*** Goanet Reader: Don't fear Dan Brown or Da Vinci. Be afraid of our own ignorance. (Chhotebhai Noronha)
DON'T FEAR DAN BROWN OR DA VINCI. BE AFRAID OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE By Chhotebhai Noronha Dan Brown's fictional work, The Da Vinci Code has sold millions of copies worldwide. The movie is now due for release. Wonder how much money Brown made out of the book, and how much more he will get out of the movie? The adage that a half-truth is more dangerous than a lie holds good for Brown’s Code (why call it Da Vinci’s Code anyway?) It is sugar coated poison. I am an Indian Christian, and believe in the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is not because I was born into a Christian family, but because I have experienced the love and power of Jesus in my life. At the same time I have been actively involved in promoting communal harmony and inter-religious dialogue in my hometown of Kanpur. I have constantly challenged any form of religious bigotry, clerical hegemony or injustice in my own community. I say this by way of introduction, because I am no religious zealot, when I call Dan Brown a cunning and clever insinuator. Brown is a master of double speak, double entendre and insinuation. He knows only too well that if he makes an objective averment he can be hauled up for fomenting religious hatred or deliberately denigrating a particular religion -- in this case Christianity. We need to distinguish between faith and practice, including distortions of faith. The notoriety of inquisitions and crusades cannot be attributed to Christianity; but a gross distortion of the same. By the same yardstick we cannot blame Hinduism per se for the perpetuation of caste, or Islam for certain terrorist movements. Brown uses fictitious characters to mouth unsubstantiated allegations, that a gullible public would lap us as the 'Gospel Truth'. What an irony! If Brown had written a scholarly thesis, with references of research, his sources could have been crosschecked and countered by scholars. A fictional work has no counter point. Of course, if Brown's intention were scholarly research, his book would have just gathered dust in university libraries. By writing fiction Brown has attained his primary objective, of making a lot of money. If Christianity, or the Catholic Church, is embarrassed in the process, so what! Make money by hook or by crook or a fictional book! What does Brown base his fiction on? His first funda is the Divine Proportion, the mathematical term PHI, and the Fibonacci Sequence, around which he constructs his hypothesis of Da Vinci’s cryptic messages. I checked out with a professor of Maths (a PhD and DSc), who in turn checked out with the most respected and competent number theorists in the world. Their considered response -- you cannot read too much into these numbers. PHI is not found in the dictionary of mathematical terms. The Fibonacci Sequence is the quotient of adjacent numbers, and the further one goes in the sequence, the closer the quotient is to PHI. However, we cannot stretch a natural phenomenon beyond reasonable limits, to present a case like Brown’s, via Da Vinci. If there are natural progressions, there are also millions of exceptions in nature. No scientist or mathematician in his right senses would distort one mathematical progression to codify all of nature. Brown gives the impression of having done much research on art, maths, nature, ancient religions, symbols, Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion. Unfortunately his scholarship of Christian biblical texts, exegesis and canonicity (what constitutes divine revelation in the Bible) is woefully lacking. The Bible is the most researched and documented compendium in the world. Biblical scholars over centuries have not hesitated in picking it apart. Brown has arrived 2000 years too late. He alleges that the Catholic Church in particular has doctored the Bible, suppressed sexuality and the feminine. He couldn't be further from the truth. There are four Gospel writers -- Mathew, Mark Luke and John. In several instances their accounts vary -- especially of the Baptism, Transfiguration and Resurrection of Jesus. If there had been a doctoring of the texts, then these anomalies would have easily been edited, long before the advent of the printing press. The Bible is replete with the sexual escapades of hallowed characters like Abraham, Gideon, Solomon and David. The book Song of Songs in the Old Testament (OT) of the Bible has passionate words like breasts, buttocks and kissing. By Brown’s convoluted logic, all these offensive texts should have been expunged from the Bible. Brown’s obsession with the Divine Feminine accuses Christianity of suppressing womanhood. Again off the mark. In the second chapter of Genesis (the first of 72 books that constitute the Bible) God says that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife! In nature, which Brown so admires, the male has always been dominant. Physical strength was the dominating force -- warrior,
[Goanet] Re: DaVinci Code: No Return To Inquisition
Dear Sir, The article, No Return to Inquisition, by Maria Aurora Couto (Outlook, May 29), is well written and makes several good points. It nicely highlights as to how, many of us, Christians, while reacting to that tissue of specious arguments, i.e., the Da Vinci Code, we, unwittingly, might have ended up overreacting. In the process, we might have even portrayed ourselves as an intolerant community and, that is a sad thing to have happened! But to write, as she chose to do, The spectacle...harks back to the days... of the horrors of the Inquisition, is in bad taste, to say the least. Those of us, who know what the Inquisition was all about, and the framework within which its powers were exercised, should refrain from making such comparisons. In Goa, as anywhere else, the Catholic Church, conscious of its bad legacy has evinced a revival. Even, recently it has acted so very maturely by showing tolerance and forgiveness in the face of umpteen attempts to unsettle it, time and again, even in the face of grave provocations. Unfortunately, here in Goa, we do have own Dan Browns, who writing a blend of history and fiction, continue to harp on Inquisition, every now and then, unwittingly lending ammunition to one's own enemies. Thanking you, Dr. Francisco Colaco, MD, FICA 151 Mons. G. Rebelo Rd. Margao. Goa, 403 601 Tel. 0832 2732318 Cell; 9823190318 --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: No Return To Inquisition Brown isn't exactly Nabokov. Yet, faith must trust its own resilience. MARIA AURORA COUTO The spectacle on TV and in print, over the last few days, of protesters calling for a ban on the film The Da Vinci Code harks back to the days of the Black List and the horrors of the Inquisition. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa passes ordinance on office of profit issue
Goa passes ordinance on office of profit issue Our Regional Bureau / Mumbai/ Panaji May 23, 2006 The ordinance has exempted the offices of the vice-chairman of the Kala Academy, chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Entertainment Society of Goa, chairman of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) and the Goa Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation. The offices are presently held by Congress legislators. The promulgated ordinance is called the Goa Members of the Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) (Amendment), Ordinance, 2006. Last year's amendment had exempted the office of the chairman of Kala Academy, currently held by the chief minister, Pratapsingh Rane. It may be recalled that earlier two legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - the state party president Rajendra Arlekar and the former agriculture minister Dayanand Mandrekar, were disqualified for holding the office of profit before the legislation came into existence. The Panaji (division) bench of the Bombay High Court had set aside the elections of Arlekar and Mandrekar on the grounds of holding office of profit during the May 2002 assembly polls, in response to the petitions filed separately by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) members, who had contested the election against the two BJP MLAs. The judgment had brought the BJP's strength in the Goa assembly down to 14 MLAs.= Last week, the Union government passed a Bill in the Lok Sabha to exempt 46 positions, including the post of chairperson of National Advisory Council (NAC), from being classified as offices of profit. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=3D92019left= n m=3D3subLeft=3D0chkFlg=3D ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Monserratte to stake claim to GPCC chief's post
Monserratte to stake claim to GPCC chief's post=20 Zee News Panaji, May 23: Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Atanasio Monserratte in Delhi to discuss with Sonia Gandhi the issue of strengthening of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) and stake a claim to its chief's post.=20 My Delhi visit is to strengthen the party organization considering that Goa will go for elections in next one year, he told adding that he would also stake claim for the chief's post when he meets the high command tomorrow morning.=20 Under current circumstances, the party is not ready to face elections as the party workers' morale is down. There is no coordination between organisation and state government, he told a news agency.=20 Claiming that 16 out of 18 legislators favour him as GPCC chief, Monserratte expressed hope that his claim to the post would be considered. http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=3D2aid=3D297218sid=3DREG ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa to get India's 2nd floating casino
Goa to get India's 2nd floating casino ROUHAN SHARMA MUMBAI, MAY 22: Hospitality major Hotel Leelaventure Ltd is launching India's second floating casino in Goa. Current government guidelines do not allow casinos on land. Hence, the idea for a casino at sea. 'The Caravela' in Goa is the only shipboard casino in India right now. It is being managed by a leading player in the global casino industry, Casinos Austria International (CAI). Its on board 'Goa Casino' is operated by the Advani Pleasure Cruise Company Ltd, a joint venture between Advani Hotels and Resorts India (AHRIL) and CAI. Leelaventure's Rs 16-17 crore casino is expected to be operational by August this year on a catamaran acquired by the company. The boat will be stationary at a particular area on the water and at the required distance from the shore as per the rules laid down by law, Hotel Leelaventure vice chairman and MD Vivek Nair told FE. The company is in the process of evaluating various international casino operators who have a presence in Nepal, Europe and US. The company will select one operator to manage and run the casino. Hotel Leelaventure will have to pay the Goa government a one-time deposit and an annual license fee in order to keep the casino running. While 'The Caravela' is an entertainment destination, complete with specialty restaurants and a swimming pool, drawing in about 35,000 tourists every year, Hotel Leelaventure's floating casino is largely meant for its up-market clientele and will also feature a restaurant apart from the casino room. As much as 50% of The Caravela's 35,000 tourists who come on board are dedicated casino-goers, Harish Advani of AHRIL told FE. During the off-season, we get a lot of Indian tourists but during the peak season, it's a healthy mix of Indians and foreigners, he added. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=3D128016 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Univ. Chicago screens Goa Under Siege
I have not seen this movie nor heard about it. Does anyone know who made it and when? I also find it most incongruous that the film should be shown in a programme entitled Positive Images of India. From the brief synopsis that Anthony has given, clearly the film seems to be projecting a negative image of India. I am not an expert on the subject. However, I wonder if there is a certain amount of international comparisons that can be made. For example, if the film takes about a negative impact of tourism, is this something that has happened in other parts of the country? And here I am talking about the rule and not the exception. Any form of development does create negative impact. However one needs to balance it with the benefits. And those who harp on the negative impacts should then not complain that job opportunities are not created. Sachin Phadte _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] re: Nelly Furtado
As far as I know, Nelly Furtado is from Portugal (Azores) who was brought up in Vancouver, and later moved to Toronto. I have watched her live performance once in Toronto when she had just made big news with her first album. I remember reading that she wants to visit India, particularly Goa, as she had heard much about the little state. Eugene Correia Michael Ali writes: Nelly Furtado's third album 'Loose' will be released on June 20, 2006. The follow up to 2003's 'Folklore', 'Loose' includes the single 'Man-eaters as well as a duet with Latin pop superstar Juanes, and the song 'All Good Things' which features Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin. Nelly Furtado, a Bombay Goan left India to settle in Canada when she was three years old. Mike Ali __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Re: Da Vinci Code': Christians catch the fundamentalist
--- cornel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Aristo Changing the subject a little, perhaps you can throw some light on Christian evangelism in India today to which I am totally opposed. Why on earth should any religious group try to evangelise any other group anywhere, even though it is rampant in the USA as a means towards substantial money-making for some. Hi Cornel I agree with you. There should be an indefinite moratorium on all evangelizing activity, by all religions. Evangelization across the world has brought about negative, adverse activity. It has led to the religious fundamentalism we see in all major religions today. Better for people to worry about their own souls, than worry about others. Cardinal Ivan Dias is being transferred to the Vatican to head Catholic evangelization. Much better to stay back in Bombay and work on issues of poverty and social justice there. Regards, George _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Re: *** Goanet Reader: Don't fear Dan Brown or Da Vinci. Be afraid of our own ignorance. (Chhotebhai Noronha)
Since someone brought up this topic - thought I should share something which I read recently: Good news or bad news? (Michael Gonsalves reports Fr Dr Rui de Menezes SJ views - The Week, April 23, 2006. page 33) The intellectual and the religious world should welcome the astonishing discovery of the Gnostic Gospel of Judas in the Egyptian desert. Radiocarbon dating and other tests have proved that it is genuine, written around 300 CE (Common Era). Canonical gospels are probably from the first century CE. The Synoptic Gospels [Matthew, Mark and Luke] were accepted as inspired very early by the church. John's gospel took more time to be accepted because of its so-called Gnostic traits. Much has been made of the fact that in the Gospel of Judas, Judas comes out in a good light. It cannot be denied as scholars have already shown that from Mark to John there is a gradated vilification of Judas. What impact will the discovery of the Gospel of Judas have on our faith? None at all. Just as every society needs a constitution which defines the rights and duties of its members, the church also needed a charter. This is called, in theological terms, a canon of scriptures. Many gospels, genuine and spurious, have come to light. Of the around 60 known gospels, the church chose only four. The church cannot add or subtract any of its inspired books without changing its own nature. All the same, the Gospel of Judas surely will throw light on the developments and struggles within the early church. As for the historical Judas, he did what he did! The gospels have variously interpreted his action. We shall never know the motives for what we call the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. It is not our business to condemn Judas. Even Jesus merely asked: Will you betray the son of man with a kiss? God can make use of human folly or sin to achieve his plan of salvation for human kind. Whether human beings condemn the action of Judas as John's Gospel does or whether they exonerate him as the Gospel of Judas does, is our affair. God always forgives human beings their sins for God can write straight on crooked lines. Regarding the death of Judas, the New Testament has two versions. According to the gospels, he hanged himself out of remorse. The Acts of the Apostles say that his guts came out which implies we shall never know the real facts. The new understanding of Judas as the only one of the apostles who really understood Jesus and was his real friend needs clarification. The Gnostics believed that matter is evil and created by a Demiurge or a lesser and a bad creator whom they identified with the God of the Old Testament. Consequently for the Gnostics, Jesus whom they call the `Living Jesus' could neither suffer nor die. The Gnostics' main contention is that salvation comes from `knowledge', gnosis, better rendered as `insight'. Once we know who we are, where we have come from, and whither we should tend, we are saved. Some Gnostics do not believe in prayer, for once we realise we are divine, it is but logical that there is no room for prayer. Similarly, some Gnostics reject the sacraments since they have contact with matter. Resurrection of the body is also denied by them since the body is evil as it is matter. The writer is former president, Jnana Deeps Vidyapeeth (Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Religion) in Pune and dean of faculty of theology. As told to Michael Gonsalves _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] New Konkani VCD Sangxi Khobordar released by Mark de Araujo
Dear Goans, After acting in many Tiatrs in Goa (including a few in the Gulf and just returned back from the U.K.) - Mark de Araujo, the young and dynamic Writer and Director has realeased and presented a hit comedy film titled SANGXI KHOBORDAR with comedy supremo Humberto Fernandes. Earlier, Mark de Araujo has been adjuded as the Best writer for his 1st prize winning tiatr BHUIMKAMP at Kala Academy (2003) and releasing its VCD, and later as best script writer award winner for his tiatr Sounsar Somplea Uprant at Goa Konkani Academi (2004) and later released Konkani Film VCD in 2005. I congratulate Mark de Araujo for the best hit Vcd of 2006 with a well written story and appropriate comedy. We have many famous writers n Directors, but they have never taken the Pain to do a successfully film/VCD of their works. The reasons may be varied, but here we see the hard work of our Mark de Araujo in this 2006 VCD Sangxi Khobordar, I wish him a good luck and keep the pen writing. May the Holy Spirit guide you n your name rise higher and higher, and I Pray for your continued success. My dear Goans - Support and buy Original VCDs and Audio Cassettes, and help our dear artistes. Please support Your Brothers and Sisters of our Konkani Tiatr Stage. Viva Tiatr, Viva Vcd, VIVA Mark. Yours fellow Goan Stephen Fernandes Muscat/Divar [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] UAE Indian Expat League
VARCA DEFEAT LOUTOLIM IN EXPAT LEAGUE SIOLIM UNITED BACK ON TOP Varca Football Club defeated a strong Phoenix Loutolim by two goals to nil in the first UAE Indian Expat Football League played at the Dubai Club for Special Sports. The League is organized by Gulf International Promotions and sponsored by Gulf Eternit Industries, Future Pipe Industries, Pehla, Firstnet, Al Awael, Lipton, Nike, Sub Sand, Al Rawabi, Masafi and Tiffanys. Captain Franky Baretto and Striker Steven Gurung were on target for Varca in a fast paced game. Lawrie Gonsalves, Mejo Jose and Simon Fernandes gave a good account for Loutolim. Siolim United climbed back to the top of the sixteen- team league with a resounding five nil victory over a helpless Dragon All Starz. Shriram Vernekar the leagues top scorer scored three goals with Jovito D'Souza and Peter Fernandes were the other scorers. SFX Old Goa pulled off the surprise of the night when they held favourites Vaxim Divar to a one all draw. Creighton Travasso opened the scoring for Divar only to see Inas Rodrigues equalize on the stroke of half time. Russel Rodrigues and Randell Pereira played well for Divar while Peter Fernandes and Neelesh Dincar were outstanding for Old Goa. Divar are in eighth position while Old Goa are in fifteenth place. Twelfth placed St Anthony put up a spirited display to hold fifth placed Dubai Republicans to a one all draw. Deril Carvalho scored for St Anthony while Sunny Gabriel leveled the scores for Republicans. Zuari FC pulled off a smart two nil victory over Dragon All Starz missing their Captain Chandy. Lynton D'Souza who was in top form scored a solo goal while Julius Noronha rounded off the game for Zuari. Sunil and Arif Azeez played their hearts out but could not avoid defeat. Varca playing their second game of the night tried their best but could not get past a stubborn Emirates Flight Catering led by Myron Miranda. Both teams tried hard but failed to find the nets. In an exciting encounter Almoe lying third in the table, played fast attacking soccer and got the better of youthful St Marys Boys by one goal to nil courtesy Gilbert Buthelo who scored a gem of a goal. With the defeat St Marys slipped to seventh place. Zyco Dubai led by Abubaker were the other high scorers of the night defeating Desert Cubs by five goals to nil. Manoj Athanikal opened the floodgates followed by Riyas scoring two goals in quick succession an Abdul Aziz his to the tally before Riyas completed the rout. Zyco climbed five places to secure second spot ion the standings. Desert Cubs occupy fourteenth position. Justin Matthews and Neville Thomas put up a spirited display for Desert Cubs. In another exciting game Copy Corner just managed to get the better of Almoe by two goals to one. Almoe, who played their hearts out. took the lead in the first five minutes through Rejo Abraham. Copy Corner came out all guns blazing in the second half to score twice through Basheer K who had a good game upfront. Zuari led by Savio Cardozo playing their second game of the night took all three points from a battling St Anthony thanks to an opportunist goal by Lynton D'souza. Sandy Fernandes, Deril Carvalho and Jude D'Souza gave a good account of themselves but could not convert when it mattered most. Zuari are in eleventh position while St Anthony are in Twelfth place. In the last game of the night Copy Corner climbed into fourth place defeating a determined Emirates Flight Catering by one goal to nil. Basheer K finished off a perfect pass from Rasheed K to seal all three points. Manuel Fernandes and Sebyton Colaco were in good form for the Catering team. The league has reached an interesting stage with three games left in the league phase. The top eight teams qualify for the quarterfinals of the main event while the bottom placed eight teams will fight it out in the plate quarterfinals. The games have been very close and places are still up for grabs. The next round of games will be played on Thursday at the Dubai Club for Special Sports with the following games scheduled: DESERT CUBS vs PHOENIX LOUTOLIM SFX OLD GOA vs VARCA FC SIOLIM UNITED vs VAXIM DIVAR DRAGON ALL STARZ vs ST ANTHONY DUBAI REPUBLICANS vs ALMOE CANSAULIM vs VAXIM DIVAR CANSAULIM vs ZYCO DUBAI COPY CORNER SPORTING vs ZUARI FC EMIRATES FLIGHT CATERING vs ST MARYS BOYS COPY CORNER SPORTING vs PHOENIX LOUTOLIM ST MARYS BOYS vs ZUARI FC DESERT CUBS vs VARCA FC _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Re: 'Da Vinci Code': Christians catch the fundamentalist
Aristo Changing the subject a little, perhaps you can throw some light on Christian evangelism in India today to which I am totally opposed. Why on earth should any religious group try to evangelise any other group anywhere, even though it is rampant in the USA as a means towards substantial money-making for some. In Margao very recently, in the Municipal Gardens, I accidentally came across evangelism at full steam on Easter Day. The chief speaker said to me in all sincerity that, it was important that people who had not heard the word of the Lord (i.e. Christ) should be given the opportunity to do so. Indeed, the evangelism I witnessed first hand, and to my surprise, after substantial resistance from some Hindu groups in India, was pretty 'forceful' to a group of about 30 persons, mainly Hindu and Muslim. The lead evangelist with whom I had a good chance to discuss the matter at the end of the session, was utterly convinced about the importance of the task he was undertaking with a small group of helpers doing the preaching, and religious singing with guitars, drums, electric organ etc. Cornel - Original Message - From: Aristo It looks like the author was only recently Enlightened that Fundamentalism applies to Christians also. Too bad he didn't even bother to Wiki Fundamentalism (at the very least) to find out that it originated with Christianity, in various forms right from subtle evangelisation (that continues till today) to brutal historical inquisitions. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Re: Licenced to Kill Maim...
Very interesting, very informative and very piercing article Mr. Valmiki Faleiro. Journos like you are the need of the hour in Goa. Becuase of your high calibre readers like me are hungry for your articles. Carry on with your campaign against all chors and bamttes who are ruling and robbing Goa and Goans. A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait. From: Valmiki Faleiro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Licenced to Kill Maim... By Valmiki Faleiro This series began with a statement: that a larger share of blame for death and misery on Goa's roads lay with road users, than with bad roads or increased traffic. In subsequent pieces, we saw how. Let's now turn to everybody's pet target: Government. And two crucial areas: lax licensing and poor enforcement. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] RE: *** Goanet Reader: Don't fear Dan Brown or Da Vinci. Be afraid ofour own ignorance. (Chhotebhai Noronha)
Fred, I can't believe you are allowing Goanet to serve as a mouthpiece for this drivel. We count on this medium (Goanet) for news of amchim Gaon - not for some blathering idiot to get a megaphone. I enjoy the pieces on our history and the debates on Roman script vs Devnagari, Goans in the diaspora etcbut this stuff below is just poorly written garbage replete with lousy arguments and enough big words and name drops to appear scholarly. Goans are intelligent and well read enough to make up our own minds on tough topics like this one. Frances -Original Message- From: Goanet Reader DON'T FEAR DAN BROWN OR DA VINCI. BE AFRAID OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE By Chhotebhai Noronha Dan Brown's fictional work, The Da Vinci Code has sold millions of copies worldwide. The movie is now due for release. Wonder how much money Brown made out of the book, and how much more he will get out of the movie? _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa news for May 23, 2006
Goa News from Yahoo! News and Goanet.org Visit http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php for the full stories. *** Microsoft offers pay-as-you-go PCs (Computer Weekly) Microsoft has launched a â#130;¬Å#147;pay-as-you-goâ#130;¬PC aimed at consumers in emerging markets, who will be able to buy computer time through pre-payment cards or a monthly subscription. http://www.computerweekly.com/Feeds/RS/Articles/2006/05/22/216057/Microsoft offers pay-as-you-go PCs.htm *** Goa passes ordinance on office of profit issue (Business Standard India) The ordinance has exempted the offices of the vice-chairman of the Kala Academy, chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Entertainment Society of Goa, chairman of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) and the Goa Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=92019leftnm=3subLeft=0chkFlg= *** Sporting Clube de Goa hold Air India (rediff.com) A goal eight minutes from the end earned the Goa side a 1-1 draw in the National Football League. http://www.rediff.com/rss/redirect.php?url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/may/21nfl2.htm *** IIT Bombay plans satellite campus in Goa (rediff.com) The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has decided to set up a 'satellite campus' in Goa. http://www.rediff.com/rss/redirect.php?url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/may/18iit.htm *** Monserrate to press claim for GPCC presidents post (Navhind Times) Panaji, May 21: Sunday witnessed an interesting development within the Congress party with the Goa pradesh Congress committee president, Mr Ravi Naik leaving for New Delhi and the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanacio Monserrate staying back waiting for an appointment with the Congress president, Ms Sonia Gandhi. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=newsStory_ID=052228 *** Govt orders inquiry into Goa Diary affairs (Navhind Times) Panaji, May 18: The state government today ordered an inquiry into the affairs of the Goa Diary, which is primary supplier of milk and milk products in Goa. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=newsStory_ID=051910 *** Goa, India, May 22, 2006 #147; Frost Sullivan revisited Goa this year to chronicle the second edition of the highly(PharmiWeb) The summit brought together luminaries from the international and Indian corporate world to discuss strategic issues affecting the lifesciences industry today, with special focus on Indian players and how they can cash in on the opportunity. http://www.pharmiweb.com/PressReleases/pressrel.asp?ROW_ID=1371 *** Quota row: Goa resident doctors resume duty (Hindustan Times) Junior doctors of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMHC), who were on a 24-hour token strike to protest police action against agitating medicos in Mumbai, resumed duties on Thursday. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1700771,00130222.htm *** Sharper focus on rural India (CIOL) MUMBAI/GOA: Sharp Business Systems , a late entrant into the Indian market, is looking up for making the most by addressing Tier II and III cities. http://www.ciol.com/content/news/2006/106052206.asp *** Sporting Clube de Goa hold Air India (Outlook India) Sporting Clube De Goa notched a late equaliser to hold local outfit Air India 1-1 in a National Football League clash at the Cooperage ground here today. http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=386578 Compiled by Goanet News Service http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] MONTENEGRO
We Goans should congratulate Montenegro, with a population of less than 600,000, for having the courage to vote for independence. By so doing, Montenegro joins other ministates like Fiji, the Solomon Islands, PNG, Vanuvatu and, of course, Timor Leste. This proves that all ministates are politically viable provided they resist the bullying of neighbouring Goliath nations. Yes, little Davids can overcome mighty bullies. Martinho _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] DaVinci Code: No Return To Inquisition
No Return To Inquisition Brown isn't exactly Nabokov. Yet, faith must trust its own resilience. MARIA AURORA COUTO The spectacle on TV and in print, over the last few days, of protesters calling for a ban on the film The Da Vinci Code harks back to the days of the Black List and the horrors of the Inquisition. It is demeaning to the spirit of a religion which has withstood centuries of questioning, doubt and creative exploration. For religious organisations to call on a secular state to step in to assuage their sensitivities reflects the fact that freedom of expression is falling prey to populist sentiments. Indeed, there are already headlines about the state pandering to minorities. And yet, larger, more serious issues affecting minorities, religious or otherwise, are constantly swept aside. The outcry against the film is counter-productive. The protesters are falling into the trap so carefully laid by its makers: excessive publicity to generate maximum profit. The book and the film are sad examples of the current tendency among publishers and media managers to sell products that are sensational, and with more than a touch of scandal and prurience, especially when the victims are objects of veneration and respect. Truth is the first casualty of such propaganda. And by truth I mean two things: one, the expression of intellectual opinion without malice and without an eye on profit, two: a sincere endeavour to analyse a situation, a hero, or even a religion, rationally. The Da Vinci Code, as book and film, is a tissue of specious arguments based on admitted forgeries, and has been unverified even on the basis of so-called rumour. It brings into its net great figures of history, divine and human. There should have been a disclaimer by the producers, Sony Pictures, right at the outset, that the film is a work of fiction, for the benefit of those offendedor confusedby its doctoring of history and theology. They should not have waited for the censor board to instruct them to carry a disclaimer, as it has now done. Mature audiences in India will hopefully see the film for what it isa shoddy work of fiction. As for Christians, while our religious sensibilities are hurt, our faith is not shaken. Negative scrutiny and disparagement of this kind only illumines faithit does not dent it. Intolerance, the commodification of culture and the politicisation of religion are issues we need to contend with. On that account, governments sometimes feel compelled to intervene and ban. But banning only leads to a vicious cycle of intolerance. Once unleashed, where does it stop? Who will protect us from these so-called protectors? Great books and great films have been banned in the past and the critics of these bans have pointed out the deep humanism and spirituality of the banned works. The Last Temptation of Christ (Nikos Kazantzakis); The Power and the Glory (Graham Greene) and Pier Pasolini's classic film The Passion According to St Matthew explore the sacrifices and tribulations and the triumph of the human spirit. Their explorations of the human psyche do not conform to orthodoxy. The Da Vinci Code is, of course, in a different categoryit is merely a potboiler. But even so, a ban is out of place, and I am glad that the film is not, finally, being banned. The tendency to ban in the interest of communal harmony can lead to illiberal decisions. Restrictions, when needed, in the interest of public order should not involve censorship. It is time we learn to take a balanced view of these situations to preserve that sense of freedom of speech and expression which is so vital to the functioning of a democratic society. Also, banning a film or a book of dubious merit invests it with an authority that it does not have. Nor does it offer any protection to the so-called minority interests. Let us remind ourselves of what Voltaire said: Though I may disagree with you, I shall defend to death your right to say it. Freedom of speech and expression implies that in democracies, public opinion is mature enough not to be swayed or influenced by dubious statements. We need to also remember, in this context, the founding principles of our Republic and the faith of those who wrote the Constitution in the maturity of the Indian people. It was this faith that prompted Jawaharlal Nehru to overrule the ban proposed on Nabokov's Lolita. By no stretch of imagination can Dan Brown be equated with Nabokov. All the more reason, therefore, to allow the film to sink with the weight of its falsifications and its voyeurism into the obscurity it deserves. (The writer is the author of the critically acclaimed Goa: A Daughter's Story, and a practising Roman Catholic.) http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060529fname=Film+%28F%29sid=2 _ Do not post
[Goanet] Tony D'Souza: 'Whiteman'
Folks, A bestselling book: Tony D'Souza's: 'Whiteman' 21 May: Arizona Republic. Excerpts of book review: The chapters in this wonderfully written first novel easily stand alone as stories. Some have been published in the New Yorker, Playboy and elsewhere. Their narrator is Jack Diaz, an idealistic young man from Chicago who has come to Africa . D'Souza makes humor, danger and chaos occupy the same page like old friends, and his characters speak with a musical cadence that brings them alive. His stories are at least partly autobiographical: He spent three years in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ae/articles/0521newandnotable05 21.html Tony's father, Walter, was born in Bjapi village near Mangalore in 1942 and married his mother, a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Karnataka in 66-68. Tony was born in Chicago, lives in Florida, has visited Goa a number of times and would like to learn Konkani. The book has been published in the US, for details see http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0151011451/102-2951668-7919367?v=glance n=283155 For the New York Times review see http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/books/review/16mason.html?ex=114835680 0en=fde461c5b04577f8ei=5070 For an interview with him see http://www.peacecorpswriters.org/pages/2006/0603/603talkdsouza.html For a photo and the Tony D'Souza website see http://www.tonydsouza.com/ For his US tour see http://www.tonydsouza.com/tour.htm From Edde Fernandes: The book is to be published in the UK by Portobello on 6 July 2006. Please contact me if you would like to attend the book launch and/or meet Tony D'Souza in London around the time. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Answer to Noronha's Da Vinci Code article
Maybe you can forward this message to C. Noronha. I think we all have to remember that this is a page-turning novel, a detective story. It is fiction; it is entertainment and never meant to be truth.. What is important are not the inaccuracies in the book, whatever they may be. The fact that the book has sparked questioning of the roots of Christianity is perhaps its most significant contribution. More people are thinking about their religion, asking legitimate and important questions and learning more about early Christianity than ever before. That is an important accomplishment in this more secular age. I don't think the novel has shaken anyone's faith, but perhaps renewed it for many of us who take our 'Christianity' for granted. And if the novel has stimulated us to know and think more and find answers to religious and historical questions, then it is ultimately a good thing. Janet Rubinoff York University Toronto, Ontario, Canada _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
Re: [Goanet] I'm back !!!
Elisabeth Carvalho [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If he lived, married and had children. That too is irrelevant but perhaps more beneficial to mankind. Only a man (or God) who has experienced the nagging of a good wife can truly understand the concept of hell! :)) Elisabeth, A person who has experienced a nagging wife will never fear hell. After all, he was married to the devils sister. Mervyn3.0 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Archbishop Gracias Flays Amnesty Intern ational’s Move To Review Policy On Abortion
Archbishop Gracias Flays Amnesty International's Move To Review Policy On Abortion By Henry D'Souza, SAR NEWS NEW DELHI (SAR NEWS) -- I'm indeed surprised at the Amnesty International's move to review policy on abortion. Amnesty International has been a credible organisation which was always known for protecting human rights of all, more particularly of weaker sections of society, declared Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra, who is also the president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. Archbishop Gracias was responding to the Amnesty International's move to decide by the end of 2006 whether to adopt a new position that would favour the decriminalisation of abortion, access to quality services for the management of complications arising from abortion and legal, safe and accessible abortion in cases of rape, sexual assault, incest, and risk to a woman's life. If the much-respected organisation adopts a pro-abortion policy, it would mean that Amnesty International is bidding goodbye to human rights, which has been its hallmark for over forty years, the archbishop said. The Catholic Church believes that in the case of a rape and the incest, no doubt that human rights of the victim is violated, but it does not take away the right of the unborn child. In the case of mother's life being in danger, the Church's position is that both the mother and the child have equal rights to live. Efforts should be made to save both the lives. One cannot posit an act which takes away the right of either the mother or the baby, affirmed noted Canon Law expert Archbishop Gracias. Amnesty International is considering changing its thus far held neutral policy on abortion to one that would affirm 'legal abortion' to be an international human right. The organisation has asked members to submit their responses to the proposed changes to their Sexual and Reproductive Rights Policy. The Amnesty International's current policy on abortion declares, Amnesty International takes no position on whether or not women have a right to choose to terminate unwanted pregnancies; there is no generally accepted right to abortion in international human rights law. What needs to be done? Firstly, we need to appreciate and uphold the much-acclaimed UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child which states, 'the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth', the archbishop stated. Secondly, we need to endorse the Church's point of view which upholds the human rights of all, even of the unborn child. The pro-life organisations and individuals need to publicise the correct teaching of the Church and promote advocacy on the matter. (The writer is executive secretary of the Commission for Social Communication, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, New Delhi). _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Frankie Pinto (ex Nairobi)
Frankie Pinto( ex Nairobi) from Brisbane, Australia passed away this weekend. Leaves behind wife Fatima (Griffith University) and 2 lovely daughters Rosalind and Tanya. Funeral friday 26th May at 1 pm at St Bernards Church, Corner Klumpp and Logan Road, Mt Gravatt. Joy de Souza President (Club de Goa) Brisbane QLD. Australia. 4113. [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goanet Reader: Don't fear Dan Brown or Da Vinci. Be afraid of our own ignorance. (Chhotebhai Noronha)
DON'T FEAR DAN BROWN OR DA VINCI. BE AFRAID OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE By Chhotebhai Noronha Dan Brown's fictional work, The Da Vinci Code has sold millions of copies worldwide. The movie is now due for release. Wonder how much money Brown made out of the book, and how much more he will get out of the movie? The adage that a half-truth is more dangerous than a lie holds good for Brown’s Code (why call it Da Vinci’s Code anyway?) It is sugar coated poison. I am an Indian Christian, and believe in the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is not because I was born into a Christian family, but because I have experienced the love and power of Jesus in my life. At the same time I have been actively involved in promoting communal harmony and inter-religious dialogue in my hometown of Kanpur. I have constantly challenged any form of religious bigotry, clerical hegemony or injustice in my own community. I say this by way of introduction, because I am no religious zealot, when I call Dan Brown a cunning and clever insinuator. Brown is a master of double speak, double entendre and insinuation. He knows only too well that if he makes an objective averment he can be hauled up for fomenting religious hatred or deliberately denigrating a particular religion -- in this case Christianity. We need to distinguish between faith and practice, including distortions of faith. The notoriety of inquisitions and crusades cannot be attributed to Christianity; but a gross distortion of the same. By the same yardstick we cannot blame Hinduism per se for the perpetuation of caste, or Islam for certain terrorist movements. Brown uses fictitious characters to mouth unsubstantiated allegations, that a gullible public would lap us as the 'Gospel Truth'. What an irony! If Brown had written a scholarly thesis, with references of research, his sources could have been crosschecked and countered by scholars. A fictional work has no counter point. Of course, if Brown's intention were scholarly research, his book would have just gathered dust in university libraries. By writing fiction Brown has attained his primary objective, of making a lot of money. If Christianity, or the Catholic Church, is embarrassed in the process, so what! Make money by hook or by crook or a fictional book! What does Brown base his fiction on? His first funda is the Divine Proportion, the mathematical term PHI, and the Fibonacci Sequence, around which he constructs his hypothesis of Da Vinci’s cryptic messages. I checked out with a professor of Maths (a PhD and DSc), who in turn checked out with the most respected and competent number theorists in the world. Their considered response -- you cannot read too much into these numbers. PHI is not found in the dictionary of mathematical terms. The Fibonacci Sequence is the quotient of adjacent numbers, and the further one goes in the sequence, the closer the quotient is to PHI. However, we cannot stretch a natural phenomenon beyond reasonable limits, to present a case like Brown’s, via Da Vinci. If there are natural progressions, there are also millions of exceptions in nature. No scientist or mathematician in his right senses would distort one mathematical progression to codify all of nature. Brown gives the impression of having done much research on art, maths, nature, ancient religions, symbols, Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion. Unfortunately his scholarship of Christian biblical texts, exegesis and canonicity (what constitutes divine revelation in the Bible) is woefully lacking. The Bible is the most researched and documented compendium in the world. Biblical scholars over centuries have not hesitated in picking it apart. Brown has arrived 2000 years too late. He alleges that the Catholic Church in particular has doctored the Bible, suppressed sexuality and the feminine. He couldn't be further from the truth. There are four Gospel writers -- Mathew, Mark Luke and John. In several instances their accounts vary -- especially of the Baptism, Transfiguration and Resurrection of Jesus. If there had been a doctoring of the texts, then these anomalies would have easily been edited, long before the advent of the printing press. The Bible is replete with the sexual escapades of hallowed characters like Abraham, Gideon, Solomon and David. The book Song of Songs in the Old Testament (OT) of the Bible has passionate words like breasts, buttocks and kissing. By Brown’s convoluted logic, all these offensive texts should have been expunged from the Bible. Brown’s obsession with the Divine Feminine accuses Christianity of suppressing womanhood. Again off the mark. In the second chapter of Genesis (the first of 72 books that constitute the Bible) God says that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife! In nature, which Brown so admires, the male has always been dominant. Physical strength was the dominating force -- warrior,
[Goanet] Univ. Chicago screens Goa Under Siege
The University of Chicago will be screening the movie Goa Under Siege (Gargi Sen, 1999) this Wednesday (May 24), as part of the series Positive Images of India organized by the South Asian Students Organization. I was invited to lead the discussion that follows Goa Under Siege, and will comment on the development of tourism industry in Goa and the anti-tourism lobby which apparently prevails in the film. I have very good socio-economic data on Goan society and tourism, in addition to my own interviews with villagers and hippies. Still, I would be very grateful to know the opinions of list subscribers regarding the film Goa Under Siege. In particular, what would you point out regarding how the film covers (or misses to) in its treatment of tourism in Goa? Even if you haven't seen it, what is your stance in relation to the anti-tourism lobby? Your opinion is greatly appreciated and respected. Please send a copy of your email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Obrigado Viva Goa, Anthony D'Andrea __ Anthony A. Fischer D'Andrea, Ph.D. Dept. Anthropology, University of Chicago http://home.uchicago.edu/~afdandre _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
Re: [Goanet] Konkanni Films - Nirmon Amchem Noxib available on CD reply
Forever Dream is true, God bless you'll stephen fernandes Muscat/Divar --- joseph fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This ad appeared in : The Examiner of date, reads as follows: FC Global Music presents Amchem Noxib Nirmon (Songs, Dialogues Original Sound Track) On VCD's Also Amchem Noxib (feature film) D.V.D. Book your favourite VCD's DVD's in advance Limited Edition Manufactured Marketed under licence from: Jumbo Company Unit B, 32 A Eveline Road, Mitcham, Surrey UK Contact: FC Global Music Address:P Medhavi, 2nd floor, Cross Road II, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (West) Mumbai 400 053 Tel: 022-66939962 or 26318877 Call: 9819653353 or 9821468222 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] == Cheers !! Joseph Fernandes Mumbai - Do you have a question on a topic you cant find an Answer to. Try Yahoo! Answers India Get the all new Yahoo! Messenger Beta Now _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Nelly Furtado's Third Album *clarification*
Hi thereNelly is certainly not Bombay Goan; her parents originally came from the Azores and moved to Victoria...therefore her very multi cultural outlook and influence on her music. She is very Portuguese at heart and if I am not mistaken lives off Little Italy (mix of Portuguese/Italian hood) around College/Ozzington. In an interview a couple of years ago, she did say she wanted to visit Goa some day!! Pandurang == Nelly Furtado's third album 'Loose' will be released on June 20, 2006. The follow up to 2003's 'Folklore', 'Loose' includes the single 'Man-eaters as well as a duet with Latin pop superstar Juanes, and the song 'All Good Things' which features Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin. Nelly Furtado, a Bombay Goan left India to settle in Canada when she was three years old. Mike Ali _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
Re: [Goanet] Nelly Furtado's Third Album
On 22/05/06, Michael Ali [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nelly Furtado's third album 'Loose' will be released on June 20, 2006. The follow up to 2003's 'Folklore', 'Loose' includes the single 'Man-eaters as well as a duet with Latin pop superstar Juanes, and the song 'All Good Things' which features Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin. Nelly Furtado, a Bombay Goan left India to settle in Canada when she was three years old. Mike Ali Comment : It's not yet April 1st 2007! Nelly Furtado is a Canadian, born to Azorean parents ( Portuguese) Please check out the URL below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelly_Furtado -- DIE DULCI FREURE, DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ROOTS OF ARCHITECTURE - CHARLES CORREIA
When the 75 year old internationally acclaimed Hyderabad born architect Charles Correa, completed his 38 minutes power point presentation to a select elitist audience comprising architects, students of architecture and the socialites of Goa, at the Hotel Mandovi auditorium, this evening, little did one realise that his soul stirring presentation would strike an emotive chord with Mr Shivanand Salgaocar, one of the two siblings, scions of late Vassudev Salgaocar --industrialist - at the V M Salgaocar Memorial Lecture 2006 when he himself admitted that he had understood much of the depths of architecture in this moving presentation made by Padma Vibhushan Mr Correa. The roots of Architecture the topic of the presentation today reflected on the essence of architecture which was deep beyond the contemporary architecture per se. It begins probably with what India gave to the world- Aryabhata's numerical 0 or shunia, and the concept of mandala viz significance of the nine planets rAHU kETU cHANDRA etc and SUN as the source of energy ---was the source of inspiration of much of Padma Vibhushan - Correa's creations. His architecture provides a blend with the local artisans, and material available in situ. There is so much of the way one understands architecture. In Goa for instance one may have to look beyond pre colonialisation era or colonial rule or post colonial rule to understand architecture. Be it the Sabarmati Ashram, in Gujarat, the Legislative Assembly in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, the Kanchenjunga - at Peddar Road Mumbai or his own home in Bangalore (where he only holidays, the Navi Mumbai project , Jawaharlal Kala Kendra - where he got the inspiration from Maharaja Jai Singh of Rajashtan Jantar mantar, closer home the Kala Academy. There sure is a blend of man's harmony with nature and above all his works inspire a people friendly aura. But Mr Correa laughed at the thought of Vaastu Shastra as being dispensed today by its votaries. You could only frighten a politician or a businessmen ---making him fear the loss of his money or position, but Vaastu is much deeper then mere changing positions of seating et al. One needs to purify the ground -- clean it of all the past cultivate two crops on the same soil and then go ahead with the construction. Earlier Mr Dattaraj Salgaocar introduced the Mr Correa, a momento was also presented to him and a book An Historical essay on the Konkani language -- Dr J H Cunha Riveira translated by Fr Theophilus Lobo was released and sold at the venue for Rs.50/- Ms Dipti Salgaocar offered bouquets to Mr Correa. Visit www.charlescorrea.net for more visuals on his creations. from the Mandovi Hotel GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] In Abbe's memory - Gomantak Times editorial on 22nd May 2006
In Abbe's memory If Ramchandra Kamat's stunning piece of sculpture of Abbe Faria had not been installed sixty years ago during the Portuguese regime in the public square next to the old Secretariat, chances are that Jose Custodio de Faria may not have lived in the people's memory as much as he does now. Or if the statue of the great Goan hypnotist, revolutionary and priest had been consigned to some other remotely placed garden, he may have remained shrouded there. But captured in that bewitching pose with his extended hands over a reclining woman on the Mandovi riverfront, Abbe Faria continues to draw instant attention and whets the curiosity of passers-by. And as long as he remains frozen on that pedestal in the heart of the city, he will continue to live forever ... even if Goans and the government forget significant landmarks, including the one on May 31 - Abbe's 250th birth anniversary. A European nation - name not disclosed for reasons of protocol - will commemorate Abbe Faria by releasing a post card on his birth anniversary. But with barely a week left for the grand occasion, there are no signs that the Goa government has woken up in spite of GT reports in this connection. And the man immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in his epic novel, Count of Monte Cristo may have to be content with a modest programme to be organised by a local theatre group. This is a sad turn of events for the 'genial creator of scientific hypnotism' and inventor of 100-square draughts, who participated in the French Revolution in the 18th century. Born in Candolim on May 31, 1756 to Caetano Vitorino de Faria of Colvale and Rosa Maria de Souza, his parents' separation may have paved the way for Abbe's migration to Europe and worldwide fame. Caetano Faria had lived then in his wife's house at Candolim, which the government has converted into an orphanage but his ancestral house at Gavant/Tuar, Colvale has been vandalised and came down in the late eighties. The proposition for the release of a commemorative stamp on Abbe's birth anniversary was the initiative of a US-based Goan artist, Dom Martin. Though it fell short of the target, as the petition reached late the two European countries and India for granting the requisite approval, one of the three countries will release a postcard on May 31. Perhaps, the state government, which has been snoozing all this while, could make amends by pressing the Indian postal authorities for the release of a commemorative stamp during the 250th birth anniversary year. It would be a far greater tribute to him if the government also converted his ancestral house in Candolim into a seat of culture rather than continue it as an orphanage. Similarly, the government could examine the status of Abbe Faria's ancestral properties at Colvale. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Comments On Da Vinci Code.
Chasing Down Dan Brown A lot of people are grousing about the soon-to-be released, The Da Vinci Code. Canadian priest, Father Bernard F. Heffernan, will be right on site when the film is released at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, where he will launch The First Religious Music Festival Cannes, 2006 at a church directly across from the Festival pavilion. Oprah Winfrey is one of America's top female daytime TV hosts. She's a judge of good books, which she sometimes suggests to her viewers. Oprah got so enthused about James Fry's story about his own life; that she praised him to the roof only to find out later that she had been duped. He never did many of the things listed in his Million Pieces. Oprah had been duped; her credibility shaken. More than angry; more like rage, Oprah brought him back on her show to apologize to her audience. Media people don't like to be duped. It's serious. It cost TV news anchorman, Dan Rather, his job. One of the first famous media dupers was Orson Wells. Back in the late 1930s, he fooled his nighttime radio audience into believing that the Martians were invading Planet Earth and were devouring all in their path. So vivid were his heinous descriptions of the people from outer space that many of the radio audience fled to safety. Some frightened fleers killed themselves in car wrecks. Of course, we sophisticates think that we could never be duped. We're just too educated; too street wise; too space wise; so televisioned; so telescoped and so media informed. No! There couldn't be another Orson Wells. But there is. His name is Dan Brown. Just as Orson Wells shook America, so Dan Brown shook the religious tenets of many Americans and many people around the world. Many added fuel to the fire. It was growing by the minute, aided and abetted by a duped media; the very people at whose feet we sit every evening religiously watching the evening news. Mostly, the news segments parroted Dan Brown--spelling the end of Christianity; the end of the credibility of its moral leader; the end of Christ; the end of his followers called Christians; the end of Christian morality. Welcome to the shacking up of Jesus and Mary Magdalene But one media group refused to buy it. That was the crew of CBS TV's 6O Minutes. They sent a TV crew to France, where the story supposedly took place, to film the findings of host Ed Bradley. What they found shot down Dan Brown's book the Da Vinci Code exploding it like the German Dirigible of the 1930s. The Da Vinci Code never shocked or fooled anyone who knows the history of Christianity. But what shocked them was how it could dupe the religious illiterates on this pagan planet. But with the Code's cover having been blown by CBS's 60 Minutes, many websites and mainstream newspaper editorials are taking a second look. Nobody likes to be duped. That includes the news media where careers depend on being trustworthy. But where can one find the truth about The Da Vinci Code? The search site 'Google' has over 200 English Websites dedicated to it. About three quarters of them follow Duper Dan. But now 60 Minutes has rattled his credibility. (He wouldn't appear on the show). This year's Cannes Film Festival will be showing all the new movies for two weeks this month, starting with the May 14 showing of The Da Vinci Code. With its shaky credibility, organizers probably wish they never put it on the show list, but with programs printed it's too late for change. Much of the media of the world will be there, hunting down Dan Brown asking repeatedly Dan! Why did you lie? Why did you lie! I, and a team of Cannes' volunteers, will be just across the street from the Festival Pavilion at the Notre Dame Church, which will be decorated with banners, books, videos, DVDs, leaflets, pamphlets of many different languages, etc. We will have joyful music in the church, choirs, solosand instrumental, with prayer and devotions which people can join or listen to, while browsing the display. I'll play the keyboard on the steps. Famous and non-famous singers will be welcomed to perform religious songs, for which they will receive a certificate for having performed at the First Religious Music Festival in Cannes 2006. People are welcome to participate in the religious ceremonies conducted by their good pastor. Perhaps cookies and coffee can be served in a nearby room or on the lawn. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Desecration of the Portuguese language in Goa post 61
Thanks to the fortnightly program Contacto Goa we now have the truth as to how the Portuguese langauge was desecrated by bharat post 61. If one remembers: 'yours truly Imelda'. BC Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] RE: IDEA: HOW ABOUT A 'QUICK CHANGE CITY' --- AT MOPA![Rev]
My idea is: why not plan for the non-aeronautical part of Mopa as a proto-city for general purposes --- subject to a quick change for specific aeronautical purposes at some point in the future. I dont know if there are any international precedents for this. .. ... ... .. ... ... P.S. In the normal course of urban evolution, an airport is the 'crowning glory' of a growing, prospering city. However, since an airport is increasingly becoming a sort of micro-cosm of a full fledged city, we are proposing in the case of Mopa that we try to grow a city with airport plans providing the germ of the idea. Modularity for scale up purposes and flexibility for the required quick change in future may be some of the keys to this venture. Here is a mechanism (SEZ) which might provide an alternative approach to 'urban' development though perhaps not 'airport' development which is what we have in mind. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=91976leftnm=4; subLeft=0chkFlg= Sunil Jain: Killing SEZs, making a killing RATIONAL EXPECTATIONS Sunil Jain / New Delhi May 22, 2006 At the outset, let me make it clear I'm not in favour of SEZs as I think they're bad tax policy and a pure real estate play-while the focus is supposedly exports, a unit has to export just one dollar more than the total value of imports, over a period of five years! But the way the government is going around changing the rules is making them so messy that the very purpose of an SEZ, of not having to deal with a bureaucracy, has got defeated. The constantly changing rules, as in the case of the Delhi and Mumbai airport privatisation, also leave the government wide open to being hauled to the courts. Worse, as Commerce Minister Kamal Nath confirmed the other day, it was always clear that if there were any disputes between ministries on rules that had a revenue impact, these would be referred to an empowered Group of Ministers (eGoM)-so Parliament was asked to pass an Act, and developers to submit their plans based on this, while only the government knew fully well the rules could be changed at any point in time! While there's a debate about the minimum threshold for IT SEZs (10 hectares is what the commerce ministry wanted, finance wanted 25, and the eGoM has waived even this in favour of the original built-up area criterion), this column focuses on just the multi-product SEZs, where there is no dispute on the minimum size of 1,000 hectares. Under the rules as they stand today, an SEZ developer will have to use 250 hectares at least for what's called the processing area, which is sealed off from the rest of the SEZ and is a customs-bonded area. In the remaining 750 hectares, the developer can build shopping malls, commercial complexes, hospitals, housing areas, whatever. This is where the real estate play comes in. The developer gets a tax break on all the buildings on the 750 hectares while, if he built a housing/shopping/hospital complex in a non-SEZ area, he wouldn't. But since the housing/hospitals, etc. can be used only for the SEZ, which is supposed to be to boost exports, where's the problem, right? Well, under the rules as they stand, the housing/offices can be leased (they can't be sold, but a 99-year lease is always possible) to non-SEZ people as well! Presumably, after the Act got passed, someone in the government woke up to this, or maybe the tussle was going on and the government decided to get it passed in Parliament anyway-in the case of the Delhi and Mumbai airports also, the Planning Commission figured out the real estate play after the bids had been called for, and fought a huge inter-ministerial battle to get 250 acres or so of surplus real estate knocked off from the projects. In the case of the SEZs, this got passed on to the eGoM. Though the recommendations of the eGoM are yet to be notified and various rules/regulations yet to be modified to reflect this, what the eGoM is reported to have recommended is hilarious, or horrifying, depending upon whether you're an SEZ developer. It was of the view that the 25 per cent processing area be increased to 50, so on the 1,000 hectare area, only 500 hectares can be used for building commercial complexes, townships, malls, and so on. From my point of view, that's a good thing as it reduces the real estate play in the SEZ, but just imagine what that does to developers who've based their profit streams on 750 hectares for this. It gets worse. The eGoM is of the view, again rightly so but far too late, that allowing all commercial complexes/houses and so on to be leased to outsiders is unfair, given that the huge tax breaks were all justified in the name of exports, and so it has put a rider to this. It is of the view that at least 75 per cent of the commercial complexes/houses should be given to people working within the SEZ and the rest to outsiders-that is, the real estate play for the outside world gets reduced to a sixth of what it is right now.
Re: [Goanet] Pro active Govt. officials lift illegal matka kiosk at Navelim
On 21/05/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Authorities clamp down on illegal kiosk at Navelim --- The South Goa district administration in a surprise raid this evening clamped down on a kiosk accepting matka bets at Navelim and attached the same, even as those operating it took to their heels. The surprise raid took place as a continuation of a planned demolition of an illegal kiosk, which though slated for May 18, was not a success as the concerned block development officer and panchayat were informed that the illegal structure was demolished amid conflicting reports. Comment: A big hurrah, to the pro active Government officials. Navelim, Goa and India needs more of them! There are so many illegal kiosks and land grab artists all over Goa, we need many more of these Goan stalwarts to get into action! The Government should promote these people. -- DIE DULCI FREURE, DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ADC - MAY 22
'Undrak loknnacho vavr kiteak?...Konkani Proverb Why should the rat go on nibbling iron? Do not undertake jobs beyond your own capacity. Edward Verdes Chinchinim/Mumbai/Jeddah _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Port Wine.
Gabe, I have no idea if white port was available in Goa before 1961. My guess is yes, but that is only a guess. Lots of other red and white wines were available. About Vinicola Port (Goan), I am sorry to say but it is an insult to even call it Port wine. It is far from it and it cannot be called Port just like the Indian Champagne cannot be called Champagne (Did they stop calling it champagne already or not?). The Goan Port's alcohol and sugar content is completely different. The Goan version has less alcohol and much more sugar content. It is horrible. Goans often dink it as table wine when Port has never been table wine. Few years ago, India made a big noise because America started producing Basmati rice. But they ignored the fact that India was also illegally using registered brands like Port, Champagne, Cherry, etc. In fact, not only India but also Australia, South Africa and US are illegally producing Port Wine but they will never be able to export it to the European Union since those countries are banned from exporting illegal brands to the EU. Having said that, I have good hopes that India will improve its production of red and white wines. In Bombay, you can get access to several Indian brands of white and red and they are doing well. Consumption is on the increase and I am sure that quality too. If they want to get serious, they should stop selling cheap imitations that can cause damage to the real brands. Paulo. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gabe Menezes Sent: 21 May 2006 22:26 To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! Subject: [Goanet] Port Wine. Most, if not all Goenkars, know about Port Wine, as a Ruby Red drink? Well I have news for you - there is a White Port which is chilled and absolutely divine. Some excellent White Ports cost an arm and a leg. Perhaps some of the Lusophiles on this list could inform us, whether White Port Wine was available in Goa! Port Wine was freely available in Goa, greatly appreciated, for its bouquet, body and flavour, in Goa when there Portuguese were around. Vincola, is a poor substitute! More sugar than body. Let's get back on track, was there White Port available in Goa during the Portuguese time? _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 'Da Vinci Code': Christians catch the fundamentalist
It looks like the author was only recently Enlightened that Fundamentalism applies to Christians also. Too bad he didn't even bother to Wiki Fundamentalism (at the very least) to find out that it originated with Christianity, in various forms right from subtle evangelisation (that continues till today) to brutal historical inquisitions. It even applied non- derogatorily to Christianity, referring to the traditionalists who simply adhered to their religious ideals. Today, it is often synonymous to the term Absolutism. It was only later that the term was applied to Muslim Jehadi terrorism, which was a reactionary movement to the foreign policies of various countries. Hindu Fundamentalism is more of an oxymoron, as Hinduism has no strict mono fundamentals, but rather a pluralist religion. The so called Hindu fundamentalism arose as a reactionary movement to the Partition, subsequent terrorism from accross the border and Christian conversions. There is often an interchangeable use of the term Fundamentalism with the term Communalism, which is also incorrect. For further explanation, one can read some interesting articles by Asghar Ali Engineer: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030105/spectrum/main3.htm http://www.punjabilok.com/faith/islam/fundametalism.htm http://www.countercurrents.org/comm-engineer190503.htm As far as the Da Vinci Code issue is concerned, I only want to ask those Christian Fundamentalists as to why should a Secular India deprive the people from watching the movie just because it hurts the sentiments of 2% of the people, when it did not deprive the freedom of the same 2% to eat beef when it hurt the sentiments of 50%+ non-beef eaters/Cow reverers? Secularism is a freedom that should be devoid of religion, not a sum of all, as some percieve it. But my dilemma is this: Although Secularism is widely regarded better than Fundamentalism and Communalism, and democracy gives the freedom to affiliate with whichever ideology, do we, as a nation that embraces Secularism, have the moral right to deplore fundamentalism Communalism? Regards, Aristo. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Developments on Goan NRI Affairs
What happened to Herculano Dourado and company of the NRI Felicitation Centre after their 'touristic' visit to the Gulf countries? Whatever happened to the notes taken at the Dubai and Kuwait meetings of the Goan NRIs with the above delegations? Were the issues raised filed or handed over to the new commissioner? Will the same issues/demands need be repeated to every person nominated as head of the NRI cell/centre/ department in Goa? And for how many years? Remember the issues often posted and re-posted by some are nothing new! These issues concerning the Goan NRIs have been raised when Dr. Wilfred D'Souza visited Kuwait, followed by NRI Felicitation Centre's first fact finding trip headed by Chandrakant Keni, later submitted to South Goa Member of Parliament Churchill Alemao through the Goan Welfare Society (GWS), Kuwait time and again as well as by other associations/ football clubs/village centres from Kuwait as well as from other Gulf countries. By separate post, we are forwarding copies of all the above memorandums to the new commissioner. The same issues/demands has been raised ALSO with the visiting Indian delegations too by the Goan Welfare Society (GWS) as most, if not all, are issues pertaining to the discretion and action of the Central Indian government as we are aware that they are not within the reach/authority/powers of the regional (state) NRI outfits. Will any action be taken on the issues raised since the last 10 years? Will the new comissioner find the Memorandums/Demands/ Requests made and regularly submitted by Goans overseas from the files of the NRI Felicitation Centre? We had presented copies to Herculano Dourado of the same as well as directed his attention to the website links. A feedback summarizing on the priority of the issues raised over the past 10 years or so, as well as action taken/implemented or whatever suggestions put forth at Goa State level/Central Government level, would be much appreciated by the Goan NRIs based not only from Kuwait but worldwide. Gaspar.Almeida [EMAIL PROTECTED] c.c.: Mr. Carmo Santos, Hon. President Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait c.c.: Mr. Simon D'Silva, Hon. President Goan Welfare Association-Qatar c.c.: Mr. G.R. Crasto Young Goans Association - Bahrain. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] TSKK Konknni research Bulletin sod 10
Sod is a research bulletin produced, edited and published as part of the research efforts of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Alto Porvorim, Goa, devoted to the promtion of education and research in Konknni language, literature, and culture. So far TSKK has published 9 issues of Sod. This is the 10th issue of Sod. It contains articles related to Konknni language, script and education in English: Konknni Myths - Pratap Naik, S.J.; Social damage done by Goa's language controversy and conspiracy behind it - Ramnath G. Naik; Roman script the soul of Konknni - Nelson Lopes; Socio-economic growth of the Goan community through the Konknni language - Tomazinho Cardoz; Roman script for Konknni a must : now or never - Godfrey Gonsalves; Script Controversy - Eduardo Faleiro; A response to 'Konknni Myths' - Alito Siqueira; Scripting controversy: debating the war of the Konknnis- Jason Keith Fernandes; An attempt to understand Konknni language assertion Movement - Sammit Khandeparkar; Mother tongue blues - Madhavi Sardesai; Konknni versus scripts - Matthew Almeida, SJ; The African, Portuguese, Kannada, Marathi, Malvani, Hindi and English influences on the hybridized Siddi-Konknni dialect - Geralda de Lima Angenot; English medium primary education for better future - Cypriano Lopes; Response to 'English medium primary education for better Future' - Joe F. Vaz. EDITORIAL Inspired by Dean Swift's mock heroic Battle of the Books, one could have titled this issue 'Battle of the Scripts' but unfortunately, one proponent of the engagement refused to be represented here. In fairness we would have liked to give all the four talks given at the 'History Hour' of Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR), that have created a healthy public debate on the language situation in Goa. They are the talks given by Pratap Naik, Ramnath G. Naik, Uday Bhembre and Tomazinho Cardozo. The third one of these when we requested permission to publish his talk, refused point-blank to grant us the requested permission. Hence our apologies to the readers who are deprived of the views of the champion of Devanagari script policy. We begin by giving the first two talks. Then the former Union Minister Eduardo Faleiro's article gives proper perspective to the script controversy, and proposes equal status both for Devanagari and Roman scripts for Konknni. Nelson Lopes' article and the talk of Tomazinho Cardozo follow, which present the language scene of Goa from the point of view of Roman script. Tomazinho Cardozo expresses his sense of disillusionment with his former comrades in the language struggle, and terms the Language Act the greatest fraud on the Goan Konknni community that uses Roman script. The three articles that follow provide critical and analytical views on the talks given at XCHR. One could not but notice that all the three of them use the term 'hegemony' in speaking of the upholders of Devanagari script for the Konknni language. The first is by Alito Siqueira, which is a critique of Pratap Naik's talk on 'Konknni myths', written in the form of a letter to Pratap Naik and published in the Goanet Reader forum. The second is an article by Jason Keith Fernandes that critically analyses Uday Bhembre's talk, 'Road Map for the Standardisation and Development of the Konknni Language'. It is marked by clarity of arguments, and it challenges misleading fallacies and non sequiturs presented as arguments, such as 'Devanagari is a natural script for Konknni'. His arguments regarding Konknni are backed by concrete examples from happenings in the rest of India. The third article is by Sammit Khandeparkar, who puzzled by the whole controversy about Konknni scripts tries to make sense out of it. In doing so, he finds that the underlying reality belies the surface appearance; the facts of the matter belie apparent reasons proffered to be true. He could make some sense only if he applied Antonio Gramesci's concept of hegemony to the whole tangle. Next we have two linguists giving their views on scripts used for writing Konknni. Madhavi Sardesai's article focuses on the Konknni language itself rather than on the scripts used to write it, though it provides reasons why Devanagari was chosen for writing Konknni. Matthew Almeida exposes some of the oft-repeated assertions and half truths about Devanagari script with the help of what other linguists like Suneeti Kumar Chatterjee have to say about it. A third linguist, Geralda Angenot after her months of field work presents her findings on Siddi-Konknni dialect found in parts of Karnataka. Her interesting article studies the African, Portuguese, Kannada, Marathi, Malvani, Hindi and English influences on this hybrid dialect. The phonetic detail she provides about the dialect should be helpful for other researchers in the field. Since the dialect she studies is hardly known in Goa, it is
[Goanet] I have a theory about men!
No this is not the controversial topic I promised but in the interests of science and philosophy, this is far more important. As a disclaimer, I admit that this theory isn't based on a large population survey, nor is it validated by any other specific statistical tool. It is just based on empirical evidence as observed by me. Men suffer from PDD an acronym for Penile Deficit Disorder. Because they suffer from this ailment (and because those few men not suffering from it can no longer dress like Renaissance Man) they are forever trying to compensate for it by using various means of sublimation. For instance there is the PDD man who constantly cheats on his wife or significant other to prove to himself what a man he is. There are others who owing to lack of such inclination or perhaps opportunity usually settle for buying the bigger car, the bigger house, the bigger plasma TV or the bigger tool box. There are still others, who not having such means, motive and opportunity have settled for engaging in long and futile discussions on the internet with other like-minded men also suffering from PDD. These battles bent on proving very minor points such as the correct source of links, the right comma in the second paragraph (which really no one but extreme PDD man reads), the offending word (which offends no one but terminal PDD man), etc, etc, ad infinitum. I'd like to say that I know of a cure for PDD but I don't. I understand extensive research has been carried out and a possible vaccine may become available circa the arrival of the next Haley's comet, which is also incidentally expected to hit the earth and end civilisation as we know it. Doubtless, PDD man will still be found on some other colonised planet talking to cacti and discussing the finer points of tequila distilling. Elisabeth __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Konkanni Films - Nirmon Amchem Noxib available on CD
This ad appeared in : The Examiner of date, reads as follows:FC Global Music presentsAmchem Noxib Nirmon(Songs, Dialogues Original Sound Track)On VCD'sAlso Amchem Noxib (feature film) D.V.D.Book your favourite VCD's DVD's in advanceLimited EditionManufactured Marketed under licence from:Jumbo Company Unit B, 32 A Eveline Road, Mitcham, Surrey UKContact:FC Global MusicAddress:P Medhavi, 2nd floor, Cross Road II, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (West) Mumbai 400 053Tel: 022-66939962 or 26318877Call: 9819653353 or 9821468222Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]==Cheers !!Joseph FernandesMumbai Do you have a question on a topic you cant find an Answer to. Try Yahoo! Answers India Get the all new Yahoo! Messenger Beta Now_ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] The Da Vinci Code= - Some thoughts
The Da Vinci Code some thoughts Every now and then there comes a fortuitous opportunity to engage in a public discourse which can be illuminative, informative and simply educative. Unfortunately, we squander these opportunities because we are fearful that prevailing order, both social and personal,may be disrupted, or perhaps we may be closely tied to social or religious institutions, and thus respond as typical company people. Dan Browns The Da Vinci Code provides a once in a lifetime grand opportunity to engage, from a Christian perspective, in an evangelizing moment. Almost 70 million across the globe read the book. That means 70 million plus people are talking about Jesus. Jesus as a historical figure has fulminated peoples imagination and passion for over two millennia. Whether we like it or not Jesus remains the central figure of human history, thus the fascination with this mysterious, and for some may be mythical, figure is understandable. Dan Brown (I read it about three years ago) is in some ways a gripping novel, and it has captured peoples imagination. The genre of novel has a capacity to insidiously challenge the prevailing mindset and assumptions. Dan Brown has succeeded in doing that. When existing order, religious or otherwise, may be seen as threatened, the adherents of this order, understandably, go into a defensive mode. Banning a product worked well in medieval ages; boycotting products/people worked well during the days of Charles Boycott in 1880s. Today banning and boycotting is obsolete and counterproductive. A call for ban or boycott, particularly an article with religious connotation, is a failure to recognize that people have moved on from the medieval thinking. Todays times call for engagement, civil and respectful public conversations on difficult and uncomfortable topics. Dan Browns novel is such a occasion. Jesus, Gospel and the Church The Jesus of the Gospel continues to challenge, intrigue and fascinate todays people as it did consistently for the two millennia. The Gospel and the person of Jesus continue to inspire those who formally follow Jesus, and intrigue those who are not Christians. The Gospel of Jesus and the Church are seen, and have been seen, in tension with each other. It is a good thing that this healthy tension between the Gospel of Jesus and the doctrine of the Church is alive and vibrant. Dan Browns The Da Vinci Code steps right into this tension; some want to ferociously condemn this intruder and others want to engage this interloper as a genuine opportunity to talk about the person at the heart of the human history. Jesus is not the monopoly of any institution, Catholic or otherwise; He belongs to all, at least as a historical figure, and thus every human being may investigate this mysterious, mystical, and perhaps mythical, person, who affects human history. The doctrine of the Church is a product of the ongoing tension between lex orandi and lex credendi (between the heart/prayer and belief); and, of course, the prevailing power which becomes the arbiter of the final order has its own determination. The Churchs call to ban/boycott The Da Vinci Code is counterproductive for very simple reasons: 1- it demonstrates weakness in the position of the Church (which it should not, and it is not necessary). 2- ban/boycott invites psychological curiosity, and thus serves to fuel the market, 3- todays communication technologies are beyond institutional control. Jesus and the Church have been under perennial attack for the last two millennia; some of those attacks have been systematic, brutal and atrocious. The interesting part is that despite of all this one and half sixth of the world population recognizes Jesus as the center of its life; annually, in the USA alone, 15 to 20 thousand adults join the Catholic Church. If not the Church, the message of Jesus fascinates and attracts many. Instead of asking and fighting for the banning of The Da Vinci Code, Christians/Catholics ought to find this occasion to engage, those interested, in a faith filled conversation, rather than of condemnation and scorn. It is interesting to note that Jesus and his Gospel remain unassailable in the face of perennial assaults; Jesus does not need knee-jerk protection. He and his message are capable to withstand on their own merits. The Church needs to reform itself on ongoing basis (ecclesia semper reformanda); itis just an organizational and institutionalnecessity. Basilio Monteiro _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Nelly Furtado's Third Album
Nelly Furtado's third album 'Loose' will be released on June 20, 2006. The follow up to 2003's 'Folklore', 'Loose' includes the single 'Man-eaters as well as a duet with Latin pop superstar Juanes, and the song 'All Good Things' which features Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin. Nelly Furtado, a Bombay Goan left India to settle in Canada when she was three years old. Mike Ali -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.7.0/345 - Release Date: 5/22/06 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
Re: [Goanet] I'm back !!!
Hi Gilbert, How are you? How is the grandchild? Much has been said and written about Dan Brown and far more eloquently than I ever could. The only thing I would like to add is that Dan Brown is neither a historian nor a theologian. He's a novelist. Far more damning books have been written about Christ by the likes of Freke or Gandy. The reason the Church routinely dismisses them without so much as a second thought is because they never make it to the mainstream. They are the companions of lonely agnostics such as myself on a journey of self-discovery. To me, the personal life of Jesus is as divorced from his message as Clinton's should have been from his politics. If the historical Jesus was crucified, in all likelihood given the severity of Roman crucifixions, he died. If he died, his Resurrection is irrelevant. Being God, he wouldn't need to make petty points to human beings by chauvinistically resurrecting himself in any form. It is only the human mind unable to come to terms with its own mortality that yearns for postmortem assurances. If he lived, married and had children. That too is irrelevant but perhaps more beneficial to mankind. Only a man (or God) who has experienced the nagging of a good wife can truly understand the concept of hell! :)) Elisabeth --- Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Elisabeth, I am glad you found your thinking cap among all your Khatli Potlis.:=)) OK guys, now straighten up! Ms. Hutton is back.:=)) __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] What's going on here?
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNewsstoryid=2006-05-22T141055Z_01_BOM112049_RTRUKOC_0_US-INDIA-GLOOM.xmlsrc=rssrpc=22 An excerpt: India's Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd., which had a market value of $657 billion last week after falling 10 percent in the previous two sessions, slid as much as another 10 percent in early trade Monday following sales of stocks held by brokers as security on behalf of their clients. Gold has turned into brass. We are finished, said S.S. Gupta, a middle-aged Mumbai broker who said he had lost millions of rupees in two hours of trading Monday morning. (end of excerpt) _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 26th May:FRIDAY BALCAO: Dr.Marie D'Souza to speak on herbal medicine.
-- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO -- Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 26th May will feature a presentation by Dr.Marie D'Souza on her journey from allopathy to herbal medicine. Presently based in Aldona, Dr. Marie has had an enriching experience as a medical professional in the hospital work environment. Dr. Marie had always wanted to work with the poor and so her work in a taluka based private clinic gave her the exposure of the long distances that tribals had to travel when they were sick and the need for health services to be closer to them so as to offer them quick and better service. Her move to a tribal village and her decision to learn their language and culture went along with the decision to promote the concept of Tribal Village Health Workers - a concept already in practice among NGOs working in health. Through them she came to know the Medicine Men who were effective in their treatment and from these Medicine Men she learned and also started using Herbal Medicines besides studying and appreciating the complexities of Ayurvedic Science. As a team member of the NGO Janseva Mandal they decided to promote the use of already existing Herbal Medicines and eventually compiled a book on Tribal Medicine. Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. We invite you to attend the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] best wishes, Roland Martins == GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org -- Working On Issues Of Development Democracy == -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.1/344 - Release Date: 5/19/2006 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] SOD - KONKNNI (ROMAN DEVNAGARI) ISSUES
This is a publication of the TSKK. But the 10th issue has a gist of what has gone into the revival of the demand for Konknni in Roman script since June 2005. A must read publication for those interested in ensuring recognition to Konknni in Roman script. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 +++ Sod is a research bulletin produced, edited and published as part of the research efforts of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Alto Porvorim, Goa, devoted to the promtion of education and research in Konknni language, literature, and culture. So far TSKK has published 9 issues of Sod. This is the 10th issue of Sod. It contains articles related to Konknni language, script and education in English: Konknni Myths - Pratap Naik, S.J.; Social damage done by Goas language controversy and conspiracy behind it Ramnath G. Naik; Roman script the soul of Konknni Nelson Lopes; Socio-economic growth of the Goan community through the Konknni language Tomazinho Cardoz; Roman script for Konknni a must : now or never Godfrey Gonsalves; Script Controversy Eduardo Faleiro; A response to Konknni Myths Alito Siqueira; Scripting controversy: debating the war of the Konknnis Jason Keith Fernandes; An attempt to understand Konknni language assertion Movement Sammit Khandeparkar; Mother tongue blues Madhavi Sardesai; Konknni versus scripts Matthew Almeida, SJ; The African, Portuguese, Kannada, Marathi, Malvani, Hindi and English influences on the hybridized Siddi-Konknni dialect Geralda de Lima Angenot; English medium primary education for better future Cypriano Lopes; Response to English medium primary education for better Future Joe F. Vaz. EDITORIAL Inspired by Dean Swifts mock heroic Battle of the Books, one could have titled this issue Battle of the Scripts but unfortunately, one proponent of the engagement refused to be represented here. In fairness we would have liked to give all the four talks given at the History Hour of Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR), that have created a healthy public debate on the language situation in Goa. They are the talks given by Pratap Naik, Ramnath G. Naik, Uday Bhembre and Tomazinho Cardozo. The third one of these when we requested permission to publish his talk, refused point-blank to grant us the requested permission. Hence our apologies to the readers who are deprived of the views of the champion of Devanagari script policy. We begin by giving the first two talks. Then the former Union Minister Eduardo Faleiros article gives proper perspective to the script controversy, and proposes equal status both for Devanagari and Roman scripts for Konknni. Nelson Lopes article and the talk of Tomazinho Cardozo follow, which present the language scene of Goa from the point of view of Roman script. Tomazinho Cardozo expresses his sense of disillusionment with his former comrades in the language struggle, and terms the Language Act the greatest fraud on the Goan Konknni community that uses Roman script. The three articles that follow provide critical and analytical views on the talks given at XCHR. One could not but notice that all the three of them use the term hegemony in speaking of the upholders of Devanagari script for the Konknni language. The first is by Alito Siqueira, which is a critique of Pratap Naiks talk on Konknni myths, written in the form of a letter to Pratap Naik and published in the Goanet Reader forum. The second is an article by Jason Keith Fernandes that critically analyses Uday Bhembres talk, Road Map for the Standardisation and Development of the Konknni Language. It is marked by clarity of arguments, and it challenges misleading fallacies and non sequiturs presented as arguments, such as Devanagari is a natural script for Konknni. His arguments regarding Konknni are backed by concrete examples from happenings in the rest of India. The third article is by Sammit Khandeparkar, who puzzled by the whole controversy about Konknni scripts tries to make sense out of it. In doing so, he finds that the underlying reality belies the surface appearance; the facts of the matter belie apparent reasons proffered to be true. He could make some sense only if he applied Antonio Gramescis concept of hegemony to the whole tangle. Next we have two linguists giving their views on scripts used for writing Konknni. Madhavi Sardesais article focuses on the Konknni language itself rather than on the scripts used to write it, though it provides reasons why Devanagari was chosen for writing Konknni. Matthew Almeida exposes some of the oft-repeated assertions and half truths about Devanagari script with the help of what other linguists like Suneeti Kumar Chatterjee have to say about it. A third linguist, Geralda Angenot after her months of field work presents her findings on Siddi-Konknni dialect found in parts
[Goanet] Re: Holy Warriors
Hi Eddie, Thanks for keeping us posted on Edna Fernandes' book Holy Warriors. I along with many Goans are delighted her book has made it on to the best seller's list. Hopefully many people are reading her three-year research material and are gaining much wisdom. Do you think the controversy on Goanet helped provide more publicity to the book?:=)) I am sure many Goans are proud of Edna and join her in celebrating her success. A few may have retracted into their holes and are awaiting the next tide to salvage them. :=)) I hope Edna's lead supporter on Goanet, Elisabeth has read your post and the British review of her book. Or else she may still be wading through her khatli potlis.:=)) Regards, GL _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] EXPRESSWAY:Warning to Citizens not to obstruct the survey
--- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC) Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Techno-Economic Feasibility Studies for Expressway Construction --- PUBLIC NOTICE Whereas the Government of Goa (hereinafter referred to as GOVERNMENT) intends to develop access controlled Expressway from Patradevi to Pollem so as to give major boost to Goa's economy and whereas the Land specified in the schedule hereto is needed for Public purpose i.e. for Techno-Economic Feasibility Studies for proposed Construction of North - South Expressway in the State of Goa. Now therefore the Government hereby notifies that the land in the Taluka mentioned in Schedule is needed for the above purpose. The local citizens and community members are hereby requested to co-operate with the Demarcation team and feasibility Consultants and also are warned not to obstruct or interfere with any authorized surveyors or other persons employed upon the said land for the purpose of land demarcation for above project. SCHEDULE NAME OF WORK - Techno -Economic Fesibility studies for the proposed Construction of North-South Expressway in the State of Goa from Pernem Taluka to Canacona Taluka. North Goa:- PERNEM BARDEZ TISWADI South Goa:- MARMUGAO SALCETE QUEPEM CANACONA D1/282/06 -- Advert. in The Navhind Times 20/5/06 page 14 -- === GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Working On Issues Of Development Democracy === -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.1/344 - Release Date: 5/19/2006 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Port Wine.
Yes Gabe, White Port was available in Goa. I remember receiving a 'calice' in some of the houses, in Loutulim, Aldona, Uccassaim and Cansaulim. I also remember my mother being presented with small sample bottles by her cousin, prima Agatha, who married to one of the 5 do Outubro brothers How large was its sales-volume I can't say; nor do I remember the brand(s) name. Alfred From: Gabe Menezes [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! goanet@goanet.org To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! goanet@goanet.org Subject: [Goanet] Port Wine. Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 22:25:37 +0100 Most, if not all Goenkars, know about Port Wine, as a Ruby Red drink? Well I have news for you - there is a White Port which is chilled and absolutely divine. Some excellent White Ports cost an arm and a leg. Perhaps some of the Lusophiles on this list could inform us, whether White Port Wine was available in Goa! Port Wine was freely available in Goa, greatly appreciated, for its bouquet, body and flavour, in Goa when there Portuguese were around. Vincola, is a poor substitute! More sugar than body. Let's get back on track, was there White Port available in Goa during the Portuguese time? -- DIE DULCI FREURE, DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] With 31 Chairpersons Goa office of profit Ordinance is an afterthought
---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]-- --- Goa office of profit Ordinance, an afterthought --- Though chairpersons of 28 state-owned corporations were exempted from the definition of the office of profit by enacting a legislation last year, the latest ordinance on adding four more posts in semi-government institutions is believed in the political circles to be an afterthought. There is a feeling in the political circles that the latest exemptions were made to avoid embarrassment to some of the prominent figures including Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu and the Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao. Mr Deshprabhu is the vice-chairman of Kala Academy, while Mr Alemao is chairman of State Urban Development Authority (SUDA). Goa was perhaps the only state which had passed the Goa Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 2005, defining the offices of profit and therefore there was no much of hue cry, when the office of profit controversy rocked the country. The Ordinance, which will be incorporated in the Act through an amendment in the budget session has made a safe road for the government to appoint more MLAs and ministers to various positions. The Ordinance listed the office of vice-chairman of Kala Academy, the office of chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the office of chairman of Goa Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation. With the addition of four more positions the total number of the offices exempted from the definition of office of profit have gone up to 31. The government realised that these offices were not exempted from the definition of office of profit and hence issued an Ordinance, which has been notified in extraordinary gazette yesterday. Secretariat sources said that there was a demand to issue Ordinance specifying the offices of the vice-chairman of Kala Academy and chairman of SUDA, but it was delayed for two months. The government had appointed non-political personalities as the vice-chairman of Kala Academy and this was the tradition. Mr Deshprabhu is the first MLA to occupy the office of the vice-chairman of Kala Academy. While SUDA, which is registered under the Registration of Societys Act has always been headed by a minister or a MLA. The Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao is its chairman. Barring these two offices, the other offices are occupied by IAS officers. The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, who was the chairman of the ESG had resigned and the government had issued an order appointing the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh as its chairman. Besides few MLAs who were appointed to the ESG have also tendered their resignations. In recent past, no elected representative was appointed as the chairman of the Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation and this office was occupied in recent years by the IAS officers. The former chief secretary, Ms Kiran Dhingra was the chairperson of this corporation and after her exit, the development commissioner, Mr J K Dadoo is the chairman. With the exemption of the post of chief of Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation from office of profit definition, the government can now appoint either a MLA or a minister to this position. The Navhind Times 21/05/06 page 1 ===GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTREDocumentation + Education + Solidarity11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--Working On Issues Of Development Democracy=== _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
