignored him. He “Ayo,” he said, “Some musicians find favor wondered if their music was truly superior. with the oba and play at court.” At the end of two weeks, Tobi Ayo grunted. “The oba’s musicians performed in front of the palace until he are arrogant. They have musical thought he would drop. As the sun set, ancestors. We are not privileged.” he sighed and hung his head. Then he “But if we prove our worth, we will heard a voice say, “Don’t give up yet. no longer struggle just to eat. And we You have good rhythm.” It was Ayo. can help our families.” Tobi looked up. “It was lonely “My family is in the next world,” playing without you, my friend,” he said. said Ayo, as he looked up to the sky. “The “Yes, there is strength in teamwork,” plague took them all years ago. I am alone, smiled Ayo. “How about one more song? except for you.” Then he said with sadness, “After all Our favorite one about our great Creator?” this time together, do you want to part?” This time, they played for no audience but Tobi’s stomach churned at the thought of playing themselves. Carried away by their own hypnotic without Ayo. The oba was known to be demanding. Tobi rhythm, they didn’t notice a man standing nearby as said, “Please, my friend, come with me to the palace. If they joyfully sang the final notes. my plan does not succeed, we will continue on our path.” “The oba wishes you to play for him,” said the man. “If you want to try to meet the oba, you go. I will With wide eyes, they followed the man into the palace play in the market,” replied Ayo. and bowed before the oba. Tobi thought he was in a The next day, Tobi alone took his drum to the gates dream. But they played and sang with all their hearts. of the oba’s palace. People danced and gave him money. People danced and clapped. Even the court musicians At noon, two drummers in fine robes walked through listened with surprise. Yet the king sat in calm silence. the gates. One of them sneered, “Go home. We are the They finished and bowed again, their hands shaking. oba’s musicians, like our fathers before us.” Then the oba’s face lit up with a smile. He opened his arms wide and declared, “My kingdom needs your music. It is refreshing and original. Serve in my court and you will be richly rewarded.” Tobi’s heart soared and Ayo’s eyes beamed. Quickly, Tobi sent for his family. When he saw them, he hugged them tightly and felt their frail bones. The oba invited them to enjoy a feast. A sacred festival was held, and Tobi and Ayo joined others in a magnificent performance. Under the stars, Tobi’s father said, “I see that your music brings joy to many. I am sorry for doubting you.” Tobi smiled and said, “You were right. It was difficult. But all is well, because I followed the song in my heart.”

Yoruba: oba = king; O da bo = Goodbye; Ekaabo = Welcome JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 27

Thanks. I call it my that's an amazing work of art! mouse -terpiece! 1

2

8 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Look for clues throughout the magazine. 15 16

COSMO’S CORNER 17 18

ACROSS

1. Part of Fury’s evil plan will change the earth’s ______. (p. 14) 3. Octopuses have large ______. They can also change color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. (p. 22) 2. Arvid says, “The most important thing is just to maintain your sense of awe and ______about the world . . .“ (p. 19) 6. World’s most popular museum (p. 11) 4. In animation, you often see a series of 24 images in one 7. Ice _____ is a sweet invention with a multicultural history. (p. 2) ______! (p. 4) 9. Ayyám-i-Há is a time for charity, ______, hospitality, DOWN 5. The world’s tallest ______is in the United Arab and gift giving. (p. 9) Emirates, or UAE. (p. 10) 12. Kids who are involved in the _____ have stronger 8. They think about a lot of factors with buildings, such as size, motivation and self-esteem. (p. 8) shape, patterns, colors, and how the sun lights a structure. (p. 10) 13. Quentin is learning to play this. (p. 13) 9. Look for new challenges, then set ______for yourself. (p. 7) 15. W e all have creative ______to discover and strengthen. (p. 5) 10. Y ou can ______cool creations by looking at common 16. Olivia says, “Creativity is having the ______to do something items in new ways. (p. 6) different, whether it be in art or any other endeavor.” (p. 12) 11. This Chinese New Year, it’s the Year of the ______. (p. 24) 17. Every show has a star or two, but the whole ______is 14. Tobi wants to use his ______to help his family. (p. 26) important. (p. 16) 18. Though it was dangerous, Effie Baker traveled to Persia in 1930 to take ______. (p. 23) FROM OUR MAILBOX

My theme [for a future Brilliant Star issue] ANSWERS

would be creativity. Because creativity is KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right how you show emotion . . . You are your PAGE 2: 1) Adventurous, 2) Resourceful, PAGE 16: Acting at C, building at CL, own creative self. I am creative by making 3) Caring, 4) Cheerful, 5) Cooperative, dancing at CR, designing at C, painting 6) Curious, 7) Meditative, 8) Mindful, at CL, playing music at BL, photographing my own music and making my words to 9) Noble, 10) Observant, 11) Patient, 12) at CL, singing at TR, writing at BC Brave, 13) Steadfast, 14) Visionary, 15) Wise the song, and then singing it to a group PAGE 17: A) 5, B) 8, C) 6, D) 7, E) 3, F) 2, G) 4, H) 1 of friends or family. PAGE 7: 1) goals, 2) senses, 3) help, 4) experiment, 5) observations, PAGE 22: Octopuses at far TL by title; —Teresa A., age 11, China 6) practice, 7) Original, 8) flow, 9) Relax at TL with cube, by fish, in cave; at TR swimming and behind trident; at CR Editors’ Note: Thanks for your sharing your idea, Teresa. The theme behind statue; at BC by anchor and by PAGE 10: A) 5, B) 1, C) 4, D) 3, E) 6, F) 2 fish; at BL with trunk; at CL in shell, for this issue of Brilliant Star grew out of suggestions from you by turtle's feet, behind coral; at C by and other readers around the world. We love hearing from you! PAGE 11: Paris, France; Echolocation turtle's head inside ship

28 Brilliant Star JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 aMAZEing Creative Journey ADVENTURE

ave you ever delved into a story where the the power to defeat these discouraging demons. H characters battle frightening dragons or You’re full of original visions that only you can monsters in raging seas or gloomy caverns? The bring to life. Every artist has challenges. Try to be heroes need strength, resourcefulness, and even patient, let yourself relax, and have fun with your magic to overcome their dangerous challenges. art. Do your best to keep going—you’ll improve with When you’re creating your own story, sometimes experience. When you believe in yourself and your the scary creatures can be your own thoughts. You imagination, you can express your creativity in may doubt your talents or feel unprepared. But you have unique and magical ways.

These kids are exploring the Land of Creativity. Help them reach the Tower of Imagination.

Pyramids of TOWER OF Perseverance Castle of IMAGINATION Courage

Desert of Doubt

Caves of Conformity

Ferry of Fear

Ocean of Originality Bridge of Balance START

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012 Brilliant Star 29 “In this wonderful new age, art is worship. The more thou strivest to perfect it, the closer wilt thou come to God.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Brilliant Star www.brilliantstarmagazine.org Soaring with Creativity • January/February 2012 • Vol. 43, No. 6 AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES