Newsletter. Issue 2005-04. Jan 27, 2005
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COMMUNITY NEWS

Hope still thrives in devastated region
21 Jan. Wiltshire Times. A doctor who went to India to help with relief work after the tsunami disaster on Boxing Day will spend the rest of the year touring schools and churches to raise awareness of the need for further aid. Dr Joel Almeida, of Wingfield Road, Trowbridge, Wilts, UK, returned from southern India on Saturday. He flew out shortly after the catastrophe to set up a health surveillance system for the devastated region.
Click to enlarge
His disease surveillance system has already been used to bring an outbreak of dysentery under control and he has trained local people to continue its work. Dr Almeida plans to devote 2005 to raising funds for the relief work. He will give his first talk at St John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Trowbridge at 7.30pm next Friday (28 Jan.). For full text, 396 words, click here.
20 Jan. Bath Chronicle. The proceeds of Dr Joel Almeida’s latest album, Turn On The Dream, which will be on sale in shops in March, will go towards the aid effort. He is also contacting British stars, including Jamie Cullum, Will Young and Katie Melua, to make a charity single. "I wrote a song called Love Is Everything. I hope we can sing it as a gesture of solidarity," he said. For full text, 479 words, click here.

3 British Terror Suspects Plead Innocent
25 Jan: The Guardian. Roque Fernandes, 43, Dominic Martins, 44, and Abdurahman Kanyare pleaded innocent to charges that they conspired to possess a radioactive substance and entered into funding arrangements linked to terrorism. They denied that they conspired to possess a ``radioactive mercury-based substance'' for terrorist purposes. The three men appeared at the Old Bailey criminal court by video-link from Belmarsh high-security prison. Police arrested the three men on Sept. 24 in north London after the News of the World newspaper claimed it had foiled a terrorist plot involving a radioactive ``dirty bomb.'' Kanyare and Fernandez also denied separate charges of theft and handling stolen goods relating to stolen credit cards. Justice Adrian Fulford set a trial date for all three men of Oct. 3. For full text of the Guardian article click here.
[It was reported earlier that the gang consisted of a banker originally from Goa, India, his "sidekick" from Mozambique and a Somalian. The banker is "married with two young children." For the BBC report of 26 Sept 2004, click here.

G.O.A.UK Extravaganza 8th January 2005
From Mafalda de’Sa, G.O.A.UK (PR Director.): Wandsworth Civic hall was the setting for the Goan Extravaganza, with a full house dancing the New Year in. A Colourful and flamboyant cabaret from Brazil, the "Flame Latin Dancers" were spectacular to watch, their enthusiasm rubbing off on a participating crowd! Over £1000 was raised for the Tsunami appeal from the sale of raffle tickets.
Norma Menezes-Rahim the Social Director, thanked members and guests for their generosity and gracing an occasion, enhanced by the popular music of Mariano's band, “Maz & Co” and the Disco “Say One Do One”, whilst Brittos Catering and Greg Carvalho’s Bar Team kept the revellers in food and drink. Flavio Gracias presented the President's Award to Vince & Marisol Fernandes, in recognition of their continuous support, organization and assistance at the annual Xmas Tree Children’s’ Party, Junior Football, Sports Day & Festival events.

UK: Claude Moraes: Fear mutes response to Tory migrant policy
24 Jan. The Guardian. The notable thing about yesterday's Conservative drive to put immigration at the top of the agenda was the response it produced from the other mainstream parties - not outrage or claims that the Tories were playing the race card, but a muted promise that they too would take action. The difficulty for the government is that few trust the official statistics. Speaking at a Fabian conference a fortnight ago, Claude Moraes, a Labour MEP, argued that an independent body should be set up to "restore sanity and balance in the debate". He said its figures would have greater public credibility than the Home Office statistics and prevent the debate being dominated by irresponsible and misleading media coverage.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,1396849,00.html

UK: Claude Moraes: Stand up to racism
24 Jan. South Wales Echo. People in the Valleys are being urged to take a stand against racism by attending a meeting at Cwmaman Institute near Aberdare at 7pm on Thursday. Assembly Member Christine Chapman and Wales MEP Glenys Kinnock will join one of Britain"s first Asian MEPs, Claude Moraes from London, on an anti-racism platform.

Canada: Vernon Lobo, managing director of Mosaic Venture Partners (MVP)
25 Jan: Canadian NewsWire. Montreal. Excerpts: Vernon Lobo's career includes experience in entrepreneurial ventures, technology, strategic consulting and venture capital. Previously, Mr. Lobo was a partner with a leading Canadian venture capital fund focused on technology-based enterprises. Prior to that, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Co., serving Fortune 500 clients in the telecommunications and information technology sectors.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Lobo worked in software development and engineering at Northern Telecom. Mr. Lobo holds a bachelor of science in engineering from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker scholar.
The other insiders of MVP are Ingrid Lobo and Ontario-based Kilimanjaro Capital Inc. and Finn Co. Investment Ltd. For full text click here.
Excerpts from GoaCom: When Vernon Lobo received the Victor Abreo Education Award presented by the Goan Overseas Association in 1982, his acceptance speech was a tour-de-force that left everyone convinced that this young man was going places. He has not disappointed… Vernon is married to Ingrid and they have a daughter Dana that they both dote on. He enjoys piano, achieving a level of Grade 9 with the Royal Conservatory of Music. While studying at Harvard he took time to run in the Boston Marathon, and be a volunteer tutor for inner-city children. For full text click here.

'Asians Not Prominent' - Vaz
26 Jan: Leicester Mercury. Keith Vaz has published a book calling on ministers to "change the face of Britain" by appointing a larger number of ethnic minorities to public bodies. He told a Westminster press conference that he had "expected more in eight years" from the Labour Government… In a foreword to Mr Vaz's publication, Prime Minister Tony Blair indicated that selection on merit would still take place ahead of ethnic background. For full text click here

Customs Duty exemption on Import of Gold Ornaments from Portuguese Bank.
27 Jan: Press Information Bureau (Govt. of India). This long pending issue has been resolved, so as to bring justice to the 1,800 claimants who were residents of Goa prior to its liberation from the Portuguese rule and who had pledged their gold to the Portuguese Bank. Text at: http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=6755

UK: Telephone Calls Guide.
Call1899 is now offering UK (local & national), Germany, USA and Canada calls for 3p flat rate no matter how long your call lasts. Calls to India 5p per minute (land or mobile). Details from http://www.call1899.co.uk/
To check International call prices of various providers click here
Free calls over the Internet. Google's plans to launch a Net-to-Net phone service but many companies are doing it already. For the guide click here.


DEATHS

UK: Funeral arrangements for JOE SEQUEIRA (ex-Mombasa). From Reis & Millie Braganza, reisbraganza@hotmail.com: The funeral service & requiem mass is at 12.00 noon on Friday 28th January at The Friary, Marine Hill, Clevedon, North Somerset. BS21 7PP. Directions from www.friar.org/clevedon Friends are welcome

23 Jan: Sangolda, Goa. BARBARA PEREIRA (Ex-Mombasa, Ex-Sarpanch of Sangolda). Wife of late Urbano. Mother of late Sarah. Sister of Ciriaco/Divina (UK), Bernard (Tanzania), Basilia/late John (Tanzania), Mary/late Andrew Braganza (Hubli) and Mabel/late Anthony (UK).

17 Jan: Fatorda. Goa. CAETANO ROSARIO REBELLO (Ex-Nairobi, East African Railways, born 1916). Husband of Maria Angelica. Father of Fr Tony svd, late Roque/Servita (London), Anna/late Ignatius (Canada), Lira/Warren Viegas (London). Grandpa of Darryl, Charlene, Cheryl, Daphne, Stephen and Ashley.

17 Dec. Toronto, Canada. NETTA BARRETO. Peacefully, after a lengthy illness. (Ex East African Railways, Nairobi;). Beloved wife of the late Roddy Rodricks and the late Luis Barreto. Loving mother of Jennifer (Victor) de Costa, Mervyn (Patricia) Rodrigues and Alan Barreto. Cherished Nana of Daniel, Lisa and Andrea. Dear sister of Claudine, Francis, Jacob, the late Joseph and the late Louiza. Netta will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Condolences to decosta@onetel.com

We now have a photograph, taken in 1994, of MAVIS D'SOUZA who died on 30 Dec. 2004. For almost three decades she was the editor of Lloyd's Law Reports.
From Debretts People of Today: Mavis was born on 14 March 1947, the daughter of John Paul Martin D'Souza (d 1982), of London, and Mildred Amelia, nee Fernandes (d 1994). She was educated at St Joseph's Convent Sch Dar-Es-Salaam Tanzania and Univ of London (LLB). A summary of her obituary appeared in issue 2005-2. Please write to eddie@fernandes.u-net.com if you would like the full version.

Dr Peter Rodrigues and Bernie, Flavio & Martin Gracias wish to thank relatives and friends who attended the funeral of their mother Rosana Rodrigues on Tuesday 25th January 2005, for their messages of sympathy, mass offerings and donations to the D'Almeida Charitable Trust. Your kindness is very much appreciated and a mass will be offered for your intentions.


PRIZE COMPETITION

A phone-in competition to win an all-inclusive holiday in Goa. Details: TV Programme: Friday 04 Feb, 14:00 (30 mins). Wish You Were Here Today. Channel ITV1.


HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Goa's a real hoot. . .
22 Jan. Daily Star. Excerpts: Holidaying in sun-soaked Goa was a hoot. In Goa there are no road markings, no traffic lights and no right of way. So it's one blast on the hooter for overtaking, an even louder beep if the car in front doesn't oblige and the car coming towards you is a little too close. Then a little toot to say "ta" as you pass, followed by a honk to say hello to your friends and family.
After a nine-hour flight, and with your luggage is in the hotel reception, it's time to turn off the stress meter and chill out.
On the beach gypsy girls barter their goods. Anita, carrying her stock in a bundled blanket, promised "Asda price, not Harrods".
Once you have sampled this exotic experience you'll always want to go back to Goa.
Stay for 14 nights at the Five Star Ramada Caravela Hotel, bed and breakfast for £845 per person with Avion Holidays. To book call Avion Holidays on 0870 835 4531 or log on to www.avionholidays.co.uk Full text 1029 words, at the link below
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2005-January/023486.html

Travelling with kids: Childcare
22 Jan. The Guardian. Dea Birkett was convinced that she had found ideal childminders in Goa when three teenagers also on vacation agreed to take on the job. But she was startled to discover the ages of the teenagers. The next day she found Teresa, a local 21-year-old commerce student who proved ideal. 365 words.
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/saturdaysection/story/0,,1395616,00.html


GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Disability Rights Assoc. of Goa
From George Pinto: The Disability Rights Assoc. of Goa announces the start of a Yahoo Group "disability-goa" to share information and happenings in the field of disability in Goa. If you would like to join the group please register at the site or email Avelino de Sa the President at dragoa@rediffmail.com

Real estate check in tsunami areas
20 Jan. Hindustan Times. Excerpt: While Goa was spared the tsunami horror, though sea levels rose and flooded some coastal roads, rentals of beachfront shacks have crashed from Rs 450 a day to Rs 100.

Breaking through
21 Jan: Indian Express. Rajendra Talak director of Konkani film Aleesha discusses the nascent Goan film industry. For full text click here.

Indian Catholic Bishops demand withdrawal of CD on freedom struggle
22 Jan: Navhind Times. CBCI demands withdrawal of CD on freedom struggle. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=012235

When the cobra refused to bite Dr Verenkar
22 Jan: Navhind Times. In a sensational disclosure in the Dr Verenkar murder case, the Vasco police today revealed that the abductors planned to get a cobra they carried to bite the doctor but it would not do so. It was after this that the culprits gagged the doctor which led to his death. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=012237

Goa: Garbage disposal scheme made to hoodwink people: Dr Willy
23 Jan: Navhind Times. Grading Goa as “last in garbage disposal (in the country),” the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dr Wilfred de Souza, today attacked the state government for its recently-announced Rural Garbage Disposal Scheme 2005.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=012320

No tsunami blues for foreign tourists
23 Jan: Times of India. Despite the recent tsunami which struck coastlines across south India, foreign tourists have not been deterred from making a beeline for Goa's world-famous beaches. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/998514.cms

Goa sends Rs 17 lakh aid to Andaman tsunami victims
24 Jan: The Navhind Times. The Goa government has send goods worth Rs 17 lakh to the tsunami victims of Greater Andaman. The goods consists of waterproof tents, cooking stoves, utensils, lanterns among other items.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=012418

River Princess to be towed away
25 Jan: Times of India. After some four and a half years when the vessel, M V River Princess ran aground off Sinquerim coast in North Goa, the state government finally awarded the tender to a British firm Crosschem International for it to be floated and towed away. The Goa government will pay Rs 85.41 lakh (approx £100,000) and the firm has been given 110 days for the vessel to be taken away. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/999979.cms

Goa: M. Boyer gets Padma Shri

26 Jan: Navhind Times. The comedian and versatile Goan stage personality, Manuel Santana Aguiar, popularly famous as M Boyer has been honoured with Padma Shri award by the President on the eve of the Republic Day. The living legend M Boyer, who has been at the forefront of tiatr for over 50 years, has written, produced and directed over 30 plays. He has given a staggering 5,000 performances in his lifetime. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=012632

Tsunami rave
26 Jan. Indian Express. It seems the exodus from Kerala post Tsunami has favoured Goa’s tourism. As usual it was all happening in Goa during the New Year amidst the government claiming credit for the spurt in tourism after the spectacular International Film Festival hosted by the state for the first time. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=63415

Cox & Kings eyes hotel properties
25 Jan. Business Line (The Hindu). Cox & Kings, the travel company plans to acquire hotel properties in upmarket tourist destinations such as Kerala Jaipur and Goa according to Mr Peter Kerkar Director. The company is keen to acquire luxury hotels with about 80 rooms and the acquisition would be made over the next 12 months, he said.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/25/stories/2005012502590400.htm


GOANET: SOME HIGHLIGHTS By Cornel DaCosta

Frederick Noronha drew attention to good material in SAR News, called Banking on Tsunami, RSS tries to enter South India with Aid. Apparently, the Chicago-based Institute of Philanthropy, a non-profit charity watchdog has cogently argued that, " During highly publicised crises, it is common for disreputable fly-by-night 'charities' to take advantage of public generosity for agendas of their own." The material offers several penetrating insights on behind the scene activities.

The historical events in Cuncolim, Goa, when Christian missionaries were killed, many years ago, has drawn the interest of many readers. This topic indicates promise of much more in-depth discussion.

Antonio Mascarenhas presented a brief polemic about who exactly the Goan Catholics were at the point of conversion. He effectively casts doubts whether there were many " twice born" Hindu Brahmins among those converted. This is a topic likely to develop into a full blown discussion and definitely worth following.

Other topics have including global warming, and despite efforts at a closure on posts involving American involvement in Iraq, the issue keeps popping up with considerable intensity.

Please visit the Goanet archives at http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ To subscribe to Goanet send an email to viviana@goanet.org


IN THE NEWS

Terror in paradise
20 Jan: Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough), Graeme and Julie Skinner have spoken of their terror as they were robbed at knifepoint during a dream holiday to Goa. The traumatised pair fled the country and returned home a week early after the horrifying attack by a gang of men brandishing knives. They are giving a stark warning to other holidaymakers to be vigilant after being set upon while enjoying a romantic stroll on a seemingly idyllic beach in Cavelossim.
The gang made off with goods worth thousands of pounds. The police confirmed that the gang who robbed them did the same to a couple three weeks previously. For full text, 517 words, click here.
[Graeme Skinner has since written: “We were amazed by the generosity and compassion shown to us by the many Goan friends we have made during our visits to Goa. Whilst still in Goa some locals even offered us financial assistance! We are sure that we will return to Goa for next year’s vacation”].

Another British Couple Robbed at Cavelossim
26 Jan: Herald (Goa). British national Ian Senior (57) and his wife were robbed of their gold ornaments and digital camera at knife point at Cavelossim beach, on January 24 afternoon. The incident occurred when Ian and his wife were proceeding on their bicycles towards the beach, when suddenly two persons appeared on the scene and at knife point ordered them to move towards the bushes.

Restaurant Review: UK: Ma Goa. By Fay Maschler
20 Jan. Evening Standard (London). Top 5 regional Indian restaurants. Once a Portuguese colony, Goa still has a Catholic population who are content to cook and eat beef and pork. Female cooks there are often referred to as aunties but the chef in the kitchen here is Mrs Kapoor. Her immediate family are involved in the running of what is a charming oasis, which this year will be 12 years old. Start with a selection of dishes to share including the pungent sorpotel and don't omit a hundee (sealed-pot) dish in the main course. For full text click here

Restaurant Review: UK: Ma Goa. By Madhur Jaffrey
21 Jan. Financial Times. Excerpts: Eating at the medium-priced Ma Goa requires a trek to the outer south-western fringes of London but it is a trek worth making…Order anything here but the Goan dishes are a must… I found Bella’s Goa Lamb superb and the Chicken Xhacutti made with roasted spices and coconut equally mouthwatering. And where else but here would you order a fiery Porco Vindaloo? I also found myself digging into the Coconut aur Methi Gallina, a dish of boneless chicken simmered in coconut milk and flavoured with fenugreek, coriander and limes, and into the Prawn Amot-tik, a spicy prawn dish soured with the dried kokum fruit… For full text click here. The Ma Goa website is at http://www.dine-out.co.uk/magoa/magoa.htm

Hindus protest at evangelist show
21 Jan: BBC News. Hardline Hindu activists in southern India have protested against the visit of American TV evangelist Benny Hinn. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4194695.stm

Aurora, the stricken cruise liner.
22 Jan. The Independent. Excerpt: A passenger said, "Who"s going to feel sorry for us? But our concern is what is going to happen to the staff. Many of them come from Goa or the Philippines and this is a big thing for them to lose out on a cruise like this." According to P&O, the 1,800 staff on board will all be paid and receive an estimated payment for lost tips. http://travel.independent.co.uk/news_and_advice/story.jsp?story=603471

Australia: Prosperous immigrants don't fit their stereotypes
22 Jan. Sydney Morning Herald. The stereotype is that they open curry shops and staff call centres. The reality is that they are our most sophisticated and successful immigrants. In fact, the Indians are the Next Big Thing in Australia's population growth.
The 2001 census shows the peak occupations of Indian-Australians are computing, medical, clerical and business/ administration, with 95 per cent speaking English "very well", 34 per cent describing their faith as Hindu, and 31 per cent describing themselves as Catholic. For full text click here

Montreal: Tsunami: Fundraising events to aid south Asian reconstruction.
23 Jan: Montral Gazette. Flora Almeida-Marlow, president of the National Association of Canadians of Indian Origin, pointed out in one night of fundraising, $23,176 was raised for disaster relief. But she cautioned against Canadians who want to adopt orphaned children. "Bringing the children here is not a solution," she said. "They are the future of those countries and if they leave, what you will have left are ghost towns." For full text click here.

"Call Me Genie" – a Russian film shot in Goa
23 Jan. The St. Petersburg Times (Russia). "Call Me Genie" is a musical comedy film for young people that hits St. Petersburg screens on Thursday. It was filmed on location in Goa, India. The film, directed by Ilya Khotinenko, tells the story of three students who release a genie from a soft drinks can. The genie grants the students' wish to relocate to Goa but they find themselves busy fighting the Russian mafia in India. "Call Me Genie" was shot in the Indian state of Goa, where a large-scale dance party for 2,000 people forms the background to the action. The genie is computer generated. "Such a place, actions and technologies have been used in the Russian cinema for the first time", the official press release of the film claims. 459 words.
http://www.sptimes.ru/archive/times/1037/features/a_14633.htm

Zambia: Benedict D’Souza, Operations Manager of UBZ jailed
23 Jan: Times of Zambia. The Lusaka High Court has sentenced Benedict Ashley D'Souza and three other United Bank of Zambia (UBZ) directors to one year imprisonment with hard labour for 56 counts of money laundering, forgery and corrupt practices.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200501240505.html

India Trek Awes and Enlightens
24 Jan: Harbus Online (Harvard Business School). Excerpt: We moved to Goa where we spent New Year's Eve on the beach. Goa is the place to be on New Year's in India, as evidenced by the prevalence of Bollywood movie stars and hordes of tourists. While most spent their time sightseeing or on the beach, nearly everyone rang in the New Year at Club Cabana. Imagine one thousand or more revellers, 10% of which were from HBS, celebrating the New Years in a Miami Vice style mansion on top of the highest hill in Goa with panoramic views of over twenty fireworks shows! http://www.harbus.org/news/2005/01/24/News/India.Trek.Awes.And.Enlightens-839644.shtml

Nice work, if you happen to live in Bangalore
24 Jan: The Telegraph. Fancy earning twice as much as a doctor and getting chauffeured to and from work each day? At the office there's a free canteen, a fully equipped gym and a pool table. Now here's the snag. You'll only be earning £150 a month and may have to work until 2.30am. And you'll be living in India. For full text click here

Property market as safe as houses
25 Jan: Business Day (Bangkok). Property markets in the region should not witness any negative results from December’s tsunami according to Jones Lang LaSalle the international property consultant. They expect that in the interim period, tourist dollars will be diverted to other neighbouring tourist spots such as Goa. http://bday.net/detail.asp?id=62821#

Mumbai: Christians old age home attacked
25 Jan: Mid-Day. A Home for the Aged, run by a group of Carmelite Nuns was damaged by some miscreants. The convent houses 17 inmates, including 12 elderly women, who are taken care of by the nuns. Meanwhile, the All India Catholic Union (AICU) and the Bombay Catholic Sabha today condemned the attack. "We urge the police and government to provide police protection and apprehend culprits immediately", Dolphy D'Souza, National Vice President of AICU said. http://ww1.mid-day.com/news/city/2005/january/102202.htm

Lady of the lamp
25 Jan: Manchester Evening News. Antique lover Leah Mottershead, 75, is taking her entire collection of 1,250 lamps to Goa where she and her husband Ellis plan to set up home. She is paying almost £3,000 to transport the collection. Leah chose to retire to Goa because her youngest daughter already lives there and runs a hotel. She and her husband plan to establish a lamp museum in Goa so that each of the lights can have the exhibition space for a permanent display - and to allow the collection to continue to grow. http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/143/143851_lady_of_the_lamp.html

UK: Ethnic minority-led production companies face discrimination
25 Jan: The Stage. Independent production companies led by ethnic minorities still face systematic discrimination and serious barriers to getting their ideas on screen, according to a report commissioned by Pact and the UK Film Council. For The Stage article see: http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/6221 For the full report see:
http://www.pact.co.uk/uploads/file_bank/1678.pdf

Mumbai: Church miffed at miserly patrons
26 Jan: MidDay. In August last year, the Church had decreed that Catholics should contribute one per cent of their monthly income as ‘tithe’ to their parishes. However, according to Church estimates, less than 50 per cent of Catholics actually do so.
http://web.mid-day.com/news/city/2005/january/102218.htm

Notes & Queries
26 Jan: The Guardian. Elizabeth Hoddy, London NW3 writes: Some friends of mine in Goa are plagued by monkeys. Dozens of hefty langurs conduct daily jumping matches on their roof, destroying up to 1,000 tiles annually. Friends suggested a coating of cheetah droppings - not an easy proposition. Does anyone have a better suggestion, barring death traps? (The monkey god Hanuman is venerated by Hindus.) http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,1398485,00.html

Top 10: Rave Cities
27 Jan: AskMen.Com. Number 6: Goa, India. Excerpt:
Once the Asian focal point of unfettered beach raves, local authorities and environmentalists have put a clamp on Goa's legendary parties. But it's by no means dead. … People will tell you to carry some extra rupees on you; the police there are reportedly easily bribed into turning a blind eye. See: http://www.askmen.com/fashion/travel_top_ten_60/99_travel_top_ten.html

My perfect night out: Jeremy Cunningham
27 Jan: The Herald (Glasgow). 6-7pm: I'm on the beach in Goa getting a head massage and my hair dreadlocked and done with henna. I like the partying and the peace. http://www.theherald.co.uk/goingout/32193.htm


UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS. By Mafalda de’Sa

TELEVISION

Thu 27/1: Discovery Travel & Adventure: 6.00pm (30 mins):. City Cabs. Bombay. Michael Krass travels to India's city of dreams and slums: Bombay. His cab driver Hanif helps explain the city's many paradoxes

Sat 29/1: Channel 4: 7.00pm (120mins): Ancient Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeon Natasha Hidvegi investigates what the ancient civilisations may have known about cosmetic surgery. Beginning in Varanasi in northern India, Hidvegi discovers how surgeons in the ancient world performed complex operations such as breast reduction, nose jobs, and scar concealment – all without modern anaesthetic.

Mon 31/5: Discovery Travel & Adventure: 6:00pm (30 mins): City Cabs. Nairobi. Michael Krass wants to do an urban safari in the infamous city of Nairobi, but it takes quite some time to convince the taxi driver to take him into the non-tourist areas of the city.

Tue 1/2 BBC2. 5:00am (60 mins): Living the Dream Revisited. Restaurant in the Sun. Series revisiting people who set up their dream businesses. A family of British Asians, fed up with miserable Scottish weather, planned to open up a restaurant on the Costa Blanca. Their dreams were sorely tested by financial difficulties and the Spanish 'manana' culture (Not a repeat)

Tue 1/2 BBC2: 11:20pm (30 mins) Desi DNA. Asian arts and lifestyle magazine. The huge range of ancient Indian-inspired therapies being sold in the west; the founder of Tinsletown television Sheeraz Hasan; artist Sacha Jaffery; music from British hip-hop group Foreign Beggars

Wed 2/2: BBC 2: 8.00pm (50mins): Natural World. Serengeti 24: Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and 500,000 wildebeest are heading straight for the woodland home of a cheetah, a leopard and their cubs. For better or worse over 24 enthralling hours their lives will be turned upside down. Michael Praed investigates.

Thu 3/2 Channel 4: 9.00pm (130mins) The Real Da Vinci Code. Tony Robinson discuss Dan Brown’s novel, a recent phenomenal success, which has brought the Holy Grail and its myriad hunters into the spotlight.

Thu 3/2: UK Style: 9:00pm (60 mins): Living the Dream. Restaurant in the Sun. Series following people who set up their dream businesses. A family of British Asians, fed up with miserable Scottish weather, plan to open up a restaurant on the Costa Blanca. Their dreams are sorely tested by financial difficulties and the Spanish 'manana' culture (Repeat)

Fri 4/2: Channel 4: 4:45am (25 mins): Cross My Heart. Short film. An Asian man tries to conceal the identity of his true love because she is black.

RADIO

Mon 31 Jan: BBC Radio 4: 8.00pm (30mins) Tully Traces Gandhi. Travelling from Durban to Johannesburg, Mark Tully investigates Gandhi’s 21 years in South Africa. He also talks to Gandhi’s granddaughter, Ela Gandhi and great granddaughter Kitit Menon.



FORTHCOMING

See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Sat. 29 Jan. Charity Dance on Behalf of St Diogo’s Association. Proceeds raised for the Tsunami appeal. From 6 till 11. Bishop Thomas Grant School, Streatham. Bring your own drinks. Tickets Children 2-12 £5, 13-18 £7 and all Adults £10 Tickets includes a meal. Music: Say One Do One. Jane Gracias 0208 543 5454 and Gilbert Fonseca 0208 670 1955

Sun. 30 Jan. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sat. 5th Feb. 4 pm onwards. Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. Red&Black Evening with live bands and entertainers, spectacular carnival event. Don't miss arrival of King Momo, crowning of Red&Black Queen & more. Prizes to competitions from Cidade de Goa, Marriott Resorts, Goa Tourism & more... Mood setters Joan and Edwin. Dress code strictly Red& Black combination. Hurry up - early bird extended to 15th January. Please contact 020 8932 9375/ 07957206169 or 020 8640 6589. Check flyer at
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2004/Nov/issue4/red_black.htm

Sat. 5th Feb. 3pm to 10.30 pm. "Goa Goes Rio" Viva Carnival!! Join us to have a swell time on the 5th of Feb 05 from 3 to 10.30pm at St. Sebastian Church Hall Hay Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0NG.Live band "LOW LEVEL" in attendance, King Momo Procession, Fancy Dress Competition and loads of prizes and surprises. Dress: Fancy and Funky. Adults £10.00 (inclusive of dinner), family discounts available so rush!! For more information contact: Maria - 07782879676, Sabina - 02086214673 or email on tellmaries@yahoo.com Check flyer at
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2005/Jan/issue2/carnival.htm

Sold Out! Tickets will not be sold at the door Sun. 6 Feb. Mungul Union (UK) celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Sat 12 Feb. YLGS Valentines Party "Goans n' Roses" at The River Suite, Walkabout Temple from 8pm-2am. NEW MEMBERS 18+ WELCOME! Tickets £8. Music by Say One Do One. For more info contact Alison Braganza, Events Manager at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793

Sun 20 Feb. GOA Fundraising Function For Tsunami Victims at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Commencing with Mass at 12 noon, followed by a social and cultural programme. Offers of help to Diego Pinto 020 8767 0663, Cornelius Monteiro 020 8681 8716. Donations by cheque payable to 'GOA (UK) Ltd' to 76 Middleton Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8BS.

Sun. 27 Feb. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun. 13 Mar. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/


Thank you to the Contributors to this issue. Publication: Thursdays (13.00 GMT). Submissions required by the preceding Tuesday by e-mail to eddie@fernandes.u-net.com or post items to: Eddie Fernandes, 1 Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JT. Previous issues can be found at http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/


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