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Newsletter. Issue 2008-10. May 10, 2008

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CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL & DAN TOURS
A 10-day fascinating trip to
Israel & The Holy Land
Dates: November 18th- 27th 2008
Click for Details

Newsline Canada

Minister: Immigration Bill Designed To Limit Immigration Applications To Canada
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080428/national/tory_immigration_bill
Mon Apr 28, 7:17 PM
By Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - Sweeping immigration reforms now before the House of Commons were designed to limit the number of immigration applications Canada gets each year, the minister responsible said Monday. The frank assessment came from Immigration Minister Diane Finley, who said controlling the number of applications to Canada will help reduce future immigration backlogs and waiting times.

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Young People Entering Workforce Still Earning Less Than Parents Did: Census
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jxrx2J7HwJlSrRPjeAAV6B5hVz1A

TORONTO — Young people entering the job market today may be better educated, but they're earning less money than their parents did a generation ago, according to new census data released Thursday by Statistics Canada. In fact, it's a trend that began a quarter century ago and doesn't appear to be slowing down - especially for young men entering the workforce.

Across all age groups, median salaries for full-time workers have changed little in 25 years. Workers today make, on average, a mere $53 more than they did in 1980, when adjusted for inflation, according to the census. That stagnation mainly afflicted the middle class. The top earners in Canada saw their wages increase 16.4 per cent since 1980, while the bottom rung saw a 20-per-cent decrease.

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Highly Educated Immigrants Still Lagging In Earnings: Latest Census
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jw21Hp5BZBANUB5QXoQtTcIzwltQ

TORONTO — Piloting his cab through the congested streets of Toronto, Ifzal Ahmad is looking forward to the day when he can come up with $35,000 for a course that should allow him to again become a mechanical engineer. Despite 15 years in his profession in India, the 47-year-old married father of three - like so many other new arrivals to Canada - has found himself in a relatively low-skilled job because his qualifications aren't recognized here. The latest data on income and earnings from the 2006 census released Thursday by Statistics Canada shows that highly skilled immigrants - the country's preferred newcomer - have a long row to hoe once they arrive, and it shows in the amount of money they earn.

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Ontario Bound For Have-Not Status: Report
Would be bad news for federal government, economists warn
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/internships/index.html

David Akin-
The Ottawa Citizen
Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Savvy bargaining for oil revenues has helped secure Newfoundland and Labrador's future prosperity, one economist says.
CREDIT: Greg Locke, Reuters
Savvy bargaining for oil revenues has helped secure Newfoundland and Labrador's future prosperity, one economist says.

Newfoundland and Labrador is set to shed its status as one of Confederation's have-not provinces in two years, but its spot in the have-not club could be quickly filled by Ontario, according to an analysis released yesterday by the Toronto Dominion Bank.

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Ontario set to receive payments under the federal equalization program

• Based on TD Economics’ economic and revenue projections, Ontario is projected to qualify or equalization payments of $400 million in FY 10-11 and $1.3 billion in FY 11-12 Weakness in Ontario’s economy is only part of the story; economic growth in the west and the switch to a 10 province standard have driven up the equalization base

• The province’s have-not status could prove fleeting if the economy turns in a strong economic recovery in 2010 and 2011.

Ontario could get equalization payments within 2 years: TD
New equalization formula cited
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
CBC News : http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/04/29/equaliztion.html

Ontario could qualify for equalization payments by 2010 as the booming west leaves Canada's biggest province comparatively poor, a new report by TD economists says. The startling turnaround in the fortunes of Ontario is largely due to soaring commodity prices and a new equalization formula that takes into account non-renewable resource revenues, according to the report's authors.

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COLLAPSING HOUSE PRICES

At the root of the problems in the US economy is the collapse of the housing market as foreclosed properties and unsold new build homes flood the market.

Toronto Catholic school board has highest expenses: investigation
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Canadian Press

A government report has slammed Toronto Catholic District School Board trustees for spending $1 million on personal expenses. The investigation, commissioned by the province, found the Toronto Catholic board spends more money on itself than any other board in Ontario.

Although trustees only get a $5,000 honorarium, the report found the board is spending an average of $100,000 per elected official for things like a car allowance and health benefits. The report recommends the board bring in tougher rules when it comes to trustee expenses. Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says the province has "no patience" for abuse of taxpayer dollars. She says she will be working with the Toronto Catholic board to implement the report's recommendations and expects all boards will take a closer look at their own expenses.

Wilson Coelho - a frontline leader among Goans in Kuwait
Wed May 7 11:25:01 PDT 2008
http://www.goanet.org/post.php?name=News&list=goanet&info=2008

The article below appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated May 07, 2008 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/19256

By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Picture from: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/19256

Wilson with wife Sheela, son Shane and daughter Sheena

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Commentary

'The Western Mind Is Confused At Asia's Rise'
14 Apr 2008, 0000 hrs IST,Subodh Varma
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion

Having served as a diplomat for Singapore for 33 years, Kishore Mahbubani is now a well-respected figure among western intellectual circles, mainly because of his prolific writings on world affairs. His new book explains why and how Asia is rising, and what the West should do about it. Subodh Varma talked to him recently in Delhi:

Q: Why is Asia rising now?

Japan started it off in the 1860s, by adopting the principles of free market as spelt out by Adam Smith. Then, through a gradual process of a ripple effect, it spread to neighbouring countries like Korea, then the Asian Tigers, then the ASEAN countries, then China, and now India. Now, India will have an effect on West Asia.

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The New Raj
By Augusto Pinto
http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3286&cid=14

Dears, I rode my Thunderbird into Moira Petrol Station and was greeted with a “Damn the Brits!!” by its sprightly 80 year old sole proprietor cum attendant, Cal. Cal’s actual name is Valentine but everyone calls him Cal and not Val because he’s a calculating old bird. He can calculate exactly how much he can adulterate the gas without running afoul of the authorities. “What’s with you Cal, why should we damn the Brits? Half my relatives and yours are Brits. Don’t damn them.” Cal is an ex-Afrikander and he calls me Toto which means child in Swahili. “Yes we should Toto. And damn all you Moidekars too!! Don’t you realise they are taking over the village, man?” “Hey cool it Cal, and just give me the gas” I said. Cal shoved the nozzle of the petrol dispenser into my tank and continued, “Do you know Toto,there is this Brit who has built the a replica of the Windsor Castle in Moira, and he races up and down the narrow roads in his Sherman-tank-like-Bolero scattering the Moidecars like chaff before the wind. And what do the Moidekars do?”

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News Clips from India

The 2008 Governor General's Medals in Architecture

OTTAWA, May 6 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Canada Council for the Arts announced the recipients of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture for 2008.

The list of recipients includes the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India) –
Architects: Le Groupe Arcop of Montreal - http://www.arcop.com/flash.php?lang=en

Indian Tycoon Stays Top As Britain's Rich Get Richer
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080427/business/britain_business_money_people
Sun Apr 27, 12:35 AM

LONDON (AFP) - Indian-born steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal remains the wealthiest person in Britain, The Sunday Times newspaper's 2008 annual Rich List said. His 27.7 billion pounds (54.9 billion dollars, 35.1 billion euros), up 8.5 billion pounds on last year, keeps him topping the pile for the fourth year running. And the kingdom's super-rich just keep getting richer, said the respected annual publication.

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In India, Infrastructure Falls Short as Economy Moves Forward
http://voanews.com/english/2008-05-01-voa21.cfm
By Anjana Pasricha
New Delhi 01 May 2008

India is building new roads, airports and power plants to cater to the needs of an economy that is growing at a rapid pace. But, as Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, infrastructure continues to be woefully inadequate. Sunway City Berhad Managing Director, Property Development Division, Ngiam Siew Siong poses with the model of the township during a press conference in Hyderabad, India, 25 April 2008. Sunway City Berhad Managing Director, Property Development Division, Ngiam Siew Siong poses with the model of the township during a press conference in Hyderabad, 25 April 2008. Later this month, a gleaming, new airport will open in India's famous information technology hub, Bangalore, meeting a long-standing demand of the I.T. industry.

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Indian Prices At Three Year High
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7379947.stm

Indian inflation is at its highest in over three years as food and energy costs continue to rise, official figures show. India's wholesale price index, released weekly, hit 7.57% for the year up to 19 April, the highest since November 2004. The government has been taking steps to control inflation, raising bank cash requirements and limiting rice exports.

India's finance minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said food prices would fall in coming months. In India, the wholesale price index, which measures inflation at the "factory gate", is more closely watched than the consumer price index because it tracks a wider range of goods. The consumer price index reflects shop and market prices. Record prices of rice, wheat and other foodstuffs, along with the sky-high oil price, have fanned inflation worldwide.

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News Clips from Goa

State Level Committee for NRIs of Goan origin
NT Network

Panaji : The second meeting of the state-level committee for NRIs of Goan origin was held recently at the Secretariat, Porvorim. Senior officials of the central and state government participated in the meeting. Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Mr Eduardo Faleiro presided over the meeting. The committee deliberated on several matters relating to Goan expatriates and concerning land disputes, trespass into property, fraudulent transactions etc.

The committee decided that all awardees of the Community Service Leadership awards will hence forth be ex-officio members of the committee. They will be entitled to participate in the meeting of the committee whenever in Goa and when abroad they may send their suggestions which will be considered by the committee.

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FOREST COVER OF THE STATE OF GOA.
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=37890 
Rajya Sabha

The forest cover of the state of Goa, as per 2005 assessment made by Forest Survey of India (FSI) is 2,164 km2. The State Government is making all out efforts to restock the degraded Forest areas under various scheme of the State Government, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and under Compensatory Afforestation. Seedlings are also distributed to the general public, farmers, NGO’s etc. on nominal payment or free of cost to plant over the waste land, vacant land and fallow land. Besides, the Forest Department is also supplying free seedlings to Panchayat, Schools, Colleges, Educational Institutions to encourage mass plantation during Vanamahotsav.

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BJP Sells Coconuts, Goa Traders Upset
25 Apr 2008, 0411 hrs IST,Ahva D'Souzaa,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2980920,prtpage-1.cms

PANAJI: Out of power in Goa since 2005, the BJP has hit upon a novel idea to corner the Congress-led government. For a fortnight now, the party has been selling onions, oil and coconuts below the market price to highlight price rise. The campaign has certainly made a lot of families happy, but the traders are outraged.

BJP is offering onions and coconuts at Rs 4 per kg against their market price of Rs 7-10. Pamoline oil is being sold for Rs 54 against Rs 60-65 per litre in the market. So far, 12 such sales have been organised and the last one is slated for Friday. Nearly 40 tonnes each of onion and oil and 40,000 coconuts have been sold since April 11, the party claimed.

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Sand Dunes Face Wrath Of Development In South Goa
http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=042557
NT News Service

Majorda, April 24 : While a lot of hue and cry is being raised about development around the state, sand dunes along the South Goa beach belt have been disappearing quietly yet markedly. The sand dunes which were noticed all along the coast at Velsao, Arossim, Betalbatim, Colva, Varca etc have fallen prey to development. When contacted over the state of sand dunes in Benaulim, Sarpanch Ms Maria Fernandes said that though the panchayat has not conducted a survey, she has found their numbers dwindling.

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Good morning Goa, it's good to be here
It's good to be in Goa. This is something of a global cliche but we are here, not as tourists, not to make Goa into a 'state of mind', but to share its heritage and aspirations and help to take both forward. We are proud to be here because The Times of India and Goa share many affinities. This after all is a state which gave the printed word to the entire subcontinent via the first printing press, and the premium on serious though ushered in by this milestone. Goa not merely has an enviable record of literacy, but puts a value on education and liberalism in its fullest expression...

{From the first issue of the Goa edition of The Times of India seen on the newsstands today]

Soon, Goa's urban areas will be wireless web worlds
PANAJI: You will have wireless access to the worldwide web much sooner than you expected. Telecom giant BSNL will bring the WiMAX technology to the state's more populous areas within six months from now. The technology will help you access the internet, without using cables, in select zones spread all over the state, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) now allows wire-free use of broadband services across the globe. Goa will join the league of cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, London and Stuttgart (and Bangalore in India). [TOI]

Whew, what a big cat(ch)
BICHOLIM: Six months after living under consistent fear from the wild intruder, the villagers of Kudchirem, Bicholim, yesterday heaved a sigh of relief, thanks to the untiring efforts of the Forest department who finally succeeded in trapping the tormentor, a leopard, which had been a threat to several villages in the region. [GT]

Konkan Fruit Fest 2008
The 5th annual KONKAN FRUIT FEST will be held from 16 to 18 MAY, 2008, at the Promenade, D B Bandodkar Road, Panjim, by the Botanical Society of Goa. Competitions in fresh ripe fruits [Mangoes, Chickoos, Guavas, Cashew, Rose-apples, Jamun, Velvet Apples, Egg Fruit, Jams, juices, squashes, preserves, candy, wine of fruits, etc. Fruit eating competitions [on-the-spot] on 17 May at 4.00 P.M. and 18 May morning at 11.00 There will be stalls selling fruit plants, fruits and fruit products like juices, ice-creams, etc at the venue. Arolkar Fruits & Nursery, Kudal, Vikas Nursery, Pilar Nature Farm, Self Help Groups [SHGs] and other agencies will be participating. Those who require stall space may please confirm the same in advance.

Aldona bridge more of a liability than asset
PORVORIM, May 5: It may be a valuable asset, but the unique cable-stayed bridge at Aldona has become more of a liability for the Aldona Panchayat. Residents have asked the Sarpanch, Panchas and secretary of Aldona Panchayat to shell out Rs.1 lakh for failing to collect fees, when the attractive bridge was partially closed for film-shooting activities in March. [H]

Rapidly Undermining Goa
According to Dr Claude Alvares, the first mining lease in Goa was operated in 1929 though most iron ore mines became operational in the 1950s and some leases were never mined. Now, in addition to these 700-odd leases there are 480 applications for fresh prospecting in Goa. No mine is prevented from obtaining Environmental Clearance, even if all the villagers gather at the "Public Hearing" and unanimously oppose the operation of the lease. This is not democracy, said Dr Claude Alvares. However, this is today's reality in Goa. [Miguel Braganza, GT]

High prices keep mango lovers at bay
MARGAO, May 1: Despite the arrival of different varieties of mangoes in the market, there are no takers for them. The people are still keeping away from their favourite fruit as the prices are very high and still out of reach of the common man. [NT]

Notice to 25 bull owners
MARGAO, May 1: Tightening its screws on dhirios (bull fights), the Colva police dispatched notices to around 25 owners of fighter bulls from both North and South Goa. "The police have sought replies from the bull owners on the bullfights and the status of their bulls," PI Colaco said. [H]

Gear up for automobile explosion
PANAJI: Goa is set to witness an automobile explosion in the next three years with around 13 lakh vehicles lining to rev up, as against the 6,23,980 vehicles already registered until March 31, 2008. In addition, according to the traffic cell around 50,000 floating vehicles enter Goa every day. In Panjim, Goa's only planned city, while around 35,000 vehicles zip in, and estimated 30,000 exit from the city during a single day, according to a study conducted by traffic officials in 2006. [GT]

People Places and Things

Joachim De Figueiredo
100 years old on May 29th, 2008

It is with great pride and gratitude that the Figueiredo family feel privileged to witness their Dad and Grandpa Joachim turn a century on May 29, 2008.

He was born on the island of Pemba, Tanzania in 1908 and spent his youth in Goa and Hyderabad, India. He lived most of his working life with his wife Ivy (deceased 1990) and children in Nairobi, Kenya, retiring from the East African High Commission in 1968. He settled in Vancouver, Canada in 1974 and continues to enjoy his retirement in excellent health and with an active lifestyle. In 1976 he initiated the celebration of the first Saligao feast in Vancouver, B.C. as he has always been proud of his Saligao roots and Goan heritage.

Birthday wishes may be sent to Joachim.100@hotmail.com

Congratulations Dad and Grandpa.
Brian (deceased 2001), Maria de Fatima, Trevor, Kevin and Nigel,
Doreen, Alex, Chris,Stella, Tony, Sean, Darren and Sabrina
Evelyn, Cris and Warren

2008 Goan International Conference, Toronto
http://2008goanconvention.com/program2.php

Fashion and Design Workshop : Wendell Rodricks ( Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday July 23-25, 2008) at the University of Toronto, Mississauga.

Wendell Rodricks began his career in fashion after a successful tenure in hotel management. Trained in Los Angeles and Paris, he returned to India in 1988. After a brief span of two years, designing and styling for reputed companies such as Garden Vareli, cosmetic giant Lakme and diamond corporate DeBeers, Wendell Rodricks established his own label in 1990. He moved to his ancestral village in Goa in 1993, creating memorable collections each season inspired by many emotions : Tibetan Monasteries Tribal symbols of Shiva and Vishnu, the Harem at Istanbul, Tattoos of the Lambadi tribe, Clothing the Soul and the internationally unique VISIONNAIRE collection transferring Braille onto fabric for the visually challenged.

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Survey Reveals Canada's Worst Mother's Day Gifts

MARKHAM, ON, May 5 /CNW/ - Have you ever given a gift on Mother's Day, knowing deep down inside that it was a terrible gift? Rest assured, it could be worse - you could have done nothing at all. According to a recent national survey, 41% of Canadian mothers and 23% of adult children responded that not acknowledging Mother's Day at all ranks number one as the worst thing you could do on mom's special day. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid and Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), was designed to measure Canadians' gift giving satisfaction on what is now one of the top three commercial holidays.

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Recipe
Goan Shrimp In Roasted-Coconut Sauce
Bon Appétit | May 2008
Julie Sahni, Julie Sahni's Indian Cooking, Brooklyn, New York
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/242304

This South Indian dish—also known as xec-xec—is full of tamarind, cumin, coriander, and roasted coconut. The spices meld with the tomato to form a flavorful sauce that clings to the shrimp.

Servings: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 (1-inch) piece cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
4 whole cloves
1/4 cup unsweetened dried grated coconut
1 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon turmeric

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Announcements

Goanet-CyberMatrimonials - May 2008

LOOKING OUT for a life partner? Circulate your message among thousands of largely-Goan readers. For a listing in this column send details to christina@goanet.org  with the subject line CYBER-MATRIMONIALS. This is a free, volunteer-driven service undertaken in community interest. Feel free to share this ezine among others who might find it useful.

http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=715

Events

TORONTO EAST GOAN SENIORS ASSOCIATION (T E G S A) - 2008 Events
Please mark you calendars for the following exciting events:
All events will be held at Commander Hall Arena, unless otherwise advised.

Click to download form to join TEGSA or renew membership for 2008

2008 Goan International Conference, Toronto

Download Forms Here

For more information see: http://2008goanconvention.com/program2.php
Click to Download Trifold Flyer which gives details of all events

Health & Wellness

New to Canada? StartRight(TM) with Scotiabank
New program offers solutions to challenges of settling in new country

TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today launched the new Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program, a complete financial services suite created to meet the financial needs of recently arrived new Canadians.

"At Scotiabank, we understand the challenges of getting started and getting settled in a new country. We conducted extensive research to identify the most pressing needs of new immigrants, and found that the initial banking needs of new Canadians extend beyond just "parking" funds in a bank," said Rania Llewellyn, Vice President of Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "They're looking for a simplified process to establish their bank account, obtain a credit card to start building their credit history, have access to foreign exchange services and transfer money between Canada and their home country."

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Buying A Used Car This Spring?
McGuinty Government Advises Buyers To Be Careful
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/01/c3786.html?view=print

TORONTO, May 1 /CNW/ - Springtime is prime car-buying season, especially for thousands of Ontarians on the hunt for a great deal on a used car, van or truck. As with most other consumer purchases, however, it is always best for buyers to beware, and be aware. Consumers need to be especially careful of dealing with so-called "curbsiders" in the marketplace. Curbsiders pose as private sellers but are really in the business of selling stolen, damaged, or odometer-tampered vehicles.

Ontarians are encouraged to understand the history of any car by obtaining a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from the Ministry of Transportation, or from the seller themselves. Accident history searches may also be purchased through www.carproof.ca  or www.carfax.com .Used car buyers should always ask for proof of ownership from the seller, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic they trust, and purchase the car by issuing a cheque to the current owner listed on the UVIP.

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Study shows seven out of 10 Canadian parents concerned about future emotional well-being of their children
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/30/c2716.html?view=print

TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - On the eve of Children's Mental Health Week  (May 3 to 10), Kinark Child and Family Services released the results of a nation-wide study that found a full 70 per cent of Canadian parents worry about the future emotional well-being of their children. Among other things, parents believe that problems with school and teachers, body image, bullying and problems with themselves as parents cause their children to experience feelings of depression, stress and/or anxiety.

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Grill Safely This Barbecue Season
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/28/c2100.html?view=print

TORONTO, April 28 /CNW/ - With the barbecue season already underway across most of Ontario, the Office of the Fire Marshal recommends taking a few safety precautions before grilling that first outdoor meal of the year.

"Barbecuing is one of the great pleasures of summer and the fire service wants to make sure everyone enjoys the season safely," said Patrick Burke, Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Before you fire it up for this first time this year, check and clean your propane barbecue following the manufacturer's instructions."

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Business Meal Faux Pas
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2960986,prtpage-1.cms

18 Apr, 2008 Shital Kakkar Mehra,
Frequently, in business, we say “let’s catch up over lunch” to an associate or a client. A business meal sounds casual but there are several skills, besides your dining skills, which are on display.

Here are a few reasons how a business meal can go wrong:

Arriving late:
Not acceptable. Reach a few minutes before your guests, request for your table and wait in the lobby area/ at your table. While waiting, order nothing for yourself. To avoid confusion about time & place, follow up verbal invites with an email.
Rudeness to the wait staff:
It’s acceptable to politely ask the wait staff questions about the menu or bring to their notice problems with your order. Beckon the waiter by making eye contact or briefly raising your hand.

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