Choice Begins 091014

CARIBBEAN N NEWS, EVENTS, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE LIF FESTYLE & MORE ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN ONLINE TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM COM • TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE: 647 647-722-6298 722-6298 6298 • VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 15 • WEDNES WEDNE WEDNESDAY, ES E SD DA AY Y,, S SEPTEMBER EPT EP TE EMB MBER 10TH 2014

CHOICE BEGINS

Some candidates who want to have their voices heard as viable alternatives and a deviance from the status quo...

JORDAN MAXWELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN With Toronto voters hitting the polls in seven weeks, political hopefuls are pounding the pavement, hoping to prove to voters why they should be the mayor, or councillor, this city needs.

However, with the attention focused on the usual suspects, Rob Ford, Olivia Chow and others, there is a strong contingent of obscure candidates who want to have their voices heard as viable alternatives and a deviance from the status quo.

Continued On Page 3

Photo: Mark Legendre/ Legendre/MK MK Photography

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Monique Bartlett: Author, Speaker, Health & Wellness Coach Monique Bartlett is the owner of Monique Bartlett International. She is an Author, Speaker and Health and Wellness Coach. Growing up she was actually the most overweight of all her friends. She graduated from university and someone asked if she was pregnant, when she wasn’t. That made her realize she needed to make a lifestyle change. Through trial and error she wound up losing 30 pounds and was the healthiest and fittest she had ever been in her life. It was a tough road but she did it.

It took her about 8 months to lose those 30 pounds and she went from a size 14 to a size 4. She wanted the weight to come off and stay off and she knew if she followed some drastic diet, that wouldn’t happen.

Halfway through her weight loss journey she joined a gym and women would come up to her asking how she got in such great shape with such defined arms and a toned back. It was at that point that she realized that there were a lot of women struggling with their weight who didn’t have the tools they needed to become successful. She decided to become a personal trainer so that she could give back and help other women feel as great as she was feeling.

Monique worked part time in a few large gyms but then decided to start her own business doing in home personal training for professional women. She got a lot of enjoyment helping other women transform themselves and get the results they wanted. Then it all ended. She was rear ended in a car ac-

cident and couldn’t exercise for eight months.

She was depressed, had no energy, was in pain, lost all motivation and gained fifteen pounds.

She knew she still wanted to help women with their weight loss but she also knew that she had to do something else besides personal training.

The opportunity came for her to write the fitness column for the Toronto Caribbean and without hesitation she took on the role. Having her first book published on Amazon in both hard cover and Kindle versions in January 2014 was another milestone. Since then she has already revised and updated it. ight Loss: 3 Mas Her book, Kick Start For Weight Massive Mistakes Professional Women Mak Make ke Th That at Keep Them Overweight, Exhausted haustedd aand nd Stuck led w ith practical On The Diet Treadmill is filled with tools and strategies for the professional rofe fessional woman who puts everyone else’s ne needs eeds in front of ke what she see ees her own; thus having her not lik like sees when she looks in the mirror.. H Her er skill set aalso lso includes being an NLP Coach acch and Hy Hypnosis ypnosiss ly y adding Whol ole Trainer, along with recently Whole Food Nutrition to her resume. e. hat it’s li ike to bbee Monique knows what like w what iit’s t’s li ike tto o overweight, but she also know like be fit and healthy. If she can ddo o it it, youu cann to too. oo. ionn wo io wom men rea achh Her goal is to help one million women reach sting a ffree reee w ebitheir ideal weight. She is hosting webinar on Thursday Sept 18 at 77pm pm m bbased a ed oon as n th the he ou ca cann re reg gist ister er for er or information in her book. You register o hhttp://kickstartttp: tt p ///ki p: kick ckst ck startstar her free webinar by going to forweightloss.com/webinar . T There here he re w will i l bee a il

FREE gift for all attendees.

In celebration of the upcoming September launch of her Kick Start for Weight Loss Bootcamp 6 Month Online Program, Monique is giving away a FREE downloadable version of her book. You can download your FREE copy by going to http://kickstartforweightloss.com/freebook If you would like to connect with Monique or have her to speak to your group or org gan niz izat atio ionn, you can organization, email her at monique@ moniquebartlett.com or you can an L ikee he ik herr Like Fa Facebook ace cebo book Fan Pag Page ge at Mon Monique niq ique ue B Bartlett artlett Au uth thor.

Author.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Voices that need to be heard Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- Andray Domise, a candidate for Ward 2 Etobicoke North seat, long held by both Rob and Doug Ford, is just one of the many trying to offer new perspectives, and galvanize the youth and business community. “(If elected) we pretty much have four years to undo 18 years of neglect,” said Domise, in an interview with Toronto Caribbean News.

When speaking of the challenges in running in a ward, which the Fords reigned over for 14 years, Domise said that he’s dealt with his fair share of voter apathy, but finds most who meet him and read his platform have pledged to support him in this upcoming election.

“People are fed up, but the time for skepticism is over. A lot of people want change but you have to be willing to do the work, whether it be knocking on doors or volunteering for events,” said Domise.

He added that Toronto has a lack of diversity in council and representation but highlighted the importance and great need for civic action within our own communities.

“It’s about getting the word out and letting people know who I am,” he said. “My job is to train and develop people who aren’t heard.

You can’t just sit there and complain when you’ve done no work. Complaining to our friends and neighbours won’t do anything. We have to get involved and we can’t use the same solutions.

“I’m not interested in whining, I’m interested in advocation.”

One of Domise’s key ideas is to create innovation hubs which would allow the youth opportunities to learn, undergo training in differ-

ent fields and study unique industries such as technology and business.

“We have to remove the barriers to education and keep people in the ward,” said Domise. “If we don’t invest in our schools, development, in retail business and transit, this ward will continue to be in decline.”

Another candidate hoping to make an impact is Dewitt Lee, who is running for mayor a second time after finishing 12th in 2010, collecting 1,699 votes.

Lee, who runs a marketing firm called L.E.A.P (Logos, Ethos and Pathos), said that with more than 100 volunteers at his side, he’s able to make a strong connection with the youth and communities across the city while offering positive alternatives and tangible solutions for change.

“We have to rise up and build.

We have to leave evidence of our existence,” he said, a proud Christian who’s involved with many churches and programs city-wide. “Real change is done by the people.”

Pushing for youth employment and enlisting BIA support in these endeavours in amongst his top priorities along with instituting a regular diversity test to ensure business are hiring fairly.

“I want to be a bridge between this generation and the next.

I’m young enough to know the diddy-bop but old enough to know what a bus stop means. It’s time to give future generations hope,” he said.

Both candidates in this year’s election made it clear that without civic action, there can be no diversity of opinion and Domise said that people shouldn’t be afraid to be the first one to dance.

“It’s like going to a reggae jam and there’s a big circle with the music going only but no one wants to be first one to start dancing. Nobody wants to be the awkward one.

I’m doing this so the youth follow me and it’s about breaking the vicious cycle and self-fulfilling prophecy that leaves us behind,” he said.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Agriculture Minister clarifies misinformation about Hope Canal project –separate contract awarded for fabrication of steel gates GUYANA -- Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy Sunday cleared the air on misconceptions that are being peddled in sections of the media and by some commentators with regards to the Hope Canal Project.

During an interview at his office Sunday, the Minister rubbished claims that the Agriculture Ministry has arbitrarily removed the construction of the sluice gates from the contract that was awarded to Courtney Benn Contracting Services.

According to the Minister, while the fabrication of the eight steel gates for the outer sluice of the Northern Relief Channel at Hope is part of the design, it was never part of the contract with Courtney Benn.

“We wanted the Courtney Benn construction company to focus on the building of the infrastructure that will house the gates.

I want to make it clear that it was a separate contract from the very beginning,” Minister Ramsammy clarified.

That contract was tendered out to the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), which itself had announced earlier the completion of the fabrication of all eight gates.

Those gates will be installed unto the structure of the outer sluice once the construction of that sluice is completed.

In terms of the Northern Relief Channel, the only outstanding aspect that is keeping it from operationalisation is the construction of the same outer sluice. As it stands, construction is in excess of 80 percent completed.

Minister Ramsammy said that if the contractor works normal hours every day, the remaining work should take about six weeks to be completed. In July, completion was anticipated by September month-end; however, a number of difficulties were encountered and the ministry is now playing a more active role in the execution of the work.

“Some of the difficulties that the contractor has encountered can be resolved by the ministry, and so all we are doing is working in partnership with the contractor so that those difficulties are removed. I expect that on Tuesday coming, work on site will be more diligent,” he said.

He noted that while the ministry is frustrated by the sloth of the contractor, the difficulties are understood and appreciated. He also remarked that the question of liability and liquidated damages is not off the table.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and the accommodation of the contractor does not mean that the contractor will escape liquidated damage…,” Minister Ramsammy said.

The ministry is working with the contractor with the view of increasing the working hours and number of days, so that construction will be completed between six to eight weeks.

Earlier, Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth

had indicated that the canal should become operational by year-end.

Minister Ramsammy explained that once completed, the canal will have to be tested; however, at this point in time even if it was completed, such testing cannot be done.

“One needs water to test it and we are not about to release any water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy because we are in a conservation period. Every ounce of water at this time is critical because in spite of the people joking about El Nino, we have had less rain this year so far, than we normally do,” the Minister said.

The ministry is anticipating the usual year-end rainfall which will then allow for the structure to be tested. The canal itself is over 90 percent completed.

“One media house took the time to take an aerial shot to show that there were pieces along the canal that are not completed.

We have deliberately kept those because those are just couple of hours of work…we have deliberately kept those because of convenience to the residents. The residents have grown accustomed all these years of walking from one village to the next. We have kept those to allow for easy movement in transportation,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

‘WALK BRIDGES’ Once the sluice is ready, those outstanding aspects will be addressed. At that time, the only physical communication between villages would be to go all the way around until the ministry constructs ‘walk bridges’.

These interconnecting bridges across the canal are not part of the Hope Canal project. It will have to be budgeted for in the 2015 national budget. The only walkway that will be constructed from this year’s budget will be one between Hope and Dochfour, particularly to facilitate school children.

The ministry will also be constructing a tarmac next to the Hope Secondary school where buses can stop to take in school children, rather than them having to cross the main highway.

“We are making preparation for the operationalisation by the end of the year for this canal. It is important to note, however, that work on this canal will be ongoing for several years. The dam itself will be continuously worked on as the earth compresses, we will be adding layers to it,” Minister Ramsammy stated.

While the work may have been moving at a slothful pace, the Minister asserted that the quality of the work done cannot be questioned.

The delay notwithstanding, the project is within the budgetary sum, which is $3.6B. - Guyana Chronicle

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Extra security at Port Of Spain prison TRINIDAD -Security at the Port-ofSpain State Prison has been ramped up following reports of a planned mass prison break by inmates at the facility. Senior prison sources said yesterday that the Prison Service’s executive began implementing the measures in early August, after receiving information that some of the inmates were planning a breakout as part of the ongoing protest against their lengthy detentions due to delays in the criminal justice system.

The T&T Guardian understands that the new measures include the posting of armed prison officers in marked vehicles in front the gates of the prison at nights to quickly apprehend prisoners in the event of an escape. Frequent searches of cells for surplus clothing, which prisoners often to tie together to create a makeshift ladder to scale the high prison walls, are also being carried out. Prison officers are also periodically testing the structural integrity of the outdated cell gates at the over 200-year-old facility, and looking for signs of damage from hacksaw blades which are often smuggled into the prison.

The T&T Guardian was also told that the over 500 inmates currently housed at the facility were recently taken to the open air area, where the prison’s supervisors informed them of their knowledge of the plan and warned them to forget about executing it.

ity of external threats occurring. Richards said although there were occasional tweaks to security arrangements when they receive information of credible threats, better planning is needed for unknown threats.

“We have to update our response to what is happening outside. We have to be proactive about it,” Richards said.

“People may not take this seriously but they should. Many of these prisoners are in there for violent crimes and if they succeed it will be mayhem out here,” the source said.

However, the source said they are adequately prepared to deal with any threat.

“If they (prisoners) try something, we will be ready,” the officer said. Several calls to Prison Commissioner Conrad Barrow’s cellphone yesterday went unanswered. Also contacted yesterday, Prison Officers’ Association president Ceron Richards would not confirm or deny the breakout threat, but did admit there were some new security measures, including the armed patrols outside

the prison.

“What I can say is that there have been slight changes outside the Frederick Street prison based on the intervention of the association,” Richards said. Describing all the nation’s prisons as a security risk, Richards said the executive of the Prison Service needed to collaborate with the association in order to develop more long term plans which would ensure the safety of prison officers, inmates and the public.

He suggested that in addition to rigorous security inside the Golden Grove and Maximum Security Prisons in Arouca, some attention on what occurs outside these facilities is necessary, as there is a possibil-

Inmates ready for sacrifice: The plan was confirmed by an inmate, who issued an unnamed e-mail last week in which they threatened increased action because of Government’s failure to address their continuing protest over the issue. The e-mail included a detailed photograph of the dead body of murder accused Kevin Hospedales, who hanged himself in a cell at the Golden Grove State Prison in Arouca last Wednesday.

Hospedales’s suicide was the second in less than a month. The other incident took place on August 21, when Akeem Gill, who was serving a sentence for robbery, committed suicide at the Port-of-Spain prison. “The hunger strike was plan A, this is plan B and more inmates are planning to make the sacrifice. If nothing is being done there would be a plan C no doubt,” the email stated without giving details of their proposed next step.

- Trinidad Guardian

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

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Years after destroying Highway Reroute camp: Jack begs for forgiveness TRINIDAD -- Highway Reroute activist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh almost broke down in tears Sunday, as he chastised Independent Liberal Party chairman Jack Warner for actions he undertook as a minister in the People’s Partnership during the launch of Democracy Watch in Chaguanas. It was the first time that Warner and Kublalsingh had met with a common vision, following the destruction of the Reroute camp on June 26, 2012, by Warner, who was the then minister of national security.

Kublalsingh, who was one of 11 speakers, accused the Government of being undemocratic. He said in March 2012 during a meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, he was assured that the valuable agriculture lands would be protected, yet Warner came and broke down their camp. “The Prime Minister promised to protect our social, ecological and social assets.

She promised to save our temples, mosques, churches and schools,” Kublalsingh said.

“We told them if you have to take these assets away then show us why you want it. Justify it! Do a study. When they eventually did the study what did the Prime Minister do? She thrashed the study.” Slamming his fists down on the wooden podium and looking directly at Warner, Kublalsingh shouted, “So when we say government is undemocratic, don’t come and mash up our camps 5 o’clock in the morning?

“Who are we Mr Warner? Answer the question? Who are we? Are we nothing?” Warner’s face was expressionless, but he bent his head as Kublalsingh went on.

Kublalsingh said it was up to independent voices like Democracy Watch to stand up for

democracy. In a shaky voice, Kublalsingh added, “I almost feel to cry when I think of what had happened. Mr Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj stood up for us and he was our voice. I thank his great soul for his contribution to us.”

Kublalsingh’s movement is trying to get the Government use an alternative route for the Debe to Mon Desir leg of the Point Fortin Highway. However, Government is insisting it will go on with the project as planned, and recently won a battle in the High Court against the movement.

Kublalsingh ready for talks In an interview afterwards, Warner said he understood the pain that Kublalsingh felt. “I am sorry and I have in some way to makee peace with Kublalsingh,” Warner said. “II haven’t figured out a way as yet, but it iss something I have to do. There are people in n this country who I have offended by putting g this Government forward. I have apologised d about a dozen times because I made a mis-take by believing this Government was sin-cere.

“I was wrong and I am sorry.” War-ner said he hoped that Democracy Watch h could serve as a catalyst for other politi-cal parties to come together in a coalition..

“Outside there is so much anger disappoint-ment, bitterness and hate. I don’t know if thiss country will ever come back to what it wass before,” he said. Kublalsingh later told thee media that he was open to discussions with h Warner.

“I am extraordinarily happy thatt he apologised and I am willing to meet with h him at any time to build a cordial friendship p

with him,” Kublalsingh said. “I think that is a very appropriate mature and wise response. He was good friends with my father.

However, I cannot be civil in the face of an atrocity like that so I had to speak my mind.”

Kublalsingh said he was preparing himself spiritually for another hunger strike if the Prime Minister did not heed the calls of the Reroute movement.

Members from several political parties and trade unions, including the ILP,

Movement for Social Justice and Congress of the People (COP) attended Sunday’s launch. Among these were president general of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union Ancel Roget, MSJ leader David Abdulah, ILP political leader Lyndira Oudit, national award recipient Jowelle De Souza, fired People’s Partnership (PP) senator Mary King and supporters of the Highway Reroute Movement.

- Trinidad Guardian

Mocha/Arcadia next stop for police community engagements GUYANA -- Police in ‘A’ Division have already started working with the Mocha/ Arcadia communities, East Bank Demerara, where they intend to establish a youth group and commence skills training programmes with children there.

On Wednesday, the police visited the Mocha Primary School and met with teachers, parents and students and told them of the plan for working with the community.

The police sought and received the blessing of both the teachers and parents to work with the children on Saturdays, mainly from the school, and any other child who may be delinquent or has social problems.

The police also stated during their interaction with the gathering that for the programme to be effective the parents would need to work closely with the teachers and the police. The school will be used as the resource centre for the training since there is

no established community centre.

At the end of the programme, the children would receive certificates as was done in Agricola and several groups in Albouystown.

Since most of the children in Mocha are younger than those in the other communities, the police are looking to engage them mainly in craft activities. Those engagements are expected to be headed by Ms Kim Gordon, wife of the General Manager of Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publisher of the Guyana Chronicle newspapers.

Last week, the police took snacks for the children and adults who were present at the first formal meeting to discuss the plan of action. The police have in the past donated books and other school supplies to the community of Mocha through the primary school.

- Guyana Chronicle

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Miss Universe Jamaica finalist declares war on Lupus JAMAICA -Sixth place finisher in the Miss Universe Jamaica (MUJ) 2014 Pageant, Zandrea Bailey, has her eyes set on another goal.

It is one destined to make a world of a difference — being the face of advocacy for the fight against Lupus, a disease that she has had intimate relations with.

When the 24-year-old graced the stage of MJU 2014, Jamaica saw one of 19 beauties gunning for the title and the opportunity to represent her country at the Miss Universe 2014 Pageant, but unsuspecting of a woman who had endured the rigours of a gruesome disfiguring disease.

Ailing for almost two years, Zandrea battled Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a life-threatening disease, which at times got the better of her, crippling both mind and body.

Raised in Ocho Rios, St Ann in a Christian home by both parents, she was aware of Discoid Lupus, a disease which consumed much of her mother’s adult life, lingering for some 23 years, but never did it occur to her that she was at risk.

A graduate of the Trelawny-based Westwood High School and a University of the West Indies (UWI) past student, Zandrea had ambitions of becoming a lawyer before being denied a place in the 2011 batch of law students at UWI. Unbothered by the rejection, she pursued a degree in political science and philosophy while maintaining an active life on campus.

So much was her beauty and presence, that she was encouraged by her peers to enter the Miss Jamaica World Beauty Pageant in 2011. She obliged, but failed to make the final that year. Not deterred or discouraged, she decided that she would take some time to better prepare herself before entering another pageant. Sickness, however, postponed that decision, as Zandrea came in direct confrontation with a disease that has since waged war on her body.

“I entered Miss Jamaica World in 2011 and was pre-selected for that competition, but I did not make the finals. And so I thought to myself I would enter again after developing some more skills and working on my body.

“So I did that, I got my body right and I said I was going to enter in 2013. However, in December 2012 I got sick, really sick while at work,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“I ignored it until one morning I woke up and half my face was swollen and I had a really bad nose bleed. It was then I decided I had to go to the hospital; I knew something was really wrong.”

Having gone through several tests, Zandrea was misdiagnosed with Dengue Fever. She was told to take some days off from work in order to rehydrate her body.

“I went home. Whenever I’m sick I go back home to Ocho Rios because I’m never sick, so when I got sick I knew I had to go home,” she said.

Mindful but at a loss as to what was really affecting her health, Zandrea went home and stayed there for three weeks as she gradually got worse.

“My health started to deteriorate. I wasn’t able to keep down any form of food, I was extremely weak and I kept losing weight. I was skin and bone,” the 24-yearold told the Sunday Observer.

“I remember being home one night and I could hardly feel my toes, so I called my dad and told him I needed to get to the hospital to get some rehydration fluid because I was feeling dehydrated and my skin was scaling. He came and he brought me to the St Ann’s Bay hospital.”

Several tests were done that night; Zandrea remembers being told she had to be admitted because her kidneys had failed.

The following day, she visited a haematologist in Kingston as in addition to her kidneys failing, her blood levels were

low and she was temporarily crippled.

“I could not walk; I couldn’t feel anything from my waist down and that was really scary. I went to the haematologist and she said it looks like there is a virus fighting my immune system so she’s going to send me to a lab close by to run some tests. By this time, my fingertips and toes were blue and I couldn’t walk so my dad had to carry me on his shoulders to the lab,” a dazed Zandrea said.

She explained how the staff at the lab relentlessly tried to get blood from her body but to no avail.

“They tried to get blood but nothing would come, they tried giving me something to drink but my body refused it and that’s when the lab technician recommended that I be rushed to the nearest hospital,” she told the Sunday Observer.

“At this point I felt as though my soul was leaving my body, I was dying.”

On arriving at the hospital, (University Hospital of the West Indies) she was told that exams were in progress and they would not be admitting anyone unless it was critical.

“I guess my condition wasn’t critical enough,” said Zandrea.

Already half-way to death, Zandrea’s father rushed her to the privatelyoperated Medical Associates Hospital but was told she would not be admitted unless he paid $75,000 upfront and would follow up with an additional $75,000 per night.

Unable to meet those demands, she was brought to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). “[While] we were there at KPH my body started to shake, my father approached a nurse after waiting for a long time and said ‘listen, my daughter is dying, please let her see a doctor’,” she recalled.

When a doctor eventually came to see her, there was nothing he could do, as he was not able to get any blood from her to test so that she could be admited.

“While laying there on the table the doctor asked if I had a history of SLE, I said my mother has lupus so he said ‘ok we need to get you tested’”.

By this time the doctor was able to find a small vein at the side of her hand, Zandrea said, and was able to get enough blood to admit her on the ward.

Having been admitted on the ward, she found out that a friend of hers was the doctor on duty.

“Luckily for me, when I went on the ward a friend of mine was the doctor there, I knew him from UWI where we were [hall mates]. I explained my condition and he immediately started pumping me with steroids,” she explained before adding “It helped, I felt much better and my body had calmed down”.

The following morning when senior doctors arrived, they explained to Zandrea that had he not pumped her with the steroids then she would have died.

“All my organs were shutting down; I would have died that night.”

After being in the hospital for three weeks, she was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE), which brought her weight from 110 pounds to 200 pounds by the time she had been discharged.

Irked by tears she could not prevent from falling, she described how unwavering her support system was.

“My support system [of] family, my church group [and] friends was always there; I can remember one of my friends, who was also a part of the pageant, coming to see me every day...she was there every single day, she never left me,” she said, completely overcome by her emotions.

“My father slept on my bed every night to take me to the bathroom because I could not walk,” a tearful Zandrea said.

“I never felt alone. They helped me to cope because there was a point when I was

on some really bad steroid medication and when you’re on steroids you become unstable and depressed but they made sure I was comfortable.”

While in hospital, Zandrea made a promise to herself to be a testament to every young woman who was going through a similar ordeal...if she survived.

Still gripped by her emotions, it was here that her advocacy for the fight against Lupus began.

“I made a vow that if I came out of this alive, I would ensure that every young woman who has to go through something like this knows that it doesn’t stop [here].

We can still attain any goal that we set for ourselves but we have to be willing and able to do it.

“So I decided to myself that I was going to be willing and able by 2014; I had to do it not only for myself but for every young woman going through what I went through.”

Keeping the promise she had made to herself, she went and stood in front of a panel of judges, a moment she described as “nerve-racking”. She was awarded a ticket to return the following day for final eliminations.

“It was a surreal moment for me; I couldn’t believe it,” she told the Sunday Observer.

For the competition, she had to take on a charity, which she said further helped her cause in the war she had in turn waged against Lupus.

She went back to a female ward at the KPH where she focused on that.

“I wanted to do it for myself and to follow through with a goal, and for young women especially those with Lupus.”

Lupus, which affects approximately one in every 300 Jamaicans, according to the Ministry of Health and has a genetic predisposition, had significant impact on her sight; this she said was due to the steroids that she had to take.

She made a conscious decision to stop taking her medication, opting to use more natural methods to fight this disease.

“I decided to stop taking the steroids because I didn’t like the way they made me feel, I was irritated by everything, [and] when I looked in the mirror I didn’t recognise myself... my eyesight also went because of the steroids so I have to wear tested glasses or contacts,” she revealed.

“I now stick to more natural methods; I have done a lot of research on Lupus so I know that it flares when your [immune system] isn’t suppressed and for that to happen your body has to be alkaline, that means that you have to build a barrier for your body and the most natural products that does that is Aloe Vera and Noni.”

She had also seen the excruciating impact it had on her mother, whom she said was awaiting surgery after developing Osteoporosis and incurring three fractures to her spine as a result.

Zandrea later confirmed the death of her mother on Thursday at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital in St Ann. She died as a result of “complications with SLE while doing surgery” she said.

She vowed to intensify her advocacy for the fight against lupus, which has untimely taken her mother away from her.

“Now more than ever I will fight this,” she told the Observer.

The pageant, she said has given her a medium through which she can spread awareness about this deadly disease.

“They gave me a platform to tell my story and to encourage young girls and to let them know they can achieve whatever they set out to do...I’m going to write a book and I’ll go into motivational speaking.”

Though it has been a journey she said, “I must help”.

- Jamaica Observer

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Music makes you smarter

By Michelle M. Johnson Have you ever seen someone play an instrument like the piano, the drums or maybe the sweet melodies of the saxophone and wish that you could do it too? Sometimes it appears to be a gift that is mysterious and bestowed upon some randomly blessed people.

However, the truth is, most of the time this is hardly the case, in fact anyone who is willing to learn an instrument will most likely succeed on some level. If you invest ten thousand hours in anything you should be really good.

I have heard many excuses like: I’m too old, or a child might be too young, or it’s expensive to learn. I don’t want to be stuck with an expensive instrument and wasted money. Yet the average lesson costs about $25 dollars a week, so packing your lunch, or bringing your coffee from home should cover it.

The truth is all of us could benefit from music education in our lives, whether our goal is to be the next Michael Jackson or

simply to be able to play your favourite song on the piano, the benefits of learning music go far beyond learning an instrument.

Music makes you smarter! Scientists have discovered that it makes the brain work harder, and as a result it makes other aspects of your intelligence better. You improve your spatial skills, your kinesthetic skills (hand-eye co ordination), your interpersonal skills (especially if you are playing in an ensemble or band), your intrapersonal skills (learning how to express your emotions through music), language development, not to mention learning music improves your overall musical intelligence (playing by ear, being able to play an instrument and having rhythm).

So whether you are a small toddler learning your ABC’s or someone who is a little older, looking at retirement, keeping your brain active by learning an instrument or singing can combat Alzheimer’s or dementia, and for a toddler it can advance their learning of language and mathematics.

Another great advantage to learn-

ing music is that it demands that you learn the invaluable art of self discipline. This is a great way to implement discipline in your child’s life that will carry throughout their lives. The mandatory half hour practicing, setting goals and achieving them are skills that are necessary for a successful life.

Unfortunately, a lot of music programs are being cut from public school systems, it‘s not deemed as important as mathematics or science. However, I disagree. Most civilizations are marked by the art that they create. It is the legacy that is left behind. If you consider the current state of music today, what kind of art are we creating for history, for the future, what type of legacy are we leaving? As we progress with technology, we actually have regressed in creativity and musicianship, especially within our community which is an absolute shame because we have created some of the best music known to mankind, that still lives on today.

One of the most amazing things about music is that it gives a voice to those who either do not know their own voice or

were deceived in believing that they didn’t have one. It is a mode of expression. It brings us hope. I believe that this is the reason that when we have programs involving music in “high-risk” areas or any area for that matter, the violence and drug use goes down. You don’t want to find an illegal high when you have music that brings you a natural one. It builds character and self-confidence that will never disappear.

I have found that in our community music education is not a priority. It isn’t food, or clothes or shelter and that’s understandable. To give our children the best advantage in this world, it is best to give them as many opportunities for success. One of them is music education. The goal is not to become a professional musician, but to be the best person that God has intended them to be. I believe that we all have a song in our hearts, but it is up to those who use the tools to get the song out so we can live to be exactly what we are supposed to be!

The Eddie Quarless Legacy: Decades of music in Trinidad and New York TRINIDAD -- Eddie Quarless, the legendary musician, arranger and producer, passed away on September 1 in New York.

He made his living playing, recording and arranging music for almost half a century, leaving an indelible imprint on the worlds of calypso, soca and steel pan in Trinidad and New York. Last summer, the authors were fortunate to catch up with Quarless in Brooklyn Metro panyard where he reminisced about his life and music.

Born in 1952 in Santa Flora, Quarless grew up in the St Michael’s Home in Tacarigua where his mother worked and he received his first exposure to music and training. “I wanted to play trombone but they thought it was too big. So they put me on clarinet, and they taught me to read music at the tender age of 11—hymns, marches, John Phillip Sousa, and light classics, everything!”

Quarless showed great musical promise and at the age of 11 was invited to join the police band where he doubled on clarinet and saxophone, dabbled in flute, and began to learn the art of arranging. He got his first big music break: “I was 17 years old. They discovered me and carried me into Kitchener’s tent.”

Over the ensuing years he played tenor sax behind calypso legends Kitchener, Melody, Stalin and learning from the charts of renowned arrangers Art DeCoteau, Ron Berridge, Clive Bradley, and Frankie Fran-

cis. He was first exposed to jazz played by a trio with Kitchener himself on acoustic bass.

In 1976, after seven years honing his playing chops and arranging skills in the calypso tents, Quarless toured to New York as the musical director for Lord Shorty who had a huge hit with the early soca song, Sweet Music.

But the allure of American music, especially jazz, proved too strong for Quarless and he abandoned the tour: “I wanted to come to America all the time….So I did all those tours and came to New York and I hopped off. I stayed here for 17 years (before returning to Trinidad). Just going around and meeting jazz players and all that stuff, playing my sax.” He gigged whenever he could, playing with various jazz, calypso, and Latin bands.”

Quarless played with Brass Express and other Trinidadian groups in New York, and was in demand as a session musician, appearing on such legendary hits as Arrow’s Hot, Hot, Hot, and Kitchener’s Pan in A Minor.

Record producer Rawlston Charles recognised his musical skills and gave him his first break as an arranger in New York.

During the 1980s and early 1990s he worked with nearly every major calypsonian including Sparrow, Kitchener, Melody, David Rudder, Shadow, Swallow, Brother Mudada, Superblue, Explainer, and Merchant. He was at the forefront of the transition to soca music.

But his distinctive work as a saxophonist and calypso/soca arranger is only part of the Quarless legacy.

He started learning pan when he was in the police band. Back then, still a youth, he and Robbie Greenidge would arrange for Gay Flamingos, the band that later became Exodus. He remembered doing two classical pieces for Flamingos from the police band repertoire.

After relocating in New York he started playing pan with Lord Observer, regularly doing gigs in the Long Island posh Hamptons area.

He recalled going from table to table at high society parties, playing pan around the neck while Observer played guitar and sang.

A call from “Jimo” James led Quarless to a whole new role as arranger for Panorama, starting with Trinidad All Stars. In 1993, he first won acclaim when they tied for third in the finals with Pelham Goddard and David Rudder’s Dust in Your Face. “The standing ovation I received was one of the memorable moments of my life,” he recalled.

The next year he brought All Stars to second place with his arrangement of Kitch’s Earthquake. He continued to arrange Kitch tunes for All Stars for Panorama working for them through 1998.

With these successes, he entered a new phase as steelband arranger, for many

Trinidad bands including Desperadoes, Harmonites, Tokyo, Birdsong, Harlem Syncopaters, Defense Force and Tokyo. In 2006 Quarless arranged Mark Loquan’s Colours Again for Carib Dixieland. Following Clive Bradley’s death, Desperadoes chose Quarless to arrange De Fosto’s Tribute to Bradley the next year.

In 2008, he worked with birdsong doing Sharing Licks and was back the next year with Thunder Coming. In addition, he was an inspiration for students at Parry’s Pan School, being the music director for many years and arranged for their panorama and music festival bands.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Quarless commuted each every year between New York and Trinidad. While in Brooklyn he arranged for various steelbands including D’Radoes, Pantonics, Despers USA, Harmony, Umoja, New York All Stars, and Metro. In 1999, he co-founded and served as musical director of JahPan, a popular New York small pan gigging ensemble area that recorded two cds.

After arranging Gold for Tokyo in 2013, Quarless returned to Brooklyn last summer to work with Jah Pan and arrange for Metro before becoming ill. Eddie Quarless will forever be remembered as a master performer, arranger, and teacher who moved seamlessly across the worlds of calypso, soca and pan.

- Trinidad Guardian

14 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Live instruments and a legendary producer. Blackie goes to the source for his latest hit Aba Luke Entertainment There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival season and while the real energy of the festival is still some months away, soca’s ultimate bacchanal lyricist, Blackie says it’s time to deliver some heat to get the fire started in the hearts of die hard soca lovers.

A new single, released just last week, coupled with the confidence of a true champion places the well-known and well- loved entertainer in a pretty good position. The single, ‘Hott’, which was written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishopdubbed the hit maker by Blackie, and produced by prominent music producer, Leston Paul is a track that strays from Blackie’s ordinary.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said the entertainer. He is confident that the masses will enjoy it though, and admits that the melody has a touch of Zouk that ultimately encourages immediate foot movement. “This one is sexy and spirited. We may not be ready for carnival right now but we have to get the people primed up,” he said with a laugh.

When Blackie took the lyrics of the song to Leston Paul a few weeks

ago, he said he was reminded by Paul that it was he who had produced Arrow’s ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’, a song that has become synonymous with the world’s definition of the soca music genre. “Leston told me, ‘Blackie, we are going to have to do live instruments with this song’, and I said but that would be expensive, but Leston reminded me that if I wanted a good end result, I would have to pay the price,” relayed the comical artiste. With that, Blackie committed himself to delivering a piece of work that couldn’t be further from his comfort zone- a song filled with the sweet sound of live instruments, a song he has fallen in love with and wants everyone to experience.

A true entertainer in every sense of the word, Blackie says fans need not worry since he has already completed their 2015 ‘bacchanal’ anthem. “The bacchanal they love is already done for 2015 but I won’t let the cat out the bag yet. They have to wait for that one,” said the artiste. He however said a video for ‘Hott’ is in the works and even that will see him take the untraditional route. “This is a song for everybody.

The composition has a real youthful vibe so I know everybody will gravitate to it,” he said, adding that given the airplay, he feels ‘Hott’ can make it down to the end of the Carnival 2015 season.

Prepared for the thrill of the season up ahead, Blackie is ready to bring the heat at a time when it’s probably least expected. For more on Blackie, follow him on Twitter @irvinblackman1 and like his page on Facebook, keyword, Irvin Blackman.

- Et-Cet-Era Buzz

16 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN ARIBBEAN

Bangladesh on the ropes TRINIDAD -- A fifth five-wicket haul from lanky Sulieman Benn put the West Indies in the driver’s seat at the end of the third day of the opening Dhaka Bank Test against Bangladesh at Arnos Vale in St Vincent yesterday.

After Kraigg Brathwaite’s 212 and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 85 allowed the home team to declare at 484 for seven an hour and a half into play, Benn put the visitors in a spin, grabbing 5-39, as Bangladesh folded for 182.

With two days remaining, the West Indies enjoy a lead of 302 and are expected to enforce the follow on today.

Part-timer spinner Jermaine Blackwood also enjoyed himself with 2/14. Only Mominul Haque (51) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (48 not out) played with assurance.

Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor had the visitors on the backfoot from very early removing opener Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes respectively—both to catches at second slip by Darren Bravo, who ended with five on the day.

Haque and Shamshur Rahman took Bangladesh from 18-2, adding 62 for the third wicket to 80, before Benn sent back Rahman for 35 after 147 minutes occupation of the crease. He faced 95 balls and struck five fours before gifting Bravo with his third catch.

Haque brought up his half century off 98 balls with seven fours but on the stroke of tea, the left hander touched an innocuous leg-side delivery into the gloves of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and left for 51.

A quick double strike by part-time off-spinner Blackwood then made matters worse for the visitors before Benn sliced through the rest of the batting.

Earlier, West Indies resuming on the overnight position off 407 for three showed urgency in a bid for quick runs. Brathwaite added 15 runs before spooning a catch to slip where Mominul Haque accepted. He faced 447 balls with 14 fours and batted every day for three days of this Test, a combined total off 554 minutes. His innings now represents the highest score by an opener in Test cricket for 2014.

Blackwood, playing his second Test made 10, before giving pacer Rubel Hossain his first Test wicket since October 2013.

After this dismissal there was a constant procession to and from the pavilion

as the need for quick runs, led to injudicious strokes.

Spinner Taijul Islam picked up 5/135. He became the third Bangladeshi to grab five or more wickets on debut against the West Indies in Tests. He followed in the footsteps off Sohag Gazi 6/74 and Mahmudullah 5/51.

Chanderpaul remained to the end when the declaration came. His 85 not out came from 226 balls with six fours in 302 minutes. In represented the 35th time that Chanderpaul had remained unbeaten in 94 scores over 50 in Tests.

Scoreboard—WI VS BANGLADESH n WI inns C Gayle lbw Shuvagata 64 K Brathwaite c M Haque b Islam 212 K Edwards c Mominul b Islam 10 DM Bravo c Mahmudullah b Islam 62 S Chanderpaul not out 85 J Blackwood lbw Hossain 10 D Ramdin c Rubel b Taijul 5 J Taylor c Shuvgata b Islam 10 K Roach not out 2 Extras: b5, lb18, nb1 24 Total: for 7 wkts dec 484 Fall of wkts: 116, 133, 261, 422, 451, 466, 479.

Bowling: Al Aim Hossain 22-12-43-0, R Hossain 30-1-110-1 (1nb), Mahmudullah 19-0-64-0, Shuvagata Hom 37-6-104-1, T Islam 47-9-135-5, Nasir Hossain 4-1-4-0, M Haque 1-0-1-0. n Bangladesh Inns T Iqbal c Bravo b Roach 1 S Rahman c Bravo b Benn 35 I Kayes c Bravo b Taylor 9 M Haque c Ramdin b Gabriel 51 Mahmudullah lbw Blackwood 7 M Rahim not out 48 N Hossain c Benn b Blackwood 2 S Hom c&b Benn 16 T Islam c Bravo b Benn 2 R Hossain c Ramdin b Benn 1 Al Amin Hossain c Bravo b Benn 5 Extras: lb2, w2, nb1 5 Total: all out 182 Fall of wkts: 1, 18, 80, 105, 110, 118, 147, 155, 166, 182.

Bowling: J Taylor 15-4-46-1 (2w), K Roach 13-4-31-1, S Gabriel 13-2-50-1, S Benn 24.4-8-39-5 (1nb), J Blackwood 6-1-14-2.

- Trinidad Guardian

20 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The ultimate curry oxtail Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking Looks interesting, but I’ve never heard of ‘Curry Oxtails’… a comment left after I posted a pic of this “Ultimate Curry Oxtails” on the facebook fan page earlier today. With the natural toughness and sort of gamy finish of oxtails, it would be a natural fit for cooking in a rich curry sauce. The bones will release a ton of flavor as we’ve proven when we did curry goat in previous recipes.

The goal here will be to create the perfect curry sauce to slowly braise the pieces of oxtails in, until the meat is falling off the bones with delicious goodness.

You’ll Need: 4 lbs oxtails cut and trimmed 1 teaspoon salt

ppinch pi inc in nch of of bblack laack k ppepper eppe ep per pe er curry powder 2 ttablespoon bl d 2 tablespoon veg oil 1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 tomato (diced) 1 onion (diced) 5 cloves garlic (diced fine or crushed) 1 scotch bonnet pepper 4 allspice (pimento) berries 4 sprigs thyme 5 cups water 2 tablespoon chopped shado beni (or cilantro) 1 tablespoon ketchup 1 cup diced celery thick slice of ginger – optional Trim off as much fat as you can off the oxtail pieces, wash and drain. Then season with salt, black pepper, Caribbean Green Seasoning, tomato and ketchup. Mix well and let marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

Heat the oil in a heavy/deep pot on medium heat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Turn the heat down to low and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Now add the curry powder (heat still on low) and toast for another 3-4 minutes.

This will the which makes T Th his is sstep tteep w wi ill ll aawaken waak w ake ken tth he sp sspices spi pic ices ice es w hhiich ch m ak kes es up th the h curry bblend. l d Add a bit more oil if it’s overly dry. The curry will go darker and grainy – that’s natural.

Raise the heat to high and go in with the seasoned oxtail pieces. Stir well to coat with that lovely curry goodness we created. The wet pieces of meat will deglaze the pot.

Meanwhile in the same bowl you marinated the oxtail, add the water and move around to pick up any remaining marinade (set aside).

Place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil.

It will release natural juices.. as it comes to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot and let it go for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to stir. Then remove the lid, turn up the heat and burn off all that natural liquid. We’re infusing the oxtails with that rich curry sauce.

When you start seeing the oil we started with at the bottom of the pan it’s time to go in with the water, thyme, WHOLE scotch bonnet pepper, diced celery and all spice berries. Bring this to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover the pot. Lets that slowly braise for a couple hours, until tender. This is where you would add it to a pressure cooker (less water though) or slow cooker if you choose to go that route.

Since we started with oil and knowing that S oxtails can be VERY fatty, halfway through cooking you’ll need to use a large spoon and skim off some of the fat you’ll see at the surface. No matter how you trim the oxtail pieces, you will get fat. PLEASE remove that.. lets try to do things a little healthy.

After 2.5 to 3 hours (depends on how tough the oxtails you got are), it’s time to remove the lid, bring up the temperature and burn off the liquid until you have a nice thick gravy.

Remember to NOT break the scotch bonnet pepper unless you want that raw Caribbean heat. Taste for salt and after you’ve got tender pieces of oxtails in that wicked curry sauce, it’s time to shut the stove off and top with the chopped shado beni (culantro). If you cannot source shado beni, feel free to use cilantro.

Do remember to remove the sprigs of thyme and scotch bonnet before serving and be mindful that the allspice (aka pimento in Jamaica) berries will be in the gravy. This is indeed the ultimate curry oxtail recipe – I assure you.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 21

Why you should start controlling your breathing Everyone knows we can’t live without breathing, but we aren’t all aware that we can breathe to affect our living, as well.

Controlling your breathing has definite health benefits. By getting the optimum amount of oxygen to your brain, your mind will function at its best. The same goes for your body, and can do things like lower your blood pressure. You’ll also notice a sense of calm, relaxation, and melting stress. The best news? You don’t have to set aside particular times to do it in your meditation or in your yoga practice. You can do it in your spare time, when you have a moment in between meetings, on the bus home, or right before you go to bed or wake up. You just might find your Zen throughout your day.

Ready to give breath control a try? Here are three methods, ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

1. Beginner: Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing” How to Do It: Find your balance through your breath. In beginning, inhale through your nose for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four. Breathing through your nose slows down your breath, making it easier to focus on the process. If you want to challenge yourself further, you can aim for six to eight counts per breath and keep goals in your mind: calming the nervous system, increasing focus and reducing stress.

When To Try It: You can do this anytime, but this particular breath is best before bed to help you fall asleep, take your racing mind down a notch, and free you from distractions. Sweet dreams!

2. Intermediate: Nadi Shodhana or “Al-

ternate Nostril Breathing” How to Do It: this is a beloved breathing of the yogi, as it aims to bring calm and balance in its uniting of the right and left sides of the brain. Sit down in a comfortable meditative pose and hold your right thumb over your right nostril. Inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, then exhale through the right nostril. Keep up the pattern, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb and exhaling through the left nostril.v When To Try It: this exercise is perfect for re-energizing and focusing yourself, so give yourself time to try it before an important meeting or a gym run. It’s not a good idea to try this before bed, however, for obvious reasons. This sucker clears your channels and has been compared to a cup of coffee!

3. Advanced: Kapalabhati or “Skull Shining Breath” How to Do It: this exercise brightens you from the inside out. Begin with a long, slow inhale, followed by a quick, powerful exhale generated from the lower belly. Once comfortable with the contraction, increase the pace to one inhale-exhale (all through the nose) every one to two seconds, for a total of 10 breaths.

When To Try It: This is another great exercise for waking up, warming up, or changing your outlook from negative to positive!

It will get your body warmed up and ready for exercise, slough off your stale energy, and get your brain alert. Kapalabhati is even more energizing than Nadi Shodhana; it’s the espresso to the cup of coffee.

- My Yoga Online

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 23

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

As ALS ice bucket challenge sweeps the nation, a closer look at what ALS is and the foods that can help Recently, videos of friends, family and celebrities deliberately pouring a bucket of ice water on their heads have been popping up everywhere. The videos are part of an effort that the ALS Association hopes will help raise both awareness and donations concerning the disease. So far, it’s worked; between July 29 and August 12, 2014, the ALS Association and its 38 chapters have received $4 million in donations, up from the $1.12 million during the same time frame in 2013.

“While the monetary donations are absolutely incredible,” said Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of the ALS Association, “the visibility that this disease is getting as a result of the challenge is truly invaluable. People who have never before heard of ALS are now engaged in the fight to find treatments and a cure for ALS.” Newhouse makes a valid point when she speaks of the visibility of the disease. Lots of people are giggling as they see videos of friends and colleagues become drenched in water, but do they stop there or do they go on to research additional information about what ALS even is?

A closer look at ALS ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects spinal cord and brain nerve cells. Ultimately, motor neurons start to die, leaving the person with this disease without the ability to control muscle movement to the point of possible total paralysis.

Commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” people affected experience a wasting away of muscles, making them weak and have extreme difficulty moving and speaking, abilities which the disease slows through time.

Currently, no cure exists for ALS. Because of the muscle atrophy that people with ALS experience, experts know that keeping weight on and receiving proper nourishment is essential. According to AnneMarie Wills, an MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) grantee and researcher with the MDA/ALS Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, “People with ALS tend

to lose weight at a dramatic rate.” She explains that a focus on nutrition and weight is extremely important when it comes to determining survival.

Healthy foods for those with ALS Because swallowing is difficult, the high-fat and high-calorie foods that individuals with ALS need to eat are typically in liquid form and often include drinks made with whole milk or meals made with oils and butters.

Some research has shown that a moderate intake of zinc supplements contributes to a longer survival rate among those with ALS and that a deficiency of it could accelerate its onset, leading to the suggestion of eating foods such as nuts, chicken, whole grains and beans.

Those with ALS should also eat foods rich in vitamin E, as vitamin E is a nerve-protecting antioxidant. Such foods include avocado, pecans, almonds and nut butters.

- Natural News

Lack of sleep linked to insatiable junk food cravings According to a study conducted by researchers from UC Berkeley, a sleepless night may make you likely to eat junk food rather than healthier choices like vegetables and whole grains. This study offers additional insights into the link between obesity and poor sleep.

Researchers scanned the brains of 23 young adults using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The participants were scanned both after a normal night’s sleep and after a sleepless night. When comparing the results of the scans, researchers found that, following sleep deprivation, the brain’s frontal lobe activity was impaired.

Furthermore, there was increased activity in the deeper brain centers that are known to respond to rewards. They also found that participants were much more likely to favor unhealthy foods when sleep deprived.

According to UC Berkeley professor of psychology and neuroscience Matthew Walker, this shows that, while the more primal brain structures controlling motivation and desire are amplified following sleep deprivation, the higher level brain regions required for more complex decision-making were impaired. This is how junk food cravings become insatiable -- the combination is increased primal desire with impairment in higher brain function.

When combined with the fact that unhealthy, high-calorie foods become significantly more desirable to a person who has been sleep-deprived, this explains why people who sleep less are more likely to be-

come overweight or obese.

While previous studies have shown the link between sleep and obesity, this study is one of the first to illustrate a cause for that link. Participants’ brain activities were measured as they were shown images of 80 food items ranging from low- to highcalorie count, as well as healthy and unhealthy choices.

These included fruits and vegetables as well as junk foods such as pizza, doughnuts and burgers. Participants were more likely to desire items from the second group following a sleepless night.

If you’re attempting to lose weight, this may be good news. Ensuring that you get the proper amount of sleep each night can help reduce your cravings and make it easier for you to make healthier choices during the day.

Good sleep practices: Searching for “sleep hygiene tips” is a good way to get standard sleep hygiene methods that are commonly recommended. The effectiveness of sleep hygiene itself has been the subject of much debate. Many report good results, while others suggest that, regardless of the sleep environment or preparatory sleep practices, the hygiene is not 100% effective because it does not serve to calm a busy mind.

Other healthy sleep practices involve herbal formulas and melatonin supplementation. Mostly, people experiment with these and discover on their own wheth-

er or not they work. However, it is wise to consult your health practitioner for more precise suggestions and testing.

And there are numerous other solutions online, such as binaural beats and various “sleep sound” apps. The goals of these devices seems to be to calm the mind down through distraction so that you can relax and go to sleep.

The iNLP Center’s Sleep Switch program is another option that roughly 500 known people have used. The goal of Sleep Switch is to turn off the part of your brain that causes self-referential thoughts (autopilot thinking), associated with the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), that impede the natural sleep cycle.

If your restless mind and body do not relax when you get into bed, your DMN may be overactive. MRI scans prove that a certain kind of awareness activity switches off the DMN (highlighted in the March 2010 issue of Scientific American).

The iNLP Center does not have clinical data on the effectiveness of Sleep Switch, other than anecdotal evidence. Dozens of people have reported getting a good night’s sleep on the first night of use, with consistent results thereafter. The iNLP Center offers a money-back guarantee on the program, which has been used 2.3% of the time.

- Natural News

24 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Heal cavities, gum disease, and whiten teeth with natural homemade toothpaste and diet The truth is, the most important action you can take to maintain oral health is to eat a healthy diet. Avoid all artificial additives (flavors, colors, preservatives), GMOs, pasteurized dairy, and refined sugars. Do not consume foods laden with herbicides and preservatives (especially the “dirty dozen”) or animal protein (meat or dairy) from factory raised animals or farm raised fish. The healthiest diet consists of whole unadulterated foods, 80% of which are raw, organic vegetables and fruits (and eat more vegetables than fruit).

It is possible, through a truly healthy diet and proper oral care, to whiten and re-mineralize your teeth, to re-build your enamel, and to heal your gums.

Commercial toothpaste is toxic.

You can avoid most of these toxic ingredients by using a ridiculously expensive natural toothpaste, but many still contain sodium laureth sulfate or other questionable ingredients such as glycerin, which prevents remineralization.

Homemade Toothpaste Recipe The basic recipe for homemade toothpaste is equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda.

Make sure both are organic and your bak-

ing soda is aluminum free. From here, you can add other ingredients and adjust ratios if necessary.

Simple Homemade toothpaste recipe: - Equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda - Add essential oil to taste - Add stevia (if desired) to taste For 6 tablespoons of oil to 6 tablespoons of baking soda, add up to15 drops of essential oil. Try peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, lemon, orange, rosemary, or discover others. Each essential oil provides more than taste; each adds its own benefit. Add drops of one, or experiment with combinations.

But be sure to buy your essential oils from a reputable source and ensure you are getting the right genus species. Do your research.

- Peppermint - a powerful anti-oxidant - Eucalyptus - antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory - Cinnamon - antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant - Clove - antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and an amazing antioxidant, the highest antioxidant essential oil. It is approved by the

Dental Association for use as a dental anesthetic. It’s great for killing Candida.

- Lemon - antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant - Orange - antiseptic and antioxidant - Rosemary - antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral Neem oil and tea tree oil could also be used for antibacterial qualities. Try 6-8 drops but know that neither one is a flavor enhancer.

They may help tighten up gum tissue, however.

Your basic recipe can be changed in a variety of ways. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, sesame oil is not. You can replace as much coconut oil with sesame oil as desired to reach the consistency you prefer. But realize this will also change the taste and the color.

Your dry ingredients can also be altered. Try adding trace minerals, calcium magnesium powder, bentonite clay, and/or diatomaceous earth to the mix, removing an equal amount of baking soda and adjusting for consistency.

Trace minerals, calcium magnesium powder, and diatomaceous earth will all aid in re-mineralization, while bentonite

clay will aid in drawing out impurities as it, like the aforementioned dry ingredients, adds grit.

Hydrogen peroxide is added to many home toothpastes, especially those formulated for whitening. But hydrogen peroxide is one of those ingredients you are not supposed to swallow and it can irritate the gums. It is not a good idea for kids or for anyone with sensitive, damaged, or diseased gums.

Gum disease is not only avoidable, it is, contrary to conventional opinion, completely reversible. If you try one of the recipes above, or have your own recipe, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

If you would like more information on how to eat healthy, check out 80% Raw. If suffer from periodontal disease, or you are battling tooth decay or cavities, we highly recommend stepping it up with the recipe for Shillington’s Tooth and Gum formula.

Combine this formula with a homemade natural toothpaste and a healthy diet and most people can rebuild enamel, heal the entire mouth, and have a perfect smile. campaign=buffer#ixzz3CbSWbfEc - Natural News

Why grass-fed meat is better for your health and the environment For centuries, cows and chickens were raised outdoors on pasture, enjoying sunshine, clean air and their natural diet of grass and insects. These animals were healthy, enjoying the outdoors. Humans who ate their meat benefited from a nutrient-dense food high in healthy fats, proteins and vitamins.

With industrialization and factory farms, this has changed. Animals are confined in small quarters, never seeing the light of day and fed harmful waste and byproducts, along with growth hormones and antibiotics. Meat from conventionally raised animals lack the many nutrients found in grass-fed or “pastured” meats.

“Happy” cows and chickens Pastured meat comes from chicken and cows allowed to live outdoors, enjoying sunshine and their natural diet of grass, plants and insects. Because pastured animals are given their natural diets, they remain healthy and only infrequently require antibiotics to treat infections. Chickens are often protected from predators by living outside during the day in large, movable pens, allowing them to graze freely on grass.

This is a stark contrast to conventionally raised animals, confined to crowded, unethical living conditions. These animals are often fed chicken feces, sawdust, cheap candy and genetically modified grains.

Growth hormones and antibiotics are given routinely.

Health benefits of grass fed meats The fat profiles from 100% grass-fed animals are similar to that of salmon. Pastured meats have the following health benefits: - Higher in beta-carotene - Higher vitamin E levels - Improved ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 ratio - Higher in total omega 3 - Higher in B vitamins thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2) - Increased amounts of minerals, calcium, magnesium and potassium - Higher amounts of conjugated linoleic acid - Increased levels of vaccenic acid A California State University study found that pasture-fed steers contained seven times the amount of beta-carotene compared to

grain-fed animals. Beta-carotenes are precursors of vitamin A, an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for bone growth, reproduction, vision and immune function.

Vitamin E levels are four times higher in grass-fed cows than in conventionally raised cattle. Vitamin E is linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer.

B1 and B2 vitamins help support the body’s energy, nerves, muscles and heart function. The minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium help maintain strong bones while supporting nerves, muscles and blood circulation. Potassium is essential for proper electrolyte balance and lowers the risk for high blood pressure.

Most Americans have an imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats. Grass-fed meats help balance this with its higher omega-3 content. Omega-3 fats are critical for heart health and prevention of cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Conjugated linoleic acid can reduce cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and insulin resistance.

Vaccenic acid is an important trans fat that occurs naturally in ruminant animals.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition discovered that vaccenic acid protects against atherosclerosis, a known risk factor for heart disease. Vaccenic acid is NOT the same as dangerous, synthetically produced trans fats found in most processed vegetable oils.

Pastured chicken meat is also healthier than conventionally raised chickens. Pastured chickens have been found to have higher levels of vitamin A and omega-3 fats.

Benefits of small farms The small farm continues to be a perfect ecosystem, with cow manure used to fertilize crops and vegetables grown on the farm. By contrast, cow manure and chemicals from factory farms contaminate streams and destroy the environment.

Conclusions When choosing what meat to purchase, consider grass-fed meat, which benefits the health of people, animals and the planet.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Functional medicine is the future of medicine Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips Imagine if instead of treating a disease, doctors treated the person. You received an individual assessment based on your unique set of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. This would best be done by a team of health care providers, a medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, nutritionist or osteopath all working in unison. Just because two patients have the same disease, does that mean that they have to be treated in the same way? Individualized medicine is the wave of the future. No longer will patients be put into categories of disease and treated in a uniform fashion. While we wait for the medical system to catch up to this thinking, you can do these four things to ensure that you are receiving functional, individual

medicine designed to optimize your health.

Get blood work when you feel well.

When your doctor receives your blood work there is always a reference range of normal values that he or she compares your results to.

That reference range is based on a large population of people that may or may not be similar to you. When you are feeling well it is valuable to get your self checked to set a baseline based on your own healthy body. That way when you age, get sick, reach menopause or andropause, you can get retested and determine what your deficiencies are based on your own baseline Check your gut. Your digestive health is fundamental to your overall wellbeing. Your body depends on a functioning gut to absorb nutrients and dispose of waste. Being constipated, bloated, and having heart burn are all indications that your digestion is struggling.

Many people ignore digestive disturbances for years and wonder why they are feeling unwell or low energy. Correcting your digestion is easy for any naturopath or holistic nutritionist.

Having regular bowel movements and eating the foods that are right for your individual body can make a world of difference in your overall health.

Fight inflammation. Inflammation is really at the root of the majority of health

concerns we face as we age. Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer all have their roots in chronic inflammation. There are blood tests your naturopath or medical doctor can check to determine if this is a problem for you. Feeling pain throughout your body, feeling tired all the time, and bleeding gums can be signs of body wide inflammation. Smoking, excess eating, poor sleep and poorly managed stress can all ravage your precious body with inflammatory chemicals.

Tell your story. Find a doctor you feel comfortable talking to. Determining your health is complex and the only way to really understand a patient is to allow them the time it takes for them to tell their personal health story. Your doctor needs to know you as a person, not just a disease, in order to give you the assessment you deserve. You should not feel shy, ashamed or guilty about what you have experienced in life. We are all human and we all have a story to tell. It feels good to be authentic and express yourself. It is healthy and you are important.

Functional medicine is a shift in the way doctors approach health. Even if you do not have a health care provider that practices in this way, there are things you can do to advocate for your amazing, unique body.

Oral examination Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

There are basically three types of examination done by the dentist.

1. Emergency exam 2. Specific exam 3. Complete exam All require the patient to complete a medical history questionnaire before the examination begins.

The emergency examination focuses on the area of the mouth that is paining or

where trauma or injury to the tissues has occurred. The main goal is to relieve the patient of pain as quickly as possible and provide treatment to stabilize the condition and then schedule follow up treatments if required.

The specific examination is in response to a specific problem that is the chief concern of the patient. This area is investigated thoroughly in order to make a diagnosis. The findings are discussed with the patient and the different treatment options offered. After the patient consent, the dentist then proceeds with the treatment.

The complete examination is a comprehensive examination of a patient that requests an evaluation of their oral cavity. Patients who are new to the dental office and have not had their teeth checked for a long time, and are motivated to receive the best possible care welcome this initial experience. This visit is an opportunity to find out what is going on in the patient’s mouth and how dental health can be improved. It is a time to discuss how lost teeth can be replaced, the correction of crooked teeth and other concerns.

However before questions can be answered it is necessary to have x-rays taken and a clinical exam done in order to discuss the findings.

The exam may include an examination of the head, neck, lymph nodes and skin.

The joints between the jaws are examined (TMJ). The extent of opening and closing the mouth fully and pain free is determined. Structures inside the mouth including tongue, tonsils, cheeks, floor of mouth, teeth, bone, gums, and throat are examined. Also thorough examination may detect lesions which may indicate early to advanced stages of cancer. Harmful habits such as clenching grinding of teeth or tongue thrust may be detected. The presence of advanced periodontal disease, cavities and abnormalities will be brought to the attention of the patient. At the end of the examination a treatment plan would be presented to the patient and payment options discussed.

Well informed patients tend to achieve the best treatment results. We are always happy to partner with you in your pursuit of improved dental health.

Do you have fitness goals?

Monique Bartlett Fitness When it comes to your level of fitness you want to be able to lay out some goals first.

Taking your current level of fitness into consideration is very important. Just because you played sports when you were younger doesn’t mean that you can just go back out as if time has stood still. However, no matter where you are starting from, you can make changes.

The number one reason for not working out seems to be not having enough time. Life is fast paced and there never seems to be enough time to get everything

done, so it’s important to schedule workout times. Place it at the top of your to do list and you will be able to fit exercise in your day.

Get yourself some workout equipment and get out of bed twenty minutes earlier to workout. Trust me, you won’t miss that sleep and you will start your day knowing you have already started to meet your goal of getting some daily exercise. Schedule in your workout times like you would a doctor’s appointment or meeting and don’t be afraid to say no to additional commitments.

You need to be realistic when it comes to your goal. Give your body and your mind time to adjust to the changes that are going to be taking place. For example, you can start out with a goal of walking just fifteen minutes a day. The following week you can increase your goal up to twenty minutes. By the end of the month, you should want your goal to be 30 minutes or more.

It can be hard to keep yourself motivated when you have so much going on.

However, remind yourself why you want to look and feel better. That will provide you with need some extra needed motivation.

It is also important to understand that fitness needs are going to change as you get older. As you get older you will likely find that your metabolism is going to slow down.

Therefore, you may need to work out more to burn more calories. You also want to look at changing the types of exercises you do so your body doesn’t become used to them and cause you to plateau.

If you have health problems such as back or knee pain, don’t let that hold you back either. Instead, you can work with your doctor or a fitness coach to be able to find the right types of exercises that are right for you. Make sure you do all you can to keep your bones strong and healthy as you age to prevent osteoporosis. Exercising isn’t just about looking good, it’s about being able to live a long healthy life.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Obtaining financing or renewing your mortgage? Some factors to consider!

Stephen Mohammed Finance Changes to mortgage regulations have made it challenging for individuals looking to purchase a home. Your mortgage agent/broker will inform you of the qualifying criteria and make recommendations to assist you in choosing such things as: the amortization period, mortgage term, type of mortgage (open or closed, fixed or variable rate) and prepayment options to name a few.

Most believe that the financial institution they are currently with will automatically give them a better or preferred rate, however this is not usually the case. Financial institutions offer new clients cheaper rates because they can offer or sell other products to them.

When applying for a mortgage whether it’s for a purchase or refinance, the amortization period is a factor to consider.

Most homeowners think about paying of their mortgage faster and becoming mortgage free sooner. Traditionally a twenty five year amortization has been the normal period amongst applicants intending to pay off their mortgage

faster. However, based on the qualifying criteria some applicants may have some difficulty getting approved.

A longer amortization period would help in the approval process by reducing the payments and making it more affordable and manageable. A thirty or thirty five year amortization may be available depending on the lender. Applicants should be aware that a longer amortization period will result in more interest being paid over time as compared to a twenty five year period.

If your mortgage is due for renewal, the factors mentioned above may influence your decision. In most cases mortgage renewal is automatic. Lenders must provide you with a renewal statement at least twenty one days before the end of the existing term indicating the renewal options. Interest rate and length of term are the key options to look for. The financial institution that currently holds the mortgage may not offer you the best interest rate available at the time of renewal.

It is a good idea to start shopping around to see what other lenders may have to offer. This process however, requires you fill out a mortgage application and provide supporting documents in order to qualify for the mortgage. A mortgage application and supporting documents is not required when renewing with the current lender. The current lender may decide not to renew the mortgage, in which case you have no choice but to seek financing with another lender. The lender must notify you at least twenty one days if they decide not to renew the mortgage.

CPPIB 40% Owner of 407ETR Slammed for Hiding Expenses

Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters Back in 2010, I noticed some questionable reports prior to Ferrovial selling 10% of its share in 407 ETR to CPPIB. At the time, Ferrovial owned 53% of 407 ETR, Canada’s most controversial Private-Public-Partnership (P3) that operates Highway 407. I questioned if Ferrovial “HAD” to sell part of their very profitable shares because of our foreign ownership rules on our infrastructure. I never really did get an answer to that. However, fast forward to 2014 and you have SNC Lavalin reporting the same thing and CPPIB is very much interested in scooping up those shares too.

To me the deal didn’t make any sense because Ferrovial was reporting it “HAD” to sell 10% of its share in the highway and our CPPIB paid 25% more than what the experts thought the company was worth. For a company that “HAD” to sell 10% of its shares, why did CPPIB pay more than the highway was reported to be worth? Talk about your fancy accounting to support private business profits, on a highway that was a very much needed piece of infrastructure for the public.

I can’t speculate on the whys, but what I can tell you is that there is still much finagling going on. J. Robert S. Prichard is Chair of the Board of Directors for Metrolinx, the government agency that was formed to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. He was given the position of President and CEO of Metrolinx in 2009 and served in the role of Chairman shortly thereafter. Also, he just happened to have been appointed the Chairman for the law firm Torys LLP. on August 31st, 2010. Never having to have had to article, he started serving there as a lawyer for the first time in his career at the age of 61. Since graduating law

school in 1974, he went on to further education and eventually taught law at Yale, Harvard and the University of Toronto, served as Dean of Law at the University of Toronto in 1984 and became President of the university from 19902000. He also served as president and CEO of Torstar Corporation (The Toronto Star) from 2000-2009 and served on several other boards.

A very busy man indeed! There is no question about it; Mr. Prichard’s resume is outstanding.

He’s one smart cookie.

Torys LLP is a law firm that specializes in international business. Mr. Prichard took over former Premier Bill Davis’ role at the law firm. Torys LLP was behind CPPIB’s purchase of shares in 407 ETR and some of its partners are serving on the Canadian Council for Private-Public-Partnerships, a non partisan, not for profit organization whose mission is to promote innovative approaches in infrastructure development and service delivery through P3’s with all levels of government. Ironically, the Council is a proponent of facilitating the adoption of international best practices. My question is where the heck have they been in the mess 407 ETR has caused? Furthermore, how do they feel about law firms such as Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP, that would rather “bet the company” in a very high risk litigation than make sure best practices are followed while administering one of the most controversial P3’s in Canada’s history?

Headlines this past week in The National Post were about how CPPIB’s operating expenses are actually three times more than what they report. They can finagle about definitions for expenses and bury literally hundreds of millions of dollars in consultancy fees, federal government management and transaction fees. For some time now, the media has been reporting about the fears that our CPP won’t be there for us when we retire. To add insult to injury, now the Province of Ontario wants to take a page out of CPPIB’s book and form its own pension.

Far be it from me to criticize someone getting paid for a job well done, BUT when you have reports like this with our pension and reports that Metrolinx is bleeding money you have to start to question the people that are actually the puppeteers... the ones pulling the strings... and ask what’s up with that?

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Montréal welcomes more than 3,500 new Canadians MONTREAL -- Montréal welcomed approximately 3,500 new Canadian citizens from more than 70 countries.

Ceremonies like these demonstrate how the government is working to make the citizenship program more efficient, helping more people realize their dream of becoming Canadian sooner.

Recent changes to the Citizenship Act, which received Royal Assent on June 19, 2014, will allow for further improve-

ments to the efficiency of the citizenship program. The new streamlined decisionmaking process and other changes to the Citizenship Act are expected to bring the processing time for citizenship applications down to under one year and reduce the citizenship application backlog by more than 80 percent by 2015-2016.

- CIC

Minister of State Tim Uppal concludes successful trip promoting peaceful pluralism on the international stage OTTAWA -- TTim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, on Sunday concluded a trip to the United Kingdom, where he met with UK government officials to highlight Canada’s success in encouraging and embracing peaceful pluralism.

As part of his trip, Minister Uppal also attended the Jalsa Salana 2014 International Convention, the formal annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. There, he met with His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih, addressed participants

and highlighted Canada’s successful experience with multiculturalism, and the important contribution the Ahmadiyya community in Canada has made toward that success.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister Uppal met with Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government, to discuss each country’s approach to multiculturalism.

- CIC

Government off Canada d hhighlights hl h the h importance of peaceful pluralism UNITED KINGDON -- Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, addressed participants of the Jalsa Salana 2014 International Convention today, highlighting Canada’s leadership on human rights issues and emphasizing the importance of religious acceptance and inclusion, in both Canada and abroad.

Minister Uppal is in London as part of the Canadian delegation to the Jalsa Salana UK 2014 convention, the formal annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The convention aims to facilitate greater spiritual awareness amongst community members, strengthen community ties and pro-

mote peace. The event includes religious discourses and inter-faith sessions.

Speaking to participants, Minister Uppal highlighted Canada’s internationally-respected approach to multiculturalism and religious freedom, emphasizing the importance Canada places on accepting all cultures while promoting their adherence to Canadian traditions and values. He also recognized the positive contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada, and praised the community for its commitment to peace, acceptance and equality.

- CIC

Minister Kenney welcomes Coptic Pope Tawadros II to Canada TORONTO -- ason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, today greeted the leader of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church upon his arrival in Toronto, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada.

Pope Tawadros II, who became the 118th leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church on November 19, 2012, arrived in Toronto this evening to officially begin his month-long Canadian visit. His first trip to Canada will include the con-

secration of the first Coptic cathedral in North America, Markham’s St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, visits to other parishes across Canada, meetings with religious leaders, and the delivery of a lecture at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, joined Minister Kenney in Toronto to greet Pope Tawadros.- CIC

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 27

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30 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - September 10th 2014 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

September’s start has likely been a productive one. Venus in Virgo, starting Friday, continues this good work-it-out trend. Yes, uncertainty prevails, but past mid next week, a significant portion of it will be cleared away. Monday’s super moon opens up something unexpected.

It could be a job, a solution, a conversation, an offer, an invitation, or a bargain. Tuesday/ Wednesday is for working through what’s what.

Venus in Virgo, starting Friday, is an especially fortunate, attractive, and helpful influence.

Something you’ve been hoping for and/or working toward can show great promise now.

If it’s meant to be, Monday’s super moon carries enough sway to turn it into a reality. Even so, don’t count your chickens early. Through mid next week, Venus/Neptune keeps the guesswork going.

It’s time to start cleaning house. With the right attitude, almost anything can be accomplished.

Put focused effort into it; stay hopeful but also realistic. Through mid next week, Venus in Virgo keeps something important in development. Monday’s super full moon shows favourably regarding a career goal, a business contract, a bank loan, a real-estate transaction, a renovation, or a family move-ahead.

Venus in Virgo helps you to learn the ropes, connect the dots, talk it out, market yourself, and move along with greater ease. Socially or professionally, it’s an especially lucrative time to aim for better exposure. Right now you may not know where life is taking you, but you will soon enough. Monday’s super full moon could deliver unexpected news.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You may face up-front work, expense, or give-up-to-get. Even though you may not know the true potential or the ultimate payoff, improvement is your net gain. Look to Monday’s super full moon and the work-itout days that follow to clarify and/or anchor it for you. Overall, your stars look promising for heart, health, work, and wallet.

An exceptional week lies ahead, especially so if you’re having a birthday. A burst of confidence, creativity, and ambition can overtake you. Want it or not, more attention is likely to come your way. Uncertain where romance or career potential is leading? Your destiny is about to unfold. Watch for Monday’s super full moon and the week that follows to do just that.

There may be more on brew than you’re aware of. Monday’s mixed-bag super moon could take you by surprise. No matter how it works out, look at it as a blessing in disguise. Tuesday/Wednesday, quick thinking or action is called for. Rely on instincts or first impressions. Don’t hesitate—speak up, jump right in. It’s still anything goes through next weekend.

It’s time to get the details or loose ends sorted out, to put the plan or intention into action. Look to Venus in Virgo to assist you to do just that. Monday’s icebreaker super moon could put you in touch with someone you haven’t been able to find or reach and/ or point you in the direction of something especially useful or lucrative.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Perhaps the sun in Virgo has kept you busy.

As of Friday, Venus in Virgo will add more to the pile. While you’ve maintained fairly well, especially over the last week, there’s still a lot that isn’t nailed down. You’ll get there now. Look to Monday’s super moon and the week that follows to give you a much better sense of direction.

This pinnacle moment may meet your expectations, surpass them, or fall somewhat short; Sunday onward puts it in full-blast go. Watch for news, results, a test, a better solution, a bargain, a previously overlooked advantage, or a saving grace. Another’s loss may be your gain. Keep safe and play it safe, but also seize opportunity. Speak your mind or heart.

Unexpected expenses could add up over the next week. Then again, the super full moon could help you score an exceptional bargain or figure out a clever solution. Someone could slip one by you, disappoint you, or come up short. A mistake can be corrected or forgiven; a reality should not be overlooked or ignored.

A momentous few days lie ahead. Monday’s super full moon is a springboard to so much more, especially so if you were born on or around March 7. Wednesday’s Venus/ Neptune transit is also one of turning the potential into the reality and/or increasing the scope. Someone or something of major significance can make an entrance or exit.

July 22 - August 22

November 22 - December 21

April 19 - May 20

August 22 - September 22

December 21 - January 19

May 20 - June 21

September 22 - October 23

January 19 - February 18

Answers available on www.TorontoCaribbean.com

March 20 - April 19

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

Across 2) Portable computer 5) Random access ____ 6) Big screen 7) Kilo, giga or terra 9) Part of Microsoft Office 10) Firefox or Chrome 13) Social media site 14) Popular search engine 16) Presentation software Down 1) 140 characters 3) Measured in GHz 4) Rows of letters and numbers 5) Point-and-click tool 8) Might also scan and fax 9) Attached/built-in camera 11) Wireless Internet access 12) Best-known video site 15) DVD, CD or USB

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Car Insurance: Tips & myths the case here. Note: You must report a hit and run incident to police in order to avoid the claim being recorded as ‘at-fault’.

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters 5 USEFUL TIPS

Tip #1 - Adding the OPCF 27 Endorsement to your existing automobile policy (often referred to as the Rental Vehicle Insurance Endorsement) is a cost effective alternative to purchasing the insurance offered by a car rental company when renting a car in North America. Note: The OPCF 27 only applies to the drivers listed on your policy, so if drivers other than those actually listed on your policy will be operating the rental vehicle, then the OPCF 27 will not be sufficient and you should consider purchasing the insurance offered by the rental company.

Tip #2 – Tickets received outside of the province will show up on your motor vehicle record (MVR). Ontario has a reciprocating agreement with many US jurisdictions to report infractions. Also, tickets stay on your record for 3 years from the date of conviction. For example, if you got a speeding ticket in June 2012, and went to court in May of 2013 and charges were reduced, rather than thrown out, then it will be May of 2016 before the ticket comes off your record.

Tip #3 – If your car is hit while parked and the responsible party is not identified (hit and run), then the cost of repairs will only be covered if you have collision coverage. A hit and run incident is considered a collision claim and is subject to your collision deductible. Why does the deductible apply if it’s not your fault?

Well, one of the requirements of waiving the deductible is that the responsible party can be identified, which unfortunately isn’t

Tip #4 – Accidents must be reported to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) – Report accidents as soon as possible to police local to the area of the accident. For example, if you live in Toronto but got in an accident in Hamilton, you must report the incident to the police in Hamilton and not Toronto. If you don’t know where the closest reporting center is located, ask the police during your initial call to them.

Tip #5 – Accidents that occur with a rented vehicle often show up on your auto insurance history (autoplus) report. While your current insurance company may not even be involved in the claims process, the accident itself does become part of your insurance history as it follows your driver’s license number.

DISPEL SOME MYTHS Myth#1 - Red cars cost more to insure: Wrong, but sometimes specific models within a model line-up may be more expensive to insure (the two door version versus its four door counterpart).

Myth#2 - Leased or financed vehicles cost more to insure: Not true: type of financing on a vehicle has no bearing on the premium. What does matter includes but is not limited to: Where you live, the make and model of the vehicle, your use and the kilometers driven, coverages purchased and the license and insurance history of all persons assigned as drivers to the vehicle.

Myth #3 – Tickets have no impact on your insurance as long as no demerit points were applied. Wrong again!

Nearly any ticket you receive relating to your use or operation of the vehicle (other than parking tickets) will have an impact, regardless of whether or not it came with demerit points.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 31

32 Wednesday, September 10, 2014

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The choice less traveled…

Colleen Lindberg Business Development Throughout our lifetime, we come across what we call the gate to choice. Do you know what I am speaking about?? That crossroad in our life (that happens pretty much every moment) where we are brought into an opportunity to choose.

Those hard choices, those soft choices, or even the choices we didn’t think that we chose. It’s through all these choices, big or small that our life is shaped. So I ask you today what are you choosing?

Personally it took me a while to step into the responsibility, that through my actions (and inactions… sigh) my pathway forward was shaped. It was those small bites of chocolate cake, everyday, that allowed me to gain 10 pounds. “What?? How did I gain ten pounds, this scale can’t be right??” Oh maybe it was the chocolate cake (action), not working out (inaction), drinking minimal water (inaction) and not acknowledging what I was doing (action). Through reflection of the choices I made, you can see where this equaled out the result.

Is this not true in all aspects of our lives? Has this ever happened to you where you looked at your life and asked yourself “How did I get here?” It’s the ripple effect. One small thing added together with other small things, equals a bigger thing or a shift in path.

The magic of choice. Isn’t it grand? Now what if we applied this choice into the greatness in our lives, the goals we are striving for, the relationships that we are looking to build.

Wouldn’t the exponential be the same?

The good added together with more good would equal better!! Yes I do believe that’s how it works, the small steps.

So what good are you creating in your life? Where do you want more good?

It’s time to take the initiative in that aspect of your life and shift what you want to change. It’s only through this awareness and reflection that change really happens.

So I challenge you to sit back and reflect on the things that you really want to achieve in life, whether it’s in your family, your business, your legacy or your health. Chart out what small steps it will take to achieve them and

then execute.

It all starts with starting. One small thing, added together with another will eventually take you closer to where it is you want to go. Although some days the journey forward looks huge, that there is so much in front of you to do, move through or grow in, just keep moving, little by little you will get closer. I can guarantee that somewhere along the path you will look back and be in awe at how far you’ve come, not realizing the strides that you have made. Welcome to the grandest journey of your life, the right of choice. Welcome and embrace this responsibility, as it is a magical feeling that we all get to choose.

Many blessings and success are ahead of you… if you want it to be that is

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I want to protect my family Life insurance • Personal health insurance • TFSAs* I can help with your goals. Let’s talk about Money for Life.

Abdool Gafoor* Advisor Tel: 416-412-0401 ext 2304 Cell: 416-824-7036 abdool.gafoor@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/abdool.gafoor 1300-2075 Kennedy Road Scarborough, ON M1T 3V3 *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.

Life’s brighter under the sun

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PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM Rose Theatre Brampton | 1 Theatre Lane | Wednesday October 15th, 2014 | 6-9 PM | Admission: $50 “CELEBRATING WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE”

2014 FEATURED PANELISTS & PRESENTATIONS

The Professional Women’s Forum celebrates women of excellence in the Region of Peel and beyond by recognizing their contributions professionally. The Professional Women’s Forum is designed to inspire and empower women from the diverse communities in the Region of Peel and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond to join public service, professional practice and encourage philanthropic endeavours.

Hosted by:

6-7 PM Networking Gala Cocktail

7-8:30 PM Featured Speaker Session 8:30-9 PM Entertainment

Proceeds from the event are in aid of our Fresh Start for Women Program Outreach

For more info: (905) 455-6789 outreach@unitedachievers.org www.unitedachievers.org

RATHIKA SITSABAIESAN, MP Scarborough-Rouge River

OHENEWA AKUFFO Olympian, World Medallist

MITZIE HUNTER, MPP Associate Minister of Finance, Ontario

Presented in partnership with

2014 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Peel Regional Police