[Goanet]Executive dunnit
Executive dunnit When the executive uses compliant speakers to subvert the will of the House T.V.R. SHENOY Posted online: Thursday, March 24, 2005 at hours IST MR Speaker, I beg to raise a point of order. You invited the presiding officers of the state assemblies to discuss the “separation of powers” between the legislative and the judicial wings, a wall you believe may be crumbling. A good lawyer might make a case that the Supreme Court trespassed on the Jharkhand Assembly's prerogatives. Yet the presiding officers' conference would not debate the events in the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha. It is a poor work on anatomy that ignores flesh and blood to talk only of the skeleton! Can one understand their Lordships' directive without reference not just to Jharkhand, but to Goa, and even farther back? Who subverted the independence of the House? the executive or the judiciary? And what was the role of the speaker in each case? The doctrine of separation of powers rises from Montesquieu's theory of checks and balances. In Jharkhand as in Goa, wasn't it the executive whether governor or chief minister using a compliant presiding officer to impose his will on the House? If the delicate balance was disturbed and I agree it was wasn't it a case of the Supreme Court checking the executive to preserve legislative freedom? In truth, the apex court repeatedly expressed its reluctance to step in. On July 28, 1993, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha bailed out the Narasimha Rao ministry in a No-Confidence Motion. The CBI found evidence of bribery. Four MPs - Shibu Soren, Suraj Mandal, Simon Marandi, and Shailendra Mahato (who turned approver) - were named, along with several Congress and Janata Dal (Ajit) members. The Supreme Court let them off, hoping Parliament would discipline its own. Which speaker of the Lok Sabha has initiated such a debate? This wasn't the only case of the Supreme Court's confidence in the legislatures. In March 1964, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly jailed Keshav Singh for contempt of the House. The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court gave him bail. Speaker Madan Mohan Varma then ordered both judges jailed. The full bench of the Allahabad High Court prohibited implementation of the speaker's edict. The Supreme Court, to whom President Radhakrishnan referred the issue, observed, In a modern State it is often necessary for the good of the country that parallel powers should exist in different authorities. It is not inevitable that such powers will clash. There was a rider. During the fourteen years that the Constitution has been in operation, the legislature have not done anything to justify the view that they do not deserve to be trusted with power. The question of what might happen if legislators proved undeserving wasn't answered. In those innocent times, it was perhaps thought unnecessary. Which presiding officer has codified the privileges of the legislature? Three years later, in 1967, no party enjoyed a majority in West Bengal. Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee defected from the Congress, joining the Marxists in the United Front. Governor Dharam Vira dismissed the coalition ministry, and Dr P.C. Ghosh took office. Speaker Bejoy Kumar Banerjee refused to recognise the Progressive Democratic Alliance, ruling it was the exclusive power of the House to make and unmake ministries. The P.C. Ghosh ministry resigned. Speaker Bannerjee became the toast of the chatterati. (Even if it meant a spectacularly decrepit regime where Chief Minister Mukherjee sat on dharna outside Writers' Building against his own government!) Granted that the governor had no right to dismiss a ministry enjoying the House's confidence, could a speaker arbitrarily refuse to recognise ministers? The question returned to haunt Tamil Nadu in 1972 when the AIADMK broke away from the ruling DMK. Speaker K.A. Mathiazhagan backed the MGR wing. The DMK pushed for his removal but Mathiazhagan refused to take notice of anything it said. It ended in a farcical situation where Deputy Speaker P. Sreenivasan sat in the speaker's lap to conduct proceedings! Goa and Jharkhand were in the best traditions of this theatre of the absurd. Speaker Vishwas Satarkar disqualified an MLA to save the BJP-led ministry. Speaker Pro-tem Francisco Sardinha proved just as petty as his predecessor. But it was left to Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu to take desecration of democracy to new depths - the speaker pro-tem of Jharkhand disqualified himself from conducting a vote of confidence, piously quoting the Lok Sabha Speaker as he did so! When the presiding officers are blatantly partisan, who but the judiciary can redress the balance? The courts have forgiven errors all too long. (Manipur Speaker Dr H. Borobabu Singh was even pardoned his open defiance of the Supreme Court.) The presiding officer is the servant of the House. In the cases cited above, the speaker's purpose seemed to be furthering a particular
[Goanet]Don't find national insult in a rejected visa!
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/24dilip.htm Dilip DSouza. Don't find national insult in a rejected visa! March 23, 2005 You know the barrel of ideas is at its bottom-scraping emptiest when you start hearing the hollow comparisons to M K Gandhi. Revile him as a coward when convenient, reduce his legacy to a caricature -- but when you need to rally public support, there remain few better ways, even today, than to invoke his name. Then again, maybe that's the caricature, right there. Maybe it lies in the use of Gandhi to lend legitimacy to anything at all, even by people who ordinarily have contempt for him. And yet, when they do it, they blithely give themselves away: they have nothing to offer, no argument to make, no way to persuade us of their virtues. Therefore, they make the Gandhi comparison. As now, when a man's application for a US visa is turned down. No, this does not cause him to reflect on the horrible perversion of justice that led to this rejection. No, it does not persuade his supporters that the best way to ensure he does get a visa next time -- if he really wants one, as he seems to -- is to speedily restore justice to a land starved of it. Callous US, guilty Bush No, all we see is the man doing what he does so efficiently when criticised, as after the violence in his state three years ago. He paints that criticism as an assault on eye-catching ideas like 'asmita' and 'swabhimaan.' Your asmita, my asmita. Your swabhimaan, my swabhimaan. Why these are under attack because he is criticised, we must not ask. We must simply feel it, that's all. Because he knows that if we do, we'll get riled by the attack, and rally behind him. Or perhaps that's the caricature, right there. In the way a yearning for justice after indiscriminate slaughter is dismissed as an insult. So it's no surprise to hear that his rejected visa is an attack on the Indian Constitution, on India, on our Indian-ness itself. You and I are supposed to be insulted, our swabhimaan torn to shreds. 'It's an issue of swabhimaan': Modi And just in case that seems like a bit of a stretch to you -- it does to me -- he has that man Gandhi ready to be trotted out. 'A man from Gujarat was thrown out of a train in South Africa!' he intones from the stage of a 'swabhimaan' rally, reminding us of the incident that was seared into a nation's psyche. Suggesting to us that his rejection is made of the same stuff. Suggesting to us, too, that maybe he himself is made of the same stuff as that man. Or is that the caricature? But of course, it isn't the same stuff. Because Gandhi would have known, and made his opinion known unequivocally -- the killing in his state three years ago was not just a great crime. It was also injustice greater by far than when he was pushed onto that platform in Pietermaritzburg. And a rejected visa doesn't compare to either. We know this. The visa-deprived man knows it. Yet as chief minister, he will do nothing to apply justice to those killings: a dereliction of Constitutional duty that, anywhere else, at a minimum, would have cost him his job. He knows that too. Which is why his defence is the bluster that he has not been convicted by any court, and he won an election. Well, true. But then that's our stellar Indian history. Massacres like we saw in Gujarat are never punished. Not a single Indian politician embroiled in legal cases has been convicted. And plenty of them have won elections nevertheless. This one is no different. So where does all this leave him? In a place where he has to fall back on that hero from a generation gone by, still hero to millions. Gandhi. And in doing that, he finds more caricature. He urges us to take inspiration from that man in a way that is so absurd it is funny. 'Let us pledge to work for such a day,' he announced at the same 'swabhimaan' rally, 'when an American will have to stand in line for entry into Gujarat.' This is now what makes up our swabhimaan, our self-respect: the stuff, whatever it is, that will make us make others stand in line. Make us 'work for such a day.' Make us, in fact, 'pledge to work for such a day.' As caricatures go, that's a riot. Enough caricature. Let me spend a few final paragraphs addressing these things, self-respect and nationhood. How do you build them, really? To begin with, by knowing what doesn't build them. You don't build self-respect by making other people stand in line. You don't build it by finding insult in a rejected visa. You don't build it by pretending mass murder never happened, or it isn't that big a deal, or that some of it was merely retaliation so it's OK. These are the things that destroy self-respect. They chip away at any idea of a nation. On the other hand, one measure does build self-respect and pride: justice, firmly and swiftly applied. Nothing less. Stripped to its essence, this was that man Gandhi's message. This was his vision for India. Especially at a time when so many people presume to tell you
[Goanet]RE: Agree with Santosh Helekar re: Funda Mental
Santosh Helekar suggested: Religious fundamentalists who choose to cause physical harm to such individuals should be prosecuted Cip Fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] asks: However, under what laws Religious fundamentalists could be prosecuted?who has the authority to prosecute? ..and in which country Religious fundamentalists could be prosecuted? JC's response: Well said Santosh Hopefully we will all have noted that you are asking THEM to be prosecuted NOT because THEY are Religious fundamentalists, but IF THEY cause physical harm. IF ANYONE causes physical harm to another, that person is liable for Civil as well as Criminal actions. jc _ On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement
[Goanet]RE: Assistance! Rent Out or Lease?
From: domnic fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] A piece of advice for future: As far as renting of a house is concerned, try not to enter into a long term agreement but go for a short term agreement called INSTRUMENT OF LICENSE valid for eleven (11) months only. It is suggested that you collect six months rent in advance from the LICENSEE at the time of signing the agreement. The rent for the remaining five months should be made available by the LICENSEE to the LICENSOR before the end of the sixth month. If he/she is unable to pay the balance at the end of the sixth month, issue him/her a months notice and make him/her vacate the house. If the LICENSEE does not agree to these terms, do not allow him/her to occupy your house. Make sure you do not include the word tenant in your agreement. Also, avoid using the word rent; you may instead use the words licensee fee. Moi-mogan, Domnic Fernandes Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA Earlier preetam rana wrote the following: Seeking your opinion and advise, i may not be a subscriber to the goanet but heard a lot about it for the benefit of Goans.A friend of mine has rented a house in Goa he is a goan , and rented it to a non goan , for the last several months the tenant has not been paying and the tenant is threatening the landlord that he is ready to fight in the court, the agreement says the landlord can eithe give one months notice to the tenant or evict him anytime shoudl he fail to pay, but the tenant is refusing to vacate. He has even deployed security personnel inside the house. The agreement started in 2003 and ends in 2006 , can the landlord file a criminal complaint in the police station if so under what clause/section? Or is there any other alternate way to get rid of such people who behave as honest people in the begining but later are a nuisance to goa and goans? My friend is an elderly person and he cannot run to the court as court matters normally take years to pronounce a judgement. Should he try what the crooks try by hiring some goons and evicting such outsiders ? Please advise Thanks in anticipation for all those who will assist. Preetam = Dear Dominic, Thanks for that post. Your advice makes very good sense. Cecil Pinto too has very sound advice re: the goons. Don't know on WHAT basis the Police could be involved in a civil law matter. If the goons actually threaten a person, SURE; other wise ? Anyway, there is an article on the website which might interest Preetam. It is called: Goa: House Swiping It's at http://www.colaco.net Look under TGF Editorials good wishes jc Cecil Pinto wrote: Dear Preetam, Hiring goons is an effective way of getting rid of problem tenants but consider the following: 1) What if the goons then take over the property and ask for vast sums of money to vacate? You cannot then approach the courts because you have already committed an illegality by using muscle power to get rid of the tenants. It's a never ending circle. 2) You say the crooks hire goons. All the crooks are currently out of power and spending all their energies in poaching crooks from other parties by incentives and threats. Goons are very expensive these days. I suggest you approach the cops. Whenever there is President's Rule it is the executive who are kings, specially the cops as there are no politicians breathing over their shoulders with threats of transfers and demotions. In fact this is the only viable option for you right now. All the goons have gone undercover as their political godfathers are out of power and cannot get them released from jail. _ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
[Goanet]MOTET
MOTET This is the Lent season and only three more days are left for culminating this season into Easter. Today is Maundy Thursday. Lot of people from different nationalities and regions seen attending the Church Service in Kuwait City Church which was packed to capacity, so the Hall and even in the Compound. Goas Catholicism has got unique distinction of singing Motets during Lent season especially during the last few days before Easter. What is Motet? It is a most sorrowful song of the sufferings of Jesus Christ. The Motets are sung in different voice and they popular only in few places in the Catholic World, Goa is one such place blessed by the songs called Motets. Its origin goes into antiquity; it is difficult to say exactly when it came into being and who composed these sorrowful songs in Latin since original Motets were composed in Latin. The way no body knows who composed Solfas in five lines as we call them as Roman and not Gregorian so nobody knows who composed the Motets. My first and primary education was in Church School, which then was called as Parochial School where we were taught Konkani in Roman script to write and read. After acquiring the knowledge of reading and writing Konkani, we were taught Music to sing, write and play on Violin. This was done with the help of one particular Music Book called Arte. As a very young boy of Parochial School I was also a member of our village Choir and during the Lent season I along with my other colleagues we were selected to sing Motets. In 1959 when I was very young boy, I was also a member of our Choir that recorded 3 Motets at Emisora de Goa and one individual Veronica Exce Vidimus. That was the first incident of mine to interact with the great music luminaries of Goa at Emisora de Goa like Antoninho Desouza, Dioginho Demello, his sister Izmenia Demello, Baldino Araujo and may more who were also recording their songs. One of the Motets that we recorded then was Filius Et Jerusalem and the other Nolite Flere. Our Church Mistir Santano played Organ while Andre Cursino played Clarinet and Violin played by Gonsalves who had just come that time from Kuwait but very smart violinist. While singing these Motets the listeners feel like crying because the tune is such that makes you cry even though you need not understand the words in Latin. Earlier in Kuwait some of our seniors used to sing and play Motets in the Church especially when Bishop Estella was ruling Kuwait Church. Bishop Estelala was the first Bishop of Kuwait, he was an Italian but was very good friend of Goan community because of their love for singing religious songs. Pascoal Pereira from Majorda and Diogo Fernandes from Pomburpa were two known persons who were leading Motets singing in Kuwait Church. Because of its taste some of the Europeans in Kuwait especially used to attend the Services during Maundy Thursdays and Good Fridays because these two days are known for singing such songs. In Goa today and tomorrow, late at night time, All India Radio Panjim will broadcast some of the beautiful Motets and those who are interested in it they will not miss this opportunity. These Motets are very interesting. Some of our old tiatrists like Minguel Rod many times used sentimental and sad tunes for their Cantos based on Motets. Minguel Rod was very good in Motets like Alexinho de Candolim and both these tiatrists enriched their tiatros by using sorrowful tunes for their Cantos from Motets. As far as Alexinho de Candolim is concerned, I know him personally well and because of our relationship I used to call him Mama. Many times in the Church I had an opportunity to sing Motets along with him and as a matter of fact, he was an exceptionally gifted Motet singer. His voice was very beautiful and as a student of Parochial school he mastered the art of singing Motets. Most of the popular Motets he knew very well. My love for Motets is great and during the Lent time I really miss the opportunity to listen to Motets because of my being in Kuwait where nowadays in our Church nobody sings nor nobody plays the tune of Motets and unfortunately to my regret if I am not mistaken nobody must be knowing what is Motet. This is the sad part of the situation. In mid and late sixties many of the original Motets were translated into Konkani so that people can know the meaning of the words and enjoy better. But still the greatness and beauty in the translated Motet is less, original is original. There is lot of deficiencies in the Konkani version and only those who know both the versions can make out this gap. However, one cannot discard totally the greatness of Konkani version. For example one Motet sung as: Raianchi Bhett kantti, divun tachea hathan, Kenneo tacheo korun, jinsanvar, Hai Mojea, Jesus!!. The tune of this Motet is very sorrowful and sentimental and one who listens to this Motet he must get
[Goanet]LONELINESS SELFISHNESS
LONELINESS SELFISHNESS (Part 2/2) Please dont delude yourself into thinking that youre doing that when you have some ulterior motive in mind. You may actually be helping someone, or doing something for them, but if you do it with a secret, selfish motive, it just isnt the same thing. You may fool everyone else, but youll find it almost impossible to fool yourself.. Oh, there are many people who put up a great front of total altruism. Virtually everything they do is to help others, or so they would have you believe. But down deep they know that they choose the people for whom they wish to do things for purposes of their own. Either that or they have a martyr complex which they have to satisfy, which is just as selfish a reason for helping others as any other.. Be honest now, would you go as far out of your way for someone who meant absolutely nothing to you as you would for a person who might throw some business your way, or who might return the favor in one fashion or another? I think not. Dont get me wrong, Im suggesting that every time you do something for someone it has to be completely unselfish and altruistic. As I said before, not only is this impossible, but not too desirable either. On the other hand, if you never help anyone without a selfish motive in mind (and too many of us go through life behaving this way) you will have a tough time relieving that loneliness. Forget what you want for a moment, and think of what the other person wants. If you will only realize, that everyone has basically the same desires and hopes that you do, you may find this easier to do. I dont wish to go into a lot of examples of how certain people attain their own desires while earnestly striving for others. You can observe such examples in our daily life and find more in the biography of any successful person; in any book which teaches you how to attain, or prepares you for, success. Youll discover the truth of this once you really and earnestly try doing for others as you would for yourself. No I dont mean Do unto others, etc. I mean do for others. Ive been a little careful about following the Golden Rule too literally, because it does not take into consideration the completely different tastes and preferences of different people Doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you is fine when you know that the others in question like the same things that you do. As an extreme example, I certainly wouldnt be too happy about a masochist applying the golden rule to me! What he would have others do unto him, I can live without! To get back on track I think youll find that showing an honest interest, and having an honest interest, in others will cause others to be more interested in you. This will create just a little nick in that iron constitution of the private I but enough to make it just a bit less private. From here on in, instead of thinking of yourself, or of what youre going to say next, when someone talks to you, listen to him! Feign that attention at first, if you have to, ti will soon become real enough.. I have never yet met anybody, from any walk of life, from whom I havent learned something. Some part of their experience, some thought or idea, no matter how minute, was passed over from them to me. If such a thought or idea did not get across, I would work to make it happen. I feel a sense of personal loss if I dont learn something from each and every individual I meet. The loneliest people in the world, of course are those who dislike other people. If you dislike someone, its a bit difficult to be interested in him. Well theres only one solution, and that is to stop disliking people, I we cant love everyone we come in contact with, but if you dislike most people, Im afraid theres something wrong with you! A group of college students was once asked to list, as quickly as they could, the names of people they disliked. When the time allotted has elapsed, every student had listed a different number of names. It was discovered that those who disliked the most people were themselves the most widely disliked. So friends if you believe that being interested in others might help you, then you must start being genuinely interested in others right NOW! Youll eventually have to agree that the end justifies the means, and the means may even become more important to you than the end. During the time of the year, when we are in the Lenten season, let those who act selfishly get themselves out of the shell of loneliness and selflessly work for the benefit of the community. Oxem zaum, zalear purro. Best wishes to all, Sanny Vaz _ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar - get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
Re: [Goanet]Bogus anecdote about US Immigration officials
--- Gabe Menezes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Life here is better by far, stay happy and hope you meet some nice Red neck who will party with you! Mind your backside though, ubiquitous Red neck needle! Mario replies: Hey, Gabe. Are you upset with US Immigration because they probably revoked your visa too, and you had no choice but to land up in dreary and damp and grimy London, who will take anyone who can still breathe?
RE: [Goanet] Cracked Da Vinci Code
Religious fundamentalists who choose to cause physical harm to such individuals should be prosecuted. Appears to be a good suggestion! However, under what laws Religious fundamentalists could be prosecuted? who has the authority to prosecute? and in which country Religious fundamentalists could be prosecuted? Cip UK -Original Message- Santosh Helekar wrote Sent: 24 March 2005 16:29 --- P D [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Religion is sacrosanct and people dabbling therein deserve to be condemned. Those who play games with religion will get the retribution they deserve, sooner or later! Nothing is sacrosanct in the modern world. There are many harmful religious practices that need to be questioned. People should have the freedom to criticize these practices. People should be free to perform historical research on religious figures and ideas in an objective and dispassionate manner, and publish this research without fear. People should also have the freedom to write fictional stories involving religious themes. Nobody should fear any kind of retribution from any spooky domain. Religious fundamentalists who choose to cause physical harm to such individuals should be prosecuted. Cheers, Santosh
[Goanet]Don't loose your shirt!
http://in.rediff.com/money/2005/mar/24guest.htm Why you lose money in stock markets March 24, 2005 It is the investor's dream come true: the Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex and the National Stock Exchange's Nifty are scaling all-time highs. In fact, in the last 6 months, both the indices have risen by 18.74% and 19.79% (considering the period from September 21, 2004 to March 21, 2005), respectively. By any standards, the Indian stock markets are witnessing a bull run. Economic theory tells us that, ceteris paribus, higher prices dampen demand and lower prices increase demand. But when the stock market witnesses a bull run, investors do not behave like normal consumers. As the stock prices go up, the more stocks appeal to investors. This leads to investor psychology during a bull run that is detrimental to the investor as well as for the market. No wonder some investors end up making losses. Let us see how. The herd mentality Robert Shiller in his book, Irrational Exuberance, says, 'A fundamental observation about human society is that people who communicate regularly with one another think similarly. There is at any place and in any time a zeitgeist, a spirit of times.' Marketing research has shown that the typical Indian buyer's decision is heavily influenced by the actions of his acquaintances, neighbours or relatives. Psychologically, the desire to conform to the behaviour and opinions of others, a fundamental human trait, is what drives such buying behaviour. So if everybody around is investing in the stock market, the tendency for potential investors is to do the same. Like sheep in a herd, investors in a bull run find it cozy to be inside the herd rather than outside it. The Ant Effect Another interesting observation during a bull run is the order in which investors take decisions. Ants, when they get separated from their colony, obey a simple rule: follow the ant in front of you. Much like the circular mills of the ants, investor decisions are made in a sequence. People, who invest in the stock market during a bull run, assume that investing in the stock market is a good bet simply because some of the people they know have already done the same and made profits. Consequently, during a bull run the stock market has more buyers than sellers. Expectedly, stock prices zoom up. Expecting the bull run to continue, more and more investors enter the market, fuelling an even greater price rise and this cycle gets repeated. Riding the bull wave, stock prices of fundamentally weak stocks also start to go up. Driven by unrealistic expectations, these unsustainable prices soon start to tumble and the bubble eventually bursts. At times, investors know that the stock they are investing in is fundamentally weak but they are still willing to invest in the stock, because they feel that some greater fools could be depended on to invest in the stock after they have and this would give them handsome returns on their investments. Greed Investors are human, after all. So, the lure of quick wealth is difficult to resist. During a bull run, stock markets offer astonishing returns in a short period of time as compared to other investments. This helps in attracting more money into the stock market. If we look at the present scenario in India interest rates on a six-month fixed deposit with a bank stands at around 5 per cent per annum. Other investment opportunities like the Public Provident Fund, Kisan Vikas Patra, etc do offer better interest rates, but the investment is locked up for a significant period of time. If one compares this with investment in an index fund (let us say an index fund that mirrors the BSE Sensex), the six-month return on it would have been a whopping 18.74% (considering the period from September 21, 2004 to March 21, 2005). Given this it becomes very difficult to stay away from the stock market. Greed also results when investors see people they know making money through investments in the stock market. As Charles Kindleberger wrote (in his all-time classic Manias, Panics and Crashes), 'There is nothing so disturbing to one's well being and judgement as to see a friend get rich.' This leads to more people entering the stock market without really understanding the market. Rear view mirror driving Investors in general, and especially during a bull run, tend to look at the recent past pattern and assume that the future patterns will be identical to the past ones. This is as good as driving a car looking in to the rear view mirror. A rear view mirror-driven car will not meet with an accident as long as the road ahead of the car is exactly as it is behind the car. This is rarely the case, both on roads as well as in the stock markets. But, when the stock market is on an upswing, the more investors tend to believe that it will keep going up forever. They mistake probability for certainty. They pump in more money into the stock market and this always does not go into the
[Goanet]Ayurveda or not?
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=86147 Guard against illegal shops masquerading as spas Comprehensive marketing package, insurance cover needed M SARITA VARMA Posted online: Friday, March 25, 2005 at hours IST From Delhi to Kerala, Ayurveda spas, multispeciality hospitals and even the modest tribal alternative therapy account for a thick slice of the $4.5-billion Indian tourism earnings this year. But, not all rejuvenation masseurs are qualified and not all parlours are supervised by doctors. Too often, brothels slip the law, masquerading as health spas. That is the humiliating reality of one part of India's health tourism. Goa, the former Portuguese colony and one-time hippie paradise, is at risk of overtaking Bangkok as Asia's main sex resort, as pedophiles prey in increasing numbers on Indian children, reports a reputed news agency. Wrong perception of economic propriety has watered down law enforcement rules. According to former SC judge VR Krishna Iyer, authorities are reluctant to make arrests on the apprehension that such actions could deter foreign tourists. How much 'value for money' is there in Indian tourism's latest lunge for the 'wellness tourism' brand? Swiss and German tourists pay as much as $250 per day on Ayurveda rejuvenation in upmarket resorts while some get it as cheap as $1 per rubdown in beachside shacks. The other factor hampering health tourism is in the non-Ayurveda part. India is yet to come out with a comprehensive marketing package, inclusive of insurance cover. Indian treatment costs are one-fourth that of corresponding US costs. As a result, superspeciality hospitals have attracted overseas treatment-seekers, including celebrities like a Hollywood star who recently got her cosmetic surgery done in a Kerala hospital. But firebells are yet to ring in tourism industry circles on the urgency to generate awareness for upmarket service quality. A top resort-owner in Kerala refused to discuss the 'shady massage parlour business', since a recent write-up by a leading newspaper had triggered a nasty shower of phone-calls from potebtial NRI clients. Can quality issues be thus swept under the carpet? Shouldn't the industry be the first to be worried about preserving its reputation? The Kerala government is half-way through a legislation that would make it mandatory for every spa to employ an Ayurveda physician. Earlier, 'Green' or 'Olive' quality tags were given to such parlours as a certification only. Now, the draft bill makes it mandatory. If health credentials are tarnished, it is the Rs 6,400-crore Kerala tourism industry that stands to lose the most, says state tourism minister KC Venugopal. In the last two years, India has attracted nearly 60,000 overseas patients, including NRIs, for dental care, hip knee replacements and bypass surgery. The Union government has been in talks with CII to draw up a rating chart for hospitals and spas, but this database has not materialised as yet. Addressing quality and pricing issues in medical tourism would be all the more useful in the context of new WTO commitments in tourism services. There is no dispute that competing with massage parlours in Thailand and the Philippines could bring more immediate gains to lower economic layers. But then, how can Indian tourism simultaneously race with Manila masseurs? -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
[Goanet]Taj Mahal - a Shiv Temple!
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/24taj.htm Was Taj Mahal a Shiv temple? March 24, 2005 13:13 IST Last Updated: March 24, 2005 13:34 IST Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vinay Katiyar on Wednesday claimed that the Taj Mahal in Agra was actually a Shiva temple built by Raja Jai Singh and was named 'Tejo Mai Mahal'. This fact finds mention in the book Badshahnama by Abdul Hamid Lahori, a close associate of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Katiyar said in Lucknow. That the Taj Mahal was a graveyard is only a half truth, Katiyar said. He added: It is no doubt a graveyard as Shah Jahan brought back the body of his wife Mumtaz Mahal from Burahanpur village, where she died, and buried it in the temple after removing the Shivalinga. It actually belongs to us (Hindus) and we will do everything possible to reclaim it, Katiyar said. He added that a 'Shankar Sena' would soon be formed and Damrus distributed among the people to create awareness on this issue. His statement came close on the heels of claims of ownership of the Taj by the Shia community and Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board with the support of UP Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
[Goanet]In Kosovo, not Goa.
From the New York Times, March 24 : Bajram Kosumi was sworn in as Prime Minister, replacing Ramush Haradinaj who has been arrested. Serb general Vinko Pandurevich has been taken into custody by the the Tribunal at the Hague. Since names are a now topic of discussion, i wondered about adding ones like these to our current Lusitanian repertory. Our new kitten is Bozzo, 'bright' in Albanian, i hope !eric. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/
Re: [Goanet]Bogus anecdote about US Immigration officials
On Thu, 24 Mar 2005 08:19:20 -0800 (PST), Mario Goveia [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- Gabe Menezes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/23guest11.htm Mario replies: Gabe, You, and the author of this article, have entirely too much time on your hands. You had to know that this was not an honest report but an opportunity for both of you to take a cheap shot at the US, It's an odd way for a nation that sanctimoniously trumpets its commitment to the rule of law to behave. This about a country that has an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants wandering around, many protected by the US rule of law and due to the acceptance of foreigners by most Americans. RESPONSE: You are a sad, sad man - with too much time on your hands - when you post 'surreptitious needles' on the Goanet. Opinions or writings/post which don't conform to your liking are given short shrift irrespective of their merit. Thousands of Mexicans are clamouring to enter the USA. Does that mean that they are not being exploited? If one earns a decent wage in the USA as opposed to a run down job in India; according to you USA becomes the land of milk and honey. Keep dreaming man. Everyone is clamouring to live in the USA because it is so nice? Well I for one turned down the USA - I worked at #1 Wall street, ( one of the greatest buildings ever built and a most prestigious address) http://nycarchitecture.columbia.edu/0242_3/0242_3_s2_7_text.html Life here is better by far, stay happy and hope you meet some nice Red neck who will party with you! Mind your backside though, ubiquitous Red neck needle! -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
Re: [Goanet]A horrific warning to all
Mervyn, Whether the memo I circulated was false or not, all it did was to warn people to watch their behinds when they sit in a public place. What has amazed me is how this simple common sense warning, about a horrific possibility whether unintentional or deliberate, has gotten your shorts in a twist, along with George Pinto and Gabe Menezes. Gabriel de Figueredo has already pointed out that the warning was hardly farfetched. We're talking about an incurable and fatal disease here, one that everyone can avoid with a minimum of care. --- Mervyn Lobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mario Goveia [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A young girl, engaged and about to be married in a couple of months, was pricked while the movie was going on. The tag with the needle had the message Welcome to the World of HIV family. Mario, My guess is that you got trapped into spreading this hoax as: 1) You did not understand the part of protecting your behind ;-) or maybe 2) the reference to being pricked was the trigger? Mervyn2.0 __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
Re: [Goanet]A horrific warning to all
Mario Goveia [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A young girl, engaged and about to be married in a couple of months, was pricked while the movie was going on. The tag with the needle had the message Welcome to the World of HIV family. Mario, My guess is that you got trapped into spreading this hoax as: 1) You did not understand the part of protecting your behind ;-) or maybe 2) the reference to being pricked was the trigger? Mervyn2.0 __ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca
Re: [Goanet] Cracked Da Vinci Code
--- P D [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Religion is sacrosanct and people dabbling therein deserve to be condemned. Those who play games with religion will get the retribution they deserve, sooner or later! Nothing is sacrosanct in the modern world. There are many harmful religious practices that need to be questioned. People should have the freedom to criticize these practices. People should be free to perform historical research on religious figures and ideas in an objective and dispassionate manner, and publish this research without fear. People should also have the freedom to write fictional stories involving religious themes. Nobody should fear any kind of retribution from any spooky domain. Religious fundamentalists who choose to cause physical harm to such individuals should be prosecuted. Cheers, Santosh
Re: [Goanet]Bogus anecdote about US Immigration officials
--- Gabe Menezes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/23guest11.htm Religiously against Modi March 23, 2005 Visas, or rather their revocation, make strange bedfellows. A week ago, one would have said Ram Guha, anthropologist and historian, had little in common with Narendra Modi apart from the usual complement of four limbs, a mouth and two eyes. Mario replies: Gabe, You, and the author of this article, have entirely too much time on your hands. You had to know that this was not an honest report but an opportunity for both of you to take a cheap shot at the US, It's an odd way for a nation that sanctimoniously trumpets its commitment to the rule of law to behave. This about a country that has an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants wandering around, many protected by the US rule of law and due to the acceptance of foreigners by most Americans. Neither you, nor the author have any idea why Ram Guha's visa was denied. The authors explanation is patently absurd, that a US Immigration official refused to believe that a Third World academic would be invited and paid a generous honorarium to deliver lectures by an American university. This makes no sense at all in the context of all the Indians and other Third World academics swarming around the US. Every US Immigration official is well aware that Third World academics, whether scruffy or not, are coming into the US in droves, every day of the week, on every single flight. Highlighting further how ridiculous and lame the author's explanation is is the fact that all Ram Guha had to do was make a phone call to the sponsors who invited him and they would have clarified what may have been incomplete or questionable paperwork regarding the reason for his visit. There are endless legal ways in the US Immigration laws for someone like Guha, had his case been genuine, to appeal, clarify and overcome any misunderstanding, which renders this article totally bogus.
[Goanet]GOACAN observes BSNL Consumers Demands Day
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- -- GOACAN observes BSNL Consumers Demands Day -- Consumer Forum activists from the villages of Socorro, Uccasaim, Tivim, Calangute, Bastora, Moira, Saligao, Aldona, Siolim, Nerul and Arambol observed BSNL Consumers Demands Day under the banner of Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) at Mapusa at the office of the BSNL Area Manager, North Goa. The activists armed with black flags and placards observed the Demands Day in North Goa District as part of the ongoing Consumer Rights Awareness Fortnight so as to highlight the problems faced by BSNL consumers. A detailed memorandum on the problems faced by the BSNL consumers was submitted to Mr. Y. Sisodia, Area Manager Telecom (North) calling for immediate intervention in dealing with the problems. The problems highlighted in the memorandum are as follows: Telephone Directories: The last Telephone Directory provided to all consumers was in 1999 and there after a few consumers got a Directory in 2001. This has resulted in a majority of the customers being without a Directory for the last 5 years putting consumers to great hardship in accessing new numbers. Application Form for New Connection: Many consumers when applying for a land line are not informed of your policy of not giving a land line connection if dues are outstanding in the name of any family member or any person residing at the same address. The application form presently states dues should not be pending in the applicant's name. Such misleading information is causing tension to consumer due to no fault of theirs. Internet Services: Many internet customers are faced with the problem of not being able to get connected for long hours. After getting connected they complain that the speed is very slow and therefore makes it a frustrating experience as the Internet Server is overloaded with accounts. Without providing adequate capacity BSNL continues to take in new accounts thereby discriminating against existing users. Telephone Cables: Many of the consumers are not being provided proper cables from the Telephone poles to the instrument in the residence of the consumer. As the cables were broken at some point of time, there are a number of joints thereby causing disturbance when the line is in use. The concealed wiring within the residence has not been completed and in lieu of the same the consumer has not been given the necessary rebate in the matter. Telephone Poles: Many consumers have still not been provided their cables from telephone poles and instead the cables have been tied to fruit trees and then taken to the residence of the consumer. DP Boxes: Many consumers have still not got their cable connections from DP Boxes. In many cases there no DP Boxes on the poles and in many cases although there are DP boxes on the poles, the cables are not connected to the DP boxes. Many consumers in our villages have not benefited from underground cables and from DP boxes fitted at residences. Excess Billing: A number of consumers have been faced with the issue of Excess billing as many calls made are not those made by the consumer. In such cases consumers are not able to have a clear procedure for redressal .Consumers need to be provided a list of locals calls made as well as these telephone numbers be put under observation. A recent announcement in a local newspaper by BSNL stating that Excess billing complaints must be made within 30 days or will not be entertained is not acceptable. There needs to be a clear cut redressal procedure for handling excess billing cases and this needs to be made known to the customers at all Exchanges. Call Centre Services: The various information services provided through dedicated telephone Numbers such 197 or 195 have been very unsatisfactory. More so, the consumers are being put on hold and even after being transferred to the Call Centre are made to wait. It is evident that the Call Centres presently provided are unable to cope with the traffic. Also sufficient publicity is not being given about which Numbers are toll free and which numbers are charged. Copies of the Memorandum are being sent to Union Minister for Telecommunications, Members of Parliament Mr. Shripad Naik, Mr. Churchill Alemao and Mr. Eduardo Faleiro besides the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in New Delhi. --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to
[Goanet]GOA SU-RAJ PARTY
Hello Floriano Welcome back, did not see your writings for a long time. Am happy to see you are back Jerry Fernandes Message: 6 Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 07:46:23 +0530 From: goasuraj [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: goanet@goanet.org Subject: [Goanet]Press Note Reply-To: goanet@goanet.org GOA SU-RAJ PARTY March 23, 2005 To: The Editor Gomantak Times/Herald/ Goa Today/ Gomantak/Goan Observer/Tarun Bharat/ Indian Express/Times of India/ Sunaprant/PTI/UNI/Navprabha/pudhari/Ixtt/Asian Age/Goa Messenger/Navhind Times. Sir, Attached herewith please find the stand made out by Goa Su-Raj Party through a press note on the issue of the denial of the diplomatic as well as the regular Visas to Mr. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat by the government of the United States of America. The Party believes that the right minded people of Goa and the nation at large must know that there are people who feel differently; from the generally accepted decision of the UPA government ruling at the Center. Thanking you, for Goa Su-Raj Party. Sd/- (Floriano C. Lobo) President/Spokesperson Attached: As Above. PRESS NOTE The Goa Su-Raj Party welcomes the denial of diplomatic visa and the withdrawal of the visa earlier granted to Mr. Narendra Modi, the Gujarat Chief Minister of '2002 Godhra Killings' fame while commending the people of the United States of America for this singular action. It is rather sad and disappointing that the UPA government of Dr. Manmohan Singh has lodged a strong protest with the U.S government citing constitutional proprieties safe-guarding Mr. Modi's involvement in the Godhra genocide. The Goa Su-Raj Party would like to remind our right honourable PM and the Congress government at the Center that the Ex-President of India Mr. Narayanan himself has belatedly indicted the ex-premier of India, Mr. Vajpayee, for abdicating his duties inspite of being officially told to issue 'shoot at sight' orders to the military, to arrest the killing spree. Mr. Vajpayee's government should have been sacked by a Presidential decree (and that is where Mr. Narayanan himself failed to act under the Constitution of India) and Mr. Vajpayee, Mr Advani ( the then Union Home Minister) and Mr. Modi should have been arrested and tried for genocide instead of honouring the former two with 'Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards'--- Shame on you!!! The Goa Su-Raj Party feels that the strong protest by the Indian government in a way legitimizes the stand taken by others like Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia who is now facing the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague for such genocide as well as the past deeds of Nazi Hitler who were both elected leaders of their respective countries, whether democratic or not. The Goa Su-Raj Party believes that the crimes of omission and commission of Mr. Narendra Modi against the people of Gujarat , encouraged and condoned by Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Advani are worse because these were committed during 'Peace Time'. End
[Goanet]Assistance!
A piece of advice for future: As far as renting of a house is concerned, try not to enter into a long term agreement but go for a short term agreement called INSTRUMENT OF LICENSE valid for eleven (11) months only. It is suggested that you collect six months rent in advance from the LICENSEE at the time of signing the agreement. The rent for the remaining five months should be made available by the LICENSEE to the LICENSOR before the end of the sixth month. If he/she is unable to pay the balance at the end of the sixth month, issue him/her a months notice and make him/her vacate the house. If the LICENSEE does not agree to these terms, do not allow him/her to occupy your house. Make sure you do not include the word tenant in your agreement. Also, avoid using the word rent; you may instead use the words licensee fee. Moi-mogan, Domnic Fernandes Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA From : Cecil Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To : goanet@goanet.org Sent : Thursday, March 24, 2005 10:23:07 AM To : goanet@goanet.org, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject : [Goanet]Assistance Preetam Rana asked for advice to get rid of a tenant: My friend is an elderly person and he cannot run to the court as court matters normally take years to pronounce a judgement. Should he try what the crooks try by hiring some goons and evicting such outsiders ? Please advise - Dear Preetam, Hiring goons is an effective way of getting rid of problem tenants but consider the following: 1) What if the goons then take over the property and ask for vast sums of money to vacate? You cannot then approach the courts because you have already committed an illegality by using muscle power to get rid of the tenants. It's a never ending circle. 2) You say the crooks hire goons. All the crooks are currently out of power and spending all their energies in poaching crooks from other parties by incentives and threats. Goons are very expensive these days. I suggest you approach the cops. Whenever there is President's Rule it is the executive who are kings, specially the cops as there are no politicians breathing over their shoulders with threats of transfers and demotions. In fact this is the only viable option for you right now. All the goons have gone undercover as their political godfathers are out of power and cannot get them released from jail. I hope my advise was helpful. Cecil _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
Re: [Goanet]Re: A horrific warning to all
Gabriel, To quote Mario, will you quit bombarding us with your extreme leftist drivel? What you claim to be happening in a socialist Australia or Europe is not relevant to a great nation such as America. We do not have public transportation over here. We like the freedom of slowing inching forward on our over crowded highways in our gas guzzling automobiles and SUVs. Marlon --- Gabriel de Figueiredo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: George, I wouldn't think so. We have had many cases in Melbourne trains where people have been pricked by needles left carelessly on seats (minus the note) by people who couldn't care less, both cleaners and passengers being affected. It was mainly because of this that as part of updating the rolling stock, trains have been modernised by reducing the foam on the seats both in thickness and in surface area, so that there is a sizeable width (gap) between the pads of the seats and the backs, to make it more difficult to hide syringes and needles. Also, straps have given way to solid T-shaped plastic handles for people to hold on to whilst standing. It pays to watch where you're sitting. Cheers, Gabriel de Figueiredo. Melbourne - Australia.
Re: [Goanet]RE: Cracked Da Vinci Code
PD, Unfortunately for you, most of the world does not subscribe to your point of view. In today's world, concepts such as free thinking, freedom of speech and free market capitalism are sacrosanct, not religion. If the church can make money selling real or imaginary god(s), why can't the author of this book? Marlon --- P D [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: While it is easy to play dead and feign ignorance, the author(s) would have had a fatwa declared if it contained similar allegations against the Muslims. Or, try writing something similar about the Jewish religion. Only gullible Catholics take such trash lying down. Religion is sacrosanct and people dabbling therein deserve to be condemned. Those who play games with religion will get the retribution they deserve, sooner or later! The Cardinal is perfectly within his rights in his condemnation. Deo Gratia.
[Goanet]Publishing model for Goan writers
An interesting (one page) article on Mahendra Meghani appeared in last week's Outlook magazine. His Lok Milap Trust has been providing quality literature to Gujaratis at incredibly low prices. The full article, very informative, is at: http://www.outlookindia.com/mad.asp?fodname=20050328fname=Makingsid=1 This is the part that I found most fascinating: quote How did they pull it off? Aren't they making losses? Explains Meghani: We did the opposite of what all publishers do. We announce the theme of the book we plan to publish and only after we get orders do we start printing. Before starting out, we appealed to those interested in literature to give us interest-free loans. We didn't want much and requested a loan of Rs 100 from each reader. Later we announced we will print 75,000 copies if we get as many orders. We got the orders, he says. unquote --- This seems an interesting model for Goan writers to follow in the absence of any publishing support. Announce the theme of the book and post a sample chapter, or maybe excerpts, on the Net. Get advance orders (payment) and then actually publish the book. For example my non-existing book of Risque Goan Jokes (three years in the writing!) has had hundreds of enquiries and quite a few serious buyers who were willing to shell out in advance for copies. I know for a fact that the day I decide to actually compile and publish the book I have a ready market and readership and definitely will not make a loss. Cecil
[Goanet]GNU/Linux meeting this weekend * Saturday, Mar 26, Miramar
Was just talking to K V Madhav , and he's excited about his plans to talk about Gnumeric 1.4.3 and its use for statistical analysis, and similar statistical packages under GNU/Linux (like Gretl, Matlab, Gmaths). He'll be offering this talk at the forthcoming meet on Saturday, March 26, 2005 sometime between 3-5 pm. Goa Science Centre, Miramar. We're also waiting to hear from Greg Wild, who is visiting India from mid-March and is expected to meet up and do a small talk at this weekend's meet too. Greg has lived most of his life in the U.S but have been resident in the UK for the last six months. He is a member of the South Birmingham and Wolverhampton Linux User Groups in the UK. and have been involved with Open Advantage, a unit of the University of Central England specialising in promoting open source software in the UK and Europe. Prior to arriving in England, he was a member of the Cincinnati LUG in Ohio. See you at Miramar on Saturday afternoon, if you can make it! FN _ _/ \Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa \ __\/\ India T +91.832.2409490 M +919822 122436 | | | | \ http://fn.swiki.net http://goabooks.swiki.net |__| |___| / http://www.bytesforall.net http://www.bytesforall.org \/ - Sign up for low-volume, high-quality news summaries and updates from Goa at http://newsfromgoa.swiki.net * It's free and volunteer-driven.
[Goanet]Easter Greetings
Dear Goanetters Wishing you all A Very Happy Blessed Easter. Avril Fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] P O Box 19652 Cell: 0741670186 Dar es salaam Tanzania -- ___ NEW! Lycos Dating Search. The only place to search multiple dating sites at once. http://datingsearch.lycos.com
[Goanet]RE: Naming game 3 'Madd' (Coconut Tree)
Chudtam, mollam, kotti, kottecho dovlo, sum, razu, viranchim sann, irantim foll fuoupak, kotteche kolxe, kottecho dik vo tel, bikaraianchi kotti, kottechem dampnem, rammachi chutti, adsor, vanz, khobrem, sur, niro, madda fenni, chun, katli, sonn, katto, poi, xevok, xellem, nallam painn, vir, render, damollem, dudkem, zamnem, katti, avo, vinagr, zommkonn, chudatchem konde, mollaio, choir, madda mull, madda kann, vir uzar kortan jevnachi potravoli korunk, viranchem panzrem, kundlam boilanchia tondak, viranchem nustea kull, kinsram zollo, maddanchim mull suparichia suater khounchea pannan ghaltat, decoration items, virachio nustea ghantnim, khobreachem tell, khobreachem peann, madachem moder, maddachi khatt, dhonachem aidon, sumachem konvarem voddeachim folim zoddunk, chutteanchem girgirem, chutteancho aino, chudtechem pokonem pausan uzar kortat, chudteancho zadu ghorantlo goirum kaddpak, sumanchem pixoll chuno(white-wash)kadpak, sumachem ghorvam daim, maddachem khopalem(to cross a small river), madachi lati udok kadunk, vonti konpass, chudtecho khuris, chudtecho fulam komlam chovtek(Ganesh chaturti)upeog kortat, chudteachim zotim(slippers), kottechem aidon udok kadunk(vodear uzar zatat), kottecho miler Avelino Bastora/Kuwait ___ JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] Any thing that relates to 'Madd' Any thing like Kovate, nal, Bondo etc Let me start with very rare/unsual names, leaving the most common ones to you for maximum participation. Vanxe, Ghorachi Patti, Chut'techo sorop, kisnori, morondd, kinsram etc Piddo, addkaptem or tiklem?
[Goanet]RE: Cracked Da Vinci Code
Agnel writes: Although a work of fiction, the book claims to be meticulously researched, and it goes to great lengths to convey the impression that it is based on fact. It even has a fact page at the front of the book underscoring the claim of factuality for particular ideas within the book. As a result, many readers-both Catholic and non-Catholic-are taking the book's ideas seriously. The problem is that many of the ideas that the book promotes are anything but fact, and they go directly to the heart of the Catholic faith. For example, the book promotes these ideas: While it is easy to play dead and feign ignorance, the author(s) would have had a fatwa declared if it contained similar allegations against the Muslims. Or, try writing something similar about the Jewish religion. Only gullible Catholics take such trash lying down. Religion is sacrosanct and people dabbling therein deserve to be condemned. Those who play games with religion will get the retribution they deserve, sooner or later! The Cardinal is perfectly within his rights in his condemnation. Deo Gratia.
[Goanet]Mukhar ie Utorddekar!
Regarding my comment: Of course the North Goan Konkani makes much more sense but Lino Dourado wrote: Fuddem (?) uloi, bhieta konnank? -- Mogall Xasttikar Lino, Recent GoaNet postings vachun mhaka don comments doyar poddtat. He donuim point are made by xiclele munis and not amateur linguist mhoje bashen. 1 (Poilo Point): Jose Pereira boroita: The dialect of the Dulpod (and the Deknni) is mainly Bambonn Saxtti (Salcetan as spoken by the Brahmins). In Saxtty, as in other parts of the Konkan, the dialect has caste variations. Cecil: Mhojem vachop (my reading): 1) Xastti kai Saxtti? Amchem poi Bardez ani Tiswadi. Borovpak kaim confusion na. 2) North Goan kaim osli Bamnnache ani dusreamchi mhunn Konknai na. Ekuch Konkani. Jati pormonnem nhui! 2 (Dusro Point) Jorge Noronha boroita: Rama Aitar is actually a short form (mostly in Saxtti Konknni) for Ramancho Aitar, meaning - as Gabriel said - Domingo de Ramos = Sunday of the Branches or Branches Sunday. Cecil: Mhojem vachop (my reading): Amkam sogleank khobor asa ki Palm Sunday javun asa ek Christanvchem festival. Tumkam Sashtikarank he khobor na dekhun tumi Rama Aitar mhunntat. Rama javun asa ek Hindu dev. Hech bashen Holy Week ani Holi Festival modem khup forok asa punn konn sangtolo tumkam Sashtikarank? Nimanem punn nhuim unnem, (last but not least) tum mhaka sangtai fuddem ie. Hem amchem Bardez chem utor tum khuim shiklai? Sashti fokot ek direction asa - mukhar!! Viva! Saud! Cheers! Cecil (Bardezkar) ==
[Goanet]Cardinal demands that Da Vinci Code be banned?
The Omnipotent God did not ban the Satan. Even Jesus Christ engaged Satan in a discussion and conquered temptation. By trying to ban the Da Vinci Code[ which the author clearly states to be a NOVEL and a work of FICTION] what are we trying to prove 1. That God was/is NOT omnipotent. 2.that He was/is not SMART enough to know what is good for Him and his people. or 3. that Jesus engaged in idle discourse or was delirious after all that fasting in the desert? From: Cecil Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote Dear Mario, Your reaction to my posting on the controversial Da Vinci Code is perfectly logical except for this one sentence.. I think it is also entirely appropriate for the Church or its members to have the right to freely criticize or praise these books and movies, write articles and books of criticism, make speeches, etc. without being criticized for doing so, as part of free speech and public discourse. This is a contradiction. You mean we cannot criticise the critics? That is a restriction of our Freedom of Speech isn't it? Sure everyone should be allowed to criticise anything, but their criticism in turn should not be exempt from further criticism either. Fair enough? Cecil If none of the above three questions make sense to you, then read the Da Vinci Code and overcome the temptation to believe that a novel is history or religion any more that Parrikar's VCD was. We have survived the VCD, Parrikar and his BJP did not. Viva Goa, Miguel Man likes the forbidden. The only error that God made was that he did not ban eating of the Serpent; otherwise Adam would have eaten it ,too. Mark Twain.
[Goanet]RE: Fr. Jude's Maundy Thursday Reflections
From ancient times the Church set apart Holy Thursday as the day to consider what Jesus did and taught during his last meal on earth. Thanks, Fr. Jude, for your inspiring Reflections. Surely many on this list will be spiritually enriched.
[Goanet]Salaries Perks
The Navy periodically recruits cooks and stewards into the Logistic branch of the Navy. It is an all India, equal opportunity recruitment. Unfortunately, goans never apply, and prefer the Carnival Cruise Lines where the money is bigger and faster [gilbert menezes, March 21] The salaries may not be much but the perks may be something else!:)
Re: [Goanet]Remembering Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh is the past. Thousands of bharats live in the UK. Many born there are very proud of their english accents. If you had to live in the UK and among those chappies in a place called Leicester you would be segregated because of your accent and besides coming from a corrupt place called india. B. Colaco --- sebastian Rodrigues [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It was on this day 23rd March 1931 that one of the leading heros of Indian Freedom Struggle Bhagat Singh was hanged to Death after the painful trial and trickery of the imperialist power that ruled and exloited India for over two centuries. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet] Goa: of rulers, corrupt politicians, patriots, cowards and judases
Xantoshi, You are the chap enjoying all the cheap goodies from China. The SAR is not lowly. The Amerika is flowing like wild bees to invest here. Nowadays one sees Alabama cowboys. I will not be surprised if you follow the Wynns and the Adelsons! B. Colaco PS.: Do you have nice legs to wear the Chongsam? I don't! Are they good habits, Xacuti? What are you doing in the lowly special administrative region of Communist China? Eating with chopsticks and wearing cheongsam made in sweat shops? Cheers, Santosh Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet]Re: A horrific warning to all
--- George Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is false, see http://www.snopes.com/horrors/madmen/pinprick.htm Same group putting out fake Iraq WMDs and anti-Kerry stories? George --- Mario Goveia [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This happened in Paris recently and may happen elsewhere also. A few weeks ago, in a movie theatre, a person felt something poking from her seat. When she got up to see what it was, she found a needle sticking out of the seat with a note attached saying You have just been infected by HIV. George, I wouldn't think so. We have had many cases in Melbourne trains where people have been pricked by needles left carelessly on seats (minus the note) by people who couldn't care less, both cleaners and passengers being affected. It was mainly because of this that as part of updating the rolling stock, trains have been modernised by reducing the foam on the seats both in thickness and in surface area, so that there is a sizeable width (gap) between the pads of the seats and the backs, to make it more difficult to hide syringes and needles. Also, straps have given way to solid T-shaped plastic handles for people to hold on to whilst standing. It pays to watch where you're sitting. Cheers, Gabriel de Figueiredo. Melbourne - Australia. Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet]Huge oil spilled as two cargo vessels collided in Goa
Correction : M/V Maritime Wisdom is a 73,657 MT Bulk Carrier - not a Barge as mentioned. while Prapati is a small barge which was carrying Iron Ore from the Mines Jetty to Aguada Anchorage for loading into the M/V Maritime Wisdom. Apparently due to adverse weather the Barge which was alongside the Ship - collided with it causing a hole in the Ship's Side and oil spilling out. Vince - Original Message - From: Goa's Pride www.goa-world.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: goanet@goanet.org Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 9:02 AM Subject: [Goanet]Huge oil spilled as two cargo vessels collided in Goa Huge oil spilled as two cargo vessels collided in Goa PANAJI, (UNI) In a major environmental catastrophe, about 110 tonnes of oil spilled into Mandovi river when two cargo barges collided four nautical miles off the Goa coast late last night. Captain of the ports A P Mascarehas said on Wednesday that cargo vessel Prapati, owned by Atraya Shipping Private Ltd, came in contact with Singapore- based barge, Maritime Wisdom, at around 0110 hours last night off the Agauda. Both the vessels were transporting iron ore. In the collision, the fuel tank of the Singapore based vessel was damaged and about 110 tonnes of oil was spilled. Marmugao Port Trust (MPT) immediately swung into action and precautionary measures have been taken. The coast guard has also been alerted, he said. The situation is under control and no causality has been reported so far, Mr Mascarehas added. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar232005/i14.asp Upcoming Event in Kuwait: India Day - 1st April 2005 - Kuwait Entertainment City. May Ball 2005 - 12th May 2005 - Safir Palace Hotel.
Re: [Goanet]Learning Curve, Defence Drag Dabolim
--- Philip Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Discussion of Dabolim on goanet seems futile. We are just being led up the garden path. The Navy has no intention of shifting training out and it should never be allowed to take over Dabolim exclusively. We nay need to find another forum where the impasse due to the drag of defence on Indian civil aviation can be addressed meaningfully in the context of the upsurge in air traffic and tourism. Perfectly put, Philip. Thank you. The focus should be that Dabolim revert its status to a civilian airport with an option for the Coast Guard / Navy / Air ambulance( if any) to use it when required and in emergencies. Not the other way round. Cheers, Gabriel de Figueiredo. Melbourne - Australia. Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com
[Goanet]Civil Servants' Dealings with Military
RE: : airfields again again PANAJI: The government has instructed Chief Secretary Baleshwar Rai to intervene and advice the Commandant of 2-STC Signals Centre at Panaji to control his men who are alleged to be exhibiting their guns at the motorists when they try to park in front of the town police station in a vacant lane over which the defence forces have no jurisdiction.[jose colaco, March 22 citing TOI 3/7/01] Contrary to popular impression, the Goa govt does occasionally take up issues with the military. Perhaps the above was a fairly minor infringement that too at lower levels. So it may not have been such a big deal. But it does go to show the mindset of the military out here. There probably needs to be a routine discussion forum where military-Goa issues can be aired to mutual benefit.
Re: [Goanet]Goa's best bread
For instance, I like Cafe Central's onion-bread and find their garlic-bread both tasty and innovative. Cafe Central have been doing bread for more than 50 years. And the garlic bread idea may have come from that nice catholic gordinha lady from Saligao! B. Colaco Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
