FijiTimes - Dec 28 2012

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Fiji News
Evan Leaves Behind $54.4M Bill

TEN provinces affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan suffered $54.4million in damage as the Department of Agriculture revealed its preliminary estimates. Department crop extension director Uraia Waibuta said they were still in the process of finalising the confirmed cost with damage analysis and assessment being carried out on the ground. "The $54.4 million is the estimated preliminary figure for 10 provinces in Fiji that were affected by the cyclone," Mr Waibuta said. He said the figure was the total preliminary cost for agricultural farms and infrastructure. "There is a separate evaluation for livestock and crop sectors." He said they were also assessing damage on commercial farms like poultry farms, hydroponics farms for vegetables and others. "We will be able to finish the field assessments soon" Mr Waibuta said. He said some farms in the Western and Northern divisions were badly affected and needed serious attention. "Crops in Ba were mostly affected in the Western Division. In the Northern Division, yaqona farms were also affected - dalo wasn't really affected," Mr Waibuta said. "Papaya and other vegetables were also greatly affected the damage could also affect the export industry as most of our crops for export are from the north and west." He said the department would confirm the final cost of damage after assessments were completed from the north and west. The next step, Mr Waibuta said, would be decided after the assessment. Meanwhile, the Fiji National Provident Fund confirmed it would assist members affected by TC Evan under the Natural Disaster Partial Withdrawal Assistance scheme. Fund chief executive officer Aisake Taito said details of the assistance inclusive of requirements was being finalised. He said they would make the appropriate announcement accordingly. "Affected members who wish to utilise their funds for the purpose of house repairs can do so under housing assistance approved grounds," Mr Taito said. He said FNPF sympathised with all those affected by the disaster and they were working with relevant authorities to finalise details of assistance to be offered to members.
Business As Usual At Resort After Cyclone Evan
A leaked copy of Fiji's secret draft constitution reveals a civilian bid to remove the country's powerful military from the political process. The draft also proposes immunity from prosecution for military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama, his soldiers and those who joined his regime, but only if they make an oath submitting themselves to democracy. In 2006 Bainimarama overthrew elected Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. He has promised to hold elections by 2014 under a new constitution drawn up by a commission partly funded by New Zealand aid. Commission chairman Yash Ghai presented the draft to President Epeli Nailatikau earlier this month but no copies have been released. A government printing shop working on the draft was visited by members of the Fiji military who removed all 500 copies. When the military presented its submission to the commission it said of itself that it was ''the last bastion for law and order in Fiji''. It demanded that it be protected in the way it was in Fiji's second constitution, created by original coup plotter Sitiveni Rabuka in 1990 when the country was known as the ''sovereign democratic republic''. That constitution - which was
Details Of Fiji Constitution Leaked
condemned internationally as racist - said the military had the ''overall responsibility'' for the security, defense and well being of Fiji and its people. The new constitution's explanatory notes said it ''emphasizes that the military does not have any role as a guardian of the constitution or conscience of the nation''. It said the military's role was to protect the country ''from external threats'' and was under civilian control through the elected parliament. The post of president will no longer be termed ''commander in chief'' and security force members must not obey manifestly illegal orders. ''But it is of particular relevance to the military, especially in a country with a record of coups,'' the notes said. A manifestly illegal order ''includes carrying out a coup''. The new constitution also said there would be no justification for a coup and warned no immunity would be granted for any coup. But it contains a continued immunity for Rabuka and now Bainimarama, both of whom could face treason charges under previous constitutions. Immunity would only apply to people who take an oath which says that they accept the sovereignty of the people. Bainimarama previously swore to uphold the constitution that he sacked with his 2006 coup.
Locals entertain guests on Robinson Crusoe Island Resort Fiji days after TC Evan hit Fiji. STAFF members and residents of all cruises were cancelled and Robinson Crusoe Island Resort Fiji accommodation closed," she said. did not let the devastation of Tropical "We re-opened our in-house guests Cyclone Evan get in their way of on Wednesday. Our Day, Night and enjoying the festive season, getting Combo cruises have also resume but back into the mix of things the minute sales were definitely affected for both it went away. cruises and accommodation within the It was business as usual for the resort past five days. that employed 30 locals from nearby "Structurally, the island had no damage villages to help clean up the island at all. located a few miles north of Natadola "We only had some trees and gardens Beach along the Coral Coast. suffer loss of leaves. Resort marketing consultant Lisa "All coconut palms were still intact! Ewings said 65 local staff members "Thankfully no one was injured during were expected to return to work within the cyclone." the next few days. Ms Ewings said guests have been able "Prior to the cyclone, the resort was to enjoy the resort's normal activities almost fully booked. noting most of the visitors had arrived "We evacuated all guests last week from Australia.
Busy Year For Engineers

It will be a very busy start to 2013 for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces engineers. First they have Cyclone Evan recovery work. Then they have a series of rural development projects. Nine have already been added to their list of schemes and developments for the new year. Captain Lui Tubuna of the RFMF engineers said the funds for the projects were already with them and they will tackle them next year. Presently, our guys are involved in the assessment of damages caused by cyclone Evan in the Western and Northern Division including the Yasawas. When all will be completed, then we will orientate and plan for these deployments, Captain Tubuna said. Next year will see renovations done to the Viria District School, Viria Public School, Naqali Primary School and Rewa District School. The construction of a foot bridge will be done at Ratu Emeri Primary School which is funded by the Prime Ministers office. Renovations to a foot bridge at Qarani village, Gau, in Lomaiviti is expected to be completed also. Ratu Ravuama Primary School will have a classroom built and at Rewa District School and Tabiang Primary School, in Rabi, ablution blocks will be built. The major project that the engineers will be looking forward to is the cyclone Tomas housing rehabilitation programme. This will see 181 houses built and is funded by the Ministry of Provincial Development. Works expected to be completed next year, in Kadavu, are the Vunisei road and a school building at Ratu Nacagilevu Primary School. Meanwhile Captain Tubuna said work on Iliesa Delanas house is still ongoing and is expected to be completed in January. The recent disaster has been the main factor in the engagement of our personnel during this festive season. Nevertheless, work is ongoing and we hope to complete it in January. As of now, I cannot comment on the exact date, he said.
Fiji News
3 Year Fixed
Pleas
The Republic of Fiji Military and development had not reached the Forces (RFMF) yesterday remained people. uncompromising about having a We need money for developments that smaller Parliament more in keeping will benefit all Fijians and not only a Please change: with Fijis size. few as rate @ witnessed in the past, 5 year Fixedwe have3.09% Land Force Commander Colonel Colonel Tikoitoga2.65%, Prime5 year Variable rate @ said. Mosese Tikoitoga said: We 0.35% at The RFMF had submitted that the the RFMF will remain firm on our fwd theLevu after changes. be restored Pls Bose PDF Vakaturaga not submission to the Constitution as all functions previously conferred Commission for a reduced size of to it would now rest with the people parliament. of Fiji through their representatives in r fixed rate @ 3.09% According to leaked information parliament.Insured only- Condition apply Call For Details r Variable rate @ 2.65%, believed to have come from sources The existence of such a body is no e-0.35 (please delete the close to the Constitution Commission longer required, it said. the draft constitution prepared ahead The draft constitution was last Friday s- regular conventional of the 2014 years gage-- & ensure 5 general elections includes: presented to the president, Ratu - A 71-member elected Parliament; Epeli Nailatikau, by Constitution itten) - A new body called the National Commission chairman Professor Yash Peoples Assembly on which Ghai. It will now go to a Constituent 5 yrs Fixed Conditions Apply to debate and decide the civil society and non-government Assembly Call for Details Mortgage Closing 30 days organisations would be represented final version best for Fiji. and whose roles would include electing The RFMF submission also reiterated 5 yrsVariable the President; that the RFMF remains the last bastion Mortgage - A new role for the abolished Bose for law and order in Fiji. There is an Levu Vakaturaga, or Great Council of Regular Conventionalcomfort that the Forces enveloping Mortgage Chiefs. exist to deal with both internal security (conditions apply) The RFMF submission on the other situation and external threats. hand, clearly advocated for a smaller It added the Forces cannot and would government With the one vote, one not be complacent in dealing with value proposition, we submit that the situations that undermine national Fiji House of Representatives should interests. compromise of no more than 46 seats. It says:The developments that For Cabinet posts the RFMF had submitted have occurred since 2006 cannot be that there should be just 12 Cabinet seats. abandoned or derailed. We need to The 12 Cabinet Ministers should share the move forward in a constructive manner 24 Government Ministries. with national interest at heart. Colonel Tikoitoga said a leaner The RFMF will not allow any government structure would in turn individual, group and organisations or see more money instead channelled to another State to sabotage the efforts of development to benefit all Fijians. 2006. This new course will continue. Colonel Tikoitoga was dismissive of The RFMF will ensure it continues not A man was convicted in the Suva past governments and how money only in 2014 but beyond. Magistrates court after pleading guilty to a count of obtaining financial advantage through illegal means. The 36-year old appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili. In January, of last year, the accused allegedly obtained $2950 from a woman at Caubati, in Suva, after tricking her HFC has joined the cause to offer own merits. "Early this year, HFC into investing in an initiative that he disaster relief packages for clients assisted customers under the Disaster knew did not exist. affected by natural disasters by offering Rehabilitation Loan product and many The court heard he had repaid $1450 to lending assistance from $1000 to more others including the Home Loans and the complainant. than $1million. Personal Loans scheme." Police prosecutor Yasin Ali told HFC chief executive officer Isikeli Under the disaster rehabilitation Magistrate Ratuvili that even though Tikoduadua said the package included assistance program, Mr Tikoduadua said repayment holidays of up to six they had lent over $4.7m to customers. months, additional loans for repairs He said HFC's disaster assistance and maintenance of properties and would help customers recover from houses damaged by the cyclone. natural disasters. The assistance "There is no specific pool and it all would replace damaged inventory, depends on the nature of requests it loss of sales, damaged vehicles and can range from $1000 to $1m or even machinery as well as financing existing MEDICAL teams have been deployed to Koroboya Village in Ba to assess the more," Mr Tikoduadua said. commitments. He said there was no particular target "We also finance disaster rehabilitation extent of the spread of typhoid. considering present circumstances programmes which are provided The village, located in the heart of Ba, but HFC would assist its customers through the Reserve Bank of Fiji," Mr was put on a one-month lockdown after five people were found to have and the nature of requests on its Tikoduadua said. been infected with the disease. Ministry of Health deputy permanent To Get The Best Value For Your Dollar secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta said Advertise In three teams had been sent to the village. Dr Koroivueta said the ministry would be working closely with the Commissioner Western's office to 604.909.4088 implement preventative measures
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some money had been repaid by the accused, the complainant had suffered a loss and the nature of the offence was serious. The prosecution said the maximum prison term for such an offence was 10 years imprisonment. In mitigation the accused told the court he was married and had four children. He was the familys sole breadwinner and was the only one looking after his elderly mother. He said his wife had left him after he was arrested by the police. The accused was remanded in custody pending sentencing on January 7 next year.
Relief Packages On Offer For Cyclone Victims
Health Officers Monitor Typhoid Village
Fiji-Sun Times Canada
to ensure that the disease did not spread. Earlier, Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki confirmed restrictions were imposed on the village while contingency measures were put in place to contain the disease. Cdr Cawaki said health teams were accompanied by the roko tui Ba and Tui Ba to the rural community centre and more efforts would be made to ensure that the village employed better sanitary practices. Movement in and out of the village is restricted while those affected have been isolated.
Fiji News
Every Fijian Must Be Assisted: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging Fijians who have been affected by the recent cyclone to take advantage of the assistance being provided by all agencies including government. Pointing out governments recent Disaster Rehabilitation Housing Assistance policy, the head of government has called on senior government officials including Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to continue visiting those have been affected from the recent cyclone. We must ensure that every citizen is getting assistance. We must go to the settlements not just villages. A cyclone does not differentiate between race and religion, the Prime Minister said. I have instructed all Ministers to continue visiting every part of the country to look at ways that they can offer assistance from their respective portfolios. The Prime Minister has also urged Fijians to take advantage of the various welfare assistance provided by the Ministry of Social Welfare. The Ministrys permanent secretary Mr Govind Sami, said that eligible Fijians can take advantage of governments new Poverty Benefit Scheme and the Social Pension Scheme to improve their livelihoods. Calling on Fijians to contact the nearest divisional offices for assistance, Mr Sami said that governments contribution towards welfare assistance will now increase. Under the Poverty Benefit Scheme, up to 13,000 households will be assisted with a maximum payment of $150 per month, which is inclusive of a $30 food voucher. In the past, three per cent of Fijis poor were receiving assistance and now that figure will rise to ten per cent. he said. At a briefing held at the DISMAC office, Prime Minister Bainimarama briefed officials on his recent tour of the Yasawa group and has called on authorities to ensure that consistency be maintained in providing assistance.
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Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has conveyed the nations well wishes to the new President Elect of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Madam Park Geun-hye. In his congratulatory message to President Geun-hye on her recent election to the post of Presidency, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Fijis support towards working with the Republic of Korea. "Your victory is not only historical but very significant as it illustrates the immense faith and belief of the people in you to provide leadership and guidance for the country and the region in the face of a world in turmoil and doubt.
Prime Minister Congratulates Republic Of Korea President Elect

The message of your people resonates well beyond your boarders and we here in Fiji do share with them as we wholeheartedly endorse your election and commit to working with you for the achievement of mutual endeavors regionally and internationally. The Prime Ministers congratulatory message highlighted Fijis own commitment towards strengthening its relations with Korea. Your election also gives promise and hope to the marginalized and less developed within and beyond the Republic of Korea, those that have been seeking leadership committed to bring change and progress based on equality
and respect. We all are reenergised to partner with the Republic of Korea and Asia in general to bring change and progress to a world that is slowly coming to terms with the shifting of global economic and strategic weight from west to east. We have total faith that your election will only strengthen and deepen our friendly relations which we have enjoyed for more than forty years culminating with the opening in Seoul early this year of Fijis permanent mission. President Geun-hye is the first female President for the Republic of Korea and is the daughter of Koreas former President Park Chung-hee.
Families Mourn Loss Of Sons

Two families of Nadi are grieving after losing their only sons in a drowning tragedy in the Carreras River. Ravin Narayan, whose 16-year-old son Alvish drowned with his school mate Kartik Sen, said his son lost his life while trying to save his friend who did not know how to swim. He said he gave his son permission to go swimming as he knew how to swim and usually went out with his friends. Narayan said Alvish was his only son and he only has a daughter now who will be in Class 7 next year. Narayan added last week that tropical cyclone Evan damaged parts of his house which can be repaired but the loss of his son is the worst tragedy. Meanwhile, father of 17-year-old Kartik, Kamal Sen, said that his son was always helpful to do household chores especially during sugarcane harvesting. He said his son did not know how to swim and attempts were made by his friend Alvish and others to save him but was not successful. The tragic incident happened around 3.30pm where the two teenagers accompanied their friends for a picnic. The drowning toll now stands at 67 compared to 38 for the same period last year.
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Fiji News
Loss Of Fijian Elders Devastates Family
Fuel Imports Up
THE Pacific's fuel imports from Singapore increased by 4.7 per cent from January to August this year while prices of the Pacific's major commodity exports dropped partly because of its limited demand in the global economy. In its Pacific Economic Monitor: December 2012 report, the Asian Development Bank said the price of coconut oil fell by a third while the price of timber declined by a tenth during the comparable period. Unfavourable weather and production disturbances were noted as reasons for the increases in recent food prices particularly for soybeans, barley, maize and wheat. The report also covered an economic update of Australia and New Zealand. While Australia's economy remained strong at 4.1 per cent in the first half of the year, it was driven by strong commodity exports and mining investments. Illustrations from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Pacific imports from Australia increased steadily since 2008 from $A1.5billion ($F2.78b) to more than $A2.2b ($F4.09b). Pacific exports to Australia also noted a steady increase over the years from 2004-2010, a little over $A1.1b ($F2.04b) to over $A2b ($F3.71b). There was a notable increase in 2011 with exports to Australia valued at over $2.5b before a slight drop this year. New Zealand's economic progress in the first half of this year was marked by a strong performance in the agriculture sector and construction activity. "The slowdown of China's economy has led to price declines for Australia's major commodity exports, coal and iron ore," the report said. "This has effectively put future mining investments on hold. The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut its policy interest rate by 100 basis points since the start of the year in an effort to boost economic growth. "Recovery from recession and natural disasters is well underway in New Zealand and the International Monetary Fund expects growth to accelerate from 1.3 per cent in 2011 to about 2.6 per cent in 2012-2013."
Ram Deo and Padmawati Deo killed in the car crash, near Holbrook on Boxing Day. A Canberra man has paid tribute to at low altitude to the Canberra Hospital his parents who were killed in a car because of a head injury. accident just days after the fathers The St Edmunds College student had 70th birthday. surgery to remove a blood clot and The Fijian community leaders Ram and would require more operations but was Padmawati Deo died in the accident on expected to recover. the Hume Highway near Holbrook on Mr Deos mother-in-law, Bal Boxing Day. Nagamma, is in a Melbourne hospital Their 14-year-old grandson Anav Deo, with spinal injuries. His sister Rajini of Chisholm, was critically injured Kumar is in Canberra Hospital with in the accident and is in Canberra less serious injuries. Hospital. Mr Deos parents had been visiting Australia for the Christmas holidays. They had five children and seven grandchildren and were heavily involved in their local community in Labasa, Fiji. The couple was both social workers and justices of the peace and Mr Deo Snr had received a Queens Birthday award, a certificate of honour and the Order of Fiji. They were very involved with their children and grandchildren and the community as a whole. Most of the people in Fiji around there know them very well, Mr Deo said. Mr Deo Snr celebrated his 70th birthday on December 22 with family Anav Deo was critically injured in and friends. He was very proud, Rad the collision. Deo said. Anavs father, Rad Deo, said the Mr Deo Snrs motto was: To provide accident had devastated his family. selfless service to the community. I cant believe its happened, he said. His wifes motto was: Work hard and Mr Deo was driving his parents, his always be happy. wife, and other members of the family Members of Canberras Fijian to Melbourne on Boxing Day when community and other friends visited their 4WD came off the road near the Deos at home to provide comfort Holbrook and rolled. and support. He said he was unsure how the accident The community and the Australians had occurred but remembered initially we know have been very good to us, thinking that Anav had been killed. Mr Deo said. I crawled out through the window and The funeral for Mr and Mrs Deo is then went around and got everybody expected to be held early next week. out, Mr Deo said. Mr Deo said he and his brothers would Anav was taken to Gundagai by have to travel to Fiji to sort out his ambulance and then flown by helicopter parents affairs.

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Fiji News
The Public Rental Board (PRB) has announced substantial pay rises for its 44 non-management staff following approval by the Prime Minister. A total annual salary increase of $103,158.98 has been approved for PRBs staff, and this adjustment will be backdated to January 1, 2012. The Attorney-General and Minister for Public Enterprises, AiyazSayedKhaiyum, said that this announcement comes after the PRB carried out a review of its staff members past performance, qualifications, experience and competencies. The last job evaluation at PRB was carried out in 2004 and since then market adjustments have not been done. The roles and responsibilities of non-management staff members
Significant Pay Rises For Prb Staff
has changed over the years and their work load has increased without corresponding pay rises in line with what the market is paying, the Minister said. The Minister added that there had been a growing gap at PRB between the salaries of management and ordinary workers. When members of any organisation feel that people are benefitting more than others, this damages the morale of that organisation and can have a negative impact on productivity. It is a matter of basic fairness, he said. It is for these reasons that we are happy to announce these pay rises that will better reflect the value of the work being done by PRB staff. It is a muchdeserved reward for their hard work.
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Tropical Food Solution Sales Manager Luke Lawson and Minister for Primary Industry Inia Seruiratu at the Handing over ceremony Tropical Farm Solution donated $5000 worth of farm animals medical supplies to the DISMAC which will assist those farmers who were affected during the recent tropical cyclone. Tropical Farm Solution sales manager, Mr Luke Lawson said that the donation demonstrates the companys willingness towards assisting small farms and find solutions to boost production especially following the recent cyclone. These vitamins will help livestock such as sheep, goats, pigs and cows in particular to recuperate from injuries sustained and those that might not be well fed during the cyclone, Mr Lawson said. These vitamins and iron medication will be given orally and through injection and we are adamant that it will assist governments efforts in revitalising the dairy and livestock industry in particular, he said. The Ministry of Provincial Development permanent secretary, Mr Filipe Alifereti acknowledged and thanked the companys assistance towards governments rehabilitation works, especially for the dairy and agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the Minister for Provincial Development Inia Seruiratu provided an update on the current restorations services provided for the dairy industry. We are focused on our restoration and recovery mode right across the border which includes agricultural sector, dairy and livestock industry and social issues governments intensions is too return to normalcy and refocus for the New Year, the Minister said. We need to also be reminded that the agricultural sector is an important to the economy so we need to get back on track. Authorities representing Fijis agricultural sector are assessing the damage and have estimated that close to $5million of damages to crops and vegetation around the country.
Contact David Lee at (604) 899-0803 or email dlee@ashtoncollege.com.
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Fiji News
DESPITE the continuous increase in Fiji's import figure, the country's exporting activities indicate a positive trend as it progressively marks minimal increases, at least since 2009. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics' international merchandise trade statistics summary released provisional figures quoting $1916.4million in total export for 2011. Compared to 2010, exports increased by $311.1million (19.4 per cent). Of the five major exporting destinations, increased export earnings were recorded from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The UK upped $61.1million (75.8 per cent) to $141.6million due to increased exports of sugar; and a $3.8million
Positive Trend For Export Activities
9 FRASERVIEW MEATS
(4.9 per cent) increase for NZ to $80.1million because of increased exports of sweet biscuits. Exports to Australia decreased by $17.4million (5.6 per cent) to $295.2million due to decreased exports of garments and gold. The export of garments recorded a 9.3 per cent decrease and gold by 3.6 per cent. Decreased woodchips export to Japan resulted in a $56.8million drop (56.1 per cent) to $44.4million. In the summary statement signed by Government Statistician Epeli Waqavonovono, among Fiji's trading partners that recorded surpluses, majority were our Pacific island neighbours.
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A FRENCH military aircraft arrived in the country last weekend with relief supplies for people in remote areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan. The Republic of France, the government of New Caledonia and its provinces, and the French Red Cross have combined their efforts to provide relief aid to the cyclone victims. The aircraft, CASA, landed at Nausori Airport last Saturday. It is best suited for short runways and thus the most versatile. In a statement, the French Embassy said assistance aboard the aircraft included a management team of civil security. Also, it included a South Pacific Regional Intervention Platform
Aid From France
GOOD news for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan as the Fiji National Provident Fund Board has re-activated the natural disaster partial withdrawal assistance of $1000 for its members. FNPF acting chief executive officer Alipate Waqairawai said the approval, which includes the waiver of the $10 processing fee, was based on humanitarian grounds. "Whilst the fund encouraged its members to save for retirement, it recognizes its role as a corporate citizen and stands prepared to assist its members rebuild their lives
Fund Allows Partial Draw
(PIROPS) water treatment facility, which is able to provide drinking water for 5000 people per day. The assistance also included three tonnes of equipment, mainly generators, water pumps, tarpaulins, tents, food rations and other items. From Nausori, the aircraft took a load of much-needed materials to Labasa for distribution in areas in the north most affected by the cyclone. The aircraft returned to New Caledonia after a few more trips delivering relief aid. Facilitated by the French Embassy in Suva, the operation was co-funded by the Republic of France, government of New Caledonia and its provinces, with the support of PIROPS and the Armed Forces of New Caledonia.
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who with their smart sales tactic sold defective vehicles to consumers. She advised consumers to take advantage of standard supplementary vehicle checks available at the Land Transport Authority prior to buying second-hand vehicles. Ms Kumar said a more detailed research would be needed for next year. Motor Vehicle Dealers Association president Irshad Jan said they were happy to work closely with the council next year. "The association has welcomed the move by the council to research more on second-hand car dealers," Mr Jan said. He said they had been working closely with the council on their dollars and cents campaign this year. "From what we know, there has been a decrease in the number of complaints," Mr Jan said. However, he said a small group of dealers who were not in the association were the "culprit" described by the council. He said it had painted the association a bad name but they felt it was important to look after its customers well.
after the devastation of the cyclone," Mr Waqairawai said. He said FNPF would liaise with government officials to determine who would be assisted, while deploying onsite teams to the worst affected areas from January 2. "Members' applications will need to be verified by the district officers or delegated officials to ascertain damage to their properties. All applications will be received and verified by our inspection teams on-site to ease transport and other associated costs for members," Mr Waqairawai said
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THE Consumer Council of Fiji will be focusing on second-hand car dealers next year. The council's chief executive officer Premila Kumar said this was one of the areas they would research on as complaints were increasing. "There are couples of things that we are intending to do. In terms of researching, we want to target secondhand car dealers," Ms Kumar said. She said this would be consumerissues related to the buying of secondhand cars. "This area is really a can of worms," she said. She added the more complaints they were receiving made them become more aware of the problem faced by consumers in this sector. The council advised consumers to be extra careful when buying second-hand or brand new cars. "Consumers must exercise their rights to obtain all pre-disclosure information prior to the purchase," Ms Kumar said. She added the council had been inundated with complaints on dodgy and deceptive second-hand car dealers
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Fiji News
Immigration Adviser License Stripped

An Auckland immigration adviser is to be stripped of his license after withholding a Fiji migrants passport in lieu of fees. New Zealands Immigration Advisers Authority says clients of Richard Uday Prakash, of Vital Consulting 2007 Limited, should be aware that his immigration adviser license will be cancelled from January 25, 2013. The Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal found Mr Prakash was not entitled to the fees he claimed he was owed and should not have withheld the migrants passport under these or any circumstances. Mr Prakash was asked to apply for a migrants work visa and tried several times without success. Details revealed by the Immigration Advisers Authority reveal: The migrant, with a visa set to expire, booked a flight to Fiji to avoid being in the country illegally. Close to the time the migrant was required to leave New Zealand, Mr Prakash withheld the migrants passport, to force him to pay a fee claimed to be owing. The migrant tried repeatedly to regain his passport. He remained in Mr Prakashs Dominion Road office for two hours, contacted the police and made a complaint to the Immigration Advisers Authority. The Tribunal chair said: It is intolerable for a licensed immigration adviser to be a party to making it impossible for a person to leave New Zealand and meet their obligations under New Zealand law. Such conduct is aggravated when the motive is to pressure a person to make payments to them. Licensed immigration advisers must return migrants personal documents when they ask. The Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct also requires advisers to sign a written agreement with their clients before carrying out work or accepting payment. In the agreement the adviser must explain what work they will carry out and specify all the accompanying fees and costs. Mr Prakash failed to provide a second written agreement before carrying out additional work. The Tribunal chair said failing to have a written agreement was significant but withholding a passport was far more serious. The chair said: Mr Prakash was guilty of a serious professional offence on clear evidence. It has elements of both dishonesty and undermining NZs immigration system. He was fully aware of his professional obligations when he offended. In the course of the complaint being addressed by the Tribunal, he has showed lack of respect for the regulatory processes which govern his profession. He blames his former clients for his own misconduct, and has directed unpleasant and personal abuse toward them, without justification, during the course of addressing the complaint. The Tribunal ordered that after Mr Prakash is stripped of his license time he can no longer provide immigration advice. He was also prevented from reapplying for a license for two years and ordered to pay a $2500 penalty. Mr Prakash has been given time to make arrangements for substitute licensed immigration advisers to take on his active cases. Under the code of conduct advisers must take reasonable steps to ensure clients interests are represented if the adviser cannot for any reason continue as a representative. Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Barry Smedts, said: No one has the right to withhold personal documents. We advise anyone in such a situation to contact us. We also recommend people take time to fully understand a written agreement before they sign it or hand over any money. An agreement acts like a contract and should give a breakdown of work to be carried out and related costs.
GOOD news for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan as the Fiji National Provident Fund Board has re-activated the natural disaster partial withdrawal assistance of $1000 for its members. FNPF acting chief executive officer Alipate Waqairawai said the approval,
which includes the waiver of the $10 processing fee, was based on humanitarian grounds. "Whilst the fund encouraged its members to save for retirement, it recognizes its role as a corporate citizen and stands prepared to assist its members rebuild their lives
Fund Allows Partial Draw
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after the devastation of the cyclone," Mr Waqairawai said. He said FNPF would liaise with government officials to determine who would be assisted, while deploying on-site teams to the worst affected areas from January 2. "Members' applications will need to
be verified by the district officers or delegated officials to ascertain damage to their properties. All applications will be received and verified by our inspection teams on-site to ease transport and other associated costs for members," Mr Waqairawai said
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Fiji News
11
Beware Of Fraudsters, ANZ Warns

MANY fraudsters use the holiday season to take advantage of the goodwill of others says ANZ Fiji head of electronic banking Apenisa Seniloli. With all the hype surrounding the Christmas season, Mr Seniloli said fraudsters were more active than ever this time of the year. "Just because it's the holiday season does not mean that fraudsters take a break. At this time of the year, people are shopping more, buying online and generally using banking services more often so the potential for fraudsters to target them is at its peak," he said. "The good news is that a bit of vigilance and some simple precautions will go a long way towards preventing fraud. "It's more important than ever to keep up good security practices and watch out for festive season scams. "Doing so will help you avoid becoming a victim so you can get on with enjoying the festive season." Mr Seniloli said ANZ had compiled a list of the most common festive season scams including: - Watching out for Christmas e-cards inviting you to click on a link especially if you don't recognise the sender. - Many scams start with an email particularly tied in to Christmas. - Phishing (trying to trick users into sharing confidential information about themselves or their employer) and smishing (phishing via SMS) are especially common at Christmas so be on the alert. --Many fraudsters use details on social media sites to help commit crime. Meanwhile, ANZ also issued warnings against retail scams including keeping an eye on fake charities, fake sales and online auctions which do not exist. "Fraudsters often look to take advantage of the festive goodwill seeking donations for fake charities. Make sure you are donating to a recognised charity," the bank said. "Be on the alert for counterfeit merchandise. "Beware of items that are priced well below their competitors and be sure to buy from an authorised retailer."
Close to 3000 people in the Western Division have registered for assistance under the Disaster Rehabilitation Housing Assistance Policy. This newly implemented scheme aims to either renovate or rebuild houses damaged by tropical Cyclone Evan, as Government is keen to minimise the financial load of those cycloneaffected families whose income does not exceed $20,000. There are a lot of people applying for housing assistance and more than 20,000 is expected, said Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki. The work is still in progress but I have been told that the number of applicants is approaching 3000 from Lautoka and Nadi. Engineers sent to the Western maritime areas for assessment will verify the necessary housing assistance for families affected by the category four
Thousands Apply For House Rebuild
cyclone. They will verify the damage, make their scope and return. Their next round will be to take the building material to either repair or rebuild these houses. We hope to take on and complete this phase in the next three months, Commander Cawaki added. He said their main concern was the 1632 people still sheltering in evacuation centers in the Western division despite an exodus of evacuees over the past week. These are the people whose houses have blown down so we are fortunate to have received tents and tarpaulins for them to make temporary shelters. Life must move on. Engineers from the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces and the Department of Works as well as Education and Health teams are heading into the Yasawa group, Mamanucas and Vatulele for damage assessments, following their evaluation on the mainland.
THE Nausori Town Council (NTC) signed a $6million loan offer from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) for the relocation of the new Nausori market and bus stand. This was in addition to the $3m that was contributed by government. NTC special administrator Napolioni Masirewa said the total cost of the project was $16m while the remaining $7m was the value of the land which was already secured. "The interest rate for the loan is about 5.5 per cent for the next 20 years. We hope to pay $50,000 a month for the next 20 years or so. If God's willing, we might complete repayments earlier than that," Mr Masirewa said. This means, the council was expected to repay $600,000 a year and $12m in 20 years for the $6m loan. For government's contribution, he said they were paying $1.5 million per
$6M For Facelift For Nausori
annum for two years beginning in April next year. FDB acting chief executive officer Nafitalai Cakacaka said they were happy to assist the council with the transformation of Nausori Town. "Nausori is the town of the future and the bank is adamant this is a worthwhile investment considering government's plans to improve the country's municipalities," Mr Cakacaka said. He said with NTC accepting the financial offer, FDB was breaking new ground with Nausori Town in terms of providing finance for municipalities. In addition, the new bus stand is expected to ease traffic flow which has been a problem for the past few years and the construction of the new market would address the demand for space by market vendors. Mr Masirewa said construction was expected to be completed by April-May 2014.

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Air Pacific Offers 43Pc Discount

FIJI'S national carrier Air Pacific was among those international airlines that launched sales this week with up to 43 per cent off return fares to Fiji. The airline's manager public relations and communications Shane Hussein said the price was exclusive only to Australians who wanted to visit Fiji. "With flights back on schedule and many resorts back to 'business as usual' now Cyclone Evan has passed, Air Pacific, Fiji's national airline, has announced special fares to give Aussies the chance to travel to Fiji at a great price for a New Year break," Mr Hussein said. He said Air Pacific was offering special fares for the whole family from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Nadi up to 43 per cent off the cheapest normal return fare. He said adults would not miss out either with great fares from just $482 return from Sydney, $539 from Melbourne and $600 return from Brisbane. The special fare is valid for economy travel only, which include in-flight snacks, drinks, checked baggage and in-flight entertainment.
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12
Fiji News
Annual Visitor Numbers Revised
While the impact of the three natural disasters this year will have some impact on our tourism numbers, it will be less than that caused after the 2009 floods. This is being attributed to better preparations. The Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Elizabeth Powell, said they expected tourism numbers to decline between 3.5 per cent to five percent this year when compared with last year. Ms Powell however stressed, one needed to keep in mind that 2011 was a record year for tourism where we had recorded around 675,050 visitors our highest ever. The reduction will be just around 20,000 when compared to 2009 when numbers dropped by 42,845 or 7.3 per cent compared to 2008, she said. Ms Powell said preliminary ministry figures till October this year based on year-on-year data indicated we had recorded 2.5 per cent decline in tourist numbers. Preparedness So the question one would ask is how we ended up having such a big impact on our tourism industry in 2009 when faced with only one natural disaster yet the same did not happen this year. Ms Powell said this was because
of concerted efforts by the tourism stakeholders during the natural disasters. In 2009, it took us six months to get back to normal, but after the March floods this year, everything normalised just within two months, she said. All the industry stakeholders came together and our communication was much better and efficient in terms of reaching the people with bookings or their travel agents. Rebookings Ms Powell confirmed they have not received massive cancellations for hotel bookings despite the cyclone. It is holiday season and people made travel plans in advance. So for the hotels which remain closed, we have booked guests with other resorts, she said. Getting better with experience Ms Powell stressed this year had been very demanding because of the natural disaster. But we have this opportunity to improve our actions for the benefit of the visitors and the country, she said. As for the hotels which remain temporarily closed, mainly in the outer islands, Ms Powell is confident they will rebuild and come out with even better and more attractive properties.
Now that cyclone Evan has gone, rehabilitation works have started in various governmental departments in the North to replace what were destroyed. The Agriculture Department tabled its cyclone Evan rehabilitation report at a briefing at the Northern Division Emergency Operations Centre. At the briefing the norths principal agriculture officer, John Cox spoke of the importance of a joint partnership by communities as well as departments and ministry staff in rehabilitation works. That this is undertaken through a multi-disciplinary approach. That is for departments and ministry staff to assist with the rehabilitation efforts when visiting cyclone Evan affected areas. This will have a wider impact, maximise resources available and reduce costs to Government, Mr Cox said. He said communities must be made aware that they need to take rehabilitative measures on recoverable crops as early as possible. Communities must be encouraged to
Farmers Urged To Replant Immediately
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plant all available planting materials and those supplied from their neighbours. Communities must also be encouraged to plant resilient crops, he added. Farmers in affected areas are advised to start replanting immediately. Yaqona that show slight signs of split at the centre must be uprooted immediately and planting materials planted as soon as possible. Cassava planting materials must also be planted as soon as possible, he urged. Kavewa, Druadrua Island, Kia Island and the coastal villages on the western side of Macuata were the worst hit areas, in terms of food security, in the Macuata province. This was the findings of the Department of Agriculture For Bua province, the Navakasiga district, Yadua Island, Naivaka, Naiviqiri, Nasau, Koroinasolo, Navunievu, Logana and Cobue were areas worst affected. However, for Cakaudrove province, the Agriculture Department says that most crops damaged were recoverable.
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Motorists in Suva City will be disappointed to learn that the temporary bypass in front of Village Six Cinemas is to become a permanent fixture over the next two years. This has been confirmed by the Fiji Roads Authority. The plan to construct a temporary bridge to ease traffic due to the closure of Stintson Bridge has now been shelved.
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Fiji News
13
First Chair Of Indian Cinema In Suva

Mumbai: Guess who the first chair of Indian Cinema and Film Production anywhere in the world is named after? The father of cinema in India, Dadasaheb Phalke, of course. Now, guess where its come up? In Fiji! This month Subhankar Ghosh became the first holder of the chair set up at Fiji National University (FNU) under a memorandum of understanding between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and FNU. As a teaching and production staff of FNUs Department of Film, Media and Journalism, the Bollywood director will stimulate interest in filmmaking in the region. Although FNU was formally established in 2010, the six colleges that merged have been meeting addressing national needs and aspirations. Now that medicine, technology, agriculture have been attended, its time for entertainment. Mr Ghosh, son of legendary screen writer-director Nabendu Ghosh, shot into limelight with Yugantar, the DD serial based on Sunil Gangopadhyays Shei Samay. He directed Woh Chhokri from Bonophuls story, to win National Awards for Pallavi Joshi, Nina Gupta and Paresh Rawal. Mr Ghosh has taught directing at Mumbais Whistling Woods. The film fest Bollywood films are popular among both Indo-Fijians and iTaukeis, he said after arriving in Labasa. But with a film festival held a month ago, and with two Fiji Hindi films made this year, it is time to secure Fijis own film and television industry. FNUs Filmfest was to quote a teacher a feast for the soul and stimulus for the mind. It brought French, Russian, Arabic, Bollywood and Bengali films boosting the morale and exposing talents to skills they never knew. Now the filmmaking course will prepare them to make a career as skilled professionals. Film industry here For, this year at least three Bollywood movies were shot on locations in the South Pacific country. These include Neil Nitin Mukeshs 3G, Anubhav Sinhas Warning and Ammali Tumaali. In an attempt to attract tourism, Fiji offers many advantages including tax rebates to foreigners shooting on the scenic islands. For filmmakers, an added advantage is the sizeable Indian presence: about 37 per cent of the 900,000 population who can convincingly make up the crowd scenes. Fijians are delighted that films are also being made in Fiji or Fijian-Hindi, spoken by most citizens of Indian descent. It is Hindi derived from Awadhi and Bhojpuri but borrows freely from Fijian and English. After the success of Pump Up The Mandali, depicting the Fiji Indian lifestyle, anothers in the offing. Its title Unlimited Tamasha!
Increase In Vegetable Prices

Increased vegetable prices should be expected this season, says Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Ropate Ligairi. Mr Ligairi said this was usually the time when the hike in vegetable prices would be expected and Cyclone Evan had further added to this. Tropical Cyclone Evan hit and destroyed crops in the field. It could also be because of the fact that during festive season the prices generally go up, he said. For the dilemma of prices in the market, Mr Ligairi advised consumers to fight the high price of vegetables and suggested using the simple method of home grown veggies. We are also encouraging consumers to also grow their own vegetables so they get fresh crops, he said. He said it was unfortunate that in Fiji, there were no large producers who have their vegetables protected through inhouse gardens but that it was wise to have some vegetables grown at home. Mr Ligairi said the Ministry of Agriculture was focusing on rehabilitation programme in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Evan. The Ministry last week estimated damage caused by Cyclone Evan to the agriculture industry to have been around $54.4 million.
Meetings Can Continue Without Permits: Govt
Evan's Net Effect

CONTINUOUS efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, community and infrastructure resilience will help minimise the impact of natural disasters in future says Asian Development Bank's Dr Caroline Currie. Dr Currie, who is the head of the economics and programming unit at ADB's South Pacific sub regional office in Suva, co-authored the recent ADB Pacific Economic Monitor: December 2012 report and highlighted the impact of floods on the economy early this year. Lamenting on the recent damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Evan, Dr Currie said the impact of cyclones on small developing countries such as small island countries in the South Pacific could be extensive. "The effects are often felt countrywide and in many instances, all sectors will be affected," she said. "The recent cyclone which hit Fiji will have some impact on health, education, water and sanitation, housing, power and logistics. "The immediate effect will be a loss of output from all economic sectors and in particular from key sectors such as agriculture and tourism which are the mainstays of the Fijian economy." She said the overall or net effect on the economy could be difficult to assess as restoring and rehabilitating damaged infrastructure could increase output in the coming months and years largely through a surge in construction activity. "It is important for countries across the Pacific to have a disaster preparedness plan. Fiji was able to reduce the impact of TC Evan on people and property through its governance arrangements for disaster management and through communities paying heed to early warnings to be prepared for the approaching cyclone," she said. Fijis government has further suspended the requirement to obtain permits for meetings in public places after amending the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constituent assembly and adoption of constitution) decree 2012. The suspension that was in place from July, 2012 was to be lifted when the draft constitution is presented to the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau by the Constitution Commission which took place last Friday. However, the government in a statement said they have had a change of heart in light of the next stage of the constitution process which requires the appointed Constituent Assembly to meet and debate as well as adopt the draft Constitution when they begin their work from next month. Government said the suspension was due to the fact that members of the assembly will be required to hold meetings and discuss the draft Constitution with their constituencies and given the need to facilitate wide public consultation by the assembly until the President provides his assent to the new Constitution. Government said permits will be required for any meeting on any public road, in any public park or garden or in any sporting arena and will still be required for any public processions. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said while all persons or groups can continue to hold or organize meetings in a public place without the need for a permit, it is important to highlight that the law does not permit any person or group to engage in any act that will constitute an offence under the Public Order such as causing disturbance in a public place, incitement to violence, and religious and racial vilification.
14
Fiji News
Still Surviving - Out In The Open
Tents For Classes

SOME schools in the Western Division will have to conduct classes next year under makeshift tents. This is the word from the divisional education officer west, Lorima Voravora, who put the initial damage assessment for education at $5million for Western schools alone. He said the figure could increase as government officials continued with repair assessments. "The cost is $5million and counting. The damage to schools in the west is too much to comprehend at the moment," Mr Voravora said. "In Lautoka alone, the cost of damage could be at $3million and that is not counting the schools in the Yasawa and the Mamanuca groups. "We have less than a few weeks left and that is our main concern. We are working against time here and a lot of things have to be done to get the schools back up and running. "Because of that we have contingency plans in place like we might have to put up makeshift classrooms or tents for the students when school starts next year," Mr Voravora explained. "There was a lot of damage and we have been working round-the-clock to assess the situation at every school and after this we will put together a final cost of damage," he said. "Schools in the Yasawa and the Mamanuca groups were also badly affected. We have been getting damage assessment reports and we have been working closely with the Ministry of Education directors to try and come up with solutions to assist the rebuilding of each school." He said some schools were completely wiped out by Cyclone Evan. This included Bukama Primary School which had most of its classrooms destroyed by the category four cyclone. He added that a meeting with the school board heads would be held to discuss the issues. "We want to get them on-board in the cleaning and repairing process. "Making sure that the school is fixed and up to standard will not only be government's responsibility but also theirs. "If the school is owned by the Methodist Church or the Fiji Muslim League then they would also be the ones that we will talk to," said Mr Voravora. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works has also confirmed its involvement in rehabilitation works for damaged schools in the west. Permanent secretary for Works, Commander Francis Kean said the ministry had been tasked by the National Disaster Management Office to assist the Ministry of Education in the damage assessment of all school in the Western Division. "A team of six quantity surveyors have been deployed from the Central Division to assist in this operation. "The report from this exercise will be submitted to the Commissioner's Office and also to NDMO. The divisional education officer in Lautoka has been liaising with our team on this tasking," said Cdr Kean.
Shiu Wati with daughter Shobna Prasad and brother Kalka Prasad inside the cooking shed which is also used as a bedroom. FOR the past two months, Shiu Wati "The wooden foundation of our home and her small family have used an open was rotting and getting old," Ms Wati cooking shed as their bedroom after said. their house collapsed in October. "So one afternoon while sitting inside While Ms Wati and her 16-year-old our home with my children, the floor just daughter, Shobna Prasad lie on a small collapsed and the wooden poles as well." wooden bed, Ms Wati's brother Kalka "The house fell to one side and Prasad uses planks neatly arranged on everything fell to pieces so we moved the dirt floor as his bed. to my sister's piece of land and built And every night, the three have endured another house and the open shed from the cold, mosquito bites and drizzles. the timber of the old home," Ms Wati However, if it rains heavily, then said. the three join Ms Wati's sister and "If it rains a lot at night, then we move her mother inside the house which is into the house that is occupied by my adjacent to the shed. sister and my mother. The shed in Tovata, outside Labasa "The house is small so we let them stay Town was built on Ms Wati's sister's there and the three of us stay in the piece of land after the family house shed to sleep at night." collapsed. For Ms Wati, the life of poverty she Ms Wati's brother, Kalka, is mentally lives in doesn't matter much as long challenged and has lived with his sister as her family lives together peacefully for more than 10 years. and lovingly.
Three families were homeless after their homes were destroyed by fire in three separate incidents in the western division, two of which were caused by children. In the first incident at 1.30am at Valele, Ba a 73ft x 32ft concrete and corrugated iron home belonging to a 40-year-old driver was completely destroyed in a fire. Fiji Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said cost of damage is estimated to be $110,000. Fire is believed to have started from a lit candle. The drivers son received minor burns on his hands and legs. In the second incident at 2pm in Nadari, Ba a timber and corrugated iron home belonging to a 37-year-old
Three Families Homeless On X-Mas Day
operator was completely destroyed in a fire. The fire is believed to have started by a 9-year-old child who was burning papers inside the house. Cost of damage is estimated to be $35,000. Investigations continue. In the third incident on Sunday between 10-11pm, at Nativi, Rakiraki a 20ft x 30ft home was completely destroyed in a fire with its contents. Cost of damage is estimated to be $25,000.00. The fire is believed to have started when a 13-year-old student filled premix in a kerosene lamp. Police are advising for caution with the use of flammable substances and reminds parents that children must be told of the dangers of playing with matches.

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Fiji Sugar Corporation chairman Abdul Khan confirms that a new sugar price is to be expected next year. Khan said they are still in negotiation with Tate & Lyle Sugars. He hopes they will come to an agreement in a months time. We need to agree on a fair price before
New Sugar Price Next Year: FSC
making any announcement and we are getting closer to that, said Khan. Tate & Lyle Sugars contract will end after the 2015 sugar season. Meanwhile, Khan said they sustained 20 per cent damage to their matured crops which may have an impact on the crushing season next year.
Fiji News
15
Fijis First MSC Certified Sustainable Albacore Tuna Fishery

Fiji Albacore Tuna Long Line fishery has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the fourth tuna fishery in the South Pacific to achieve this. This follows an independent assessment against the MSCs rigorous standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. Albacore tuna caught by the client group, Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association (FTBOA) is now eligible to be marketed with the MSCs globally recognised ecolabel providing consumers with assurance that the product is traceable back to a certified sustainable source. FTBOASecretary and Manager of the Fiji Fish Marketing Group, Russell Dunham, said the MSC certification will create market benefits for the tuna fishery. The certification offers opportunities to develop new markets in regions where demand for certified sustainable seafood is already high, he said. MSC certification will help promote the Fiji domestic fishery and also promote Fijis role in asserting albacore management measures as part of the conditions of certification, said Mr Dunham. MSC manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Patrick Caleo, in annual surveillance audits. The fishery has committed to take action to meet eight conditions to improve some aspects of the fishery up to the international best practice level. This includes ensuring that management of the fishery is improved to establish reference points and a harvest strategy including harvest control rules. The fishery has also implemented a management strategy that ensures the fishery does not slow down the recovery and rebuilding of retained species. In undertaking the assessment the client group was provided with technical and financial assistance from the EUfunded DevFish 2 project managed by the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Secretariat for the Pacific Community. The assessment has been strongly supported by the Fiji Government through the division of fisheries, especially in ensure appropriate fishery management conditions are in place. MSC maintains the most widely respected and accepted global standard for the certification of wild capture seafood. The program is based on a rigorous science-based standard and independent, third-party assessment by internationally accredited certification bodies.
Brett Haywood of Sea Quest Fiji Limited, a member of the Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association receives Certification from MSC Asia Pacific Director Patrick Caleo is pleased to recognise another tuna team took into consideration overall fishery with MSC certification. stock health and management of The Fiji albacore tuna fishery is albacore in the South Pacific, as the first albacore longline fishery well as all potential ecosystem to demonstrate its sustainability impacts attributed to the Fiji fishery. credentials with an MSC certification. The assessment found the albacore Tuna is one of the most popular species stock to be in a healthy state and the of fish and now consumers can enjoy fishery adhering to good management verified sustainable albacore from this principles, with marginal impact on Fiji fishery, he said. habitats and non-target species. Assessment against the MSC standard, The current certificate is valid for which took 18 months to complete, was five years, during which progress conducted by the independent, third against the conditions set out in the party certifier, Intertek Moody Marine. certification requirements will be In scoring the fishery the assessment tracked and available for public review
Air Pacific Redesign 'Breaks The Rules'
A total of 505,036 Fijians have been registered to vote during the 2014 elections. This represents more than 80 per cent of the estimated number of eligible voters and comes following the second phase which recorded a total of 17,743 registrations including those from Kadavu and Vanuabalavu. In the central division, during phase
505,036 Registered For 2014 Elections
two of registration, 8539 people registered, 626 in the East, 6282 in the West and 2296 in the northern division. Registration will continue in 2013 especially for Fijians living overseas. Attorney General and Minister for Election Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the impressive turn out is a clear indication that Fijians are keen to participate.
Fijis national airline, Air Pacific's new corporate redesign and rebranding to Fiji Airways, has been voted the best new-look, according to a recent poll. The redesign of Air Pacific to Fiji Airways with its logo and changes to the fleet ranks as number one this year because it represents the best that a large, important, corporate identity can strive to be, says BrandNew, a corporate and brand identity website. Its genuine, its different, it breaks the rules, its efficient, its flexible, and, well, it simply looks stunning.
Additionally, not only is it a great airline identity but its tangentially the best destination brand all year, the website said. According to their poll results, the new Fiji Airways icon raked in 74 per cent 'greats', 21 per cent thought it was fine and five per cent did not agree. On typography, 57 per cent of 1,215 people asked thought it was great, 33 per cent thought it was fine and 10 per cent thought it was bad. In terms of livery, 92 per cent of 1,884 persons thought it great, and eight per cent thought it was fine.
Preparations for the 2014 elections are well-underway and government will soon be calling for tenders for the supply of equipment for elections, says Attorney General and Minister for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. In their 2013 budget, a total sum of $13.9m has been set aside by the government to cater for the ongoing preparatory works for the 2014 elections. Of the total funding, $11.5million has been allocated towards Electronic Voter Registration and $1.0m for the Constituent Assembly. Part of the funding will also be used to purchase ballot boxes, ballot papers, getting additional staffing and polling kits, Sayed-Khaiyum said. We will be writing to our development
2014 Poll Preparations Underway: AG
partners and some of them have informally shown interest to fund some of these expenses and we will soon be writing to them formally and will be calling for various tenders for the supply of equipment to assist us during elections, said Sayed-Khaiyum. A further $1m is allocated for the maintenance of the parliament complex. Major upgrading works will commence next year to prepare the parliament complex for the resumption of parliament in 2014. In line with this, a sum of $0.08m is being allocated for the retraining of Hansard reporters. Sayed-Khaiyum said there is a need to ensure Hansard reporters are brought back when parliament commences in 2014 and that they are up-skilled.
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Fiji News
17
Westin & Sheraton Resorts Fiji To Close For Repairs
U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed announced that $50,000 (USD) will be provided immediately to the Fiji Red Cross Society to respond to the needs of disaster-affected people in Fiji as the result of tropical cyclone Evan. The Ambassador said My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes or were affected by this disaster. I hope this funding can be used to help the Red Cross assist
U.S. Ambassador Announces Disaster Relief Funds for Fiji
those in need. USAIDs Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is providing the funding through the Embassy to support the Red Cross in providing blankets, sanitation kits, water purification tablets, and other emergency relief items to affected populations. The United States remains committed to helping the people of Fiji with disaster relief efforts
It is with much regret that we announce the temporary closure of The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa from December 21st, 2012 till February 1st, 2013. The safety of our guests and associates is of paramount importance and unfortunately the resort sustained substantial damage from Tropical Cyclone Evan and is unable to continue to operate until emergency repair works are carried out to the accommodation buildings, including air conditioning and roofing shingles. All current in-house guests are being relocated to either the Sheraton Fiji Resort or the Sheraton Denarau Villas and unfortunately we will not be accepting any new bookings for these resorts until February 2013. Sheraton Fiji Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas, which did not sustain
Thank You For Your Sacrifices:

PM Bainimarama
as much damage as the Westin, are close to resuming normal service. All restaurants and bars are fully operational except Ports OCall. We are working around the clock to get our swimming pools usable. The Kids Club is fully operational and we hope to have the gym relocated to Sheraton in the next coming days. Denarau Golf & Racquet Club will be re-opened next week and the Westin Heavenly Spa will be closed until further notice. Unfortunately we are still experiencing power failure and certain services such as air-conditioning, hot water, television and limited guestrooms lighting will be affected until power is fully restored by the Fiji Electricity Authority. Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Cyclone Freda Forms In Coral Sea

A new cyclone is forming in the Coral Sea, just two weeks after Cyclone Evan tore through the Pacific. Cyclone Freda was discovered by the Fijian meteorological service. Weather analyst Philip Duncan said it was still "50/50" whether Freda would form into a cyclone the size of Evan and cause the same levels of destruction. Mr Duncan said the cyclone formed around 400km north east of Honiara in the Solomon Islands. "It's a very, very long way out still for us, but there are increasing signs that this second cyclone is certainly going to put the north of New Zealand again at some sort of threat risk at the beginning of January. "It's formed in a perfect place for cyclones - in the Coral Sea, which is a breeding ground for them - it's a very, very warm body of water off the Queensland coast towards Papua New Guinea and the Solomons. "It naturally wants to pull in the southeast, down towards New Zealand and we see a lot of these lows doing this. "It will race over the Solomons, bring a period of very heavy rain which will last probably 24 hours or so and bring some hurricane-force winds for a time and then it will be gone." Mr Duncan said by Sunday Freda will be clearing the Solomon Islands and by New Years' Eve will be pushing into the western side of New Caledonia. Although New Caledonia was likely to be worst affected, Freda was likely to bring rough seas to northern New Zealand, Mr Duncan said. The areas hardest hit would be Northland, Coromandel and the East Cape on January 4 and 5, Mr Duncan said. "The interesting thing is not all the computer models are picking it, the same computer model that picked Evan isn't picking this one to be a big one." Mr Duncan said the same computer models could not be relied on every time and he was waiting for the severity of Freda to be predicted by different sources before issuing any weather warnings. "The fact that we're getting another tropical low so quickly after another one and it's forming in a different part of the tropics does show that we are in quite an unsettled pattern at the moment, and this could last a couple more weeks. "If people are a bit tired of the cloud around the country - especially in the north - this may not be the end of it."
The head of government has paid tribute to all Fijians who have worked long hours and under challenging working conditions to bring relief to all Fijians across the country. Following the recent cyclone, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been working closely with authorities and visiting affected communities to assess the damage sustained from tropical cyclone Evan. To all those Fijians who have been working long hours and have had to be away from your families, I thank you. I also thank you on behalf of the entire nation for sacrificing Christmas so that
your neighbours or your family can once again lead a normal life. While commending the hard work that officials have had to undertake to restore even the most basic of services and facilities, the Prime Minister said that there is still a long way to go. We must remember those Fijians who are still without water and electricity or even those without a home. They will look to each of you and I urge you to continue with your work. The head of government also paid tribute to media outlets in emphasising the importance of disaster awareness and related information to the public.
500 New $100 Bills Stolen: Police

Five hundred newly designed $100 bills were stolen from a Suva bank this month. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said three of the new-look $100 bill was used at three supermarkets in the central and southern divisions while 15 $100 bills were recovered from a bank in the North. Naisoro said the stolen $100 bills have the serial numbers ranging from FFA 030 3001- FFA 030 3500. She said a requisition for the new design currencies was made to the central bank and the money was escorted to the Suva bank to be kept at their vault. A special task force has been set up to investigate the matter. Police advise the public including business owners to be vigilant when handling money. The new notes and coins that were unveiled early this month by Fijis president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau are not due for circulation till January 2, 2013.

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Chai Time
2013 Annual Horoscope

Aries (March 21 April 19) Strong and fiercely independent, youve always preferred to do things your own way and in your own time! This year however, youre being asked to find ways to merge and share with others on a deeper and more intimate level. This requires trust, as youre being challenged to open up and allow others in further than you ever have before. Engaging in joint financial enterprises is likely to be part of this scenario. Love: Friendship trumps romance this winter, or at least its the basis of a new relationship! Its all about having things in common and doing activities together. All that goes completely out the window in May though, when lusty Mars and romantic Venus bond together in fiery Aries. Passions flare and so does your love life! A commitment is on the table in October, or the one you already have deepens in a meaningful way. Money/Work: Other peoples money is there for you if you need it, but stickler Saturn wont make it easy. Loans officers want lots of backup documentation, and possibly a cosigner. The May 9th New Moon brings ample opportunity to plump your paycheque though, most likely via a new job, a promotion or a raise. Jump on any opportunity or inspiration that comes your way in May! From July onward your luck comes mostly from family, home and real estate. Taurus (April 20 May 20) Commitment and one-on-one relationships are your keys to success this year, but they also bring you your greatest challenges too! If youre someone who has tended to give too much in relationships in the past, then excessive demands or restrictions from others will show you that this pattern isnt working so well anymore. What are you holding on to, and what are you willing to let go of? Choices will be made and boundaries set. Love: Some of you may begin a relationship with someone older or who wields authority and power. All relationships you enter into now become serious very quickly as youre not willing to waste time on players or emotionally unavailable types. The April 25th Lunar Eclipse could signal an ending of something that you already know isnt working, but the May 9th New Moon heralds a fabulous new beginning! Dont underestimate the power of your own charm this fall. Work/Money: With abundant Jupiter in your income zone until July, and moneybags Venus in your corner all spring, its looking to be a very lucrative first half of the year! Expect something especially exciting to happen when these two profitable planets combine on May 28th. Once Jupiter moves on in July, pay attention to water cooler conversations as communications and networking is your best gateway to success. Gemini (May 21 June 20) Whilst you naturally tend to be a jackof-all-trades kind of person, this can cause you to scatter your energies somewhat! Becoming the master of one is your challenge this year, as youre supported in honing a certain skill-set to perfection or taking on some sort of long-term project or routine. Focus, structure and discipline are your keys to success in most things now, including diet and health matters. Love: Lucky in love could be your catchphrase for the first half of the year as potential suitors are drawn to you like a magnet! You dont really have to do much except be your naturally charming and witty self (in other words, just show up!). Youre surrounded with romantic opportunity (the best of the whole year!) in May and June, so get out and mingle if youre single! Attached? The grass may look greener over yonder, but its really something deeper that youre looking for. Work/Money: Finances are fruitful and youre feeling flush, but also excessively generous! Abundant Jupiter keeps the funds flowing all year, but it wont last forever. Use this golden opportunity to stash some cash for your future security. Mixing friendship and finances in August/ September is extremely hazardous. Set out clear boundaries if you do lend money, but avoiding the situation altogether is your best bet! Cancer (June 21 July 22) This year youre asked to show up and take full credit for something youve done/are doing as an individual. Its about taking a creative risk and standing out from the crowd. Youll be challenged to let go of what other people think, and to trust in your own feelings and convictions. Taking a romantic risk is part of this scenario too! Its about getting out of your head and into your heart. Love: If youve wanted to get pregnant, take heart, otherwise, take precautions! An expanded family is certainly one possibility when abundant Jupiter enters your sign in July. Even if you dont have kids of your own, stepkids could be part of your happy new scenario! A new relationship may start off as light-hearted, but gets serious fast when youre both clear about what you want. Passion planet Mars in Cancer promises more than a few hot summer nights! Work/Money: Acting on any inspirations or ideas that pop up pulls in extra cash this winter. Youve got vision, but you still need to take action and ground these ideas into practical reality. Youre able to find a beautiful balance between being fiscally responsible and still splurging once in a while, thanks to joyous Jupiter helping you to enjoy the good things in life this summer! August is your best money month of the year! Leo (July 23 August 22) Youre looking to shore up your foundations this year! This could be your home and/or bank balance, but youre also looking at what makes you feel safe emotionally. Family history becomes important now as you explore your psychological foundations and emotional patterns from childhood. You can let old grievances go, and family ties become more sacred. This is the year you could make a lasting commitment to buy your own house or start your own family! Love: Your benchmarks are changing this year as your heart opens and you get clear about what you want and need to feel happy! Fears fall away as you embrace intimacy and allow someone to see the real you. The February 9th New Moon heralds the beginning of a new relationship, or the one you already have gets a jump-start! Old fears or resentments could surface with the April 25th Lunar Eclipse, but its really an opportunity to finally rise above and let go. Commitment is the word in November! Work/Money: Whether its fame and glory you seek, or just a more enjoyable job, the May 9th Solar Eclipse is go time! This is the perfect time to focus on your professional goals and take major steps forward. Stay-athome moms could decide to enter the workforce, or vice versa. Its also a lucrative time to start your own homebased business. Your money river rises with the September 5th New Moon! Virgo (August 23 September 22) This year is all about information exchange! Taking the time to slow down and really listen to other peoples opinions and ideas opens the door to new opportunities. Idle chitchat is where its at, and its in no way a waste of time (although the efficient Virgo in you may think that it is!). Let go of thinking that you always need to research more, prepare more or learn more and trust in your own innate intelligence. Love: Youre known for being discerning in your personal life, but idealistic Neptune clouds the issue and makes it difficult to see people for who they really are this February and March! By April you should have a much better idea of what and who is right for you. You cant help but exude a certain kind of irresistible glamour when Venus and Neptune align in your sign late July! Plan on a romantic summer getaway for two. Groups, friends and socializing with likeminded others triggers new romantic prospects this fall. Money/Work: The March 27th Full moon could cause finances to fluctuate, but generous Jupiter offers you a way out! Take it, or whatever opportunity arises at the time. A raise, promotion or kick up the ladder of success could keep the coffers full around the June 8th New Moon, so dust off your people skills and network your way in. Its hard not to come out ahead when money magnet Venus enters your financial zone on August 8th! Libra (September 23 October 22) Whilst relationships are important to you, sometimes it can be too easy to get wrapped up in the needs of others or in what they expect of you. If youve been looking for validation from outside of yourself, then its time to pull back and focus more on your own needs and values. Building up your own financial resources and becoming more financially independent is part of this scenario. Love: A romantic tropical locale could be the backdrop for flirty fun and romance this February, or perhaps someone with a foreign accent turns your head at home. Things heat up dramatically when feisty Mars meets romantic Venus and exciting Uranus in your relationship zone in April! You feel passionate and alive, but also impulsive. Wait a month or so before committing to anything, or anyone. The October 18th Lunar Eclipse forces your hand one way or another. Money/Work: Finances fluctuate with the April 25th Lunar Eclipse! It gives you perspective though, as you see what you need to do to shore up your own financial reserves. Other peoples money is there for you in May, possibly through an inheritance, insurance payout or extra large tax refund (it couldnt hurt to buy a lotto ticket either!). Your professional image gets a huge facelift once expansive Jupiter hits your career corner this summer! Scorpio (October 23 November 21) Dont be so hard on yourself! Selfeffacing Saturn in your sign this year could cause you to doubt yourself or think that youre not living up to some sort of standard. Youre being challenged to let go of these doubts and be bold, brave and independent! Supporting and appreciating yourself brings you back into balance, and that channels into more balanced relationships as well. Love: The April 25th Lunar Eclipse
brings you to a turning point in an existing relationship where you know something needs to change! Saturn challenges you to rise above any insecurities that emerge and get clear about what you need from your partner, and not the other way around. Single? A rush of new energy opens the door to someone special with the May 9th Solar Eclipse! September looks promising too as romantic Venus in Scorpio amps up your already considerable magnetic charm. Money/Work: Youre laying the groundwork for your future! Longer hours or extra responsibilities you take on now are worth it down the road. This is not your year for glory (thatll kick in at the end of 2014), but a year of just doing it! Thats not to say you cant be financially comfortable at the same time! Youve still got generous Jupiters influence on your side until the summer, with the end of July and early August looking especially lucrative! Sagittarius (November 22 December 20) As one of the higher-minded signs, you naturally seek out truth and wisdom. This year though, youre being asked to rely less on logic and more on instinct. Go inside. Its time to let go of any old habits, fears or attachments that are holding you back. Think of it as a spring-cleaning for the soul! Who are you without all that other stuff? Its a period of self-discovery really, and you may emerge with a whole new you! Love: Partnerships continue to be a beneficial influence in your life through to July, thanks to lucky Jupiter gracing your relationship zone. Sharing common ideals is a must-have for you to be happy in a relationship, but its especially true this year. Single? Pleasure and passion circle you April 1st to 20th, but its late May and early June when someone commitmentworthy steps up. Image-enhancing Venus in Sagittarius ensures you get more than your fair share of attention in October! Money/Work: Money matters look rosy right out of the gate this year! Plugging up leaks in the budget gives you even more wriggling room. Business and professional partnerships work in your
best interest for the first half of the year, and even after that their money is still there to support you. September is your power month! Capricorn (December 21 January 20) Youre taking your friendships more seriously this year! Superficial acquaintances are fine in passing, but youre not willing to put up with people who dont have your best interests at heart. Youre finding your tribe and some people currently in your life just wont make the cut. New friendships you cultivate now are likely to be in your life for a very long time, so choose well! Love: The boundaries between love and friendship blur this spring as one could easily morph into the other. Friendship really is your best springboard to romance all year, as its impossible for you to be with someone you dont truly respect. You may need to say goodbye to someone, something or someplace around late May or early November, but its all positive in the grander scheme of things. A workrelated social event holds more than just business potential this fall! Money/Work: Your involvement with some sort of group effort causes frustration this spring, but dont throw in the towel just yet. The end results could be spectacular! All of February is especially lucrative, but pay special attention when moneybags Venus aligns with abundant Jupiter February 5th 9th! A change of heart or mind causes you to navigate a new course this November. Aquarius (January 21 February 18) Youre laying the groundwork for the next chapter in your professional life and building up your reputation! The pressure is on, but its as much from your own desire to succeed as it is from higher-ups. Your star may be rising, but so is your visibility. You cant really get away with anything because the cops and the taxman see you too! Just accept the fact that all eyes are on you and gracefully step into the limelight! Love: February stars surround you with love and opportunity, so be out and about and looking fabulous! A noncommittal approach works for a while this spring thanks to jovial Jupiter in
2013 Annual Horoscope

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your fun and pleasure sector, but by the August 20th Full Moon youre set for something more serious. With passionate and feisty Mars revving up your relationship zone this fall, being active with the one you love (or want to love!) brings you closer together. Work/Money: Youre in the throes of becoming a rather notable personage, thanks to solid Saturn in your career corner! Your clout and charisma continue to climb this spring, but youll need to compromise at the April 25th Lunar eclipse when home, family and domestic issues demand more of your attention. March is a great money month, but the November 3rd Solar Eclipse could catapult you into a whole new income bracket! Say YES to whatever opportunity presents itself at that time. Pisces (February 19 March 20) This year youre looking at your bigger picture! You may start to question old belief systems or attitudes that youve previously relied upon. What do you stand for, and what do you believe in?
Youre on a quest for meaning, and opening your mind through travel, education, religion or philosophy could be part of this process. Love: Love and romance are there for the taking this February, but stay grounded in the process. With Neptune and Mars creating a smokescreen its easy to only see the good in others, and not the flaws. Be discerning! As your beliefs are shifting this year, so are your expectations in love. You may not know where your boundaries are until someone tests them! August and September are fertile for romance and pregnancy! Work/Money: Cash in this April as the stars line up in your income zone! Earnings could jump sky high, but thanks to impulsive Uranus your spending could too. It may be wise to quit while youre ahead. Your creativity surges in July and can positively impact your professional life, or you could turn a passionate hobby into a lucrative side biz. Keep some cash in reserve for when the travel bug bites in November!
Ingredients 2 cups shredded cooked chickens 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 4 oz large rice stick noodles 6 grape tomatoes , cut into wedges 3 green onions , chopped 3/4 cup fresh coriander or fresh basil or mint leaves 1 hot green chili pepper , thinly sliced 6 lime wedges
Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
Preparation In bowl, mix together chicken, salt and pepper; set aside. In large saucepan of boiling water, cook noodles until tender but firm, about 5 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water; toss to drain well. Divide among soup bowls. Ladle hot chicken broth over noodles. Sprinkle with shredded chicken, tomatoes, green onions, coriander and chili pepper. Serve with lime wedges.
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World News
A New South Wales man is recovering in hospital after jumping from a petrol tanker as it blew up. The truck was carrying unleaded petrol when it rolled several times before exploding at Seaham, north of Newcastle, around 2:00pm (AEDT) on Monday. Glen Ramplin from the region's rescue helicopter service says the man had a lucky escape. "The helicopter was called up to
Man Jumps From Exploding Petrol Tanker
Seaham Road for a tanker that had rolled on the Seaham Road just south of the township up there," he said. "A 23-year-old male driver has escaped out of the vehicle just as it exploded. "As a result he's received extensive burns to his back, legs and buttock area." The explosion sparked a fire in nearby bushland, which was contained by Rural Fire Service crews.
A DEADLY disease could decimate the UK's sheep export industry just months after farmers were reporting making further successful inroads into traditional Australian-export markets in the EU. Last year UK sheep meat exports rose by 11 per cent with a strong demand from Europe, placing it third behind Australian and New Zealand as a global sheep trade producer. Such was the capacity of the industry, two months ago some Scottish farmers particularly were calling on two major UK supermarket chains Tesco and Asda to drop its sizeable Aussie and Kiwi sheep imports. But the UKs Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed the incidence of Schmallenberg disease is back and some expect it to be up to double what it was last year when the disease crisis first struck. The disease, which causes still births and deadly deformities from fused limbs to twisted necks, was expected to die out in colder months but has now been confirmed found on 1000 UK farms spreading across every English country, through Wales and Ireland and up to the Scottish border region. It can also affect calves. I know of about 120 flocks lambing already and the average loss is 30 to 35 per cent, National Farmers Union livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said. It is making people very nervous about what will happen when the lambing season gets fully underway. Defra has reported lambing losses in flocks as high as 50 per cent already this month. Schmallenberg virus, which is carried by midges, was named after the German town where it was first seen a year ago and it has since spread across Europe arriving in England in autumn last year. It is now moving faster than the deadly bluetongue disease of 2007
Disease Threat To UK Sheep Exports
Drunk Man Arrested Driving Stolen Car On Runway
The Iowa Supreme Court in the United States has ruled that employers in the state can legally fire workers they find too attractive. In a unanimous decision, the court held that a dentist did not violate the state's civil rights act when he terminated a female dental assistant whom his wife considered a threat to their marriage. The dental assistant, Melissa Nelson, who worked for dentist James Knight for more than 10 years and had never flirted with him, according to the testimony of both parties, sued, saying she would not have been fired if she were a man. At trial, Mr Knight testified he had complained to Ms Nelson on several occasions that her clothing was too tight, revealing and "distracting". But sometime in 2009, he also began exchanging text messages with Ms Nelson. Most of these were work-related and harmless, according to testimony. But others were more suggestive. In late 2009, Mr Knight's wife found out about the text exchanges and
US State Allows Bosses To Fire Attractive Staff
demanded her husband terminate the dental assistant because "she was a big threat to our marriage". In early 2010, he fired her, saying their relationship had become a detriment to his family. Ms Nelson sued, saying that she had done nothing wrong, that she considered Mr Knight a friend and father figure, and that she would not have been terminated but for her gender. Mr Knight argued that Ms Nelson was terminated not because of her gender - all the employees of his practice are women - but because of the way their relationship had developed and the threat it posed to his marriage. The seven justices, all men, said the basic question presented by the case was "whether an employee who has not engaged in flirtatious conduct may be lawfully terminated simply because the boss views the employee as an irresistible attraction". The high court ruled that bosses can fire workers they find too attractive and that such actions do not amount to unlawful discrimination.
A drunk British man was arrested Tuesday after driving a stolen car on an Amsterdam airport runway "for a few minutes". The unnamed passenger who was headed home for Christmas had pushed an emergency exit button at one of Schiphol airport's gates, stumbled onto the tarmac and stole a car belonging to an airport contractor, police spokesman Dennis Muller said. "He drove around for a few minutes but at no point was there any danger to flight traffic," he said. "There aren't many flights on Christmas Eve and there were none at all at the time he took the car. "We're investigating exactly where he
went in the car. Mr Muller said the incident happened between 1:00am and 2:00am (local time) on Christmas Day. Police said they did not yet know exactly where the passenger was headed, but it was in Britain. "We don't know why he took the car, these are things you do when you're drunk," Mr Muller said, adding that the man would "take a while to get sober". "We'll interview him about what he's done and then it's up to the prosecutor to decide what to do with him." Amsterdam hub Schiphol is Europe's fourth-largest airport with between 120,000 and 140,000 passengers passing through daily.

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Two South Africans have been arrested for "borrowing" a corpse from a funeral parlour in order to complete an elaborate life insurance scam. After a tip-off, police arrested a 35-year-old woman and a 42-year-old funeral parlour owner as they tried to pick up a body for burial. The pair is accused of creating a fake woman called "Aphiwe Ntombela", insuring her via three different companies and ultimately declaring her dead. Hoping to claim an $11,000 life insurance, the unnamed 35-year-old managed to secure a birth certificate, insurance and even pay the premiums
Two Arrested For Insurance Scam Corpse Theft
on time for the fake Aphiwe. But when it came to killing off a person who did not exist the suspect ran into problems. So she approached the funeral parlour owner near Durban and according to her police statement, asked him "to 'borrow' her a female body from his mortuary". A corpse was duly supplied and taken from the funeral parlour to a doctor for certification of death and the claims were then lodged. The suspects were charged for fraud and were due to appear in Durban Commercial Crime Court police said.
World News
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US Firefighters Gunned Down Responding To Blaze

Two volunteer firefighters in the United States have been shot dead and two others injured while responding to an emergency call in New York state. A convicted felon lured them to the blaze which police said he apparently set as a trap in the town of Webster, east of Rochester, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The 62-year-old shooter, who was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 17 years for his grandmother's death in 1980, then fatally shot himself. "It does appear that it was a trap that was set for first responders, but causative reasons we don't have at this time," said Webster police chief Gerald Pickering. "These people get up in the middle of the night to put out fires, they don't expect to be shot and killed. "We are a safe community, a tragedy like this is just horrendous." The firefighters were shot as they approached the scene of the blaze - a car and a house engulfed in a fire believed to have been set by the shooter, identified as William Spengler. "Four of the firefighters were shot. Two are deceased, two were transported to area hospitals," Mr Pickering said. The two injured men were in guarded condition and were expected to recover. An off-duty police officer who responded was also shot and wounded. 'I am shot' One of the injured firefighters, all volunteers in the small suburb of Rochester, was able to escape and call for help. support a new bill banning assault rifles and curb the transfer, importation and possession of such arms. Since flagging the crackdown, gun sales have sky-rocketed as enthusiasts fear certain assault weapons and highcapacity magazines could be banned. "The president said he wanted quick action, and so that is going to fuel the buying frenzy, and it is," said Larry Hyatt, an owner of a gun shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, describing the rush as largely "politically motivated". "We have been in business for 50 years, and we have seen (fear-based buying) before. "But this is more intense because the president got in the media and basically said, 'if you want a gun, you better get it now'." That means bigger business for an already huge industry: the gun and ammunition manufacturing industry in the US groups about 300 companies with combined yearly sales estimated around $7 billion. Florida, the most heavily armed state, rocketed this week to a new record of active carry permits - over 1 million. Florida has 19 million people. There were an estimated 310 million non-military firearms in the US in 2009, roughly one per citizen, and people are 20 times more likely to be killed by a gun than someone in another developed country. The US has suffered an explosion of gun violence over the past three decades including 62 mass shooting incidents since 1982.
His call was recorded and has been broadcast on local television: "We are being shot at. Multiple firemen down. Multiple firemen are shot. I am shot. "I think he is using an assault rifle. We have multiple firemen down. Working fire." A security cordon was put up around the scene and residents were evacuated. Seven homes were destroyed in the blaze as the shooting thwarted initial efforts to douse the flames. Mr Pickering said emergency personnel had not yet been able to search the torched homes for possible additional victims. New York governor Andrew Cuomo called the incident a "horrific shooting" and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
"New York's first responders are true heroes as they, time and again, selflessly rush toward danger in order to keep our families and communities safe," Mr Cuomo said in a statement. "We, as the community of New York, mourn their loss as now two more families must spend the holidays without their loved ones." Guns sales soar The shooting comes a day after the head of America's most powerful gun rights group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), emphatically ruled out supporting greater controls on weapons or ammunition in the US. There are renewed calls for greater gun control following the mass shooting and children and teachers at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, earlier this month. President Barack Obama says he will
Man In The Poo For Farting At Work

AN American federal employee has been formally reprimanded for excessive workplace flatulence in a five-page letter outlining the dates and times he let it rip. The Maryland man, in a missive delivered on December 10, was accused of "releasing the awful and unpleasant odour" in his Baltimore office, reports The Smoking Gun. After several employees lodged complaints, the man, a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee, was accused of "conduct unbecoming a federal officer," and was told his "uncontrollable flatulence" had created an "intolerable" and "hostile" work environment for his coworkers. The letter sent to the man contained a log listing 17 separate dates and 60 specific times during which the employee passed gas. The mans September 19 output included nine instances of flatulence, beginning at 9.45am and concluding at 4.30pm, The Smoking Gun reveals. According to The Smoking Gun, "the man was also accused of launching a trio of attacks on September 11." The letter of reprimand details how the man was first spoken to about his flatulence during a May 18 "performance discussion" with his supervisor. He was informed that fellow employees had complained about him, and that it was "the reason none of them were willing to assist you with your work." The supervisor referred the employee to a SSA unit for "assistance with what could have been a medical problem that was affecting everyone in the module." Two months later, on July 17, a second SSA manager spoke with the man "in regards of your releasing of bodily gas in the module during work hours." The man was asked if he could "make it to the restroom (bathroom) before releasing the awful and unpleasant odour." The manager also referred to a previous conversation during which the man had suggested he would "turn your fan on when it happens", to which the manager had responded: "turning on the fan would cause the smell to spread and worsen the air quality in the module." The employee, 38, who works as a claims authoriser at a centre which handles disability cases, at one point said he suffered from lactose intolerance and provided evidence he suffered from "some medical conditions" that meant at times he was unable to work full days. But a manager noted in the letter that "nothing that you have submitted has indicated that you would have uncontrollable flatulence. It is my belief that you can control this condition." The Smoking Gun published a photograph of the man with his wife taken at an amusement park. In the photo the couple are standing next to someone dressed up as Pepe Le Pew.
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World News
Indians Call For Reform In Wake Of Brutal Rape

An Indian student who was savagely gang-raped has begun to recount her ordeal to police, reports said Sunday, as authorities reacted to violent protests by banning demonstrations in the capital. The victim, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student who had been battling for her life since the assault a week ago, gave her first statement to police late Saturday in the New Delhi hospital where she is being treated. The series of angry demonstrations in New Delhi and in other cities across the country. "All six men took turns to sexually assault me," the Hindustan Times newspaper quoted the victim as saying to police. "They threw us on the side of the road where I then fainted." Her answers to the questioning appeared to confirm most of the details that officers had already managed to piece together from a statement by her 28-year-old male companion who was also assaulted and thrown off the vehicle. All six of the alleged attackers have now been arrested and remanded in custody. Police say the six were drunk and were joy-riding in an off-duty bus with tainted windows when they picked the unsuspecting pair up as they were returning from a night out at the cinema. The men then took turns in raping the student at the back of the bus, according to police and prosecutors. During her assault, the victim suffered serious intestinal injuries from being beaten with an iron rod. Reporter killed Police shot dead a television journalist when they opened fire during a protest against a sexual assault on a film actress the India Gate monument in the heart of the capital on Saturday where they were baton-charged, water cannoned and tear gassed by the police. One group of protesters camped overnight outside the residence of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the main ruling Congress party. "I am with you ... and justice will be delivered," Ms Gandhi told the protesters in an impromptu address after midnight, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. Fearing more violent protests, police declared areas close to the president's residence and the parliament off-limits on Sunday and detained those who defied the orders. All the routes leading to landmark government buildings were cordoned off and metro stations in the vicinity were closed to the public. However, a small group did manage to gather beside India Gate on Sunday morning and another protest has been organised in an open area in an outlying neighbourhood which is not covered by the ban. "We are here to protest a heinous crime. We have the right to protest," the PTI quoted one of the protesters at India Gate as saying. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said the Congress-led government would look at "enhanced punishment in the rarest of rare rape cases" - a reference to capital punishment. The current maximum penalty for rape is life imprisonment and "it (the death penalty) will have to be discussed in detail", Mr Shinde said. India has executed two people since 2004 - one of whom was Mohammed Kasab, the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The other was a criminal who raped and killed his schoolgirl victim.
An Indian demonstrator holds a protest sign in front of New Delhi's Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in India's northeast, an official said. at police in Imphal, damaging six of The 36-year-old, who was working for their vehicles, prompting authorities to the Doordarshan network, was "killed impose a curfew in parts of the state. in police firing" in Imphal, capital of The curfew was relaxed Sunday, after Manipur state, police spokesman A which a huge crowd of protestors Singh said. assembled and confronted police who Manipur has been rocked by its own opened fire in retaliation, Mr Singh series of protests after the actress said. known as Momoko was dragged from The journalist died on the spot from stage in full public view last week one of the bullets, Mr Singh said. by an armed militant belonging to a National protests banned rebel outfit despite the presence The brutal attack has triggered a series of security personnel. of angry demonstrations in Delhi and He then tried to rape her but she in other cities across the country with managed to fight him off and flee. protesters demanding the death penalty Momoko, also a popular model, has for the rapists and better security for waived her right to anonymity and women. appealed on television for her attacker's The government, stung by criticism arrest. that victims of sex assaults are often Anger over the attack on Momoko has let down by India's notoriously slow been further fuelled by the outrage justice system, has said it is considering over the gang-rape in Delhi which bringing in the death penalty for the has highlighted the levels of violence most extreme rape cases. against women in India. In the biggest protest so far, several On Saturday, crowds had pelted stones thousand college students rallied at
Obama Cuts Short Christmas Holiday To Deal With 'Fiscal Cliff'

$600B US worth of tax hikes, spending cuts scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1 U.S. President Barack Obama flew back to Washington on Boxing Day, cutting short his end-of-the-year break in Hawaii to try to wrangle a last-minute deal to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff." Normally, the president stretches his Christmas holiday in his native state into the New Year. Members of Congress also made an early return to the U.S. capital and were back on Thursday. In just five days, about $600 billion US worth of tax hikes and spending cuts are scheduled take place unless the White House and the Congress can agree on a compromise to soften the blow. Economists say tax increases and spending cuts of that magnitude could send the U.S. economy back into recession by the end of next year. At this point, there's not much optimism that a wide-ranging deal can be reached by Jan. 1. So the talk increasingly is turning to some kind of partial deal that would extend tax cuts for most Americans and put off any consideration of spending cuts. President Obama has proposed that tax rates be allowed to go up for all Americans earning more than $400,000. Republican House Speaker John Boehner countered with a proposal to allow tax hikes on those earning more than $1 million. But Boehner pulled his plan before a vote in the House when it became clear that he didn't have enough support among his Republican colleagues. Middle class is watching The sense of urgency to reach a deal persists even though the "fiscal cliff" metaphor is a bit of a misnomer. If no deal has been completed by New Year's Eve, the full weight of the spending and tax changes does not arrive the next day; the U.S. economy will not immediately go over any so-called cliff. Higher tax rates would just begin to be levied in the New Year. But from a political standpoint, the blowback would be huge when Americans see their January paycheques shrinking to suddenly pay the higher taxes that automatically kick in if no deal is reached to extend the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. By some estimates, the average middle class family will see its tax bill go up by about $2,000 a year if a deal can't be hammered out. So the pressure is on to find a quick compromise. U.S. taxpayers want their politicians to resolve at least part of the problem by New Year's Eve, if for no other reason than they're sick of hearing both sides squabble about something that was entirely of Washington's making. But it's also clear that if the hoped-for compromise remains out of reach, both sides will be ready to roll out their own "blame game" strategies to persuade Americans that it really wasn't their fault.
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to members of the military and their families in Anderson Hall at Marine Corp Base Hawaii, on Christmas Day in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
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Bt a H na q l ul e
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8240 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC Ph: 604.322.6526

Fully equipped with state of the art lighting, Sound systems & video Equipment
Special Rates For WEEKDAY Parties
Weddings, Parties, Birthdays, Receptions, Anniversaries, Sporting Parties etc
INGREDIENTS 4 salmon fillets (4 oz. each) 2 cups chopped fresh spinach 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 medium tomato, chopped 1/3 cup Italian Dressing DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375F. Place salmon fillets, skin-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Mix remaining ingredients until well
Salmon With Tomatoes, Spinach & Mushrooms
Honey Ginger Chicken

2 tbsp.Cooking oil 1 Large onion, cut into wedges 2 lbs .Chicken thighs, skin removed 4 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 Piece of gingerroot peeled and finely grated 1/2 cup Water 1/4 cup Liquid honey 1 tbsp. Fish sauce 2 tbsp. Soy sauce 2 tbsp. Oyster sauce 1/8 tsp. Pepper Heat wok or frying pan until hot. Add cooking oil. Add onion. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until onion is soft and golden. Add chicken. Cook for about 10 minutes until all sides are browned. Add garlic and ginger. Heat and stir until fragrant. Combine remaining 6 ingredients in small bowl. Add to chicken mixture. Stir until well coated. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 20 minutes until no pink remains in chicken.
blended; spoon evenly over salmon. Bake 20 to 25 min. or until salmon flakes easily when tested with fork. Tip Looking for ways to add more fish to your diet? Try this easy-to-make recipe that's rich in vitamin A from the spinach. Substitute Substitute red snapper for the salmon fillets.
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New Years Eve

Dinner Dance
$25 per person Kids Under 12 $15 Kids under 5 FREE

Price includes Appetizers and Dinner
Tickets:
Couples & Family ONLY
CASH BAR
Contact Dinesh Khanna 604:498.4411
7 PM
KHANNA BANQUET HALL Phone: 604.498.4411

201 - 11267 125A Street, Surrey BC
Bula Ratu Farm
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15490 - 48th Avenue, Surrey BC

Chicken, Roosters, Ducks, Lamb & Goat Ph: Ratu 778.316.7339 or Paul 778.578.0057 Grand Opening SPECIAL 3 Chickens for $25.00
OPEN SAT & SUN 9 am - 5 pm
Dinesh Khanna
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ICBC Cases
Barinder S. Sanghera B.Comm., LL.B. Amandeep S. Sanghera B.A., LL.B. Puneet P.K. Sandhar B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.
After my accident I had constant neck and back pains. I felt sad most of the time and became very anxious about
CM
MY
the future. ICBC said I was overreacting and offered $17,000. My case settled for $400,000 at mediation. MR. S. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The damage to my car was only $700. ICBC said I could not have been injured: but I was. My lawyer finalized my claim for $28,000 plus expenses. MISS M. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
CY
CMY
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.
An Association of Independent Lawyers & Law Corporations
www.slglawyers.com
Newton Crossing 203 7134 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC, V3W 5A3 T 604.543.8484 F 604.543.8584 1.877.778.8484
THINKING OF BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN?

Try This Practice Test - Discover Canada
A. Nova Scotia. B. Prince Edward Island. C. Newfoundland and Labrador. D. New Brunswick. 6) How can you help to protect the environment? A. Use electricity instead of gas. B. Drive a car to go to and come back from work by yourself. C. Do not buy gas at a higher price. D. Walking, cycling, taking transit or carpooling wherever possible. 7) Where do most French speaking Canadians live? A. Quebec. B. Nova Scotia. C. New Brunswick. D. Ontario. 8) One third of all Canadians live in which province? A. Quebec. D. It was agreed to by the First Nations and Inuit. 3) When does a federal election have to be held under legislation passed by Parliament? A. Within 4 years of the most recent election. B. Within 5 years of the last election. C. When the Queen wants to replace the Prime Minister. D. The Prime Minister can call the election any time at his own will. 4) What are the territories of northern Canada? A. Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories and Nunavut. B. Yukon and Northwest Territories. C. Northwest Territories and Alaska. D. Nunavut and Yukon Territory. 5) Which province in Canada is the smallest in land size?
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1) What are the provinces of Central Canada? A. Ontario and Saskatchewan. B. Quebec and Nova Scotia. C. Ontario and Quebec. D. Ontario and Manitoba. 2) Why is the British North America Act important in Canadian history? A. It made Confederation legal. B. It was written by the British government. C. The Aboriginal people signed the act.
B. Ontario. C. Northwest Territories. D. British Columbia. 9) From where does the name "Canada" come? A. From "Kanata", the First Nations word for village. B. From the Inuit word "Kanata" meaning nations. C. From the First Nations word meaning land. D. From the Inuit word meaning home. 10) Who is Canada's Head of State? A. Governor General of Canada. B. Members of parliament. C. Prime Minister. D. A hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King). ANSWERS 1.C 2.A 3.A 4.A 5.B 6.D 7.A 8.B 9.A 10.D
Canadian Population Hits 35 Million: Statscan

Canadas population has surpassed 35 million for the first time, according to a new estimate from Statistics Canada, and this countrys continual growth brings about both benefits and challenges, experts say. The federal agency issued a quarterly population estimate showing 35,002,447 people living in Canada as of Oct. 1 of this year. Andre Lebel, a demographer with Statistics Canada, confirmed this is the first time the countrys headcount has been officially pegged at 35 million or greater. The latest population estimate shows growth of 121,956 people between the third and fourth quarters of this year, and 396,091 over 12 months. That makes for growth of 1.1 per cent over the last year. The new numbers coincide with Immigration Minister Jason Kenneys announcement that Canadas skilledworker immigration program will be tweaked to give more consideration to people between the ages of 18 and 35, and those that are proficient in English or French. Benefits Michael Haan, a population expert at the University of New Brunswick, sees immigration policies like these in a positive light: It is a milestone, because what it suggests is that Canadas population is continuing to grow, and the growth is coming largely from immigration. . . . It really reflects the fact that Canadas immigration policy whatever negative things people want to say about it really does a great job of bringing people in. According to Haan, a bigger population brings greater efficiency in usage of a countrys resources and infrastructure. He explained that the same services ranging from policing to transportation are required whether a population is big or small, but a larger population allows more people to benefit from what already exists without a corresponding rise in cost. A larger society is cheaper to run than a smaller society, he said. Imagine Canada and the United States had exactly the same social policies; the U.S. would be cheaper to run on a per capita basis because everyone has to pay a share for all the amenities that they receive. Challenges Haan pointed out that Canadas population growth is skewed toward bigger cities, leaving rural areas with little growth and with high concentrations of older people. The Central Intelligence Agency website shows that 90 per cent of Canadas population lives within 160 kilometres of the U.S. border. Such an uneven population pattern fosters economic inequality between regions in Canada, Haan said, and its not inconceivable the federal government would one day try to actively influence where people live. Another challenge that comes with a growing urban population is mass transit, according to Gordon Price, an urban expert from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. He said that federal and provincial politicians, whose governments are important sources of funding for public transportation, look to the suburbs and rural areas for many of their votes, where mass transit is less of a priority than in urban areas. The federal Conservatives are definitely going after the suburbs, theres no doubt about that, Price said. Those people still see themselves basically dependent upon the car. That said, Price said political pressure could gradually shift as suburban and rural residents who travel into urban areas start to realize there is limited room to deal with growing congestion with more roads. Looking deeper Looking past the headline numbers, Canadas population remains unevenly spread out in terms of where it is growing. Ontarios population stood at 13.5 million in the latter part of this year, the data showed, while Quebecs was 8.1 million. Both saw growth of about one per cent over a 12-month period, or just slightly behind the national average. Alberta saw nearly three times that rate of growth as its population surged 2.9 per cent to 3.9 million over the last year, Statistics Canada said. Some Atlantic provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, saw population declines over the last year, according the latest estimates. The new estimate is separate from Statistics Canadas population clock that put Canadas population at greater than 35 million a few weeks ago. But this feature is mainly for educational purposes and not as accurate as the agencys quarterly estimates, Lebel said. Lebel explained that Statistics Canadas quarterly population estimates are based on census data and adjustments are made for the two to three per cent of the population that dont fill out census forms, as well as for births, deaths and immigration.
The Canadian High Commission has reduced the waiting period for visa applicants from 60 days to 10 days. A source at the High Commission told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the country was now opening up and accommodating more visitors and travellers from across the globe. ``Because of this, a lot of Nigerians are sending their children to study in Canada and this has led to a backlog in the number of visa applications. ``This informed the missions decision to reduce the waiting period from 60
Canada Reduces Waiting Time For Visa Applicants - Official

days to 10 days, the source added. Diplomatic sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the Canadian government took the decision following persistent complaints by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru and the leadership of the National Assembly. Ashiru, at various meetings with Heads of Diplomatic missions assured them of the readiness of Nigerias diplomatic missions to undertake reciprocal treatment in the issuance of visas. ``Where visas are delivered promptly within three to five days, we shall reciprocate and where there is delay, we shall apply the same measure, he told them. NAN recalls that late Dr Lateef Adegbites visa application for his regular medical checkup was turned down by the mission. The mission cited a new directive from Canada that all visa applications should be thoroughly screened irrespective of the status of the applicants. Also, some members of the National Assembly were denied visas to attend
the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference which took place in September in Ottawa, Canada. Canada and Nigeria, which established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, share a common commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Read the Fiji Times Canada online www. fijitimescanada.com
28
Canada News
Canada Post Makes Record 50 Million Deliveries In 1 Day

Postal workers busy during last 3 weekends to keep up with volume
Canada Post workers across the country have kicked it into high gear, working the last three weekends to keep up with the increasing number of parcel, package and Christmas card deliveries leading up to Dec. 25. The postal service broke records after delivering 50 million pieces of mail on Dec. 20 and over one million parcels on Dec. 13 within 24-hour periods. We were ready for this. Our whole business is changing and has in the last few years with the onset of e-commerce and online shopping," said Canada Post spokesman John Caines. "I havent seen a computer yet that can deliver those parcels, but thats where we come in." The mad mail rush typically starts around Black Friday (Nov. 23 this
year) and Cyber Monday, Caines said. Canada Post projects that over one billion pieces of mail will be delivered over this holiday season. The number of parcels being sent through Canada Post has increased 12 per cent over last year. Since Black Friday, Canada Post has delivered 20 million parcels, 250,000 just last weekend. But rural mail volumes have been steadily declining for the last five years, Caines said, despite Canada Post being one of the few carriers that deliver to the countryside. He predicts posties will remain busy until the second week in January. "We expect it to go beyond, being Christmas Day, because of the Boxing Day sales and also the returns," said Caines.
First-graders in an Illinois school help each other learn to use new computers in 2008. New research from the University of British Columbia has found that children who perform small acts of kindness tend to boost their own happiness, and that may help counteract bullying."First-graders in an Illinois school help each other learn to use new computers in 2008. New research from the University of British Columbia has found that children who perform small acts of kindness tend to boost their own happiness, and that may New research from the University of British Columbia has found that children who perform small acts of kindness tend to boost their own happiness, and that may help counteract bullying. Some 400 Vancouver elementary schoolchildren were asked to report on their happiness after four weeks of participating in one of two scenarios, according to the study published Wednesday in the online publication PLOS ONE. One group of the nine to 11-year-olds
UBC Study Finds Small Acts Of Kindness May Reduce Bullying
were asked by their teachers to perform acts of kindness, such as sharing their lunch or giving their mom a hug if she appeared stressed. The other group was asked to keep track of pleasant places they visited, such as the playground or a grandparent's house. While both groups reported a boost in happiness, the children who were kind said they wanted to work with a higher number of classmates on school activities. Professor Kimberly SchonertReichl says those findings mean it's likely teachers can create a sense of connectedness in the classroom simply by asking students to think about how they can act kindly to others and that that can reduce bullying. "We show that kindness has some real benefits for the personal happiness of children, but also for the classroom community," said Schonert-Reichl, a professor in UBC's faculty of education. The research was conducted in partnership with the University of California, Riverside.
B.C. Patients Told To Expect ER Waits Over Holidays

Director says Dec. 24, Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 are busiest ER days Health officials are asking people to be patient if they find themselves at an emergency room this holiday season. Dr. Anne Clarke, the program medical director for Fraser Healths emergency program, says all the extra food and drink people consume at this time of year, coupled with a lack of sleep, tends to mean more people find their way to hospitals. "Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Boxing Day are very, very busy times, so you can expect a longer wait particularly on those days," Clarke said. "Because the volume of patients coming in, due to the lack of other facilities that are available like walk-in clinics and your GP's [office], you can expect a longer wait time." Darshan Lindsay, manager of public affairs for Interior Health, says that some people may be able to avoid the wait if their condition is not serious and is likely to require only advice rather than treatment. "If they're not sure of exactly what they need, they should call 911, and there they can be put in touch with a nurse or a pharmacist, and from there a determination would be made whether or not they should be seeking more assistance and go to the local emergency," Lindsay said.

604.909.4088
Survey finds low morale due to high workload, layoffs "With the snow we've had last and job uncertainty can create an week, the terrible news from the unpleasant workplace and can hurt the Port Mann Bridge, the number of customer's experience. claims people are asked to take is "When satisfaction goes down, the just astronomical and [our] people quality of service individuals give also can't do that with the resources declines," Samra said. they're given. ... They can't do that "As public citizens, we should care with the staffing levels we have at when employees that are working in ICBC right now," he said. the public sector are being impacted ICBC issued a statement that said and when they're not engaged and workplace changes have been occurring satisfied with the work they've been in order to better serve customers. doing, because it has the potential to "ICBC continues to focus on improving have a negative impact on us." its business to serve customers better The outlook for unionized staff, who and this means changing the experience had been negotiating a new contract for employees. We'll do that through with ICBC since June 2010, may better communications, increased already be brighter for 2013. involvement, and increased training In November, ICBC employees agreed and development." to a new four-year deal that includes Joti Samra, a psychologist, said layoffs wage increases.
ICBC Employees Report Steep Drop In Job Satisfaction
Canada News
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Wallets were flung open and registers rang out Wednesday as a number of Canadians shook off holiday fatigue and flocked to stores for Boxing Day bargains. In Toronto, eager shoppers lined up in sub-zero temperatures outside downtown stores while others scoured the Eaton Centre mall for savings. Griffin Courtice, 17, got a 5 a.m. lift to Best Buy, braving the morning cold to stand in line with dozens of people an hour before the store opened its doors. The teen said he set his sights on a deeply discounted TV, the nearly half-off sale price deemed worth the pre-dawn wake-up call and "mindblowing" lineup. Despite growing competition from the U.S.'s Black Friday -- the annual day of drastic markdowns held the Friday after American Thanksgiving -- Courtice said the bargains found on Boxing Day are nothing to sleep through. "Even though Black Friday may have been a bit more intense, a bit crazy, people are still getting good sales," Courtice said while clutching a 32-inch flat-screen TV. A new survey commissioned by the Bank of Montreal suggests Canadians continue to embrace the Boxing Day tradition this year. The Pollara survey of 1,000 Canadians found that roughly six in 10 respondents planned to shop on one of the busiest business days of the year for retailers. The survey suggested Alberta would see the most transactions Wednesday, with 76 per cent of respondents saying they planned to take advantage of Boxing Day bargains. Atlantic Canada was next at 72 per cent, followed by Ontario at 69 per cent. Quebec was expected to see the lightest Boxing Day shopping, with just 36 per cent of respondents saying they planned to take part in the annual shopping extravaganza.
Crowds Pounce On Boxing Day Sales; Poll Suggests Majority Of Canadians To Shop
The survey also found that men were more likely than women to take advantage of Boxing Day sales at a rate of 66 per cent versus 58 per cent. One-in-five, or 22 per cent, said they planned to shop for themselves, while 34 per cent said they would buy items for both themselves and others. The survey was conducted between Oct. 11 and 16. and the results are considered accurate plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20. Despite the survey's findings regarding Quebec, several major electronic and clothing stores in downtown Montreal drew big lines on Wednesday. A crowd of bargain hunters waited for hours outside a big-box retail store in frigid temperatures. Fabiola Ruiz, 31, split the waiting duties with her mother and brought along her eight-year-old daughter for company as well. "It's very cold, but it's worth it," she said, sipping coffee to keep warm. "We're looking for deals for the whole family."
It was a similar scene in Vancouver, where shoppers bustling through one of the city's most popular downtown shopping streets paid little attention to the light mist of rain coming down on their packages. Small queues formed outside several Granville Street clothing stores, and a steady stream of flatscreen TVs were wheeled out of a big box electronics store and loaded into taxis. Two sisters who called themselves "professional" Boxing Day shoppers said the deals lived up to their usual expectations, having arrived at 7:15 a.m. from Mission, B.C., an hour's drive from the east. "You know what to expect and it's just going to be crowded and crazy and you have to know what you want and get in and get out. We went scouting before," said Gillian Robertson, 20. "The other day we came in, walked around, saw what we wanted and then waited for the deals," explained her sister, Caitlin Robertson, 24. Howard Ma, however, who used to live
in Vancouver but now returns from his home abroad to visit family each year, said he is starting to notice a downward trend. "There wasn't as many good deals as I thought there'd be. Retailers do sales the whole year round," he said. Regardless, he expects he'll be back again next year. "I think it's still going to happen, it's just a tradition," he said. "Going to come out the day after the holidays, walk, look around. But you're not going to go out of your way to do the 6 a.m. thing anymore. That was, like, ten years ago." Future Shop spokesman Elliott Chun said most shoppers ducking into the electronics chain on its busiest day of the year are looking to fulfil their own desires. "We're seeing customers coming in with their gift cards, with their Christmas cash and they're starting to spend it on themselves," he said, adding the average transaction on Boxing Day tops $500. Chun said Black Friday isn't sapping the enthusiasm of shoppers, noting that hundreds lined up early at Future Shop stores across the country, some arriving the night before to camp out for a prime spot in line. Meanwhile, BMO Vice-President Su McVey said in a statement that bargain seekers should take Boxing Day buys into account when figuring out how much they'll spend over the holiday period. Robert Knowles, 56, said he didn't work Boxing Day spending into his holiday budget this year, but that the $50 computer printer he nabbed Wednesday in Toronto isn't going to break the bank. "I'm not very good at budgeting (for) it other than not to spend too much money," he said before heading home with his purchase.
Sporting goods retailers are feeling the cold chill of a bitter NHL lockout that has kept players off the ice and fans out of their heroes hockey jerseys for three months. With a large chunk of the regular season gone, a much-hyped Winter Classic cancelled and the increasing likelihood that NHL players wont be suiting up this season, some retailers are watching helplessly as hockey merchandise sales take a dive. Wayne Renick, president and CEO of Jersey City, wont say just how much of a sales decline his chain of licensed novelty and clothing stores is experiencing, but acknowledged that, much like exasperated hockey fans, he is not pleased. Though Jersey City sells official T-shirts, hats and hoodies from all the Big Four sports leagues, NHLlicensed apparel and merchandise in
Retailers Suffer As Hockey Merchandise Sales Take A Hit

particular accounts for a hefty 30-50 per cent of overall sales during the frenzied Christmas shopping period, Renick said in a phone interview days after the NHL announced that all games had been cancelled through Dec. 30. The timing of the stalemate is particularly bad given that the regular game schedule coincides with the holiday shopping season -- when hockey lovers are primed to fork out big bucks for an expensive stick or jersey to slip under the Christmas tree. Its a tough pill to swallow, Renick said, but all is not lost. Were seeing lots of fans transcend their purchases into things like MBA, NFL -- the Blue Jays with all the trades theyve made, he said. So its actually a little negative for the NHL, but very positive for the other leagues that we deal with. But theres no denying that in Canada, hockey reigns. That fervent devotion translates into big business for vendors licensed to carry official NHL gear. Mike Lorentz, manager of Sports Zone in Waterloo, Ont., says retailers like himself are experiencing a decline in sales due to the lockout, in addition to contending with the rising prevalence of counterfeit merchandise. Lorentz says retailers simply arent putting in mass orders for jerseys or other hockey paraphernalia. A lot of guys just said, Nope, were not carrying it. Further up the chain, suppliers also rely on maximum exposure when players are on the ice, and the cameras are rolling. Most of the companies are introducing a holiday launch with the new hockey sticks and you`ll see them on the ice with the players -- you`re not seeing
them right now, Lorentz said. For that reason, a lot of people in the sports merchandise industry are likely opting out of ordering NHL gear this year, Lorentz said. The prolonged lockout is affecting all aspects of the sports industry, Renick said. (No one) is generating the sales that they did this time last year obviously, whether it be the bar business, the taxi business, the restaurant business, Renick says. Sometimes, out of sight, out of mind. Renick says whether you have a business interest or youre a fan, theres a general frustration over whats happening with Canadas most cherished sport. Its ingrained in our culture and I think everybody is tired of the lockout and they just want the two sides to get together and get a deal done, he said.
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Canada News
Father, Son-In-Law Face Attempted Murder Charges

Father, Son-In-Law Face Attempted Murder Charges After Christmas Morning Family Feud In Burlington
Its become increasingly common for divorced parents to put aside differences and come together during the holidays. But one split family in Burlington only wound up more divided following a Christmas gathering gone horribly wrong. A father and his son-in-law face attempted murder charges after the boyfriend of the fathers ex-wife was stabbed at a Burlington home on Christmas morning. Police say the victim, a man in his late 50s, was stabbed in the chest around 1 a.m. inside the home on Kent Cres., a tree-lined residential street near Burloak Dr. and Spruce Ave. The incident started when a fight broke out after family members at the Christmas party had too much to drink, said Halton Region Const. Brad Simpson. It was a family gathering that had gone on to a sufficient degree that they were consuming enough alcohol to cause it to go south, he said. The father, who is in his 50s, has a daughter with his ex-wife, who was also present at the gathering. In this day and age, with divorces being what they are, it might be typical that divorced parents are getting together to spend time with their kids more, said Simpson. But the outcome of the gettogether was not typical. The son-in-law, who is in his 30s and married to the daughter, was charged separately for allegedly assaulting his mother-in-law. She suffered minor injuries, said Simpson. It was a push and a shove, essentially, that occurred during the family festivities. Simpson said police would not release the names of the victims or suspects as the investigation is ongoing. The stabbing victim is listed in critical but stable condition at Hamilton General Hospital.
Nap Nanny Infant Recliner Recalled After Five Baby Deaths, 70 Injuries
Parents in Canada and the United States are being warned to stop using all models of Nap Nanny baby recliners after five infant deaths and dozens of injuries. More than 155,000 recliners in three models have been sold since 2009. The manufacturer, Baby Matters, LLC, went out of business earlier this month. Four major retailers have agreed to pull the remaining recliners off store shelves, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. Health Canada said it has had no reports of injuries from the recliner in Canada. The recall covers Nap Nanny Generations One and Two, and the Chill model infant recliners, the CPSC said. The first generation of the recliner had been recalled in Canada and the U.S. in July, 2010 after the death of a 4-monthold girl in Michigan and 22 reports of injuries. A new version with new instructions came out shortly afterward but failed to stop the problems. The Nap Nanny contains defects in its design, warnings and instructions. The agency said the product poses a substantial risk of injury and death to infants, the CPSC warning said. The device, a foam curved base with a harness, was invented by former U.S. sportscaster Leslie Gudel in 2009 to provide a comfortable 30-degree sleeping angle for babies that was similar to a car seat. The loss of an infant is an unthinkable tragedy, and I am truly heartbroken for the families who have lost a child, Gudel said in a statement on the product website. But the fact that infants have died while using the Nap Nanny improperly, such as when used in a crib where the child could suffocate on a crib bumper or a blanket, does not mean our product caused the childs death or is hazardous. She blamed the CPSC complaint for putting her company out of business. The CPSC has received more than 70 incident reports of children getting trapped by or nearly falling out of the recliners, the agency said. Three CPSC commissioners voted unanimously to file a complaint against Baby Matters when the company failed to come up with an adequate recall plan. The four retailers Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, Diapers.com and Toys R Us/Babies R Us agreed voluntarily to pull the product, the agency said.
Torontos First Snowstorm Causes Headaches For Motorists

Torontos first snowstorm of the season has been causing headaches for motorists Thursday. Over 10 cm of snow was dumped onto the city overnight the biggest snowfall recorded in the GTA was March, 23, 2011 according to Environment Canada. Since the storm began the Canadian Automobile Association has received 1,200 service calls. CAA pegs waittimes in the GTA at 45 to 60 minutes. This blizzard brought twice as much snowfall as last winters biggest storm says Dave Phillips from Environment Canada. According to Philips, Burlington has been blanketed by 15 cm of snow, making it the hardest hit part of the GTA. Due to slippery weather conditions and reduced visibility, the Gardiner Expressway and Hwy. 401 have been the scene of multiple vehicle collisions overnight. The OPP, however, said that the collisions were minor and mostly involved single vehicles. There are multiple minor collisions and cars spinning out because of people not slowing down and travelling at excessive speeds for the winter conditions, said. Const. Linda Wolf. There have been no reports of serious injuries or damages, she said. The OPP advise motorists to drive with extreme caution by slowing down and giving themselves extra time to reach their destinations. So far, there has been a decrease of traffic on the roads due to the holidays, Wolf added. Holiday travellers should be weary of hundreds of flight delays coming out of U.S. airports.Several departures were cancelled early Thursday morning at Pearson International Airport in Toronto and at Montreals Trudeau Airport. Phillips says Pearson International Airport can expect around 12 cm. of snowfall Thursday. There have been 40 flight cancellations since the storm began. However, Greater Toronto Airports Authority spokesperson Scott Armstrong says things are slowly getting back to normal. Maintenance crews have been out since late last night clearing snow, he said. The snow is predicted to continue falling until 11 a.m. Thursday. Kingston and Brockville have already seen between 25-30 cm. of snow, The Weather Network reported. Heavy snow has also spilled onto parts of the U.S. northeast killing 12 people. U.S. officials said most deaths were caused by car accidents.
Mild Earthquake Rattles B.C. South Coast

Parts of B.C.'s south coast experienced a mild earthquake just after 10:30 p.m PT on Wednesday. The quake was centred just east of Sidney, in the area of Haro Strait and the Juan de Fuca Strait, off Vancouver Island. Residents across the Capital Regional District and Metro Vancouver reported feeling it. Natural Resources Canada collected "felt" reports from as far away as Sooke, to the west, Abbotsford, to the east, and Sechelt, to the north. The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor occurred had a local magnitude of 3.9, while Earthquakes Canada said the magnitude was 3.3. There have been no reports of damage or injuries.

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Helping Your Child Read And Write
Coloring
Reading
Young babies like being close to their families. Many people say you should start reading to your baby at birth. Even though your baby doesn't understand your words, he or she loves to sit on your lap, hear your voice, and have special time with just you. You will feel relaxed and the baby will learn to think of reading as a pleasant activity. Let your baby set the pace for your reading times. When the baby loses interest in reading, play a game, or do something else together. How to help your baby's caregiver: Tell your caregiver about your baby's favorite books and show your caregiver the words to songs and rhymes in your home language, so that your baby can feel secure at home and at child care. Young babies use all their senses to learn. Babies are likely to crumple, shake and chew books just as they do with other things. Look for soft cloth or vinyl books that can be washed. Choose books with simple, large pictures or designs set against a solid background on each page. Ask your librarian to suggest books for babies, and look for children's books in good condition at yard sales and neighborhood bazaars. Developing Muscles For Writing
Young babies are learning to use their hands and fingers.
Help your baby develop hand and finger muscles. Place a simple rattle in your 3-month-old baby's hand. Hold out a sponge for your 5-monthold to grab. Give your 8-month-old a piece of paper to crumple. Encourage your baby when he or she tries to do things such as pulling off socks and holding a bottle while sitting in your lap. Play with your baby. Shake a rattle then hand it to the baby to have a turn shaking it. Hold out your hand so that the baby can hand the rattle back to you. How to help your baby's caregiver: Ask your caregiver what toys and materials your baby plays with at child care. Discuss often the new things your baby is learning to do without help at home and at child care. Young babies are learning that they can make things happen. Watch your baby to see what he or she likes to do. Provide play materials that match the baby's skills and interests. Offer toys the baby can use to make noise, such as plastic keys on a ring to hold and shake, soft toys that squeak when squeezed, a wooden spoon to hold and bang on the floor. A cradle gym tied to a crib or playpen will encourage your baby to reach out and try to touch the items and make them move. Remove the cradle gym when the baby gets strong enough to pull it down. Children learn about language when their families: Listen and talk with their children a lot Read out loud to their children every day Keep reading and writing materials where children can reach them on their own Show children how they use reading and writing to learn, have fun and get jobs done.
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Your Health
A simple eye test may offer a fast and easy way to monitor patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), medical experts say in the journal Neurology. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a scan that measures the thickness of the lining at the back of the eye - the retina. It takes a few minutes per eye and can be performed in a doctor's surgery. In a trial involving 164 people with
Simple Eye Scan Can Reveal Extent Of Multiple Sclerosis
'Ultrasound Safer Than CT Scans'

Ultrasound scans relying on sound waves are safer than CT scans or X-rays which use radiation to confirm or rule out surgery to remove the appendix, according to an American study. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that extends from the large intestine. Infection or blockage of the appendix causes appendicitis, which can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Children suspected of appendicitis are more likely to undergo CT scans if they are evaluated at a general hospital, a new study by Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis has revealed, the journal Paediatrics reports. Use of either technique can potentially reduce the occurrence of unnecessary surgeries and speed up the diagnosis of appendicitis, according to a Washington statement. But recent reports have suggested that CT scans can magnify children's lifetime cancer risk, because of radiation. Therefore, researchers are reassessing the role of such scans and seeking ways to reduce their use, according to a varity statement. "Appendicitis is a very tough diagnosis, because its symptoms overlap with viral infections and other problems," says study co-author Jacqueline Saito, assistant professor of surgery. "We don't want to operate when the appendix is fine, but if we wait too long, an inflamed appendix can rupture or perforate, making recovery more complicated and much slower," added Saito. Saito and her colleagues analysed case records of 423 children who had appendectomies or surgery to remove the appendix, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. In 218 patients initially evaluated at Children's Hospital and 205 at general hospitals, researchers reviewed how the patients were evaluated for appendicitis and whether the surgery's results confirmed the diagnosis. Using ultrasound to detect appendicitis has recently become more frequent, especially at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "Ultrasound scans are difficult to perform correctly in this context and what specialists can do at children's hospital may not be realistic or even available in a general hospital, which doesn't care for children as often," Saito says.
MS, those with thinning of their retina had earlier and more active MS. The team of researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say larger trials with a long follow up are needed to judge how useful the test might be in everyday practice. The latest study tracked the patients' disease progression over a two-year period.
How To Burn 2,080 Calories Over The Holidays

Try one, or all, of these 12 activities to burn mega-calories without even knowing it. With all the eggnog, turkey and chocolates that abound this time of year, why not burn some extra calories with these activities: Wrapping gifts: 50 calories/hr Baking or cooking: 100 calories/hr Decorating: 250 calories/hr Hanging lights: 250 calories/hr Building a snowman: 250 calories/hr Ice-skating: 300-600 calories/hr Shopping: Leisurely browsing 150/ hr; Frantically scrounging 325/hr Dancing: 425 calories/hr Sweeping up pine needles: 425 calories/hr Tobogganing: 450 calories/hr Showshoeing: 550 calories/hr Family hockey: 600 calories/hr TOTAL CALORIE-BURNING POTENTIAL: 2, 080
People with mental health disorders, Women with other disorders including across all diagnoses, are more likely obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), to have experienced domestic violence eating disorders, common mental than the general population. health problems, schizophrenia and This is according to new research from bipolar disorder were also at an King's College London's Institute of increased risk of domestic violence Psychiatry, in collaboration with the compared to women without mental University of Bristol. health problems. Men with all types Previous studies into the link between of mental disorders were also at an domestic violence and mental health increased risk of domestic violence. problems have mainly focused on However, prevalence estimates for depression, but this is the first study to men were lower than those for women, look at a wide range of mental health indicating that it is less common for problems in both male and female men to be victims of repeated severe victims. domestic violence. In this study, researchers reviewed "In this study, we found that both data from 41 studies worldwide. men and women with mental health Compared to women without mental problems are at an increased risk health problems, women with of domestic violence. The evidence depressive disorders were around 2 suggests that there are two things and a � times more likely to happening: domestic violence can have experienced domestic violence often lead to victims developing mental over their adult lifetime; women with health problems, and people with anxiety disorders were over 3 and mental health problems are more likely a � times more likely; and to experience domestic violence," women with post-traumatic stress said Professor Louise Howard, senior disorder (PTSD) were around 7 times author of the study from King's Institute more likely. of Psychiatry. This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.
People With Mental Disorders 'More Vulnerable To Domestic Violence'
Climbing Stairs Serially Burns More Calories

Climbing one step at a time burns more calories than leaping up several stairs, according to scientists from the University of Roehampton. They found climbing five flights of stairs five times a week - an ascent of around 15 meters - burnt an average of 302 calories if the stairs were taken one at a time. But taking two steps with every stride will only burn 260 calories, they say. Lewis Halsey, senior lecturer in comparative and environmental physiology at the university, said: "We were really interested to find out what expended more energy overall - attacking the stairs two at a time and climbing them quickly, or taking them more sedately one step at a time and reaching the top more slowly," as reported. "Our study reported the calories burned ascending stairs, the potential weight loss value of climbing stairs if done regularly and frequently during the week, and also the different energy costs of ascending stairs one step at a time versus two steps at a time. "And our conclusion: it is better to take the stairs one at a time, if you want to burn the most calories." He added that the greater total energy expenditure of one-step ascents must be partly explained by the fact it takes longer. But there might be a bio-mechanical explanation too. Taking the stairs one at a time may result in faster rates of muscle shortening, which increases energy turnover. Previous research from the University of Ulster found office workers who began regularly climbing stairs quickly improved their fitness. Researchers divided office workers into two groups. One climbed staircases located within an eight-storey office block, consisting of 145 steps. They began by climbing the stairs once a day and gradually built up to three over the following five weeks. The average speed they climbed was 75 steps a minute. At the end of the trial, the stair climbing group showed a significant 10 percent increase in a reading called predicted VO2 max. This is measured using your pulse - the time interval between your heartbeats is used to find out how well your body takes up and uses oxygen.
Your Health
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One of the most common questions parents ask their doctors is 'How much milk should I be giving my children?' Now they have got their answer from a new research and the answer is two cups per day. "We started to research the question because professional recommendations around milk intake were unclear and doctors and parents were seeking answers," said Dr. Jonathon Maguire, a pediatrician at St. Michael's Hospital and the lead author of the study. Dr. Maguire and his team looked at how cow's milk affected body stores of iron and vitamin D; two of the most important nutrients in milk; in more than 1,300 children aged two to five years. They found that children who drank more cow's milk had higher Vitamin D stores but lower iron stores. "We saw that two cups of cow's milk per day was enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels for most children, while also maintaining iron stores. With additional cow's milk, there was a further reduction in iron stores without greater benefit from vitamin D," Dr. Maguire said. The researchers recruited healthy children during routine doctor's appointments between 2008 and 2010. Parents were asked to fill out an extensive questionnaire about their children's milk drinking habits and other factors that could affect iron and
2 Cups Of Cow's Milk Daily Best For Kids' Health
Accidents happen, right? Not The most common causes of these necessarily. In fact, some of the most poisonings are: common injuries that occur at home Cleaning and household products Personal care and beauty products dont have to happen. About a third of all injuries happen in the Medicines (especially dangerous are those with iron) home, and they tend to hit small children and elderly adults most. This guide will Vitamins help you prevent five common home Plants injuries: falls, choking and suffocation, Lead and carbon monoxide burns, poisoning, and knife cuts. While Try these strategies: these injuries can be serious or even fatal, Know your poisons. It would be easier if every bottle that contained preventing them generally just takes a poison was marked with skull little thought and time. and crossbones, as they are in Home Safety: 5 Tips for Preventing cartoons. Poisons come in many Falls forms: cosmetics, garden products Falls are the No. 1 cause of home injuries such as fertilizer, furniture polish, and death. The two groups most at risk dishwasher detergent, and carbon for falls are children younger than 5 and monoxide from burning fuel. adults over the age of 70. Try these strategies to prevent falls at Buy wisely. Purchase products with child safety lids, whenever home: you can. Make the bathroom a no-slip zone. Install grab bars and non-slip mats or Store safely. Put any product with a warning label up high and appliqus in the tub or shower. Use a in a locked cabinet. Dont keep bathmat with a nonskid bottom and medicines in your purse, pockets, clean up any water that splashes on or drawers. Keep products in their floors right away. original containers. Do not use Safety-proof stairs. Remove food containers for storage. clutter from stairs and walkways. Stairs inside and out should have Watch your children. Most child poisonings occur when parents are handrails, preferably on both sides. cooking dinner or not watching Have good lighting over stairs. their children closely for other For babies and toddlers, install reasons. hardware-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Pressure- Follow directions on chemical products. Open a window when mounted gates are less effective. Never you are using them. Never mix use accordion-style gates. household cleaning products Put a guard on indoor lofts, landings, Antibiotics are ineffective in treating small number of patients will benefit balconies, and stair banisters if your together -- bleach and ammonia patients with persistent coughs caused from antibiotics the challenge remains child can slip between the posts. mixed together create a toxic gas, by mild chest infections, the Lancet to identify these individuals." for example. Plexiglas is a good option because Infectious Diseases journal reports. Previous research into whether or it bends, is easy to cut, and doesnt Keep carbon monoxide outside. About 2,000 patients across 12 European not antibiotics are beneficial in the shatter. Have heaters, stoves, and fireplaces countries filled in an 'illness' diary. treatment of chest infections, where Toss the throw rugs. Throw rugs checked by a professional every The study found that the severity symptoms include shortness of breath, are a big tripping hazard for young year. Carbon monoxide can and duration of symptoms in patients weakness, high fever, coughing and and old people. At the very least, also enter the house through treated with antibiotics were no fatigue, have produced conflicting tape or tack them to the floor. an adjoining garage. Never run different to those given a placebo. results- particularly in older people Leave a light on. Ideally, an engine or car motor or use a But experts caution that if pneumonia where chest infections can lead to have night-lights in bedrooms, barbecue in a garage. is suspected, antibiotics should still be further complications. bathrooms, and halls. Stay on top of medicines. Follow used due to the disease's severity. This study randomly divided patients into Make windows safe. Window directions and measure carefully, Prof Paul Little from the University of two groups - one received the antibiotic screens are not strong enough to keep track of when medicines are Southampton, who led the research, and the other was given a placebo, an prevent falls. Install window guards taken, and put them away right after said: "Using the antibiotic amoxicillin inert treatment in the form of a sugar pill, with quick-release mechanisms use. Get rid of expired medicine by to treat respiratory infections in patients three times a day for seven days. (in case of fire) on upper floor crushing or dissolving medications not suspected of having pneumonia is The study found little difference in windows. Keep furniture away and adding them to old coffee not likely to help and could be harmful. the severity and duration of symptoms from windows, especially in grounds, and then place them in a "Overuse of antibiotics, dominated by reported between groups. This was childrens room, and always watch sealed plastic bag in the garbage primary care prescribing, particularly also true for older patients - those aged children around windows. can. Don't flush them down the when they are ineffective, can lead to 60 years or over - who made up nearly Home Safety: Prevent Poisoning toilet unless the instructions say to the development of resistance and have a third of the study. About 90% of poison exposures happen do so. Monitor use of medicines side effects like diarrhoea, rash and And those taking antibiotics were at home, making it the second leading prescribed for teens. vomiting. reported to have more side effects cause of accidental death in the home. Post the poison control telephone "Our results show that people get including nausea, rash and diarrhoea Nonfatal poisonings are most common number. Have it near every phone better on their own. But given that a than those given the placebo. among children under 5 years old. and store it in your cell phone. This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.
Antibiotics 'Ineffective For Coughs'
Vitamin D stores. A blood sample was obtained from each child to determine body stores of iron and Vitamin D. The children were participating in TARGet Kids!, a unique collaboration between children's doctors and researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. The program follows children from birth with the aim of understanding and preventing common nutrition problems in the early years and their impact on health and disease later in life. The study also suggested that children with darker skin pigmentation may not have enough vitamin D stores during the winter months. Dr. Maguire suggested that instead of consuming more milk to increase these levels, wintertime vitamin D supplementation may be a more appropriate way of increasing vitamin D stores while preserving iron stores. "Vitamin D deficiency in children has been linked to bone health issues and iron deficiency has been linked to anemia and delays in cognitive development," Dr. Maguire said. "Being able to answer parent's questions about healthy cow's milk intake is important to avoiding these potentially serious complications of low vitamin D and iron stores," he stated. But the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that cow's milk should not be started before one year of age.
Your Essential First Aid Care Guide

Home Safety: Preventing Burns, Cuts, and More
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Aishwarya, Salman Celebrate Christmas Together
Akshay Kumar All Set To Break His Own Record Actor Akshay Kumar recently created one, or at maximum two releases a
a record with his five releases doing a collective business of over 400 crores in India alone! However, his record creation doesnt end there! Coming February and he would be setting a new record for the maximum number of releases that a top actor has seen in a span of 12 months. With the release of Special Chabbis confirmed for February next year, Akshay would now have six releases in 10 months. This is a new record and no other superstar has come even close to such a feat during last one decade at least. Yes, such phenomenon was quite prominent during 70s, 80s and to an extent even 90s when stars used to work in multiple films. However, with most top league stars opting for
year, Akshay has been an exception, comments an observer. Akshays year began with Housefull 2 which released in April this year. Then followed Rowdy Rathore in June, Joker in August, OMG Oh My God! in September and Khiladi 786 in December. Over and above this, he also has Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, Boss and Thuppakki lined up in 2013. This makes it nine releases in two years, a feat that none of the three Khans or other superstars like Ajay Devgan or Hrithik has enjoyed, says a source. In that sense, if we turn the pages back, he is actually competing with his own record that he set around two decades ago. In 1994, Akshay had 11 releases in a single year!
Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan buried the hatchet and bonded at Mumbai socialites Anu and Sunny Dewans Christmas party. Salman Khan arrived late night around 2 am and Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arrived around 3 am. Salman reciprocated warmly. The two actors chatted for a long time. We thought either Salman or Abhishek would make a quiet and quick exit, but they both stayed on till 5 am, a guest shared. Aishwarya had settled in one corner. The Bachchans and Khans shared a great rapport long way during Salim Khans days but Aishwaryas factor soured their relationship. However, things are getting better now and now all is well between them. Dressed in black outfit, Aishwarya looked gorgeous and radiant. Shweta Nanda also accompanied Ash and
Abhi. Gauri Khan arrived at the party sans husband Shah Rukh Khan. Ranbir Kapoor looked handsome in grey coat teamed-up with a Chinese collared white shirt. Karisma Kapoor also arrived at the party dressed in black skimpy shiny top. Sussanne Khan Roshan looked sexy in a bottle-green figure-hugging short dress. New mom Twinkle Khanna arrived with hubby Akshay Kumar. Karan Johar, Arjun Rampal, Mehr, Riteish Deshmukh and his charming wife Genelia pose for the cameras. Sohail Khan, Ameesha Patel, Amrita Aora were spotted. Akkis newlywed sister Alka with her husband construction honcho Surendra Hiranandani was present. Chunkey Pandey with wife Bhavna, Tusshar Kapoor, Dino, Neelam, Sunil Shetty, Sophie Chowdhary also made to the Christmas bash.
Dabangg 2 Has Strong Opening Weekend

Dabangg 2 had a strong Sunday collecting around 22.50 crore nett. The weekend collections have been: 19.25 crore nett on Friday, 16.75 crore nett on Saturday. Dabangg 2 has broken the record of Rowdy Rathore that opened with Rs.15.10 crore. A sequel to Abhinav Kashyap-directed 2010 blockbuster Dabangg, the part two, said to be made at a budget of Rs.50 crore, marks Arbaaz Khans directorial debut and repeated the lead pair of Salman and Sonakshi Sinha, while Prakash Raj replaced Sonu Sood as the villain. The weekend total has come to 58.50 crore nett approx which is a record three day collection beating the 56 crore nett of Ek Tha Tiger. The cold wave has affected it in the North as collections have remained lower than Ek Tha Tiger in Delhi/UP and East Punjab while other circuits have recorded higher or similar figures.
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Big B Donates 2.5 Laks To Constable Subhash Tomar's Family
"In recent days, it has often been seen that popular celebrities venture into the world of singing. In fact post Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and even Priyanka Chopra taking to the mike, we hear that John Abraham and Anil Kapoor will be following the suit in their film Shootout At Wadala. The actors will be lending their vocals to a rap number. The track which is slated
Anil Kapoor, John Abraham To Sing In Shootout At Wadala
to be recorded next week will feature the two leads with other male actors; however there will be professional crooners to assist the duo in hitting the high notes. The said rap song will be played during the end credits of the film. Shootout At Wadala which is to releases on May 1, 2013 is being directed by Sanjay Gupta and also features Kangna Ranaut, Sonu Sood, Tusshar Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has donated Rs 2, 50,000 lakhs to the dead constable Subhash Tomars family. He died on December 25th on the clashes that took place during the Delhi protests following the gang rape of a 23 year old paramedical student. Amitabh donated the check of Rs. 2, 50,000 to the South Indian Educational Society. The legendary actor tweeted about the donation to the deceased family. Many do not know that a police constable was critically injured in the protests that turned violent day before .. he succumbed!! Constable carrying out orders in the line of duty ... was only earning member of his large family ..!!
I have donated my cash Award money to his family!! They are distraught and of lesser means.. prayers!!! The victims condition is said to be serious and people all over are praying for the speedy recovery of the rape victim. Amitabh also lashed out at such pessimistic who commented about donating money through another few tweets. Donate and do not talk about it, they say you do nothing for society ... do and talk about it, they say you seek publicity! To those poor ignorants who think and express thus ... STFU !!! And he rounded off by explaining himself: STFU : Saner Thoughts Fail U ... !!! Just in case you thought it was something else..... !!!!!!

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Mumbai police have chargesheeted Saif Ali Khan and two others in Taj fight case on December 20. A chargesheet has been filed under section 325 (assault) and section 34 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Early this year, before the release of his movie Agent Vinod, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who were having dinner at Mumbais
Saif Ali Khan Chargesheeted In Taj Assault Case
Taj, allegedly assaulted an NRI Iqbal Sharma, a businessman, who suffered a fractured nose. It was reported that Saif was under the influence of alcohol. The incident led to extreme buzz and criticisms across the nation. Khan was arrested under article 325 of the Indian Penal Code, and released on bail on a surety of INR3,000 (US$54.6) by the Mumbai Police.
Sonam Kapoor Will Be Seen In 'Khoobsurat' Remake
Salman Khan recently joked at a television show that he will marry only after the verdicts of his two court cases, the black buck case and the car accident, are delivered. He said that if the cases go against him, he will marry only after coming out of jail. He further added that while he hopes to be acquitted, it won't be fair
Salman Khan Will Marry Only After His Pending Court Cases Are Over
if both the cases turn against him and his wife and child would have to come and meet him in jail. While, it was said in a jest, Salman will surely hope to get finished with the court cases as soon as possible. The actor was last seen, alongside Sonakshi Sinha, in his brother Arbaaz Khan's directorial debut, Dabangg 2.
Sonam Kapoor is not seen in films as much as she is seen in magazine covers. Also she is known more for her style sense than her acting ability. Nevertheless she is quite popular and recently she has been in the news for bagging a role in the remake of Khoobsurat that was a hit in the year 1980. The original film had Rekha play the lead role. Sonam thus before starting the shoot for this film wants to take some acting tips from Rekha who played the character of an effervescent and buoyant young girl. A source close to Sonam said, Sonam
Salman Khan has been exempted from appearing at the court in hit and run case December 27th since it was his birthday. Salman Khan, the reigning actor of Bollywood turned 47 and the birthday boy looked cool as he appeared at the balcony of his house where huge fans of the hunk gathered to get a glimpse of the star on this special day. Bipasha Basu, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan and his wife Seema, Sajid
Salmans Birthday
is very excited to start working on this project as it was one of the finest works of Rekha. It was a blockbuster of 1980. The source also added, She wants to understand the character well and take Rekha's advice how to go about it. The original film which was a comedy had been directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. It starred Dina Pathak, Rakesh Roshan, Ashok Kumar other than Rekha. The remake will be directed by Shashanka Ghosh. This film will be produced by Anil Kapoor and Sonams younger sister Rhea Kapoor.
Nadiadwala, Subroto Roy, and Boney Kapoor came to see Salman at his residence and to wish the actor on his birthday. What is planned in the evening is not yet known but it is sure that his family will not let the day go simply. It also calls for a double celebration as his latest release Dabangg 2 has done an exceptional business at the box-office. We all wish Salman Khan the very best in life!
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Item songs have been the most attractive features of Bollywood movies. Sometimes people flock to the theatres not for the movie but for the sexy item number that is included in it. We can say that an item number acts as an audience magnet for the movie. An exclusive item number by the stars of Bollywood adds to spicy flavor and relives the people of the boredom. Great peppy music and cool moves, generally by a female lead, brings on whistles from the audience. Item songs were popularized by the famous Helen. Now, every other Bollywood actress performs on an item number partly for the movies demand and partly for fame. As the year is
Best Bollywood Item Numbers Of 2012

drawing to an end, let us recall some of the special and bold item songs that were released this year. Anarkali Disco Chali- Housefull 2 The Queen of Item numbers, Malaika Arora Khan, showed us some groovy moves in a full length Anarkali dress. She danced along with two elder costars Mithun Chakraborty and Boman Irani and showed boldness and ease to the fullest. Her charm has now managed to trap veteran actors as well. Dil Mera Muft Ka- Agent Vinod Hot Bollywood actress Kareena set fire on the floor with her seductive mujra style song. Nobody could have ever imagined that this old and traditional style would be the moves for an item number. Extra flavors were added by Maryam Zakaria, the Pakistani diva. Both of them stole the show with the sizzling moves. Aa Ante Amlapuram- Maximum This scorching performance awed every Indian audience. The popular Telugu song was brought to life by the Hazel Keech, the British Indian actress. The rapid beats will take every one to the dance floor. Chikni Chameli- Agneepath After Sheila ki Jawaani, Katrina Kaif set the house on fire with her pelvis moves. Her pauwa brought smiles to all the people who went to watch the
movie. She made a guest appearance in the movie and rocked the house with her body. Pritam Pyare- Rowdy Rathore This song has not less than three dancers moving to a single song. Shakti Mohan, Maryan Zakaria and Mumaith Khan brought the house down with their seductive moves. Fevicol Se- Dabangg 2 Bollywood is probably incomplete without an item number from a Salmaan Khan movie. This time it was not Munni, but our own Bebo. She made us remain glued to the screen with Fevicol. Yes, she is our own, Tandoori Murgi!
Bollywood has come a long way and is soon going to complete the 100 years. The days when kisses were blocked by flowers and pigeons are gone. Bollywood has become bold enough to project everything right in front of the eyes of the audience. Kisses go on very well with the Indian audience and they always manage to cause fireworks on the screen. Every other Bollywood movie is bound to have a kissing scene. As the year comes to an end, let us recall the kisses or lip-lock scenes that have caught our fancy in the year 2012. Sunny Leon, with Arunoday & Ranadeep in Jism 2. Rising to stardom with her entry in Bigg Boss (season 5), Sunny Leon stunned the audience with her erotic scenes in Jism 2. This porn star kissed both the actors Arunoday Singh as well as Ranadeep Hooda in the film. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Jism 2 had some of the most sizzling kisses of the year. Whats more surprising is the fact that it was Sunny who was uncomfortable during the shoot. Sharukh-Katrina in JTHJ After almost 20 years of Bollywood career saying no-no to onscreen kisses, SRK finally hit it off with Katrina in Jab Tak Hain Jaan. It seems that Late
Best Bollywood Lip-Locks Of 2012
Yash Chopra had managed to convince the superstar in doing the scene. SRK, the poster boy of romances had all eyes on him when he kissed Katrine TWICE in the film. Although SRK formally said that it was all done for Yashji, the duo became the hottest gossip after the film came out. Ali Zafar & Aditi Rao in London Paris New York Although the film did not manage to score very well in the box office, this cute couple remained in the hearts of all young lovers for a long time. The kissing scenes of this film were more passionate than hot. The off- beat story was worth a watch along with the first kiss that Just Happened in the moment at the airport. Saif and Diana in Cocktail Although he started romancing with Deepika initially in the film, the sexy lip-lock of Saif and Diana started off as the climax of the film. Cherry on top?! It was right after the song Tumhi Ho Bandhu! Ranbir and Ileana in Barfi! This is probably the best lip lock of 2012. It was quiet and romantic one in the film, not to mention the only kiss of the film. Their love-story did not happen, but the kiss happened whatsoever!
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Hangover
A hangover is not an ailment in itself, but is the term used to describe a combination of symptoms that are caused due to excessive drinking. Typically visible after a night of excessive or binge drinking, hangovers can cause acute physical discomfort. Hangovers can be debilitating and affect the quality of life, including your work and your ability to function coherently. The symptoms of a hangover are essentially your bodys way of eliminating the toxins in your system. Thats why the symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable, as your body does whatever it can to eject the poisons out of your body. You can do little but let it happen, as the sooner you let the symptoms wash over you and the sooner your body finishes its job, the better you will feel. Symptoms of Hangover Depending on how much alcohol you have consumed, your symptoms of a hangover can range from mild discomfort to acute pain. You may experience all or some of the symptoms of a hangover. You might experience some more symptoms as well. Hangovers tend to be different with different people. You might feel dizzy, nauseous and stumble around with bloodshot eyes while clutching at your head with a splitting headache. Nausea is a very common symptom of a hangover. Along with nausea, retching, vomiting and a delicate stomach are also all common symptoms of a hangover. In some cases, you may also have a fever till your body ejects all the toxins. Your body naturally produces glutamine as a stimulant. When you drink a lot of alcohol, the body is unable to produce glutamine. Once you stop drinking, your body tries to make up by producing more glutamine. This results in overstimulation of the brain. As a result, when you wake up after a night of excessive drinking, the body and mind have different energy levels, often resulting in a feeling of fatigue. Causes of Hangover While knowing that drinking a lot of liquor can cause a hangover, it is not the only possible cause for a hangover. When you have a drink, the liquor mixes in your blood and gives you a high. If you consume alcohol on an empty stomach, it is absorbed more quickly and therefore seems potent, while if you have some food in your stomach, alcohol will mix slowly. The severity of your hangover depends on how fast or slow alcohol mixes in your system. Drinking adulterated or impure alcohol or alcohol with excessive additives could also lead to acute hangovers. If it is impure alcohol, then even a single drink can cause vomiting because in such cases the extent of the hangover symptoms is not influenced by quality alone. Ethanol is a common impurity in alcoholic drinks. It can metabolize into acetaldehyde, which is a carcinogen and can be extremely harmful. Other impurities are sometimes added to make a drink sweeter or more palatable, and these can also have negative effects. Vomiting may be more bothersome and cause you to feel a lot sicker, but it is the most effective mechanism for your body to eliminate wastes. Vomiting can significantly reduce the severity of a hangover as it expels most of the harmful toxins in the body. Alcohol causes dehydration, which also contributes to symptoms of hangovers like headaches, fatigue and cotton mouth. Drinking alcohol has a diuretic effect because alcohol suppresses vasopressin from the pituitary gland, which in turn sends liquids consumed directly to the bladder. Urinating frequently while drinking can also increase the intensity of the hangover. Alcohol is known to damage the stomach lining too, which can lead to diarrhea and nausea. Remedies for Hangover Hangover remedies or cures are just as popular as drinking and getting a hangover in the first place. Every culture has its own hangover remedy, some of which are alcoholic beverages themselves. However, the important thing to remember is that once you wake up with symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption, you should simply let your body expel the toxins in any manner necessary. You need to overcome the symptoms to get rid of the hangover. The treatment for hangovers primarily consists of learning to bear the symptoms till their intensity reduces. There are no real treatments for a hangover, but there are many home remedies and old wives tales. The best way to keep hangovers at bay or the symptoms to the minimum is to stay well nourished and hydrated through the time you are consuming alcohol: A popular home remedy involves apple cider vinegar. Mix the vinegar with some soda bicarbonate or baking soda in water. This mixture is believed to replace important minerals and electrolytes in your body that have been exhausted after a night of drinking. Another popular home remedy is honey, lemon and pepper. This combination helps level blood sugar, relieves pain and adds vitamin C which also ejects toxins from your body. Ginger in hot water or brewed as tea is also believed to be very good for hangover symptoms. Its anti inflammatory properties reduce the burning and pain you might feel from excessive indulgence. A glass of tomato juice with lots of pepper in it can also work wonders. If you are up to it, crack an egg into it. Some over-the-counter painkiller drugs might also do the trick. Some remedies suggest having a couple of pills before drinking while others suggest popping a couple of pills before you hit the bed. What you must remember is that alcohol does not always mix well with drugs and such experiments can lead to long-term damage to your organs. Of course the thing to remember here is that while these are called home remedies, not all of them are known to work. Listen to your body and try to do things intuitively, and also understand how a hangover works. The few things that can help are lots of water, lots of rest and certainly no more alcohol. It is a popular myth that more alcohol helps
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reduce hangover symptoms. Diet for Hangover When you are suffering from a hangover, you usually will not want to eat any food. However, eating food might actually help you as it will regulate your blood sugar and prevent further distress from the symptoms. Popular hangover remedies suggest eating a carbohydrate-rich diet with fried foods. This might not always work but it has been known to help. If you arent sure of what kind of food to eat, stick to plain, bland food. Eating bread or rice or other starch heavy food could help. You should concentrate on food that is high in fiber so that your sugar levels stay steady for longer. Vitamins, drinks with electrolytes and plain water - all can help you feel better without feeling like throwing up. Its tempting to drink coffee but caffeine after a night out drinking can make you feel fatigued even more. It might even make your symptoms last longer. Popular breakfasts include fried eggs, bacon, hash browns with toast and orange juice. Listen to your body and dont eat rich foods if you think you might not be able to digest them. Suggestion for Hangover There are many tips out there to avoid hangovers. The best one is, of course, to drink in moderation and be aware of your responsibilities. In addition: Eat well before heading out for a night about town. Accompany every drink with a glass of water to reduce your dehydration. Try not to mix spirits. You can even try hangover pills, at your peril though. These pills can contain harmful ingredients and you should only consume them if you can identify the ingredients.
The 2013 Ram 1500 is a mid-cycle refresh; the point when manufacturers present what we in the media cynically called a Paint and Plastic show because typically thats all they touched on the vehicle. Changes for the 2013 Ram, though, touch so much more. This is a direct response to the competitive pressure that is a constant in the pickup businessnone of the players can afford to fall behind and that fact is now showing up in these shortened development cycles. So after being all-new just three years ago Ram has added air suspension, automatic shutters to improve aerodynamics, an 8-speed transmission, the Pentastar V6, electric power steering, a rotary gear shifter, low rolling resistance tires, aluminum hood, pulse width modulation for the fuel pump, new trims, and new interiors. Performance The Ram range has relied heavily on the 5.7-litre Hemi engine over the past several years, but this year they have made a smart move by adding the Pentastar V6 to the lineupthis engine is already doing duty in Chryslers 300, Charger and the Jeep Wrangler to generally positive reviews. But what makes this more than just an engine addition at the low end of the range is the TorqueFlite 8. This eight-speed automatic transmission is a first for any pickup truck and turns the 3.6-litre V6 (with 305 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque) into a powerful, fuel saving wonder. In fact, Ram spokespeople are claiming the V6 fuel economy crownmost recently held by Ford's EcoBoost V6. With a highway consumption figure of 7.8L / 100 km, that number will beat both of Fords V6 offerings. I wasnt able to verify the claims during my test drive, unfortunately. Driving the Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite 8 combination through the Tennessee hills was effortless. The engine offered ample power right across the powerbandthanks in part to the short gears in the bottom end of the range. The transmission itself worked seamlessly, quietly running through its selections with no catches, clunks or gear noise of any kind. So after several hundred kilometers of testing, my first impression is that this gearbox is solid. It also doesnt hurt to know that much of the technology thats in this new transmission was developed mutually with Daimlerback when they were still married to Chrysler. This transmission and the new air suspension system are just two of the German co-developed mechanisms that parent company Chrysler got to keep after the breakup; similar systems are found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This air suspension is also a first in a half-ton and it does much more than just support the truckit has load-
Autos
2013 Ram 1500

leveling capability as well. Overall, the air bags can raise and lower the truck a total of 10 cm. When carrying payload or towing a trailer, the system automatically keeps the suspension level. In addition, it has two off-road modes, each raising the height of the truck when engaged. "Aero Mode" drops ride height at highway speeds, adding one per cent to fuel economy. Finally, a keyfob activated park mode dumps all the air for easy in and out of the vehicle. The best thing I can say about the air suspension during my test drive is that there was almost nothing to notice. It was firm, didnt wallow or feel soft. In park, outside, you can hear the air dump, but not in the cab. As for loads I did tow a 1,500 kg boat over a short course and that too felt as normal as any spring-equipped truck Ive towed with. While its these two key features that will probably be most remembered when talking about the changes in the Ram for 13, the truck really comes alive with all of these new parts, of which there are more than a dozen. Consider the electric power steering I mentioned: it cuts fuel consumption by 1.8 per cent while adding five horsepower to the total. Ergonomics / Comfort / Quality A lot of work has gone into the mechanical upgrades but the basic design for 2013 remains the same except for tweaking the trim packages and adding some "snap" to design elements like the bi-functional halogen headlights, cross-hair badges, and light bezels; Ram says that these changes will offer more value than the current trim lines. Inside, the awardwinning interior is massaged with new materials, wood trim and several centre stack designs. On road, Ram is quiet, confident and has every conceivable convenience and comfort you could want. This is something Ford has been very good at offeringso this time around its no surprise to see Ram further spread its optional features out over eight trim levels starting with the Tradesman and running up through the Texas-inspired Laramie LongHorn kitted out with real wood trim that has barbed wire running through it. Functionality / Usability On some trims, there's a new customizable, full-colour 7-inch "vehicle information centre" where you'd expect traditional gauges, improved steering wheel controls and an 8.4-inch touch screen smack dab in the middle of the dash. Chryslers Uconnect access debuts on this new Ram with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. This feature will let you do work on the internet, right in the truck. Uconnect can also receive email and read messages aloud while you're busy driving. A nice upgrade to the popular Ram Box is a new auto-lock feature using the keyfob. Also new, buried in the fine
print but of key significance to those who work and tow, is the addition of the 64 cargo bed to the Crew Cab modela shortcoming on previous trucks. Conclusion Ram has added a lot to this truck and in some areas Id say have pulled ahead of its competitorsas in V6 fuel economya move they had to make as fuel economy is once again a bigger consideration with buyers on both sides of the border. Curiously, though, you wont see any Ram advertising speaking directly to the Pentastar going head to head with the V6 EcoBoost engine. Perhaps thats because unlike EcoBoosts tow limit (in excess of 4,550 kg) the Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite 8 combination is rated to tow just 2,630 kg. Horsepower and torque trail the turbo Ford, but are
well ahead of Ford's base model, nonturbo 3.7-litre V6. As always in life, compromises must be made. For those that consider this an issue, the 5.7L Hemi can match the EcoBoost tow limits and it too will be available next year with the TorqueFlite 8. But then thats apples to oranges isnt it? Still, Im thinking fuel economy might just hold the sales edge over tow limits right now. After my first drive of the 2013 Ram Im convinced its a better truck than its predecessor and that for the first time it might just be a serious contender for the number one sales spot; a position that the Ford F-150 has held for so very long. For GM, on the other hand, this truck should also be a wakeup calltelling them that the next generation 2014 Silverado better blow our socks off.
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Lifestyle
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Tips For A Good Night's Sleep

Tossing and turning all night? Try these sleep strategies. Get rested tonight Sleep is vital for good health, but getting enough can be a challenge. Its important to use your bed just for sleeping and relaxing, not for working on your laptop or arguing with your partner, as stress and anxiety can contribute to sleepless nights. Its also easy to get upset if you awaken during the night or very early. 1. Exercise regularly
Drink coffee in moderation. And avoid it in the afternoon or evening. It can definitely contribute to sleep problems, particularly if youre consuming more than three caffeinated drinks a day. 3. Avoid large meals Exercise is excellent for a good sleep. As well as having many other health benefits, exercising regularly has been found to reduce mental stress and improve sleep quality. Just dont work out in the hour before bedtime, because it will tend to keep you awake longer. 2. Limit caffeine Avoid eating large meals within two to three hours before bed. But if your last meal of the day is more than five hours before bed, a light snack can help get you through the night. And dont use alcohol to help you sleep. You may fall asleep faster, but the quality of your sleep will be worse. 4. Create a routine
Maintain a sleep environment that is comfortable. Having a supportive mattress and pillow and a quiet room can keep dark while you sleep is very helpful. An eye mask can also extend sleep in the morning. But it isnt so much the dim light and quiet noises that can have a negative impact on your sleep as the soft breathing of a bed partner. More damaging is the negative emotional reaction to these mild noises, so keeping a relaxed disposition is key to success. 6. Turn down the thermostat
Have a standard bedtime routine. Giving yourself something relaxing to do in the hour before bed and then going to bed makes you feel sleepy really works. Feeling fatigued wont ensure sleep, but its the sign to look for. Most important is to get up at the same time each morning. Sleeping in late on weekends to catch up on sleep lost during the week is a common habit, but it can disturb your body clock and lead to difficulty getting to sleep the following weeknights. Aim to get more adequate sleep consistently through the week. 5. Maintain a sleep environment
Make sure your room isnt too hot. Most people do sleep best in a cool room. To help keep things cool, take off that extra quilt, duvet or electric blanket before you climb into bed. Also, ensure the room is well ventilated, but not breezy. If you have chronic insomnia, these suggestions are unlikely to cure it on their own. If sleeplessness persists, see your doctor.
Reasons To Eat More Berries

Across the country, tasty, versatile and good-for-you berries are waiting for you. Here are some good reasons to stock up Across the country, tasty, versatile and good-for-you berries are waiting for you. Here are some good reasons to stock up 1. Fight disease Berries are some of nature's best sources of antioxidants, which guard against heart disease, cancer and age-related blindness. Of the berries commonly seen on produce shelves, blueberries contain the most. For even more antioxidant power, seek out elderberries, black currants and chokeberries. 2. Boost vitamins One cup of strawberries contains an entire day's worth of heart-healthy vitamin C. Studies also show that people who eat one serving of strawberries per day tend to have higher blood levels of the B vitamin foliate, which helps keep arteries clear. 3. Reduce cancer risk A U.S. study found that pterostilbene, abundant in blueberries, may help protect against colon cancer, the second most common cancer in women. Both blackberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid, a phytochemical that helps prevent cancer. Cooking doesn't seem to destroy it, so even jams, pies and crisps may confer this health benefit. 4. Provide fibre A half-cup of blueberries contains almost two grams of fibreabout the same amount as a slice of whole-wheat bread. Also high in soluble fibers that help lower cholesterol are blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. 5. Add potassium Black, red and white currants are all excellent sources of potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure. Gooseberries are also a good source. Look for new varieties that are more palatable for eating raw.
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
Domestic Violence and Abuse

Signs that your abuser is NOT changing: Computer and Internet safety for abused and battered women Protecting yourself from GPS surveillance and recording devices Counseling Support groups Services for your children Employment programs Health-related services Educational opportunities Financial assistance Protecting your privacy at a domestic violence shelter If you go to a domestic violence shelter or womens refuge, you do not have to give identifying information about yourself, even if asked. While shelters take many measures to protect the women they house, giving a false name may help keep your abuser from finding you, particularly if you live in a small town. Help for abused and battered women: Protecting yourself after youve left Keeping yourself safe from your abuser is just as important after youve left as before. To protect yourself, you may need to relocate so your former partner cant find you. If you have children, they may need to switch schools. To keep your new location a secret: Get an unlisted phone number. Use a post office box rather than your home address. Apply for an address confidentiality program, a service that confidentially forwards your mail to your home. Cancel your old bank accounts and credit cards, especially if you shared them with your abuser. When you open new accounts, be sure to use a different bank. If youre remaining in the same area, change up your routine. Take a new route to work, avoid places where your abuser might think to locate you, change any appointments he knows about, and find new places to shop and run errands. You should also keep a cell phone on you at all times and be ready to call 911 if you spot your former abuser. Restraining orders You may want to consider getting a restraining order or protective order against your abusive partner. However, remember that the police can enforce a restraining order only if someone violates it, and then only if someone reports the violation. This means that you must be endangered in some way for the police to step in. If you are the victim of stalking or abuse, you need to carefully research how restraining orders are enforced in your neighborhood. Find out if the abuser will just be given a citation or if he will actually be taken to jail. If the police simply talk to the violator or give a citation, your abuser may reason that the police will do nothing and feel empowered to pursue you further. Or your abuser may become angry and retaliate. Help for abused and battered women: Taking steps to heal and move on The scars of domestic violence and abuse run deep. The trauma of what youve been through can stay with you long after youve escaped the abusive situation. Counseling, therapy, and support groups for domestic abuse survivors can help you process what youve been through and learn how to build new and healthy relationships. After the trauma youve been through, you may be struggling with upsetting emotions, frightening memories, or a sense of constant danger that you just cant kick. Or you may feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. When bad things happen, it can take a while to get over the pain and feel safe again. But treatment and support from family and friends can speed your recovery from emotional and psychological trauma. Whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, you can heal and move on. Building healthy new relationships After getting out of an abusive situation, you may be eager to jump into a new relationship and finally get the intimacy and support youve been missing. But its wise to go slow. Take the time to get to know yourself and to understand how you got into your previous abusive relationship. Without taking the time to heal and learn from the experience, youre at risk of falling back into abuse. Where to turn for help for domestic violence or abuse In an emergency: Call 911 or your countrys emergency service number if you need immediate assistance or have already been hurt. Healing Emotional and Psychological Trauma Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery If youve gone through a traumatic experience, you may be struggling with upsetting emotions, frightening memories, or a sense of constant danger. Or you may feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. When bad things happen, it can take awhile to get over the pain and feel safe again. But with the right treatment, self-help strategies, and support, you can speed your recovery. Whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, you can heal and move on. What is emotional and psychological trauma? Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless and vulnerable in a dangerous world. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and alone can be traumatic, even if it doesnt involve physical harm. Its not the objective facts that determine whether an event is traumatic, but your subjective emotional experience of the event. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized.
Your abuser doesnt need to be tech savvy in order to use surveillance technology to monitor your movements and listen in on your conversations. Be aware that your abuser may be using hidden cameras, such as a Nanny Cam, or even a baby monitor to check in on you. Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are also cheap and easy to use. GPS devices can be hidden in your car, your purse, or other objects you carry with you. Your abuser can also use your cars GPS system to see where youve been. If you discover any tracking or recording devices, leave them be until youre ready to leave. While it may be tempting to remove them or shut them off, this will alert your abuser that youre on to him. Help for abused and battered women: Domestic violence shelters A domestic violence shelter or womens shelter is a building or set of apartments where abused and battered women can go to seek refuge from their abusers. The location of the shelter is kept confidential in order to keep your abuser from finding you. Domestic violence shelters generally have room for both mothers and their children. The shelter will provide for all your basic living needs, including food and childcare. The length of time you can stay at the shelter is limited, but most shelters will also help you find a permanent home, job, and other things you need to start a new life. The shelter should also be able to refer you to other services for abused and battered women in your community, including: Legal help
Continued Next Week
Women's Guide to Staying Healthy

Women can't always stay healthy and prevent disease. But by having certain screening tests and practicing healthful behaviors, they are more likely to live long, healthy lives. Review the following guidelines for women at average risk and discuss them with your health care provider. If you have risk factors for a disease or a diagnosed condition, these recommendations may not apply to you; talk to your provider about when you should have these tests. Screening tests Screening tests can detect cancer, heart disease and other diseases early when they're easier to treat. Talk with your health care provider about which of the following tests are right for you. Blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked beginning at age 18. Cholesterol check. Have your cholesterol checked starting at age 45, earlier if you are at risk of having heart disease. Colorectal cancer test. If you are at an average risk of colorectal cancer, have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your health care provider can help you decide which test for colorectal cancer is right for you. How often you should have the test depends on which test you and your provider select for screening. Diabetes test. Have a test to screen for type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or are older than 45. Mammogram. Currently, the recommended screening every two years for women ages 50 to 74. The Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms or how often to get them. Clinical breast exam. The recommended clinical breast exams (CBEs) at least every three years for all women in their 20s and 30s and annual CBEs for women ages 40 and older. The USPSTF, however, believes there is not enough evidence to assess the value of CBEs for women ages 40 and older. Women should talk with their doctors about their personal risk factors and make a decision about whether they should have a CBE.
Continued Next Week
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New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. 1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends Recent polls show that more than 50% of Canadians vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of fun or take the family to one of these popular places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first! 2. Fit in Fitness The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. 3. Tame the Bulge Over 66 percent of adult are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program. 4. Quit Smoking If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quitsmoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! 5. Enjoy Life More Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa. 6. Quit Drinking While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available. There are also a number of treatment-based programs, as well as support groups for families of alcoholics. 7. Get Out of Debt Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. 8. Learn Something New Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs. 9. Help Others A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. If your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. 10. Get Organized On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.
Things Successful People Do Differently
Why have you been so successful in reaching some of your goals, but not others? If you aren't sure, you are far from alone in your confusion. It turns out that even brilliant, highly accomplished people are pretty lousy when it comes to understanding why they succeed or fail. The intuitive answer that you are born predisposed to certain talents and lacking in others is really just one small piece of the puzzle. In fact, decades of research on achievement suggests that successful people reach their goals not simply because of who they are, but more often because of what they do. 1. Get specific. When you set yourself a goal, try to be as specific as possible. "Lose 5 pounds" is a better goal than "lose some weight," because it gives you a clear idea of what success looks like. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve keeps you motivated until you get there. Also, think about the specific actions that need to be taken to reach your goal. Just promising you'll "eat less" or "sleep more" is too vague be clear and precise. "I'll be in bed by 10pm on weeknights" leaves no room for doubt about what you need to do, and whether or not you've actually done it. 2. Seize the moment to act on your goals. Given how busy most of us are, and how many goals we are juggling at once, it's not surprising that we routinely miss opportunities to act on a goal because we simply fail to notice them. Did you really have no time to work out today? No chance at any point to return that phone call? Achieving your goal means grabbing hold of these opportunities before they slip through your fingers. To seize the moment, decide when and where you will take each action you want to take, in advance. Again, be as specific as possible (e.g., "If it's Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, I'll work out for 30 minutes before work.") Studies show that this kind of planning will help your brain to detect and
seize the opportunity when it arises, increasing your chances of success by roughly 300%. 3. Know exactly how far you have left to go. Achieving any goal also requires honest and regular monitoring of your progress if not by others, then by you yourself. If you don't know how well you are doing, you can't adjust your behavior or your strategies accordingly. Check your progress frequently weekly, or even daily, depending on the goal. 4. Be a realistic optimist. When you are setting a goal, by all means engage in lots of positive thinking about how likely you are to achieve it. Believing in your ability to succeed is enormously helpful for creating and sustaining your motivation. But whatever you do, don't underestimate how difficult it will be to reach your goal. Most goals worth achieving require time, planning, effort, and persistence. Studies show that thinking things will come to you easily and effortlessly leaves you illprepared for the journey ahead, and significantly increases the odds of failure. 5. Focus on getting better, rather than being good. Believing you have the ability to reach your goals is important, but so is believing you can get the ability. Many of us believe that our intelligence, our personality, and our physical aptitudes are fixed that no matter what we do, we won't improve. As a result, we focus on goals that are all about proving ourselves, rather than developing and acquiring new skills. Fortunately, decades of research suggest that the belief in fixed ability is completely wrong abilities of all kinds are profoundly malleable. Embracing the fact that you can change will allow you to make better choices, and reach your fullest potential. People whose goals are about getting better, rather than being good, take difficulty in stride, and appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
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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
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
6075 Inverness Street, Vancouver Sunday Services in Hindi/English 2:00pm Pastor Silas Naidu 604 352 1232 silas.naidu@gmail.com
467 E 11th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5T 2C8 Phone: 604-874-0175 shreemahalakshmi@gmail.com www.shreemahalakshmitemple.ca
Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.543-8339
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
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple
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.
Date 16 Sunday 23 Sunday 27 Thursday 29 Saturday
Programs in December 2012

Time 9:30 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00pm
Program Shree Lakshmi Vinayaka Japa Gita Jayanti, Vaikunth Ekadashi Shree Mahalashmi Japa Hanuman Japa
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Jone Wesele Targets London 2013

Making the cut to the Fiji Bati squad for the Rugby League World Cup in London next year will be tough says the Vatoa, Lau man Jone Wesele. Preparation now is a challenge as everyone wants to be part of the team even for me as an experienced player. It doesnt mean you are a very experience player you will be selected, it doesnt work that way. It is very hard now considering all the new players coming in and all are very good. Wesele says the Fiji Batis aim next year is to better their performance from the 2008 RLWC. We want to step up and reach the semifinal or the final in 2013, he said. We have a lot of talented players in the Fiji Residents who are capable of doing that, We have famous NRL players drafted
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Kanda Bowls Out The Best
in the squad like Petero Civoniceva, Lote Tuqiri, Wes Naiqama and that was why we have set that high target. We also have qualified people to do that like our head coach Rick Stone, Joe Rabele and trainer Sale Tubuna who have created a good platform for the RLWC. Wesele will return to his Darlington Point, Coleambally Roosters Club in Australia soon but will return for the trials on January 26. There are a lot of talents in the current 60 squad but Rick Stone will have the final say. Stone will arrive into the country next month and the trials will be held on January 26 where the 30 elite players will be selected. Fiji plays Ireland in their first game on October 28.
Fiji FA First: Ba
Ba Football Association president Rishi Kumar said they will submit their decisions regarding the Courts Inter District Championship ruling to the Fiji Football Association on Monday before releasing it to the media. When contacted , Kumar said they would prefer to make the submission first to the Fiji FA. This was the result of their meeting on December 24 to decide on what action to take in regards to the ruling that was handed out by the Fiji FA Board of Control last week. Fiji Football announced the decision made by the Board of Control after hearing the cases of the Ba trio and Simione Maikali of Suva. The only heaviest suspension was dished out to National and Ba striker Osea Vakatalesau. Vakatalesau has been suspended for three months with a fine of $1500 whilst his team mates Abbu Zahid, Avinesh Waran Suwamy, and Suvas Maikali have all been fined $1,000 with one match suspension. The Ba FA Board of control met on December 24 to decide on what action to take. Kumar had earlier said that they understood that their fine amounts up to $3,500 after the Fiji FA board made their decision. Meanwhile Fiji FA in their ruling has also stressed that repetition of similar offence in future will call for severe disciplinary action.
Hockey All Set For India

The Fiji Hockey Federation will send achieved was 12th when we had grass two teams to the second round of the turf then and this will be a big challenge World Hockey League in India in for us, Dr Mitchell said. February. He says now they need to look for ways This was confirmed by Fiji Hockey to finance the two teams expenses in president Dr Robin Mitchell . travelling to India. The Samsung mens team will be The challenge of going to the second up against India, China, Ireland, round in India is something good for Bangladesh, Azerbaijan while the us as it will show us where we are in women will be up against Japan, India, the world. Russia, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. So far theres no information given to In both divisions, Fijis the lowest us about round two but this is a pathway ranked team. for us to progress in our ranking The ranking depends on the because we have no real idea of where international competition that we take we are in the world, Dr Mitchell said. part in and Fiji Hockey has always The team hopes to leave for India on been playing locally. February 14 before competition runs To The highest rankedGet The Best Valuefrom Your Dollar weve ever For February 18-24.

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Kanda Samy Mudaliar proudly shows the Masters Singles shield which he won this year at the Lautoka Bowling Club KANDA Samy Mudaliar is like fine later in 1992 when he bagged the Victa wine, the older he gets the better he Clarke Singles. Mudaliar said this win becomes. At the age of 71, Mudaliar was a big boost for him. has been one of the highlights of men's "I took the sport seriously and won bowls this season. many club singles and pairs events The retired Fiji Sugar Corporation from 1994 to 1999," Mudaliar said. heavy machinery driver defied all odds "In 2002 I teamed up with Som to stamp his name on the prestigious Padayachi to win the Banana Cup. In Masters Singles title on his home the same year I was picked in the Fiji turf in Lautoka. The Masters Singles team and we played against a team Championship is a high-profile from Australia. tournament with limited entries to "After that I won tournaments here and club championship and national there but it wasn't consistent." championship winners. 2012 Masters Singles He later teamed up with Nadi's Shorab Mudaliar went into the tournament Khan to win the Banana Cup at the as one of the underdogs. Many had Suva Bowling Club. Mudaliar also written him off having not won a major won the 2012 Lautoka Bowling Club title in many years. But the veteran pairs, triples and fours titles. proved everyone wrong and he did it Early Life in fashion, defeating all the big guns in He was born at the height of the the sport. Second World War in 1942 in Lovu. In the sectional play Mudaliar defeated However Mudaliar's parents moved Shorab Khan 21-5, Dan Lum On 21-9, to Rifle Range when he was two years Suruj Narayan 21-17, Santok Singh by old. Mudaliar said did not have any default. In the quarter-final Mudaliar knowledge of what bowls was when he beat Curtis Mar. He downed Abdul was young. Kalim 21-20 in the semi-final and beat "It was only soccer," Mudaliar said. Semesa Naiseruvati 21-17 in the final. Sports Future Mudaliar was part of the Lautoka Colts "Age is no barrier in sport," quipped soccer team in the early 1960s. Mudaliar. "When I started work with FSC I "Even at 71 years I'm still fit to play played tennis and golf. It was in 1983 bowls. Despite my age I feel as great that I took up bowls. as a young bowler. I think I can play "One day, my colleague Suki Narayan consistently even if I turn 80 years. We took me to the LBC and just left me had a schoolteacher before who was on the greens to roll the ball around. playing bowls even when he was 83 My interest in the sport slowly grew years old. as many players were from FSC. Then "The future of the sport is bright but Uday Singh taught me the sport. there has to be more improvement. I "I grew confidence in bowls and started want to continue playing bowls. I will to play well. The late Krishna Gounder stay fit. I walk every day. lifted my game, teaching me how to "For the major tournaments I practise skip." for up to three weeks. You have to have Tournaments a good rest as well. When I prepare for Mudaliar became a regular member a tournament I do not go out and drink at the LBC. He won a few minor grog overnight. tournaments at the beginning. "The secret to success is living a His first major win came nine years healthy lifestyle."
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Fiji Football Ruling Upsets Suva, Singh

wanted to leave the IDC Trophy at Govind Park and walkout of the game. This defeats the whole purpose of having the IDC final, Prasad said. Former Rewa president ((Former Rewa president Pranil Singh Former Rewa president Pranil Singh said it was sad to see the decision made by Fiji FA which showed that they took the matter lightly. It is very sad to note that Fiji Football has not taken the incident at Govind Park during the grand final of the 2012 IDC as seriously as it should have, Singh said. Singh also questioned whether the decision was made by the entire board or just a few. Its understood only two board members were present to hear the case in Ba. They were Tarunesh Reddy and Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel. Vice presidents Shiek Ibrahim (North) was in Suva, Dewan Chand is in prison, the Yogeshwar Singh (South) had wedding engagements, Bob Kumar was in Suva on the day of the hearing and Jiten Kumar (West) was on sick leave. As for my knowledge, only two members of the board were present to hear the case and the chair was held by the president himself. Singh said the charges were interesting because in a normal situation when a player acts violently, they get two matches suspension directly without having to appear before anyone and this happens in a situation of direct red card. But this Singh said was however not the case when making a decision on Zahid and Suwamy. In 2009, one Rewa player and two officials were charged based on match officials report that they were verbally abused. The outcome of the disciplinary hearing saw the player suspended for six matches and fined $1000.
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Suva will appeal the decision made by the Fiji Football Association board of control in suspending its team captain Simione Maikali for one match and fining him $1000. And former Rewa Football president Pranil Singh alleges the decision was made by only two Fiji FAs board of control members. But this was categorically denied by Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel. The Fiji FA last Friday found the four players charged with the 2012 Courts Inter-District Championship Suva-Ba final incident at Govind Park in Ba, in October, guilty. The four players were Ba captain Osea Vakatalesau who received the biggest penalty of three months suspension and $1500 with his teammates Abbu Zahid, Avinesh Waran Suwamy and Suva captain Simione Maikali receiving a match suspension and fined $1,000 each. Suva not at fault Suva Football president Mahend Prasad is not happy with the decision. Prasad says his team captain, Maikali, did not do anything wrong because in his capacity as captain as he tried to persuade the Ba players to return to the field of play. However, he has been charged and handed the same penalty as Zahid and Suwamy. Suva will definitely appeal the decision, Prasad said. Were not happy with the decision as he was charged like the other two Ba players. Maikali did nothing wrong, he requested the Ba players to return to the field which he did because he was the captain and he had asked the other players to wait for him. We are going to have an emergency meeting next week which I have called to see the step to take next. Ba should be like other teams and accept the loss, yet on the day they
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The two officials were suspended for three months and fined $1500. This was for an incident which happened after the match. And here, these players brought the entire grand final to a stop but are let go with a lighter charge. Singh added for Vakatalesau, being the captain of the Ba team and also the main person in the saga to be handed only a three month suspension was laughable. Singh has also questioned what decision the Board of Control has made regarding the officials. What has Fiji Football done to the Ba executives who instigated the walkout or didnt do anything to control its players? Why have they not been charged? The $5000 fine imposed is mandatory. A Ba official verbally abused Fiji FA executives at the ground which most people heard on radio. What is Fiji FA
going to do about them? When contacted Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel refuted Singhs claim that the decision was made by only two members of the board. Its a total lie, there were four of us at the meeting. We viewed all the tapes and made the decision, Patel said.
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$1040 Now $950 cdn Vancouver - Sydney

Return + Taxes
AUSTRALIA SPECIAL FARE
email:bobibrahim@letstalktraveltour.com
Fax: 604.629.2944
117-8434-120th Street Surrey
47
Retailers & Wholesalers of Best Quality Meat & Poultry Friendly Service-Reasonable Prices-Neat & Clean NZ Lamb Leg
Short Cut
V M M VANCOUVER MEAT MARKET

NZ GOAT (WHOLE)
NZ Lamb Shoulder
$4.39 lb
$2.79 lb
Whole Stewing Hen
Chicken Legs with Back Attached
$1.69 lb
ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR CASE LOT PRICES

VACUUM PACKED LAMB SHANK
$2.99 lb
$1.69 lb
ORGANIC GOAT
Order your Goat & Lamb Carcass For Xmas NOW!! Best Prices We Guarantee FRESH DUCK AVAILABLE In Town Best Selection YOUNG & MATURE
$4.69 lb
6695 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC Ph: 604.324.9233 Fax: 604.568.0557
PRICES IN EFFECT WHILE QUANTITIES LASTS
6657 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC

New Release CDS Buy 5 CDS or DVD Get 1 FREE Original CDS Regular $7.99 SPECIAL $3.99 Regular $9.99 SPECIAL $4.99
AL MANSOOR VIDEO
We carry all kinds of Hindi & Pakistani Dramas/ Movies/ Audio
ONLY Available at Al Mansoor Video
604.321.2442
ALL CDS & DVDS ARE ORIGINAL
4 IN 1 MOVIES DVDS
Regular $7.99 SPECIAL $3.99
MP 3 CD New Songs
Latest Punjabi Movies Religious DVDS also available
Fraserview Meat Shop Ltd.

Inside Al Mansoor Video
Ph: 604.327.1724
Lamb Leg Short Cut
Lamb Shoulder
Goat Meat Stewing Chicken Lamb Shanks
PMU
We Also Carry Marinated Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat
We NOW Carry Fijian Grocery

FijiTimes - Dec 28 2012

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FijiTimes - Dec 28 2012

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www.fijitimescanada.

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY WEEKLY NEWSPAPER SINCE 2006

December 28, 2012

7505 Victoria Drive Vancouver, BC V5P 3Z6 www.amexrealty.ca

M. Khan & Company

Celebrating 60 years in business

limited time seat sale to fiji from

Immigration made easy

Suite 213-8334 128th St., Surrey, BC

*Taxes and surcharges extra

Ask for the Best Fares to Australia, NZ & Fiji

Ph: 604-591-5824 www.mkco.ca

VANCOUVER 604.324.2277 #303-8128 128th St. 6550 Fraser St.

New suRRey loCATioN

ABBOTSFORD 604.854.6088 #2-2488 Clearbrook Rd.

Friday December 28, 2012

thiNkiNg of seNdiNg bags or boxes to fiji!!

(403) 250 6851 (ami)

(604) 724 5941

Friday December 28, 2012

Evan Leaves Behind $54.4M Bill

Business As Usual At Resort After Cyclone Evan

Details Of Fiji Constitution Leaked

Busy Year For Engineers

Friday December 28, 2012

Friday December 28, 2012

RFMF: Lean Govt 2.39% 2.69%

Relief Packages On Offer For Cyclone Victims

Health Officers Monitor Typhoid Village

Fiji-Sun Times Canada

Friday December 28, 2012

Every Fijian Must Be Assisted: Prime Minister

The Fiji Times Canada Ltd

Prime Minister Congratulates Republic Of Korea President Elect

Families Mourn Loss Of Sons

JAMES TRAVEL SERVICE

#202B - 8556 120th Street, Surrey BC

Friday December 28, 2012

Loss Of Fijian Elders Devastates Family

Fiji-Sun Times Canada

To Get The Best Value For Your Dollar Advertise In

PROUDLY PROVIDING SERVICES THROUGHOUT CANADA FOR

OPEN 6 DAYS / WEEK

Helping You Become Debt Free

Toronto (Head Oce)

Visit us online at:

Friday December 28, 2012

Significant Pay Rises For Prb Staff

Thrive in a professional career with a constantly expanding market.

Relief Asssistance To Boost Dairy Sector

Contact David Lee at (604) 899-0803 or email dlee@ashtoncollege.com.

*Program accredited by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)

Ashton College | 1190 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC AshtonCollege.com | 604.899.0803

Positive Trend For Export Activities

New Zealand Lamb Shoulder

New Zealand Lamb Shank

Aid From France

Fund Allows Partial Draw

$1.39lb New Zealand Lamb Leg $4.39lb

102 - 12047 - 80th Ave, Surrey

T: 604.592.2900 Focus On Used Car Dealers

4 Hour Lesson Includes Car for Road Test