Arrival World Magazine Oct 2008

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VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2008

Canada Polls What Currency?

Scotiabank Caribana Summer Festivals 2008

Hon. Judy Sgro Meet Her Inside

Conjugal Bliss Obi-Johnson Wedding

OBAMA or McCAIN Who Serves Better...?

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Publisher’s Note

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Arrival World Magazine is published monthly in Toronto, Canada by Arrival World Magazine Intl., and distributed in Canada, USA and Africa.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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Musediq Abdul, Publisher editor@arrivalworldmag.com

Content In this issue

22 04 06 Obama or McCain 10 Canada Polls 18 The Story of Omar 24 Poetry Corner 25 ‘Yap About Financials’ Energy Crisis Is there a way out?

Mental Illness It’s not all in your head

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Caribana August 2, 2008

Who Better Serves Youths & the World

What Currency?

Give And It Shall Be Given Unto You

Obama in Canadian Politics

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20

Ladies & Gentlemen Class 2009

By Feiling Yap, Financial Columnist

HIV/AIDS Religious Perspectives

Conjugal Bliss Joseph Obi-Johnson & Cheryl Obi-Johnson

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

Tanzania Babylon for Albinos 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…’

Written by Musediq Abdul technology & medical knowledge widely available, many people in Tanzania — and across Africa, for that matter — still believe Albinos have special, magical powers. Sadly, it is our impressionable young people who inherit this belief. And it is the young Albino who becomes the next victim.

The New York Times, African news recently reported “The young are often the targets. In early May, Vumilia Makoye, 17, was eating dinner with her family in their hut in western Tanzania when two men showed up with long knives.

“Vumilia was like many other Africans with albinism. She had dropped out of school because of severe near-sightedness, a common problem for Albinos, whose eyes develop abnormally and who often have to hold things like books or cell phones two inches away to see them. She could not find a job because no one would hire her. She sold peanuts in the market, making $2 a week while her delicate skin was seared by the sun.

“When Vumilia’s mother, Jeme, saw the men with knives, she tried to barricade the door of their hut. But the men overpowered her and burst in. ‘They cut my daughter quickly,’ she said, making hacking motions with her hands. The men sawed off Vumilia’s legs above the knee and ran away with the stumps. Vumilia died”.

Besides, a 26 year old, male albino carries whistle as a pendant round his neck- a defense mechanism- to alert and call for help in case he is attacked. He is on the run!

Silenus, (Silenus, a cheerful drunkard [renowned as old and one of the wisest counsels of Dionysus] had a bleak view of life. He once said: “The best thing for a man is to not have been born at all, and if born, then he should die as soon as possible”. This Silenus’s reflection on life arguably depicts the view of the Albinos in today’s Tanzania, where ignorance, superstition and greed have made there lives a crushing burden.

Recently, there were reports of the gruesome murder of at least 19 Albinos, including children, in Tanzania. They were not just killed, they had been mutilated, and their body parts exchanged for money, in a criminal body parts trade. Condemnable in its own right, this abominable practice also reinforces negative stereotypes that Africans have worked so hard to stamp out.

They stand out, often the lone white face in a black crowd, an unfortunate result of a genetic condition that impairs normal skin pigmentation, a common phenomenon in many African countries. About 1 in 3,000 Tanzanians are born Albino, making them the prime target of criminals who harbour the barbaric belief that Albino body parts are necessary ingredients of a concoction reputed to make people rich.

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Albinos only look like they are alive. To the trained observer, Africa's beautiful Albinos resemble the embalmed corpses described in gory detail by Jessica Mitford in 'The American Way of Death (1963)'. Tanzania Albinos might be Facing a mask of frozen watchfulness, their mouths twisted into a mock, grimacing smile, eyes glazed with horror & fear because their beautiful skin has been seared by the sun. Albinos may resemble living human beings, but in reality, the ignorance & greed of some African people have turned them into the ''walking dead'. Our Albinos, now endangered species?

Tanzanian Government recently ordered the police to draw up the list of albinos in all the nooks and crannies of the country to better protect them. Police has started escorting albino children to school as a short term measure, and a female elite Albino appointed as a member of the country national parliament to legally pursue the right of Albino to live and change the negative perceptions towards them (Albinos).

Therefore, we commend the efforts of the Tanzania Government towards protecting Albinos. We also implore other African Nations to dust up their criminal codes, and declare war on these murderers, especially now that there were reports that the killing is spreading to Kenya and Congo. Have you not heard that an Albino woman was hacked to death in Kenya few months ago, while Albino advocates have made allegation that Witch Doctors are selling Albino skin in Congo?

Arrival World Magazine is calling on United Nations and other International organizations as well as the Non-Governmental Organizations [NGOs] to come to the aid of our vulnerable Albinos, otherwise, over a million people will soon be added to the ever-growing number of refugees across the globe.

Arrival World Magazine is a uniquely new print medium established to cater to diverse readers’ variety of tastes and preferences with regards to major local, regional, national and global news on politics, entertainments, sport analyses, tourism and youth development. Readers’ opinions and constructive criticisms are therefore welcome.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Energy Crisis Is there a way out?

By Lanrenwaju Akinyemi, Contributing Editor

Mark Twain the famous satirist once said “you can’t depend on your judgement when your imagination is out of focus”. The genesis of energy crisis was obviously beyond our imagination as a nation of people; our thoughts were out of focus with the discovery of black gold. While it is hard to sometimes agree that our judgment cannot be depended upon, reality bite usually paint commonplace.

The current energy crisis that is beating the world with its magic wand has achieved a deep implant in our daily lives as a people. We have equated energy to black oil during our years of imagination, which successfully threw us out of focus and rubbished the judgement of scientists, governments, politicians, businessmen and citizens. In the last 30 years, consumption of oil became an essential part of our daily lives, businessmen and scientist alike benefitted and are still benefitting from the inventions that led to the use of black oil as a primary input to micro and macro elements of our family life and national economies Now that we have made the term “energy” synonymous to “black oil”, I believe a diagnostic look at the current consumption pattern of black oil across developed and developing countries is a wake up call for all on the bleak future that lies ahead. In the last 5 years, crude oil price per barrel shot up from approximately $30 per barrel to record highs of $140 per barrel. Developed nations with technological capabilities have developed strategies on the basic false premise; “as oil demand expands so does supply”. The inability to look beyond oil consumption has placed various producers of crude oil on world “economy heat map” and derived aggressive pressure for control.

The current myth making wave is that with heavy investment in alternative sources of energy (not black oil) such as solar power, windmills, coal and electricity there would be moderation to oil consumption. The question is; how far these innovations will steer away world addiction to crude oil. With United States leading the chart for oil consumption, one cannot but wonder what alternative source of energy their scientists and businessmen are working to break oil addiction. There has been constant push to

expand domestic oil production in the United States to break dependency on imported oil, but the unanswered question is whether this represents a viable alternative with enough longevity.

Growing economies such as China and India are also expanding consumption on oil with imports from the major oil producers as the United States which has put tremendous pressure on the economics of demand and supply otherwise known as “bullish speculation”. Investors are cashing in on the unending push by developing nations and growing economies to wrest number one position from United States as the largest consumer of oil while the United States sits firm as number one on the oil consumption chart. I mentioned China and India specifically because of their constant growth in oil consumption. India’s oil consumption grew from 500,000 barrels per day in 1980 to almost 2.6 million barrels per day in 2008. Similarly, China’s oil consumption grew from almost 2 million barrels per day in 1980 to almost 8 million barrels per day in 2008.

The underlying basis of world economic growth and expansion has to significantly change before oil addiction could be broken. A paradigm shift in world citizens and economies thought process has to occur before the truism of alternative energy is realized. I intend to provoke my readers’ thoughts on how we can collectively achieve this feat without fuelling the moving train of “global warming” majorly resulting from unabated use of black oil.

To ensure that we all analyse the facts of our oil addiction, I believe there are few questions that we all need to seriously consider and carefully answer. When do we understand that “energy” is not the same as “oil”? ; How do we redefine the primary use of oil in everyday life? ; Are we ever going to achieve oil demand and supply equilibrium? ; What does the impact of lack of serious commitment to reduction of pollution mean for expanding economies like China and India?

And is there really an alternative to oil without first discouraging or stagnating demand?

Careful answers to these questions could bring a complete diversion from oil addiction. I also believe Theodor Reik the famous American psychologist who once said “it is always possible to approach a goal by a detour” Olanrewaju Akinyemi lanreray@yahoo.com PDU t BSSJWBM XPSME t

POLITICS

OBAMA OR MCCAIN WHO BETTER SERVES YOUTHS AND WORLD PEACE AGENDA

By Seni Soetan, Contributing Political Editor

As long as I assume that the world is something I discover by turning on the radio . . . I am deceived from the start." -- Thomas Merton Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that a Barack Obama presidency would be a watershed moment for the United States. However, he has not endorsed the Democratic candidate.

President Lula evoked the work of Jose Bento Monteiro Lobato, a famous Brazilian writer in the ďŹ rst half of the 20th century, to stress the signiďŹ cance of an African American becoming president of the United States.

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"Monteiro Lobato wrote that one day a woman and a black candidate would run for the presidency of the United States, and that's what is happening with Barack Obama," he said in an interview with the newspaper Jornal do Brasil.

I do agree with the president, it is the moment the world is waiting for; seeing a woman and an African American become major political competitor in a National Democratic Party.

With Obama presidency I believe the world would rejoice and there would be jubilation in every corner of the world that this could happen in the

history of United States of America. Yet! in some corners some would ask; how did this happen?

Obama presidency would first bring a dominant legacy in the history of American race and respect for the world of Afro and all her lovers in every corner of the world both White and Afro alike who believe in the first Act of the United Nations chatter which also pronounced equality of human nationalities.

Looking at the political goals of Obama, it is evident that his government if allowed to come would be great benefits for the common people and bring respect for immigrants in America. Although he desires that everyone shares in the American dream, which is embedded with prosperity and pride of belonging to a great nation. The question now is what would Obama presidency bring for the world?

The Washington post affirms that; Once President Bush is out of the White House, there will be huge expectations in Europe that a new, rosy dawn of peace and love is appearing over the Atlantic," said Reginald Dale, a Europe scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

But on the question that matters most to Europe - a global agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol - the next U.S. president may not depart from Mr. Bush's position, which has been that China and India must be part of any deal.

Mr. McCain has clearly stated that China and India must bring their emerging economies into any global agreement.

Mr. Obama has been more diplomatic. An Obama spokesman said that the senator would "push aggressively" for China and India to participate, while also setting up a global energy forum made up of the world's largest developed and developing emitters.

The CNN comments that “There's a huge international perception that Sen. Obama is going to be better for America 's image abroad if he were to win”.

Zakaria of CNN said; There's no question that Sen. Obama winning would have an impact on America 's image for the better. It would boost America 's image, it would give people a sense of the promise of America , the "only in America " type of story.

The question is, really: Is this going to be more than a momentary boost? And my suspicion is that it will not last unless there are policies that pursue a very different course than we've been pursuing. Zakaria goes further to say; Sen. Obama seems determined to change the tenor of America’s diplomatic relations and its more general approach to the world. That's wonderful.

For him, trade policy is vulnerability. Most people around the world want the United States to keep this open-world economy going, and they care much more about that than whether the United States is multilateral in the United Nations Human Rights Convention. The core issue for a Kenyan farmer, for a Brazilian businessman, for an Indian entrepreneur is, will the United States help keep markets open? That's the issue that will determine long-term whether Sen. Obama's popularity translates into a better image for America around the world.

In adding to the view of these people, I would like to add that another thing the world should expect from Obama presidency is a respect for all states no

MOKTRAVEL

matter how great or small they are. This is core to American values and believe, before this current Bush the image of America in all other parts of the world was good especially during the Clinton’s presidency.

Then, every one looks to America and loved America. I believe Obama presidency would bring America close to that love again. However, it is not sure how Africa would benefit from his presidency. It must be noted that Obama has a strong connection to Africa, his father is from Kenya in East Africa. This is a blessing to the continent, not only that he also has a blood connection to Asia where his half sister hailed from and he himself grew up in his early years in Asia. This is why one cannot question so much when Obama said I am citizen of the world.

In the midst of this hope for Africa and Asia, there is a strong concerns that Obama can not totally abandon American policy. The policy is to seek American interest first which makes senses to their nation. Then if America first it is therefore the world second. How Africa, Asia, Midle-East, Europe, North & South America is going to benefit from Obama presidency would be interesting to see.

To make his presidency looks trust worthy when it comes to foreign policy, Obama has selected a former presidential aspirant, Sen. Joe Biden who has only 9000 votes to be his vee P. We would all see if this would help the purpose, having ignored to choose Hillary Clinton who has over 18 million supporters just like Obama. It is a tough call for him and a risky one. In the next edition coming out we would see if Obama presidency and the world would be a reality or just a mirage.

We need to give credit to McCanin who called on a woman and a reformer to be his V.P. As Sarah Pallin herself declared this would not have been possible if not for the effort of women before her like Hillary Clinton.

McCain and Pallin presidency would be similar to that of president Bush when it comes to the right wing agenda. Pro life, pro gun, same judicial appointment. Except that the duo are reformer and can fight the republican and the democrats if they try to stand against the interest of American people. They both have the record of fighting the big party boys.

I have not seen any strong indication that they would be favorable to the youths or college students unlike Obama who promise shcolarship for students who are ready to serve the community and said the nation would give back to them. The only thing welcoming with the McCain camp is the issue of the voucher if the congress would approve it. This would be a great benefit to the children whose parents are less priviledge to put their children to schools of their choice.

Back again to the world with the McCain presidency. The European friends should not expect much from McCain presidency but one thing that is almost certain is that McCain is always full of big surprises. That is what we should all wait for. Meanwhile, the first of the of Presidential debates held at Oxford, Mississippi recently and it produced no clear victor, which is to say McCain lost it, since the foreign policy terrain (the essence of the first debate) is his strongest forte. Obama towered up to McCain’s lofty height in foreign policy experience and critical analysis all through the debate. The question then is can McCain redeem himself in purely non-primordial areas to win 2008 Presidency?

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

Join Politics Now Hon. Sgro Urges Youths In this interview with Musediq Abdul, Hon. Judy Sgro of Liberal Party (MP, York West) revealed her path to Politics, urged women and young Canadians to rise up to their civic responsibility. Excerpt: Who is Hon. Judy Sgro?

I was born in Moncton, New Brunswick. I moved to Toronto when I was a teenager, I schooled here; my husband and I got married when I was eighteen, I have three children. I am still married to the same man. Now I have three grandchildren.

I got into politics because I got mad at the school board and the school trustee. I am someone who has never been interested in politics at all. It was an issue that I wanted to make a difference so I have to get involved in politics of the school board. That was how I started my political career back in 1985.

I lost my first election by a narrow margin because I was running against someone who has been there for a very long time, and everybody told me I have no chance of beating my opponent because he has been there for a long time, he knows the system. I was a novice, newcomer, I didn’t know anything about politics, but because I have a gifted son, I couldn’t get proper classes for him. That was why I have to be involved in politics. Though, I ended up losing the first election, but I won every one after that How did you convince your husband?

My husband and daughters like politics. I am married to an Italian man who is quite possessive, quite jealous; the fact that he encouraged me was a big shock. My daughter was very political; she was the President of the Student Union. Both of them were pushing me. We ran our campaign out of the basement of our house, we had no one helping us; we were just knocking at doors. We amazed everybody because we almost won the election. In the campaign, people told us we did not have a chance, that we were just wasting our time. So, that was the beginning of my induction into political life since 1985.

Can you comfortably say women are having good share in politics?

I think it is still very tough for women in politics; the reason is because it is almost completely dominated by men. Until we get to the point of when we have 50/50 balance, we will continue to have different kinds of challenges. Women are not there yet because our choices and priorities are different. For women, we are not prepared to give up our families; to women our families are bigger priorities than anything else in our lives. Because our children are our priority, all these other things are secondary in my opinion.

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Hon. Judy Sgro

How do you now combine the two (Politics & Family)?

Because I started in municipal politics, which I think is the best way for women to get started because you can still balance the two. You are home at night during suppertime, prepare the dinner, wash dishes, and possibly go back to the meeting in the evening, so you can balance it. It is much harder at the provincial and federal levels because of the obligations to travel.. But I think the municipal level is a fabulous learning opportunity. It is much more easily accessible for women because they can run on a full day. It is a great level for women to let their voice be heard at the municipal level. At that point, they get basic experience and are able to manage their family as the children grow up.

I was right at the opportune time as my children were growing up for me to get into the federal level.

As an experienced MP, which law would you like to see repealed or straightened if your party won the majority government?

where decisions are been made, this really gives me a great satisfaction. It is on this note that I will like to see more people getting involved in democratic process regardless of the party they belong to, they can also make the difference by standing up and having a strong voice where decisions are been made. In spite of all odds, nothing can be more satisfying than a political career.

I was an at home mum, I never go to work outside of home. All I was doing was helping my husband in his construction business as an assistant, keeping books and record, and raise my family and do some volunteer job with the schools.

Our family was a typical Canadian family, putting bread on the table and worrying on about paying mortgage like everybody else. The fact that my son, born ten years after my two girls was a gifted child and was unable to get the right education he deserved made me become a bit of an activist, then join politics to make the change. I believe God has a destiny for all of us How do you relax?

Right now, September 2008, the thing that I am most concerned about is that we repeal bill C-10, the immigration bill that Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has managed to get through parliament. I do not think that this immigration bill is a good thing for Canada and I want to see changes to our immigration policies and we are introducing changes to immigration policies as part of our platforms. Putting all of that power in the hands of a minister to decide who is going to come to Canada next year or next month is not a good thing. I don’t think it is good in the long term for Canada.

I relax by going on vacation to Florida and try not to pick on politics throughout the holiday. I travel with my family; 13 of us as a group during vacation. We get together for family meals. . Also, I listen to music in the car, I don’t put the radio on the news channel, most of the time I put it on 88.5 and enjoy nice music. I am at home on Sunday night; the only night I have for myself

The death penalty is an issue for which I had a motion passed in the House of Commons calling on the government of Canada (Stephen Harper’s government) to assure Canadians that Canada will never have to re-introduce the death penalty and that the Canadian government will fight for Canadians that are in foreign countries facing the death penalty. The government voted against that motion, so that was very clear to me that they may bring the death penalty back into Canada. Otherwise, they would have supported the motion. We should all be concerned with what they will do if they have a majority government. I will make sure that the bill is reintroduced in parliament and liaise with many of my colleagues to discuss the issues because we don’t want the death penalty.

Young people should seriously look into politics because their voice is important. Canada needs its citizens to become much more involved and stop been apathetic of what is going on around them. They can make a huge difference by participating in the voting process and politics generally. The fact that about 40percent of the people don’t care to go out and vote is not good, they have no right to complain if they don’t take up the obligation to vote. It doesn’t take a long time to make an educated choice; therefore, I encourage readers and all Canadians to help Canada be the Canada that we want

What is/are the most difficult challenges in the course of your political career?

I think Obama’s campaign has really put a fire on the USA politics. Obama and his messages have inspired people. We don’t have a dynamic leader right now in Canada that is electrifying people with the kind of Obama message. I think Obama has brought politics into the forefront in the State. Sarah Pallin has also fired up politics there too, so it is interesting seeing what is going on there. We have leaders that are policy people here in Canada; they are not really inspirational.

There were many challenges that I have faced, one of them was when I was on Police service Board. I was very concern about situation when strip searches were done on people, and seeing visible minority been subjected to unfair treatments. And the Toronto Police Union decided to target me as an enemy of the Police trying to destroy my political career. It was really a very tough time for me to get through.

Also, when I was the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, it was again a very challenging time. Though, it was a fabulous job been able to help people but politically it was very difficult. You have all kinds of enemies as a Minister because all kinds of people in your party and elsewhere who either want your job or they want to see you been defeated so that they can get your job, or they want you to do so many things for them that you shouldn’t do or that you cannot even do. There are thousands of people in this country that needed help from you; getting their families in, refugees, separated families. All of those, you really want to help but you can’t help everybody so it was hugely difficult time for somebody like me with a large heart to balance the needs of the people

What is your advice for young people that are aspiring to become politicians?

What can you say about Canada Politics compared to U.S.A Politics?

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Have you achieved your ambition in politics?

I never planned to get into politics, sometimes it is still a shock to me that I am completing 20years of political life come November 2008. Yet, I wouldn’t take it back for anything because it has been extremely satisfying been able to make a great difference in the live of so many people, contributing a voice at the table

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POLITICS

Canada Polls What currency?

Majority Government For Grab Ayodeji Otiti Esq. - Group Political Editor

The day is 14th of October, 2008. Canadians go to the polls to elect their new Federal Parliament representatives and invariably a new government. Technically, the time is not fully ripe for such democratic liturgy (Conservative government is barely three and a half years into its mandate) however, politics is about possibilities.

Such possibilities are about how to design strategy for precious, high power-yielding politics. And the thinking of the first Citizen in Ottawa is to make the hay whilst the sun shines most. The economy hiccups a bit now and it may become a political liability if it turns into a full blown ‘flu. That may kill the ambition of the yet to be “two time” prime minister. So, to jump the Canadians into the early polls is best of strategies to avoid the looming dark clouds in the horizon of the Canadian political economy. Besides, Stephane Dion (the rookie Libby front folk) is still learning the rope on the Liberal leadership watch and to stampede him into an election he is ill-prepared for guarantees Stephen Harper a walk over in a political chess game, unless something terrible, terrible happens.

So the rank and file of our politicians are currently doing what they know best- pitching for votes. The party leaders are themselves busy criss-crossing the country to make sure nothing is left to chance. To each of them this is an important election because a failure can be very costly (ask John Tory, the Ontario Province leader of the Conservative Party) both collectively and personally.

But what currency are the five political parties (the conservative, the Liberal, the New Democratic, the Bloc Quebecois and the new arrival, the Green) offering the Canadians as a good value for their highly priced votes? Opinions are heavily divided on what really the major concerns or worries are for Canadians. Is it the economy? The environment? The public safety issue otherwise tagged the Gun control? The political platforms (manifestoes) have been carefully tailored in consonant with what each political party considers the best shot at the worries of the Canadians. For example the Liberal party is hard on the “Green shift”, which essence is the health of environment: taming (and squelching) the ozone leaching and licking gases, to ward off the cataclysm that is already with us. The Conservative, now the leader of the pack in opinion poll, (as expected) tears the “Green shift” to shreds calling it “insane”, “crazy” and a sure killer of the Canadian economy, which already totters on the brink of recession, as it shivers from an after shock of the financial cataclysm that prostrates the United States’ capital market.

What actually do the Canadians expect as the currency for their votes that the politicians ogle and drool on. The recent Angus Reid poll says 96% of Canadians consider the economy with the consumer confidence as the most worrisome trouble on the minds

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of the beaver/maple country folk. Angus Reid’s prognosis may not be far off the mark. The creeping crisis in the Canadian economy is indeed real. The untamable energy crisis that spikes up the gas and commodities prices has taken severe toll on the Canadians cost of living. It is still with us and grocery-store price-tags are there to constantly remind and torture us. Investments in Canadian economy is falling as American green back is depreciating fast, exacerbated by deaths and near-deaths of the US giant financial houses like Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, America International Group, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Sachs & Goldman. Besides, Canadian giant manufacturing plants are closing down from Oshawa, Oakville, Welland to Windsor- throwing hundreds out onto psychologically and emotionally torrid trenches of unemployment. The result is already frightening as the food banks queues become bigger, larger and longer in places like London city and Toronto, Ontario. However, the first citizen Harper believes that the economic woes the economy is pregnant with is all “hot air”, it is more of or akin to the “Chicken little” recrudescence.

"Somebody said a recession is when people start losing their jobs, and when your neighbor loses his job. There are job losses, but overall employment is pretty stable," quips the Prime Minister. Thomas Walkom (Toronto Star columnist) characterizes this as: “Harper’s unnerving confidence.”

However, the economy with consumer confidence is not the only pressing problem to the majority of Canadians as they listen to their politicians, with the 14th of October drawing nearer. Another Angus Reid poll forecasts that 88% of Canadians are interested in the environment and what the cleaning costs will do to the economy and their pockets. The environment has become a global issue as countries after countries are ravaged by serial (tsunamic) environmental disasters- a clear collective indictment on how carefree and irresponsible we all are toward the care for the health of the geo-ecology. The Liberal party is in the forefront to correct this ubiquitous environmental anomaly. The Green party, a fresh, new arrival to the Canada-wide stable of political “big-whigs” (ably led by Elizabeth May), talks nothing from its conception to its inception on the recent vote-fishing- it is the eponym “Green”. The New Democratic Party (leader, Jack Layton) also has its own fashion of what is best for the environment and, curiously enough, the Conservative party is also a friend of the environment. As for the Bloc Quebecois (leader, Gilles Duceppe) the Canadians (the non-sovereigntist of course) can understand why it is ideologically hide-bound with its primordial objective and nothing may come before that.

The important question, however, is that if indeed the Liberal party is seriously talking on what the Canadians are seeing as the primus inter pares and a most important issue (and the Conservative is yet to find the elixir for the perceived problems in the economy) why is the Liberal Party stagnating (if not sinking daily) in the opinion poll? The most recent poll by the Canadian Press HarrisDecima says it clearly in numbers: Conservatives are in 39%, Liberal 23% (from about 27-25% previously), New Democrats 17%, Greens 11% and the Bloc Quebecois 8%. What is the problem? And from where is the problem? Perre Martin, a political science professor, identifies the Liberal leader, Stephane Dion, as the singularly destabilizing problem. History and its circumstances have not been kind to Stephane Dion. He is a compromised leader that benefits from the Bob Rae/Michael Ignatieff leadership wrangling and Robert Kennedy’s largesse- that catapults him to the forefront from a distant third, during the last Liberal Leadership convention. So, in Perre’s own words leader Dion is an “…accidental leader”. Besides, Dion is a political prophet that is both realistically and proverbially not respected in his homestead. Why? He is (at least technically) a Quebecker and he also doubles as a Federalist! An oxymoron? He hates the sovereignists as a Mongoose hates snakes. In fact he is credited with the political prowess that architecturally design the “clarity clause” (a reference question to the Canada Supreme Court) that declares, in clear terms, to the pro-Quebec nationalists not to expect any attendant goodies if and when they dismember Canada. The clarity clause is, as some lego-political pundits maintain, the only legal instrument that puts the fear of God in to sovereignists and dormancy on their aluta for separation. For betraying the cause and giving the Federalists the much-needed ammunition to rein in the sovereignists, leader Dion is, to the separatist-Quebeckers, more or less

a J. Iscariot. Or, Brutus! Furthermore, the charisma is another undoing of the leader Dion. He is said to be very brilliant and always on top of things with his quick “analytical mind” and can easily crush anyone (mostly unlucky and ill-prepared) in his combative, abrasive method of debate. Yet he finds it hard to connect with Canadian voting public. Some say language may play a role in this because he “mangles English” and he is “woody,” whilst alone, un-chaperoned linguistically by the familial French language, outside his familiar terrain of Quebecophone.

Then there is also the issue of controversial Liberal platform, which many consider ill advised at this inauspicious time when the economy with consumer confidence is reeling. The Liberal manifesto is called “Green shift” and undoubtedly will come with costs in taxes with penalties to discourage the environment-polluters. The general and lay thinking is that this will further hurt an already ailing economy, albeit the tax-pundits have ruled this out. They (tax pundits) say the “carbon tax” is revenue neutral on the economy. Besides, leader Dion has made it abundantly clear that the $70 billion or more coming into the central coffers from the carbon taxes are the $70 billion or more going into tax-cuts and infrastructural developments for Canadians. It is simple and it has no economic “mumbo-jumbo” or hieroglyphics. However, the complexity of the platform with the first impression of it as a killer of economy (which citizen Harper harps on ad nauseam) through punitive taxes regime tagged “carbon tax”, continuously erodes Liberals’ popularity.

The date, October 14th 2008 is closing in and whether the Liberals are able to shrug off all the loaded, serial political baggage before the polls open is best left to the clairvoyant. However, if leader Dion does believe in the power of a soothsayer what good can this do for him (and of course the staggering fortune of Liberals) with regards to problems of image? The whispers are becoming louder than the din delivered from a repeater cannon, and it is that leader Dion problems of image may actually give citizen Harper what he seriously craves for: MAJORITY GOVERNMENT!

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OPINIONS

Obama in Canadian Politics

By Bode Odetoyinbo, Ontario based Political Analyst

Barack clearly knows something most US politicians do not. His exciting campaign has become the first as far as I can recall, to be carried so far on the backs of young voters. He owes the under 30 voters a huge debt of gratitude for his historic nomination as the Democratic Presidential nominee.

So what does Barack know? He knows that the youth want change at the top. Change in the status quo.

Change from excessive student loans, end to the war. Young voters are most confident in Obama’s promise to gets US troops out of Iraq. They have invested in anticipation of his ability to change the economy, change the health care system and change US energy policy. Everywhere he is treated like a rock star. They love this basketball playing, Usher concert attending, fist bumping, youthful, eloquent, likable maverick.

By targeting young people-particularly collegeeducated young people successfully, he has also tapped successfully into the power of social networking sites and the viral messaging of YouTube, email and the internet. McCain on the other hand admitted not even knowing how to use a computer. This is definitely a turn off for young voters.

Whether or not the youth engagement that Mr. Obama seems to have generated has staying power, November will tell. One thing that is clear north of the border is the absence of a Canadian Obama equivalent. Young Canadians, like a lot of young American voters, do not appear to have historically embraced the traditional forms of political expression. They are more sophisticated these days. They tend to belong to and support advocacy groups and causes, and they do participate in blogs, share their political views on Face book, blogs and other forms of political expression. Mainstream Canadian political parties have not yet found the secret formula for engaging young people en masse. bode@lawyer4me.com

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OPINIONS

SUVs how clean for Nigeria?

We can all take notice of the fact that driving around in new, and previously owned, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to make a personal statement is widely spreading in Nigeria, and a lot of these types of vehicles are now being imported particularly from the U.S. But have we stopped to ponder the environmental impact? This issue should not be given a back seat. There is sufďŹ cent empirical evidence that smog forming emitting SUV’s have a signiďŹ cant environmental impact beyond the problem of global warming, (e.g. ecological disruption and changing weather patterns) and we need to take cognizance of it.

One of the most important things we can do to reduce global warming pollution is to buy a vehicle with higher fuel economy. Every gallon of gasoline a vehicle burns puts 20 pounds of carbondioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. If or when hundreds of thousands of SUVs gets exported into Nigeria, and indeed the rest of Africa, tons of carbon dioxide will eventually be released into the atmosphere, at a time when other parts of the world are cutting back on their emissions, and delving into alternatives. To reduce our CO2 emissions, we would have to drive smaller, more fuel-efďŹ cient cars,

The developed economies are already planning to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and carbon emissions. Fuel prices have consumers embracing small cars and automakers scrambling to build them. Many leading automakers today are striving to create new hybrid cars that are efďŹ cient in gas mileage as well as being the perfect luxury car.

Today's vehicles are the cleanest ever, they are getting cleaner all the time and we can’t afford not to emulate them.

Excessive demand and import of SUVs into Nigeria will tip the scale towards higher levels of CO2, at a time when other nations are making great efforts to reduce their own levels. This is not an environmentally responsible choice for Nigeria to be making.

We should ban the SUVs as a lifestyle choice, or personal statement in our motherland, Nigeria.

Instead, let us encourage drivers to downsize to smaller, more fuel-efďŹ cient cars. Perhaps if our highways and roads were in a better state of repair, interest in SUVs would diminish. This could be a cue for an increase in Government spending on roads & highway maintenance. For certain, the use of SUVs in the oil industry, the security business, and for certain hard-to-reach off road locations, may be

LAW OFFICE OF ADEYINKA OYENUBI #BSSJTUFS 4PMJDJUPS /PUBSZ

By Adeyinka O. Oyenubi

both practical and appropriate. However once the urgent need for them has passed, let us not see these same SUV’s being enjoyed as a luxury item in our urban locations. Nigeria is a huge market, and should not be the dumping ground for these gas-guzzling automobiles. Let us not add to the already existing unsustainable practices and habits in Nigeria.

One cannot hail utopia on by force nor can we dictate the choice of vehicle owned by individuals but Nigerian consumers should become more interested in fuel-efďŹ cient, environmentally friendly cars, and the importers need to go green with their thinking. Perhaps, this is the time to enact and or strengthen regulations governing SUVs in Nigeria. The Fedreal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) has a mandate to protect Nigeria’s environment.

It’s time to raise the public awareness to take meaningful action to limit global warming, at home and abroad.

By Adeyinka O. Oyenubi Barrister & Solicitor, practising in Markham, Ontario.

Tel: (905)771-8543 www.oyenubilaw.ca

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LAW AND IMMIGRATION

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LAW AND IMMIGRATION

Calling All International Students No Job Offer Needed For Three Year Work Permit

By Bode Odetoyinbo

permits of one or two years, the duration of the work permit has now been extended to three years across the country. The new Canadian Experience Class category of immigration, which will be rolled out towards the end of this summer, aims to make it easier for international students and foreign workers who are already in Canada with temporary status to become Canadian Permanent Residents. At least one year of work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical position will be required to apply for the Canadian Experience Class. With the new changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, this requirement will be much more manageable.

Are you thinking of coming to study in Canada? Do you want to become a permanent resident after you complete your course? Stop thinking. Apply immediately. Canada wants you!

Through recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, Canada has made it easier for graduating international students to obtain work permits and acquire Canadian work experience. Not only will the changes help Canada’s international student retention rate and ease current skills shortages, but they will also help these students on their way to becoming successful Permanent Canadian Residents.

International students who wish to contribute to the Canadian workforce upon graduating from eligible programs at certain Canadian post-secondary institutions now have more exibility to do so. Effective immediately, the changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program remove the requirement to have a job offer at the time of application.

International graduates can now obtain an open work permit, which means that they can work for any Canadian employer who offers them a job. The changes also allow international students the exibility to work outside of their ďŹ eld of study, whereas previously, they were constrained to that ďŹ eld. In addition, where the program only allowed for work

So what are you waiting for? Canada wants your skills. Canada wants you.

Bode Odetoyinbo is an Ontario based Immigration Lawyer. He can be reached at 905-487-6333 or bode@lawyer4me.com. See also www.lawyer4me.com

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LIFESTYLE

HIV/AIDS

Religious Perspectives

By Mustafiz Abdullah

We should start with a good news that in 2007 the infection rate has been slow down by a reduction of 16% compared with the estimate published in 2006 (39.5 million) because of efforts undertaken by Public and private level in different parts of the world to save the human lives.

The estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide in 2007 was about 33.2 million, (UNAIDS/WHO, 2006). Among this 33.2 million in 2007: 30.8 million are adults, 15.4 million women and 2.5 million Children under 15 years. Only in 2007 a total of 2.5 million people have been newly infected with HIV worldwide (Adults 2.1 million and 420,000 are Children under 15 years). Also this deadly disease has a toll of total 2.1 million human lives in 2007 through out the world (Adults 1.7 million, Children under 15 years 330 000).

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region in the global AIDS epidemic. More than two thirds (68%) of all people HIV-positive live in this region where more than three quarters (76%) of all AIDS deaths in 2007 occurred. It is estimated that 1.7 million [1.4 million–2.4 million] people were newly infected with HIV in 2007, bringing to 22.5 million [20.9 million–24.3 million] the total number of people living with the virus.

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Africa (61%) are women.

Let us look at the conditions of Canada. The latest HIV data from Canada highlight the need to ensure effective strategies are in place to prevent new HIV infections and to provide services for vulnerable populations. At the end of 2005, there was an estimated 58 000 [48 000–68 000] people living with HIV in Canada, which represents an increase of 16% over the 2002 estimate of 50 000 [41 000– 59 000] (Boulos et al., 2006).

In addition, it was estimated that 2300 to 4500 new infections occurred in 2005. Queer people comprised almost half (46%) of those new infections, making them the most-affected group. About 14% of the new infections were attributed to unsafe injecting drug use (less than the 19% estimated for 2002), and 37% were attributed to unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Just under half of the infections acquired via heterosexual intercourse were in persons who were born in a country where HIV is endemic (Boulos et al., 2006).

There was a slightly increasing trend in new HIV infections among women: they represented 27% of new infections in 2005, compared with an estimated 24% in 2002 (Boulos et al., 2006). Of note, one in four persons with HIV in Canada are unaware of his or her infection (Boulos et al.,

2006). Aboriginal people in Canada are disproportionately affected by many social, economic and behavioural factors, such as high rates of poverty, substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections, as well as limited access to or use of health-care services, which together appear to increase their vulnerability to HIV infection (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006).

There is a special need for targeted interventions that are specifically designed for Aboriginal youth, especially women. Larger proportions (33%) of Aboriginal persons diagnosed with HIV are younger than 30 years, compared with the general population (20%). A study among injecting drug users in Vancouver found that Aboriginal youth who inject drugs were over four times more likely to be HIV-infected at enrolment in a drug programme than were their non-Aboriginal counterparts (Miller et al., 2006).

As in many other countries, injecting drug use during incarceration appears to be common in Canada. According to a recent study among persons admitted to remand facilities in the province of Ontario, the use of non-sterile injecting equipment behind bars is common, especially among injecting drug users held in federal prison facilities. Among the latter, 6% tested HIV-positive in this study; almost half (47%) of those infected with the virus said they had shared injecting equipment while imprisoned. Such

In the first letter to Corinthians regarding the ‘advice to virgins and widows’ St. Paul wrote: “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released…………. A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God” From this letter it is clearly understood that St. Paul advised Christians to be confined with their husband and wife, which means that you have to restrain yourself from having more than one partner. It is agreed by all corners of HIV activists that the one of the major cause of HIV infection is having multiple sex partners.

There numerous verses we can see in the Holy Bible. It has been clearly mention in both, the Old and New Testament that lewdness is forbidden in Christianity.

Now we will look into the religion of Islam. The Muslims who followed the Holy Book of Qur’an and Hadith, has been ordered to do completely avoid sexual impurity in his life all the time. In this Holy book there have been also plenty of verses about this immoral act, which is at least 70% reason for the HIV infection. We will mention here couple of verses. In fact the Qur’an and Hadith has encouraged the human being to practice neat personal as well as family life and thus announced awards for the life here and hereaf-

FOLLOWING ARE THE FEW VERSES AMONG THE MANY FROM HOLY QUR’AN: “WE ALSO (SENT) LUT: HE SAID TO HIS PEOPLE, ‘DO YOU COMMIT LEWDNESS SUCH AS NO PEOPLE IN CREATION (EVER) COMMITTED BEFORE YOU” [SURAH A’RAF: VERSE NO: 80] “NOR COME NEAR TO ADULTERY: FOR IT IS SHAMEFUL (DEED) AND AN EVIL, OPENING THE ROAD (TO OTHER EVILS) [SURAH BANI ISRA-IL OR THE ISRAELITES: VERSE NO: 32] “SAY TO THE BELIEVING MEN THAT THEY SHOULD LOWER THEIR GAZE AND GUARD THEIR MODESTY: THAT WILL MAKE FOR GREATER PURITY FOR THEM:……......”

[SURAH NUR OR THE LIGHTS: VERSE NO: 30] findings reiterate the need to expand prison harm reduction programmes, including needle- and syringe-exchange programmes (Calzavara et al., 2006).

Now try to figure out the relationship of the above-mentioned facts and figures with the topics of this article. We will basically focus on some of the relevant essential policy actions for HIV prevention from the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) Policy Position Paper for intensifying HIV Prevention.

UNAIDS unanimously decided 12 policy actions (p.14, AIDS epidemic update, December 2005). In no 2 of that policy actions, it has been said, ‘Build and maintain leadership from all sections of society, including governments, affected communities, nongovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations, the education sector, media, the private sector and trade unions’ and in no 4, ‘Address cultural norms and beliefs, recognizing both the key role they may play in supporting prevention efforts and the potential they have fuel HIV transmission’. It is needless to say that the mentioned faith and beliefs means the different religious beliefs and their teachings.

Let us see how the religions could protect us against the menace of HIV as well as STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Studies have shown that almost 70% of the infections are through sexual contact. So, if we control this essential act of life with awareness and religious beliefs, it is believed that 70% of the infections of these two deadly diseases could be prevented.

For the limitations of the time and space, we will try to mention some of the verses from Christianity and Islam to maintain our sexual life in a boundary of correctness and purity.

ter.

Following are the few verses among the many from Holy Qur’an: “We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people, ‘Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you” [Surah A’raf: Verse no: 80] “Nor come near to adultery: for it is shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils) [Surah Bani Isra-il or The Israelites: Verse no: 32] “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them:……......” [Surah Nur or The Lights: Verse no: 30].

WHO has pointed out that religions could play a pivotal role to prevent this deadly, treatment less disease? Excerpts from an article published by World Health Organization (WHO) titled ‘The Role of Religion and Ethics in the Prevention and Control of AIDS’.

In page-3 of para-9 of that article, concluded that, “Nothing can be more helpful in this preventive effort than religious teachings and the adoption of proper and decent behaviour as advocated and urged by all divine Religions”.

In the conclusion, we have evidence that people who have been trying to get rid of this devastating situation of HIV/AIDS infection have emphasized to promote the moral and ethical values of the human beings. Unanimously they have opined that without this, the infection rate will not decrease.

And it is phenomenal that a person’s moral values could be uplifted in a situation where peace, integrity, discipline and solidarity have been maintained. Without any doubt we can find all these qualities in all the divine religions.

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LIFE WITH FLORENCE

THE STORY OF OMAR GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU

By Florence Banda

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It takes so little to make a child smile, candy, a toy truck, and a teddy bear.

Sadly for little Omar and his younger brother, Juan, growing up in Le Limon, just 25 miles north of Guatemala City, money spent on candy would mean no money left for life saving essentials. Like nutritious food, soap…

Health – access to doctor, dentist, vaccines & medicine

Or shoes. Shoes are a requirement if a child is to attend the local school.

But for Omar, and other children like him, shoes are a luxury his family just cannot afford.

Nutrition – malnutrition screenings, feeding programs, supplements & educational programs.

Education – uniforms & school supplies, tuition assistance, access to libraries & tutoring.

Youth – peer education, leadership & vocational training, Poverty is a painful reality for nearly half the worlds’ population…almost 3 billion people. And of these, more than 1 billion subsist on less than $1.00 a day. For them, basic necessities seem impossible. Every step is another obstacle to be overcome.

At just 7 years of age, Omar knew first hand the dangers of not protecting his feet from the elements. Concrete shacks descend like uneven, collapsing steps down the steep slopes, occasionally crumbling under the pressure, and thick vegetation sprouts up through cracks in the pavement.

Broken glass, stinging insects…one day Omar stepped on a rusty nail while he was rooting for anything edible.

That night, he developed a fever and his leg swelled up alarmingly.

His mother desperately sought help from a neighbouring medical clinic.

Without assistance, the poor can sometimes scrape together enough money to pay for expensive, life-saving medication. His mother sold the family radio and the bicycle. The bicycle was their primary means of transportation.

Some facts about poverty, Poverty is the number 1 killer in the world according to the British Medical Journal.

Six million children under the age of 5 die as a result of hunger & malnutrition every year (UNICEF) More than 1 billion people live without access to safe drinking water (UN) More than 78 percent of the developing world’s urban populations now live in slums (UN – Habitat) Omar came into my life in the summer of 1996 when he was close to 8 years of age. His sponsoring agency had begun to expand into Guatemala and all children between the ages of 2 and 16, whose family income was below sustenance level, were eligible…and that included Omar.

But I am just one person. I do not even have a secure job. There are so many thousands of needy children and some right here in my neighbourhood. And how do I know the money really gets to these kids anyway. Is this some kind of a trick?

‘We strive for excellence and accountability in every aspect of our efforts.

We not only serve poor children, but those who make our work possible.’

‘That’s why we are proud to report that 80 percent of the income we raise goes directly to programs helping children and their families.’ And they were recognized by the BBB as one of the top humanitarian organizations in the United States, together with a copy of their Annual Report.

That first monthly donation of $12.00 became one of 240 donations, over the next 10 years. Within 3 weeks I had received my Sponsorship Package outlining in detail exactly what the donations pooled with those of other sponsors, would cover:

Community – clean-water initiatives, sanitary, latrines and micro enterprise programs & grants.

Family – household items, income generating programs, educational opportunities, and housing & home repair assistance.

Also, there is need to establish one-to-one sponsorship that would give these children the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and to realize their potential.

I quickly became acquainted with Omar through our monthly and sometimes even weekly letters. The first were written in the round, shaky, childish scrawl of a small boy. ‘Dear, Godmother, thank you for becoming my sponsor. I go to school. My teacher’s name is…’ and later, ‘Dear Godmother, I have become a Youth Group leader at my church’ and still later, ‘Dear Sponsor, I have a girlfriend and her name is Carmen’ A bicycle, a bed, a mosquito net, books, toys. I would send extra money and then receive the photos… a smiling child proudly sitting on his bicycle, or hugging a teddy bear. .. ‘Dear Sponsor, teddy is very soft; I love it very much. Thank you my sponsor’.

That first visit, we drove up to the settlement on a stifling hot day in August of 1997. And there amongst a knot of small, barefooted boys, was a familiar looking boy, wearing good quality, black shoes. ‘That’s Omar’! I said to the Worker. He was so shy. I knelt down and he offered his hand.

Omar is 19 now. I attended his Graduation Ceremony in January.

Omar stayed with me for most of the day. He showed me around, we visited the hut where he had grown up. I saw all the photos I had sent him, prominently displayed on the mantelpiece. He brought out a box and opened it and there inside were all the letters I had ever sent him. ‘Dear Omar, My name is Florence and I am happy to be your sponsor. I hope to be your sponsor forever and ever until you are all grown up and no longer need a sponsor’.

The last letter I received from Omar was dated March 2007. ‘Dear Florence, it was wonderful to see you again, I have some good news. I have been accepted into the Youth Employment Program and I am training to become an Auto Mechanic. I hope to open my own Garage’ It was the poet, Emily Dickinson who said…If I can help one fainting robin into his nest again…I shall not have lived in vain.

And one last card came from Omar 6 months later. ‘…I have decided that soon, I will sponsor a child too’ Sponsorship gives sponsors a tremendous sense of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment…all through helping a needy child have a better life.

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Wedding

Conjugal Bliss Friends and Relations celebrate with Joseph Obi-Johnson and Cheryl Obi-Johnson (Nee Pearson) as the couple tie the Nuptial Knot in a grandstyle at Sheraton Hotel, Hamilton on July 26, 2008

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HEALTH

Mental Illness It’s not all in your head According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, ‘Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a persons thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others as well as their daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, Mental Illnesses are medical conditions that often result in diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.’ Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness also goes on to say, the good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

The World Health Organization states that although mental illness can strike at any age, it is usually those in the prime of their lives, adolescence & young adulthood who are especially vulnerable.

There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness that in turn affects the sufferers self esteem but these are real, treatable health conditions. t BSSJWBM XPSME t PDU

The best treatments for serious mental illness are highly effective; between 70 & 90% of sufferers have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life (WHO).

In this edition, we will focus on two of the Major Mental Illnesses, Borderline Personality Disorder & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies BPD as: t " QFSWBTJWF QBUUFSO PG VOTUBCMF QFSTPOBM SFMBUJPOTIJQT EJGmDVMUJFT XJUI moods & self-image. Impulsivity is also extremely common. t 5IF TVGGFSFS PGUFO IBT JOUFOTF FQJTPEFT PG BOYJFUZ EFQSFTTJPO JSSJUBCJMity, lasting from a few hours to a few days. t .BZ EJSFDU BOHFS PVUXBSE JO UIF GPSN PG QIZTJDBM BHHSFTTJPO CVU NBZ BMTP engage in self destructive behaviours, such as drug abuse, eating disorders, suicide. These behaviours are often intended to manipulate others.

t 6TVBMMZ IBWF QPPS TFMG JEFOUJUZ UIBU MFBET UP PWFSMZ JOUFOTF SFMBUJPOTIJQT with others. These interactions are generally ďŹ lled with conict and the individuals with BPO will vacillate between idealizing other people & undervaluing them. t 5FOE UP CFDPNF BOHSZ GSVTUSBUFE XIFO PUIFS QFPQMF GBJM UP MJWF VQ UP PS meet unrealistic expectations.

The odds of being diagnosed with PBD are 3:1, not in favour of females. This is due to: t $IJMEIPPE TFYVBM BCVTF o NPSF DPNNPO JO GFNBMFT t .PSF JODPOTJTUFOU BOE JOWBMJEBUJOH NFTTBHFT GSPN TPDJFUZ t 8PNFO BSF NPSF WVMOFSBCMF CFDBVTF UIFZ BSF TPDJBMJ[FE UP CF NPSF dependants and more sensitive to rejection. t $MJOJDJBOT UFOE UP CF CJBTFE o TUVEJFT IBWF TIPXO NPSF EJBHOPTFT JO women even when patient proďŹ les are identical except for gender of patient. t .FO UFOE UP TFFL IFMQ MFTT PGUFO t .FO BSF NPSF MJLFMZ UP CF USFBUFE POMZ GPS TVCTUBODF PS BMDPIPM BCVTF rather than their underlying BPD. According to Healthwise, PBD is difďŹ cult to treat, relapse is common and many patients have difďŹ culty with the relationship with their counselor or doctor.

The good news is that within the ďŹ rst year of treatment, many people ďŹ nd relief from the destructive symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder.

Treatment includes counseling, behaviour therapy, and family group therapy and support groups. Anti depressants, mood stabilizers may be prescribed, also.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder This can develop after exposure to an event that the patient found traumatic. The emotional reaction to this event is ongoing and disrupts the patients’ life. Often when a loved one dies unexpectedly, those left behind can experience PTS. Those that lived in war torn countries are often described as being ‘shell shocked’, which is the layman’s term for PTSD. This mental condition was ďŹ rst diagnosed in soldiers who had been in combat and experienced severe physical and/or emotional trauma.

Some common symptoms include: t 'MBTICBDLT o VOBCMF UP GPSHFU UIF FYQFSJFODF t 1FSTJTUFOU BWPJEBODF PG TUJNVMJ BTTPDJBUFE XJUI UIF USBVNB F H OFWFS referring to the deceased again) t %JGmDVMUZ TMFFQJOH FBUJOH BOHFS IZQFS WJHJMBODF While the above are normal reactions to a traumatic event, these symptoms are not normal if they continue for more than one month.

Symptoms do not necessarily appear straight away, they can appear several months or even years later. Some people are more vulnerable than others. Women are twice more likely to develop PTSD than men, and children can also develop this. PTSD often occurs in conjunction with substance abuse. Childhood trauma, chronic adversity, and family stressors can increase the risk.

Why are traumatic events so shocking?

"DDPSEJOH UP 5IF 3PZBM $PMMFHF PG 1TZDIJBUSJTUT o UIFZ VOEFSNJOF PVS sense that life is fair, reasonably safe & that we are secure. A traumatic experience makes it very clear that we can die at any time. The symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are part of a normal reaction to narrowly avoided death.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists goes on to say: The more disturbing the experience, the more likely you are to experience PTSD. And if you are in a situation where you continue to be exposed to stress & uncertainty (war workers, medical personnel) those symptoms will continue and are not likely to improve.

Why Does Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Happen?

The Royal College of Psychiatrists offers several possible explanations: 1TZDIPMPHJDBM o *U DBO CF EJTUSFTTJOH UP SFNFNCFS UIF USBVNBUJD FWFOU so symptoms of ashbacks can help us to understand what happened and, in the long run help us to survive.

1IZTJDBM o 5IF BESFOBMJOF QSPEVDFE JO PVS CPEJFT BU UIF NPNFOU XF were experiencing the event did not return to normal levels due to our vivid memories of that event. And it keeps our brains from working properly, interfering with the hippocampus, that part of the brain that processes memories. We can’t process the trauma properly so we keep reliving it. If the stress goes away and our adrenaline returns to normal, then it will stop disturbing that part of our brain, so the hippocampus can begin to repair itself as the natural healing process takes over.

How to help yourself after experiencing a traumatic event t ,FFQ MJGF BT OPSNBM BT QPTTJCMF t 3FUVSO UP ZPVS SFHVMBS SPVUJOFT t 5BML BCPVU XIBU IBQQFOFE XJUI TPNFPOF ZPV USVTU t 5SZ SFMBYBUJPO FYFSDJTFT t (P CBDL UP XPSL t &BU BOE FYFSDJTF SFHVMBSMZ t (P CBDL UP XIFSF UIF USBVNBUJD FWFOU IBQQFOFE t 5BLF UJNF UP CF XJUI GBNJMZ GSJFOET t %SJWF XJUI DBSF t #F NPSF DBSFGVM HFOFSBMMZ t 4QFBL UP B EPDUPS t &YQFDU UP HFU CFUUFS Treatment includes cognitive therapy, exposure therapy and early intervention after a stressful incident. Sometimes medication is required, such as the Beta Blocker, called Propranolol, which inhibits the formation of tragic memories by blocking adrenalins effect on the that part of the CSBJO DBMMFE UIF "NZHEBMF ,FFQ JO NJOE UIBU B QTZDIJBUSJTU PS NFOUBM health professional must be consulted for any prescription.

But I Feel So Ashamed: *U JT WFSZ FBTZ UP EFIVNBOJ[F B QFSTPO TVGGFSJOH GSPN NFOUBM JMMOFTT 'PS example, in wintertime, there were media reports of a mentally ill person who escaped from custody and was found wandering around in the snow.

Stories like these abound and are often presented in an offhand and jocular manner. Mentally ill people are often portrayed as comical, lazy, dangerous or weak. But remember, stigma is nothing more than ignorance.

It can, however, stop a person from getting the help they need. This must be changed through education. It is critical that the public understand that mental illness is: a clinically, diagnosable disorder that signiďŹ cantly interferes with individuals’ cognitive, emotional or social capabilities.

Let us begin right now to challenge the negative stereotypes of Mental Illness. Through the traditional news media, internet, pamphlets, books, we can stimulate power to overcome & eradicate stigma of Mental Illness that resides in each and every one of us.

Let us avail ourselves of this opportunity.

Written by Florence Banda - Contributing Editor PDU t BSSJWBM XPSME t

POETRY CORNER

Ladies &Gentlemen class 2009

Wear sunscreen If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice to you now.

Enjoy the beauty and power of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they’ve faded.

But trust me. In 20 years, you’ll look back at photos of yourself, and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t’ worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes, you’re ahead, Sometimes you are behind. The race is long and, in the end it’s only with you.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

From the song, everybody’s Free by Baz Luhrman

Keep your old love letters.

Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.

The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 years olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they are gone.

Words by Mary Schmich from the Chicago Tribune

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll divorce at 40; maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance. So is everybody else’s. to be continued in the next edition

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INVESTMENTS

‘Yap About Financials’

By Feiling Yap, Financial Columnist

Its interesting how at different times of the year people talk about financial priorities and / or concerns.

In the months of December and January, the general discussions are around the Christmas spending and how you go about planning to pay for it; January and February its about retirement savings; March and April its about income taxes and so on and so forth.

In August – September period our thoughts turn to finances related to kids going to post secondary education. The financial stress is usually higher for kids pursuing post secondary education out of town. The added expense for residence (or rent if living off campus) and other living expenses can be substantial.

My husband and I have three lovely daughters all pursuing post secondary education. Our promise to our kids was that we would pay for all educational expenses and one year of living on or near campus. Two of our three daughters lived on campus for one year. Fortunately for us, today all three of our daughters are day scholars at schools in the Toronto area.

I am sure that our situation is not unique in that there are many thousands of families that work hard to encourage their children to pursue higher education.

Planning for post secondary school expenses for our kids began the year they were born. We purchased Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for each of our daughters. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, there were few RESPs available and definitely no government grants. The plans today offer more flexibility than the ones back then.

We made some difficult financial decisions at that time to buy into the RESP. We hedged our investment in that we purchased only a couple of units (this was in the event that our daughter(s) did not pursue post secondary education). Today, dividends flowing out of our RESP investments are helping to pay our three daughter’s education. My husband and I view this to be one of our better investments.

The intent of writing this article is not so much to provide specific advice to people, but to share our experience with others that go through similar challenges. The lesson that we pass on to our daughters and family members are that in almost any Endeavour, planning is essential. The fruits of our plan have reduced our September stresses considerably. It is never too late to start an education savings plan for your children and take advantage of the generous government program. We are a family of first generation immigrants and would like to see our children take full advantage of the prosperity that Canada has to offer and the reason why we came here.

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TRAVEL & TOURISM

Tucked away in a remote corner of the South Pacific and bounded by the Tasman Sea, lies a jewel of inestimable value. Tiny, lovely and green, New Zealand has the distinction of being known as one of the most isolated and least populated countries of the world.

Spanning latitudes of 34 degrees & 47 degrees south, the Islands of New Zealand are in the path of what is known as ‘The Roaring Forties’ that is, the winds that circle this lower part of the globe and are separated from the nearest landmass, Australia, by 1,600 km of Tasman Sea. On the International Date Line, opposite the Greenwich Meridian of zero degrees, New Zealand claims to be the first country to see the sun rise.

New Zealand is a land of contrasts, between the subtropical North and the colder South. Between the rains drenched West and the drier East, between the volcanoes of the Central-North Island and the mountains of the South Island.

Powerful geological forces have created a landscape that is dominated by mountains, hills, lakes & rivers. These have allowed New Zealand to become a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sheep & cattle farming still cover large areas of the country.

New Zealand is comprised of 2 islands; The North Island and the South Island.

The Maori, first arriving settlers left Polynesia in the 12th century, seeking

New Zealand Awaits You

By Florence Banda, Travel/Tourism Editor a land with more fertile soil. They sailed in sturdy canoes, using the stars for navigation and the direction of seabirds in flight, cloud patterns and the colour of the water as their guide. After many weeks at sea, they at last caught a glimpse of something long and white appearing on the horizon, and so they called their newfound country, Aotearoa, which translates into The Land of the Long White Cloud. Their culture is an integral part of New Zealand, Maori legends and artifacts abound. The Maori brought with them their culture, rich in song, dance, carvings and weaving, which intertwined with strong oratory skills, as no written language was used. Natural resources and well-developed skills, made it possible for the Maori to survive.

Legend has it that Maui and his brothers went fishing, they caught a fish so huge they built a house upon it; a garden and eventually this huge fish became known as the North Island.

Densely populated, the North Island is the centre of Maori and Pacific Island culture. There is extensive volcanic and thermal activity on the North Island central plateau. Blessed with a varied landscape, the North Island offers range climates from the winterless north to the snowbound mountains of the Central Plateau and the blustery winds of the south. From the tip of the Northland down to Taranaki on the west and Hawkes Bay on the east, the sea lends a distinct character to each coast. Although best known for its geothermal wonders around Rotorua and the Volcanic Plateaus, the North Island is also a fertile land of lush dairy pastures, highly productive orchards and rolling sheep country. The countries largest city, Auckland and its capital, Wellington, are both located in the North Island…the Birthplace of the Nation. Golden sand beaches, waterways and vineyards dominate the sun soaked north. Along the narrow West Coast, waves from the Tasman Sea pound wild beaches.

The South Island offers snowcapped Southern Alps, which divide the island into two and contribute to a vast adventure playground of mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers & fiords.

The South Island is also home to NZ’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cooke, which stands 3,764 km high. Mount Cooke is sacred to the Ngai Tahu tribe of the

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South Island and Maori Legend has it that a boy named Aoraki and his 3 brothers came down from the Heavens to visit Papatuanuki or ‘Earth Mother’, in a canoe. The canoe overturned as the brothers moved to the back of the canoe, they turned to stone Maoris brought with them many different kinds of plants, and animals. New Zealand is famed for its unusual birds. Evolving without significant predators, many birds lost any reason to fly, and developed into some of the largest birds that ever lived. Kiwi, Kakapo, Takahe, Black Robin, Kea…enormous efforts are being made to ensure their survival. Keas have a reputation for playfulness and intelligence. Their feathers are brown with red underneath.

The Maori believed in divine direction in all things. Culturally, they have many gods: Tane, god of the forest, Tangoroa, god of the sea, the wind, and the wild.

Rangi, the sky father and Papa, is the name of mother earth. Remembered through song and dance, spells were laid on people who behaved badly to their friends.

Maori carvings abound in New Zealand. Objects of great beauty, wood carving is the most important, since useable objects were carved from wood. Canoes, bowls, houses, all made out of wood and necessary for life.

Green glowing objects are carved out of jade. The Manaia is half human and half bird and is carved out of whalebone. The Manaia is the messenger between the earthly world of humans and the world of spirits. Often carved with 3 fingers, symbolizing Birth, Life, Death and sometimes a 4th finger, symbolizing the Afterlife and describing the circle of life.

Ancestors give spiritual strength to the carvings, so they must be treated with great respect and is said to be a spiritual link between the generations, spanning time and space. Maori art carvings adorn huts.

The god Maui used a fish hook to fish up the North Island Sea, essential for food, the fish hook carved from either jade or whale bone is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and good health.

Motels and motor lodgings are the common form of accommodation and very town has at least one, they vary in price but most travelers find them very reasonably priced.

Self-catering apartments can be found in the main cities and are clean and comfortable places to stay.

New Zealand is indeed a jewel of inestimable value.

Tiny and peaceful, NZ is often overlooked by travellers inundated by spectacular stories of it’s gigantic neighbour, Australia. But the tired traveler arriving at what he believed all his life to be his ultimate destination, expecting to find,, ‘the land I longed for as long as I can remember’ finds when he arrives on Australian shores, there is still something strangely missing, he is still haunted by the scent of unseen roses…Australia is only a shadow, a dim premonition of what he is really seeking…’quick, quick, what do I remind you of’? …Look up tired traveler, you are headed in the right direction but change your focus just a bit, look up and to your left and you will find New Zealand, your true, your native land. The land you have longed for all your life.

When is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

Remember, New Zealand is behind compared to North America. At the moment it is wintertime, but winter sports and activities abound. During the months of July and August, some of the worlds best snowboarders compete in the Burton New Zealand Open in Snow park, NZ. For those less active visitors, try the Homegrown Film Festival at the Paramount and Film Archive in Wellington. Surf camps and surfing lessons, canoe trips, mountain climbing is popular in summer. And all year round the visitor can attend the guided tours such as the Hollyfield Guided Walk, step back in time and experience spectacular geology, in Fiordland National Park. Take the Moa Trek, unique food, wine and cultural tours for those who prefer small groups of 17 or less.

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SUMMER FESTIVAL

Photo by Pierre Dubeau

SCOTIA BANK 2008 CARIBANA FESTIVAL HELD IN TORONTO

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Over a million people watch the festival giant parade along Toronto’s lakeshore Blvd on August 2, 2008

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SUMMER FESTIVAL

2008 GHANAIANS ANNUAL PICNIC Held in Toronto, unprecedented crowd attended the picnic with a lot of side attractions, BBQ, and funs

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Photo by Arrival World

TORONTO 2008 TURKISH FESTIVAL Turkey Nationals celebrates 2008 edition of the Toronto Turkish Festival in grandstyle with pomp and pageantry at Dundas Square, downtown, Toronto on August 2, 2008

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ACTLAP AIDS FUND

AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE

BY ACTLAP

AN ACTLAP’S 2008 3RD ANNUAL AFRICAN SHOWCASE FUNDRAISER CHARITY EVENT IN COLLABORATION WITH SMC OF TORONTO PRESENTS

LIVE IN CANADA Patience Ozokwo “MAMA G”

Date & Time: SAT OCTOBER 4TH, 2008 starts 4pm Show Starts Exact Time NO AFRICAN TIME VENUE: In Toronto- CITY OF MISSISSAUGA’s MALTON CENTRE, 3540 MORNING STAR DRIVE. GORWAY/MORNING STAR In Montreal- Contact Osagie@ 1-514-9626931

Get Your Ticket/s Today: Single Ticket -$35.00/$40@Dr; Ticket for Couple - $60.00/$70.00@Dr; Sponsorship Group Table - $1,000 Children & Participants – FREE Come see, meet & have fun with a true NOLLYWOOD Legend

(ACTLAP is a Charity Organization – Tax Receipts are available for all our

Patience Ozokwo aka “MAMA G”

Sponsors and Ticket purchases) ACTLAP Charity # is: 870874013 RR 0001

As she features her music & preview her new movie

-Come have a taste of African Fashion, Food, Music and Culture -See our Canadian Children features and learn AFRICAN CULTURE with CHIEF ISEKHURE OF BENIN KINGDOM

MOST Proceeds going to: - LITERACY & EDUCATION FUND - AFRICAN CHILDREN AIDS FUND

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Come see & meet one of Africa’s wonders in comedy Kingsley Ogbonna aka “DAUDA De MUMU” As MC, You will laugh till you drop & preview his movies

Contacts: ACTLAP 905-629-8756 or 416-939-6584 or 416-875-3275 visit www.actlap.org Email: info@actlap.org SWEET MOTHERS: Erin Anigue 905-459-9222 Mrs. Omoruna 647-309-5517 visit smc@sweetmothersfoundation.com TUKURO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

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M&B TROPICAL GROCERY

The Eye Piece of African - Canadian

African Observer

Amy Fashion & Designs

Dorothy Njemanze, Actlap CEO (Paul Igbinoba) & Mama G

P-Square And Friends With Actlap CEO

Actlap CEO, P-sqaure & Friends

Paul With Mama G (Florence Ozokwo) & Friends

P-Square, Nkem Owoh(Ukwa) & Actlap CEO

Paul With The Winner Of The Pretiest Girl n Nigeria Pageant

ACTLAP AT THE AMAA ABUJA nigeria

Host Of African Movie Magic TV With Friends

Actress Uche With Actlap CEO

Paul & Kanayo O. Kanayo

Entertainer, Singers From South Africa And Goje Africa

Paul (Actlap CEO) & Nadi S. Bukari (Beyonce Of Ghana)

Paul, Mike Ezuruonye, Friend & Mama G

P-Square On Stage

Paul, Pretiest Girl In Nigeria And Friends

Kenneth Okwokwo And Frienads

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