FijiTimes - Jan 4 2012

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Forum Secretariat Moved To Papua New Guinea

partnership with the European Union. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat previously also acted as the Pacific ACP Group Secretariat. Following Fijis suspension from the Forum in 2009 this was then used by the Forum Secretariat which is backed by Australia and New Zealand to exclude Fiji from Pacific ACP affairs. Speaking to the reporter, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, said Papua New Guinea had moved to resolve this. This was through
offering to host and fund a new and separate Pacific ACP Secretariat in Port Moresby. Ratu Inoke said Pacific ACP leaders, who attended a special meeting in Port Moresby, strongly supported this. Ratu Inoke said with all Pacific ACP works to be handled by the secretariat in Port Moresby, it would be good for all the members. There will be no interference from New Zealand and Australia, he said. These two countries, he stressed, had no say in Pacific ACP matters.
Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs Rimbink Pato All Pacific ACP (African, Canberra, Pacific) group matters are being removed from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva. They are being transferred to the new Papua New Guinea-funded Pacific ACP secretariat in Port Moresby to ensure Fiji is fully included. Informed sources say Papua New Guinea is also interested in having the first head of this new secretariat be a Fijian. This is among moves to eliminate any Australian or New Zealand influence leading to Fiji being wrongly excluded from Pacific ACP meetings or matters. Canberra and Wellington had pushed for Fijis continuing suspension from
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the Pacific Islands Forum. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato told Papua New Guineas biggest newspaper, The National: The Pacific Islands Forum and PACP are separate legal entities. Fiji was only suspended from the PIF but was never excluded or suspended from the Pacific ACP. Mr Pato confirmed to The National that Australia and New Zealand had been briefed on the new moves. The Pacific ACP group is made up of all independent Pacific Islands countries. It is part of the bigger Brusselsheadquartered ACP Group, which has an aid, trade and development
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Understand Scholarship Selection Criteria

Those who have applied for Public Service Commission scholarships need to understand the scholarship selection criteria and accept decisions that will be made when new awards have been finalized. The number of new awards will also depend on the number of continuing students that will need to be catered for in the 2013 academic year. Commission permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand highlighted this as the PSC Scholarship Unit makes final preparations for the selection of new scholarship recipients. Mr Chand said that parents and guardians of those who applied for local and overseas scholarships must realize that the selection of new PSC scholarship recipients would be based on merit. We have received 5274 applications for the PSC local scholarships and will be providing 500 new scholarships in addition to the 1132 continuing students who have to complete their programs in the various local tertiary institutions, the permanent secretary said. The best and brightest applicants, who have submitted applications for the PSC local scholarships, will be identified according to the priority areas of training that were advertised. The most meritorious candidates will be rewarded for their academic achievements. These candidates will include those who have just recently completed their Seventh Form Examination in 2012 as well as tertiary students who have been doing their studies privately and have produced exceptional results up until December last year. The PSC also administers the Multi Ethnic Affairs (MEA) Scholarships. This scholarship is only for the nonItaukei communities whose annual parental income does not exceed $15,000. With the MEA scholarships, the selection is based on income and merit as well as the priority areas of training as specified in the advertisement that was publicized last year. Accurate financial details need to be provided as the verification of income is an essential part of the selection. Those applicants who provide incomplete details will not be considered for selection, Mr Chand said. The MEA unit has received 4387 applications of which 900 students will be newly sponsored for 2013. This will be in addition to the 1666 continuing MEA-sponsored students. Of the 222 applications received for the PSC overseas scholarships, 20 new awards will be given out. There are 39 continuing students who are doing their studies abroad. The PSC Student Loan Scheme (SLS) has 305 students and it is anticipated that another 100 will be identified as new loan recipients for this year. Funds have been allocated to accommodate the 3142 continuing students and 1520 new students under the local, MEA, overseas scholarships and loan scheme. We will ensure that funds are fully utilized in this exercise and the due process is meticulously followed, Mr Chand said.
Yash Ghai Should Be Charged Fiji Military

negotiable elements are included. The new constitution is to replace the 1997 document, which the regime abrogated nearly four years ago when the Appeal Court ruled that the postcoup interim government was illegal. In an address to the nation on New Year's Day, coup leader Frank Bainimarama announced a new constitution will be ready within three months. Commodore Bainimarama also said Fiji would get a new flag to "reinforce a new Fijian identity". A spokesperson for the government, Colonel Pio Tikoduadua, said that Fijians will be given the opportunity to design the new flag. The current flag features the red, white and blue Union Jack of Britain in the top left-hand corner with the shield from the Fiji coat of arms on the right side. Fiji has already removed the image of the Queen from its currency. Commodore Bainimarama tore up the previous constitution in 2009, three years after seizing power. "The new, modern and enduring constitution will be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2013," he said this week, adding this would "set the scene" for the 2014 elections. "(It will be) a constitution that must ensure common and equal citizenry and a constitution that must ensure that any representatives of the people in the new parliament must be elected under the principle of one person, one vote and one value." Fiji was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum after he scrapped the previous constitution and replaced all judges with hand-picked officials. He rejected all pressure for an early return to democracy, saying the new constitution needed to be in place first.
MORE than two weeks after Tropical concrete shell of a burnt out building Cyclone Evan hit the country, a family near their home with pieces of debris left homeless by fierce winds has been and plastic from a Vodafone billboard. sheltering in the ruins of a burnt out "We went to DISMAC and Red Cross and abandoned building in Nadi. to ask for assistance but so far nothing Timaima Vanakitoga and her family has come of our request. I am worried sought refuge at the abandoned about the wellbeing of my three girls Assemblies of God church building and how I will prepare them for school near Aerotown as soon as the roof and also how I will be able to look after and walls of their modest timber and my 65-year-old dad and 54-year-old roofing iron home was ripped off by mum. The place we are currently living the category four storm. in gets flooded when there's heavy rain "We fled to the church and then I and the dampness has affected my went back home to try and secure our parents' health," she said. belongings but when the walls began Fiji Red Cross Nadi disaster officer crashing down around me, I scrambled Izaz Mohammed said two teams had to safety at the church to take care of dropped in at Ms Vanakitoga's home my three children and aged parents," but were unable to visit the family. she said. "We have received hundreds of calls Immediately after the cyclone had and are working frantically to cover passed, Ms Vanakitoga and her family as much of the affected areas as we returned to the empty site where their possibly can with the limited resources home once stood and discovered that we have. We will attempt to contact that they had lost To Get The Best ValueMs Vanakitoga again to see how we everything. They For Your Dollar constructed a makeshift shelter in the can best assist her," he said. Advertise In
Homeless After Cyclone Evan
Fiji's military says the head of the Constitution Commission should face charges after he released copies of the draft constitution. Professor Yash Ghai released the draft to a number of groups after the police confiscated printed copies and burned proofs of the document. He says it makes no sense to say that the draft cannot be released, and is adamant he has not broken law. Land Forces Commander, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, says Professor Ghai has breached the decrees related to the constitutional process, and should face charges, but he has left the country. Colonel Tikoitoga says anyone distributing the draft, or parts of it, is doing so illegally. NZ taxpayers funded draft Radio New Zealand International reported the draft was commissioned by the interim government and produced over several months with funds from donors, such as New Zealand. The draft is to go to a Constituent Assembly, which the regime is yet to appoint, before a tribunal vets the document to ensure the regime's non-
Drop In Copra Production

COPRA Millers Fiji Limited recorded a 25 per cent drop in their overall copra production last year. Confirming this, chief executive officer Ilisoni Taoba said they only produced about 6000 metric tonnes last year as a result of low supply. "Our mill in Savusavu has a capacity of 24,000 metric tonnes and because of the low copra supply, we were not able to meet the required copra production (capacity of 24,000)," Mr Taoba said. "Over the years, our production continues to decrease and there is a need for farmers to vigorously replant coconut trees for a more improved supply." "The highest production was recorded in 1977 where we produced about 30,000 tonnes of copra and we need the support from farmers to restore such achievements," he said. Mr Taoba added it was only proper for farmers to take the lead role in planting more coconut trees in order to meet the demand in the world market. Principal agricultural officer northern John Cox said the coconut replanting programs were continuing for quite some time now. He said most farmers had deviated from copra farming because of the high transportation and freight cost. Meanwhile, Mr Taoba said the copra mill in Savusavu was temporarily closed last year for maintenance work.
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Editorial: Fiji's coup culture rears its head
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OPINION: Before the end of last week, if they swear an oath to accept the Fiji was making good progress toward sovereignty of the people. That would the elections coup leader Voreqe include submitting to ''democracy and Please change: Bainimarama has promised for 2014. the rule of @ 3.09% 5 year Fixed rate law'', something neither Draconian emergency regulations that has displayed much appetite for in the 5 year Variable rate @ 2.65%, Primesuppressed free speech and political past. 0.35% debate had been lifted and a draft fwd is difficult to escape the impression Pls It the PDF after changes. constitution had been drawn up. that the police seized the 600 copies of However, there are now fresh signs the draft and burnt them - obviously r fixed rate the 3.09% that @ destructive coup culture that with the blessing, if not the complicity, has held Fiji back for more than 20 of the military -only- ConditionCommodore Insured because apply Call For Details r Variable ratealive and well. years is @ 2.65%, Bainimarama is not prepared to accept e-0.35 (please delete the and later destruction that the people of Fiji, not he and his The police seizure of conventional s- regular 600 copies of the draft constitution armed cronies, are the masters of the strongly suggests gage-- & ensure 5 years the military is nation's destiny. itten) unwilling to submit to rules that make If so, it would be a great pity. There clear soldiers belong in their barracks, was growing hope that Commodore not the seat of government. Bainimarama, who had previously Conditions Apply Call for to hold elections The armed forces' submission to the reneged on a promiseDetails constitution commission claimed the in 2009, was this time genuine about military was ''the last bastion for law restoring democracy and returning the and order in Fiji'', and demanded it be military to its rightful station. protected as it was in the constitution So encouraging were developments created by original coup leader Sitiveni Regular Conventional Mortgage which contributed that New Zealand, Rabuka in 1990. That gave the military $500,000 toward the constitution (conditions apply) ''overall responsibility'' for the security, commission's work, is preparing to defence and wellbeing of Fijians. dispatch a high commissioner to Suva The commission's draft takes a very for the first time since 2007. different view. Although it agrees the Fiji Land Forces Commander Colonel military's role is to protect Fiji from Mosese Tikoitoga justified the seizure external threats, the explanatory note and destruction of the draft copies on emphasises it does not have any role the grounds the commission's head, as a ''guardian of the constitution or Kenyan academic Yash Ghai, had conscience of the nation''. Furthermore, made them illegally. Colonel Tikoitoga it says the military should be under said the military decree that authorised civilian control exercised through a the commission's work allowed it only democratically-elected parliament. to supply its draft to President Epeli In other words, the people of Fiji will Nailatikau, as it did last month. tell the military what to do, not the Unfortunately, Fiji's history of coups other way around. gives ample cause to suspect the The draft also contained continued military's real motive was to prevent immunity for Mr Rabuka and the Fijian people from discovering the Commodore Bainimarama, but only status proposed for the armed forces.
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Education Ministry Responds To Scaling

Scaling has been part of the Education System for the last 20 years ever since the Fiji School Leaving Certificate (1989) and Fiji Seven Form Examination (1979) were introduced. The Ministrys scaling system is based on sound educational assessment principles used universally in ranking students for selection into tertiary education, scholarships and the like, said the Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr Brij Lal. In Fiji, students are given choices in optional subjects to study and they are examined on the particular subject during the external examinations. With this choice comes the issue of comparability of subjects, where some can be advantaged or disadvantaged by taking the so called easier or harder subjects. Similarly, as in other regional countries, not all students study the same subjects; therefore it is not easy to achieve subject equivalence or comparability. Scaling is brought in to achieve subject equivalence or comparability, based on a set of complex formula which includes an overall mean and overall student deviation. It is a process which adjusts the results students achieve in their various subjects into a common scale so that students can compete on a fair basis for awards and scholarships and entry to universities or other tertiary institutions. The Ministry of Education is aware that it is not always easy to understand how scaling works and hopefully the following illustration will help everyone understand the need for scaling before awards and scholarships are awarded to recipients, said Dr Brij Lal. Imagine 10 tourists coming to Fiji from Australia, New Zealand, USA and each one of them buying Fiji dollar of about a 100 of their countries currency. The Fiji dollar in this context becomes the common scale to measure the value and strength of each tourists $100 denomination. Scaling is a complex but necessary process. According to experts in the field of educational assessment, scaling is the fairest process since it enables students to study the subjects they want and allow teachers to develop their own teaching and assessment programme suited to their students needs and still enable the tertiary institutions to compare students who undertake different study programme. Our scaling is applied equally to all students, regardless of gender, ethnicity and religion, and is done in conditions of anonymity. If un-scaled marks are used for selection processes, then the Ministry of Education would be most unfair to students because of the issue of comparability between subjects.
The Public Service Commission advertised its Student Loan Scheme (SLS) program. Applications will close on Friday 11th January, 2013. The SLS is open to all races but specifically to those whose parents or guardians combined annual income does not exceed $15,000.00. The Public Service Permanent Secretary, Mr Parmesh Chand said that this is an option for school leavers and private tertiary students to apply and be considered for local tertiary assistance. The SLS is only for local studies and there are currently 305 continuing students pursuing their studies at tertiary institutions like the University of the South Pacific, the five colleges of the Fiji National University, University of Fiji, Sangam School of Nursing in Labasa, Fulton College and Corpus
Applications For Student Loan Scheme Open
Christi Teachers College. These students have their tuition fees paid for and the respective students receive an allowance to support their tertiary studies. Upon the completion of the processing of applications, at least 100 new students will be identified for SLS assistance. Under the Loan Scheme, students are provided financial assistance until the end of their studies and are required to repay the cost of their tertiary education once they have found permanent employment. The SLS Application forms are available at the PSC Scholarship Unit at Carnavon Street, the Government Service Centres in Suva and Nausori, as well as accessible on www.psc.gov. fj.
Fiji News
Early Start For School Teachers

TEACHERS from schools around the cyclone-affected areas have been told to return back to their respective schools. This is to fast track rehabilitation works at schools so that they are ready to open when the new school year begins on January 21, 2013. Divisional education officer western, Lorima Voravora said the decision was made in Suva and that the head of the ministry made the call following assessments to the schools. "All teachers have already been told to return to their schools so they can see rehab work being carried out," Mr Voravora said. "We would like to thank the Australian Government for assistance it has been providing to the rehabilitation and recovery to all schools." Mr Voravora said all rehabilitation works to minor damages would be complete before the new school year begins, however those schools that have been severely damaged would be ready a week later. "Our concern right now is also the dormitories when schools open," Mr Voravora said. "We have provided make shift tents for schools but we will complete work on time so that there is minimal disruptions to the students education." Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers, Public Works Department and 29private contractors have the task of making sure schools are ready by January 21.
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USA Extends A Helping Hand Again

THE United States of America has once again extended a helping hand, this time to Fijians who were affected by the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Evan. US Ambassador, Her Excellency, Ms Frankie Reed handed close to $176,988 (USD $100,000) worth of dignity packs through the Rotary Club of Fiji. The United States understands well the vulnerabilities of our friends in the Pacific to natural disasters and we remain committed to helping those affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan, she said during the handing over at Topyard in Walu Bay. Ms Reed said she had personally travelled to the Western Division and some parts of the Northern Division to see firsthand impact of TC Evans on the lives of the people there. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) acting permanent secretary Filipe Alifereti expressed the Government and Fijian peoples gratitude to the US Government for assisting not only once but coming forward to give further help through this second donation. I want to assure you that this assistance will be used extensively to help our people affected by this disaster, he said. Rotary Club of Fijis representative, Bob Niranjan, said Rotary was grateful that embassies and high commissions had started recognizing the work carried out by their Non-Government Organisation, especially by its volunteers who went out to assist. The US Government had already given close to $88,494 (USD $50,000) worth of assistance earlier through the Fiji Red Cross Society to provide emergency assistance immediately after the cyclone. The dignity pack includes hygiene materials, torches, batteries, buckets, baby diapers, buckets and other items that are meant to ease the discomfort of people who were adversely affected by the cyclone.
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Fiji News
People of Suva will get the chance to watch a film shot in Fiji a day before it is released worldwide. Table No. 21 is one of several Bollywood movies to be shot in Fiji last year and on Friday is the first one of them to be releasing worldwide. The film starring Paresh Rawal, Rajeev Khandelwal, and newcomer actress Tena Desai, is a psychological thriller. It is set in and showcases the breathtaking beauty of Viti Levu. Table No. 21 features many local casts and crew in the making and will prove to show the huge capacity and potential Fiji has in the Audio Visual Industry. To mark the global premier of the film in Fiji, MASTI Art & Dance Group and other partners hosted an exclusive world premier cocktail at the Village 6 Cinemas on January 3. This premier came one day before the film is scheduled for worldwide release and is a special agreement from the distributor of the film, Eros International.
Masti Group Suva Premier For Table No.21
The event kicked off at 6.30pm hosted by Mirchi FM and FBC with special performances by MASTI. Patrons also get to enjoy a lavish cocktail of drinks and finger foods during this 1 hour after which is the movie screening at 7.30pm. The Dress Code for the evening was I LOVE FIJI which is merely for guests to showcase the Fijian spirit in their attire. Tickets for the premier were just $12. Ms Valentine said MASTI plans to undertake new initiatives in 2013 to develop local Fijian talent. This is to cater for the demand by international film makers for such talent as they come to our shores to film their scripts here under Film Fijis attractive Film Tax Rebate Incentives. The partners involved include Mirchi FM together with support from FBC TV, Fiji Sun, Superdrug Pharmacy, CKs Bargain Center, Jedis Stationery, Photobure Photography and Shonals Catering.
Government has requested individuals to give accurate information on the damage sustained to their house during Tropical Cyclone Evan. Ba district officer Metuisela Mua said issues had surfaced where people provided inaccurate information on the extent of damage to their property. "It is causing problems to the already stretched resources that we have," Mr Mua said. "We would like to request people to be honest as we are trying to direct assistance and aid to those really in need." This is also creating extra work for
Mua Calls For Accurate Information
The program in Fiji National University is drawing growing interest from newly graduated form seven students. Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said only 50 scholarships are available for this year and with the Form Six exam results due out, the competition is going to be strong. Chand said a career that includes a government grant for a house and land is probably the most amazing option available to this year's secondary
New Agriculture Scholarship Program Draws Interest new Agriculture scholarship school graduates.
officials who are trying to fast track relief assistance to those affected. Rations have been distributed and tarpaulins given to owners of houses, whose roofs have been completely or partially blown off. A seven days extension of the declaration period of natural disaster will ensure better distribution of rations, relief assistance efforts and rehabilitation works. With the collaboration of NonGovernment Organisation and civil society organisations that boost the work by Government in relief operations, all efforts are being made to ensure most schools are ready by January 21, 2013.
Under the scholarship program, 50 Form Six or Seven graduates each year will attend a 12 month certificate course that trains them in various agricultural disciplines. Upon graduation, each student will receive a loan package to the value of $70,000 to cover the cost of 100 acres of farm land, a tractor and basic farm implements, fertilizer and other materials, a house and shed and start up cash of $2,000.
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Fiji News
Duty Removal To Boost Our Textile, Clothing, Footwear
Kalpesh Solanki Removal of duty for most Fijian products in Papua New Guinea under the Melanesian Spearhead Group free trade agreement is expected to boost the garment and footwear industry. Textile, Footwear and Clothing council president, Kalpesh Solanki said: In 2013, we intend to explore opportunities in establishing PNG as an export market since TCF products have been removed from the negative list under MSG agreement. Further, we will continue to cement Fijis TCF industry in Australia and New Zealand through trade shows and advertising. Governments move He added that governments extension of $300,000 grant is also a positive sign. I was very pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce extension of the marketing grant for another three years worth $300,000 during his 2013 National Budget address. This will greatly help the industry continue its marketing and export promotion efforts.
While the industry is facing stiff competition from the big industries of Bangladesh and China, Mr Solanki said new Government initiatives is helping grow the industry in more ways than one. Showcasing Fiji Last year, the council participated, for the first time, in SOURCING @ MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas, USA and under the Make It In Fiji banner the council witnessed a great opportunity to showcase their products and capabilities to potential American buyers. Out of the success of the show the Council is taking another delegation to same USA show next month. Mr Solanki said advertising in industry publications in Australia and New Zealand continues to drive increased traffic and enquiries to our Make It In Fiji website portal. Marketing and export promotion activities are critical to enable the TCF industry to maintain and increase penetration of traditional export markets as well as develops new ones. He added support of the Fijian Government will be vital for the sustainability of the industry. We have seen unprecedented engagement from many Government ministries and department. This is in terms of trade agreement negotiations, marketing initiatives, policy development, training and skills development, and other areas. Plea to Government I can only ask that this level of engagement not only continues, but is also enhanced so that Fijis TCF industry can continue to contribute positively to Fijis economy. This is through export revenue, employment, especially women, poverty alleviation, and investment, he said.
PRIME Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama outlined that 2013 will be the year Fiji will set scene for one of the most momentous events in the country's history - the 2014 elections under a new constitution. In his New Years message Commodore Bainimarama appealed to all Fijians to contribute positively to the elections process. "We should have a new, modern constitution by the end of the first quarter of 2013," he said. Commodore Bainimarama said by the end of 2012 about half a million Fijians have registered by electronic means to cast their vote in 2014. "As 2013 begins, that process continues as we reach out to register Fijians living abroad," Commodore Bainimarama said. He said the New Year heralded great promises for all Fijians. "Its time to reflect on the year that has passed and to contemplate what the future holds for ourselves and our
Exciting Times Ahead For Fiji Bainimarama
Mccully Wades In To Fiji Debate
families," Commodore Bainimarama said. He said Fiji's economy was comparatively buoyant and a steady growth has been forecasted. "We are investing more in the education of our young people to help secure their futures and increase the country's skill base. Commodore Bainimarama said as a nation the government wants to instill more pride in the identity of Fijians. He also highlighted various leadership roles bestowed upon Fiji by the international communities last year. "These are great honours bestowed on us by the international community and we should all be proud because the honour belongs to all of us." Commodore Bainimarama said this was the time when many people made New Years resolutions and urged Fijians to make some for the nation. "Let's be considerate of our fellow citizens and honest in our dealings with each other."
3000 Residents 60 Years Plus

ABOUT 3000 people in Fiji are projected to be added on to the 60-plus age bracket. President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said this was according to the United Nations Population Fund. "The 'oldest old' population of 80 years and above is also expected to increase significantly over this period, from 5000 in 2010 to 28,500 by 2050," Ratu Epeli said. He said this categorised group was projected to grow at a faster rate, about 5 per cent per year for the next 20 years. Launching the National Awareness on Government's 2013 Initiatives for Older Persons in Fiji he said the United Nations confirmed that the proportion of old people in the world was increasing., "The proportion of older persons is growing at a faster rate than the general population. This reflects the tremendous advances in health and the improvement in the overall quality of life in societies across the world." However, he said social and economic implications of this trend were profound, extending far beyond the individual older person and the immediate family, and touching broader society and the global community in unprecedented ways. "On the positive side, population ageing has opened up new markets and brought us more experienced workers we now have, for instance, a growing cadre of custodians of our culture, and caregivers for our grandchildren." He said a great source of experience and wisdom was also made available and if given the opportunity, they could help in areas of counseling, mentoring, in mediation processes, in being part of open and frank discussions on serious issues like HIV and AIDS, and in discussions on development plans for both rural and urban communities among others.
New Zealand is concerned at the way Fiji police seized copies of a draft constitution and burnt them, Foreign Minister Murray McCully says. The document, which remains secret in Fiji but has been widely leaked, calls for the country's military to have a much-reduced role in politics. McCully, speaking on Radio New Zealand (RNZ), said it was vital the military returned to their barracks after promised elections next year and became a normal army as seen in other democracies. Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, head of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, has ruled Fiji by decree since a coup in 2006. As part of a promise to hold elections by 2014, the regime established a commission to draw up Fiji's fourth constitution, led by Kenyan academic Yash Ghai. New Zealand contributed $500,000 towards the cost of the exercise. Last month Ghai presented the draft constitution to Fiji President Epeli Nailatikau. He later had 600 copies printed by the Government Printer but as they were doing it, police arrived and seized printer's proofs dowsed them in kerosene and set fire to them. The police say the other copies were not destroyed but are locked away. Fiji's Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga made it plain the military did not like Ghai's constitution and would oppose it. Ghai said the dissemination of the commission's work was for them alone and added that the ban on publishing the constitution had led to leaks of
various versions. "The authentic, and the only valid, documents are those that I presented to the president," he said. "I have therefore decided on my own responsibility to release copies of the authentic documents to the public." McCully said he had been talking to Fiji Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola to get an understanding of what was happening. "We should just wait and study the document. These developments are of concern to us," he told RNZ. "We are watching carefully just to see how this plays out. What we have discovered in Fiji is that sometimes these situations are a bit more complex than they appear on the surface." McCully said it was crucial to get an internationally respected constitution in place and for the elections next year to be recognised as free and fair. "This is a pivotal time and we need to take this step by step," he said. One of the big hurdles would be to get the military out of politics after the elections. "The military need to accept the results of that elections and that means they have to go back to the barracks and play the normal role the military play in a democratic society." McCully said there had been positive developments in Fiji but now and again there seemed to be significant steps backward. "We will take very close interest in this," he told RNZ. "I have already been in text communications with my counterpart to make sure we can pick up the conversation in the New Year."
Fiji News
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Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga The Republic of Fiji Military Forces in Fijian circles about his neutrality. So (RFMF) has reminded the public have comments he has been making that the draft constitution leaked by overseas since the end of his role. Professor Yash Ghai is just a draft. POLITICAL PARTIES Land Force Commander Colonel Responding to three political parties Mosese Tikoitoga said the military is Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua, firm in its stand on the directive given Fiji Labour Party and United Peoples by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Party-support for the leaked draft Bainimarama when he said: constitution, Colonel Tikoitoga said this Formulating a new constitution that was expected. But he said these political will be relevant to a new and modern parties should not jump the gun. Fiji will require that we unselfishly, LABOUR patiently, and inclusively complete the The Fiji Labor Party leader Mahendra process with integrity and honesty. Chaudhry has told Radio Australia: It must be done properly. When we The military is of course making its are done, Fiji will have an enduring own rumblings. In the last few days blueprint for all Fijians. it seems to want its way, and it made RFMF IGNORED a submission to the Constitutional Colonel Tikoitoga confirmed a detailed Commission, which of course was done submission by the Republic of Fiji Military in camera. But certain aspects of it have Forces had been ignored by the Yash Ghai come out in the Fiji Sun in the last two chaired Constitution Commission. days or so which are of course different This had been a surprise, given the role from what the draft document stipulates. the Republic of Fiji Military Forces So there is pressure from the military has played and reforms since the 2006 and whether the deliberation from the takeover along with the reasons for Constituent Assembly will be free, fair these and the takeover. and democratic, I doubt that very much. The RFMF submission had submitted CONCERN what it wants for all Fijians and it is Colonel Tikoitoga said the military had inclusive, Colonel Tikoitoga said. aired its concern on the draft and the It is expected that the Constituent Assembly Constituent Assembly, which will have to be appointed soon will publicly debate inclusive membership, will have the the draft constitution, consult with people final say. He said: The military will not and decide the final document. pressure the Constituent Assembly. Professor Ghais actions leaking and But he said Fijis new constitution will trying to circulate the draft before it be for the Fijian people and will be as had been submitted to the Constituent the Prime Minister has stressed, an Assembly has raised growing questions enduring blueprint for all Fijians.
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THE National Fire Authority revealed "To put out the two major fires last year that it spent about $9million in at the Naviti Resort in the Coral Coast operational costs which included and New World Supermarket in Nakasi fighting 95 structural fires in 2012. cost almost $13,000 each." Authority chief executive John O'Connor Mr O'Connor said the fires last year said they had a budget of $11million for could have been avoided had those 2012 and $1million was allocated by responsible taken extra care. government for capital projects. "We should not assume that a fire will The NFA's major source of revenue is not happen to us or our families as a the fire levy on insured properties and fire can happen to anyone at any time the water levy for properties that fall if we do not respect the possible causes within the designated fire boundaries. of fires." Mr O'Connor said structural fires In addition to the monetary losses chewed almost all their budget and they caused by fires, 12 people also lost would have to look at other revenue their lives in fires this year compared generators this year or tap donors for to two in 2011. Out of the 12, seven funding. were children. He said the loss to NFA was a result of Mr O'Connor said NFA would fires caused by unattended fire sources vigorously conduct awareness as well as electrical related fires and programs this year. children playing with matches. "We will visit the schools, settlements "Out of the 95 structural fires in 2012, and villages with the emphasis of giving only 25 per cent were electrical related, out relevant advice and information to unattended cooking, candles/prayer the members of the community to make diya, mosquito coils left unattended." them aware of the devastating effects Mr O'Connor said the attitude of the of fires which we hope will drive a general public towards fire safety was change of attitude and mind-set." causing huge losses to NFA and people "We are urging families, settlements, urgently needed to change their mind- villages and community to contact sets. their nearest fire station to arrange such He said the two major structural fires awareness programs", Mr O'Connor To a lot of money. For Your Dollar last year also cost themGet The Best Valueadded.
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Fiji News
New Flag Planned For Fiji
Helping The Cyclone Victims In Fiji

CRUISE Whitsunday vessels will be displaying donation tins in support of Vinaka Fiji Trust's efforts to raise funds to assist those affected by Cyclone Evan in Fiji and the Yasawa Islands. Chief Executive Officer Peter O'Reilly said staff will be encouraging travelers to dig deep to assist those in need. "The Whitsundays is familiar with the adversity that a cyclone brings and we want to support those in Fiji who have unfortunately been affected," Mr O'Reilly said."A small donation goes a long way, and in the spirit of Christmas, Cruise Whitsundays is supporting this worthy cause," he said. Manager Leigh Efferion said Vinaka Fiji would act promptly to assist those affected in Fiji and the Yasawa Islands where the trust manages several volunteer programs. "With reports of more than 8000 people seeking refuge in evacuation centers as a result of Cyclone Evan, it is important that we act quickly to recover the damage and restore people's livelihood," Ms Efferion said. "Vinaka Fiji is reaching out to Australia encouraging people to 'give the gift of recovery' this Christmas by donating to the recovery efforts," she said. "The 270km/h winds have battered through Fiji causing extensive damage to homes and villages, and we want to help restore the villages as soon as possible. Vinaka Fiji is actively seeking donations to support the recovery process and assist the victims of Cyclone Evan. Donations can be made on board the Cruise Whitsundays vessels, Cruise Whitsundays reception areas and online at www.vinakafiji.org.fj/donations.
FIJI will get a new flag as it moves closer to a new constitution, the country's leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says. Cdre Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup in 2006, told the nation in his New Year's Day address that the new constitution would be completed by the end of March. "The new, modern and enduring constitution will be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2013," he said. But he also announced as part of the constitutional review the country would get a new flag. "All of this is to reflect a sense of national renewal, to reinforce a new Fijian identity and a new confidence in being Fijian on
the global stage," Cdre Bainimarama said. The current flag, adopted in 1970, features the Union Jack in the top lefthand corner and a shield from Fiji's coat of arms on a sky-blue background. Cdre Bainimarama tore up the previous constitution in 2009 and has promised to hold elections in 2014. In his address he said the new constitution would lay the framework for next year's vote. "A constitution that must ensure common and equal citizenry and a constitution that just ensure that any representatives of the people in the new parliament must be elected under the principle of one person, one vote and one value," he said.
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Fiji News
11
150K Pine Damage

THE Fiji Pine Group of Companies is working round-the-clock to ensure production at the Drasa factory resumes by January 10. Group executive chairman Faiz Khan said forestry losses caused by Tropical Cyclone Evan had been pegged at $150,000 and significant structural damage to the Drasa plant had yet to be ascertained in terms of costs. "Our major damage through Evan is at the Drasa factory with complete structures demolished," Mr Khan said. "Evan hit on the day we were supposed to commence our maintenance program, so lumber production has not been affected thus far. However, we only received electricity last Saturday and commenced our maintenance program. "We have mainly focused on cleaning up and mitigating losses. Despite the destruction and lost maintenance time, our aim is to get the production back on line by January 10, 2013 as per schedule so that we can provide employment to 300 odd workers and continue to supply timber to the nation. The damage to our forestry was far less than the January and March floods. Our initial assessment of losses sustained in the forestry because of Evan is about $150,000. Some areas in Lololo forest had trees uprooted. We started harvesting them a week ago to bring to our mill in order to mitigate the losses. Some young seedlings planted had fallen down so we have already started propping them up." Mr Khan said the $2million seedling replanting program that had just been completed recently was largely unaffected but their continued survival depended heavily on the weather. "The $2million worth of planting is largely intact at this stage. However, we need rain," he said. "The strong heat over the past week could severely affect the growth or cause death of the young pine plants."
Kuku Residents Get A New Bridge

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Works and Transport refurbished an old tram line into a walkway in just four days of work. The ministrys Divisional Engineer Central Eastern Iliesa Vonu said the bridge was earmarked as a high priority project. 2000 to 3000 people along Kuku and Vusuya in Tailevu use the bridge as a walkway. The bridge was deteriorating and had no railings for the safety of people. On Boxing day we worked the whole day and night just to remove the metal walkway, Mr. Vonu said. He added, The other three days was used on raising the bridge to another 18 inches and making the walkway. We raised the bridge to cater for flooding in these areas because the old bridge was not visible during floods. The old tram line was used in the last century when the Colonial Sugar Refinery (CSR) operated a sugar mill in Nausori and can was grown in the district. Mr Vonu has pleaded with the people of Vusuya and Kuku to maintain the bridge as this was used by students for easier access to school. 50-year-old Asenaca Davecena walked from her home in Namono with her daughters to witness the completion of the bridge.
Continue To Serve Well

The Public Service Commission chairman Mr Josefa Serulagilagi thanked civil servants throughout the country for the work that they have done for the year. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all civil servants. Through your consolidated efforts, government has been able to launch, initiate and implement programs that have enhanced the quality of life of the Fijian people. Budgeted programs and activities by respective Ministries and Departments were being implemented and monitored throughout the year. Access to tertiary studies through scholarships and loans were provided, social welfare initiatives were being made more accessible to communities, infrastructure development such as the construction of roads, health and educational facilities were being done, civil servants benefitted from local and overseas training opportunities, reform programs continued to be implemented, and activities in the areas of the environment, climate change, tourism, trade, sustainable development, agriculture, land, and international relations allowed for many to benefit in terms of knowledge and skills. Mr Serulagilagi said that despite the many challenges that Fiji faced during the year in terms of natural disasters and developments in the international front, he was thankful for the service that continued to be provided by the many committed and hardworking civil servants who have shown integrity and honor in the work that they do. The New Year will bring many exciting opportunities and developments and it is my hope that we will remain committed to bring about positive and meaningful changes to the people around us. May I at this time wish you and your families a prosperous 2013.
Students stopped using the bridge last year and some even changed schools because of the deteriorating condition of the bridge, Mrs Davecena said. Students could not attend the nearby Vuci Methodist School and had to attend schools in Nausori which was a long bus ride to town. I am thankful to government and the Ministry for the refurbishment of the old tram line as this will allow easier access to school for the students, Mrs Davecena said.
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Cash For Needy Children

ONE hundred students affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan in the north will receive $100 each for their stationery and school fees this year. The initiative is part of the rehabilitation process endorsed by the Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA Trust Fiji), Lions Club of Labasa and the Northern Charity Alliance for victims of TC Evan. Speaking on behalf of the organisations, director for ACATA Trust Fiji Rosan Lal said apart from distributing food, they also targeted schoolchildren as the new school term was approaching. "Parents will have difficulties in paying for their children's school fees and stationery as they are more focused on rebuilding their lives all over again," Mr Lal said."These students are mostly from rural and outer islands and we are glad to help them start their education on a high note. So far, about $100,000 has been used to facilitate the victims in the north especially those in the outer islands." Mr Lal said they also distributed water tanks, valued at $10,000 each, to 10 villages. "We have also supplied more than 400 food packs and we are really thankful to our donors Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and AusAID for placing their faith in us to reach out to the needy ones in society."
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12
Fiji News
Relief Supplies For Northern Division
2013 Starts Off Fatal

POLICE have issued warnings for people to exercise caution on land and water as the country recorded its first road fatality of 2013 and last drowning fatality of 2012 on consecutive days. In separate incidents in the Western Division, a one-year-old toddler drowned in Ra on the last day of the year while a 21year student was killed in a road accident at Lovu, Lautoka, on the first day of the year. The road accident claimed the life of University of the South Pacific student Penasio Cerecere while three of his fellow Vitogo Village friends are in serious condition at the Lautoka Hospital. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said it was the country's first fatal accident for 2013. She said the five were heading towards Ba when the Mr Cerecere lost control of his vehicle and it veered off the road hitting a Fiji Electricity Authority post. They were rushed to the Lautoka Hospital where Mr Cerecere died at the ICU, Ms Naisoro said. "The other passenger, a 19-year-old is admitted with injuries to his right leg, while another 17-year-old was treated and sent home. "The other two passengers also 19 and 17-year olds are still admitted with serious injuries at the Lautoka Hospital. "A post mortem examination will be conducted soon while investigations continue." She added the accident was an unfortunate way to start off a new year. "We are hoping that all motorists will take heed of the safety advice and exercise caution at all times." As for the Ra drowning, Ms Naisoro said it had increased drowning fatalities for 2012 to 75 compared to 45 in 2011. She called on people, especially guardians and parents, to be extra careful while looking after their children. "A one year, nine-month-old baby unfortunately became the country's last drowning fatality for 2012," Ms Naisoro said. The tragic incident occurred at Togovere village, Ra, where the deceased was found floating in a pit toilet by her mother. "The pit toilet hole was newly dug and left uncovered and was of a depth of 1.5 meters." Ms Naisoro said the deceased was conveyed to the Ra District Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. Ms Naisoro said police were pleading once again with members of the public to take extra care. "This also applies to those who are opting to stay home and we are therefore requesting families to be more aware of their children's whereabouts. "We are hoping 2013 will not start on a tragic note for any family with the loss of a loved one as a result of drowning," she added.
Relief supplies for those affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone will continue to be distributed including those living in rural or isolated communities. DISMAC director Manasa Tagicakibau said rations will be evenly distributed and assessments and monitoring will be undertaken for those that have been severely affected. We are taking water tanks, essential food stuff like canned food, flour, sugar and cooking oil and assorted clothing to temporarily assist those that have been affected during the cyclone, Mr Tagicakibau said while highlighting the recent transportation of supplies worth $48,000 to the Northern Division These supplies will assist those in the northern parts of Vanua Levu especially in Bua which are currently residing in the evacuations centers and those that have returned to their homes. Meanwhile, Mr Tagicakibau provided a
situational update on the aid donations that have been coming through to assist government in restoration efforts. We have been receiving assistance from our international donors from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, France and also non-government organisations to assist government with relief supplies and its a matter of filling in the gaps, we provide them with information on the ground and they will decide in the areas that will require further assistance, he said. Meanwhile the Prime Minister was briefed by Divisional Commissioners as well as by the Minister for DISMAC and Provincial Development, Colonel Inia Seruiratu on the rehabilitation process taking place across the country. Each commissioner updated the Head of Government on the progress work undertaken to restore normalcy in all divisions across the country.
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Rental Freeze Order Extended

Fiji's government has extended the Rental Freeze Order till 31 December 2013 as well as placed a Rent Increase Restriction and Ground Rent order effective January 1st. This is based on a submission from the Commission, the Attorney General and Minister for Public Enterprise. Commissions chairperson, Dr Mahendra Reddy said that the interest in this sector arises from the primary reason that rent control is a form of government intervention to regularise the imperfection of Fijis housing market. The imperfection in the market has arisen due to a major shortage of housing in the market amid rising demand for it arising out increased rural to urban migration, Dr Reddy said. He further said that motives of rent control have significantly changed since its inception in the early seventies. Landlords are reminded that any person or class of persons (including the State) shall keep to the satisfaction of the commission such records and documents, including Letting Agreements and receipts, as are customary and proper in respect of the letting or continued letting of the premises under any tenancy to which the Decree applies. Additionally, complaints against landlords who violate provisions of the Commerce Commission decree 2012 should not be used as a basis to evict tenants.
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Fiji News
13
HFC Donates $5K To PM'S Relief Fund
HFC (Home Finance Company) donated $5000 towards the Prime Ministers Relief Fund. The funds will be primarily used for the rehabilitation programme to help after Tropical Cyclone Evan. HFC chief executive Isikeli Tikoduadua presented the cheque to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest and Forest, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu. Mr Tikoduadua said: We begin the New Year with this donation and this is done as part of our social responsibility. Our sympathy and well wishes go out to all the Fijians who have been affected by Cyclone Evan. He also said he has visited a number of customers, after the cyclone in West and also plans to visit the Northern customers. The company also announced a special relief package for customers who have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan. This includes repayment holiday to ease their commitments and also providing additional loans for repair and maintenance of their properties. The suffering and distress that families and businesses are going through will be traumatic hence we, the HFC team want to reach out to them in these times of need, he said. Exciting times for HFC For this year Mr Tikoduadua said: We have some exciting and challenging times with our expansion and product diversification programmes. We look forward to providing enhance service and products to our customers. Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said he was grateful for the donation and
thanked the HFC staff. A bright 2013 Mr Tikoduadua also said: We had a good year in 2012 and we did our best to provide our customers with tailor made solutions for their loan needs. In 2013 we are trying to also look at the less fortunate and help them out with their needs. If we can lift their standards of living than it takes a load off Government and social welfare. He said with the entry of BRED Bank into the market, consumers would benefit from the competition and this was good. Reassurance on funds Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu reassured those present at the cheque presentation that the money would go directly into the Prime Ministers relief fund. We started off the year with about $1million in that bank account and then donations begin to come in we had a total of $4million. The two floods drained about $1.5 million and at the moment there is about 1.5million and we are still utilising it, he said. Minister commends HFC This is the third time for me to personally receive donations from HFC after a natural disaster; Cyclone Tomas in 2010 and then the two floods earlier this year, Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said. Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu quoted the words of Dr Mohammad Anoosh of India and said: As corporate entities reap profits you should be doing social good as well and for us HFC is doing just that for the people of Fiji.
Goundar Shipping has confirmed the rumour is true. It is bringing in a new ship by mid-year. Owner George Goundar said: Im confident that this year we will get a second vessel in because this vessel (Lomaiviti Princess) is being run on a seven-day operation, there is no break. We want to give the engine and our crew a break, were only human and we do tire out. We have to bring in a second vessel to take the load off this ship. The roll-on-roll-off passenger-cargo ferry Lomaiviti Princess operates Suva-Koro-Savusavu-Taveuni and Suva-Kadavu return services. Mr Goundar said within the first six months of this year the new ship should be in the country from Canada. Its a huge investment to bring in another vessel especially with very tight competition in the industry at the moment, he said. The new vessel Mr Goundar said: Its a 120 meter vessel and weve come to a gentlemens agreement with the company of the ship that its up for sale. It was supposed to come in on November 19 last year but one of the ships broke down so it was extended. Ive also looked at another vessel, also from Canada which is a passenger roll-on-roll-off vessel and is 54 metres. This vessel is way smaller and would prove to benefit the islanders because the big ships are too big. Fiji needs a roll-on-roll-off vessel and this vessel will be used as a ferry to the islands. 2012 not a good year Mr Goundar said 2012 could have been
Goundar Shipping Confirms Getting New Ship Mid-Year
a better year for the company. We took a beating this year. We had two main generator failures which cost us almost half a million dollars and our air conditions were also damaged. During the Cyclone Evan we had the MV SOFI smacked into us so that was about $200,000 worth of damage. We took our lumps but hopefully 2013 we will be better prepared. This was also the first year we have been in operation throughout the year, he said. Sorry for discomfort There were talks that passengers were faced with uncomfortable situations when the MV Lomaiviti Princess blew its air conditioning unit. Not denying the situation, Mr Goundar apologised to customers who were affected. We had our bumps this year and we apologize to the travelling public for any inconvenience caused to them. But if you think of it, putting about 500 people on a vessel its takes a couple of hours for the place to cool down. Then people begin to move around and sweat and in their impatience they open up the doors which actually damage the air conditioning system. Last week we just blew another air conditioning plant and in the whole year we have gone through four of these air con plants, he said. Looking forward in 2013 We would like to wish all our customers a Happy New Year and we essentially want them to get more involved with us as well this year. Were putting up a website where they can give their feedback, give us their thoughts so we can see what can be improved upon, he said.
New Years Celebration For Senior Citizens

The Government organized a special New Years celebration dedicated for all the senior citizens in the country. This event was officially opened by His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the Senior Citizens Park in Suva. The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni revealed that this national celebration was dedicated to all the senior citizens around the country in recognition of their lifelong contributions and is also designed to raise awareness on governments programs for senior citizens in Fiji. The Ministry was proud to host the celebration, which will see participation of senior citizens all over Fiji including the social welfare recipients to join these celebrations. The event provided a platform for the senior citizens to learn about Fijis Ageing Policy (2011 to 2015) and information on governments assistance to benefit senior citizens next year. The event also created national awareness on the need to keep senior citizens socially engaged in everyday life, Dr Luveni reiterated. The one day event held at Senior Citizens Park (at Thurston Gardens) in Suva also provided the following services to the senior citizens. Information on Social Pension Scheme for senior citizens (70 years and above) Free health screenings Electronic Voter Registration for senior citizens Information and Registration on Public Service Commission (PSC) Volunteer Scheme The Ministry invited all the senior citizens and public at large to come forward, get information and join the celebrations in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens in Fiji.
14
Fiji News
Fiji Changing Flag First 'Embarrassing' For Australia
Older Persons A Great Source Of Experience And Wisdom
Debate rages on whether Australia should get a new flag design. AUSTRALIA has become one of a small group of former British colonies to keep the Union Jack on its flag, after Fiji moved for change. Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced in a New Year's Day address that his country will be getting a new flag. Harold Scruby, executive director of Ausflag - a group campaigning for a new flag design - said it is an embarrassment that Fiji will change its national flag before Australia. "Australians need to wake up," Mr Scruby told Australian Associated Press. "We need to stop playing the emperor's new clothes and pretending this flag is an Australian flag. It is not. "How embarrassing Fiji has beaten us to it. I think it is disappointing that a country like Fiji has got so much more vision than a country like Australia." But Bert Lane from the Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) said the current flag reflects our history and that it was a "stupid statement" to say it was embarrassing that Fiji would be changing their flag before Australia. "Ausflag, they want to destroy the Australian flag," said Mr Lane, the immediate past president of ANFA Western Australia. "A lot of people love our flag. The symbolism on the Australian national flag - we have the Union Jack to talk about our heritage and our history ... we have the Southern Cross on there to identify our place on the face of the earth." Mr Lane said the Australian flag was the only flag to be designed by the people, for the people, in a competition that attracted 32,823 entries. He said there was also a lot of military history and pride attached to the current Australian flag. National Awareness on Government's 2013 Initiatives for Older Persons in Fiji Government will continue to support and integrate the elderly in decision making and community affairs as the nation looks to greeting the New Year. This was shared by His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today as he launched the National Awareness on Governments 2013 Initiatives for Older Persons in Fiji. At the event, His Excellency reaffirmed to guests who flocked to the Senior Citizens Park, on governments commitment in addressing issues affecting the elderly in Fiji. He reiterated governments role on the elderly in the country and said that population ageing has opened up new markets for experienced workers and a growing cadre of custodians of Fijis culture and caregivers for younger generations. A great source of experience and wisdom is also made available and, if given the opportunity, they can help in areas of counseling, mentoring, in meditation processes in being of open and frank discussions on serious issues. Volunteer work provided by retirees also benefits the society, our country and the pacific region, Ratu Epeli said. Moreover, the 2012 endorsed decree for the National Council of Older persons allows government to establish an advisory body which represents the best interests for older persons in the nation. This promotes the greater integration and participation of older persons in decision making and community affairs, His Excellency said. Furthermore, the National Council in partnership with the Ministry of Health will facilitate the provision of affordable, accessible and high quality primary and long term health care crucial to the well being of older persons. His Excellency praised the efforts of government agencies in the provision of strategies to impact service delivery for all senior citizens of our nation. The presence of the elderly at the launch marked a significant change in the approach to discover potential avenues to promote active and healthy ageing. I urge you to appreciate what is being done for you and then to assist with governments efforts to establish or to strengthen the relevant mechanisms at the district, divisional and national level, so that there is a clear flow of issues, concerns and redress in line with established operations, Ratu Epeli said.
TOURISTS on board the Carnival Spirit cruise liner were out and about in the capital city on Tuesday as the ship berthed for a day at the Suva Wharf. Australian tourists Wendy Ryan and Vince Dennis were among the visitors on board the liner and told this newspaper they planned to return with their grandchildren. "This is my first time to the capital of Fiji, it is really lovely. But it's a shame that it is a public holiday because I had wanted to go to the market, but apart from that Fiji is just a perfect place to come to for a holiday," Ms Ryan said. While only a handful of retail outlets were open on the day, tourists took advantage of the empty streets of Suva, travelling on public transport on
Carnival Cruise liner visits Suva
sightseeing tours around the Suva area and purchasing souvenirs. "We have visited Fiji 10 times already last year; normally we always end up in the Coral Coast and Denarau. "Fiji is such a lovely place and what keeps us coming back is the hospitality of the Fijian people and their warm smiles," Mr Dennis said. Having travelled to 14 countries, Mr Dennis said Fiji seemed to be the best and ideal holiday destination. "The bula greeting from these big Fijian men and their smiles is just awesome," he added. The cruise liner left Suva Wednesday for Port Denarau where it would stop for a day before leaving Fiji for New Caledonia.
30-Year Old Charged Over Westpac Fire

A 30-year-old man, alleged to have been involved in the Westpac Bank fire in Labasa last month, appeared at the Labasa Magistrates Court. Ravinesh Deo had been charged with one count of arson and was denied bail when he appeared before Magistrate Siainui Faalogo Bull. Deo was further remanded in custody. Magistrate Bull was told materials used for the arson case were found by Police at Deos resident. Deo said the materials were given to him by someone in Nasarawaqa who requested him to keep it. The case has been transferred to the High Court and will appear on January 8th.
Fiji News
15
Fiji Anger Over Constitution Confiscation

overstepped his authority. "The Constitution Commission Decree legislates that he was to gather information from the people, write a draft constitution and present the draft constitution to the president," he said. "The president will give it to the Constituent Assembly, who will then... print them and distribute them to the constituent assembly for discussion. "At no stage in the decree was Yash Gai given that responsibility and it would have been premature for Yash Gai to distribute the copies because the constituent assembly has not been nominated, nor have they had the chance to go through the draft constitution." Constitution concerns The confiscation has raised concerns about the process of developing a draft constitution. Amnesty International's Kate Schutze says not making the draft document generally available is a significant human rights issue. "Their actions recently with not allowing the draft to be public are quite concerning, because that would contradict what they're saying about openness and transparency. "If you want a constitution to be legitimised by the people, you need to start having those discussions, and the sooner the government is willing to have that discussion with the people of Fiji, the sooner progress will be made on moving forward." Fijian political activist Shamima Ali says she is concerned the reports may derail the constitution process. "A lot of people have come on board - people who actually did not believe in the process but participated because they saw this as a way forward," she said. "However much we criticised it... this seemed to us to be the only way out - and we have gone in good faith... and now we are now questioning the intentions of such actions and whether there is a true commitment, as the regime has said before, to taking us forward." Fijian historian and academic Brij Lal says the actions of police will not prevent those who are interested from reading the draft constitution. He says the document is available online - but many Fijians may not yet know what has transpired with the printed versions. "None of this has been reported at all in the print media or the radio and so on," he said. "So the vast majority of people who don't have access to internet will not know what has transpired, so keeping it secret from those people may be one intention of the regime."
There's been an angry reaction in Fiji to report copies of the country's draft constitution have been seized by police and some galley proofs set on fire. The Constitution Commission, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution to return the country to democracy, says all 600 copies were seized from the printer last Saturday Commission chairman Professor Yash Ghai says some galley proofs were shredded, soaked in kerosene and set on fire.
Fiji Land Forces Commander Mosese Tikoitoga has told the media that copies were taken, but have not been destroyed. "They were neither shredded, nor were they burnt," he said. "They are still at the Fiji police headquarters, with the commissioner of police, waiting to be given to the constituent assembly if and when the president decides to do so." Colonel Tikoitoga says the copies were confiscated because Yash Gai
Members' Benefit
HIGH yielding investments in domestic, offshore bonds and term deposits which were locked in 2011 contributed to the increase in income for the Fiji National Provident Fund by $3.39million. In its 2012 annual report, the fund said income totaled $242.7m compared to $238.8m for 2011 while two major loan accounts, under Commercial Loans, commenced servicing their debts. "The fund structured its current account rates to earn maximum returns on the cash balances. As a result, the return on investment was 7.2 per cent compared with 6.8 per cent in 2011," the report said. "This enabled the fund to credit 5 per cent to members' accounts on June 30, 2012. The income from the Retirement Income Fund (RIF) totaled $7.2m, reflecting four months of operations, bringing the consolidated investment income to $249.9m. "Government securities remained the dominant asset class, making up approximately 58 per cent of the investment portfolio. "A total of $240m in government bonds was transferred to the RIF as part of the pension reforms." The report said investments in government bonds for the 2012 financial year held a value of $77.6m compared to $237m for 2011. The total portfolio closed at $1.98 billion compared to $2.06b in 2011, the report said. "In terms of quasi-government securities, this portfolio consists of government guaranteed securities in statutory bodies," it said. "The portfolio closed at $231m compared to $331m in 2011. Total investments in quasi-government securities totaled $5m compared to $51m in 2011." The report said the significant decline in the total floats by quasi-government securities was attributed to competitive lower rates offered by commercial banks. Meanwhile, the report said local rates continued to decline during the financial year. The portfolio closed at $104m compared to $173m in 2011. "The (FNPF) board continued dialogue with the Reserve Bank of Fiji for additional approval of offshore investments resulting in the approval of $40m for 2012," the report said. "This was in addition to the $150m approved in the 2011 calendar year. A total of $90m was invested mainly in foreign equities, bonds and term deposits during the year." A total of $20m was also invested in foreign term deposits. This portfolio closed at $86m compared to $59m for 2011.
New 15PC Levy

ALL offshore payments for commercial services irrespective of the amount to be remitted will be subject to NonResident Miscellaneous Withholding Tax. Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) have announced the 15 per cent Non-Resident Miscellaneous Withholding Tax in accordance with Section 8A of the Income Tax Act. FRCA chief executive officer Jitoko Tikolevu said it would be effective January 1st. "All financial instructions and all money exchange dealers are also hereby advised that prior to any remittances for commercial services, tax clearance from FRCA is a requirement irrespective of the amount," Mr Tikolevu said. He said it would be paid in respect of the hire or rent of films whether by way of purchase or long term hire; or any know-how payment and any sum paid or credited for the management of, or supervision of, or the supply of any similar activity in connection with the carrying on of a business. The listing of commercial services include charges, fees and services of royalty and commission, patents, copyright, brokerage and other charges to agents and representatives outside Fiji, movie/film hire, news service, repair, domestic air/shipping, other technical, professional and management fees. For deposits into Fijian dollars external accounts, it includes salaries and wages from employment in Fiji, interest payable on the account, income from rental/ directors fees/gratuity, capital gains tax certificate; signed sale and purchase agreement, original Form B application; rental agreement and letter from the company authorising payment of gratuity. Mr Tikolevu said the tax clearance would be done on the same day provided all relevant documentary evidences were attached.
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Fiji News
17
Bank of Baroda opened a new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in the North. Customers in the North are now provided with banking solutions which are convenient and accessible to them after the second ATM was launched in Labasa. Speaking at the launching, Commissioner Northern LieutenantColonel Ilai Moceica thanked the management and staff of Bank of Baroda for installing the ATM machine. New machine to improve service The installation of this off site ATM machine will surely improve service to the people in the North especially for our rural community. A lot has to be accredited also to the management and staff of Bank of Baroda for rising to the occasion to improving their service for the people in the North, Lieutenant-Colonel Moceica said. Development role Lieutenant-Colonel Moceica has also highlighted Bank of Barodas
Bank Of Baroda Opens Second ATM In Labasa
significant role in development through their various services they provide for the people in the North. Customers that come to Labasa Town have been using the lone on site ATM machine in the centre of the town. With the current location of the off-site ATM at Charan Jeet Singhs building beside the Labasa market, customers will certainly find convenience and accessibility. Customers happy Meanwhile, Avinesh Chand was one of the happy customers who was one of the first to people to use the ATM stated the new ATM will prevent people from standing in long queues especially when the town is busy. The new ATM is located near the Labasa market, bus-stand and supermarkets, he said. Its a good and smart site to install such service in. Mr Chand who lives in Qelewaqa said: I want to thank Bank of Baroda for making things easier for its customers like me.
Bhindi Brothers Lend A Hand To Evan Victims
No Bail For Five

FIVE of the six people charged with receiving new $100 bills stolen from a bank in Suva spent New Year's Day behind bars. Eferemo Caketi, Michael Christopher, Sunia Qerua, Vikash Prasad and Vasemaca Senilagakali appeared before Magistrate Yohan Liyanage on charges of receiving stolen property and giving false information. Mr Caketi was refused bail on the grounds the DPP had received conflicting statements from him. He requested bail, saying he wanted to buy school stationery for his sons. The three security officers Mr Christopher, Mr Qerua and Mr Prasad also requested bail, telling the court they had to repay bank loans, pay house rent and were sole breadwinners in their families. DPP lawyer Nancy Tikoisuva objected to bail, saying although a large amount of money had been recovered the matter was still being investigated. Senilagakali who faces one count of giving false information asked the court for bail, saying she had to look after her three children aged 20, 18 and 12. She told the court her adult children were still dependent on her and that she was living in a de-facto relationship. The court denied them bail and told them to file written bail applications while in the custody of the prisons department.
As Fijians around the country continue to rebuild their lives following the devastation caused by Hurricane Evan, the same can be said for assistance arriving from around the globe for those affected. Former Fiji residents now living in the United States of America but have businesses operating here have come forward to help their countrymen following the wrath of Hurricane Evan. The Bhindi Brothers Partnership which has business operations in the country handed over a cheque of $45,000 to the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama which will go towards those affected by the category four cyclone which displaced many in the western and northern divisions.
Group manager Shashi Dhanji made the presentation to the Prime Minister saying that the donations from the brothers were for their fellow citizens. The Bhindi Brothers are grateful that they are able to come forward during this time of need to help their countrymen following the damages from the cyclone, he said. Prime Minister Bainimarama thanked the brothers saying that todays gesture was a sign of unity among Fijians whether they live in the country or abroad. On behalf of the people of Fiji, I thank the brothers for their contribution towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by the disaster which devastated the western and northern divisions, PM Bainimarama said.
RBF Urged To Hold New Currency

FIVE hundred new design $100 bills with serial numbers ranging from FFA 030 3001- FFA 030 3500 were stolen from a commercial bank last month. And calls have been made to the Reserve Bank of Fiji to hold the circulation of the newly designed currency notes and coins until all the bills have been recovered. Fiji Retailers Association president, Himmat Lodhia, said it was worrying when money was leaked from a bank undetected. He said RBF would need to halt circulation of the new-look currency to allow police time to recover the stolen bills. So far, police recovered $30,000 while the search for the $20,000 continues. Mr Lodhia said $20,000 is a lot of money and if these bills were still in the hands of those involved until the date set aside to circulate these currencies, than all this money would flow unnoticed. "I suggest that they do not release the new-look currency now," Mr Lodhia said. However, questions on whether the leakage of the bills would affect circulation date were unanswered by RBF.. The deputy governor of RBF, Inia Niayaga referred all queries to police. Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said four suspects were arrested with one of them in Taveuni along with his wife, and more than $12,000 new currency in their possession. Another two security officers were arrested and found with a combined total of $17,400 new-look $100 bills in their possession, while a third security officer was arrested in Nadi. She said three of the new-look notes were discovered after transactions in two supermarkets in Suva and one in the Northern division. She said the transactions could have taken place in the Christmas shopping rush. "However that's subject to the outcome of the investigations," Ms Naisoro said. She said the special task force team made up of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was working very hard to recover the stolen currency and bring those responsible to justice. Early last month, RBF governor, Barry Whiteside confirmed that the new-look Fiji currency would be made available for public use from January 2, 2013.
E-Ticketing To Start This Month

The use of e-ticketing in public bus will start this month, Land Transport Authority CEO Naisa Tuinaceva confirms. Installations of the consoles in buses are almost completed and should be ready by this weekend. People should be able to get a card from any M-Paisa outlet in Fiji, Tuinaceva said in a statement. This card will enable them to travel in buses with console machines without paying any form of cash and will eventually be issued with a receipt for the journey. Passengers have the liberty to use their cards to pay for more than one bus fare when boarding. LTA has asked members of the pubic to bear with the change urging people to come forward if they are finding any difficulty with the bus drivers. The LTA will take all necessary action to implement the project. It will also start exercising its regulatory laws in due course charging those who have not kept up with the progress and have failed to comply with the requirements so far, Tuinaceva said.

604.909.4088
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Chai Time
Aries Physical energy is important. To ensure a good supply of this, we try to eat, sleep and exercise carefully. Mental energy matters far more - yet few of us show it the same respect. Imagine trying to push over a solid brick wall or running endlessly round in circles. You wouldn't want to do either for long. Yet in your mind you will often push hard against immovable obstacles or go round the same old wheel of thoughts and ideas for day after day. Now, a question. How constructively could you use your brainpower this week if you were not funneling it into a pointless conflict or a futile fantasy? Neptune and Uranus are urging you to ignore what's totally impossible and dwell instead, on what's feasible but far-fetched. Do that and you'll get a minor miracle. Taurus There's an old Latin saying 'In Vino Veritas'. Roughly translated, it means; after a drink or two, folk are much more likely to be honest. Under the influence of alcohol or indeed, of any other strong intoxicant (such as inspiration or flattery), we say more about what we think and more too, about our deepest feelings. We don't though, become more accurate about the reasons for these. Our judgement gets flawed and our ability to see the bigger picture reduces. I'm not casting aspersions here. I'm just pointing out that you are now "under the influence" of a cosmic cocktail. Astrological factors are loosening your tongue and liberating your emotions. It's fine as long as you don't go too far. Be aware that sooner or later, there'll be a morning after. Gemini Mercury arrives, this week, in the part of your chart that governs "social interaction". Some astrologers call it the house of friends and acquaintances but there are deeper meanings to this area of the sky. It covers issues such as "where you stand in society", "who thinks what of you", "how much you listen to what folk say" and "what contacts and connections you have." Astrological activity here normally brings a greater involvement with other people's soap operas. Because the activity is largely positive now, it looks as if you are about to do something heroic. Is there someone who needs rescuing or a troubled situation that needs sorting out? You are about to be a healing influence. You may create some drama but in the process you'll help many of those around you. Cancer That was then, this is now." Make that your motto and repeat it this week each time you feel tempted to return to some old - and now redundant - way of being. Cancerians do tend to be creatures of habit. They adhere to the famous old showbiz saying "Once you find a successful formula; stick to it."
Sometimes though, they follow the formula even when it is no longer successful. They feel the devil they know must be better than the one they don't - even when that old devil has become truly diabolical. It takes a lot to shift them but once they DO shift, there is no stopping them. You may not be typical of your sign in every respect but the above is very relevant now. You are moving on in the best possible way for the best possible reasons towards the best possible future. Leo We all enjoy a certain amount of fantasy. Sometimes though, we have to wise up and wake up. Our cosy dreams can turn into nightmares when we start taking them without a pinch of salt. The sky is now obliging you to face an awkward fact. Don't resent this. You're far better off with the true picture. Just remember; if it's artificial or empty, there's no room for it in your world. You can't act out a charade - any more than you can accept a delivery of a gift that's not intended for you. Someone else's idea of what's great is no good to you. Nor is your own, old definition of happiness. You're growing and learning. You no longer want what you once wanted. You now have to let go of all that is redundant in order to embrace something new and exceedingly appropriate. Virgo Not all your friends are true friends but those who are, are special indeed. Much the same can now be said of your opportunities. Some should not be taken too seriously but in your heart, you know which ones are vital and valid. Mercury's change of sign this week is your invitation to apply some discrimination to your situation. Weed out the rubbish. Look at what's potentially brilliant and polish it till it shines. No matter what you think about a seemingly insoluble problem, think again. And again. Keep thinking till you're sure you've covered every point from every possible angle. Your strategy needs to be intelligent and informed. Why stumble along in the half darkness when there is a light switch within reach? If you can't see what you need to see, seek a way to see it. Libra How do you feel about the future? Are you looking forward to it with interest and excitement or nervously steeling yourself for insecurity and trouble? The Full Moon in Libra plus Mercury's arrival in your opposite sign suggests the latter. Even if you're normally full of hope, you're seeing a reason to worry. Really though, you are rather like someone who has driven their car to the mechanic for a check. A little rattle in the engine has been growing slowly more noticeable. The expert takes one look and expresses amazement that you have managed to stay on the road. You have no idea how badly you need the change that is about to come to your life. This week, you will see improvement
after improvement - and it will become clear that you have started to make a set of exceedingly wise moves. Scorpio Sometimes, in our desire to take good care of the people we love and the things we care about, we can become unadvisedly over protective. We try too hard, we give more than we should and, in the process, we not only stretch ourselves too far, we prevent an essential development from taking place as it should. Some lessons can only be learned 'the hard way'. If those lessons really 'must be learned', we have to stand at a distance while our companions are learning them. Be kind by all means this week but don't be too soft or sweet. There's a time and a place for conciliation and pacification. Right now, you need to be bold, inventive, strong and sure. Something has to change yet it really cannot do so properly until you assert yourself fully and properly. Sagittarius What goes up... must come down." There's no denying the law of gravity but it doesn't automatically follow that a descent will immediately follow an elevation. Things can sometimes float, glide or hover in the air for long period before they return to earth. Nor does the eventual landing have to be unhappy. Jupiter's link to Mercury tells us that something good is 'rising'. Don't be afraid of it falling again. That will only make you heavy and more prone to turn the fear into a reality. Instead, make yourself light... and stay high. You have the capacity to cope with adversity plus the wisdom to see what has caused it - and thus how to solve it. You are no longer clinging to a rickety lifeboat in a sea of uncertainty. You are now safely aboard a solid ship of strength. Capricorn You are emerging now, from an intense process of reflection and evaluation. You should be starting to feel older, wiser and more 'adult'. It is possible that you may also feel slightly ashamed of a recent outburst or that you regret a development that took place some while back. You will soon though, understand how necessary this was.
Without it - or the lesson you learned from it, you would not have been able to make the amazing progress that is now becoming possible. As you do now increase the rate of positive change in your life remember that speed is always a scary proposition. You are not though, a helpless passenger. You are the pilot of your own vehicle. Concentrate hard on keeping to a safe route because as long as you know where you are going and why, you will be fine. Aquarius You can't deny what you know. You can't pretend you don't know it, either to protect yourself from the pain of a harsh truth or to help keep someone else in a state of blissful ignorance. You don't though, have to see this need for realism as a threat or a punishment. Instead of reluctantly conceding a fact and apologetically communicating it, embrace it and accept it. It is easy to count your causes for complaint and conclude that you have a raw deal. If though, you add up your reasons to feel glad you can soon see that these vastly outnumber the negatives. Your situation is focusing your mind and urging you to look to the future with a clever, cautious eye. An exciting new course of action is open to you. Take this up enthusiastically and all will be fine. Pisces Mars and the Sun both align to your ruler this week. Though you may now face pressure you will find that these two cosmic influences soon wipe away yesterday's tears and leave you wondering what ever made you sad in the first place. You are having - or soon will have, a profound realization. Through this, you will set out to accomplish something magical and wonderful. It is as if a penny is starting to drop. Slowly at first and then more rapidly, you are becoming aware of what you need to be doing, where you ought to be heading, which you ought to be spending more time with. About all these crucial conclusions, you are absolutely correct. Prepare for an experience of true success - in an area where it makes all the sense in the world to be committed.
Chai Spice Tea

Ingredients:
2 cups water 4 tea bags, black tea 2 cups 2% milk 2 tablespoons honey 2 slices fresh ginger, cut into 1 1/2 inch slices 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice for 2 minutes. Remove tea bags. 2. Add remaining ingredients to tea and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Strain and serve hot.
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add tea bags, reduce heat and simmer
World News
19
Assailants In Bus Tried To Run Over Delhi Gang-Rape Victim

the six drunk men on board when he tried to protect her. Authorities in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where Nirbhaya was in her last days, will forward their postmortem report to Delhi Police after it is attested by the top Indian officials there. "Since Safdarjung Hospital was where the treatment began, their doctors will go over the postmortem details, compare it with the treatment she received here and finally give the exact cause of her death," said additional DCP (PRO) Rajan Bhagat. It will be one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in the case that the police are building against the six accused. Sources said the police had found out that the girl was taken to the back of the bus and pinned down by two of the accusedAkshay Thakur and another who is a minor. As she fought these men, she bit Akshay, the main accused Ram Singh, and another accused, Vinay Sharma. Forensic tests will establish the fightback, said sources. The chargesheet will most likely begin with main accused driver Ram Singh and how he got his motley group of four men and a minor in the bus. A sample of the victim's hair and blood have reportedly been recovered from Ram's nails. Sources said the chargesheet was likely to mention how after his wife's death in 2008, he become an alcoholic and picked up fights regularly. Police claimed that he got along with no one except co-accused, brother
Nirbhaya was not only beaten up and brutalized in a moving bus, the six accused would have run over her, had her friend not pulled her aside in the nick of time. The revelation came from top sources in Delhi giving the final touches to the chargesheet that is expected to be filed by the weekend if not on January 3. The police chargesheet in the case, sources said, is likely to give details of the horrific brutalityof the six men and the valiant efforts of the 23-year-old and her friend to fight them off. As she was being pinned down andraped, she bit three of the assaulters. Meanwhile, the owner of the private chartered bus, Dinesh Yadav, has gone missing from his Noida residence. North district police have registered
a case against him at the Civil Lines police station for filing a false government affidavit. The bite marks on the three accused men are likely to be part of the Delhi Police's evidence, the sources said. Sources said the chargesheet would detail how and when the bus had arrived near Munirka bus stand on December 16, with three of the six accused sitting on passengers' seats to give the impression of a normal bus journey. This was the primary reason why the girl and her male friend boarded the bus to reach home after watching a film. Key testimony lies in the statement of the software engineer who was accompanying Nirbhaya on the bus and was assaulted with an iron rod by
Mukesh. Since January 2012, he had been driving the schoolbus and court hearing regarding a previous accident are still on. One of the charges against Ram Singh is destruction of evidence wherein he allegedly washed the bus to erase all proof of the crime. He also burned the clothes that the men had snatched off the victims before throwing them by the roadside. Police said they have two eyewitnesses who saw the accused cleaning up the bus. They have also recovered CCTV footage from the south Delhi mall where the victim and her friend spent almost three hours from 5.30pm. The friend's mobile phone too will be crucial evidence in the case, as police have found that the accused had received two calls meant for him. Charges of dacoity have already been added to the others against the six men murder, attempt to murder, gangrape, sodomy, kidnapping and robbery. The first draft of the chargesheet, sources say, cites around 80 witnesses, including the doctors who treated the student, first in Delhi, and then at the Singapore hospital. While in critical condition in hospital, Nirbhaya gave her statements in front of two magistrates. Senior police sources say the chargesheet has been vetted by legal experts, and the police will ask for death penalty for the six accused. The minor cannot be tried in court, so a report will be sent to the Juvenile Justice Board, which will handle his case.
We Speak EnGLiSH, Hindi & pUnJaBi
20
World News
Gang-Rape Victim Cremated In Delhi

Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi received body Amid outpouring of anger and grief in the country, the body of the 23-yearold gang-rape victim was flown from Singapore early Sunday morning and cremated within hours. The mortal remains were flown to the capital in a Special Aircraft of Air India and after landing at IGI airport, the plane was taken to its technical area where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi were present to receive the body. Both Singh and Gandhi spoke to the family members and consoled them. The body was then taken to Mahavir Enclave residence where the girl lived and religious rituals were performed before taking it to the crematorium at Dwarka sector-24 amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and RAF personnel. The cremation took place under a dense cover of fog. Minister of state for Home Affairs R P N Singh, West Delhi MP Mahabal Mishra, Delhi BJP chief Vijender Gupta were also present at the cremation. Media was not allowed in the crematorium. A Special aircraft of Air India carrying the mortal remains of the victim, who died in Mount Elizabeth hospital last Saturday morning, landed at IGI airport at around 3.30 am. The girl, a physiotherapy student, was gang raped and brutally assaulted allegedly by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16 night. While undergoing treatment at Safdarjung hospital, she was shifted to the Singapore hospital for further treatment. The aircraft AIC-380A took off from Singapore at around 12:30 AM local time (10:00 PM IST Saturday), Indian High Commission officials said. On the chartered plane, sent by the Indian government, were her family members who have been in Singapore since the girl was brought to the hospital in an extremely critical condition. The victim, who underwent three surgeries, had damaged internal organs in the assault. She also suffered a cardiac arrest and brain injury. A statement by Singapore's Mount Elizabeth hospital where the 23-yearold victim was being treated said she "died peacefully". Her family and officials from the High Commission of India were by her side. The Mount Elizabeth Hospital team of doctors, nurses and staff joined her family in mourning her loss, the hospital's chief executive Kelvin Loh said in a statement. She had remained in an extremely critical condition since being admitted to the hospital, Dr Loh said, with doctors mounting a last-ditch battle to save her life. "Despite all efforts by a team of eight specialists in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to keep her stable, her condition continued to deteriorate over the two days," he said. "She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain. She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome. "We are humbled by the privilege of being tasked to care for her in her final struggle." Although the identity of the young woman has not yet been released, reports have said she was a medical student who hailed from a rural area of Uttar Pradesh, India's largest state which borders the capital New Delhi. Her parents, who had travelled to Singapore after she was flown out by air ambulance last Wednesday night, are said to have sold their small piece of land in order to fund their daughter's education, often limiting their own meals to little more than rotis with namak (bread with salt), according to NDTV. Indian television news channels carried blanket coverage from Singapore after news of the death broke. The NDTV network ran a ticker-tape headline "RIP India's Daughter" while the Times Now channel headlined the news "Braveheart Passes Away". India's High Commissioner to Singapore T.C.A. Raghavan said the woman's family was "shattered" by her death. "The scale of her injuries was very great," Raghavan told reporters at the hospital. "It was very trying for the family. The girl of course was unconscious... I must say they (the family) bore the entire process with a great deal of fortitude and a great deal of courage." The body was taken to a morgue, and Raghavan said arrangements were being made for it to be returned to India in line with the family's wishes. The horrific ordeal of the woman has galvanized Indians, who have held almost daily demonstrations to demand greater protection from sexual violence, from groping to rape, that affects thousands of women every day, but which often goes unreported. The woman and a male friend, who have not been identified, were travelling on a bus in New Delhi after watching a film on the evening of Dec. 16 when they were attacked by six men who raped her. The men also beat the couple and inserted an iron rod into the woman's body, resulting in severe organ damage. Both were then stripped and thrown off the bus, according to police. Authorities in India have been preparing for the possibility her death could ignite more protests after riot police were deployed on the capital's streets in the wake of the attack amid simmering anger at the daily dangers women face. In a bulletin issued after her arrival in Singapore, doctors at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital said the 23-year-old was battling an infection in her lungs and remained critically ill after the horrific attack. On Thursday night, the hospital revealed that the woman, who is a student in Delhi, had undergone "three abdominal surgeries and experienced a cardiac arrest in India" as it gave the first detailed rundown of her condition. The woman had been treated in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital since she was thrown off a bus in the capital after six men took turns to rape her at the back of the vehicle. She also suffered severe intestinal injuries as a result of being assaulted with an iron bar, according to police and prosecutors. The decision to fly her in a special air ambulance was taken at a meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet on Wednesday, the government having promised to pay all her medical bills. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the government's only concern was to ensure the victim received "the best treatment possible". "The doctors of Safdarjung Hospital and those from Trauma centre, they were called and consulted," he told reporters. However newspapers have suggested that authorities who have struggled to contain nationwide protests over the attack were keen to have her transferred out of the country. An unnamed doctor who was part of a team of experts consulted about the transfer told The Hindu newspaper that they had only been asked whether it was safe to move her rather than if it was the best course of action. "The question was not whether there were any deficiencies in treatment that would be met by moving her... She was being given the best possible care." Samiran Nundy, chairman of the organ transplant and gastro-surgery department of Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told the paper the transfer made little sense. "I just can't understand why a critically ill patient with infection in blood and body, high grade fever and on the ventilator is being transferred," he said. "It will take weeks in this case to even look into the possibility of an intestinal transplant so why hurry and take the patient out from a facility which works so well. It seems more of a political move." Mr Singh has ordered an official inquiry into the gang-rape and promised new laws to protect women as well as stiffer penalties for the worst sex crimes. The government has announced plans to post the photos, names and addresses of convicted rapists on official websites to publicly shame them. The campaign will begin in Delhi, which has been dubbed India's "rape capital". Mr Shinde also said that Delhi police would soon launch a drive to recruit more female officers as a confidencebuilding measure. "Every police station should have women police personnel," the minister said. "I have suggested that each of the 166 police stations in Delhi should have at least one woman officer. We don't have enough to meet that target yet, but I told them that as many as possible should be deployed until we recruit more women." The Delhi gang-rape has shown the spotlight on a crime that occurs on a daily basis in India, with most such assaults taking place in rural areas. Police said that a 15-year-old schoolgirl had her throat slit after being gangraped in the Pali Muqimpure area of Uttar Pradesh state. A hunt has been launched for three youths after the attack, said a report by the Press Trust of India news agency. Police have slapped murder charges, which has death penalty in rarest of rare cases, against the six accused and will file the charge sheet against them. Investigators said they will seek the harshest punishment for the culprits.
17-Year-Old Raped By Two In Delhi On December 31

Just hours before Nirbhaya's ashes were immersed in the Ganga, a 17-year-old girl studying in class XI of a prominent south Delhi school was allegedly sedated and raped by two men at a New Year's party in the upscale Safdarjung Enclave area of south Delhi, police sources told TOI on Tuesday. The two accused, who work in leading IT companies, were arrested late at night after the girl approached the police. They live in Sarojini Nagar with their families. Both are in their late 20s. While one is a computer engineer with an IT company, the other works in the HR department of a blue-
New Year, Old Shame
chip tech and consulting multinational, an officer said. The accused were produced in Saket court on Tuesday afternoon and later sent to Tihar jail. The whole operation was kept under wraps by the police. TOI attempted to call senior police officers to confirm the report and also sent text messages but got no response. Sources in Delhi Police revealed that the girl had said in her statement that one of the accused had befriended her on a social networking site a few months ago. The accused had expressed his wish to meet the victim several times and use to chat with her online.
World News
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Four Dead After Plane Runs Hillary Clinton Has Blood Off Runway In Russia Clot Under Skull: Doctors
HEART-stopping video has emerged of how close one motorist came to becoming another victim of the deadly Moscow plane crash. US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has a blood clot between her brain and skull, but she is expected to make a full recovery, her doctors say. Ms Clinton was admitted to a New York hospital after doctors discovered a blood clot, stemming from a concussion she received last month. A subsequent scan revealed "a clot in the vein that is situated in the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear. It did not result in a stroke, or neurological damage," the doctors said in a statement. They said Ms Clinton was "making excellent progress and we are confident she will make a full recovery." "She is in good spirits, engaging with her doctors, her family, and her staff," they added in the statement. Ms Clinton's top aide, Philippe Reines, said on Sunday the popular US secretary of state would stay in the hospital for some 48 hours so she could be monitored while on anti-coagulant drugs. In December the 65-year-old contracted a bad stomach virus during a five-day stay in Europe. She had to cancel a planned trip to North Africa and Abu Dhabi due to the
The incredible video shows how a casual weekend drive could have resulted in catastrophic consequences when a passenger airliner careered off the runway at Russia's third-busiest airport while landing, broke into three pieces and caught fire, killing at least four people. The driver's camera captures the moment the plane crashes into the highway, and you can even make out one of the plane's wheels hurtling into the vehicle in front. After a screeching of brakes and loud impact noise, the driver casually brings the car to a halt by the side of the road. State television news channel Vesti showed a photo of the wrecked plane's fuselage with the livery of the low-cost Russian Red Wings airline. Its nose, including the cockpit area, appeared sheared off. Government officials believe the cause of the crash could be pilot error. Light snow was falling in Moscow at the time. The Russian-made Tu-204 jet was flying in from Pardubice, in the Czech Republic after dropping off tourists and then returning to its home Moscow base with just crew on board. Officials said there were eight people aboard the Tu-204 belonging to
Russian airline Red Wings that was flying back from the Czech Republic without passengers to its home at Vnukovo Airport. Emergency officials said in a televised news conference that four people were killed and another four severely injured when the plane rolled off the runway into a snowy field and partly onto an adjacent highway, then disintegrated. The plane's impact with the highway embankment sent the severed nose sliding over the icy road while the rest of the jet rested just past the airport's fence - its tail linked to the rest of the body by only a tangle of wreckage. The plane's cockpit area was sheared off from the fuselage and a large chunk gashed out near the tail. Russian state television showed live footage of rescuers climbing into the wreck with search lights as night fell over Moscow with the plane still blocking traffic on the busy Kiev Highway. ''According to updated information, four people were killed and four more were injured,'' the interior ministry said in a statement. A health ministry official said the four survivors were being treated for head injuries at various Moscow hospitals. The Interfax news agency said both pilots were among the dead.
illness. A week later, Ms Clinton's doctors said she had become severely dehydrated due to the effects of the stomach bug and fainted, hitting her head and suffering concussion. Ms Clinton previously had a blood clot in her leg in 1998 while she was first lady in the White House of her husband and then-president Bill Clinton. She described the previous clot as the "most significant health scare" she had ever had. "That was scary because you have to treat it immediately - you don't want to take the risk that it will break loose and travel to your brain or your heart or your lungs," she told the New York Daily News in October 2007.
Five Killed In Bus Crash On US Highway At Deadman's Pass

A TOUR bus careened through a guardrail on an icy Oregon highway and fell several hundred feet down an embankment, killing five people and injuring about 20 others. The charter bus carrying some 40 people lost control around 10.30am local time on Sunday on the snowand ice-covered lanes of Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon, according to the Oregon State Police. Lieutenant Greg Hastings said the accident happened on the west end of the Blue Mountains, near an area called "Deadman Pass" where stretches of the highway tend to be icy in winter months. I-84 is a major east-west highway through Oregon that follows the Columbia River Gorge. Police did not say where the vehicle was travelling to or from, or provide information on the company that owns the bus. Rescue workers were using ropes to help rescue people from the crash scene.
Heartbroken Man Discovers Affair, Moves Into A Tree

A MAN in India has been living in a tree for nine months since finding his wife in bed with a neighbour.
The husband, known only as Sanjay, was shocked to discover the lovers together when he returned home from work in March. After his wife, Tara, then walked out to live with her parents, Sanjay, 25, climbed a guava tree in the village where his family live. He has stayed there since and says he will climb down when his wife says sorry and returns to him. "Whenever we try to bring him down, he threatens to commit suicide," said his mother. The police have not yet been informed. His sister said: "As long as he is safe there, we are happy for him." The families have brought him food to eat since guavas went out of season.
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World News
US Senate Approves Deal On 'Fiscal Cliff'

The White House and top Republicans have struck a dramatic deal to avert huge New Year tax increases and postpone automatic spending cuts that had threatened to send the US economy into recession. After months of agony over the crisis, weeks of debate about a possible solution and days of intense closeddoor negotiations, members of the US Senate voted 89-8 early on Tuesday to pass a controversial bill that averts the "fiscal cliff". It now goes to the House of Representatives, which could hold a vote on the measure later on New Year's Day. If agreed by Congress, it would hand President Barack Obama a victory by increasing tax rates on households earning over $US450,000 ($A436,000) a year but exempt everyone else from a planned tax increase. "While neither Democrats nor Republicans got everything they wanted, this agreement is the right thing to do for our country and the House should pass it without delay," Obama said in a statement after the vote. The deal puts off $US109 billion in budget cuts across the government for two months, but in the process sets the stage for a new showdown between Obama's Democrats and Republicans in dysfunctional Washington at the end of February. "There's more work to do to reduce our deficits, and I'm willing to do it," Obama said. Vice-President Joe Biden, who negotiated the deal with top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, trooped to Capitol Hill to sell it to Democratic senators, some of whom wanted tax increases to kick in at a lower threshold. Had no deal been struck, experts warned that the fragile US economy unemployment insurance for two million people that had been due to expire. It also includes an end to a temporary two per cent cut to payroll taxes for Social Security retirement savings and changes to inheritance and investment taxes. A source familiar with the deal said that the delay to spending cuts - known as the sequester - was financed by increased revenues and spending cuts from defence and non-defence spending. Earlier, on a day of drama and brinkmanship, Obama had angered Republicans when he warned that he was not done with seeking higher taxes on the rich to pay down the US budget deficit. "I know the president has fun heckling Congress. It's unfortunate he doesn't spend as much time solving problems as he does with campaigns and pep rallies," Tennessee Republican Senator Bob Corker said. Signs that a deal could be close cheered investors as US markets rose before closing for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up by 1.28 per cent at 13,104.14. Relief seemed to course through the Senate during and after the vote, but both sides were already gearing up for the next legislative showdown, over the need to lift the government's statutory borrowing limit of $US16.4 trillion, reached on Monday. The Treasury will take extraordinary measures to keep the government afloat for an undisclosed period until the ceiling is raised. Republicans are already demanding spending cuts in return. That fight will now be doubled, with the deadline for the two-month sequester postponement set up by the fiscal cliff agreement.
After months of agony over the crisis, the US Senate has voted 89-8 to pass a controversial bill that averts the so-called fiscal cliff. could have been sent spinning back into recession by the $US500 billion combined whack from spending cuts and tax rises. In the end, the deal was clinched a few hours before a midnight deadline. The Senate vote came just after 2.00am while the House was not due back into session until Tuesday. Now it remains for Republican House Speaker John Boehner to rally his restive conservative coalition around the pact, which will likely need some Democratic votes in the House to pass. For two decades, Republicans have fought any attempt to increase taxes so White House officials will see vindication in a deal that enshrines one of Obama's top pledges in his reelection campaign. In a terse statement, Boehner said his chamber would pick up the legislation if it passed the Senate. "Decisions about whether the House will seek to accept or promptly amend the measure will not be made until House members - and the American people - have been able to review the legislation," he said. Democrats suggested that the deal, like many congressional bargains, was not perfect, but that it was preferable to the alternative. "It's not that this proposal is regarded as great or is loved in any way, but it's a lot better than going over the cliff," New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer told reporters. World sharemarkets, expected to be thrown into turmoil by a failure to beat the deadline, are closed on New Year's Day so members of Congress have a few extra hours of breathing room to get the deal concluded. The deal means a return to Bill Clintonera tax rates for top earners to 39.6 per cent, starting for couples who make $US450,000 a year and above. Obama had originally campaigned for tax increases to kick in on household income of about $US250,000. The president said earlier that the deal would extend tax credits for clean energy companies and also
In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh, a pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her husband who slit her throat with a knife, police said last Saturday. According to police, the accused, Arvind, took his 23-year-old wife Hemlata, to Nurpur Marg on the pretext of driving her to her parents' house and killed her. The crime came to light at a checkpost near Agri village when police noticed blood stains on the accused's hand and found the seriously wounded
Husband Slits Throat Of EightMonth Pregnant Woman
Hemlata inside his car. The accused claimed that unidentified assailants had attacked his wife and wounded her following which police personnel took them to the district hospital for treatment where Hemlata was declared brought dead. It was during interrogations that the accused finally confessed to the crime citing domestic discord. Police said that Hemlata, who was almost eightmonths pregnant, had married Arvind in February last year.
Dad Gives $150M Dowry For Lavish Wedding

A CHINESE billionaire has given four boxes of gold jewellery as part of a $150 million dowry for his daughter that also included $3 million in bank deposits and a property portfolio. Wu Duanbiao, chairman of Fujian gold and bankbooks as part of their Wanli Group reportedly gave the dowry have surfaced online. generous dowry which included several A spokesperson for Duanbiao's Wanli homes to his daughter and her husband management confirmed the generous along with donations to charity said to dowry outlay, but denied that eight be worth over $2.4 million. day feasting, saying the bride's father Wu's son-in-law is a civil servant with had opted to "keep things simple", the surname Xu, who has known his according to The South China Morning bride since the pair were in kindergarten Post. together, according to media reports. Lavish weddings and expensive The lavish wedding which took place dowries have long been a custom in on Sunday, reportedly included eight China's Fujian province where it is days of lavish banquets for guests thought the gifts will ensure the bride which began on December 28 in Cizao is treated well by her husband and town in Jinjiang county in the Fujian in-laws. Last month a billionaire in province. Jinjiang bestowed a dowry worth $308 Pictures of the couple receiving the million on his daughter.
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ICBC offered me $32,000 to finish my case. I was off work for 6 monthsand saw a specialist because of my jaw injury. I couldnt mop the floor or clean our bathroom without help from my children. I received $200,000 through my lawyers efforts. Mrs. S ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The damage to my vehicle was about $1,700. ICBC said this was a Low Velocity Impact (LVI) and refused to pay me for my injuries and physio costs. My lawyer obtained more than $45,000 for me. Mrs. B ___________________________________________________________________________________________ A car hit me as I walked across the street. ICBC blamed me because of the color of my clothing. My lawyer worked hard and obtained necessary evidence. My case settled for over $300,000. MRS.C. *Past cases are not necessarily indicative of future results and amounts recovered may vary according to the facts in each case.
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THINKING OF BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN?

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D. About 640,000. 6) What does a Member of Parliament do? A. He or she works for the Governor General. B. He or she links Canadians to the federal government. C. He or she represents the Queen. D. He or she liaises with the municipal government. 7) How can you help to protect the environment? A. Use electricity instead of gas. B. Walking, cycling, taking transit or carpooling wherever possible. C. Drive a car to go to and come back from work by yourself. D. Do not buy gas at a higher price. 8) What is the Canadian Constitution? A. A system of laws and conventions which our country governs itself by. 3) When was the Canadian Pacific Railway finished? A. Late 1800s. B. Late 1700s. C. Late 1600s. D. Early 1700s. 4) What does the Canadian flag look like? A. A red maple leaf with white in the background. B. White with a red border on each end and a red maple leaf in the center. C. White and red with the federal emblem. D. White and red with a deer in the center. 5) How many Canadians served in the World War II? A. About 100,000. B. About 800,000. C. More than one million.
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1) What does it mean for a political party to "be in power"? A. To hold the nuclear button. B. To have the most elected representatives. C. To gain the approval of the Queen. D. To generate electricity. 2) What forms a jury? A. A number of people who knows laws well. B. A group of judges C. An impartial jury is made up of citizens. D. Contains at least a lawyer.
B. The laws which formed the country. C. Municipal and local bylaws. D. The laws which govern the Territories in Canada. 9) How can you contact your Member of Parliament? A. Write a letter to the Premier of your province. B. Write a letter to the Prime Minister. C. Call the office of the party in power. D. Write a letter to the House of Commons. 10) Which territory shares a border with another country? A. British Columbia. B. Northwest Territories. C. Alberta. D. Yukon Territory. 1.B 6.B 2.C 7.B ANSWERS 3.A 4.B 8.A 9.D 5.C 10.D
Canada's Controversial 2012 Changes To Immigration And Refugee System

If passed, the bill would make it easier for Ottawa to deport an immigrant with permanent resident status who has been sentenced to six months or more for a crime. There would also be no right to an appeal. At present, the law only allows such action if someone has been sentenced to two years less a day, and there is a right to appeal. The new law, if passed, will effectively impose a one strike and youre out rule, according to critics. Kenney has tightened up the rules around spousal sponsorship and conditional permanent residence status, triggering criticism from human rights lawyers, refugee groups and womens groups. Foreigners sponsored to enter Canada as spouses must stay in the relationship for two years before theyre granted permanent residence status under the new law. If they dont, they face deportation. Kenney argues that the new law will crack down on marriage fraud. The caveat: It does not apply to those who are victims of abuse or neglect, Kenney said. The minister of immigration announced that Ottawa would be changing the point system used to judge skilled-immigrant applications, emphasizing language skills and professional credentials equivalent to Canadas. Language proficiency will become a more important factor in whether applicants are approved. Refugees Kenney performed radical surgery on Canadas refugee system. He moved to designate specific refugees as irregular arrivals which allows for mandatory arrest and detention for up to a year. The law was prompted by two boatloads of Tamil refugees who in 2009 and 2010 arrived on the shores
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has played a key role in making changes that, among other things, favour skilled workers and require future citizens to pass language proficiency tests. Over the past year Ottawa has made some sweeping and controversial changes to the immigration, asylum and refugee system, and the rules involving Canadian citizenship. In doing so, the federal Conservative government has radically changed the landscape and made it much tougher for many to make Canada their home. Here is a primer on the most critical changes. Immigrants Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced he was going to wipe out the federal skilled workers program backlog and establish a new pool of immigrant skilled workers. The announcement triggered a legal challenge to be heard in Federal Court in January 2013. Known as the Expression of Interest System, the new program will allow employers to choose potential candidates from a ready pool of prescreened skilled workers. Its similar to a program currently used in New Zealand and Australia. Kenney announced a new direction in the federal skilled workers program, opening the door for skilled trades workers and offering permanent residency to electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics and pipefitters to help relieve the labour shortage amid a construction boom in places such as Alberta and Ontario, which will host the Pan American Games in 2015. Kenney has given himself, in Bill C-43, legislation that is still before Parliament, sweeping powers to bar people from being allowed into Canada for public policy considerations. In the same bill, Ottawa has changed the rules governing deportation of criminals who are permanent residents.
of British Columbia. The law calls for officials to detain migrants for investigation. Whats more irregular arrivals are banned from applying for permanent resident status, sponsoring family members and acquiring refugee travel documents for five years even if their refugee claims are accepted. Ottawa has created a list of safe countries of origin countries considered capable of providing state protection for their citizens. A total of 27 countries have been named, 25 of them from the European Union. They include: Austria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Countries will be designated safe if their combined rejection, withdrawal and abandonment rate of asylum claims exceeds 75 per cent or when the withdrawn and abandoned caseload tops 60 per cent. Refugees from safe countries will have their case fast-tracked through the refugee process, with their claims heard within 30 to 45 days. They will not be able to appeal the decision and will be removed from Canada in a year. All other eligible refugee claimants will receive a hearing within 60 days after their claim is referred to the refugee board. In a surprising move to the medical community and refugee advocates, Kenney announced that Ottawa would cut health benefits to refugee claimants. He claimed the move would save Ottawa $100 million over five years and discourage unfounded refugees from coming to Canada to seek medical care. Continued Next Week
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Canada News
Bogus Cellphone Roaming Charges Irk Border Residents

Rogers says 'accidental roaming' is an industry-wide challenge
A Rogers Wireless customer who lives near the B.C.-Washington border is upset about being overcharged more than $400 in U.S. roaming charges for calls and texts her family made while at home in Canada. It has literally been a nightmare dealing with this, said Jane Goundrey, of White Rock, B.C. We've roamed inside our house at least 75, 80 per cent of the time. Goundrey said that on her street the Rogers signal cant compete with the powerful signal from AT&T in Washington. As a result, her familys phones automatically switch to the U.S. network. The only way a Rogers customer gets coverage here is to roam into the States. Why dont they just admit that up front? Goundrey asked. Rogers signal unreliable She said the root of the problem is that her neighbourhood doesnt get adequate service from Rogers. Their first advice is just turn your roaming off. And I say when I turn my roaming off I do not have any cellphone coverage, said Goundrey. Rogers does not have a cell tower here that does work. Rogers spokeswoman Sara Holland acknowledged to Go Public that accidental roaming is a problem. Network signal overlaps can happen near the U.S. border. Its an industrywide challenge and unfortunately it can affect our customers too, said Holland. In terms of White Rock, we do have a number of cell sites and we are looking at other sites to improve our service in that area to cut down on accidental roaming. Critics say many Canadians living along the border are frustrated by domestic wireless carriers who do not invest enough in cell towers. Unfortunately for consumers, there isnt a whole lot of economic incentive for the telecom companies to fix this once and for all, said industry analyst Carmi Levy. Additional telecom revenue Every time a mistake is made [a bill for accidental roaming], if a consumer doesnt raise a flag or doesnt raise the antenna then thats additional revenue for these companies. Goundrey said her main complaint is that she had to spend countless hours inspecting her bills and trying to get Rogers to reverse the bogus charges. Weve had at least 21 conversations with them in the three years since my daughter and I joined with my husband on this family plan, said Goundrey. The way they do the billing is so complicated that you would need to put your life aside and just look at your bills to deal with it. Rogers did eventually refund Goundrey $400 for charges incurred this fall. However, she said she had to start from scratch every time she called with a new customer services representative which was incredibly frustrating. Ive been on hold for 10 to 15 minutes talking to a tier one person with them fighting or even refusing to let me talk to a manager one level up, said Goundrey. Widespread border problem Some of her neighbours also reported they have to call Rogers repeatedly to get the incorrect charges cancelled. I have this problem with Rogers on my BlackBerry, White Rock resident Kirk Mitchell said in an email. The contract termination costs with Rogers are very costly so I just resign to do quarterly venting to customer service. "Roaming" in Canada has also been reported as a chronic headache for customers with various providers in Windsor, Ont., across the river from Detroit. We live in a long thin band along the U.S. border, said Levy. Really the only solution to this is to ensure that the Canadian network always prevails over the American one. To do that you would have to have more cell towers with more powerful equipment. He points out that some of the obstacles to fixing the problem are beyond the telecom industrys control, such as government limits on signal strength and protests over new cell towers. "The wheels of regulatory change continue to turn very slowly, said Levy. "This is an area where both Canadian and American carriers have to get together and come up with a solution that works for everyone because the status quo is completely unacceptable." Roaming overcharges common In a recent survey by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Ottawa, 89 per cent of responders said they had been charged too much for roaming while away from home. PIAC wants the CRTC to crack down on telecom companies, suggesting all roaming charges be capped, with limits chosen by users. The regulator is holding hearings early next year, where prices for cell usage will be on the agenda. In the meantime, Rogers said it is working to cut down on customer frustration. If accidental roaming does occur within Canada, we automatically rerate voice calls so they dont show up on a customers bill, said Rogers spokeswoman Holland. For texts and data, we adjust the invoice. We realize thats not an ideal experience for our customers and were working on ways to also automatically re-rate accidental roaming charges for text and data. Jane Goundreys three-year contract with Rogers recently expired. She has just switched to Bell, which piggybacks on the Telus cell tower network in the White Rock area. So far, she said, her family has seen a big improvement. I have coverage at home. I can make phone calls, she said. Until the problem in her neighborhood is fixed, she thinks Rogers should warn customers up front, before they sign up for three years. You are stuck with it and they arent honest when you sign up with what you are getting yourself into, she said.
Translink Fares Rise For 2013

Lower Mainland transit users will pay more to ride the bus, SkyTrain, HandyDart and West Coast Express this year. Cash fares went up 10 per cent on Jan. 1 a hike of $0.25 or $0.50, depending on the zone while monthly fare passes rose 12.5 per cent, anywhere from $10 to $20. TransLink senior manager for policy Geoff Cross says the change reflects the cost of running the system. This is required in order to keep up with cost increases over the last few years and recent improvements that we've put on the street back, he said. And most recently, as part of the Moving Forward program we've rolled out some services including the new Port Mann Bridge service, the route 555. Cross says the overall increase reflects inflation because cash fares haven't gone up in five years. Transit fares represent roughly 50 per cent of operations, so this is essential income in order for us to maintain those services that our customers rely upon, Cross said. Higher fares aren't the only change riders will see this year. Newly installed fare gates will become operational in the fall, when users will begin to pay with the new Compass cards.
Surrey Rcmp Officer Suffers Broken Leg In Collision
A Surrey RCMP officer had undergone surgery for a broken leg suffered during a collision with a utility pole early Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Blair McColl said the officer was on route to a large fight at a residence when he had to take evasive action at 72nd Ave. and 144 St. at 12:30
a.m. to avoid colliding with another vehicle in the intersection. McColl said the other vehicle was not involved in the accident and that he wasn't aware of any charges ensuing from the collision. McColl had no other information about the accident.
Canada News
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CPP, EI Hikes Hitting Canadian Paycheques

Payroll deductions rise, income taxes increase for some
Working Canadians can expect a hit to the wallet as they welcome in 2013, mostly in the form of higher payroll deductions. Besides the bills many people will face from holiday shopping, there will be increases to Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance premiums. Canadians earning at least $47,400 will pay $891.12 in EI premiums this year, up $51.50. Employers will pay $1,247.57 per employee, an increase of $71.61. For anybody earning at least $51,100, Canada Pension Plan contributions are going up $49.50 to $2,356.20, with the employers share jumping the same amount. CPP benefits will increase by 1.8 per cent for those already receiving them. The maximum CPP retirement benefit for new recipients will increase from $986.67 to $1,012.50 per month. This increase is calculated on the average yearly maximum pensionable earnings for the last five years. In British Columbia, workers will be hit with higher payroll health tax hikes
for the fourth consecutive year. The increased Medical Services Premium in B.C. means an individual making over $30,000 will have to pay $66.50, up from $64. A family of three or more will end up paying $133 a month, up from $128, and the rate for two-person famlies will increase from $116 to $120.50 In Ontario, the new year means the top tax rate for the biggest earners in the province those earning more than $500,000 will increase by just under two percentage points from last year. Elsewhere, a greater number of taxpayers in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba will enter higher tax brackets and therefore be subject to more income tax. An extra income tax bracket will be added in Quebec, along with a higher rate of health tax for the wealthiest and greater contribution rates for the provinces pension plan and its parental benefits plan. Quebecers will also be hit with increases in the so-called "sin taxes" on alcohol and tobacco.
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mint, marked the start of a month-long countdown to February 4, 2013, the transition date for the phase-out of the penny. Throughout the next month, we will take advantage of every opportunity to remind consumers, businesses, financial institutions and charities that the supply of pennies will begin to diminish after February 4, when the Royal Canadian Mint ceases to distribute them, said Minister Flaherty. In early December, answers to frequently asked questions about the phase-out of the penny were released on the Department of Finances website so that businesses and consumers could begin preparing for this transition. A penny toolkit was also launched featuring information that retailers could download and display in their stores in advance of the transition date. These updated tools and materials provide clear information on how cash payments will be treated when pennies are not available, added the Minister. Building on this information, the coming weeks will feature several awareness-raising initiatives intended to help all Canadians adapt to an environment without the penny, including a dynamic social media campaign by the Royal Canadian Mint kicking off today, the 105th anniversary of the pennys first strike. "After producing the penny for Canada since the Mint opened in 1908, the last distribution of this iconic coin is a sentimental turning point in our history," said Ian E. Bennett, President
Government Of Canada Marks One Month Until Penny Transition Date
and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Mint continues to adapt to the changing needs of the marketplace and will fully support the Government of Canada and key stakeholders to ensure the successful phase out of the penny". In addition, information will be made available at over 2,500 urban and rural Canada Post outlets and prominently displayed in Service Canada offices nationwide. This cost-efficient campaign will help ensure Canadians across the country are informed of the February 4 date, while respecting the Harper Governments goal of phasing out the penny due to high costs of production relative to face value. Given that the penny costs 1.6 cents to produce, the estimated ongoing savings for taxpayers from not making pennies is $11 million every year once fully implemented. The phase-out of the penny, first announced in last years budget, will have no impact on cheque payments or electronic transactions. Moreover, the penny will retain its value indefinitely, and can continue to be used in cash transactions with businesses that choose to accept them. For cash payments, businesses are expected to round the final amount or equivalently, the change owed - of any cash payment in a fair, consistent and transparent manner. Experience in other countries that have phased out low-denomination coins has shown that fair rounding practices have been respected. The Department of Finance will continue to work with key stakeholders in the coming weeks on all aspects related to the phase-out of the penny.
A 63-year-old Surrey, B.C., man who used to do contract maintenance work for TransLink has been charged after allegedly slashing nearly 500 SkyTrain seats. Terald Nicholas Gorecki has been charged with mischief over $5,000. Transit police say the fabric of 480 seats was cut with a box cutter between August and November, and that the cost to repair the seats would be over $45,000.
Surrey Man, 63, Charged With Slashing 480 Skytrain Seats
Norovirus Outbreak At Royal Columbian Forces Quarantine

12 patients, 6 workers caught virus and are contained to two floors Its symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and its a highly contagious disease common this time of year. Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster is dealing with an outbreak of the Norovirus. Tasleem Juma with Fraser Health says 12 patients and 6 staff members caught the virus a few days ago. We are still dealing with two floors that have been closed due to the virus. This is a measure in order to contain the spread of the virus. Patients are continuing to be discharged when they are ready to be sent home, says Juma. She says the quarantine will continue for at least three more days. As long as there are no new cases for the next 72 hours, then the outbreak can be declared over, adds Juma. To stop further spread of the Norovirus she says workers at the hospital are being extra careful. We are taking measures to enhance cleaning, to limit visitor hours, in and out access of rooms. We encourage visitors who do come to hospital to wash their hands, advises Juma. If anyone has a bad case of the flu that doesnt seem to go away, people are encouraged to go to emergency.
Transit police said that Gorecki had ready access to the SkyTrain cars during that time period, and that officers reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance video tape as part of the investigation. Gorecki is due back in court in February. In the meantime, he has been ordered not to be on any transit property, or possess knives or other sharp instruments outside of his residence.

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30 www.fijitimescanada.com
When Finance Minister Jim Flaherty stood in Parliament to deliver his first budget on May 2, 2006, the economy was robust, Ottawas books were in surplus and Canadians, he said, had every reason to be confident in their future. But only two and a half years later, Canada was being battered by the worst global recession in a century and Prime Minister Stephen Harpers government was struggling to keep the economy afloat with an emergency bail-out plan that would run up the biggest federal budget deficits ever. Now, after contending with economic unknowns and risky growth at home for nearly half a decade, the former Mike Harris stalwart has started preparing the 2013 budget amid questions about how long he will stay on in his portfolio. Flaherty, 63, who has been relentlessly crossing far-flung time zones for meetings with his international counterparts since 2006, sometimes looks a bit the worse for wear. This has raised questions in Ottawa, but Flaherty refuses to discuss his health. At Finance, officials wouldnt be surprised if the MP for Whitby Oshawa left public life fairly soon to make some money, as the saying goes, in business. But no one really seems to know. While he may seem a bit tired at times, Flaherty clearly enjoys steering the economy and he continues to have the confidence of the markets. As well, his high-profile portfolio has given him a prominent role in global economic decision-making that he relishes. So for the moment, theres little expectation that anyone else will announce the budget in March. And Flaherty himself goes further, saying he plans to stick it out at Finance until the Conservatives balance Ottawas books by eliminating the $26-billion budget deficit several years from now. Im the only finance minister our government has had, he pointed out recently. We have a long-term economic plan . . . to get to balanced budgets in the medium term during the course of this Parliament and I intend to see my way through to the end until we are balanced. So I intend to stay. But the finance portfolio isnt getting any easier. Despite years of efforts by Flaherty and the Bank of Canada to boost the economy, weakness persists, with the
Canada News
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty Staying Put Until Deficit Erased

business activity, Ottawa has also scrapped import tariffs on a wide range of imported raw materials and machinery and provided tax breaks on the cost of machinery and equipment. Flaherty has said repeatedly that the countrys economic health depends on the willingness of corporations to invest now that deficit-laden governments are reducing their stimulative spending and maxed-out consumers are less willing to part with their money. But, with global economic conditions so uncertain, business investment in machinery and equipment has not responded as vigorously as the government hoped and companies are sitting on hundreds of billions of dollars in casha hoard Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney labelled dead money. I think he may be a bit frustrated by the dead money, Progressive Economics Forum president Erin Weir said of the finance minister. Flaherty is boasting about these corporate tax cuts and saying the ball is now in corporate Canadas court to invest. But the question in my mind is: At what point does Flaherty start to revisit the corporate tax cuts? said Weir, a candidate in Saskatchewans NDP leadership race. The NDP favours tying tax cuts to actual job hires by business, but there is no indication that Flaherty, who sees corporate tax reductions as part of his personal accomplishments, will alter his current approach. In fact, the Conservatives have so far given every indication that the next budget will continue with the restraint campaign Flaherty has pursued in the last few years. He is hewing to this position despite repeated complaints from the NDP and Liberals that the governments belt-tightening measures are inappropriate when the economy is sputtering and unemployment remains high. Opening pre-budget consultations a few weeks ago, Flaherty said he is willing to consider shifting federal money to projects that spur growth, though major new programs are out of the question. Its not as if there wont be new initiatives and reallocating of resources, he said. What there wont be is any large, multi-billion dollar spending initiatives which would create a structural deficit for the government of Canada.
most recent available data showing growth of just 0.1 per cent in October from September. And the near-term outlook is not bracing. Following a weak third quarter (of 2012), the Canada economy appears to have entered the fourth quarter on soft footing, observed TD Bank economist Dina Ignjatovic. This reflects the sluggish growth and the impact of the fiscal cliff on business investment in the United States, as well as the impact of high consumer indebtedness and softness in the housing market domestically, Ignjatovic said. Economists have been dialing down their forecasts for 2013, with many predicting growth for the year below 2 per cent. And Canada could be plunged back into a recession if U.S. President Barack Obama is unable to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, the economically damaging divisions between him and the Congress. Even if that calamity can be dodged, Canadas annual economic performance appears mired for the foreseeable future in the lower 2-per cent range, considerably below the robust 2.9-per cent growth recorded the year before the Conservatives came to power. Unemployment, which was 6.6 per cent when Flaherty was sworn in as finance minister, now stands at 7.2 per cent, with 1.3 million out of work. And significant improvement in the jobs picture is expected to be years away. Turbulent economic times have also played havoc with the Harper governments financial accounting.
Flaherty seldom makes a speech without stressing the need for spending restraint. Yet the Conservatives, after inheriting a $13-billion budget surplus from the Liberals in early 2006, were running a deficit within three years. In the four years since then, mainly as a result of the stimulus spending rolled out to combat the global recession, Flaherty has run up budget deficits totalling about $140 billion. He missed his deficit-reduction target in 2011, and his projection in the Nov. 13 budget update that the Conservatives would not balance Ottawas books until 2016 caused a political uproar. Thats because Harper had promised in the last election that, as soon as the books were balanced, he would bring in popular new tax breaks for Canadian families and savers. Flahertys fiscal estimate pushed the introduction of those goodies past the expected 2015 date of the next federal election, leading Harper to step in and brush aside the finance ministers budget projection. Harper said the government intends to erase the deficit by 2015 after all leading the NDP to accuse the Conservatives of making things up as they go. Despite trouble balancing the books in recent years, Flaherty stuck with his plan to turn Canada into one of the worlds low-tax jurisdictions for corporations. According to finance department calculations, tax breaks between 2007 and 2013 will result in income tax savings totalling $60 billion for Canadian corporations. In hopes of boosting the economy by stimulating
Diesel Mix-Up At Co-Op Gas Station Leaves Hundreds Looking For Repairs
A big fuel mix-up has left about 500 Calgary drivers having to get their vehicles fixed. It happened at a Calgary Co-op gas station on Macleod Trail. Customers there who thought they were pumping gasoline on Boxing Day were actually putting diesel into their tanks. Karen Allen, who speaks for the Calgary Co-op, says it was a mistake with a delivery. We had a customer who had had some difficulty with their vehicle, said Allen. They took it into the repair shop, who discovered the problem right away. They phoned us immediately, and we immediately shut down our pumps, started to investigate what the issue might be and then came to that conclusion. Allen says Co-op has already spoken with most of the drivers involved and will cover any repair costs and car rentals.

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Age-By-Age Guide To Feeding Your Baby
Coloring
Highlights Age: Birth to 4 months Age: 4 to 6 months Age: 6 to 8 months Age: 8 to 10 months Age: 10 to 12 months Use this guide to find out what and how much to feed your child at every stage of development from birth to 12 months. Don't worry if your child eats more or less than the amounts listed they're only meant as rough guidelines. You don't have to introduce foods to your child in any particular order. If you want to give your baby a taste of tofu at age 6 months, go ahead, even though it's not listed on our chart until age 8 months. It was once considered important to wait until age 1 or even age 3 before introducing highly allergenic foods like eggs, fish, and peanuts. While experts now believe that postponing these foods doesn't prevent food allergies, many pediatricians still recommend delaying or waiting to introduce them especially for children with eczema or with a family history of allergies. However you choose to introduce new foods, discuss your decision with your childs doctor first. Age: Birth to 4 months Feeding behavior Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment What to feed Breast milk or formula ONLY Feeding tip Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, so solid food is offlimits for now. Age: 4 to 6 months Signs of readiness for solid food Your baby probably won't do all these things they're just clues to watch for. Can hold head up Sits well in highchair Makes chewing motions Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) Shows interest in food Can close mouth around a spoon Can move food from front to back of mouth Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue
Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day Is teething What to feed Breast milk or formula, PLUS Pureed food (like sweet potatoes, squash, apples, bananas, peaches, or pears) or semi-liquid ironfortified cereal How much per day Begin with about 1 teaspoon pureed food or cereal. Mix cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula (it'll be very runny). Increase to 1 tablespoon of pureed food, or 1 tablespoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day. If giving cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by using less liquid. Feeding tips If your baby won't eat the cereal on the first try, offer it again in a few days. Get more detailed tips on how to introduce solids. Age: 6 to 8 months Signs of readiness for solid food Same as 4 to 6 months What to feed Breast milk or formula, PLUS Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, oats) Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches) Pureed or strained vegetables (avocado, well-cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potato) Pureed meat (chicken, pork, beef) Pureed tofu Pureed legumes (black beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lentils, and kidney beans) How much per day 3 to 9 tablespoons cereal, in 2 to 3 feedings 1 teaspoon fruit, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in 2 to 3 feedings 1 teaspoon vegetables, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in 2 to 3 feedings Continued Next Week
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Your Health
What is low blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It constitutes one of the critically important signs of life or vital signs which include heart beat, breathing, and temperature. Blood pressure is generated by the heart pumping blood into the arteries modified by the response of the arteries to the flow of blood. An individual's blood pressure is expressed as systolic/diastolic blood pressure, for example, 120/80.The systolic blood pressure (the top number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart contracts and pumps blood into them. The diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart relaxes following its contraction. Blood pressure always is higher when the heart is pumping (squeezing) than when it is relaxing. The range of systolic blood pressure for most healthy adults falls between 90 and 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal diastolic blood pressure ranges between 60 and 80 mm Hg. Current guidelines define normal blood pressure range as lower than 120/80. Blood pressures over 130/80 are considered high. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing: -heart disease, -kidney disease, -hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), -eye damage, and -stroke. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally and may be temporarily or permanently damaged. Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Some individuals routinely may have blood pressures of 90/50 with no symptoms and therefore do not have low blood pressure. However, others who normally have higher blood pressures may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60. How is blood pressure generated? During relaxation of the heart (diastole) the left ventricle of the heart fills with blood returning from the lungs. The
left ventricle then contracts and pumps for pumping into the arteries, and of the body, the organs do not work blood into the arteries (systole). The blood pressure is higher. properly and can be temporarily or blood pressure in the arteries during The arterioles can expand and permanently damaged. For example, contraction of the ventricle (systolic narrow. Expanded arterioles create if insufficient blood flows to the brain, pressure) is higher because blood is less resistance to the flow of blood brain cells do not receive enough being actively ejected into the arteries. and decrease blood pressure, while oxygen and nutrients, and a person can It is lower during relaxation of the narrowed arterioles create more feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint. ventricle (diastolic pressure) when no resistance and raise blood pressure. Going from a sitting or lying position blood is being ejected into the arteries. The kidney can respond to changes to a standing position often brings The pulse that we can feel when we in blood pressure by increasing out symptoms of low blood pressure. place our fingers over an artery is or decreasing the amount of urine This occurs because standing causes caused by the contraction of the left that is produced. Urine is primarily blood to "settle" in the veins of the ventricle and the ejection of blood. water that is removed from the lower body, and this can lower the Blood pressure is determined by blood. When the kidney makes blood pressure. If the blood pressure two factors: 1) The amount of blood more urine, the amount (volume) is already low, standing can make the pumped by the left ventricle of the heart of blood that fills the arteries and low pressure worse, to the point of into the arteries, and 2) the resistance veins decreases, and this lowers causing symptoms. The development to the flow of blood caused by the walls blood pressure. If the kidneys of lightheadedness, dizziness, or of the arterioles (smaller arteries). make less urine, the amount of fainting upon standing caused by low Generally, blood pressure tends to be blood that fills the arteries and blood pressure is called orthostatic higher if more blood is pumped into veins increases and this increases hypotension. Normal individuals are the arteries or if the arterioles are blood pressure. Compared with the able to compensate rapidly for the low narrow and/or stiff. (Narrow and/or other mechanisms for adjusting pressure created by standing with the stiff arterioles, by resisting the flow blood pressure, changes in the responses discussed previously and do of blood, increase blood pressure.) production of urine affect blood not develop orthostatic hypotension. Arterioles may become narrower when pressure slowly over hours and When there is insufficient blood the muscles surrounding them contract. days. (The other mechanisms are pressure to deliver blood to the coronary Arterioles may become stiff and effective in seconds.) arteries (the arteries that supply blood narrow when older patients develop For example, low blood volume due to to the heart's muscle), a person may atherosclerosis. bleeding (such as a bleeding ulcer in develop chest pain (a symptom of Blood pressure tends to be lower if the stomach or from a severe laceration angina) or even a heart attack. less blood is being pumped into the from an injury) can cause low blood When insufficient blood is delivered to arteries or if the arterioles are larger pressure. The body quickly responds the kidneys, the kidneys fail to eliminate and more flexible and, therefore, have to the low blood volume and pressure wastes from the body, for example, urea less resistance to the flow of blood. by the following adjustments which all (BUN) and creatinine, and increases in How does the body maintain normal increase blood pressure: their levels in the blood occur. blood pressure? The heart rate increases and Shock is a life-threatening condition The body has mechanisms to alter or the forcefulness of the heart's where persistently low blood pressure maintain blood pressure and blood contractions increase thus pumping causes organs such as kidney(s), liver, flow. There are sensors that sense blood more blood through the heart. heart, lung, and brain to fail rapidly pressure in the walls of the arteries and Veins narrow to return more blood What are the causes of low blood send signals to the heart, the arterioles, to the heart for pumping. pressure? the veins, and the kidneys that cause Blood flow to the kidneys decreases Conditions that reduce the volume them to make changes that lower or to reduce the formation of urine of blood, reduce cardiac output (the increase blood pressure. There are and thereby increases the volume amount of blood pumped by the heart), several ways in which blood pressure of blood in the arteries and veins. and medications are frequent reasons can be adjusted - by adjusting the Arterioles narrow to increase for low blood pressure. amount of blood pumped by the heart resistance to blood flow Dehydration is common among into the arteries (cardiac output), the These adaptive responses will keep patients with prolonged nausea, amount of blood contained in the the blood pressure in the normal range vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts veins, the arteriolar resistance, and the unless blood loss becomes so severe of water are lost when vomiting and volume of blood. that the responses are overwhelmed. with diarrhea, especially if the person The heart can speed up and contract Is low blood pressure bad for your does not drink adequate amounts of more frequently and it can eject health? fluid to replace the depleted water. more blood with each contraction. People who have lower blood pressures Other causes of dehydration include Both of these responses increase have a lower risk of stroke, kidney exercise, sweating, fever, and heat the flow of blood into the arteries disease, and heart disease. Athletes, exhaustion, or heat stroke. Individuals and increase blood pressure. people who exercise regularly, people with mild dehydration may experience The veins can expand and narrow. who maintain ideal body weight, only thirst and dry mouth. Moderate When veins expand, more blood and non-smokers tend to have lower to severe dehydration may cause can be stored in the veins and blood pressures. Therefore, low blood orthostatic hypotension (manifested by less blood returns to the heart for pressure is desirable as long as it is not lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting pumping into the arteries. As a low enough to cause symptoms and upon standing). Prolonged and severe result, the heart pumps less blood, damage to the organs in the body. dehydration can lead to shock, kidney and blood pressure is lower. On What are low blood pressure signs failure, confusion, acidosis (too much the other hand, when veins narrow, and symptoms? acid in the blood), coma, and even death. less blood is stored in the veins, When blood pressure is not sufficient Continued Next Week more blood returns to the heart to deliver enough blood to the organs This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.
Low Blood Pressure
Your Health
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Tips To Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Known as a silent killer, many Canadians aren't aware they have high blood pressure. Here are some tips that will help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. 1. Get moving any other fruit or vegetable, including bananas. Canadian men and women should get 4,700 mg of potassium every day, but many get just half this amount. Eat a handful of dried apricots every afternoon. Like bananas, apricots are a particularly good source of potassium. Plus they have lots of fibre, iron and beta carotene. The drying process actually increases the concentration of these nutrients, which are all good for your circulatory system. And as a snack, dried apricots are low in calories: roughly eight total just 100 calories. Look out for an unsulphured brand. But the benefits ended after 4 cups. Drink a glass of orange juice every morning and another at night. more pepper and, if that doesn't appeal, try garlic, lemon, ginger, basil or other spicy flavours you enjoy. After a week, old favourite foods will taste extremely over salted and your blood pressure will be singing your praises. 8. Share some love
Every morning, take a brisk 15 minute walk. Amazingly, you don't need a lot of exercise to make a difference to your blood pressure. When Japanese researchers asked 168 inactive volunteers with high blood pressure to exercise at a health club for different amounts of time each week for eight weeks, blood pressure levels dropped almost as much in those who exercised for 30 to 90 minutes a week as in those who exercised for more than 90 minutes a week. 2. Monitor your blood pressure regularly
One U.S. study found that this lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 7 percent and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 4.6 percentthanks to the high levels of potassium in orange juice. 6. Nibble dark chocolate Turn to dark chocolate when your sweet tooth asserts itself.
Hold hands with your partner for 10 minutes. That (plus a brief hug) is all it took in one study to keep blood pressure steady during a stressful incident. 9. Get a better night's sleep
Snack on roasted soybeans for a crunchy, nutrient-packed munch. Studies show that people with high blood pressure can lower their systolic readings by an average of 10 points by eating 30 g of roasted soybeans (also called soy nuts) a day for two weeks. The beans are available at some supermarkets and health-food stores. Make sure you buy them unsalted. 4. Add flaxseeds to food
Buy a home blood pressure kit. A study found that home blood pressure testing can provide a better overall picture of blood pressure levels than readings in a doctor's surgery. In the study, surgery readings failed to identify 13 percent of patients who had high blood pressure only when measured in the surgery (white-coat hypertension), and 9 percent who had high blood pressure at home but not in the surgery. In addition, a study presented at the 2004 European Society of Hypertension meeting found that people who monitored their blood pressure at home had lower overall blood pressure than those who had their pressure taken only at the doctor's surgery. 3. Munch on nutritious snacks Dip tortilla chips in guacamole. Why? Avocados have more bloodpressure-lowering potassium than
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds on your yogurt in the morning and mix 2 tablespoons into your ice cream, soup, spaghetti sauce or other food later in the day. One small study found that adding 4 tablespoons of the seeds significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number) in postmenopausal women with a history of heart disease. Flaxseeds are rich in many nutrients and in fibre. 5. Choose a better beverage Drink tea instead of coffee. An Australian study found that each one cup increase in daily tea consumption decreased systolic blood pressure by 2 points and diastolic pressure by 1 point.
Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids that keep your arteries flexible, preventing the increase in pressure that come with stiffer blood vessels. That's thought to be one reason for the normal blood pressure of a tribe of indigenous Panamanians who eat a high-salt diet but also consume massive amounts of cocoa. In addition, a study found that 85 g of dark chocolate a day helped to lower blood pressure in older people with isolated systolic hypertension (when only the upper number of a pressure reading is high). Other good sources of flavonoids include tea and wine, as well as many fruits and vegetables. 7. Add some spice
Sleep with earplugs in tonight. Studies suggest that being exposed to noise while you're sleeping may increase your blood pressure as well as your heart rate, so block out any noise. Think about your sleep. Are you waking up tired? Is your partner complaining that you snore a lot? Talk to your doctor. You may have sleep apnea. Studies find that half the people who have the condition, in which you stop breathing dozens or hundreds of times during the night, also have hypertension. 10. Cut back on salt
Flavour food with lots of pepper. Pepper is a strong, dominant flavour that can help you to reduce your taste for salt. Without salt, meals may seem bland for a couple of days, but your taste buds can easily be retrained. Add
Find (and eliminate) at least one hidden source of salt a day. For instance, did you know what many breakfast cereals contain salt? Who needs salt in their cereal? Find a brand that's salt-free. Take these supplements daily: garlic, fish oil, calcium, CoQ10. All have blood-pressure-lowering properties. Just check with your doctor first.
This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.
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Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi Voted Most-Admired Bollywood Actors
Asha Bhosle To Go Through Her Annual Ritual In Dubai The lately-bereaved singing diva Asha later when I became good at it my son
Bhosle, whose daughter Varsha died tragically in October, had decided to stay away this year from her New Years eve ritual of personally cooking and looking after guests at her restaurant in Dubai, has decided to go ahead with the annual event for the sake of the restaurant's clientele who religiously visit Dubai at year-end from all across Asia to be hosted personally by Asha Bhosle at her restaurant. Speaking from Dubai, Ashaji said, "Yes, I've decide be here in Dubai in my restaurant on December 31. I'm here every year and although I had thought I'd skip the annual ritual this year, my son and daughter-in-law persuaded me to go ahead with it." Ashaji says her son Anand and his wife have been pillars of strength in the process of her emotional healing. "They have been with me in these trying times. But whenever they aren't around I get terrible thoughts. At times like these, my riyaaz helps me to overcome my depression." She is enthused by food as much as music and is proud of her growing chain of restaurants. "You can live for three days without music. But you can't live without food for a day. I am a mother by nature. I love to feed people. I started cooking for my children. Then
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and actress Sridevi have emerged as the most-admired Bollywood actors in a new mobile survey. According to the Vuclip Icons of the Year 2012 survey, which was conducted in three parts, Bachchan earned the maximum votes with a 43 per cent share when it came to the year's most admired Bollywood actor. 'Hawa Hawai' girl Sridevi, who made her Bollywood comeback after 15 years with English Vinglish, left behind present day beauties like Kareena Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Vidya Balan to win with a narrow margin of votes against Katrina Kaif. "I am humbled to see the overwhelming response from my fans. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again for their love, blessings and unstinted support towards me and my movies. Whatever I have achieved in life is because of the love and support of my fans," said Sridevi. With 70 per cent votes, AR Rahman became the most admired Bollywood music composer. Sonu Nigam bagged
the title of the most admired male playback singer, and female playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan emerged as India's heartthrob in a tight finish with Shreya Ghoshal. Aditya Chopra was chosen as the most admired Bollywood filmmaker ahead of Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt. Indians chose Angelia Jolie as the most admired Hollywood actress, while Johhny Depp was voted the hottest Hollywood actor of 2012. The most admired international female singer recognition went to Lady Gaga. American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars emerged as the most admired international male singer. Ratan Tata emerged as India's Most Admired Business Icon with 53 per cent votes, followed by Mukesh Ambani at 29 per cent. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Azim Premji and Chanda Kochchar amassed 8 per cent, 6 per cent and 4 cent votes, respectively. In politics, raking in a 70 per cent share, Rahul Gandhi ranked way ahead of Akhilesh Yadav, Jaganmohan Reddy, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot.
suggested I write a cookery book. But I refused. Who cooks from books? But my son wanted to take his mother's food to the people. That's how the first restaurant came about." Ashaji personally supervised the menu at these restaurants. "I had two kitchens for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The design and decor, menu card have all been done with great care. The menu card has rare pictures of me and other singers. I not only put my own recipes on the menu, I also included recipes I learnt from my colleagues. The restaurants are dotted with my pictures with Lata Didi and others who figure in my life." It's said that singing and cooking are the two most therapeutic pain-healers known to civilization. Songstress Asha Bhosle, whose life has lately been shrouded in unbelievable tragedy, has resumed her passion for singing and cooking like never before. Family members say, nothing gives the singing diva more relief and comfort than singing and cooking. Says a member of the Mangeshkar family, "She's spending a lot of time doing her riyaaz. Asha taai always loved to cook and feed family and friends. But now, after the tragedy, cooking has become her way of dealing with pain."
Actress Sridevi, who played a housewife in her comeback film English Vinglish this year, says she has been approached by many women telling her that the film changed their lives. "A lot of people and especially ladies approach me. Wherever I go, people even tell me I have changed their lives," the 49-year-old said at a press conference held to announce the world
Women Tell Me 'English Vinglish' Changed Their Lives: Sridevi
television premiere of the film. Sridevi further said that the film has even had an effect on children. "A lot of kids, Jhanvi's (Sridevi's daughter) friends said sorry to their parents after watching the film, for being mean to them," she said. Directed by Gauri Shinde, English Vinglish tells the story of a housewife, who learns English to change her family's outlook towards her.
Kareena Replaces Deepika In Karan- Ekta's Next

Kareena Kapoor was the original choice for a film being co-produced by Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor opposite Emraan Hashmi. TOI had even carried an announcement to this effect. She backed out perhaps to accommodate Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Ram Leela'. And Deepika Padukone stepped in. However, in the film industry an actor proposes and a filmmaker disposes and many times it is vice-versa. Bhansali settled for Deepika as his Leela. Now we hear from reliable sources that KJo and Ekta have decided to get Kareena back into their project, leaving Deepika out.
35
As we are marching towards the end of the grand gala year 2012. The year 2012 also saw the new season of the widely watched reality game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). While this show transformed many a mere patis into overnight 'crorepatis', courtesy Amitabh Bachchan, it also saw many celebs participating as special guests. We look at all the special episodes in which the celebs participated and the social causes to which they donated their prize money: Celebs: Sridevi
Bollywood Celebs On KBC'S Hot Seat

year - Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan. While meeting Big B was almost like an everyday affair for KJo, it was indeed one of the most magical moments for the trio who were left almost frozen in time by Amitabh's intimidating charisma. Earnings donated to: SRK - Advanced Cancer ward in Nanavati Hospital Katrina Kaif - Relief Projects India Celebs: Ajay Devgan & Sonakshi This was one clash that could have been avoided but was not averted. We are indeed talking about the much talked about clash of SRK's Jab Tak Hai Jaan with Ajay Devgan's Son Of Sardaar (SOS). Even though both the films released on the same day, one couldn't just say that the audiences were spoilt for choice. Both the films may or may not have lived up to the expectations, but one thing was clear that the battle lines were clearly drawn not just in the actors minds, but also in the theaters that were screening these films.
Prize Money won: Rs. 6, 40,000 Earnings donated to: Magic Bus India Foundation Celebs: Shah Rukh Khan & Katrina Kaif 2012 saw the original Bollywood queen bee Sridevi making a grand comeback with the film English Vinglish, which marked the debut of director Gauri Shinde, who also happens to be the wife of R. Balki, the man who directed Paa and Cheeni Kum. Even as the two ladies sat opposite Big B, there was nostalgia in the air, as Sridevi was meeting Big B after many years since their last film together Khuda Gawah. Prize Money won: Rs. 6, 40,000 Earnings donated to: School for the Blind and the Deaf Celebs: Karan Johar with SOTY's team 2012 was also one of the most memorable year for the Karan 'Midas Touch' Johar, as it was this year when he made his film for the first time without SRK! The film was called Student Of The Year (SOTY), which had three of the most promising newcomers of this
practically spent all their savings on the treatment of their daughter. During the show, Big B applauded Sonali's courage of rising from the ashes and facing the trauma of her life and yet not giving up hope. Lara didn't donate her winnings to any NGO, as cause was sitting just next to her: Sonali! Wasting no time, Lara, immediately donated the winnings to Sonali for her future and the course of the treatment. Immediately after the shoot, Big B even blogged stating: "Denied justice, she pleaded publicly to end her life... Denied that too because euthanasia is illegal in the country, she decided not to remain silent and suffer... Her story is one of immense courage... The nation salutes her as do all of us, but simultaneously hangs its head in shame for this dastardly act". Prize Money won: Rs. 25, 00,000 Earnings donated to: Sonali Mukherjee
Bollywood's candy floss hero SRK was back in his element with the much awaited film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, in which he had not one but two ladies vying for his attention: Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. While Anushka was conspicuous by her absence, Katrina made it up for her by coming with SRK in this special episode of KBC to promote their film. While SRK was in his usual element, the otherwise quiet and reticent Kats was in full bloom. Prize Money won: Rs. 25, 00,000
In order to promote their film, the lead stars Ajay Devgan and Sonakshi Sinha sat on the hot seat, faced some tough questions from Big B and managed to win a handsome amount, in the bargain! Prize Money won: Rs. 3, 20,000 Earnings donated to: Being Human -Salman Khan Foundation Celeb: Lara Dutta This was one episode that really was anyways meant to shake everyone alike. While there was the gorgeous Lara Dutta on one side, on the other was the 'celebrity in her own right' Sonali Mukherjee. For the uninitiated, Sonali became the victim of a gruesome nerve wrecking acid attack when she was merely 17 years old and her family has
Lara Dutta
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Amitabh Bachchan
Birth Name : Amit Shrivastava Date of Birth : October 11, 1942 Place of Birth : Allahabad, India Arguably India's greatest ever superstar. He launched a multi-faceted commercial enterprise known simply as Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited, or ABCL. ABCL is engaged in production, distribution and all other aspects of the movie industry. Had a very close association with the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv Gandhi he was elected to parliament with a huge majority from his home town of Allahabad. But his stint in politics did not last long and he was implicated in the infamous Swedish Bofors Gun deal scandal along with Rajiv Gandhi and others. Was one of the judges for the 1995 Miss World beauty pageant. While filming Coolie (1983/I) he received a near fatal injury. He was hospitalised and the Indian press issued daily bulletins on his health. Was a former stage actor, radio announcer and freight company executive in Calcutta, India. Went to Sherwood College, a boarding school in the hill-station town of Nainital, and from there to Delhi University where he earned a double MA degree. When he was just trying to get a break in movies he was told to soften his 'deep' voice. However it was soon realised that his deep rich voice was excellent for narration. He has provided narrations for several films. Suffered from a rare muscular disorder known as myasthenia gravis. Father of Abhishek Bachchan Is a vegetarian Presenter of Kaun Banega Crorepati, India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire The first Asian actor having a wax model of his likeness displayed at Madame Tussaud's in London, UK Highest paid Bollywood actor in the film industry. Was named Actor of the Millennium in a BBC News Poll ahead of such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Sir Lawrence Olivier, and Marlon Brando. Was considered 'finished' in the late nineties after super star status for 20 years, a string of flops and failed political and business ambitions. But made an unexpected comeback as host of the popular TV quiz series "Kaun Banega Crorepati?" (2000) which put him right back on the number one spot of Bollywood actors over 40, reaffirming his reputation as the living legend of Indian cinema with a new series of high profile films blood. Not common nowadays, but when he used to play title roles, the credits always displayed "Amitabh Bachchan as" or "Amitabh Bachchan in and as" and then the title of the film would come up. Singer Sudesh Bhonsle dubs his voice for playback songs in many movies. At the age of 58, he jumped from a height of 30 feet, along with costar Manoj Bajpai, for his 2001 movie Aks (2001). In 1996, he released an album called "Aby Baby". This album was released under ABCL and featured songs like "Eer Bir Phatte" and remixes of his songs from his early movies "O Saathi Re" and "Kabhi Kabhi". "Eer Bir Phatte" was inspired by one of his famous dialogues in his movie Adalat (1976/I). In 1984, he was honored by the Indian government with the Padma Shri Award for his outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry. He is the only actor who achieved at least one hit every year for 15 consecutive years - from 1972 in Bombay to Goa (1972) to 1986 in Aakhree Raasta (1986). He has played double and triple roles in a number of films. His double role starrers include Adalat (1976/I), Don (1978), Kasme Vaade (1978), The Great Gambler (1979), Bemisaal (1982), Desh Premee (1982), Satte Pe Satta (1982), Aakhree Raasta (1986), Toofan (1989), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Lal Baadshah (1999) and Sooryavansham (1999). Mahaan (1983) had the superstar in a triple role. He was closely associated with Indira Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister, and her son, Rajiv Gandhi. It was Mrs. Gandhi who wrote a letter of introduction for Amitabh, and that's how he got his break in Bollywood. He was the original choice to play a role in Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai (2003), which he declined and was finally played by Om Puri His survival and his success could in short be termed best in his wife's own words that "Amit ji is a loner !" Although Amitabh Bachchan's Immaan Dharam (1977) proved to be a disaster, the producer went ahead and announced Asmaan with Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, with Mohan Kumar in the director's seat. Salim-Javed, who had penned the script of Immaan Dharam, were scripting Asmaan as well. However, the film was shelved subsequently. Rakesh Kumar, who had directed Khoon Pasina (1977), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) and Yaarana (1981), had turned producer and announced Charlie, with Amitabh Bachchan enacting the title role. Padmini Kolhapure had been cast opposite the Big B. However, the project never got made. Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar were seen on screen for the first time in Ramesh Sippy's Shakti (1982). But much before Shakti happened, Eagle Films had signed Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan for their new project, which was to be directed by Yash Chopra. However, the project did not materialize subsequently. In 1976 Amitabh Bachchan was to star in Manoj Kumar's Naya Bharat, alongside Amitabh it was also supposed to star Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini, Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Zeenat Aman and Rishi Kapoor. The film was shelved subsequently. Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Mithun Chakraborty and Rati Agnihotri were teamed in Tala Chabi, produced by Romu Sippy and directed by Raj N. Sippy. One of the foremost character actors then, Pran, had been signed to enact the main villain's role. An official announcement was made in April 1982. The movie never took off. Amitabh Bachchan was supposed to play one of the lead roles in Shashi Kapoor's Utsav (1984) however; Amitabh opted out of the film. Shashi Kapoor replaced him. Amitabh Bachchan was the first choice of Rakesh Roshan's King Uncle (1993). But since the actor wasn't signing films then, Roshan opted for Jackie Shroff. Prakash Mehra was planning on making Chankaya Chanddragupta and had signed Amitabh Bachchan for the main role. The movie was shelved. Vidhu Vinod Chopra wanted Amitabh Bachchan to play the lead role of Inspector Inayat Khan in Mission Kashmir (2000). The reason why Amitabh Bachchan declined the role was because of his commitment to Yash Chopra's Mohabbatein (2000). Kader Khan wanted to direct him as the lead hero in Jaahil, unfortunately the movie was never made.
(Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) etc.) Formed a popular screen couple with Rekha He also sung in many movies such as Laawaris, Toofan and Silsila. Became a grandfather in 1997 when his daughter Shweta gave birth to a daughter, Navya Naveli Nanda. Works with the Indian government's media campaign to publicize the National Immunization Days and encourage people to take their children to be vaccinated against polio and other deadly diseases. Son of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who passed away in January 2003. Suffers from asthma. His favourite screen name is Vijay, which he had as his character name in over 20 movies. His father Harivansh Rai Bachchan was considering naming him 'Inquilab' (which means 'revolution') before settling down for Amitabh which means 'brilliance unlimited'. On his 61st birthday, he relaunched ABCL as AB Corp. ABCL had to be closed after debts of more than millions of rupees. However, Amitabh has decided to relaunch it with a name change. Actress Nirupa Roy is mostly cast as his mother and last time she featured was in Lal Baadshah (1999). The facial caricature of the Indian comic book character 'Supremo' is based upon him. Following a near fatal accident while shooting Coolie (1983/I), during which he suffered internal bleeding and required 17 bottles of blood, he became a champion for the cause of encouraging more people to donate
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At The Movies
Part hero, part vigilante sums up the lead character in Jack Reacher, the latest action thriller from Paramount Pictures now delighting fans at the Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Cineplex Odeon Theatres across the land. Poor timing aside, this tale unfortunately comes out right after the tragic shooting at an American grade school. The struggle between forces of good and evil plays a part in this 130 minute movie that actually explores corruption in the big city. Consider Jack Reacher to actually be a cross between Dirty Harry, Charles Bronson and Batman. Outside the law this roamer takes on cases that the legitimate authorities have either given up on or what no part of. Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible) proves that hes got what it takes and then some as the loner called in to investigate a series of shootings. Trouble comes at Jack hot and heavy as it seems even the so-called good guys may be lined up against him. Lots of gritty action highlights this film which is a smart screen adaptation
By Robert Waldman
Jack Reacher (PG) * * * Vengeful Angel!

of the hit Lee Child crime busting novels. And Mr. Child himself gets in on the act with a small cameo in this film. Lots of action comes at you fast and furious in this murky tale that puts Reacher against a mysterious killer and some sort of crime syndicate connection. Here some of the heavies arent too believable though Werner Herzog does make for an interesting Soviet era thug. Less convincing is the role of Helen, the friendly defense attorney who somehow winds up aiding Reacher in his quest for justice. Beautiful Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day) seems a bit too glamourous for this part and seems to be miscast. The same cant be said for Richard Jenkins (Killing Them Softly) in the role of Rodin, an aloof district attorney out for blood. Lots of blood gets shed in this film and the ending as well as some of the shoot-outs and fisticuffs are corny and far-fetched. Even stiff dialogue aside, Jack Reacher still packs quite a punch. You cant doubt Tom Cruises charisma and
hes charming as a loner/drifter out to help a man get justice despite the corrupt system they all work in. Hats off too as veteran great Robert Duvall (The Godfather) gets in on the action in a quirky part thats quite relevant based on todays
tragic gun events. Director/writer Christopher McQuarrie pulls off a rather standard crime case made all the better because of Tom Cruises forceful portrayal of a fearless crusader. Action fans should enjoy this film.
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Apart (G) * * *
Circus Delight!
By Robert Waldman
Canadian creativity and ingenuity of mysterious people and things. is front and centre in Cirque du Among those she encounters are Soleil: Worlds Apart. This big screen magical monsters, acrobatic human continuation of the infectious climate pinballs and a host of dance machines. of the sold-out Cirque du Soleil shows Weird and crazy describe the goingsgets full coverage in theatres across on this woman investigates in her quest the world thanks to Paramount Films. to find her one true love. British Columbians can see the final Fans of the lavish Las Vegas fun version at Empire Studio 12, The productions will instantly recognize Esplanade 6, Colossus and Cineplex some key set pieces and highlights Odeon cites around the province. of shows such as Ka, O, Viva Elvis, Quebec born creator Guy Zumanity and Love. Done with great LaLiberte must be in seventh heaven precision and flair you will definitely with the results of the first Cirque movie. get caught up in all the hoopla as our Fellow Canadian visionary James heroine is bombarded with colourful Cameron (Titanic) also lends his expertise characters, mystery, some fleeting and experience in bringing a tale of two moments of mild danger and a fully star-crossed lovers to the world. Go hummable soundtrack including a along for the ride as we witness the plight healthy dose of Beatles songs. of a girl named Mia who gets smitten by No matter what your age you a performer she sees under the big top will enjoy Cirque du Soleil: Worlds simply known as The Aerialist. Apart a film that also has good 3-D Like Alice in Wonderland this effects to further pull you into all the miss gets whisked away into a world action which at times border on the To Get by Best Valuefrenzy side but of make believe inhabited TheallAdvertiseFor Your Dollar always fun. sorts In

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Indias Medical Tourism From Fiji

As a Fiji Business Excellence Award evaluator, I automatically view things from that perspective from the most insignificant to the most advanced process of any activity. My experiences and lessons learnt outlined below are intended for future Fiji residents anticipating medical treatment in India. Due to the medical visa that will be issued by the Indian High Commission at the LICI Building Butt Street, Suva, you will be given special treatment on all the airlines right through from Nadi International Airport to India. 1. BEFORE DEPARTURE FROM NADI Ensure that all the details of your travel, daily subsistence allowance and proposed duration of stay is very clear. If there is even a tiny doubt in your mind, clarify before departure as it will reduce your stress level in a foreign country with language barriers. Keep all email correspondences with the hospital and insurance brokers with you, to minimize difficulties once you arrive in India. 2. ARRIVAL INTO INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT After clearing customs, get Indian currency from the Foreign Exchange desk right outside the arrival lounge before stepping outside the airport terminal building (during my stay, the rate to USD$1 was equivalent to INR$50). To the right of the Forex desk is the Vodafone desk where you should purchase a sim card that will be used whilst in India as; you will definitely not want to face the of food preparation. Purchase food from food outlets that are franchised e.g. KFC, Coffee house, etc. as the standards from their parent companies are maintained. (iii) Flea Markets/Markets the various markets are a shoppers delight as you can get pretty much anything with bargaining at very good prices. 7. ROAD TRAVEL Be prepared for lack of road courtesy and pedestrians having the right of way. The roads are marked for three lane traffic travelling in one direction on the highways, but most times the traffic is four or five lanes across with motorbikes and bicycles squeezing into whatever spaces are available between vehicles. Overtaking at any time is acceptable and honking is the very normal means of signaling intent. 8. COURTESY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Lining up for service on a first come first served basis is not a concept here. If you do not push to the front of the line, you will be left standing there whilst others are served as and when they arrive. It is accepted practice except at the Immigration FRRO office where you will be issued numbers before entry is permitted. Be mindful that Air Pacific does not have an office in New Delhi; any changes to your flight schedule will need to be made online so have your credit card ready. If you do not have a credit card, make sure that there is someone reliable back home to do the necessary for you.
challenges of purchasing outside the airport complex due to the strict mobile usage requirements. 3. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Hindi is the official language and unless you state that you prefer to communicate in English, all discussions will be conducted in the local language. 4. AIRPORT TRANSFER There is a high probability that you will be met at the airport by the staff of the hospital that you will be treated at. Please continuously ask for clarifications as there is the continual possibility of miscommunication. You will be initially required to rest and recuperate from the jet lag at a hotel (they are known locally as guest houses) on arrival, before admittance processes are facilitated the next day. 5. VISA REQUIREMENTS ON ARRIVAL IN INDIA Your visa will state that you are to register with the Foreign Registration Office within 14 days of your arrival
into India. This is done at the FRRO (National Crime Records Bureau) offices; in New Delhi, it is located at R K Puram. The offices open at 0930hours and it is advisable that you arrive early as there are long lines of foreigners requiring registration. You will need the following mandatory documents: Passports 3 passport photos Registration form (downloaded from the India Immigration website) C-Form from the hotel that you are staying at Hospital referral confirming treatment and duration Photocopy of first page of passport and visa page. 6. PURCHASES INSIDE INDIA (i) First foremost and essential is water never drink from the taps to avoid typhoid. Fruits are plentiful and fresh. (ii) Never purchase food from the roadside vendors cooking outside as you will observe unhygienic practices
Is Your Luggage Secure? Apparently Not

How a thief can use a pen to break into your luggage, even if its locked Yes, youve got a TSA approved lock on your bag because youre a savvy traveler. So how can you avoid luggage theft? Common sense Keep an eye on your luggage at all times. It only takes a few seconds for a busy traveler to get distracted, which becomes a moment of opportunity for any thief to simply walk away with a nice bundle of valuables that packed and ready on a set of wheels. If youre travelling with a partner, make sure one person is watching the luggage at all times. If youre travelling solo, take your bags with you wherever you go, even to the washroom (most washroom stalls are big enough to accommodate a carry-on suitcase). Keep a sharp watch as you go through security As your carry-on luggage disappears into the scanner; keep an eye on the conveyor belt on the other side as your stuff comes back out. Also keep a watch on the person in line in front of you. If you get distracted, someone can easily walk away with your laptop or jewellery as they pick up their own things ahead of you. Extra protection Keep putting that TSA lock on your bags, but as added protection, secure your bags with plastic strips or cable ties. TSA can easily cut through them if they need to, but the added layer a thief has to get through to access your valuables will become a deterrent. Shrink-wrapping your bags is another option. Not only does it deter thieves, it also protects your luggage from getting damaged while being handled at the airport. Use a hard shell suitcase A clam-shell" style suitcase that has a latch closure is a better option because there is no zipper that can be broken into. The hard casing also cant be slashed open by a blade and thus provides added security. Dont blend in with the crowd Pick a vibrant colour or pattern that is easily recognizable from a distance. In case someone walks away with your bag, youll be able to spot it from a distance. Pack smart Avoid taking valuables with you while travelling. Pack items that are easily replaceable. If you dont need it, dont bring it. If you are going to carry an item of value, put it in your carry-on bag and keep it with you at your seat while youre on the plane. Hide it Wrap a camera inside a sweater or put jewellery in a shaving kit when you put it in your suitcase. If someone were to quickly rummage through your bag, theyll likely miss these hidden items. Keep an inventory If items from your luggage happen to go missing while being handled by airport staff, an item inventory will help you report the theft right away. Get baggage insurance It may seem like an added expense, but if you want to travel with the peace of mind, an extra few dollars will be well worth the investment.
40 www.fijitimescanada.com 2013 Ford Edge

With just a touch-up or two to its list of features, the Ford Edge returns for the 2013 model year as one of the more spacious five-seat crossovers on the market, with one of the more fuelconscious powertrains offered in its class, and some of the heaviest-hitting luxury and technology features of any crossover vehicle, period. One of four Ford crossovers--there's also a new Escape this year, joining the Explorer and Flex--the 2013 Edge wears its mostly tasteful clothes well. We're not the most ardent fans of the VW-style grille that starts high at the hoodline and goes low, all the way to the chin spoiler, but otherwise it's neatly put together and free of built-in blemishes. The cockpit's a fault-free zone--on the surface, depending on your take on MyFord Touch. It's almost devoid of button clutter, tightly built, and in this generation (since 2011), blessed with much The Edge was refreshed in the 2011 model year, when it gained the grille and new interior. It also upped its base 3.5-liter V-6 by 20 horsepower to 285 hp, bettered its six-speed automatic and its handling, and upgraded the Sport's 3.7-liter to 305 hp. Last year, Ford dropped a new twist into the Edge, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four rated at 240 horsepower, good for decent acceleration and lineup-leading highway gas mileage of 30 mpg. It's
Autos
Winter Driving Tips

Motorists are advised to prepare vehicles and themselves well in advance Colder temperatures, rain and snow could be a critical link in the event of can make driving in winter weather trouble. challenging and sometimes dangerous. A windshield scraper, snow brush and In addition to getting a complete an emergency kit. vehicle check-up long before cold Sunglasses. When its sunny, glare weather settles in, BCAAs team of from icy or wet roads can be blinding. experienced automobile techs urge If driving conditions are treacherous, you to take precautions to help ensure BCAA recommends driving only if your safety and to reduce situations its necessary. If you have to drive in where youll need emergency roadside snowy conditions, motorists are urged assistance. to take extra care and stay alert: Before heading out on the road, Always be prepared for the driving consider the following: conditions by checking for the latest Vehicle owners who may encounter weather information. winter conditions should have proper, Before starting out, completely clean inflated, high quality winter tires, all all the snow from your cars windows, four the same. hood, roof and trunk. Also, ensure your If youre planning on driving over windshield and windows are free of snow-filled mountain passes, purchase frost and ice, and are de-fogged before correctly sized tire chains, and practice starting out. installing them at home now, rather Drive for the conditions, not the speed than at the roadside. limit. Take it slow and signal your Test your battery and replace if turns and lane changes well in advance. necessary. Colder temperatures will Increase the distance between yourself reduce a batterys power output as well and the car in front of you. as thicken engine oil, making engines Start off slow, and stop and steer more difficult to start. gently. Gear down instead of braking, Road spray can reduce visibility in especially when driving down hills. seconds. Top up your windshield If youre driving a four-wheel drive washer reservoir regularly with winter- vehicle, dont drive with a false sense grade washer fluid and carry spare of security. The four-wheel drive washer fluid with you. feature reduces your likelihood of Ensure your engines cooling system getting stuck. But, in many situations, is topped up with appropriate strength it wont help you stop any faster. antifreeze. Use heaters and rear-window defrosters Carry with you when driving only as long as needed. Excessive use of during inclement weather: heaters/defrosters and other electrical Warm clothes (ideally some reflective), devices can place added strain on your good winter boots and gloves in case you battery, and during long idling periods get stuck and need to leave the car for may cause a car with a weak battery to help, or come to the assistance of others. stall and not restart. Lock lubricant to prevent door locks If youre a BCAA member, keep your from freezing. Spray lock lubricant membership card handy in case you into your key cylinders. need to call for roadside assistance. Fully charged mobile phone. This COURTESY OF BCAA
We Repair ALL Makes & Models of Vehicles
a wide spread of performance, but it neatly bridges the five-seat experience now from Escape to Explorer, something it couldn't do without the front-drive EcoBoost model. All Edge crossovers comport themselves with a carlike feel. They have a firm but not busy ride, relatively quick steering, and the kind of predictable tall-wagon handling that makes them great choices for family commuters and carpoolistas--even the Edge Sport, with its massive 22-inch wheels. The Edge hasn't earned the best safety scores from the NHTSA, but the IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick. With standard curtain airbags and anti-lock controls, the Edge can be upgraded with blindspot monitors, parking sensors and a rearview camera, but it lacks the latest options for features like inflatable rear seatbelts found on the seven-seat Explorer and Flex crossovers. All Edges get a USB port for music players; a capless fuel filler; and MyKey, which lets parents program in speed and volume limits for their younger drivers. Then there's MyTouch, which uses Bluetooth and touchscreens to take the place of dozens of buttons and switches, rendering the dash neat and clean while relying on voice or steering-wheel-button commands to drive secondary vehicle functions like navigation and climate control.
FLEETWOOD BRAKE & MUFFLER LTD.

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41
1. Calcium and 2. Dairy
Fat Releasing Foods to Lose Weight Fast

subjects. And if subjects restricted calories while consuming the same dairy servings, fat and weight loss accelerated. Theres more! A great study done in 2010 indicated that drinking fat-free milk immediately after whole-body resistance training and again one hour after the workout allowed participants to increase fat loss, gain greater muscle and strength, and strengthen bones by reducing bone cell turnover. Drink milk and get all these amazing benefits. 3. Resveratrol several animal studies, researchers have demonstrated that moderate alcohol consumption does not promote weight gain. And in another separate animal study done in 2006, researchers found that resveratrol improved exercise endurance as well as protected against obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. 4. Coconut Oil, 5. PUFAs, and 6. MUFAs
Calcium Your mom told you to drink your milk because its calcium was good for your bones. What she probably didnt know: That same calcium also helps control your hunger. Research shows that people who dont consume enough of this bone-building mineral have a greater fat mass and less control of their appetite. Dairy Yes, dairy is an excellent source of calcium, but Ive singled it out because studies have found that dairy sources of calcium are markedly more effective in accelerating fat loss than other sources. Researchers theorize that other ingredients in dairy act synergistically with the calcium. In one study out of the University of Tennessee, researchers showed that eating three servings of dairy daily significantly reduced body fat in obese
Many studies show that a small glass of wine a day is good for your health. Researchers credit the antiaging properties of resveratrol (found in red grapes, mulberries, and peanuts) in red wine. Now cutting-edge research suggests this antioxidant is a fat releaser too. In one large study of more than 19,000 women of normal weight, light to moderate drinkers had less weight gain and less risk of becoming overweight than those who drank no alcohol. In
Coconut Oil While the diet recommends keeping saturated fat intake to under 10 percent of total calories, one source sits at the top of the should enjoy list: coconut oil. Why? This sweet, rich oil was shown to do some pretty nifty things for abdominally obese women in a 2009 study out of Brazil, including decreasing their waist circumference, increasing beneficial HDL (highdensity lipoprotein) cholesterol and improving the ratio of bad LDL (low-
density lipoprotein) to good HDL cholesterol. And in populations where coconut oil is commonly eaten, high cholesterol levels and heart disease are not common. MUFAs In 2006, I uncovered exciting research suggesting that monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs, helped people store less belly fat. Eating a diet rich in olives, olive oil, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and avocado has kept my belly lean and my energy up for years! These healthy fats are a mainstay of my diet. PUFAs During my dive into the current research, I came across a small study from the Netherlands that suggests we should also enjoy polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, found in fish and in many nuts and seeds. In this study, consumption of a high ratio of PUFAs to saturated fats led to a higher resting metabolism, as well as a greater dietinduced calorie burn. But one clarification: Our focus will be primarily on long-chain n-3 PUFAs, commonly known as omega-3s. Researchers theorize that the weightloss benefits of omega-3s may be a result of their anti-inflammatory effects (inflammation in the body has been strongly linked to obesity). I also love the fact that these healthy fats are associated with protection from cardiovascular disease and enhanced mood. Continued Next Week
Cutting Calories and Fat When Eating Out

Whether you're trying to lose excess pounds or maintain a healthy weight, eating out in restaurants can sabotage your goals. To better control your calorie intake you need to know how much you eat. But if you're like most Canadians, proper serving sizes are a mystery, thanks to mega-burgers, biggie fries, and saucer-sized bagels. The following suggestions can help you downsize restaurant meals and maintain your weight and health when dining out: Plan for huge portions. To compensate, share an entre with a dining companion or order a half portion or an appetizer for a main course. Be careful of appetizers, though; many are particularly high in fat. Watch for these terms. Any dishes that contain the following descriptive words in their names are high in calories and fat: Alfredo, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, deep-fried, pan-fried, scalloped, au gratin, or in cream or butter sauce. Pass up these sizes. The following words indicate meals that are even larger than the standard ones - combo, feast, grande, jumbo, king- or queensized, and supreme. Words such as kiddie, luncheon, petite, small plate, regular, and salad-sized indicate more reasonable portions. Order the smallest burger on the menu. Super-sized burgers with all the toppings (cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, and special sauces) often contain half the calories and all the fat you should eat in a day. Regular or kiddie burgers topped with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles (all of which are fat-free) are closer to the recommended meat portion size of 3 ounces and much lower in calories and fat. Order six-inch subs and go easy on the extras. Subs can be healthy, lowfat sandwiches if made with turkey, ham, or low-fat cheese, served on whole-grain buns, and dressed with low-fat mayonnaise, vinegar, and fresh vegetables. Avoid 12-inch subs, meatballs, steak, classic cold cuts such as salami and bologna, bacon, and full-fat cheese. Get a healthy wrap. Wraps are large flour tortillas stuffed with salad ingredients, chicken, fish, beans, and vegetables. They sound healthy enough, but often they're gigantic and loaded with highfat sauces. For a reasonably-sized meal, order a half-wrap or split one with a friend, and ask for half the sauce. Measure healthy portions with your hand. A serving of meat, chicken, or fish should be the size of your palm; a serving of potatoes or rice, the size of your fist; pasta, two fistfuls; pasta sauce, one fistful; a roll, the size of your fist; and two slices of bread, as thick as your palm. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets. You'll likely overeat to get your money's worth. If the people you're with insist on buffet dining, opt for fresh fruits, salads with low-fat dressings, broiled entres, and steamed vegetables. Resist the temptation to go for seconds. Ask for dressings on the side. That way, you control the amount that goes on your salad. Salads made from fresh greens and plenty of vegetables are low in calories and fat-free. To keep the salad healthy, it's necessary to use as little dressing as possible. Omit the extras. If your companions don't mind, ask the server to remove temptations, such as bread and butter, and chips and dip. Order first. By doing so, you're less likely to be swayed by your dining companions' choices, which may be loaded with fat and calories.
This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.
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For Women
Continued From Last Week
Domestic Violence and Abuse

Signs that your abuser is NOT changing: Causes of emotional or psychological trauma likely to be traumatized by a stressful experience if theyre already under a heavy stress load or have recently suffered a series of losses. People are also more likely to be traumatized by a new situation if theyve been traumatized before especially if the earlier trauma occurred in childhood. Childhood trauma increases the risk of future trauma Experiencing trauma in childhood can have a severe and long-lasting effect. Children who have been traumatized see the world as a frightening and dangerous place. When childhood trauma is not resolved, this fundamental sense of fear and helplessness carries over into adulthood, setting the stage for further trauma. Childhood trauma results from anything that disrupts a childs sense of safety and security, including: An unstable or unsafe environment Separation from a parent Serious illness Intrusive medical procedures Sexual, physical, or verbal abuse Domestic violence Neglect Bullying Symptoms of emotional and psychological trauma Following a traumatic event, or repeated trauma, people react in different ways, experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional reactions. There is no right or wrong way to think, feel, or respond to trauma, so dont judge your own reactions or those of other people. Your responses are NORMAL reactions to ABNORMAL events. Emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma: Shock, denial, or disbelief Anger, irritability, mood swings Guilt, shame, self-blame Feeling sad or hopeless Confusion, difficulty concentrating Anxiety and fear Withdrawing from others Feeling disconnected or numb Physical symptoms of trauma: Insomnia or nightmares Being startled easily Racing heartbeat Aches and pains Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Edginess and agitation Muscle tension Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma Emotionally numb and disconnected from others Using alcohol or drugs to feel better Finding a trauma specialist Working through trauma can be scary, painful, and potentially retraumatizing. Because of the risk of retraumatization, this healing work is best done with the help of an experienced trauma specialist. Finding the right therapist may take some time. Its very important that the therapist you choose has experience treating trauma. But the quality of the relationship with your therapist is equally important. Choose a trauma specialist you feel comfortable with. Trust your instincts. If you dont feel safe, respected, or understood, find another therapist. There should be a sense of trust and warmth between you and your trauma therapist. After meeting a potential trauma therapist, ask yourself these questions: Did you feel comfortable discussing your problems with the therapist? Did you feel like the therapist understood what you were talking about? Were your concerns taken seriously or were they minimized or dismissed? Were you treated with compassion and respect? Do you believe that you could grow to trust the therapist?
An event will most likely lead to emotional or psychological trauma if: It happened unexpectedly. You were unprepared for it. You felt powerless to prevent it. It happened repeatedly. Someone was intentionally cruel. It happened in childhood. Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by single-blow, one-time events, such as a horrible accident, a natural disaster, or a violent attack. Trauma can also stem from ongoing, relentless stress, such as living in a crime-ridden neighborhood or struggling with cancer. Commonly overlooked causes of emotional and psychological trauma Falls or sports injuries Surgery (especially in the first 3 years of life) The sudden death of someone close A car accident The breakup of a significant relationship A humiliating or deeply disappointing experience The discovery of a life-threatening illness or disabling condition Risk factors that increase your vulnerability to trauma Not all potentially traumatic events lead to lasting emotional and psychological damage. Some people rebound quickly from even the most tragic and shocking experiences. Others are devastated by experiences that, on the surface, appear to be less upsetting. A number of risk factors make people susceptible to emotional and psychological trauma. People are more
These symptoms and feelings typically last from a few days to a few months, gradually fading as you process the trauma. But even when youre feeling better, you may be troubled from time to time by painful memories or emotionsespecially in response to triggers such as an anniversary of the event or an image, sound, or situation that reminds you of the traumatic experience. Grieving is normal following trauma Whether or not a traumatic event involves death, survivors must cope with the loss, at least temporarily, of their sense of safety and security. The natural reaction to this loss is grief. Like people who have lost a loved one, trauma survivors go through a grieving process. This process, while inherently painful, is easier if you turn to others for support, take care of yourself, and talk about how you feel When to seek professional help for emotional or psychological trauma Recovering from a traumatic event takes time, and everyone heals at his or her own pace. But if months have passed and your symptoms arent letting up, you may need professional help from a trauma expert. Seeking help for emotional or psychological trauma Having trouble functioning at home or work Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression Unable to form close, satisfying relationships Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Pap test. According to the Cancer Society, all women should have Pap tests starting at age 21. Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called "co-testing") every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also acceptable to continue to have Pap tests alone every 3 years. Women over age 65 who have had regular screening with normal results should stop cervical cancer screening. A woman who has had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be screened. A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for her age
Women's Guide to Staying Healthy

group. Osteoporosis test. Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for thinning of the bones, or at a younger age if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Have STD tests if you're sexually active and you and your partner aren't monogamous. Eye exam. You should have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39. Have an eye exam at the age of 40, at which time your doctor can recommend how frequently you should follow up; after age 65, have an exam every one to two years. Skin exam. Each time you have a health checkup, have your provider examine your skin for skin cancer and precancerous conditions. Learn the signs of skin cancer so you can examine your own skin regularly. Healthy lifestyle Making the following healthful lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on your current and future health. Don't smoke. If you do, talk with your health care provider about quitting. Make a plan and set a quit date. Get adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout your lifetime. Eat a healthful diet. Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans and whole grains. Limit the amount of saturated fat,
Continued Next Week

salt and sugar you eat. Be physically active. Start slowly and work up to a total of 30 to 60 minutes or more most days of the week. Maintain a healthful weight. To do so, balance the number of calories you eat with the number you burn off in daily activities. To lose weight, eat less and exercise more. Drink alcohol only in moderation. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink a day. If you're pregnant, avoid alcohol. Practice safe sex. Have your male sexual partner use a latex condom each time you have sex unless you know he is free of any STDs, is HIV negative, does not use intravenous drugs and both you and he are monogamous.
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Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Namah

Blessed Devotee, Hari Om! My best wishes and prayers for a bright and prosperous New Year to yourself and your family. May the grace and blessings of Mother Mahalakshmi bring happiness, peace and plenty in your lives in the coming New Year 2013. A new year marks a new beginning, a fresh start in our lives. Let this New Year initiate a new turn to bring greater happiness by awakening the slumbering divinity within us. Let us begin the year 2013 with greater wisdom, tolerance and a better understanding of our fellow human beings. Human life is a precious gift from God. Let us resolve to lead our lives in such a way that our actions are a blessing to the world of today. As our scriptures declare Mana eva Manushyanam Karanam Bandha Mokshayoh. The mind alone is the cause of a human beings bondage and it is the same mind that can lead one to liberation. To cultivate this mind in the right direction, one needs the grace of the Lord. Let us then receive Gods gift of a New Year and earn His Grace to lead us through the year. Worshipping Mother Mahalakshmi brings wealth, prosperity, and happiness in ones life. Begin your new year with a prayer at the feet of mother Mahalakshmi. Hawan begins at 9:30a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. Please join the prayer with family and friends and partake the special prasada offering. With best wishes and prayers, Your own, Prameya Chaitanya
Things Successful People Do Differently

6. Have grit. Grit is a willingness to commit to long-term goals, and to persist in the face of difficulty. Studies show that gritty people obtain more education in their lifetime, and earn higher college GPAs. Grit predicts which cadets will stick out their first grueling year at West Point. In fact, grit even predicts which round contestants will make it to at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The good news is, if you aren't particularly gritty now, there is something you can do about it. People who lack grit more often than not believe that they just don't have the innate abilities successful people have. If that describes your own thinking .... well, there's no way to put this nicely: you are wrong. As I mentioned earlier, effort, planning, persistence, and good strategies are what it really takes to succeed. Embracing this knowledge will not only help you see yourself and your goals more accurately, but also do wonders for your grit. 7. Build your willpower muscle. Your self-control "muscle" is just like the other muscles in your body when it doesn't get much exercise, it becomes weaker over time. But when you give it regular workouts by putting it to good use, it will grow stronger and stronger, and better able to help you successfully reach your goals. To build willpower, take on a challenge that requires you to do something you'd honestly rather not do. Give up highfat snacks, do 100 sit-ups a day, stand up straight when you catch yourself slouching, try to learn a new skill. When you find yourself wanting to give in, give up, or just not bother don't. Start with just one activity, and make a plan for how you will deal with troubles when they occur ("If I have a craving for a snack, I will eat one piece of fresh or three pieces of dried fruit.") It will be hard in the beginning, but it will get easier, and that's the whole point. As your strength grows, you can take on more challenges and step-up
Why Parents Get Gray Hair!

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whispered, "Hello?" "Is your Daddy home?" he asked. "Yes," whispered the small voice. "May I talk with him?" To the surprise of the boss, the small voice whispered, "No." Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?" "Yes," came the answer. "May I talk with her?" Again, the small voice whispered, "No." Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked the child, "Is anybody else there?" "Yes" whispered the child, "a policeman." Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked "May I speak with the policeman?" "No, he's busy," whispered the child. "Busy doing what?" asked the boss. "Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the firemen," came the whispered answer. Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?" "A hello-copper" answered the whispering voice. "What is going on there?" asked the boss, now alarmed. In an awed whispering voice, the child answered, "The search team just landed the hello-copper." Alarmed, concerned, and more than just a little frustrated, the boss asked, "What are they searching for?" Still whispering, the young voice replied, along with a muffled giggle " Me. "
What is Maturity?
* Knowing myself. * Asking for help when I need it and acting on my own when I don't. * Admitting when I'm wrong and making amends. * Accepting love from others, even if I'm having a tough time loving myself. * Recognizing that I always have choices, and taking responsibility for the ones I make. * Seeing that life is a blessing. * Having an opinion without insisting that others share it. * Forgiving myself and others. * Recognizing my shortcomings and my strengths. * Having the courage to live one day at a time. * Acknowledging that my needs are my responsibility. * Caring for people without having to take care of them. * Accepting that I'll never be finished -- I'll always be a work-in-progress.

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your self-control workout. 8. Don't tempt fate. No matter how strong your willpower muscle becomes, it's important to always respect the fact that it is limited, and if you overtax it you will temporarily run out of steam. Don't try to take on two challenging tasks at once, if you can help it (like quitting smoking and dieting at the same time). And don't put yourself in harm's way many people are overly-confident in their ability to resist temptation, and as a result they put themselves in situations where temptations abound. Successful people know not to make reaching a goal harder than it already is. 9. Focus on what you will do, not what you won't do. Do you want to successfully lose weight, quit smoking, or put a lid on your bad temper? Then plan how you will replace bad habits with good ones, rather than focusing only on the bad habits themselves. Research on thought suppression (e.g., "Don't think about white bears!") has shown that trying to avoid a thought makes it even more active in your mind. The same holds true when it comes to behavior by trying not to engage in a bad habit, our habits get strengthened rather than broken. If you want to change your ways, ask yourself, What will I do instead? For example, if you are trying to gain control of your temper and stop flying off the handle, you might make a plan like "If I am starting to feel angry, then I will take three deep breaths to calm down." By using deep breathing as a replacement for giving in to your anger, your bad habit will get worn away over time until it disappears completely. It is my hope that, after reading about the nine things successful people do differently, you have gained some insight into all the things you have been doing right all along. Even more important, I hope are able to identify the mistakes that have derailed you, and use that knowledge to your advantage from now on. Remember, you don't need to become a different person to become a more successful one. It's never what you are, but what you do.
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Places of Worship
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10am to 3pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 1pm to 7pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 10am to 1pm
SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC

8840 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC 604.274.7906
TEMPLE HOURS
SANATAN DHARM CULTURAL SOCIETY

SHIV MANDIR 5600 DORSET STREET, BURNABY BC PH: 604 -254 -2624
HOURS OF OPER ATION Monday 5:30pm9:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm9:00pm Sunday 10:00am12 noon
Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam Educational and Cultural Society, BC, Canada (EST. 1982 Incorporated S176969)
For Pooja Booking Contact: Aiyaar Shivachariyar Sada Shiva
604.274.7906
COLEBROOK UNITED CHURCH

5441 - 125A St, Surrey B.c.
Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY FOR JESUS

SERvIcE TImE
SRI VENKATESHWARA MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE

Temple hours Monday to Sunday Daily Aarthi Ramayan Katha
9326 - 116th Street, Delta, BC

Morning 8:00am10:00am Evening 6:00pm8:00pm 7:00pm Friday 6:00pm10:00pm pooja/special prayer sessions/Temple/hall PT. Shiu Madri 604.582.4899 PUJARI Soma Sundaran 604.363.7180 maathar sangam Activities & Volunteers Shakuntala Naidu 604.576.4529
Treasurer: Muniappa Naidu 604.576.4529
1pm Sundays
(Hindi & English)
James Kumar 604-581-3191 (res) 604-599-9518 (work) cecil Labon 604-572-4854
president: H.C. Gopal 604.290.1114
secretary: Ganesh Murti 604.315.3166
Hindi Punjabi Fraserview GosPel CHaPel

sunday service 10:30 am12:00 noon 6:30PM - 7:30PM Service in Hindustani & Punjabi Sunday School for Children
14630-107a avenue surrey bC v3r 1v1 Serving the community since 1972
If youre looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to lifes questions or healing, come to our services or contact us. Allow us to introduce you to Jesus Christ and help you come into a full relationship with him.
abhishek pentecostal assembly

Sunday School/Worship Service: 1pm 11601-82nd Ave, Delta BC (604) 590-8836 samuel_k@telus.net www.abhiskhekassembly.com Services are in Hindi and English Senior Pastor Rev. Samuel Krishna
Pastor Santosh Raj 604-582-2650 chital06@hotmail.com
ASIAN cHRIST cHURcH OF cANADA

Rev. Emmanuel Cheema 778-241-9066 asianchristchurch@yahoo.ca
Sunday Service @ 5.30 p.m. (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English)
We pray for sickness, demon possessed & family problems. We have testimonies, come and see Gods great work.
You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 11)
15964 88th Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N IH5
FIJI SENIORS SOcIETY OF cANADA

Social Gatherings at 1pm - Last Sunday of each month at SHRI vENKATESHWARA mAHA vISHNU TEmPLE 9326 - 116th Street, Delta, Bc
Bhan mati Raj 604-581-9859 chand Lakhan 604-5880361 Bhan Pratap 604-839-5106 James Kumar 604-599-9518 Satya Nand 604-590-5303 Thakur Kuar Singh 604-587-5439
HINDI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

#4-6468 King George Blvd, Surrey BC
Sunday Service @ 2:00PM

Uplifting Worship | Prayer for healing | music (cD) Available
Shailendra (Shal) Singh 604-596-7353 or 604-323-6506 | hindichristianfellowship@yahoo.ca
GLOBAL FIJIAN ASSEMBLIES

Pastor Isimeli Lesi Korobasaga
Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Every Sunday 25Pm @ Peoples Full Gospel
14455 - 104th Ave., Surrey, Bc Phone: 604.592.9001 Cell: 778.938.2734 Email: lesi1968@yahoo.ca
REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED Come and experience a time of Prayer and Bible based answers to lifes difficult questions.
We will meet on the first Monday each month - 6-8 pm
NAYA JEEWAN cHURcH

38868 - 128th Street, Surrey Bc
Please contact Murti at 604.599.4552
Service Sundays 2:00pm Bible Study (Hindi & English) Wednesdays 7:30pm
Prayer, counselling & visitations Available
HOSANNA TABERNACLE
Pastor Silas Naidu 604.352.1232
silas.naidu@gmail.com
Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.543-8339
Affiliated with Pentecoastal Assemblies of Canada 6075 Inverness Street, Vancouver Sunday Services in Hindi/English 2:00pm
F I JIAN METHODIST UNI T E D C H U R C H
ARYA SAMAJ SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

(Registered under the Society Act Of BC. Registered Charity # 891336349)
Ph: 604.593.5663 Pastor Sakaraia & Rev. Ema Karoi
12371 96 Avenue Surrey BC Sunday Service @ 6:00PM
Now Accepting New Membership applications For Details Phone: Kash Dosangh (604) 430.1358 or Surendra Prasad (604) 572.8817
19 years of age or older, a descendent of/citizen of Fiji Gathering Schedule January 6th & January 20th 2013 1pm-5pm Subhas Chandra (604) 433.4298 N. Tezram (604) 540.7009
13629 - 108 Avenue, Surrey BC V3T 2K4 (778) 395.0903
Fiji Canada Association
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Join for Hawan, Pravachan and Satsangh followed by Preetibhoj Every Sunday 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon Yoga, Pranayam & Meditation classes every Wednesday 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m. Contact Shobha Rae 604.874.9856 Hindi Classes Sunday 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Contact Madhu Varsney 604.222.1444 Hall rental also availabale. Contact Kushwakant Singh 604.328.5454
Madhu Varsney, President 604.222.1444, Jack Sundar, Secretary 604.541.9359 Kushwaha Kant Singh, Treasurer 604.328.5454
Arya Samaj Centre, 6884 Jubilee Ave., Burnaby, B.C.

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45
Ba soccer has kicked off their training under the watchful eyes of coach Yogendra Dutt in the lead up to the opening round of the 2013 National Football League next Sunday. Secretary, Iliyaz Khan told the reporter after a long break they will work towards gelling a formidable combination. Dutt will work on polishing up the finishing along with fitness, stamina and combination, Khan said. It will be a busy year ahead with the Oceania Champions League as well, but since we will be playing 90-minute football so much the better.
Ba Want A Winning Start In 2013 NFL
TImes
TImes sporTs
Lautoka To Plan For 2013
Khan said it would be a daunting task to regroup after the break, but has faith in the players to be at their peak before competition resumes. Despite having an advantage going into the second leg of the Champions League Khan insists they cannot afford to take Suva lightly. Will have to step up if we are to win our 17th consecutive CVC title as Suva will come fully prepared, Khan said. Bas open their 2013 NFL campaign against Nadroga at 3pm at Govind Park next Sunday. A day later they take on Lautoka at Churchill Park.
Lautoka Football will meet next Monday to put in place their plans and objectives for the new season. LFA boss Shalendra Prasad said they are anticipating a better season. We want to go one better this season, he said. Registration of new clubs and dates for the commencement of local league competition will also be discussed during the council meeting. Blues secretary Reginald Gounder
will lead the teams training and be in charge of preparation ahead of their opening against Ba next Sunday. Meanwhile, Prasad confirms no progress has been reached regarding the clearance of Alvin Avinesh, Peni Finau and Samesa Nakosia. Neither Ba nor Nadi have come forward to negotiate for their release to date. Lautoka will play Ba at Churchill Park on January 13, at 3pm.
Ex-Rep Eyes Stallions Top Job

Sydney-based Moshin Javed Nabi is one of front-runners for the Nadroga Football Association presidents post during the districts Annual General Meeting. Nabi played for Nadroga from 20072009 before departing for Australia to start up a business there. In an interview, the former Stallions rep said things are looking good and he is confident of winning the election. Affiliate clubs are backing me up and I m pretty confident of getting a positive result tonight, the 27-yearold said. Originally from Korotogo in Sigatoka, Nabi said his plans are to enhance the local league competition. Local league competition needs to be strengthened if we want to see the district team improve in their games. Im looking to folk out a price purse of $3,000 to the winner of our local league and $1,000 to the runner-up. Nabi is anticipating a $120,000 budget to revamp Nadroga soccer. He also has plans to hire an overseas coach to give more emphasis on grass-root development in the district. My plan is to get a coach from Australia to develop players in primary and secondary schools. Nabi currently owns the Savusavu club in Sydney and coached the Australian Muslim team to the 2012 FANCA World Cup played in Nadi.
A new Pacific Nations Cup winner will be crowned this year with reigning champs Samoa out of the equation replaced by USA and Canada. Fiji Rugby Union CEO Manasa Baravilala told the reporter that neighbours Samoa will be touring South Africa for matches against the host nation, Italy and Scotland in June in a new-look tournament which coincides with the regional IRB sanctioned competition. Samoa has been excluded from this years competition due to their tour to South Africa, Baravilala said. We have new teams coming into the competition in Canada and USA, so it will be an additional Test match for us in other words.
New PNC Winner As US, Canada Join
Given these changes, Baravilala said most PNC matches are likely be played in Japan with the exception of the Canada and USA fixture where the Flying Fijians is likely to travel to the countries for those games. We were initially scheduled to play in Hawaii, but with the changes this has been called off. After Canada, we will play in Japan keeping in mind costing. In retrospect, Baravilala described the year 2012 as a challenging year highlighting the autumn Europe Tour and the lottery saga which he said kept rugby house busy. He does not expect the load to be lighter this year in view of the Rugby World Cup 7s, the PRC, the expanded PNC as well as the November Tour.

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TImes
TImes sporTs World Cup 2014: 5 Biggest Nations Who Might Miss Out
consecutive World Cup tournaments. However, with the country languishing at the bottom of the pile in qualifying for 2014, they look unlikely to make a fifth. After nine games Paraguay lie five points off qualification, while their upcoming trips to Uruguay and Ecuador are not promising in terms of gathering a fruitful points return. Paraguay's qualification hopes currently look bleak at best. Scoring goals has been the Albirroja's biggest downfall, with just six in nine matches a sure recipe for disaster. To stand any chance, new coach Gerardo Pelusso must get them scoring and look to improve a record of no points from five away games. Serbia Serbia were handed a tough task to qualify for Brazil 2014, with strong Croatia and Belgium sides also within their group. The two favourites have justified their status and currently lead the group by a six-point margin. In four group stage games so far, the Serbian side have managed just one wina 6-1 victory at home to Wales. However, that triumph was followed by disappointing defeats at home to Belgium and away to Macedonia. In their remaining fixtures, Serbia must navigate difficult away fixtures against both favourites for the group, as well as a trip to Cardiff to face Wales. Their chances of progression already look minimal, without qualifying even having reached its midway point.
The 2014 World Cup is now just 18 months away, with 31 places remaining to join host nation Brazil at world football's biggest and most prestigious competition. In some continents' qualifying competitions, it is simply too early to cast judgement on the possible winners and losers. However, in Europe and South America we are reaching the halfway stage and starting to gain an idea of which countries are set to qualify. While I must stress that this is still guesswork, to some extent, let's take a look at five well-respected footballing nations who face challenges to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Uruguay The South American qualifying section is a long, drawn-out affair with all the continent's sides playing out what is effectively a nine-team league campaign. Now, with nine of 16 rounds already completed, we are starting to get an idea of how the competition is finally shaping up, with Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador currently flying high. However, for Copa America champions Uruguay, the picture is not so bright. La Celeste currently lie fifth, in a playoff position, level on points with both Chile and Venezuela. In their next four games, Uruguay face difficult away trips to both their major rivals for qualification, as well as a visit to Lima to face Peru. First up for Uruguay is a fixture at home to Paraguay which is now a must-win encounter ahead of the three long journeys. Fail to win the game in Montevideo, or lose to both their major rivals, and Uruguay could be cast adrift in the race for Brazil 2014 with games to spare. Portugal Portugal are already facing a massive challenge to qualify for Brazil 2014, finding themselves lying in third place
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in their group with four of 10 fixtures already played. Five points behind leaders Russia, it already looks a major challenge for the Iberians to qualify automatically. However, level with Israel on seven points, it will be far from straightforward to even ensure a playoff spot. Portugal have recent history of qualifying for major tournaments through the playoff process, but they face six grueling matches, including visits to some of Europe's more distant outposts, before they even reach that stage. Should they reach that point, there are always risks attached with relying on a knockout tie to progress to the finals. France It seems very harsh to describe a side who are currently unbeaten in their qualification campaign as candidates to miss out on the World Cup. Unfortunately for France, though, they are in the same group as reigning champions Spain, with only one side progressing automatically to the finals.
France may have drawn away to their major rivals. However, in spite of that result, recent years would suggest that the Spaniards remain favourite for progression. Should that be the case, then France will have to deal with the potentially difficult process of the playoffs and whatever opposition that entails. Didier Deschamps appears to have got a decent balance to his side and is moving in the right direction. Their second seed status, though, could come back to haunt them if they fail in the playoff stages. Paraguay To date, Paraguay have qualified for four

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47
Sanjeev Kumar Left My Sister Shattered For Life: Vijeta Pandit

passed away suddenly. "Sulakshana Didi was never the same after Sanjeev Kumar turned her love down. She rapidly lost touch with reality. It came to a point where she couldn't stay on her own. So in 2006, we brought her to our home. She has been staying with us for several years now. She doesn't meet anyone, hardly ever steps out of her room, unless it is to occasionally visit our farm-house in Lonavala, which she loves," Vijeta told TOI. It was widely reported that Sulakshana fell in love with Sanjeev Kumar during the filming of Uljhan(1975). However, the actor was so smitten by Hema Malini that he turned her down. She was heartbroken. A full-time domestic help looks after the 58-year-old actress, who in the 70s and 80s starred in films like Sankoch, Hera Pheri, Khandaan and Uljhan opposite the leading men of her time like Sanjeev Kumar, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna. She also successfully sang songs like Beqaraar dil tu gaaye ja (Door Ka Rahi), Mana Teri Nazar Mein Tera Pyar Hum Nahi (Khandaan) and Bandhi Re Kahe Preet (Sankoch) to mention a few.
Sanjeev Kumar, Sulakshana Pandit in Uljhan Vijeta Pandit claims her sister for the past two weeks. According to Sulakshana lost her mental balance Sulakshana's other sister Vijeta, with after the star turned her down whom she has been staying since 2006, Yesteryear actress-singer Sulakshana it was unrequited love for late Sanjeev Pandit today lives the life of a Kumar that caused the actress to lose psychologically-disturbed recluse. Add her mental equilibrium. to that, a fractured hip has rendered her According to Vijeta, Sulakshana, somewhat incapacitated. who now restricts herself to her room So removed is her life from reality that in Vijeta and brother-in-law Aadesh she hasn't even been told about her sister Shrivastava's home, was never able to Sandhya Singh having gone missing get over the man she loved when he
For years now, no one has seen this beautiful actress with the lovely voice. "How can anyone see her? She doesn't meet anyone. Not even our brothers and sisters except Sandhya. We've kept Sandhya Didi's disappearance unknown to Sulakshana Didi. It isn't that difficult to do since she refuses to meet any guests, even close relatives, and is confined to her room. She loves my two sons and says my younger son is actually her beta," said Vijeta. To make matters worse, some years ago, Sulakshana fell in the bathroom and shattered her hip bone. "She had to undergo four surgeries. Even now, she can't walk properly. She stays put in her room, listening to the radio. She hardly watches television either. She doesn't do much of anything," Vijeta sighed. Vijeta and her family have accepted Sulakshana as an integral part of the household. "We've sold her earlier property and bought her a flat in Lokhandwala. But I doubt she will ever be able to move into it. She can't stay on her own. She doesn't want to. We don't want her to. There was a time when Sulakshana Didi looked after me.Now it's my turn to look after her," said Vijeta.
A couple takes on the challenge to play a game of Truth or Die. 8 questions, 8 tasks, 8 answers, with rapid fire rounds too. Even one lie and it's a death call. Movie Review: A Table for two, please? With a stunning view of the Fiji islands, the finest champagne, exclusive service and a lavish 8-course meal. And guess what? It costs absolutely nothing. Now, before you growl with greed, let's see what's on the menu blood and bravado, love and lies, truth and treachery, money and mind-games. Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya (Tena Desae), a middle-class couple win a free trip to the exotic Fiji Islands. Soon, this freebie of an affair turns into a reality show for 8 million viewers on the internet. The couple is invited by one Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal) who's a quiz-master and 'not a terrorist', to Table No. 21 - A live game show where 8 questions are asked, followed by a daunting task. All they have to do is bare (at times bleed) their hearts and say nothing but sach and walk home with the prize money of 21 crores. The rules are simple: Say one lie and be ready to die and once you are on the hot-seat, there's no turning back. The heavenly island turns into a Hell-home, and the couple is torn between a web of lies, truth and shocking reality. Of course, this 'Crorepati' game unlike the real one, needs no recap of your GG (read: general gyan), or a 'lifeline' to save the day. Rajeev Khandelwal, takes on the sach ka saamna game sportingly, using his intensity and good-looks, in some parts; he portrays the much needed despair and desperation, but this isn't a full-blown performance for an actor of calibre. Paresh Rawal is not the most charming game-show host, but he's not supposed to be. He's pulls off this one in his usual style (experimenting only with his look), and gives his best shot at the end. Tena Desae, has a good screen presence and enacts well in high-drama scenes. For a story that stays focused on the lead couple, and a game-show on an island, Aditya Datt has done a good job of entertaining, serving some suspense (intriguing, if not nail-biting) and dishing it out with some hard reality bytes. The first half is slow-paced, as a thriller it has its flaws, the direction isn't really superlative, but post-interval it spins into another zone and the climax hits home. If you're looking for a different taste for your cinema palates (minus the mirch masala), book a seat for Table No. 21. Bon appetit!
Table No.21
David Dhawan Hospitalized

Even as producer Bunty Walia was playing the perfect host in the celebrations of his wedding to Vanessa Parmar at a Bandra restobar, director David Dhawan suddenly fainted while chatting with Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. News has it that Sanjay and Abhishek tried to revive him, but weren't successful. That's why they immediately called for an ambulance and rushed David to Lilavati Hospital. It is when the reports were taken it was revealed that David's blood sugar had dipped below the normal level and that he went into 'diabetic coma'. Even as the doctors who have been attending to him have declared him to be out of danger, his health and diet are being closely monitored. While Rohit (David's elder son) is staying by his father's side, Varun Dhawan is expected to return from Bangkok where he is presently shooting.
David Dhawan
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