Newsline Canada

U.S. federal deficit hits record high of $1.4 Trillion
www.chinaview.cn | 2009-10-17 

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. federal deficit of the 2009 fiscal year reached a record high of 1.42 trillion U.S. dollars, the Treasury Department announced Friday.

The U.S. government imbalance for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2009, more than tripled last year's record. As a portion of the economy, the deficit accounted about 10 percent, the highest since World War II.

UN: Food, Economic Crises Leave 1.02 Billion People In Hunger This Year
www.chinaview.cn | 2009-10-15

ROME, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The food crisis in poor countries coupled with the global economic crisis had caused a spike in world hunger, with more than one billion people undernourished in 2009, the UN's food agencies said in this year's report on global food security issued on Wednesday.

Promoting Right To Life Requires Fighting World Hunger, Pope Says
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0904626.htm
By Carol Glatz | Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Defending the right to life requires promoting and establishing food security, Pope Benedict XVI said. The current economic crisis has hit agriculture particularly hard, and governments and the world community must "make determined and effective choices" in investing in agriculture in the developing world, he said.

Canadians are deeply unimpressive,
British diplomats claim in notes sent to Britain's Foreign Office over the past five decades.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/18/AR2009101802436.html

Details of what British ambassadors really thought about their foreign hosts were disclosed Sunday after the release of frank, and sometimes outright rude, letters written to London from embassies around the world. The BBC obtained the letters under freedom-of-information laws.

Ottawa closing loopholes in tax-free savings accounts in proposed changes
http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=164515

OTTAWA - The federal government is changing the rules regarding tax-free savings accounts to close several loopholes.

Five Young Goans From Toronto In The 2009 Know Goa Programme Participants
Excerpts from: http://www.goatoronto.com/news/announcements/announcing-the-2009
Posted: 22 Oct 2009 03:23 PM PDT

Five young Goans from Toronto have been selected by the Non-Resident (NRI) Indian Affairs Office in Goa to participate in the 2009 Know Goa Program (KGP

Commentary

The statements, opinions, or views in the articles may not necessarily reflect that of the Goan Voice Canada.

In a ‘Rebalanced’ World Economy, a Diminished US role?
http://www.csmonitor.com/ 
Excerpts from article by: By Mark Trumbull | Staff writer | October 13, 2009 edition

American consumers can no longer borrow madly to buy so many goods from abroad. Shoppers in emerging nations must be the next engine of growth, some argue.

Back in the golden days of 2004, American consumers were the fuel for a historic expansion of the world economy.

Ringing up sales of everything from GPS navigators to gasoline, they drove US imports to a record level. The United States devoured $500 billion more in imports than it exported – single-handedly enabling booming trade surpluses for countries from China to Japan to Germany. For several years, the world economy clicked along at 5 percent growth, as Americans paid for this consumption binge partly by pulling unprecedented amounts of equity out of their homes.

People Places and Things

Book Review: Connected -The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327256.500-review-connected-by-nicholas

Book information
Connected: The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives
by Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler | Published by: Little, Brown | Price: $25.99

The idea that everyone on the planet is separated by only an average of six degrees sounds a little too elegant to be true, and yet it seems to hold. The first experiment to confirm this came in the 1960s when psychologist Stanley Milgram asked several hundred people in Nebraska to send a letter to a stranger in Boston via someone they knew. On average, it took six people to get the letter to its destination. The experiment was repeated in 2002 by sociologist Duncan Watts on a global scale using email, with the same result. The world really is that small.

'Bright-Sided': When Happiness Doesn't Help
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113758696

When author Barbara Ehrenreich was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was bombarded with wildly optimistic, inspirational phrases. But a cheerful outlook, she argues, does not cure cancer. In her new book, Bright-Sided, Ehrenreich explores the negative effects of positive thinking, and the "reckless optimism" that dominates America's national mindset.

New camera promises to capture your whole life
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17992-new-camera
13:10 16 October 2009 by Kurt Kleiner

A camera you can wear as a pendant to record every moment of your life will soon be launched by a UK-based firm. Originally invented to help jog the memories of people with Alzheimer's disease, it might one day be used by consumers to create "lifelogs" that archive their entire lives.

Aryan-Dravidian divide a myth: Study
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5053274,prtpage-1.cms 
TNN 25 September 2009, 01:16am IST

There's a genetic relationship between all Indians. The "fact'' that Aryans and Dravidians signify the ancestry of north and south Indians might after all, be a myth, a study by Harvard and indigenous researchers says.

HYDERABAD: The great Indian divide along north-south lines now stands blurred. A pathbreaking study by Harvard and indigenous researchers on ancestral Indian populations says there is a genetic relationship between all Indians and more importantly, the hitherto believed ``fact'' that Aryans and Dravidians signify the ancestry of north and south Indians might after all, be a myth.

Field Hockey -Canada defeated 3-1 by India in Game 5
Many positives to take out of Game 5 Loss
http://www.fieldhockey.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=287&Itemid=35
October 18, 2009 | By Omar Rawji

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Surrey, B.C., the largest crowd thus far in the 7 Test Super Series showed up for the fifth test match between Canada and India, and some 2,500 fans were treated to an exciting show. The end result would be a 3-1 loss for Canada, bringing their record in the series to 0-4-1, however the Canadians knew they played better and deserved a win.

Singapore creates world's first semi-cloned fish
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/16/content_12249169.htm

SINGAPORE, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- A research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) said that they have created the world's first semi-cloned fish, local media reported on Friday.

News Clips from Goa

Goa Govt moves to stop discrimination against Goan and Indian tourists
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Govt-moves-to-stop-racial-bias/articleshow
TNN 23 October 2009,

PANAJI: It may be a first of sorts in the country. The Goa cabinet passed an anti-racism clause in the state’s beach shack policy for the tourist season 2009-10 warning shacks that they risk losing their licences if found discriminating on the basis of nationality and race. The cabinet on Wednesday approved the shack policy—with the new clause—in a bid to clamp down on discrimination against Goan and Indian tourists, an open secret in Goa that nobody really wanted to acknowledge.

Goa Blast: Intelligence Agencies Probe Confirms Role Of Right-Wing Hindu Group
TNN 20 October 2009,

NEW DELHI: Even as the right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha on Monday denied its role in the blast in Margao, Goa, on Diwali eve, intelligence agencies tracking the leads of the ongoing probe confirmed the hand of the group -- indicating how Hindu extremist groups are persisting with marking their presence through nefarious activities to counter the terror design of Islamic fundamentalist groups.

Goa’s coastline a gift by nature, should be preserved, says HC
Goa’s coastline has been taking a beat, courtesy, man’s unsatiated lust for wealth. And sand dunes continue to face destruction and coastal ecology is under threat. Taking this into consideration, the Bombay High Court at Goa has said “The coastal line, available to this State (Goa) is a gift by nature. This gift has to be cherished, preserved, maintained and enjoyed”. The division bench comprising Justice S B Deshmukh and U D Salvi made the observation after hearing the parties in a writ petition filed by Aleixo Pereira of Utorda. [H]

Governor’s move to return panchayat bill hailed
The All Goa Panchayat Democratic Forum, non-governmental organizations and people of Goa have hailed the Governor S S Sidhu’s move to return the controversial Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill back to the legislature with his recommendations. While the organizations opposed to the bill hailed the Governor’s returning of the bill as the right gift on the eve of Diwali for the people of the State, many cutting across party lines compared the amendment to demon king ‘narkasur’ which had been burnt down. [H]

Governor has felt pulse of people: Barreto
Reacting to the Governor, Mr. S S Sidhu’s return of the Goa Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2009 to the Assembly, All Goa Panchayat Democratic Forum (AGPDF), general secretary, Mr. Edwin Barreto, said that he felt that the Governor “has felt the pulse of the people at the grass root,” and so reverted it back. However, the president of the organization, Mr. Joseph Sequeira terming this as a “Diwali gift to us,” was much more critical of the Panchayat Minister. [NT]

Swine flu claims second Goan
The dreaded H1N1 virus—more commonly known as Swine flu—claimed one more Goan yesterday, baffling the medical fraternity again in view of the case’s indigenous nature. The 25 year old woman, a resident of Tiswadi and native of Salcete, had no previous history whatsoever of travel to Swine flu endemic areas such as Pune. [GT]

GCZMA nod for 48 more shacks in Calangute, Candolim
With the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) deciding to allow 48 more shacks on the Candolim-Calangute beach stretch, the decks have been cleared for the government to approve the shacks policy for the year 2009-10 and make allotment of shacks. [NT]

‘Big cat’ kills calf, locals in Borim worried
A calf belonging to one Anand Devari was killed by a wild cat at Borim, Ponda leading to villagers speculating that it was killed by a tiger. However, North Goa Deputy Conservator of forests has said that it since nobody has seen the animal; it could be a Leopard behind the attack. “The department is keeping a watch,” he added. [GT]

Goa bags e-governance award for best jail management
Prisons in Goa may have been in ‘shackles’ for years but the recent setting up of Prisons Management System (PRISMS) has helped prison authorities to break this image, Inspector General of Prisons Mihir Vardhan claimed. At a press conference addressed by the Home Minister Ravi Naik, it was announced that Goa has won the National e-governance award for the best jail management. [GT]

News Clips from India

Public opinion in Pakistan turns against militants
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/
By Anwar Iqbal | Tuesday, 20 Oct, 2009

WASHINGTON: The Pakistani public opinion has turned sharply and intensely against violent religious militants operating within the country, the US Congress was told.

Indians joining British army to fight Taliban
PTI 18 October 2009,

LONDON: An 18-year-old boy from Karnataka is undergoing army cadet training at home and plans to join a British infantry regiment to fight the Taliban militants.

India downplays fresh Israeli travel advisory
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5132790,prtpage-1.cms
TNN 17 October 2009,

NEW DELHI: India on Friday downplayed a fresh Israeli advisory to its nationals against travelling to this country and said that the warning is quite routine in nature and there is no specific threat to any installation.

Call to implement Goan model of civil code 
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/print.aspx?artid=iDbLORKeLD4=
By Express News Service | 12 Oct 2009 02:56:00 AM IST

CHENNAI: The Union government should take a leaf out of the Goan model of the uniform civil code and implement it across the country, according to an Israeli expert.

In India, New Seat of Power for Women
Prospective Brides Demand Sought-After Commodity: A Toilet
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/11/AR2009101101934.html
(By Emily Wax -- The Washington Post) | Monday, October 12, 2009

Indra Bhatia, who is raising seven children in Panchgujran, India, said her toilet has changed her life. "When I marry my daughters off, I will make sure that their home is fully equipped with a toilet and the works," she said.

NILOKHERI, India -- An ideal groom in this dusty farming village is a vegetarian, does not drink, has good prospects for a stable job and promises his bride-to-be an amenity in high demand: a toilet.

 Obituary

+Leslie (Les) Noronha
Nov 6, 1947 - Oct 27,2009
Ex Kampala, Uganda.

Brother in law to:  
Muriel Lucas TEGSA & 55+ member
Ruben & Juliet Rebello VP 55+ member
Rowland Rebello 55+ member
Mabel DaCunha -UK

Beloved son of Dorothy and the late Sebastian. Survived by wife Mozina, (Zina), his son Gary, (Warren), his grandson Jalen and his brother Lionel. He will be sadly missed by all his relatives and friends.

Friends may call at the T. LITTLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 233 Main Street, Cambridge on Thursday from 6-9 and Friday from 6-9 pm. Prayers at the funeral home on Thrusday evening at 8:30 pm.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. CLEMENT'S PARISH, 745 Duke Street, Cambridge on Saturday morning October 31, 2009 at !0 o'clock. Cremation to follow

Anne Liberata Fernandes

FERNANDES, Anne Liberata - Born January 31, 1915 and passed away in her sleep Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Cawthra Gardens. Anne, beloved wife of the late Francesquinho Fernandes. Loving mother of Alvito (Olga), Edward (Violet), Mira (Araujo) and Edwin (Shirley). Cherished grandmother of Daryn, Tracy, Kevin, Conrad, Ian, Jason, Vannessa, Wayne, Joanna, Tara; and great-grandmother of Jordan, Laila, Tristan, Jasmin, Kasiah Grace and Ava. Will be sadly missed by her sister Alodia Soares and her family. Visitation will be held at Scott Funeral Home, 420 Dundas Street East, Mississauga (one block west of Cawthra Road) on Sunday, November 1, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 4070 Central Pkwy., Mississauga at 9:30 a.m. Interment Assumption Cemetery.

Funeral Service for the Late Romero Dias

The Funeral Mass for the late Romero Dias was celebrated at St. Mary Immaculate Church 10295 Yonge Street, on October 22. Romero passed peacefully while surrounded by his family at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto on Sunday October 18, 2009 in his 72nd year.

The celebrant for the Mass was his own son, Rev. Fr. Darren Dias, with eleven co-celebrants. The Knights of Columbus provided the honour guard, The Honorary Pall Bearers escorting his casket after the Mass included the current President of the Goan Overseas Association (Oscar Furtado) and six former Presidents (Martin A..Rodrigues, Alcino Rodrigues, John Nazareth, John Noronha, Alpoim Andrade, and David Nazareth).

Sybil Mary Fernandes

Fernandes Sybil Mary Passed away peacefully at Mount Sinai Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer on October 20, 2009 in her 68th year. Beloved wife of Francis of 39 years. Loving mother of Sonja (Tom) and Carl (Sonia) and grandmother of newly born Zara Ann. Predeceased by her father, Hypolito Pereira and survived by her dear 95 year old mother, Bertha. Also survived by brother Oscar (Sabiha) and sister Sylvia (Manuel Castellino) and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral service will be held on saturday October 24th at 11 am at St. Patrick's Church, 921 Flagship Drive, Mississauga, Reception to follow.

Announcements

Join the Goan Overseas Association 3-day coach trip on this pre-Xmas shopping bonanza.

2 tickets to Frankenmuth (Michigan) — Shopping Tour(16th-18th Nov 2009 by deluxe Coach(45 passengers) leaving Toronto Eastend and Westend (7am-8am) Cost of $249 per person includes: coach fare, 2 nights accommodation (double occupancy room), 2 breakfasts, one 4-course dinner, Frankenmuth City tour, shopping at 140 store Birch Run Outlet Mall, 160 store "Great Lakes Crossing”.

For more details see flyer, click here

Due to unavoidable circumstances, the holders of these tickets are unable to go on the tour on November 16th-18th and are responsible to find replacements.

Further details from: aferns9000@gmail.com 

Kampala (Goan) Institute: Help Us Trace Our Founder Members

From Antonio Mascarenhas: The 100th Anniversary celebrations of the Kampala (Goan) Institute are to be held in Toronto, June 25th to 27th, 2010 and we are asking our former members to help us trace the names of our Founder Members. If you have the Golden Jubilee Souvenir Booklet of 1960, which has the list, please forward the information to Antonio Mascarenhas, Chairman, Organizing Committee-100th Anniversary, Telephone (905) 270-9773 or e-mail: villa.fatima@sympatico.ca  Website: http://www.kampalagoaninstitute.com/

Deadline For Receiving Entries Is Dec.01/2009.

It is often that we hear about people we know who are keen on ensuring that their stories are somehow captured so that these gems can be shared with friends and family over time. Now members of our community have an opportunity to do what they hoped to accomplish but did not have the resources to translate their desires into actionable next steps.

Events

H1N1 (SWINE FLU), its origin and precautions.

This message is from Dr. Vinay Goyal a renowned doctor who visited last week to lecture on the topic H1N1 (SWINE FLU), its origin and precautions. He is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

11 Foods That Trigger An Allergy
TNN 11 October 2009, 08:00pm IST

A delicious meal should put a smile on your face, not turn it bright red. Or itchy. Or bumpy.

For some people, certain foods can trigger hives (an eruption of small welts), swollen lips, itchiness, flushing, eczema (rough, itchy patches), or a hot-to-the-touch rash, even if you've never reacted to a food before.

Report aims to improve literacy skills of young Canadians and could save Canada billions

LONDON, ON, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - Low literacy skills cost Canada billions of dollars annually. Raising the literacy proficiency of Canadians would increase tax revenues by $11 billion/year and save $5 billion/year in unemployment and social assistance payments.

Bracelets 'useless' in arthritis
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8310792.stm

Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are useless for relieving pain in people with arthritis, say University of York researchers.

In the first tightly controlled trial to look at both alternative therapies, there was no benefit to their use for pain or stiffness. All 45 patients tested a copper bracelet, two different magnetic wrist straps, and a demagnetised version.

New survey shows Canadian eating habits in trouble

Registered Dietitians warn Canadians missing out on important health benefits

MONTREAL, Oct. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Registered Dietitians from Dairy Farmers of Canada in collaboration with Dietitians of Canada today released the results of a national survey that revealed that many Canadian adults are not consuming the recommended number of daily servings of any of the four food groups. It was also surprising that, for each of the food groups, a significant number of people reported not consuming any of that food group on the day prior to the survey. Registered Dietitians are warning this trend may have serious consequences on the nutritional health of Canadians.