[Goanet] Tracing Pandora’s Finger of Scorn (Dhaka Tribune, 8/10/2021)
https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/2021/10/08/op-ed-tracing-pandora-s-finger-of-scorn More than 2000 years ago, the first authorial poet of the western world, Hesiod wrote about the even more ancient myth of Pandora. Driven by curiosity, this first-ever woman, the mother of all humanity, was said to have opened a container (often referred to as a box) that unleashed an unstoppable flurry of travails on the world. In his contemporaneous *The Iliad*, Homer describes how those afflicted “will be pointed at by the finger of scorn [and they] will go up and down the face of the earth respected neither by Gods and Men.” That precise classical allusion wasn’t in the minds of leadership of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) - the non-profit network based in Washington D.C. – upon the release of its findings from the largest investigation in history earlier this week as the “Pandora Papers.” The ICIJ meant only the popular notion of “an outpouring of trouble and woe” but there’s no doubt their revelations are painful public embarrassment for many important people, including hundreds in South Asia. As the organization’s managing editor Fergus Shiel summarizes, “the most expansive leak of tax haven files in history” has exposed “the secret deals and hidden assets of more than 330 politicians and high-level public officials in more than 90 countries and territories.” About 11.9 million pages of confidential information from 14 offshore financial services providers, Shiel says, “Ambassadors, mayors and ministers, presidential advisers, generals and a central bank governor appear in the files [along with] more than 130 billionaires from 45 countries…Other clients include bankers, big political donors, arms dealers, international criminals, pop stars, spy chiefs and sporting giants.” Some prominent names “include King Abdullah II of Jordan, the prime ministers of Côte d’Ivoire and the Czech Republic, the presidents of Ecuador, Kenya and Gabon and the former presidents of El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay and Honduras.” This database of shenanigans includes more than 700 Pakistani citizens. The ICIJ notes that prime minister Imran Khan – who rose to power “on the back of promises to arrest Pakistan’s ‘corrupt’ political elites” was not named. But two members of his cabinet were, as well as “family members of several high-ranking military officials [and] donors to Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Across the border in India, the ICIJ’s partner *The Indian Express* editorialized on Oct 6 that “global elites continue to exploit the cracks in tax laws and the lax jurisdiction in tax havens to ring-fence their assets.” About the more than 300 Indians caught out, it pointed out “there is a distinction between tax avoidance and evasion [but] such structures are typically used to not pay taxes, launder money gotten through illegal means, and to sequester assets.” As you might expect, there are many usual suspects among this rogue’s gallery of shady operators: egregious swindler Nirav Modi’s sister, the extraordinarily incompetent would-be tycoon Anil Ambani, and a string of what the *Indian Express* describes as “big-ticket loan defaulters who declare themselves bankrupt [but actually] hold billions via offshore entities abroad.” In this collection of outright crooks, it’s both surprising and sad to see the name of Sachin Tendulkar. To be sure, it’s unclear the legendary cricketer has committed any wrongdoing, and his lawyers have sternly admonished *The Indian Express* “to ensure that neither The Indian Express nor the ICIJ attributes or alleges any improper or illegal motives to Mr. Tendulkar’s legitimate investments.” But the court of public opinion can’t be controlled quite easily, because humans react viscerally to what they recognize as contradictions no matter what the legal intricacies may indicate. This is precisely what Homer was talking about all those centuries ago in *The Iliad*: “Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.” What’s at stake here is perhaps best illustrated by the case of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the pioneering 68-year-old billionaire entrepreneur, and founder of the biopharmaceutical giant Biocon Ltd, who is one of the most celebrated businesswomen in the world. In its Oct 6 report, *The Indian Express *revealed that her husband, the British national John Shaw, owns a Mauritius-based company which “holds cash and investments of about $55 million, and real estate including four properties in London, one in Barcelona and one in a New York upscale residential building, cumulatively valued at approximately $30 million.” Again, it’s quite possible that all of this is perfectly legal, and that’s what Mazumdar-Shaw has forcefully reiterated this week: “I would like to state that these stories have grossly misrepresented the facts.” But the optics are undeniably ugly, especially given the context of Ms. Mazumdar-
[Goanet] Abdulrazak Gurnah z Nobelist from Zanzibar
For those of you who are interested in this distinguished Zanzibari, and whom some of you may have known, here is a rather good old review of his wonderful novels: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2006/04/27/zanzibar-love-and-exile/ Antonio
[Goanet] BESIDES BOUQUETS POLITICIANS SHOULD BE READY FOR BRICKBATS TOO
Regardless of which political party is in Power, we should commend the good things done by the government but never ever hesitate to severely rap them for their acts of omission and commission. There should be no room for political sycophancy as we need to fearlessly and bluntly point out and highlight any and every illegality committed by those in power and authority. We should never be spineless as our inaction in speaking out is great disservice to the society whose wellbeing should always be our concern. An effective and very vigilant Opposition is necessary to provide checks and balances in the working of any government. A very strong opposition is fundamental for the success of any democracy as no Opposition or a decimated one is precarious. Without an effective Opposition the government of the day becomes dictatorial, arrogant and unaccountable while functioning in rank violation of law and the fundamental constitutional principles. Those we elected should serve us with dedication and humbleness, never ever becoming power intoxicated. Let us always be reminded that “*Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely*” and that “*The road to hell is paved with good intentions*”. Adv. Aires Rodrigues C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.in
Re: [Goanet] Toronto Notes - spring & fall seasons
Roland, a bit early, leaves not falling yet, but I always enjoyed introducing this poem to my students re. Fall! Gerard Manley Hopkins is a British Jesuit poet, mid-1850s. 👇🏽 https://youtu.be/BrqZMuTiqi4 If u check below the poem, u will see a couple of detailed analyses of the poem, the layers of meaning, the ‘metaphor’, essentially the use of literary devices as in much of poetry, etc.. Great to explore with teenage kids on a Sunday afternoon, & to get them interested in ‘words’, & in expressing themselves. > On Oct 7, 2021, at 13:10, Roland Francis wrote: > > Autumn or Fall is upon us and with temperatures a little above normal for > this time of year, we are still having end-of-summer excellent weather. > Winter is forecasted to be more severe than recent years but that’s not > saying much because recent winters were nothing like normal winters at all. > > The pandemic has not had much of an effect on the city. While people still > mask up and keep distance, open air spaces are filled again and roads are > back to normal traffic. This October presents a vast positive difference to > last October. > > The Toronto International Film Festival which took place a short time ago was > only a shade of its previous popularity. Celebrities were few, screenings > were mostly virtual and the crowds totally absent due to regulations. > > Full dose vaccinations are given to 81% of the population but the next goal > is 90% and to achieve that, the authorities and employers are tightening the > noose with banning non vaccinated people from public transportation and > making it difficult lead abnormal life for those who are delaying or refuse > to take it. > > The face of Toronto is changing. The phenomenon of those little shopping > plazas in the city already gone with mom-and-pops giving way to big box > stores, are now being seen in the suburbs too, except for those plazas being > replaced by residential condominium towers. It’s a real pity for suburban > dwellers like me to see the city encroaching here. > > Working space seems to be permanently changing to hybrid models. While many > still totally work from home with a few returning to full time at the office, > a substantial number are converting to 3 days at home and 2 at the office. > That allows more personal interaction with managers and still gives tax > deductibility advantages to both workers and employers since it is counted as > a “majority of the working time.” > > Inflation is high. Every item, food or otherwise that you look at > individually has gone up by an average of 25% compared to 3 years ago, but > inflation is calculated at 5%. Somebody’s goofing, intentionally or > otherwise. Gasoline which was a little above a dollar during the height of > the pandemic has reached 1.45/litre today. That may be bad for consumers but > good for the economy since Canada is an oil producer. > > Salaries have not changed much except for the bright spot being that jobs are > plentiful and doors wide open specially for intending immigrants specially in > the in healthcare professions. > > Real estate had shot sky-high with most young people virtually shut out of > the housing market unless they are two income professional families with each > of them earning 100k or more annually. The average 2 bedroom 800 square ft > condo unit costs 700 to 800k with the average detached home costing well > above a million. The Pandora Papers are indicating that world real estate > prices have been sky rocketing over the years due to investments of ill > gotten offshore money into real estate in stable countries through shell > companies. > > Toronto may not have been a beautiful city on the lines of many in Europe, > but it was certainly a pleasant, homey one. We are now becoming more like a > typical American metropolis albeit without the number of rundown > neighbourhoods you often see in major US cities. > > More next month. > > Roland. > Toronto. >
[Goanet] Whispering Hope Roland Francis
Hi Roland. Was away in Bombay for a couple of days and missed your reference to Whispering Hope. This was a song in boarding in Parel that, perhaps, only one boy in the whole school knew, Sebastian Pinto, and he was called on to deliver it, tonelessly as ever, whenever there was scope to squeeze a song in during a function involving a stage. Well, Sebastian was as bright as they come, but, to be charitable, wasn't the best ever singer, nor did he claim to be one, but we Beatles fans let him know that we thought it more of a hymn than a self-respecting, fast number that we would have preferred! Then, there was Michael Brown who was always good for Wooden Heart, and Peter Wilson for Hang Down Your Head Down, Tom Dooley. You keep stoking the mem'ries, buddy! Incidentally, had some business at the E ward Municipal office in Byculla, in Sankhli Street (Sheikh Hafizuddin Marg now), to be precise. Bombay is unrecognisable and not only due to the heavy-duty road work for the underground metro going on all over like crazy. Most of the Irani restaurants, Kyani's and Sassanian in Dhobi Talao, to be specific, have seen their best days: the tea is undrinkable and, sacrilege! comes in thumb-sized paper cups, and will straightaway send you into diabetic coma! I stuck to abstinence and, on the train back home, to the coffee they serve on the Konkan Railway, which is, being charitable again, tolerable only because you have no choice.
[Goanet] Depois (Later)
Pretty Marisa Monte is one of Brazil’s celebrated chanteuses. She sings of a break up that must take place because the good times in the relationship have soured and both involved must be liberated to move on with their lives. Depois https://youtu.be/vJWkWyJPFew Roland. Toronto.
[Goanet] Batuka
Spiritual, sensitive, ancestral and magical, Madonna has curated this music of beating drums and swaying hips from the cultural traditions of Cabo Verde to take it mainstream. She gyrates and blends with the dance movements of the ‘batukeiras’ whose instruments the Catholic Church once confiscated to suppress their culture. Madonna in Batuka. https://youtu.be/nU2eApGw_TU Roland. Toronto.
[Goanet] Toronto Notes
Autumn or Fall is upon us and with temperatures a little above normal for this time of year, we are still having end-of-summer excellent weather. Winter is forecasted to be more severe than recent years but that’s not saying much because recent winters were nothing like normal winters at all. The pandemic has not had much of an effect on the city. While people still mask up and keep distance, open air spaces are filled again and roads are back to normal traffic. This October presents a vast positive difference to last October. The Toronto International Film Festival which took place a short time ago was only a shade of its previous popularity. Celebrities were few, screenings were mostly virtual and the crowds totally absent due to regulations. Full dose vaccinations are given to 81% of the population but the next goal is 90% and to achieve that, the authorities and employers are tightening the noose with banning non vaccinated people from public transportation and making it difficult lead abnormal life for those who are delaying or refuse to take it. The face of Toronto is changing. The phenomenon of those little shopping plazas in the city already gone with mom-and-pops giving way to big box stores, are now being seen in the suburbs too, except for those plazas being replaced by residential condominium towers. It’s a real pity for suburban dwellers like me to see the city encroaching here. Working space seems to be permanently changing to hybrid models. While many still totally work from home with a few returning to full time at the office, a substantial number are converting to 3 days at home and 2 at the office. That allows more personal interaction with managers and still gives tax deductibility advantages to both workers and employers since it is counted as a “majority of the working time.” Inflation is high. Every item, food or otherwise that you look at individually has gone up by an average of 25% compared to 3 years ago, but inflation is calculated at 5%. Somebody’s goofing, intentionally or otherwise. Gasoline which was a little above a dollar during the height of the pandemic has reached 1.45/litre today. That may be bad for consumers but good for the economy since Canada is an oil producer. Salaries have not changed much except for the bright spot being that jobs are plentiful and doors wide open specially for intending immigrants specially in the in healthcare professions. Real estate had shot sky-high with most young people virtually shut out of the housing market unless they are two income professional families with each of them earning 100k or more annually. The average 2 bedroom 800 square ft condo unit costs 700 to 800k with the average detached home costing well above a million. The Pandora Papers are indicating that world real estate prices have been sky rocketing over the years due to investments of ill gotten offshore money into real estate in stable countries through shell companies. Toronto may not have been a beautiful city on the lines of many in Europe, but it was certainly a pleasant, homey one. We are now becoming more like a typical American metropolis albeit without the number of rundown neighbourhoods you often see in major US cities. More next month. Roland. Toronto.
[Goanet] [Photo Blog by Rajan Parrikar] Víti Crater at Krafla
Photo Blog by Rajan Parrikar has posted a new item, 'Víti Crater at Krafla' Volcanoscape. The water in the crater at Krafla assumes a variety of cyan hues from teal to turquoise depending on the season and conditions. The first image below was taken last year in the middle of the Covid pandemic (if you look closely I am the only one there). You may view the latest post at https://blog.parrikar.com/2021/10/07/viti-crater-at-krafla/ Warm regards, Rajan Parrikar parri...@yahoo.com
[Goanet] Subject: Shortage of workers
While our government won't admit it, the shortage of workers here in Britain is the direct result of Brexit. Following Brexit many of the European 'foreign' workers left Britain to return to their own countries. Now, with the shortage of these very workers, especially in the agricultural field and transport business - the British government is wooing some of these workers to return albeit on short term basis. It is left to be seen whether any will want to return to a divided Britain. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Schedule for Friday 8th October 2021
CCR TV GOA Channel of God's love✝ You can also watch CCR TV live on your smartphone via the CCR TV App Available on Google PlayStore for Android Platform. Click the link below. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ccr.tv4 Email ID: ccrgoame...@gmail.com Schedule for Friday 8th October 2021 12:00 AM Rosary - Sorrowful Mysteries 12:27 AM Wisdom Reflections -5 - Rachol Professors 12:56 AM Hymns -O.L. of Carmel H.S. Curtorim 1:00 AM Mass in Konkani for Thursday 1:45 AM Eucharist - Source and Summit of Life - Talk by Sr Saral 2:00 AM Saibinnichi Ruzai - Dukhiche Mister 2:26 AM Devacha Utor - Juanvak Prokasovnni - Avesvor 10 - Vachpi Orlando D'Souza 2:31 AM Presentation on Inter-Religious Dialogue - Rachol Seminary 3:00 AM Special Prayer over the Sick - Joseph Vaz 3:02 AM Music - Spiritual Music 2 followed by Povitr Atmeak Dispottem Magnnem 3:33 AM Synod of Bishops 2023 - Basics in Konkani 3:40 AM Khursachi Vatt - Br Malvino 4:13 AM Ximpientlim Motiam - Bhag 78 - Bhikari Bhurgo - Fr Pratap Naik sj 4:23 AM Nattkulem - Amcho Fuddar - Fr Milagres Dias 4:41 AM Bhajan - Teena Zanachea Ekach Tatva - Fr Glen D'Silva sfx 4:44 AM Alcoholics Anonymous - Testimony of Faustina D'Cruz 5:11 AM Gaddie-Vahonan Vechea Vellar Bhagevont Zuze Vazache Mozotin Magnnem 5:13 AM Tell me a story - Saul Turns Paul 5:40 AM St Theresa H.S., St Estevam 5:43 AM Tithing - Talk by Alfwold Silveira 6:08 AM Poem - Khuris Zoitivont Kortam - Tancia Pires 6:10 AM Soimbachi ani Povitr Atmeachi ek Kudd - Talk by Mathew Fernandes 6:26 AM Prayer of children for their parents 6:28 AM Devachea Mogachi Bori Khobor - Talk by Orlando D'Souza 6:52 AM Perpetual Succour Convent H.S., Navelim 6:57 AM Sokalchem Magnnem - Rogtsakxi 7:00 AM Konkani Mass at Archbishops House followed by Jivitacho Prokas 7:45 AM Morning Prayer - Martyrs 7:50 AM Stations of the Cross - Konkani - Ulisses and Suzy 8:17 AM Music - Jezu Novem Ietolo - Fr Eusico Pereira 8:23 AM Repentance - Talk by Mae Britto 8:49 AM My Music Videos - Argam - Ivor Dcunha 8:54 AM Marian Reflections -9 - DCC 9:20 AM Devacha Utor - Juanvak Prokasovnni - Avesvor 11 - Vachpi Orlando D'Souza 9:28 AM Bhagevont Zuze Vazacho Ters 9:52 AM Ximpientlim Motiam - Bhag 161 - Zonel - Fr Pratap Naik sj 10:00 AM Health Matters - Tuberculosis - Dr Max D'Sa 10:31 AM Franciscan Hospitallers of Immaculate Conception - Vocation Promotion 10:40 AM Wisdom Reflections -6 - Rachol Professors 11:06 AM Special Prayer over the Sick - Joseph Vaz 11:08 AM Entrepreneurship - Charlton Collaco - Astra Metals - interviewed by Basil D'Cunha 11:28 AM Angelus - English 11:30 AM Mass in English from Cruz Milagres followed by Daily Flash 12:15 PM What's Cooking - Episode 5 12:40 PM Hymn - Deva Mhojea Deva - Fr Ronaldo Fernandes 12:46 PM Amchi Bhas Amche Borovpi -Willy Goes interviewed by Daniel de Souza 1:31 PM Make Goa a Zero Waste State - Gayatri Parsekar , SFX School. Siolim 1:39 PM Falling in Love - Exploring Relationships - Hosted by Judie D'Cunha 2:08 PM Bhajan - Svargim Devapanim Astam - Fr Glen D'Silva sfx 2:22 PM Conversion of St Paul - Talk by Dr Brenda Nazareth Menezes 2:48 PM Synod of Bishops 2023 - Basics in Konkani 2:56 PM In Conversation with: Sr Cynthia Menezes interviewed by Velma Fernandes 3:23 PM Prayer to the Holy Trinity - Prof. Nicholas D'Souza 3:25 PM Magnificat (Konkani) 3:27 PM Prayer of children for their parents 3:30 PM Divine Mercy - English 3 3:50 PM Santam-Bhoktanchim Ladainh 4:00 PM Rosary - Sorrowful Mysteries 4:27 PM Prayer for Synod 2023 4:30 PM Senior Citizens Exercises - COOJ 4:56 PM Prayer : Benedictus 5:00 PM Praise and Worship - Winston Colaco 5:24 PM Talk on Mon Bodlop by Adv F.E. Noronha 6:06 PM Aimorechen Magnnem 6:09 PM Bhagiancher Niyall V - Br Malvino Alfonso ocd 6:24 PM Testimony (Konkani) - Violet Menezes 6:30 PM Konkani Mass at Archbishops House followed by Jivitacho Prokas 7:15 PM The Examen - Talk by Syona Fernandes 7:27 PM Bhurgeanlem Angonn - Bhag 6 7:30 PM Saibinnichi Ruzai - Dukhiche Mister 7:56 PM Our Father - German 8:00 PM Creation Week - Day 6 8:10 PM Pastoral Letter 2021-22 - Talk in English- Fr Henry Falcao 8:36 PM Consecrated Women in the World - Vocation Promotion 8:46 PM Couples Prayer (Konkani) 8:53 PM Devacha Utor - Juanvak Prokasovnni - Avesvor 12 - Vachpi Orlando D'Souza 9:00 PM Adoration - Padre Pio Friary - 1 9:36 PM Ratchem Magnem 9:53 PM Concert - Vem Cantar (2019) 8 to 11 yrs 10:29 PM Magnnem, Upas, Dhorm Dan - Anthony D'Souza 11:09 PM Repentance - Talk by Jorim Mendonca Donations may be made to: Beneficiary name : CCR GOA MEDIA. Name of Bank : ICICI Bank Branch Name: Panaji Branch RTGS/NEFT Code : ICIC015 Savings Bank Account No : 262401000183
Re: [Goanet] Goanet Digest, Vol 16, Issue 541
Habari yako Datuk Makongo Juu, you traded the impeccable caju for the rain drops, what a traitor. I guess the pothole filled bharat made roads in Goa must have done damage to the humble prostate. BC 04:50:58 + (UTC) it could be a spam or somebody posing as OLE the Mexican replete with his straw hat I think they call such hats Sombrero This Goan from Makongo Juu and whose ancestors millions of years ago made grunts rather than words slowly evolved languages depending on where they wereL Different variants of Konkoni, depending on whether you come from North or South, some speak Portuguese, Marathi Hindi just like the Wachagga of Tanzania who speak variants , of the same language depending on location etc etc A sensible person is being told >The likes of Adiga should note that his country cannot even build proper roads in Goa. Time to rethink, your foolish historical perspectives.>>>What logic surely the people he calls foolish speak, pray, transact business have become work famous architects ete. This individual should seek help..preferably from National Social Security Peace & Good Will know your History Well .the Caution fo*r all of us is that if we go too far back one only hear grunts *not oink oink. Now as for road building...I know that the GNU creade roads in Tanzania the GNU are drunk. not with GOA FENi but simply the smell of earth disturbed by rain drops.ALAS ..many hundreds of these WILDEBEEST get eaten by crocodiles as they cross the river Grandolfo In Makongo Juu -***
[Goanet] OCT 7/8: Webinar on Goan migration -- Stella Mascarenhas-Keyes, Menin Rodrigues, Roland D'Souza
St Xavier's College, Mapusa Goa is hosting a two-day webinar, titled Window to the World: Understanding Goa's Out-Migration. A Historical, Sociological and Philosophical Perspective. Organised by its Departments of History, Philosophy and Sociology on October 7 and 8, 2021. Day 1 (OCT 7) :: 1730 IST 1300 BST 1200 GMT Dr. Stella Mascarenhas Keyes Researcher, Author, Director Stellar Consultancy Services Social Research, Evaluation and Training, UK Theme: Colonialism, Migration and the International Catholic Goan Community Day 2 (OCT 8) :: 0930 IST Menin Rodrigues Author, Consultant. Toronto, Canada Karachi -- Goan Eminence and Influence in the Diaspora Roland D'Souza, Electrical Engineer and Human Rights Enthusias How a Bardez Goan Found Himself in Karachi Los Angeles US LINK TO JOIN https://meet.google.com/fyx-nzse-vny NOTE: In case you have difficulty logging into the above link, try the following, where the online event is likely to be mirrored: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredericknoronha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FrederickFNNoronha Twitter: https://twitter.com/fn FN ᐧ ᐧ
[Goanet] PANAJI’S TWIN WHITE ELEPHANTS
Panaji’s first multi-level car park at the entrance of the city which was inaugurated amidst much fanfare in November 2016 and has been hardly utilized even during the peak tourist season is a glaring example of slanted planning of so called developmental works. We were told two years ago that all the Casinos would be shifted under the Mandovi Bridge and their customer vehicles would be directed to mandatorily use this car park. As expected it was just another eyewash announcement. This idling car park must be put to some alternative use, perhaps as a shelter for the poor homeless who presently sleep on Panaji’s footpaths. Another white elephant at the other end of the city, is that ill- conceived foot overbridge opposite Sharada Mandir at Miramar. This now eyesore which was inaugurated way back in July 2012 was never ever utilized. Do we need a rock scientist to descend here for dismantling it? What a criminal waste of public funds. Those responsible must be brought to book. Public funds cannot be squandered in this way as every paisa of the State exchequer must be very judiciously spent and accounted for. Panaji will never be a Smart City with skewed and crooked propellers in command. Adv. Aires Rodrigues C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.in