COMMUNITY NEWS

Video: Canada: Deep discounts lures Judy DeSouza to South Carolina
26 Dec: South Carolina Now (US). Judy DeSouza has come all the way from Canada to shop … “We came here as a whole group, all 39 of us for Christmas,” said DeSouza… In Judy’s home country of Canada, the day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day, the biggest shopping day of the year for her family… 1m. 31s. From GVUK 2007-52: Ida Gomes hired a bus to take 56 of her closest friends in Toronto to shop in Pennsylvania, where each dropped between $500 and $1,000. Click here.

Dubai: Stage Set for Goan Premier League Cricket
26 Dec: Khaleej Times (UAE). Goan Welfare Society (GWS) will be organising the 1st Edition of the one day-night Goan Premier League Cricket Tournament-2008 on Friday at the Zabeel Cricket Ground … Top ten teams from the different cities of Goa will be participating in this one day-night Tournament… The tournament has been organised to celebrate the Goa Independence Day. 222 words. Click here.

Congress asks General SF Rodrigues to go on leave
26 Dec: Times of India. A day after UT administrator SF Rodrigues, Governor of Punjab and a distinguished Army General offered to resign if any allegation of corruption was proved against him and his family, the local Congress general secretary Subhash Chawla urged him to go on leave considering his high stature… 357 words. Click here.
For the Wikipedia profile of General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, click here.

Kansas: Nicholas D’Souza: The best gift is being able to help others
27 Dec: The Kansas City Star. Nicholas D’Souza received more than 25 birthday gifts this year. The next day, the 7-year-old happily gave them all away. Nicholas and his mom, Melody D’Souza, packed the car with his gifts and drove to Children’s Mercy South Hospital… Melody’s husband, Darren D’Souza, grew up in Bombay, India, where he witnessed thousands of impoverished children begging on the streets every day… 722 words. Click here.

Canada: Errol Viegas: Soccer has displaced hockey
27 Dec: The Globe and Mail. Soccer has rapidly displaced hockey as Scarborough's sport of choice… At a night soccer practice recently was the nine-year-old son of Errol Viegas, a technical systems manager who immigrated to Canada after a childhood in Tanzania, where soccer was the only game in town. “Everyone played,” Mr. Viegas says. “To me, soccer is the No. 1 game in the world. I love it.” … 1158 words. Click here.

UK: Maya De Souza: Leading Women - the Green New Deal
28 Dec: Maya De Souza: I am 39 and of East African Asian background. After graduating from Oxford University I went on to study law at University College London… Click here.
Maya De Souza (ex-Nairobi) is the daughter of Fitz and Romola; Sister of Veena, Mark and Roy.

Mumbai: Sebastian D’Souza: Photographer who caught the terrorists on camera
28 Dec: the Hindu. For ace photographer Sebastian D’Souza, the true import of what he had done the night of November 26 came three days later. “Only then I came to know I had the world’s first picture of a terrorist taken in action,” he says rather modestly. 565 words. Click here.
28 Dec: International Herald Tribune. Photographers capture images of terror in Mumbai. 1026 words. Click here.

Australia: Neil D'Costa spotted cricket prodigy Phil Hughes
28 Dec: Sydney Morning Herald … The thought of playing cricket for Australia was first realistically conveyed to Phil Hughes by Neil D'Costa, his coach since arriving in Sydney. D'Costa, who mentored Michael Clarke to stardom, planted the idea in Hughes's mind … Neil also helped get Phil somewhere to live and kept an eye on him…943 words. Click here.

Luis Filipe de Souza: This doctor taps into people’s love for music
29 Dec: The Times of India. Dr Luis Filipe de Souza, now 87, a violinist and prize-winning ballroom dancer had his obsession with music rivalling his occupation with medicine … he started teaching the violin at 19, when he first arrived in Mumbai from Goa to study medicine … But the students de Souza is most proud of are his two sons, Harvey and Ralph, whose felicity with the violin, while still short of 10 years, won the approval of Yehudi Menuhin, who suggested they be shipped off to a good music school in London… 721 words. Click here.
[Harvey and Ralph de Souza are in London and have been featured regularly in GVUK].

NRIs show keen interest to invest in Goa Govt schemes
30 Dec: Navhind Times. Non Resident Indians (NRIs) can benefit from various schemes, such as the Goa Card, My Village, is evoking a lot of interest from expatriates and NRIs… under the schemes, the Government is willing to contribute up to Rs10 lakhs and the rest may have to be contributed by NRIs. In turn the facility built can be named after the ancestors of the NRIs. 203 words. Click here.

Portugal: Mário Viegas: Editor of "Ecos do Oriente"
30 Dec: Journal de Noticias. Born in Mozambique 73 years ago, Mario Viegas, a Goan, produces a magazine called "Ecos do Oriente", a quarterly publication devoted to Indo-Portuguese culture …it is sent to 110 addresses abroad ... it sell for Rs150 in India which is a lot of money … 405 words. Click here.

Genelia D’Souza: FHM Cover Story

Click to enlarge

1. Jan. FHM. It seems that Genelia D’souza is the flavor of the season... She is already a popular actress in Telugu and Tamil movies, now she is popular in Bollywood too. FHM guys decided to bank on her popularity by roping her for their cover. Genelia can be seen in a real cute avatar in the latest FHM issue. Born in Mumbai, she moved with her family from Goa to England and later shifted back to India.

DEATHS

29 Dec: Aldona, Goa. MARCELINA (BELLA) ISABELLA NORONHA(Ex-Malindi & Nairobi). Relict of Leonard S. Noronha. Loving mother of Edward (U.K) / Piety (Fr. Agnel, Verna), late Pascoal / Regina (U.K), Dominica / Charles De Sa (U.K), John-Paul (GSL) / Sandra (GSCB Ltd). Grandmother of Ryan / Thereza (U.K), Jude (USA), Aziel, Judy Claire (Goa Rehabilitation Board), Lionel / Anita (U.K), Fiona (U.K), Zaira and Lenny. Great grandmother of Raymond. Funeral service on 30th Dec. at 3.45 pm. St. Thomas Church, Aldona.

28 Dec: Nairobi, Kenya. MARIA (MARIE) ROSARIA BRAGANZA PEREIRA. (Age 85). Wife of the late Leslie Pereira. Loving mother of Denis (Sweden), the late Darryl, Douglas (Nairobi) and Donald (Canada). Marie Pereira was a teacher St. Teresa’s Girls’ School, Nairobi, Kenya in the 1960’s to the mid 1970’s. A Funeral Mass and services were held in Nairobi on Dec. 30, followed by a burial at Langata cemetery. Marie Pereira will be sadly missed by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Condolences: dns_pereira@yahoo.com OR dpereira@pimedia.com

28 Dec: Parra, Goa. FREDRICK CHARLES BARBOZA (ex-Mumbai). Beloved husband of Benny. Loving father/father-in-law of Edna/Tony Fernandes (Canada), Lourdes/Leo Kapoor (Parra), Dorothy/Francis Soares (Canada), Cynthia/Pascal Noronha (Canada), Jude/Juliana Barboza. Grandfather of Denise, Denzil, Dahlia, Kevin, Karen, Nicholas, Amanda, Michael, Julius, Jason and Jessica. Great Grandfather of Jeremy. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church, Parra, Bardez, Goa, on Monday December 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences to ednaferns@hotmail.com. For a tribute to him, click here.

26 Dec: Glendale, Los Angeles. NORMAND BREAULT. Worked for many years, from the early sixties, for the Tanzania Missionary Press in Tabora, Tanzania, as a member of the USA Lay Mission Helpers Group. He had many Goan friends in Tabora, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Mombasa, Goa and the UK. [Info from Luis Gracias].

23 Dec: Toronto. CARL IGNATIUS FERNANDES. Beloved husband of Maryann ''Maggie''. Loving father of Gary, Carlos, Rose Anne, and the late Carol Anne, and step-father of Peter, and Gail. Cherished Grandpa of Brian, Jennifer, Jade, Dani, Kelly, Mark, Mike, Janine, and Derek. Dear brother of Aileen, Lolita, and Bridget ''Pinky'', and brother-in-law of Emile. Visitation on Tuesday, December 30th. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, Pickering, on Wednesday December 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens, Ajax. Click here.

21 Dec: Boston, MA. ANTHONY BRAGANZA (ex-Tanga and Dar-es-Salaam). Husband of Loretta Braganza. Son of the late Ignatius/late Catherina Braganza of Mapuca, Goa. Brother to Edwidge/late Edward Pereira, late Mathew/late Ermine Braganza, Sheila/late Lawrie, Wendy/late Albert, late Mervyn, late Ronnie, late Ossie. He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren.
Anthony will be laid to rest on Fri. Dec. 26 following a Mass at St Edith Stein Parish, 71 E Main St. Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 586-6491. In lieu of flowers kindly donate to Catholic Charities of Brockton, MA OR the favorite Catholic Charity in your area. Messages of condolences to: brag41@yahoo.com [Info from Fr Carlito DeSouza].

WHO THE BLEEP CARES?
Weekly column by Selma Carvalho. Do leave your feedback at carvalho_sel@yahoo.com

Who the Bleep cares about peace on earth and goodwill to all men?

It’s that time of year when I have to select a dinner menu, entertain a few friends, drink some sherry, eat some xacuti and bring in the New Year. With these onerous responsibilities weighing heavily on my mind I set out for Uxbridge to embark on a buying spree. Dayes is a small nondescript shop wedged between a proposed water-park on one side and an NHS pharmacy on the other side. It’s brimming over in an almost tacky display of willow-patterned tea-sets, silver cutlery, saucepans, cheap wine glasses and other knickknacks that generally make women happy to be women.

The shop is owned by an elderly couple from the Sub-continent, either Pakistani or North Indian, I’ve never dared to ask. The moment I walk into the shop they treat me like their long lost daughter, and short of calling me betti, I’m quite convinced each time I go there that they are well on their way to adopting me. Of course I’m not the only object of their affections. They treat every customer this way. It dawned on me during this Christmas season that shop-keepers are the ultimate keepers of peace on earth and dispensers of goodwill to all men.

Why? You may ask. Not for shop-keepers the politics of language, colour or creed. If they don’t know your language, they’ll take the trouble to learn at least two or three words so they can communicate with you. The hawkers that come to Goa don’t care if Konkani or Marathi is the state language. Within weeks of being there they will speak a smattering of both languages and German and Italian to boot. Neither do shop-keepers care about the colour of your skin, what religion you belong, which state you come from, or if your country is at war with their own. Have you ever heard of a Muslim butcher refuse to sell to a Jew or Christian? Have you ever seen a Hindu jeweller refuse to adorn a beautiful Muslim woman with gems? Have you come across a Pakistani refuse to sell to an Indian customer?

Thank God for capitalism which has managed to bring down more walls than Governments ever could. It is only China’s need for capital that finally made it open its doors to the outside world seeking investment and trade. And while Canada nobly sent planes to rescue expelled Asians in Uganda (1972), it was also the painful realisation that Canada desperately needed to expand its own domestic markets and labour force, that prodded its conscience into opening up immigration to non-Europeans. Capitalism comes in for a bad reputation every now and then but I think it understands the basic tenets of humanity. That all men are created equal and that tolerance and treating people with respect is ultimately a self-enriching experience.

TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS:

Air India in commission U-turn
23 Dec: Business Travel World. (UK). Air India is to restore commission payments after first Jet Airways and then Kingfisher reversed their plans to slash agency commission to zero in the face of an agency boycott of Jet. All three airlines will now pay Indian travel agencies 3% commission, compared with the 5% they were receiving before the current round of cuts. 223 words. Click here.

2 Jan. 2009: Gatwick to Goa. From £189: one way
24 Dec: Travelpack. The 26 Dec offer has sold out but is now extended to 02 Jan. due to popular demand. Depart Gatwick. Ideal for long stayers. Call the Goa hotline. 08444 930 404 or Click here.

40 Foreigners Held for Overstaying in Goa
24 Dec: Daily News & Analysis. Karl Heinz, a middle-aged German was arrested Wednesday by the Goa police for overstaying his visa…"The arrest was a result of our drive against foreigners staying illegally in Goa, which was initiated as part of a security measure following the Mumbai terror strikes," Ponda police inspector Manjunath Desai said… Over the last few weeks, the police have picked up nearly 40 foreigners including Italians, Germans and Britons for overstaying their visas… 348 words. Click here.

Video: Goa beaches off limits, tourists disappointed
25 Dec: CNN-IBN. There's intelligence warning that the beaches may be attacked. 1m.12s. Click here.

Medical tourism’s back in business
25 Dec: Economic Times. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, Goa costs just one-fourth the price as compared to the western countries, with average prices for surgery ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh. A full facelift costs around $20,000 in the US, while the same will be charged less than Rs 1 lakh in Goa… Goa does on an average 30 cosmetic surgeries every month… 550 words. Click here.

Now Mumbai pushes Goa off the travel list
26 Dec: Times of India… There are many Mumbaikars who have cancelled their trips to Goa and are now heading for weekend getaways in and around the city. The hospitality industry in Goa may have gone for a toss with only about 30% of the rooms being occupied by tourists, the hotels and weekend resorts in and around Mumbai are witnessing an unprecedented rush this year… Goa hoteliers confirmed that only a handful people from Mumbai have come over… 451 words. Click here.

Does terrorism make India a no-Goa destination?
27 Dec: Russia Times. …Most tourists come and relax for a vacation but more and more are setting up permanent camp in Goa… Dmitry Kobelev who used to run an anti-terrorism website in Moscow but has lived in Goa believes a strike there is pretty much a mission impossible … Fortunately, maybe, for those in Goa, worries of terrorism seem only to be felt by those on the outside. 351 words. Click here.

Navy delayed Goa airport expansion: Panel
27 Dec: Deccan Herald. The Indian Govt had granted Rs 500 crore for upgradation of Goa airport but the work could not be carried out since the Navy has refused to provide the land (2.52 acres) for the purpose. A parliamentary committee has concluded that the Navy should immediately transfer the land … 282 words. Click here.

Sifting the real from Goa’s cliches
27 Dec: Daily News and Analysis. … my friends led me to believe that ‘Goa’ meant topless beautiful girls from Europe on gleaming white beaches and blue seas…my mind was keen on experiencing the ‘real Goa’ known for endless parties, lobsters, prawns, shacks and water sports… 655 words. Click here.

10 best exotic places to take an extended holiday
27 Dec: Ottawa Citizen. 4. Goa is a hot holiday spot for Indian and South Asian vacationers and is best known for its beaches, festivals and ancient temples. It was once a Portuguese colony and thus offers an eclectic mix of both east and west. Calangute and Candolim are the most popular beach towns, but Goa's capital Panaji (also Panjim) is worth a visit, as is Ponda, a sacred site of Goan temples. Click here.

Video: Goa waits for tourists
27 Dec: NDTV. Last year, there were a total of 710 chartered flights that came to Goa … this year, till date, only 194 chartered flights have arrived… On an average, hotels have seen a drop of up to 40 per cent in bookings… 1m.54s. Click here.

The best holiday bargains to book now
28 Dec: The Sunday Times (UK). Goa is at its best in January. A fortnight at the four-star Club Mahindra, on Varca beach, is down from £1,140 to £874, B&B … Or try the two-star Resorte de Tio Carmino, at Calangute, where two weeks, departing on January 9, cost £409, B& B — a saving of £266. In the five-star category, a fortnight's B& B at the Taj Exotica is down from £1,747 to £1,199 Click here.

No takers for Mumbai - Goa flights
28 Dec: Daily News & Analysis… Airlines such as Kingfisher are offering tickets to Goa at Rs500 for the December 31 rush, yet there are no takers. Last year, a ticket for Mumbai-Goa cost Rs16,000 one way, and yet people bought it… Red Bus plies 40 buses every day on the Mumbai-Goa route. Usually, during this season, they have to add 100 extra buses. This year they have not put any extra buses... 370 words. Click here.

Top travel writers invited to see a safe India
28 Dec: The Week. Terrorism has hit India's tourism industry hard, but now some of the best travel writers from the US and Europe have been roped in by the government to help undo the damage…A four-member television team from Ireland will go to Goa and Delhi in January… 540 words. Click here.

Tourism industry perking up in Goa after Christmas
28 Dec: PTI. Goa's tourism industry is bouncing back to normalcy after successful Christmas festivities, feel the experts… 227 words. Click here.

Video: Street-smart: The new mantra in Goa
29 Dec: NDTV. The tourism industry is up against a big challenge in Goa with a drop in the number of tourists coming in. The migrant workers, who move to the state during season time, are trying to stay ahead of the competition and be street-smart in paradise… 1m. 47s. Click here.

Goa to have tourist security force soon
30 Dec: Navhind Times. In view of the heightened security threat perception along the state’s coastal belt, the Goa government is soon expected to give its nod for setting up of tourist security force in the state to provide security to the tourists arriving here… Accordingly 150 ex-servicemen would be employed for the purpose providing security, 219 words. Click here.

Video: Goa regulars doing a re-think?
30 Dec: NDTV. Goa is a favourite destination to ring in the New Year. But with a ban being imposed on beach parties, are the regulars in Goa doing a re-think? 2 min 04 sec. Click here.

Video: Security blanket over Goa on New Year's eve
30 Dec: Times TV. Goa is for long known as the ultimate party destination. But this time around - with just a day to go before New Year - Goa looks more like a well secured fortress and wears a very very deserted look… 662 words. Click here.

Goa to target South Africa, Portugal and Middle East in 2009
30 Dec: Travel Biz. After experiencing a fall in the tourism figures up to 40 per cent Goa is fast recovering as a tourist destination… In the upcoming year the Department of Tourism will also lay more focus on the ‘Beach Safety Management’ scheme… in the international market Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will look at attracting visitors from South Africa, Portugal and other Middle East countries… 330 words. Click here.

£299 -- Goa 14-Nt B&B. Dep. Gatwick 8 Jan.
30 Dec: TravelZoo. Jewel in the Crown has taken a massive £392 OFF a 14-night bed-and-breakfast break in Goa, meaning you'll now pay just £299 per person. Flying from London Gatwick on 8 January, you'll stay at the Resorte De Tio Carmino Hotel in Calangute on a bed-and-breakfast basis… Click here.

Gatwick to Goa: 2 Jan: £99 one way
30 Dec: Travelpack. Gatwick to Goa, on the 2nd Jan for £99 one way! Call the Goa hotline. 08444 930 404 or select the link below. Click here.

Single Russian women denied visas to India?
31 Dec: The Hindu. By Vladimir Radyuhin. The Indian embassy is denying visas to single Russian women travelling to India for New Year holidays, Russian agents said… the Indian embassy will not accept applications from single unmarried women aged below 45 who travel unaccompanied by relatives … The Indian embassy has flatly denied any such restrictions on Russian tourists…. Viktor Chekalin of the Goa Tour suggested that restrictions were prompted by “unethical behaviour” of some women tourists… 386 words. Click here.

Video: Is Goa safe on New Year Eve?
31 Dec: NDTV. In response to recent intelligence warning on a possible attack during the New Years' Eve in Goa, heightened security is palpable. As a result, policemen are placing additional check posts on beaches in Goa. But some prominent voices in Goa say the state is ill-equipped to counter terror. 1m. 30s. Click here.

Video + text: Goa slips off No. 1 tourist spot for New Year
31 Dec: CNN-IBN. This year, not as many people heading to Goa as last year but there's a surprise entry in the list of top domestic new year destinations. The surprise entry at No. 1 is the land of sand dunes, Rajasthan. Following closely at No. 2 is Kerala … The ever-famous Goa has slipped to No. 3 …1m. 45s. Click here.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

'No intelligence about Goa attack'
24 Dec: Zee News. India’s Union Home Minister on Wednesday said there was no threat of any terror attack in Goa. He was speaking after holding a meeting with Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, state police, defence services and para military service representatives… 232 words. Click here.

Gun barrels replace beer bottles as Goa enters festive mode
24 Dec: IANS. Gun barrels have begun to outnumber beer bottles on the otherwise merrily buzzing beaches of Goa, as the state slipped into Christmas mode with armed bunkers on beaches where khaki clad policemen rubbed shoulders with bare-bodied tourists… 508 words. Click here.

Video: Christmas delicacies: Goans prepare for festive season
25 Dec: NDTV. It's one of the first signs that Christmas is near. The Rodrigues' house in Goa, like many others, is packed with friends and family, busy preparing sweets … 3 m. 21 s. Click here.

Goa: A jewel in anothers crown
26 Dec: Asia Pulse. When he conquered Goa in 1510 Afonso de Albuquerque's heartfelt advice was to "hold onto Goa until the day of judgement." It has been said in poetic terms: 'Goa is where yesterdays are forgiven and tomorrows forgotten, where life is, like love, an innocent dream, unpremeditated, and unexpected. But beautiful.' 2258 words. Click here.

Used syringes on Colva beach keep cops busy
26 Dec: Herald. These used syringes literally created a terror along Colva beach and kept the men-in-uniform on their toes late Wednesday night… “we feel that the syringes might have been part of medical waste dumped in the waters by unscrupulous elements,” a Police spokesman said … 291 words. Click here.

Sombre Christmas for India's Christians
26 Dec: Christian Today (UK). It was an unusually sombre-looking Christmas in India this year. The Yuletide cheer was unanimously toned down in the wake of violence on Christians especially in Orissa, Karnataka, Mumbai terrorist attacks and the global economic crisis affecting the nation. 354 words. Click here.

Success of Xmas dances give boost to organisers of New Year parties
27 Dec Times of India. Terror threat notwithstanding, Goans put on their dancing shoes and danced Christmas away. Now the revellers are determined to party on New Year eve too. Organizers of various dances across the state too, seem confident of attracting huge crowds. 631 words. Click here.

Official plays down Colva syringe issue
27 Dec: Navhind Times. The deputy sarpanch of Colva panchayat, Mr Anthony Fernandes on Friday accepted that some medical waste in the form of used syringes was discovered at Colva beach but pointed out that the discovery of such waste was not confined to Colva beach only but it was found in patches on other beaches along the coast too… 274 words. Click here.

Goa celebrates in the shadow of fear
27 Dec: NDTV. Christmas in Goa has been muted this year. Fewer people have turned up this year … Even on Christmas morning, churches saw a modest response as many people preferred to stay away…1m. 52s.Click here.

Woman raped, killed in Goa
27 Dec: IANS. A 55-year-old woman was raped and killed along the Arambol beach in Goa. The woman used to sell flowers at the beach… The incident took place despite repeated assurances of round the clock patrolling by armed personnel…The killing has again sparked speculation over the safety of women in Goa… 156 words. Click here.

Christmas spirit lives on in Goa
27 Dec: ANI. Christmas might have been over, but the festival spirit still lives on in Goa in form of cribs put out by locals recreating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem… 277 words. Click here.

Aires Rodrigues Quits Utt Goenkara
28 Dec: Herald. In what could be seen as major bickerings in the Utt Goenkara fold just ahead of the New Year, its mainstay advocate, Aires Rodrigues on Saturday announced his resignation as spokesman … Recently, treasurer Bharat Chodankar and general secretary John Lobo resigned from Utt Goenkara jolting the organisation which could well be on its way to the dustbin of history, feel prominent activists. 408 words. Click here.
For the GVUK Aires Rodrigues supplement click here.

In search of the perfect Dodol
28 Dec: Times of India. The word dodol might be a corruption of the word doodal (milky) or doodhali… Dodol is made in a big cauldron called kail. Catholic women were supposed to get dodlachi kail as a part of their dowry. 717 words. Click here.

Goa in 2008: Year of Keeling mystery and cover-ups
30 Dec: PTI. Sexual assault of two foreign teenagers and allegations of a cover-up sparked law and order concerns in Goa where terror threat has hit tourist inflow during the peak season this year. 491 words. Click here.

One in 100 women attempt suicide in Goa: Study
31 Dec: Times of India. A study has found that nearly one in every 100 women, aged between 18 and 50 years, attempted suicide in the last 12 months in Goa. The frequency of suicide attempts is higher in young adults aged between 16 and 24 years. The study was led by Dr Vikram Patel, Professor of International Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine… 597 words. Click here.

Goa beaches on New Year like India-Pak border
31 Dec: PTI. Armed bunkers on its famed beaches makes Goa look like the "India-Pakistan border" this New Year's Eve, says state Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco… 298 words. Click here.

Weekly Update
31 Dec: Times of India (Goa) Weather: Max = 33.9 ; Min = 18.7. Humidity 49% to 82%
Exchange rates £= 70.12; $ = 48.46; Euro = 68.63.

SUNBURN FESTIVAL:

Sunburn music fest gets conditional go ahead
26 Dec: IANS. In a late night development, the Goa government Friday granted a conditional go-ahead to the Sunburn 2008 music festival, touted as the biggest in Asia, notwithstanding the ban on beach parties. Sunburn 2008 is scheduled to be held at Candolim beach, North Goa, Dec 27-29. It will host about 40 top musicians from around the world… 341 words. Click here.

Now locals gear up to oppose music festival at Candolim
27 Dec: Herald. The Sunburn 2008, billed as Asia’s biggest music festival, has run into rough weather again with the residents of Candolim now opposing the event… 351 words. Click here.

Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
29 Dec: Times of India. The three-day Sunburn 2008 music beach festival which had started on Saturday with conditional permission at Candolim beach, was stopped by the Calangute police after music playing at 83 sound decibels was recorded as against the permitted 55 sound decibels… However, villagers said that soon after the cops left music could be heard again. 406 words. Click here.

Sunburn weathers storm
30 Dec: Times of India. The Government granted fresh conditional permission to the organizers to carry on with the beach music festival after they paid a surety of Rs 1 lakh… When contacted, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said, " If you don't have such parties and music for Christmas, then what is the fun of being in Goa?” … 545 words. Click here.

Sunburn fest ends on high note
31 Dec: Radio and Music …With 60-odd flea-market vendors and food stalls, fire spinners, jugglers and dancers, colourful, fluttering festival flags and breathtaking sunsets, Sunburn 2008 surmounted all the initial official hesitation and recession led fears to end on a happy note. There were an estimated 3,000-plus people in attendance at Sunburn… Click here.

IN THE NEWS:

Scarlett Keeling: Two probes gain momentum
25 Dec: IANS. The investigations related to slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling seems to be gathering momentum with the Goa police likely to send summons to her mother for neglect and the Central Bureau of Investigation preparing a team to fly to Britain to record her statement over the murder. 347 words. Click here.

Video: Christians in India fled violence
25 Dec: Al Jazeera. In Orissa thousands of Christians are living in camps after deadly attacks forced them to leave their homes ... 3m. 0s. Click here.

Govt warns against illegal diaspora meet
26 Dec: IANS. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has warned against a diaspora meet being held under the aegis of an organisation called 'Pravasi Bharati' in Thiruvananthapuram in January 9 to 11. The next edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, is slated to be held Jan 7-9 in Chennai… 224 words. Click here.

BackChat. Readers comment on Canadian death in Goa
26 Dec: The Province (Vancouver). As a UK citizen living in Goa it doesn't surprise me Cindy was turned away from the hospitals. I have seen badly injured people being thrown into the back of police jeeps, people left for dead while people are tending to moving injured… Click here.

Vancouver Firefighter Dies In Goa Due To Hospitals Refusing To Treat Her
28 Dec: South Asian Link (Canada). Cindy Kampmeinert suffered severe injuries as a result of a crash with a bus that left the scene of the accident. The injured woman was then rejected by almost every hospital she was taken to due to lack of medical insurance and died from her injuries at the one hospital that finally took her in… 220 words. Click here.

Purple Jewelry Reigns for 2009
29 Dec: Jewelry Insider… Although tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the gemstone market, it has made its mark on the jewelry world in a hurry. This rare, exotic gem was first discovered by Portuguese [sic] prospector Manuel d'Souza in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in 1967, in the shadow of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro… Click here.

Rare Goa Book in forthcoming Lisbon Auction
29 Dec: RTP (Portugal). Bibliographical rarities such as "Lusitânia Transformada" by Fernão Álvares will be auctioned in 12-14 January in Lisbon … "Lusitânia Transformed" is a kind of pastoral novel in verse and prose published in 1607, seven years after the death of the author, who was born in Goa. The book has an estimated value between 300 and 600 euros. Click here.
For a Wikipedia description of the book, click here.

Savio D'Silva: Body language: Does he have the hots for you?
29 Dec: CNN-IBN. Savio D'Silva, relationship and marriage counsellor and body language expert says, "There are sure body signs from men that will tell you that they are interested in you." … 612 words. Click here.

Jessica Alba to play Scarlett Keeling in new film
31 Dec: Gulf News (UAE). Rumour has it that the Fantastic Four Hollywood star Jessica Alba will play an important role in Venkat Prabhu’s new movie, Goa. The film is said to be inspired by the murder of British teenager Scarlet Keeling in Goa early this year. Click here.

GOANET HIGHLIGHTS
BY CORNEL DACOSTA

This Christmas season has been stormy on Goanet over the use by a Hindu contributor of the term "God sucks" that passed the moderators. Some respondents (mainly Christian) took strong exception to this while others saw it as the kind of slang widely used in America and that, the contributor simply referred to the concept of God rather than anyone's God in particular. There has been much exchange on this theme and for those keen to find out more, here are two web addresses, out of many, available on the topic – Click here and go to http://www.thefeeddictionary.com/

Apart from religion, music among the Goans generally features strongly on Goanet, and a fascinating in-depth account by Valmiki Faleiro should interest Goan Voice (UK) readers. It is titled 'Goan Music: a long, twisted, and often colourful road across time' and can be read by clicking here.

With reference to Valmiki Faleiro, I was unable to resist referring to his recent well-researched contribution to 'Goan Surnames'. To read it, click here.

Over the past few years, GVUK readers may have noted that the make-up of the priests in their parishes is indeed changing. Today, in the UK, there are increasing numbers of priests originating from Africa and Asia than from the Irish Republic---the former main contributor of Catholic priests to the UK. And of course, we have a sprinkling of married Catholic priests from among those who left the Anglican Church for the Catholic Church. Apart from the UK, the shortage of priests is to be found in other Western countries and an article forwarded by Teotonio de Souza is worth reading. Click here.

I had never heard about Hume pipes before but thanks to George Menezes and his urge to write an unusual Christmas story we learn about those living in large concrete pipes by the sea in Mumbai where such pipes have become cylindrical homes to many destitute people. The article highlights the vast difference in the way Christmas is celebrated between those well off and those really poor. Please click here.

Finally, I should like GVUK readers to consider going beyond just reading the Goan Voice (UK) or other publications on a weekly basis in 2009 and to make their own written contributions by way of articles, stories etc for publication. When I met octogenarian Victor Rangel Ribeiro who ran a working seminar for budding writers at the Goan Convention in Toronto 2008, I was most impressed by his keenness to encourage more Goans from all walks of life to write their biographies or anything else that took their fancy. To find out more about Victor from a recent interview he gave in Goa, click here. Further, also read about the Goa Writers' Group at http://goawriters.notlong.com or contact Victor directly about your writing aspirations at: vrangelrib@yahoo.com

In wishing all GVUK readers a Happy New Year it is my hope that many will be encouraged to put pen to paper or to tap their ideas and thoughts on their computers for others to read and enjoy in the coming year.

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DOCUMENTARY: India Rising: The New Empire. CNBC
Thursday 1st Jan. 07:00 to 08:00. Examining the spectacular growth of India's economy as a global power.

RELIGIOUS: Belief. BBC Radio Three
Friday 2nd Jan. 20:45 to 21:15. Joan Bakewell explores Muslim Catholic relations.

TRAVEL: Islands In The Sun: Seychelles. SA Direct
Saturday 3rd Jan. 03:30 to 04:15. This Indian Ocean archipelago became the legendary hideaway of pirates who plundered wealthy trading vessels. This programme explores their strange stories.

TRAVEL: Panasia: Goa. Travel Channel 2
Saturday 3rd Jan. 13:30 to 14:00. Sian Richards reports on Goa. It's home to magnificent beaches, imposing churches, and some of the friendliest people in Asia. Sian explores the region's rich history at the world-famous Bom Jesus Basilica. She also finds out how to prepare Goa's aromatic seafood curry and washes it down with feni, a local spirit distilled from cashew fruit.

TRAVEL: Destination! Luxe TV
Sunday 4th Jan. 00:00 to 01:00. India. A land for all seasons that offers centuries or Imperial trade and a colorful lifestyle circled around cars, jewellery and even ancient spiritual practices.

DOCUMENTARY: The Secret Millionaire. more4
Wednesday 7th Jan. 17:05 to 18:05. Charan Gill. Fifty-one-year-old multi-millionaire and curry house king of Scotland Charan Gill goes undercover in Thetford, Norfolk, to join the thousands of unskilled workers who survive in rural Britain on the minimum wage.

TRAVEL: Holiday Showdown: Extreme. On: ITV2
Friday 9th Jan. 12:30 to 13:30. Magaluf v India. Consumerism and spirituality collide in this edition of the holiday-share programme. The fun-loving Fosters' swap their holiday itinerary in the resort of Magaluf in Majorca for backpacking in India without any of their creature comforts.

COOKERY: Market Kitchen. UKTV Food
Friday 9th Jan. 19:00 to 20:00. Aaron Craze offers his take on an Indian classic: pot roast tandoori chicken.

TRAVEL: Julian and Camilla's World Odyssey. Travel Channel
Friday 9th Jan. 21:00 to 22:00. South India. Our travelers visit Mumbai.

FORTHCOMING

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

Wed 31 Dec: St Diogo's Association (UK) invites you to the 'New Year Eve Ball' at Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove, Streatham, London SW16 2HY from 7pm - 1am. Dancing to the sounds of live music by the fabulous band 'Black Velvet' with many prizes and surprises. Buffet/Dinner and Snacks are included in the ticket. For further details please contact Apolonia DeSouza 020 8686 1876 and Evan D'Souza 020 8427 8569. Please book early as no tickets will be sold at the door.

SOLD OUT! Wed 31 Dec. North London Goans invites you to the ‘New Year’s Eve Dance’ at Woodside High School Hall (Formerly White Hart Lane School, Opp. New River Sports Centre), White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London, N22 5QJ Music by LEVEL 4 (Band) & Press Play (Disco). From 7pm – 2am Contacts: - Tony Gomes 020 8245 1364, Seby D'Silva 020 8245 5463, Joe Telles 020 8443 1014, Oboe Noronha 020 8340 0439, Cos Fernandes 020 8888 8659, Meredith Soares 020 8803 4173, John Fernandes 020 8881 4579, Frank Mendes 020 8888 1400 or Bernadette Dias 020 8361 9417. SOLD OUT!

Wed 31 Dec. From 7pm to 1am. You are invited to the traditional New Year's Eve Ball at Our Lady of the Visitation Church Hall 358 Greenford Road - UB6 9AN Goa's Top Most & Entertaining Band, BREAKTHRU which will thrill you through the night & Disco – A. Strictly Formal. Prices Adults £10 and Children 5 to 12 years £5. No tickets sold at the entrance. Contact: Maria 07944754998, Francisco 0208 3574281, Warren 07758280028 or Carlos 0208 2487387

Wed. 31 Dec: ‘Oh…What a Night in Goa’ Plumstead Dinner Dance New Year's Eve Gala Ball. Dancing to the sounds of Music Mania Disco. 7pm to 1am. Strictly formal. Prices (with dinner) Adults £12.50 and Children 5 to 15 years - £7.50. Advance Booking - No Tickets Sold at the Gate. Contact: Tony Joanes: 020 8265 9644/07791637730. Paul Barretto: 020 8311 1195/07951383262. Joe Fernandes: 020 8301 2608/07834753005. Click here. email: musicmaniadisco@yahoo.co.uk

Wed 31 Dec: Saligao Association UK invite you to a memorable New Year's Eve Ball at Tolworth Recreation Centre, Fullers Way North, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7LQ from 7.00 pm to 2.00 am. Music by Mellow Tones, delicious food from Shirley's Kitchen. For tickets contact Sergio Coelho 020 8543 4681, Zemira Fernandes 01895 259947. Please book early as no tickets will be sold at the door.

Sat. 3 Jan: G.O.A. GOAN EXTRAVAGANZA at Wandsworth Town Hall. Contact: Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 – 8771 4457. Bernie Gracias 020 -8723 1322

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